HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-10-09-LEX250-minSemiquincentennial Commission (Lex250)
October 9 2024 Meeting Minutes
Pursuant to notice duly filed with the Town Clerk, the Semiquincentennial Commission (Lex250)
convened in a hybrid format in the Parker Room at the Town Office Building and via Zoom video
conference on Wednesday October 9, 2024 at 4:30 PM by Ms. Barry as allowed by legislation
(S.2475) extending the suspension of certain provisions of the Massachusetts Open Meeting
Law.
Present in person:
Suzie Barry, Select Board Member, Chair
Noah Michelson, Community Representative, Clerk
Cleve Coats, Community Representative
Steve Conners, Reenactment Community Representative
Barry Cunha, Business Representative
Bebe Fa!lick, Tourism Committee Representative
Melanie Lin, Community Representative
Ashley Rooney, Community Representative
Present remotely:
Mona Roy, Community Representative, Vice Chair
Cerise Jalelian, Town Celebrations Committee Representative
Doug Lucente, Select Board Member
Bridger McGaw, Community Representative
Jillian Tung, Music & Arts Representative
John Rossi, Commission on Disability Liaison
Cpt. John Mazerall, LPD
Sgt. David Bresnihan, LPD
Staff from John Guilfoil Public Relations (JGPR)
• The meeting was called to order at 4:30 by Ms. Barry
• Publicity Update
o Media Sponsor
• JGPR is seeking a media sponsor, most likely a Boston television station,
to partner with Lex250.
• Anthem has put together a similar proposal for a sponsor across the 4
IMA towns.
• The advice of JGPR is for Lexington to acquire its own media sponsor
now, and not to wait for the IMA group. JGPR will have more to report at
the next meeting.
• A straw poll of the Commission had the majority of the members in favor
of acting now to procure a media sponsor.
• Drone Show Update
o Firefly will provide a concept video next week; the team is now working on audio.
o A dress rehearsal of the preshow will take place on Saturday at 10 AM.
■ The timing of this still needs to be confirmed with Recreation.
o The field lights will be turned off before the show at 6:58 PM.
o The possibility of adding a VIP viewing area with accompanying exit was
discussed.
o The Town pool parking lot will be open and utilized for handicap parking.t
• Light the Green Update
o Lights have been acquired for use in the picture; the Commission may need to
issue a photosensitivity warning as the lights have only flashing modes. 1000
more lanyards will be ordered for use with the lights
o Volunteers will guide participants onto the Battle Green and organize them into
the pattern. Blue and red lights will create the letters/numbers, white lights will be
the centerline/outline.
o Permission has been received to close Mass Ave. between Clarke St. and
Harrington Rd.; Clarke St., Forest St., and Park Dr. will also be closed.
o Middlesex County volunteers and William Diamond Jr. Fife & Drum Corps will be
on the Battle Green.
• Schedule Update
o Multiple conversations have been had with the US Army Military District of
Washington; the Army wants to be present in Lexington for the 250th, as Battle of
Lexington is its first battle streamer.
o The Select Board voted to suspend Battle Green regulations to allow the US
Army Golden Knights Parachute Team to perform.
■ This does not necessarily mean they are coming, simply indicates
Lexington's willingness to have them.
o Rededication of Green
■ There is the possibility for building a program around the rededication for
visiting dignitaries.
o Amanda Palmer has expressed interest in doing an untold stories show with the
LHS drama department.
■ Possibly later in 2025 or 2026.
• Sponsor Update
o Two breweries have expressed interest in brewing a 250th beer.
■ They are working on creating a plan for making and local distribution.
o Fundraising small group update
■ Identified volunteer to help determine number of poles for sponsored
banners. Work is ongoing on getting dimensions and a volunteer graphic
designer. Current plan is for banners to go up in March 2025 and stay up
through April and beyond.
■ Small group Met with two members of Town Celebrations Committee to
discuss aligning parade sponsorships with Lex250.
• Housekeeping
o Ms. Barry moved to approve the meeting minutes from April 24, May 8, and May
22.
■ The motion was seconded and passed unanimously by roll call vote.
o Mr. Lucente moved to authorize the chair to write the Commission's annual
report.
■ The motion was seconded and passed unanimously by roll call vote.
o Minutes: SB moved, seconded, unanimous
• Next meeting: Wednesday October 23
• The meeting was adjourned at 5:54
Respectfully Submitted,
Noah Michelson