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Westborough 250th committee to consult veterans on Memorial Day supplemental activity and confirms funding steps
Summary
The American Revolution Anniversary Committee voted to open talks with local veterans about a Memorial Day supplemental event, tasked Robera to lead outreach, and approved follow‑ups on publicity and website posting while noting a $5,000 corporate pledge and an estimated $7,000 funding gap for expanded fireworks.
The American Revolution Anniversary Committee voted to open a channel of discussion with local veterans to scope a Memorial Day supplemental activity tied to the Town of Westborough’s 250th celebration and directed staff and volunteers to report back at the committee’s next meeting.
The committee made the decision after members said veterans groups had expressed interest in participating and in contributing funding toward additional fireworks and programming. Robera was assigned to contact the veterans’ representative (John) and report the results to the committee. Committee members emphasized that any substantive deliberation outside a public meeting must comply with open‑meeting rules; Robera was asked to share the veterans’ response for discussion at an upcoming meeting rather than by deliberative email.
The group also discussed the event budget and fundraising. A committee member announced that a donor identified as “Capital” has pledged $5,000 toward the celebration. Committee discussion aligned around an estimate of roughly $7,000 in additional fundraising needed to expand fireworks time and to underwrite reenactor or parade elements; members said the final funding plan will depend on what the veterans and the historical society are prepared to contribute or to lead.
Committee members described the town’s contract process for fireworks: Christie (town staff) was reported to be working through council channels to finalize the fireworks contract. Committee members said they expect the fireworks contract to move forward but noted remaining logistical questions, including whether carriages and horses are feasible on Main Street or whether buses would be a lower‑impact alternative that would not require extra police or EMS coverage.
The motion to open discussions with veterans was moved on the floor by Casey, seconded, and approved by roll call; members present recorded affirmative votes (Colin, Kelly, Maloney, Ramsey, Brown, Lydia). The committee set outreach and reporting as next steps and scheduled follow‑ups for its next regular meeting.
Next procedural steps: Robera will contact the veterans and report back; Christie will continue contract work with council; the committee will reconvene next Monday to consider veterans’ feedback, confirm fundraising tallies, and determine whether to expand programming.
The committee adjourned after approving the previous meeting’s minutes.
