HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-02-27 TCC-min
Minutes
Town Celebrations Committee
February 27, 2013
Training Room, Room 201, Hadley Public Services Building
Members Present
Suzie Barry, Dick Crogan, Linda Dixon, Mary Gillespie, Jo-Anne Granger, Paul Jenkins, Barbara
Manfredi, Julie Miller, Wayne Miller, Bill Mix, Henry Murphy and Sandy Podgorski
Members Not Present
Sondra Lucente, Charlie Price, Dave Taylor and Bob Tracey
Business
Suzie Barry convened the meeting at 7 pm.
February 13, 2013 minutes were approved.
The upcoming meeting schedule was reviewed.
Several dates were proposed for Town Celebrations Committee members Suzie Barry
and Paul Jenkins’ interview for the Lexington Remembers series. Interviewees will be
asked to talk about committee goals, what the committee does, upcoming events, etc.
Patriots’ Day 2013
Events. Suzie recapped the day’s events. The parade steps off at 2 pm and should end
sometime between 4 and 4:30 pm.
Volunteers. Suzie again reminded the committee of need for extra help. Linda Dixon
proposed sending a follow-up reminder to any volunteers.
US Army Update.
Old Guard group participating will consist of the Fife and Drum Corps,
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Continental Color Guard, Army Drill Team and Commander and Chief’s Guard.
Suzie met and walked the green with Major Ed Matthias. Groups will begin to
arrive a week ahead and are booked around the Boston area for the entire
week. The logistical team will arrive on Thursday. If weather is a consideration --
the Drill Team will move its performance to Cary Hall; the Fife and Drum Corps’
performance will be shortened and moved to Cary Hall. (Of note -- Suzie said
that plans can change at a moment’s notice. We are not fully confirmed with
the group until 72 hours before the day.)
Flag and other protocols will change should the DASA (Deputy Assistant
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Secretary of the Army) and/or other higher ranking officers attend.
There is a possibility that the roping configuration around the green area will be
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revised.
Stakes. Parade line-up stakes will be put in place on Saturday.
Parking. Parking and church timing will be discussed at the interfaith meeting. It will be
reiterated to the groups that they cannot arrive early in order to avoid parking issues
and disruption of church services. Lincoln field and Hayden’s upper lot will be available
for bus parking.
Media. Linda Dixon reported that e-lists are being utilized at this time, providing us
with access to the schools. Newspapers (Minuteman, Colonial Time, etc.) and websites
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(Patch, 300 Facebook page, etc.) are the next targets. Other sources have been
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tapped for assistance -- Tanya Morrisett (300 Committee) has a network with the
schools and is very willing to help (so far she sent our press release for parade
ambassadors). Miriam Sousa (Assistant to Paul Ash) has been asked to help. Jane
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Hundley (300Committee) is another suggested contact. Broad coverage gives us the
opportunity to send more messages, possibly ads.
Chief Marshal. Jo-Anne Granger reported that approximately 24 representatives of
We Are Lexington will be transported on a flatbed carrier provided by Wilson Farm.
Parade Ambassadors. Linda would like to have 50 parade ambassadors and already
has nine. LHS guidance and athletic departments will be asked to post flyers (for
community service opportunities). Scouts are another possible source to approach.
Committee members discussed at length distribution and posting locations for the
flyers. Dick Crogran offered to help with distribution and posting.
Applications Update.
Motions were made to accept
Minuteman Model A Ford Club’s application to enter eight to ten cars of 1928 to
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1931 vintage in the parade at no fee. The motion passed and was accepted.
New England Historic Vehicle Collector’s application to enter ten to sixteen
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WWII to Vietnam era vehicles in the parade at their asking price. The motion
passed (one vote abstaining) and was accepted.
Norfolk County Military Vehicles’ application to enter the Bren armored tank
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and Ferret scout car in the parade at the new asking price. The motion passed
(one vote abstaining) and was accepted. (Entry of seven additional vehicles is
still pending.)
George Debonis’s application to enter the Sherman tank and other armored vehicles to
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be specified and included in the asking price. The motion passed and was accepted.
Lexington Republican Town Committee’s application to participate in the parade. No
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candidates plan to march at this time; however, regulations and fees are attached to a
candidate’s participation and the committee will apprise TCC of any change. The
motion passed and was accepted.
Lowell Spinners’ alligator mascot and mystery machine’s inclusion for the asking fee.
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The motion passed and was accepted.
Additional Updates.
Navy Band North East, Naval Station Newport – no word yet.
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Lexington Christian Academy – a group will walk.
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Pilgrim Congregational Church – members will walk with banners.
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LL Bean Bootmobile – we should hear from them soon.
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Middlesex County Sheriff’s Office Honor Guard – they plan to submit the
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application.
Bands.
The parade could use four additional bands. Suzie spoke with Jeff Leonard about
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other high school bands we might contact.
Members viewed the Stewart Highlanders, St. Peters Drum Corps, Marquis of
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Granby Ancient Fyfe and Drum Corps and Quahoag Highlanders Pipes and
Drums for consideration.
Due to John Penney’s death, the John Penney Band will not participate.
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Suzie has a contact for the USMA at West Point.
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Other Considerations. Suzie asked if the committee would be interested in – the Red
Sox’s Wally the Green Monster (no, too expensive); the Patriots’ Pat the mascot and
cheerleaders (no, very expensive); 501ST New England Garrison, cast of Star Wars
characters, at no charge (yes, awaiting their response).
Meeting adjourned at 9:10 pm
Respectfully submitted by Sandy Podgorski