Lowell Veterans Commission outlines fall events, secures Humvee for trunk-or-treat and notes $5,000 donation

The Lowell Veterans Commission at a regular meeting on an unspecified October date confirmed details for several fall events, including a trunk-or-treat at the Lowell Vet Center and a Veterans Day program at the Lowell Memorial Auditorium, and reported a $5,000 donation to the commission—s fund.

The commission said the trunk-or-treat will be Wednesday, Oct. 29, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Lowell Vet Center, 10 George Street. The commission said it has secured a decommissioned Humvee donated for the night by Neil—s Auto Collision Center of Dracut; Eric Fanning was named as the donor. The commission said Lowell Police will bring a veteran cruiser to the event and volunteers will staff the table and distribute candy.

Commissioner Eric LaMarche, who led the Veterans Day planning, said the Veterans Day observance is scheduled for Monday, Nov. 10, at 11 a.m. at the Lowell Memorial Auditorium. "I have secured Lowell High School Junior ROTC for the colors," LaMarche said, and he said a fourth-grade class that participated for Memorial Day may perform; he said that class could number about 90 children. LaMarche said the Lowell Vet Center will display art created by veterans and is planning a short video about veterans— journeys. He said winners of a student art contest may have their work exhibited in City Hall and potentially the senior center.

The commission said it will invite UMass Lowell student veterans, ask Lowell Telecommunications to post event information as a public service, and contact local media outlets including WCAP and the Lowell Sun. LaMarche said catering funds are set aside for the Veterans Day event and the commission is considering light refreshments and finger food for attendees.

Commission members discussed other fall outreach events: officials said Strongwater Farms in Tewksbury will host a veterans resource fair on Nov. 1 from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at 500 Livingston Street, and the commission said it will continue smaller events through the year.

Budget considerations also shaped discussion of summer events: commissioners said city budget constraints mean the commission must prioritize between Memorial Day and a proposed Fourth of July celebration tied to the city—s 250th anniversary. The commission discussed a possible July 4 parade route, staging of military and vintage vehicles, food trucks and fireworks at the baseball field, and the need to send requests early to military bands and the National Guard.

On funding, the commission reported a $5,000 donation approved at the city council meeting and earmarked for the Veterans Commission fund; commissioners said the account already holds about $900. A commissioner identified the donor as the Franco American veterans (the organization has disbanded) and cited an internal reference of "520248" when discussing the contribution. Commissioners said they will formally thank and recognize the donor at the next meeting.

The commission also agreed to coordinate flyers and posting: members said they have OneDrive and a commission email group for distributing agendas and promotional materials, and they asked that electronic copies of event flyers be circulated to media and partner organizations. The commission said it has permission to display flyers at the VA clinic in Lowell.

The meeting closed with direction to seek approvals and send early requests for July 4 participants; the commission said staff will follow up with City special events staff to coordinate logistics.

Ending: The commission said final votes for officer positions (chair, vice chair, secretary) will be held at the next monthly meeting; nominations were made but the formal election was deferred because several new members were absent.