HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-03-13-TCC-minMinutes
Town Celebrations Committee
March 13, 2013
Training Room, Public Service Building, 201 Bedford Street
Members present
Suzie Barry, Chair; Dick Crogan, Co -Vice Chair; Linda Dixon, Mary Gillespie, Jo -Anne Granger, Paul
Jenkins, Julie Miller, Wayne Miller, Bill Mix, Henry Murphy, .Charlie Price.
Members not present
Sondra Lucente, Barbara Manfredi, Sandy Podgorski, Bob Tracey, Co -Vice Chair, Dave Taylor.
Business
• The chair declared that a quorum was present.
• Approval of prior minutes was deferred until the next meeting.
• Interviews for Lexington Remembers will be moved until after the parade, hopefully to be
completed by the end of April.
Patriots Day 2013
Supplemental Appropriation: After a recent meeting with the Town senior management team,
Suzie reported that a supplemental appropriation for the committee might be possible, if needed.
Possible uses for these extra funds could include 1) a post card mailed to every household in
Lexington in collaboration with the 3001h Anniversary Committee; 2) additional portable toilets
for the parade, especially in East Lexington; and 3) inviting new groups, like the Mummers, that
were previously not affordable.
Conflict with Arlington Parade: After consulting with the director of the Arlington Patriots Day
Parade, three groups have been identified as registering for both parades: the Waltham
American Legion Band, the Tony Barrie Band, and the Shriners. Since it is not possible to
participate in both parades, these groups must choose either Arlington or Lexington.
New Applications:
The committee approved the following groups for participation in the parade at no fee: Bedford
VA (minibus); Youth Commission, Outstanding Youth Award (convertible); U.S. Coast Guard 1St
District 72 East Providence Auxiliary; and PureFusion Percussion.
The committee also approved Jason Volk with the 261h Division WWII Living History Group,
consisting of 12 marchers, 2 military vehicles (jeeps) and drivers, for $150.
Ann Wilson of Dog Rescue inquired about carrying a banner and leading some of her rescued
dogs on leashes (coon hounds, one of the earliest breed of American dogs). She referred to an
upcoming issue of the Lexington Shopper, which will contain a feature article of her rescue efforts.
The committee reaffirmed its policy that no animals are allowed in the parade, but Suzie will
contact Ann to discuss marching with a banner.
Chief Marshal: The float is coming along, according to Jo -Anne Granger. It is a flatbed with
benches and will be decorated with flowers, in collaboration with Wilson's Farm. The committee
is considering ways to label all the different participants. Jo -Anne is recruiting the participants
now.
Sponsor Letter: This is the first year that the Committee has managed the sponsorship process.
A letter has gone out to approximately 450 businesses, including the Chamber of Commerce
membership, the Lexington Retailers Association, and the Economic Development Council.
Altogether, the list is nearly three times as large as last year. Already, several new people have
shown interest. Interested donors may become a full sponsor, a partial sponsor, or make a
contribution to the general parade fund. Checks go directly to the Gift Account in the
Selectmen's Office.
• Media: Parade Ambassador recruitment notices have been sent to the Minuteman, Lexington Patch,
Colonial Times, and the Lexington Shopper. The committee has begun to discuss ideas for the
parade in general with the local media as well.
Parade Ambassadors: Linda reported that she has received six more Parade Ambassador
applications, bringing the total to 15. She, Sandy and Dick have conducted an aggressive
outreach campaign that has included the guidance, community service, athletics and music
faculty at the high school and middle schools; boy scouts and girl scouts; Lexington Interfaith
Council; Lexington- Bedford Youth Hockey; Dance Inn; Hayden Ice Center; and the distribution
of posters at places where youth congregate.
• Miscellaneous
• First Baptist Church has rescheduled its Sunday service to 9:30 a.m. to alleviate parking concerns.
• Grace Chapel has agreed it will not use the High School parking lot on Sunday.
• The Town will not approve bus parking around the perimeter of Hastings Park.
• Upper and Lower Hayden lots are available for Sunday.
• The Library Board of Trustees voted to close the Library on Sunday and Monday.
• Golf Carts will work same as last year: pick them up and return them to the Visitors Center.
• The bleachers and reviewing stand will be moved across the green after the morning ceremony
on Monday to accommodate the 2:00 performance of the Old Guard.
The meeting adjourned at 8:35 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Linda Dixon, Co- Secretary