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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1974-02-07-TCC-min.pdf P \ ( PJ TOrli1 CELEBRATIONS COMMITTEE s"'ebruary '7, 1974 PRESENT Chmn, Barnes Mr Gaughan, Mrs. Litchfield, Mrs, McGonagle, Mr Lord, Mr. Fitzgerald, Mr. :Brenchick, and Mrs. ,Mitchell Chief Marshal James Leahy, Capt James .Lima, Lexington police; Mr Paul Maeral.l, Lexington Park Dept , Fr Robert Tarlin, Bicentennial; Messrs John T Kavanaugh, Robert J. Ilarrigan, Norman Daigle of the Lexington Minute Men A TCC group photograph was taken by a photographer from the Lexington Minute Man prior to the meeting Having thanked Mrs. McGonagle for press arrangements and welcomed non--committee members, Chmn. Barnes explained that this meeting, had been called so that all concerned would have some headstart on preparations necessary for events on Patriots Day The TOC plans no cameral changes in ceremonies and routes from those used in 1973 Detail, of the fo_lowin, were discussed with an eye tors d an even smoother operation in 1974. BATTLE REENACTMENT In response to a question from Capt Lima. Mr Kavanaugh a.eswered that the Minute Men could help with crowd control; 84 men are coming from other companies to assist. Chmn. Barnes remarked that Town Manager O'Connell had suggested to him that it would be advantageous to keep all actors off the Battle Green. Representatives from the Minute Iden, the TCC, the Police Department and the Parks Department will meet at the Green later this month to iron out de- tails of placement PAUL REVERE The Minute Men according to Mr Dai„le, have decided to sponsor the midnight ride it: 1974, as well as 1975 They will rely on notes of the 1950 presentation which were kept by Rev Handley and will meet with him. DAR Ceremonies The Minute Men will escort the Daughters of the American Revolution to the monument for the traditional ceremonies FISKE HILL: The Boy Scouts who are involved in this commorative.,event usually march from the Methodist Church to Fiske Hill, This event will probably be scheduled for Sunday, April 14, but Sunday, April 7, is also under consideration at present. Mrs Litchfield will invite Mr Moffitt and Mr. Olsen of the Aativnal Park to be present, LUNCHEON Capt. Lima was informed of tentat ve plans for a luncheon schedule if this event is held at the Sheraton Motor Inn-Lexington. Later in the meeting, Mrs. Mitchell noted that she had made a preliminary reservation there, however, food prices had increased and last year's $4.50 inclusive price would be raised to over. a5 00 for an identical. menu. Mr. Tarlin reminded the committee that the 1975 luncheon would almost surely be held in Cary Hall. The 'TCC questioned our need for such a large room in 1974; however, before any decision is made, Mrs Mitchell will contact both the sponsors of the luncheon for new teachers which has been held there in past years and area caterers to see whether on not expenses could be cut if the 1974 luncheon were held at Cary. The semicircular drivo at Cary Hall should be reserved for use if necessary after lunch and during the afternoon parade; police assistance will be needed to FEB 12 1974 Town Celebrations Committee February 1, 1974 Page 2 allow automobile entry Capt Lima suggested that VIPs ].sating the reviewing stand for Heritage Hall after, the parade would also need to be helped; proceeding along Grant Street and Revere Street may well be the most practical method of reaching Bedford Street at that time PARADE PREPARATIONS Mr Maserall will rope off as much. of the parade route as is felt necessary; perhaps extending ropes to the area near St. Brigid's Church. No extra seating need be provided on the reviewing stand Mr. Brenchick requested that Capt. Lima arrange that space along Worthen Road be reserved for float entry and judging. It was also noted that large floats need to have plenty of turning room at intersections Later, the TCC discussed entry and exit and parking arrangements at the high school Parade Orders and maps, as ;ell ae all local publicity, will clearly delineate all regulations made. Capt. Lima also remarked that he had taken personal responsibility to clean the trash out of the assembly area last year on the day before the parade. The committee agreed that it would be responsible for making arrangements to have this area clean both before and after the parade Mr Lord will check with the school custodial staff to find out exactly what requests will be necessary; he will also find out if additional custodial help will be needed to provide better rest room facilities. PARADE PROGRESS All present discussed various aspects of the problems of seeing that the parade, once underway, moves at a reasonable pace and a steady forward rate Chief Marshal Leahy commented that all parade staff should have explicit instructions as to their responsibilities in this area. The Old Guard may have been part of the problem in 1973, but, as Mr Brenchick mentioned, with every pause, there would be a natural delayed start-up time for units all along the line of march. Capt. Lima noted that it is especially important to the police