The town budget allows $64,000 for recreation, but the CAAB rarely touches that money.
And if it does, it pays it back. The all-volunteer, 25-member group has relied primarily on a $10,000 grant from the county when it needs money. But with budget cuts at all levels of government, those funds are no longer available. “We have to be creative,” said Nancy McCrosson, CAAB chairwoman. “I guess we’re going to have to work smarter.” McCrosson suggested the CAAB think along the lines of low-cost or no-cost, one-time events. The group already coordinates a lecture and concert series, with season subscriptions covering the cost of the speakers and performers. Suggestions for next season include a series of free classes taught by residents. Photography, wine tasting, cooking, writing, table games and foreign languages are on McCrosson’s list. She also pointed to a free concert featuring a Boynton Beach High School choral group that filled the 147-seat Town Council chamber this season. Now she is asking members to consider bringing in local talent to provide an evening of free entertainment at Town Hall.
“We all know somebody,” she said. “If something’s a free event, this room is packed.”