HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-10-22-TCC-min TOWN CELEBRATIONS COMMITTEE
MINUTES (virtual)
October 22, 2025
Full Committee Members Present: 11
We have 12 full members and 1 vacancies-total 13 full members
QUORUM: 7 full members
David Grabel, Co-chair
Sudha Balasuryan, Co-chair
Cerise Jalelian
Lorain Marquis
Susan Stering
Sandy Podgorski
E. Ashley Rooney
Linda Dixon
Sondra Lucente
Mary Hutton(arrived 7:15pm)
Geetha Padaki
Honorary:Robert Tracey
Vacancy: Ix
Subcommittee Members Present: 5
We have 10 members and 5 vacancies--total 15 sub-committee members
Elizabeth Elsie Xu ABSENT
Simon Rubenstein
Sharon Spaulding ABSENT
Pam Winters
Bill Kelm
Hong Xie ABSENT
Seema Badaya
Jamie Lee (sub)
Bonnie Karshbaum (sub) ABSENT
Brianna Bennett-Karshbaum ABSENT
Vacancy: 5x
Guests: None.
Not in attendance:
Douglas Lucente,liaison to the Select Board
Karen Tyler,Veterans Liaison
7:00 PM: per the Meeting Agenda, Sudha called the meeting to order and recited the zoom introduction
and then passed meeting to Dave Grabel. Dave welcome everyone, established a quorum and pulled up
the Minutes of 10.8.25 as amended. Linda moved to approve and Lorain seconded the motion. Votes were
unanimously approved. Dave instructed Cerise to finalize and send the minutes to Sudha to send to the
town. Dave inquired about general feelings about whether anyone who signs in as the "Al notetaker"is
acceptable attendance. General consensus was that the Al notetaker is not considered having the person
in attendance. Lorain asked Dave to provide canned water.
VETERANS DAY EVENTS UPDATE
Presenter: Lorain Marquis
Veterans Day planning sub-group is working on:
November 1, 2025 at Knights of Columbus Hall
Dave reminded everyone that this is not the working group meeting and requests report high level status
and ask for help or report progress. Lorain reported that things are going along pretty well. She is waiting
Hanscom military speaker. Dave reported on the RSVP list(48 so far)towards the initial estimate of 175
attendees including volunteers. Dave posted a picture of the centerpieces. Lorain confirmed a$5,000.00
budget for Veterans Day and fielded discussion about how funds are being spent and/or are being
allocated. Sandy Podgorski discussed printing out lyrics to service songs for the event.
Antique Car Rally(non-rolling) on November 11, 2025 at Church of Our Redeemer parking lot.
Dave Grabel said we have 17 cars so far. Sue Stering reported additional possible cars.We expect 30-40
cars. Dave said that Sharon Spaulding will spearhead our donation effort. Ashley, Sue and Sandy will
discuss with the working group. Lorain confirmed cider and donuts.
PATRIOTS DAY PLANNING-April 18,2026
Cerise reported that the initial stakeholders meeting is scheduled for October 30, 2025.
Members discussed pros and cons of managing the events along with high level publicity.
Dave is meeting with Julia Flood in the town communications to deal with communications with parade
applicants. We will set criteria for parade units to deal with anticipated number of applications for the
parade to cap at 90.
BOOTCAMP KNOWLEDGE SHARING
Dave discussed the meeting at Cary Hall sponsored by the town for about 100 volunteers to explain how
to do business with the town and run public meetings. Dave sent an email with the slides to TCC
members. Questions arose around using Al notetaker and whether emails can be used to communicate.
Dave reviewed the parameters and how TCC complies with them or might consult with the town clerk for
any changes which might be helpful particularly as it relates to working groups. Extensive dialogue
ensued among members about processes to prevent violations of the Open Meeting law.
ANY OTHER BUSINESS:None.
ADJOURNMENT
8:16 PM: Meeting Adjourned by unanimous vote by hand after motion by Lorain and seconded by Linda.
NEXT MEETING: November 5, 2025.
Respectfully submitted on October 22, 2025
Cerise Jalelian, Secretary Ad Hoc
September, October,November Meetings 2025