that parade progress be regular and predictable, for traffic direction depends upon advance plans to reroute cars Although Chief Maashal Leahy remarked that police cars available along the parade route to help with parade progress had seemed es- pecially helpful in past years, Capt Lima noted that these would necessarily be unavailable. Working parade marshals and aides are vital Mr Kerrigan stated that Mr Jame= Edgar of the Minutemen will be Marshal for that division; he is planning to organize this division both in terms of a reasonable number of participants and of staff needed to assure closed ranks PARADE GUESTS Mr Fitzgerald has heard from the POW officer who was our honored quest in 1973. Col Timpeiley has written to say that he does indeed plan to join us this year The TCC welcomed news of his promotion and plans It was also noted that guests and hosts of the Sister City Committee are invited. to share the reviewena stand and the pre-parade luncheon. However, arrangements are usually not complete until the last minute. FLOATS Final arrangements for float entrants and parade participants invited to attend the February 14th meeting were discussed. Committee members who find it possible should join Ml Brenchice at the Visitor's Center by , :00 a•m. Mrs. McGonagle noted the fine coverage given by Sirs Scigliano of the newspaner PARADE STAFF- Alter a review of previius suggestions made for Chief or staff Staff Aides, and Chief Marshal's Aides, the TCC agreed that Chrnn. Barnes should invite Lt Edward W Turner, U.S A.R., to be Chea of Staff for 1974 To be invited to serve as Aides to the Chief of Staff are Capt. Pranuis McNamara, Jr, U.S.M.C.R. and Col Richard F U.S Army (rot.) FEB 12 1974 Town Celebrations Committee February 7, 1974 Page 3 As Chief Marshal's Aides, Chmn. Barnes will invite the following: Sgt James Broderick, U.S,M.0 R„ Sgt. Joseph 0 Rooney, U,S,M,C,B„ and Cornelius P Crofton, Past Commander, Stanley Hill Post ,#`30, American Legion. Chief Marshal Leahy suggested that it would be advantageous to have as many members of the parade staff at planning meetings as possible; furthermore, that Division Marshals and Aides should be invited to assist in planning and review of instructions as early an possible, The committee agreed; in addition, it was felt that a post-parade meeting would be necessary as Bicentennial preparation. MORNING PARADE. Mr Fitzgerald noted that the Lions Club is presently seeking to make ar- rangements for the installation of a plaque to be placed in Cary Library which would honor past and future recipients of the White Tricorn Hat. The TOO agreed that a Lexington High School student should be invited to serve as Chief Marshal for the youth parade; furthermore,that because this in- vitatict is intended to establish a precedent for future years the iabitation should be extended toth.e holder of the office of President of the Senior Class. Mr Lord informed the committee that the present Class President is Steve Doran, CORRESPONDENCE Mrs. Litchfield :sported that our request for the US Coast Guard Band has been forwarded to Washington. The invitation for participation by a marching unit from the US Coast Guard Academy has been declined due to student class schedules. The Holy Name Band of West Roxbury has accepted our invitation. Our donation will. be 5350.00, as in 1973, Alleppo Temple Band and Units have been contacted but we have no firm re- sponse as yet. Clan MacPherson Bagpipe Band dill be available on Patriots Day; however, they requested that the TCC consider a donation of 8250,00 as appropriate to cover their expenses The committee asked Mrs. Litchfield to inform them that we cannot exceed our usual 13200.00. If they feel unable to accept it was suggested that another bagpipe band from the area be considered. Mrs Litchfield will contact Woburn, Buelingto_u, and Billerica High Schools to see if they have JROTC units interested in parade participation. Chian. Barnes read to the TOG and Mr. Tarlin his copy of the letter bent to the LBC regarding invitations for Bicentennial participation to be issued to the other original colonies snd notee that there had been no LBC response thusfar. He also shared news froth Hanscom Field with the committee. Chmn. Barnes read a copy of a late- directed to the Board of Health by Mrs. Berkowitz, who has operated a canteen truck in the parade assembly area in the past. She was directed by the police to d:i.scoetinue operations in the high school area last year and has raised some questions, The TCC reaffirmed its invitation to the high school Claeses to operate stands in the assembly area, }b Lord will notify advisors that they will be responsible for obtaining proper psxedts and licenses, The TOC will also notify the Board of Health that we have issued thit invitation. Many organizations provide food during the day and the TOO assumes no respon:.ibility for sanitation and cleanup. It was agreed, however, that we would again recommend that all liquids be served in paper cups, The Veterans Day donation to the VFWhas been .sent. Respectfully submitted, FEB 12 '1974 - Ruth Mitchell Recording Secretary