HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-10-20-LEX250-min RECEIVED
2021 60 IIIOov, 6 56 Ipirri
Semiquincentennial Commission (Lex250) TOWN CLERK
Wednesday, October 20 Approved Meeting Minutes LEXINGTON
MA
Pursuant to notice duly filed with the Town Clerk, the Semiquincentennial Commission
(Lex250) convened in a meeting via Zoom video conference on October 20, 2021 at
6:02 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 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 6:02 pm and welcomed all in attendance.
I. The minutes of the September 15 meeting of the Lex250 Committee were
approved with amendments.
II. Discussion of subcommittee organization and people/groups who may be invited
to participate
A. Mr. Cunha suggested that collaborating with the Lexington Historical
Society (LHS) would be beneficial. Carol Ward, the newly-hired Executive
Director of the LHS, is very receptive to working with the Lex250
Commission. LHS could provide assistance with creating a "blue line" as
a guide for visitors, similar to the Rev250 project. The possibility of
creating a separate committee within LHS to work on events related to
Lex250 was discussed.
B. Questions related to fundraising were raised. Ms. Barry pointed out that a
separate nonprofit entity might have to be formed to handle fundraising.
C. Ms. Roy suggested that expanding involvement to groups outside
Lexington may be beneficial.
D. Mr. Conners discussed a need for a Patriots Day/Battle Road committee
and suggested partnering with the Minute Man National Historical Park,
Lexington Historical Society, and the Massachusetts Historical Society.
Jonathan Lane is the contact there.
E. Ms. Roy suggested including the Fife and Drum Corps.
F. Ms. Fallick talked about having a drum muster event in which drummers
could perform Colonial style music together.
G. Ms. Roy hopes to bring in support from Lexington high School alumni and
suggested a branding group, possibly in conjunction with the tourism
committee.
H. Ms. Tung suggested establishing a logo as a starting point and developing
a social media presence early in publicity. Submission of more structured
articles for the news could follow when more content has been developed.
I. The possibility of hosting a competition for students to create a logo. The
importance of including both Lexington High School and Minuteman High
School was discussed.
J. Ms. Fallick indicated that John Tarrh is a celebrated composer, and
perhaps he could be commissioned to compose a piece in honor of the
250th. She pointed out that Lexington at Home and the Meriam Hill
Association could be valuable sources for volunteers. Religious groups
could also be affiliates, and suggested including the Rising Star Quilters
Group.
K. Ms. O'Leary discussed the importance of involving LexMedia and
suggested including activities such as sporting events and dances. She
also pointed out that the Daughters of the American Revolution are very
willing and excited to volunteer.
L. Ms Fallick mentioned that she connected with LexMedia at Discovery Day
and they are looking forward to participating.
M. Ms. Tung discussed the importance of inclusivity and of having events with
broad appeal to the diversity of groups in Lexington.
N. Mr. Conners indicated that operationally, we should consider having a
committee for transportation and possibly security.
O. Ms. Barry mentioned that she discussed security with the president of the
Rotary Club, who recommended hiring a security firm to augment support
received from local law enforcement. She stated that we may also need
to engage a professional marketing consultant.
P. Ms. Barry mentioned that other subcommittees would include logistics,
covering transportation, hotels, and security; commemoratives;
fundraising. We could also consider establishing a permanent memorial.
III. Community meetings
A. Ms. Barry pointed out that our charge mandates 3 community meetings.
We need to think about the timing of the first. She stressed the
importance of conducting at least the first meeting in person, and
suggested including a short introductory presentation, perhaps in
conjunction with a performance by the Fife and Drum Corps or another
musical group.
B. Mr. Conners corroborated the importance of an in-person meeting.
C. Committee members considered different options for timing of the first
meeting. After discussion of the pros and cons of late winter vs. early
spring, the committee agreed on a timeframe in March.
D. Ms. Barry suggested creating a video that could be used to generate
publicity for the upcoming community meeting.
E. Ms. Tung suggested including the Lexington Bicentennial Band and will
ask its music director, Jeff Leonard, if he has video clips of the Band
performing.
F. Ms. Roy, Ms. Tung, and Ms. Barry echoed the importance of including
diversity of people in the video.
IV. Next meeting: Wednesday, November 17, from 11:30 am until 1:00 pm.
V. Homework: Brainstorm about people and groups who could be included in the
video.
I. The meeting was adjourned by roll call vote at 7:13 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Jillian Tung