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Home My WebLink About1994-01-11 Celebration Trust Committee Minutes6 ~ 6 O O A 6 A <s 4 a A , 4 16,'4 c 1994 READING-MASSACHUSETTS 350thANNIVERSARY Minutes of the 45th Meeting of Readings 350th Anniversary Celebration Steering Committee January 11, 1994, Tuesday 7:30 P.M. Berger Room, Reading Town Hall Committee Members in Attendance: Susan Theophanis, Nancy Smethurst, Shirley Buzderewicz, Paul Sweeney, Ellen Stanton and Everett Blodgett. Alan Foulds, Mary Williams and Cathy Quimby arrived later. Also Attendina: Ann Tisdell (381-5815), Bob Marcotte (508-535-3731), Virginia Adams, Ed Palmer, Roberta Sullivan. Anna Carroll (350th Inc.) arrived later. I. CALL TO ORDER In the absence of Alan Foulds, Paul Sweeney called the meeting to order at 7:35 p.m. Ann Tisdell, an artist who designs special cachets for stamp collectors and Bob Marcotte, who works with the post office and designs unique postmarks for special events, presented a proposal for the 350th. The approximate cost for a special cachet prepared by Ann Tisdell is $4.50 - 5.00 per set, but there is no charge for the postmark. However, the postmark must be requested about 10 weeks in advance, but it can be used for 30 days after the event to accommodate collectors. Ann would be willing to prepare the cachets on consignment so that no money would need to be advanced. Bob Marcotte will supply the information necessary to apply for the postmark if Reading's postmaster has not already taken action. II. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS The minutes of the November 30, 1993 meeting were accepted as read. III. COMMUNICATIONS The Board of Selectmen will discuss vendor issues on January 18th. Following the Selectmen's decisions, the 350th Steering Committee will vote on the Lions Club request for exclusive rights to sell sausage and slush on Reading Day. READING'S 350th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION STEERING COMMITTEE TOWN MALI., 4 16 LOWELL STREET c1 READING, MA 01867 Page 2 Reading's 350th Steering Committee January 11, 1994 Everett Blodgett reported that 350th flags (angled, silk-screened, one-sided) could be produced commercially at a cost of about $20-$25 each. After receiving approval from the Steering Committee, Everett reported that he and his wife, Ginny, will put together a 3' x 5' angled 350th flag from purple and white flag material for display purposes. Paul will have a souvenir inventory available for the next meeting so that the 350th Corporation can vote to re-order items if necessary. Ed Palmer showed the Committee a New Hampshire coloring book which was prepared by Jamesway Studio. Ed suggested that this idea could be adapted to Reading, but that Bob McCaffrey should be contacted first. Everett reported that the Antiquarian Society is already preparing a coloring book and that artist Beth Anderson was involved. Cathy Quimby, who was attending a Parade Committee meeting in the Town Hall conference room, requested that the Steering Committee join the Parade Committee for a few minutes to view a brief video presentation on the Mount Rushmore flag. After viewing the impressive video, the 350th Committee voted, on motion of Everett Blodgett, to make the Mount Rushmore flag presentation a part of closing day ceremonies. Everett reported that Russ Carter, who presented a program to the Congregational Church Monday Niters Group (via Everett's recommendation), has donated his $75 speaking fee to the 350th. Everett asked that a thank you letter be sent to Mr. Carter and to the Monday Niters Group. Old Business Quannapowitt Players Mary Williams and Susan Theophanis will sell tickets at the door for the "Love Letters" benefit production on January 14 and 15. IV. OTHER BUSINESS A. Sub-Committee Reports Book Everett Blodgett reported that gift cards had been sent to all pre-Christmas book purchasers and that very positive comments had been received. Yankee Systems has been very helpful in this gift card process. Everett presented the latest cost estimates for the book based on the number of copies. Disposition of any leftover copies (following the dissolution of the 350th Committee) was discussed briefly. Virginia Adams explained the importance of the book as tangible evidence of Reading's 350 years and something which would remain visible whereas parades, etc. are fun, but not enduring. Virginia also commented that volumes from the 1976 Bicentennial are still being sold by the Historical Commission, and the 350th book should have enough copies printed so that it Page 3 Reading's 350th Steering Committee January 11, 1994 remains available for a number of years. Alan suggested that we not vote yet on the final number of books to be ordered, but that we sell as many as possible until the date the book is ready to go to the printer. This procedure would enable us to set a definite payback date for the loans and would give us a better estimate of sales projections so that we would not be exposing the grantors of the loans to more risk than they agreed to. On motion of Cathy Quimby it was voted that the Steering Committee authorize the selling of books beyond the 1,500 copies currently set as the maximum; the Book Committee will inform the Chairman of the Steering Committee prior to ordering with the publisher, at which time a special Steering Committee meeting will be called if necessary to decide the final number of books to be ordered. It was further voted on motion of Cathy Quimby that the two loans will be re-paid on or before June 30, 1994. Program Susan reported a quote had been received from the Graphics Shop for programs. The matter will be brought up at the next meeting. opening ceremonies Ed Palmer reported on his proposed modification which would move the ceremonies indoors after an outdoor start. He would like program approval by February 1st. Ellen reported Clark Booth is very willing to speak in whatever capacity he is needed. Mary expressed concern that moving into the Old South Church might limit the number of attendees. On motion of Alan Foulds, approval of Ed's preliminary plan for Opening Ceremonies was voted. Woburn City Band would like to offer a concert during the 350th, possibly at the opening ceremonies, and the Air Force Band is also a possibility. Alternatively, these bands could be used at another time during an open period or at Jubileve. The Committee will further investigate these options. Ecumenical Service This event will be held on January 23, 1994 at 5:30 or 6:00 p.m. V. NEXT MEETING - 7:30 p.m., January 25, 1994 VI. ADJOURNMENT - Alan Foulds adjourned meeting at 11:05 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Nancy L. Smethurst, Secretary Pro Tem.