1974-Annual Report - Laserfiche WebLink

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BICENTENNIAL COMMITTEE from each service plus representatives from Lexington, Con- cord, Lincoln, and the Minute Man National Historic Park. The assistance of this committee has been gratefully accept- ed and appreciated. In planning the many bicentennial activities the health and safety of the town residents and guests continue to re- ceive priority over all other considerations. This area of interest remains the sole responsibility of the town manager, with coordinating responsibility the task of the committee through its director /coordinator. A "worst probable" situa- tion has been assumed in assessing the need for support personnel, equipment, materials, and services during the celebration. The major unknowns for which Patriots' Day logistical assumptions were made include: (1) Number of visitors, 110 -130 thousand; (2) Weather conditions, non - inclement; (3) Energy problems, similar to 1974; (4) Pres- idential invitation, President or Vice - President will attend; (5) Federal /State assistance, minimal. Based on the above, and on other factors, plans are being developed and implemented for adequate support from the police, fire, and public works departments. The bulk of the support requirements fall within the jurisdiction of the police department. Traffic control, crowd control, and town protection are major components of these plans. Some addi- tional police support from surrounding municipalities has been committed already and more is being requested. For the remainder of the nation's bicentennial the com- mittee has been planning and coordinating a wide variety of programs and events aimed specifically at Lexington resi- dents rather than at visitors and tourists. Several of these projects were given a trial during 1974. A bicenten- nial town band performed several well- received concerts on the Green during the summer. A full day's program was spon- sored in mid - September that featured a quilt lecture, and handcraft exhibits and demonstrations. Its successful re- ception has insured that a similar activity will be offered in 1975. Other programs in varying stages of development include: musical concerts, historic lectures and fireside chats; an architectural photographic essay on the town, several art and crafts exhibits, an historic documents exhi- bit, a colonial fashion show; an international dinner, and an historic walking tour incorporating the research, identi- fication, and marking of Lexington's historical buildings. In the fall the committee began an effort to coordinate the bicentennial activities of civic, fraternal, and youth groups, religious congregations, and schools. This program will serve as a focal point for all bicentennial activities, and will provide a structure for the cross - pollenization of bicentennial suggestions, ideas, advice, and assistance among these organizations. Fund - raising has not been neglected. The Lexington Bi- centennial Corporation, a separate entity from the committee, was authorized by the town and chartered by the state in 1973. Its members are: Richard Michelson, Chairman; Alfred Busa, Cornelius Cronin, Jack Maloney, Anthony Mancini, Stephen Politi and Robert Reynolds. The corporation has undertaken three major projects to raise money for a perma- nent bicentennial memorial and to defray the cost of Lexing- ton's bicentennial celebration. 13 Photo by Gerry Gilmore Hayward Monument Located on the Battle Road on Fiske Hill. From the intersection of Route 128 and Massachusetts Ave- nue proceed on Wood Street only a very short distance to the first left hand turn.