HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-07-13-LEX300-min MINUTES 300th Anniversary Committee/Events Workgroup Meeting
July 13, 2011 - 8.30 AM
Selectmen's Meeting Room, Town Hall, Lexington
The minutes were taken by Jessie Steigerwald.
Present Sue Rockwell, Chair of the 300th Anniversary Committee, Tanya Morrisett, Bebe Fallick,
Denise Dube, Carolyn Goldstein, Jill Smilow, Larry Link, Polly Kienle, Dick Kollen*, Jessie
Steigerwald* *Denotes a person who is also a member of the 300th Anniversary Committee
Call To Order
Sue Rockwell, Chair of the 300th Committee, called the meeting to order at 8 30 a.m.
1 Introductions
Sue Rockwell presented the origins of the 300th Anniversary Committee and described the
committee's structure Attendees introduced themselves and shared a reason they were attending.
2 Events Schedule Updates
Jessie Steigerwald provided a brief explanation of the Opening Ceremony, Incorporation
Weekend, Closing Ceremony, and Fashion Show Next steps include reserving venues and
establishing a clear budget for each event
3 Establishing Common Practices Across 300th Events
Participants brainstormed qualities which could strengthen each of the proposed 300th Events
Ideas included design events with intergenerational appeal, foster a welcoming atmosphere
throughout the anniversary year; inspire residents to attend each event, promote the understanding
that Lexington's history continues to unfold and includes every resident, consider ways to
welcome visitors, while making sure that residents are able to attend town events, incorporate
themes which weave through all official events
4 Themes for the 300th Anniversary year
Participants continued to brainstorm potential themes for 300th events, and discussed pros and
cons of various suggestions Some suggestions Industry, Technology, Community, Lexington as
a vibrant Local Community which is part of a larger Global Community Participants liked theme
slogans that featured farms, farming or growth. "Seeds of progress" was one suggestion. Other
words offered included progress, history, education, change, diversity, community Beverly
Kelley was not present, but submitted "Farms, Families and Friends" for consideration. People
liked aspects of all of these ideas, but wanted to balance the general celebration of community
with innovation, technology or invention. Some also wanted to highlight recent industrial
activity, including bio-technology Those present agreed that an ideal theme would be easy to
grasp in a limited number of words They also thought it would be helpful if the theme attracted
people drawn to events that feature "community" and to people who are drawn to events that
feature a key interest area, for example, "technology" It was agreed that it is challenging to come
up with a succinct theme that will be inclusive and attractive to all All ideas will be submitted to
the 300th Sub-Committee for a final decision.
5 Next Steps
It was agreed that Jessie Steigerwald would write up the minutes and that the next meeting would be
August 3rd at 8 30 a.m., location to be determined. A motion was made by Denise Dube to approve
the minutes from the June 15th meeting. The motion was seconded by Tanya Morrisett, and
approved by a unanimous vote The meeting adjourned at 9 30 a.m.