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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1993-11-16 Celebration Trust Committee MinutesO 6 O o O d911h 1644 1994 READING-MASSACHUSETTS 350th ANNIVERSARY U, L v Minutes of the 43rd Meeting of Readings 350th Anniversary Celebration Steering Committee November 16, 1993, Tuesday 7:30 P.M. Berger Room, Reading Town Hall Committee Members in Attendance: Alan Foulds, Chairman, Mary Williams, Susan Theophanis, Nancy Smethurst, Shirley Buzderewicz, Everett Blodgett and Cathy Quimby. Also Attending: Anna Carroll (350th Inc.), Mark Foxon, Jane McKenzie, Roberta Sullivan, Ed Palmer I. CALL TO ORDER Alan Foulds called the meeting to order at 7:40 p.m. II. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS The minutes of the October 19, 1993 meeting were accepted as read. Acceptance of the minutes of October 5 will be deferred until the next meeting. III. COMMUNICATIONS Shirley Buzderewicz reported receipt of a $500 donation from Addison-Wesley. A communication was received from a fireworks company. Alan received a letter from Neil Robinson, author of the 300th play. Mr. McKinley responded to the Committee's con- cerns in writing and stated that the title of his composition is correct according to our contract with him. The Symphony Concert on Sunday, November 21 will offer an opportunity for press coverage about the 350th composition. Cathy Quimby was visited by Mr. Blyer of Design Concepts re: use of Town Seal and produc- tion of merchandise for the celebration. Also the owner of Wayside Bazaar called Cathy re: his plans to produce red and black t-shirts which would be imprinted "Reading's 350th" or something similar. The legality of this concept will be dis- cussed at another meeting. (continued) READING'S 350th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION STEERING COMMITTEE TOWN HALL 4 16 LOWELL STREET d READING. MA 01867 Page 2 Reading's 350th Steering Committee November 16, 1993 Doyon's TV has donated a television set to be raffled, and Art - Hayden of Sir Speedy donated signs and raffle tickets. Ed Palmer has talked with the Mayor of Reading, PA who might come to the celebration. When the Steering Committee offers direction, the Town Manager will extend an invitation to officials of other Readings. IV. OTHER BUSINESS opening ceremonies Ed Palmer presented his suggestions for the opening ceremonies. Greetings from other Readings should come in the form of telegrams to limit their length. A poetry contest was suggested. It was also suggested that Ken Latham should be asked to be a principal speaker. Clark. Booth has offered to speak as well. Jane McKenzie reported that Ed's proposed afternoon program and its order wouldn't work out for the 350th Choral Group. An eve- ning start with the speeches first, followed by the Choral per- formance was suggested as an option. It was also decided that the schools should be involved so that young people can par- ticipate in the opening ceremonies. However, it was voted to keep the 350th Chorus performance separate from the opening ceremonies. Preference should be given to reserving the high school auditorium (second choice is the Field House) for May 26 and 30 or June 8 and 9. Ed Palmer and Alan Foulds will meet with Susan Theophanis to re-draft a plan for the May 29th opening, and they will present the plan to the Committee on November 30. Trolley Tours Ted Smethurst presented a proposal from the Historical commission to offer guided trolley rides, perhaps following the old trolley route. The issue of whether to offer weekday or weekend tours was discussed. The Historical Commission has located one sponsor who will donate $600, but costs would be $800 per day for a week- day and $850 per day for a weekend. It was voted to authorize the Historical Commission to pursue booking of up to two trolleys to provide tours on June 5 with tickets available by pre-sale. A. Sub-Committee Reports Book Everett Blodgett reported that the book will not be available by ' Christmas and he distributed a draft of a letter which would be sent to the purchasers explaining the delay. He will check with the Library to see if distribution from the Library is an option. Everett presented a revised printing cost estimate which also gave prices for increasing the number of books ordered. It was decided to reconsider the number of books to be ordered at a later date, closer to publication time, perhaps in January. (continued) Page 3 Reading's 350th Steering Committee November 16, 1993 Parade and Vendor Regulations Cathy Quimby and Mark Foxon reported that the Parade Committee does not want vendors present all along the parade route, but that vendor regulations pertain to all the events and not just the parade. Some vendors feel that they don't need a Town license in addition to their State license, but Town Counsel says this is not necessarily true. The Town can restrict where and when vendors are located, and the type of merchandise sold. It was voted that the number and type of vendors and their location be limited; that a fee be charged for vendors' licenses; and that explosive devices, "silly string," and other aerosol cans be banned. The issue of commercial floats and how much they should cost will be discussed at November 30. Also, the size of banners carried in the parade will be defined. Jubileve The concept of a food court where vendors buy space was briefly discussed, but will be discussed in depth at a later meeting. V. NEXT MEETINGS - November 30, 1993, 7:30 p.m. January 11 & 25, 1994 VI. ADJOURNMENT - Alan Foulds adjourned the meeting at 10:35 p.m. (the corporation did not convene) Respectfully submitted, Nancy L. Smethurst, Secretary Pro Tem