News & Events
Sharon Martens named first Executive Director of HGRM - a letter from the president
HGRM continues to be a growing organization and with that growth, the organizational requirements change. We now have the benefit of ownership of our own building with additional space which will add to the complexity of the operation.
In response to the current needs, the Board of Directors has created the position of Executive Director, and I am pleased to announce that Sharon Martens has accepted the promotion to the position. As Executive Director, she is responsible for all aspects of current operations consisting of Distribution including client and agency relations, Donations including pick-ups and the vehicles, Volunteer Program Management, Inventory and Space Management, Sales, Building Operations, Operational Fund Raising, Publicity, and Community Relations. Others in the organization will be responsible for Financial Operations, Legal, Technical Systems, and the Long Term Capital Campaign.
HGRM has benefited greatly from Sharon's contributions as Director of Operations since she joined us in May 2010. She has gradually increased her area of responsibilities. The new position represents a continued expansion of her efforts. The objective of this change is to maintain the mission and character of HGRM while continuing to improve our operational effectiveness.
Lee Mapletoft
President
________________________________________________________________________________________
'Trinkets to Treasures' 2011 Annual Sale a big success!
The August 18-20th Sale at St. Elizabeth of Hungary Parish in Acton to benefit HGRM was a huge success and raised over $7,000! This money will help HGRM continue to assist families and individuals in need. Thanks so much to St. Elizabeth of Hungary for use of their parish center. A huge thanks from the Annual Sale Team to all those HGRM volunteers who helped to deliver, unpack, stage the sale, and those who helped clean up. The team couldn't have done it without you! A huge thank you to everyone in Acton and surrounding communties who took the time and effort to help support this very important fundraiser. You not only found something fun to purchase but also helped others in the process!
________________________________________________________________________________________
'A Chair to Sit On' 2011
More than 250 people attended HGRM's fundraising auction and by all accounts it was a great success. More people learned about HGRM and our mission, artists got to show off their work and we raised $14,000 to pay rent, insurance, utilities and other expenses that allow HGRM to help people make a home.
Many thanks to all the folks who contributed to the success of this event - volunteers, artists, bidders and buyers, and to our host Larry Powers of Powers Gallery.
| Click Here to View All the Chairs! |
Patriot Cheerleaders and our own Mimi Rutledge encourage lots of bidding during the live auction! |
________________________________________________________________________________
Mass DAR Conservation Award
On March 27 HGRM Co-founders Barbara and Ira Smith were awarded the Massachusetts Daughters of the American Revolution Conservation Award. The award was presented by Janet O'Neil, MDAR State Chairman, Conservation, in recognition of the Smiths distinquished volunteer record in conservation.
________________________________________________________________________________________
"Party in the pods" celebrates 20th anniversary of HGRM
Our 20th anniversary celebration, Party in the Pods held in May was a great success.
The rooms set up in the pods by Karen Maines with only items from the HGRM floor were fabulous and everyone was amazed. We were inspired by the words from Bruce Frankel, author of “What Should I Do with the Rest of My Life” and Barbara and Ira. We were proud to have the Smiths and HGRM recognized by a citation from the Massachusetts Legislature delivered by emeritus Board Member Senator Jamie Eldridge and Representative Jen Benson. We also enjoyed music by Dell Smart, snacks and cake, and tropical decor arranged by our super "fun-raising" committee.
Click here to read more..
________________________________________________________________________________________
Smiths Selected as Go
ld Honorees by MetLife Foundation Older Volunteers Enrich America Awards
Barbara and Ira were honored in a ceremony in Washington, D.C. in May as winners of the Community Champion award sponsored by the MetLife Foundation andthe Association of Area Agencies on Aging (n4a). They earned top recognition for their HGRM launch and operation and for using their time and talent to make their community a better place to live. Read more here...
The Smiths were also the front page story in the June 2010 edition of 50+ Advocate Newspaper. Photo: Ira & Barbara in Washington in May 2010 receiving the Metlife Gold Honoree Award for Community Service from Jennifer Thompson for the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging.
______________________________________________________________________________
Household Goods Recycling of Massachusetts named Champion in Action
Citizens Bank and NECN provide $25,000 grant, PR and volunteer support 
Citizens Bank and NECN announced on April 15 that Household Goods Recycling of Massachusetts (HGRM) has been recognized as a Champion in Action® for the secondquarter of 2010 under the category of family support.
“Citizens Bank is proud to join NECN in naming Household Goods Recycling of Massachusetts as our newest Champion in Action,” said Stephen R. Woods, President, Citizens Bank, Massachusetts. “HGRM provides furniture and household goods to help individuals and families who are transitioning through a difficult time. These items not only make a home – they provide a sense of hope and dignity, and the courage to move forward towards a brighter future.” learn more here...
Check out NECN's recent video showing HGRM in action here!
________________________________________________________________________________________
MARCH, 2010 -
Barbara and Ira Smith, HGRM’s founders inspire book on accomplishments in later life.
Barbara and Ira Smith, HGRM’s founders are featured in What Should I Do with the Rest of My Life? True Stories of Finding Success, Passion, and New Meaning in the Second Half of Life by Bruce Frankel, a collection of portraits of later bloomers who have taken on new challenges after age 60 and have succeeded beyond their expectations. Read more here...