Jaffrey administrators are working to fill the gap left by the dissolution of TEAM Jaffrey, a nonprofit that hosted downtown events, including Riverfest, Scarecrows on the Common, Concerts on the Common and the summer Farmers’ Market.
TEAM Jaffrey was an independent group supported by town funds, according to Town Administrator Jon Frederick. This year, Jaffrey’s budget included $45,000 for TEAM Jaffrey, and the same amount is included in the budget that residents will vote on at Town Meeting in March.
Frederick said the intent is to keep that money in the budget and to reallocate it to whichever entities pick up the events.
“The intention is for that money to go to town events in some fashion. Whatever ends up filling that void, that money would be utilized towards it,” Frederick said.
In September, five TEAM Jaffrey board members resigned and the organization’s executive director resigned at the end of the year, according to Frederick.
New Hampshire law requires nonprofit charitable corporations to have a board of directors with at least five voting members to fulfill fiduciary duties. With no board members, the organization dissolved, according to Frederick.
He said the town is working to ensure that major events previously run by TEAM Jaffrey continue.
The Jaffrey Parks and Recreation Department has already agreed to run the annual Scarecrows on the Common event, where residents can pay to make scarecrows that decorate the common and Peterborough and Main streets every October.
Jaffrey Public Library Director Julie Perrin said that TEAM Jaffrey has been an essential community partner for the library, and said she was disappointed is was dissolved.
“The relocation of the TEAM Jaffrey Farmers’ Market to the library lawn in recent years was a game-changer for the community. In addition to traditional market fare that provided access to locally produced food and products, it was unique in providing a venue for other organizations to connect with the community and for our youngest entrepreneurs to learn about starting a small business,” Perrin said.
Frederick said the town is in conversation with the Chamber of Commerce about the other events, including the Farmers’ Market, which usually begins in early June, and would be the first event in the calendar year.
Other events include Riverfest, held at the end of July, and Concerts on the Common, which typically begin after July 4.
Frederick said he’s hopeful the town can keep events going. “It’s going to take work, but I don’t think anyone is afraid of taking on that work.”
Ashley Saari can be reached at 603-924-7172 ext. 244 or asaari@ledgertranscript.com. She’s on X @AshleySaariMLT.