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Lowell Veterans Commission confirms officers, outlines events and outreach
Summary
At its Nov. 12 meeting, the Lowell City Veterans Commission confirmed Michael Peebles as secretary and Paul Paradise as chair, reviewed recent Veterans Day outreach and planned parades and drives, while inviting more veterans to its meetings.
The Lowell City Veterans Commission affirmed two officer nominations and spent much of its Nov. 12 meeting planning community events and veteran outreach.
Paul Paradise, the commission chair, opened by congratulating organizers and volunteers for the city’s Nov. 10 Veterans Day ceremony, calling it “one of the best ones we've seen in a long time in the city.” He thanked the Lowell High honor guard, Merklin School students and local partners for their work and attendance.
The commission moved to formalize nominations. The body nominated Michael (Mike) Peebles to the secretary position; the nomination was approved by voice vote. Paradise said he had also been nominated as chair and the body affirmed that nomination by voice vote. (The meeting transcript records vocal assent but does not list a recorded roll-call tally.)
Members discussed holding additional events, including a planned July 4 parade and fireworks with suggestions to stage activities in an arena parking area to improve access and seating. Paradise said staff would meet with city coordinator Melissa to develop logistics and to request National Guard support for band and equipment.
The body also reviewed ongoing outreach: a trunk-or-treat hosted with the Vet Center and a police-led effort to collect and distribute winter coats. Paradise said the police brought back nearly 40 “Coats for Vets” buckets containing jackets, gloves and hats that the commission will distribute to veterans in need in coordination with the Crescent House and the city clinic.
Commissioners acknowledged a donation from the Franco American group (members said that group has since disbanded) and agreed to keep the donation as a reserve to cover event costs when needed.
Paradise closed by inviting veterans to attend future meetings and the commission voted to adjourn.
What’s next: The commission will continue planning parade logistics with city staff and will schedule follow-up on distribution plans for donated coats and other assistance.
