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Home My WebLink About2021-09-15-LEX250-min RECEIVED 2021 30IIOov, 154, pirri Semiquincentennial Commission (Lex250) TOWN CLERK LEXINGTON MA Wednesday, September 15 Meeting Notes Pursuant to notice duly filed with the Town Clerk, the Semiquincentennial Commission (Lex250) convened in a meeting via Zoom video conference on September 15, 2021 at 4:05 pm as allowed by legislation (S.2475) extending the suspension of certain provisions of the Massachusetts Open Meeting Law. Present: Suzie Barry (Select Board Member), Steve Cole, Jr. (Community Representative), Steve Conners (Reenactment Community), Barry Cunha (Local Business Representative), Bebe Fallick (Tourism Committee Representative), Cerise Jalelian (Town Celebrations Committee Representative), Julie O'Leary (Civic Representative), Paul O'Shaughnessy (Historical Organization Representative), Mona Roy (Community Representative) and Jillian Tung (Music &Arts Representative) Ms. Barry called the meeting to order at 4:05 pm and welcomed all in attendance. I. Brainstorming and compilation of ideas for events: Ms. Barry invited committee members to present ideas in turn. A. Mr. Cunha suggested the inclusion of a Patriot Walking Tour from the Hancock Clarke House to the Munroe Tavern with informational kiosks along the way. A"blue line" could be created to connect points of interest, similar to previous historical walks in Salem and Boston. Visitors could be provided with maps to help guide them. Ms. Tung suggested the use of QR codes at the kiosks that link to more information on a website. Ms. Fallick pointed out that the tour could be video recorded and made available to those who are unable to participate in person. Mr. Cunha also suggested a Colonial Ball or Gala in which participants could dress in costume. B. Mr. Cole suggested inclusion of rededications, possibly with British regiments. In addition, he envisioned re-enacting the battle along the length of Mass Ave, and reaching out to dignitaries in conjunction with these events. Mr. O'Shaughnessy pointed out that the Battle Road project of 2000 took years to put together, and that we could likely get British regiments, perhaps numbering 200 or so. C. Mr. Conners favored building something that reflects Lexington's uniqueness, such as virtual reality set ups in which visitors could explore and navigate through the Hancock Clarke House, Buckman Tavern, and other sites of interest. Ms. Fallick mentioned that a very effective virtual exhibit was installed at the Peabody Essex Museum. Ms. O'Leary described a virtual exhibit at the Museum of the American Revolution in which visitors could explore Washington's encampment. D. Ms. Tung discussed possibilities related to music and art: 1. The Lexington Bicentennial Band, under the direction of Jeff Leonard, would like to present a concert with a revolutionary theme. The concert would feature a 3-movement piece they are commissioning from celebrated composer Dr. Andrew Boysen. They will also perform Daniel Lutz's "Seeds of Revolution". The concert would be held during the weekend before Patriot's Day, ideally at Cary Hall. 2. The Lexington Symphony is considering performing one piece at each of its 6 concerts during the season with a 250th-related theme. They might present a musical anthology related to historic or musical milestones over the past 250 years. In addition, they might devote the April concert or the Spring Pops concert to a 250th celebration, possibly in collaboration with other Lexington-based music groups (Fife and Drum Corps, Lexington Pops, Master Singers, Lexington High School, etc). 3. The Lexington Symphony may commission a piece, possibly with narration, to honor the 250th if funding could be secured. If funding were limited, they could hold a composition contest among regional colleges and conservatories. 4. Inclusion of one of our country's elite military bands would add to the draw of the celebration, especially if dignitaries are invited. Jared Cassedy, LPS K-12 PA Director, will reach out to his contact Jason Fettig, Conductor of the President's Own Marine Band, to explore this possibility. 5. Mr. Cassedy is considering how the LHS ensembles could contribute. He may commission a piece for the Wind Ensemble. The 250th presents an opportunity to bolster the Parade Band and enhance recruitment. 6. A tailgate party could be held at Hastings Park during late summer or early fall of 2024 in which area bands are invited to perform, possibly with a theme related to songs of America. 7. The Lexington Council for the Arts could prioritize projects related to the 250th for its 2024-25 grant season. 8. Cristina Burwell, Executive Director of the Munroe Center for the Arts, suggests a nighttime walking tour, with an opportunity for participants to create their own lanterns at the Center. She will continue to think about how they can contribute. 9. Alethea Roy, LPS K-12 Visual Arts Director, would like to incorporate 250th themes in the arts curriculum that year, and would like to offer students the opportunity to engage in public art projects. E. Ms. O'Leary discussed ways to involve kids through sporting events such as hockey tournaments and baseball events. Ms. Barry suggested that winning teams could be awarded prizes at the parade. Ms. O'Leary also expressed an interest in genealogical studies and research on ancestry as well as in webinar talks about the Revolution. F. Ms. Fallick discussed the following ideas: 1. Commission of an iconic monument or sculpture by a well-known artist such as Maya Lin 2. Creation of a book of essays, drawing on the academic talent in Lexington 3. Inviting Amanda Gorman to read a piece publicly 4. Scavenger hunts, films, activity kits, walks & talks 5. Creation of a logo for flags, banners, and other materials 6. Online daily calendar of events 7. MA license plate, time capsule, postage stamps, new ice cream flavor 8. Historical photo display 9. Genealogical workshops 10.Creation of cards with colonial recipes 11. Collectable souvenirs, commemorative medals, postcards 12. Need to consider transportation into Lexington and housing issues 13.Quilt project 14. List of Lexington firsts/fun facts 15.Architectural walking tours 16. Blue Angels fly over G. Ms. Roy presented the following ideas: 1. Events should take place during the entire year in addition to the weekend itself 2. Festivities could be extended past the weekend 3. Utilize the Fife and Drum Corps 4. Collaborate with the Chamber of Commerce 5. Highlight the contribution of Black Americans and Indigenous People 6. Art and essay contests for kids 7. Focus on community engagement H. Ms. Jalelian suggested including or collaborating with the following groups: Scouts, kids' sports teams (soccer, little league, football), FOLMADS (Friends of Lexington Music, Art and Drama Students), Neighbor Brigade, Garden Club, Lexington Retailers'Association, ethnic affiliated groups, Reggie Gibson, our own poet laureate. Possible themes for discussion include civil disobedience, religious obedience. As an acronym, we could consider 'A + 21 = 25", which relates to April 21, 2025. II. Review and Approval of Town Report: The Town Report was approved by roll call vote of the members. III. A group photo was captured on screen by Mr. Conners. IV. Formation of subcommittees to organize planning efforts suggested by Ms. Barry: A. Fundraising and Finance B. Publicity C. Logistics D. Collectables E. Dignitaries F. Community Engagement V. Ms. Barry suggested holding a contest among LHS and Minuteman High School for the creation of a logo VI. Future meetings: 3rd Wednesday of every month. Next meeting will be October 20, 2021 at 6 pm via Zoom. VII. Homework: Brainstorm about people in the community who could serve on subcommittees VIII. The meeting was adjourned by roll call vote at 5:33 pm. Respectfully submitted, Jillian Tung