HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-11-07 Volunteer Appointment Committee Minutesp re
Town of Reading
3 Meeting Minutes
Board - Committee - Commission - Council:
Volunteer Appointment Committee
Date: 2024-11-07 Time: 11:30 AM
Building: Virtual Location: Zoom
Address: Session: Open Session
Purpose: General Business Version: Final
Attendees: Members - Present:
Melissa Murphy, Karen Gately -Herrick
Members - Not Present:
Others Present:
C'
Executive Assistant Caitlin Nocella, Bill Squires, David Monahan, Colm Ellet,
Taylor Gregory, Ashley Gross, Brandy Hopkins, Ryan Johnstone, Edward
Dee, Sandy Matathia, Holly Humphreys, Frank Capone, Angela McIntosh
Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Caitlin Nocella
Topics of Discussion:
The Volunteer Appointment Subcommittee was called to order at 11:30 am.
Interview Incumbents and New Applicants for Volunteer Boards and Committees
David Monahan is a new applicant for the ad hoc Commemoration Establishment Committee. He is a long-
time resident of Reading and wants to be involved in this committee's efforts to give more people the
opportunity to have their voices heard.
Bill Squires is a new applicant for the ad hoc Commemoration Establishment Committee. He states that he
has a background in social work within the church and the community and he is interested in stepping up into
this role as a volunteer and honoring Bill Russell. He shares that he is looking to lend a helping hand and
hopes his background and skills could assist in furthering this committee's goals.
Ashley Gross is a new applicant interested in both the Cultural Council and Trails Committee. Her interest in
the values of the Cultural Council led to her putting in her application. She also shared that she visits the Town
Trails frequently for walks and is looking to be involved with the Town Forest Committee to help with efforts in
maintaining the Trails. She expressed that she enjoys attending community events that are held in Town and
wants to be more involved.
Taylor Gregory is an incumbent associate member of the Zoning Board of Appeals seeking to fill the full
vacancy and a new applicant for the ad hoc Commemoration Establishment Committee. They feel that their
previous time serving on the Zoning Board of Appeals has taught them new things and they wish to learn more
and continue exploring their interests in by laws. They shared that they are comfortable with continuing to take
on the workload for this committee. They stated for the ad hoc Commemoration Establishment Committee that
they were one of the first to bring ACE to fruition in conjunction with working with several Select Board
members as well as former Town Manager Fidel Maltez. Their main goals include educating residents,
acknowledging Bill Russell, and ensuring a safe community for Reading where voices are heard. They are
currently a member of CATO and hope to continue in their efforts to empower and educate residents.
Colon Ellet is a new applicant for the ad hoc Commemoration Establishment Committee. He shared that he is a
current member of both the Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) Program as well as CATO. He shared
that his teaching profession and life experiences would serve to be helpful in the efforts of this committee. He
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feels that the committee will be a great opportunity for the Town to learn from its history and move forward as a
community.
Brandy Hopkins is a new applicant for both Town Forest Committee and Trails Committee. She expressed
that with both full and associate vacancies for these committees that she would be happy wherever the
members of VASC felt she was best fit, if appointed to any. She shared that she is a new resident of Reading
and is looking to get involved in her community. She stated that she would love to be involved in conservation
efforts and that she has a community focused approach.
Ryan Johnstone is a new applicant for the ad hoc Commemoration Establishment Committee. He shared that
he deeply cares for the committee's mission, and he believes it is a great opportunity for the Town. With his
previous involvement in community issues and background in criminal defense, he feels his knowledge and
experience would be useful. He is looking to become more involved in local government and this would be a
great opportunity for him to share his knowledge and familiarity with the subject matters.
Edward Dee is a new applicant for the ad hoc Commemoration Establishment Committee. He is a lifelong
resident of Reading and the formation of this committee motivated him to apply and get involved in community
projects. He shared that much of his inspiration comes from being a resident during Bill Russell's lime in
Reading and that he hopes to be a key player in working towards the greater good of Reading through this
committee.
Sandy Matathia is a new applicant for the ad hoc Commemoration Establishment Committee. He shared that
he grew up involved in sports with diverse groups of people and that this resonates with him in conjunction with
the mission of this committee. His law career serves him with knowledge of topics and issues that this
committee will touch upon, and he has the goal of preserving history and reorienting it to highlight awareness
for future generations. He is a current member of the ad hoc Community Preservation Act Study Committee.
Holly Humphreys is a new applicant for the ad hoc Commemoration Establishment Committee. She is a
longtime resident of Reading and shares that her background is in social work. She expressed her interest in
social justice as well as her beliefs in the value of having a diverse community. If appointed, she feels strongly
about contributing to the organization of an annual celebration in honor of Bill Russell. She shared that she is a
member of the Friends of Ace group.
Frank Capone is an incumbent associate member of the Zoning Board of Appeals seeking to fill the full
vacancy. He feels that his work as a developer/contractor aids him in what he brings to the ZBA. He shared
that he appreciates the board's generosity and polite nature overall. He expressed that he has learned a lot
from his time on the ZBA, and he always looks forward to attending meetings.
Angela McIntosh is a new applicant for the ad hoc Commemoration Establishment Committee. She shared
that she is involved with both Partners and Allies for an Inclusive Reading (PAIR) and CATO currently and
heard about this committee through attending a Select Board meeting. Her interests include being engaged in
the Town, advocating for social justice, and connecting with more people in the community. If appointed, she
would like to establish an annual commemoration event for Bill Rusell that is fun, inclusive, and educational.
The meeting adjourned at 1:58 pm.
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