250th Committee Minutes 10.13.2021
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Meeting date:
Wednesday, October 13, 2021
Town of Francestown
250th Committee
Minutes of Meeting
Wednesday, October 13, 2021
Members present: Jamie A Pike, Bev Abbott, Elly Miles, Priscilla Martin, Joni Lohr, Marsha Dixon, Gerri Bernstein, and Charlie & Sarah Pyle.
The meeting came to order at 6:00pm.
Mr. Pike announced that Terra Marcarelli, regrettably, has stepped down as Chairman for personal reasons but would be happy to remain as the digital and print media coordinator.
A motion was made by Ms. Pyle and seconded by Ms. Dixon to appoint Mr. Pike as Chairman. Motion passes unanimously.
The Committee discussed alternative locations for the fireworks display as the original location may not be available. Ms. Bernstein suggested using her fields along with Tim Coffin’s. She has held fireworks there in the past and there is plenty of parking. Mr. Pyle suggested having Atlas Fireworks visit in the spring and look at a number of alternates to choose the best site. The Committee agreed.
Mr. Pike questioned the need for a rain date as the original plan did not account for one. The Committee agreed that a rain date was necessary to accommodate the various outdoor re-enactments etc. The rain date for the event will be Sunday, June 26th.
The Committee discussed additional games/activities for the June event which included horseshoes, bean bag toss (corn hole), children’s hide and seek. Mr. Pike mentioned that he recently saw an advertisement for a Vintage Baseball league that does a traveling exhibition. It was determined that such an activity would be best suited for Labor Day weekend. Mr. Pike will contact them to get more details.
Ms. Pyle reported the band that performed at OMH over the summer was “60’s Invasion”. They play a large variety of music that would be suitable for the dance on 06/25. Sarah will contact them for pricing. Additional performers were discussed for playing before the dance. Elly suggested “Green Heron,” whom played at this past Labor Day for the museum. Elly will contact them for pricing.
Mr. Pike reported that the commemorative license plates went into production on Monday. Originally to be sold for $25, the committee decided to lower the sale price to $20 to make sure we can sell as many as possible. Other funding opportunities were discussed, including possible state funding and a Moose Plate grant.
The Committee discussed adult beverages for the dinner and dance on 06/25. Bartender and/or bear truck options were reviewed. More research is needed.
Joni Lohr introduced herself to the group. Ms. Lohr is willing to be the photographer for the events. Ideas were discussed for a follow-up fundraiser, such as photo books or calendar.
Although unable to attend, Ms. Pyle remarked about Lorrie Deyelle whom recently purchased the Inn at Crotched Mtn. The new name of the inn will be the Blue Bear Inn. Ms. Deyelle has plans for renovations, and additions of event space and expanded eating options. The 200th anniversary of the Inn is also in 2022. The Committee would like to possibly partner on joint events.
Ms. Abbott provided an update on the Auxiliary. They would not be interested in putting together the dinner on 06/25, but would be willing to do smaller tasks like coffee and donuts and/or sandwiches, etc. The discussed options for the dinner on 06/26. Should we have it catered, or a BBQ dinner similar to the Store Fundraiser held at Ms. Bernstein’s home? The Committee discussed bbq ribs and chicken and people could sign up for pot luck items with the Auxiliary preparing dessert items.
The question of knowing how much food to prepare was asked. For the store fundraiser, they required an online sign-up as a way of determining attendance. If the entrée was catered, we could require an RSVP (online) for residents and sell tickets for non-residents.
The next meeting will be on December 1st, time TBD. At the next meeting, the task will be to solidify plans for each weekend so a schedule can be produced.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:15pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Jamie A Pike