HomeMy WebLinkAbout1975-01-30-TCC-min-JOINT.pdf Notes from TCC—LBC Joint Meeting — Jan. 30, 1975
TCC Chmn. Barnes introduced Revin Doyle of the Lexington Minute Men
for a brief presentation of the scenario which was proposed for the
`,idninht Ride of i aul Revere . He stated that the pI ogram would probably
last less than an hour, and ubniitted a di gram of the rider ' s route, with
stops marked,which was suggested. ln response to a question from Mr . Barnes ,
he noted that the use of a public address system would be advisable if the
crowd was at all sizable
Much discussion followed this presentation, `.i`o'n Manager O' Connell
was particularly concerned that the personnel/resources available to the
Town would be less than had been originally hoped, and, a long with Chief
Corr and Capt. Lima of the Police Department, noted that both manpower
and budget for the following clay would be strained as it was , without
having this Midnight Ride be such a ceremonial occasion. Lighting at
night, the problems of crowd control , and the possibility of unruly in—
dividuals or groups who might choose to stay in the Center area until time
for the Battle Reenactment were also mentioned.
IBC Chmn. Cole and •:'1.:rz� Director Tarlin also expressed their
concern with logistical problems , hot ever, Mr. Greeley, Mr. Handley, Mr.
Politi, Mr. Michelson and lir. Mancini of the Lbe noted that the committee
had considered aspects of all these problems in pieceeding meetings , and
had voted three times to continue with plans for a iiic. night Ride.
At the conclusion of this and further discussion, it was agreed that
the .ii auto Men nd the LBC ;could be prepared to submit to the Town Manager
and the Selectmen a written, det iled plan for the ceremony, for which a
specific sum of :;:,50.00 'e allotted in the me budget.
The Battle Reenactment was also discussed, with Mr. Barnes noting
that no changes from the past format were being planned, aside from making
corrections in some details which had proved to be minor problems last
year. Mr. O' COnnell reminded the committees that he had sent a memo detail
some of his concerns following the 1974 Reenactment, Mr. Barnes :aid that,
again this year, a full and detailed flan would be available . Robert
Harrigan, Captain Commanding, of the Minute Men suggested that this could
best be handled by a subcommittee , Mr. Tarlin will be responsible for c glia
a meeting of this group, which will include repi. esentatives of all town
groups responsible for logistical details .
Press arrangements , said Mr. Tarlin, will need to be set up, since
he has had inquiries in this area. Mr. Barnes commented on the satisfactory
arr ngenients made in 1974 . Mr. Tarlin remarked that the Town would do the
best it could on behalf of good press coverage, but there was no doub4 in
his mind that the minimum facilities which could be provided "just won't
be what the press will want. "
Parade Chief Marshal James Broderick presented a status report, includit
a. diagram of the assembly area charted for use by about 4000 marchers plus
busses necessary X20% for their transport. He asked that the extensions
of Muzzey Street , Clarke Street, and lark Drive be held for use, commenting,
in addition, that a float assembly area would be designated later. In respon
to a question from Mr. Greeley, the Chief Marshal said that the size and len til
of the final parade were not yet deter pined, however, data given by units
aces ted to date , plus information regrrding military participation now in
hand, led hire to assume that the front end of the parade would not return
to the assembly area before the last units had left, lie commented that
he has no definite information from either the Centennial Legion or in—
dependent groups of Minute Men, but has had excellent communication from
other units .
The Chief Marshal also said that he would be recuesting that some
portable toilet facilities be installed at the assembly area, number and
actual location of these will be determined later .
possible plW u to e\tend the length of duty time for 'lowrr employees by
a postponement of the traditional starting par de time to 2 30 pm,: Mr .
in r nes explained that the TCC would prefer the later time in terms as of
adjusting to theboncord parade , ho ever , the TCC had no objections to
a 2 pm step off time . It vas therefore agreed that the time be set at
2 .00 pin
rlrs Mitchell of the TCC reported on the status of youth activities
vhic.h ore being coordinated on behalf of the '1 CC by former committee
member lM 1ph Lord. lie has begun to In wire as to student interest about
food soles in the assembly area, ti, ii l handle those a.rx angements lox custod it rtt
vhich are needed, and further , will supervise the student staff for the
morning f arade . The TCC his appointed Marls Loran, President of the ,enmor
Gloss , both Chief Marshal of this parade and \iaster of Ceremonies for the
flog 1 ailing ElalliNaaljai, he will a, � oint the necessar,) parade staff.
Chmn. Bi rnes iex orted on behs If of TCC member Brenchick that there
,, ere no nov completed applications fox 12 floats , that a float clinic vas
being scheduled, with help for attendees to be given by Mr . Bogk of Parades
By Gondolier. The Chamber of Commerce is planning cash prizes.
Hr . Barnes also announced that the Post f'aiode kece; tion was to be
scheduled for Heritage Hall , and that Mr . G ughan of the TCG \yould be
aslcIng about the availability of the kednedy School a-s an additional or
a supplementary site. Mrs . Litchfield of the TCC said that Mrs . Moyle ,
who has catered this affair for the TCC for many years , would be unable
to do so, since the group will be too large , and Mr . Barnes asked that
the names of caterers be suggested The LBC—TCC—Cof C subcommittee
will be responsible for beverage arrangements.
Mr. Politi said that the guest list for the reviewing stand would
be about 200 persons , additional invitees to the reception should certainly
include parade staff , and it might be desirable to invite those individuals
who have helped in other ways (LBC subcommittee members , etc . ) The Hex stage
Hall seats about 280 for dinner . LBC Chmn. Cole reported that the Concord
guest list will be final on March 8 and that he will contact Concord on
March 9 to ascertain which Lexington guests will riot be invited to Concord.
There was discussion as to the best -way to assemble the Lexington only
reviewing stand guests prior to the parade. Minute Man school will still be
available ; Mr. Michelson suggested either the parking lots of various churche
near the Green, or , alternatively, Heritage hall. Bussing arrangements were
also discussed.. Both Mr. Greeley and Dr. Fobert suggested that some Le\ington
residents could possibly walk directly to the reviewing stand.
The question of gifts for the distinguished guests was discussed. This
is a traditional 'fCC responsibility, noted was the Town Meeting 1974 dis—
cussion in this area. It was agreed that the commemorative booklet being
published would be a suitable gift , Mr. Michelson said that this could be
funded by the LBCorp. if necessary. It was suggested that the booklet be
Personalized in some manner , and that it be given to guests at the recep—
tion. Moved by Dr. Robert, seconded by Mr. Mancini and voted that
the booklet be the gift presented to distinguished guests . No final
arrangements for obtaining copies or personalization were made.
TCC member Fitzgerald reported that 3 past recipients of the lalaa,.,ke
Tricorne that had accepted with pleasure en offer to ride in the parade;
Mr. Politi said that they were being invited to be reviewing stand guests .
Mr. Tarlin said that the hotar-y club planned to man a food service
tent during the day in the parking lot at the Church of Our kedeenier.
The TCC will be responsible for obtaining coffee and doughnuts to be given
to the marchers in the assembly area following the parade. The TCC will
also be responsible for establishing a communications link with the
lost child center at the Baptist Church
Mr. Tarlin also reported on work done by the LBC Subcommittee on
s; ecial needs for Senior Citizens and the handicapped, chaired by Bob
Harris . lie will contact Mr. Harris to suggest that the subcommittee
aaa for the bicentennial weekend.