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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-05-24-TCC-min Town Celebrations Committee Minutes of Meeting May 24, 2017 Parker Room, Town Office Building Members Present Lorain Marquis, Chair; Glen Bassett, Suzanne Caton, Linda Dixon, Carol Flynn, Karen Gaughan, Mary Hutton, Paul Jenkins, Sondra Lucente, Rich McDonough, Julie Miller, Wayne Miller, Bill Mix, Sandy Podgorski, Gina Rada, Sue Stering. Members Not Present June Baer, Kim Coburn, Dick Crogan, Cerise Jalelian, Linda Levitt, Henry Murphy, Geetha Padaki, Dave Taylor, Bob Tracey, Sam Zales Business The Chair declared that a quorum was present. The minutes of May 10 were approved. The next meeting will be on June 7, 2017 in the Parker Room, Town Office Building. Gresh Lattimore, Parade Narrator, attended as a guest. Lorain introduced Carl Nelson from the Wellesley Town Celebrations Committee. Lorain distributed the new custom-ordered TCC polo shirts to the members. Overview of Wellesley Town Celebrations Committee – Carl Nelson, Sponsorship Chair The Wellesley TCC is a Town-appointed committee in charge of all celebrations. Their major annual event is Wellesley Weekend, which occurs on the third weekend of May. The highlight of the weekend is the parade on Sunday at 1:00 p.m. followed by a picnic at 6:00 with a band, fireworks, and pony rides. The Town provides an annual budget of $9,000. To supplement these funds, the TCC attracts about 30 sponsors as follows: 2 @ $5000 for fireworks; 8 @$500-$1500 for the picnic band; and patron donations of $250. A “pass the hat” collection at the picnic nets about $3000 and pony rides at $5 each bring in some revenue. The Committee charges $500 for any vehicle driven in the parade that does not belong to a non-profit organization. They don’t charge fees for any politicians running for office, but the candidates usually make a donation to the committee. The parade route has been reduced from 5 miles to 2 miles. It starts at the Community Center at the junction of Routes 9 and 16 and proceeds to the Town Center along Route 16. By holding this event the week before Memorial Day, they can attract lots of parade units (this year there were 121 marching units) and a good crowd. Carl Nelson feels that Wellesley, with a population of 28,000, is a lot like Lexington and he hopes to learn some lessons and best practices from his visit with the Committee. Memorial Day, Monday, May 29, 2017 Rain plan: rain is forecast for Monday with no change in sight. We will watch the forecasts carefully. The deadline for cancellation of the outdoor portion is noon on Sunday. If a decision is made to cancel, Lorain will record a message on the Committee information line (781 698-4640). Lorain will check with the DPW to see if their electronic flashing signs could be put to use. Walkthrough:A walkthrough of the parade and beginning portion of the ceremony will be held on Friday morning, May 26 at 10:00 a.m. at the police station. Gresh Lattimore, Glen Bassett, Rich McDonough, Gina Rada, Lorain Marquis, Sandy Podgorski and Linda Dixon and any other interested members will participate. Gina suggested moving the service flags from her office to Cary Hall on Friday in case the ceremony is moved indoors.She and Wayne will organize this. Bill Mix will contact Sam Doran to confirm Sam’s management of the Munroe Cemetery portion of the parade. One of the TCC Narrators will read the Gettysburg Address and Linda will include this in the Narrator’s Script. Other Business Lorain invited all committee members to join her at the Battle Green at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 14 for the annual Flag Day ceremony sponsored by the Lexington Elks. This led to a suggestion that we all gather afterwards at the home of Sondra Lucente for a Dutch Treat ice cream party to celebrate the successful conclusion of FY17. The meeting was adjourned at 8:00 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Linda Dixon, Co-Secretary Future Meetings June 7.