HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-09-23-LEX300-events-min Opening Ceremonies Team Minutes from Friday September 23th 9 00 a.m. meeting
Attending. Mahua Roy,Martha Wood,Ilene Benghiat,Monica Cantwell,Sandy Kahn,Cann
Casey,Ronm Skerker, Margaret Counts-Klebe,Robyn Piasecki,Will and Finn O'Donnell,
Tanya Morrisett and Jessie Steigerwald
The meeting was co-hosted by Tanya & Jessie,co-chaffs of the Opening Events,and took place
at Jessie's home Delicious snacks were provided by Tanya and those in attendance exclaimed
over the irresistible qualities of the Great Harvest bread selection.
Tanya distributed intriguing copies of a historic photograph from Cary Library's magnificent
Worthen Collection,and awarded two pin prizes to Martha Wood and Margaret Counts-Klebe
who were first to correctly identify them as images of the 200th Anniversary of Lexington,MA.
Tanya distributed reproductions of tickets from long ago —when train ran to Depot Square
Jessie reviewed the overall structure of the 300th Anniversary Celebration Committee and
distributed a visual representation of the Committee
Tanya and Jessie described the major 300th Events which are being administered by the 300th
Committee Opening Events,Fashion Show,Incorporation Weekend,Closing Events They
encouraged people to consider volunteering for any 300th Event
Opening Events were discussed in greater detail. Goals for the Opening Ceremonies include
making the morning as inclusive as possible,honormg all three hundred years,avoiding a focus
on only the revolutionary period while still celebratmg it,providing many different ways for
residents to connect throughout the Opening Day,funding free events,promoting sponsorships,
helping preview other 3001 Events, structuring the team in a way that will allow busy people to
contribute in a meaningful way and providing back-up for the team so that the events run
smoothly even if unexpected family or personal situations arise between today's meeting and
September 22,2011
Tanya facilitated a bramstommng session where specific tasks and jobs were identified,
including• logistics,decorations,invitations,liaisons for dignitaries,procession,afternoon
activities and more
Participants clarified various tasks and signed up for the tasks they were willing to manage
New ideas were jotted down on index cards for distribution to the person for whom the idea was
most constructive Questions included. are donations to the town tax-deductible? Also what is
the role of religion in the 300th? (Particularly,what is role during official 300th Events?)
One person noted that the Lexington Symphony's proposed concert rmght not be able to
accommodate the 750 people cited by Tanya & Jessie as the group has a large contingent of
season ticket holders Tanya & Jessie agreed to explore that concern. The group agreed that it
would be helpful to have a free evening event that could welcome a large number of people,like a
community dance
As the larger group adjourned, smaller bramstommng took place between remaining participants
Ideas ranged from including Jonas Clarke to possible points of entertainment for the ceremonies
to the types of images which rmght go into a memorable Souvenir
Everyone agreed on the next date for this group to reconvene Friday October 21,2011 from
9.00 a.m. — 10.30 a.m. Participants agreed that an hour was insufficient and that 90 minutes was
more realistic
Tanya and Jessie will reach out to those who expressed interest but were not able to attend a
day-time meeting They will facilitate an alternate evening time to draw in the talents of other
interested people and will help connect the group between meetings to make the Opening
Ceremony Team as strong as possible