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Sharon DEI Committee reallocates event funds, adopts strategic plan and approves event giveaways
Summary
At a May 20 supplemental Zoom meeting, the Sharon Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee unanimously approved reallocations of unused event fees totaling $962 for sensory items and event support, adopted its strategic plan as amended, and approved $400 plus a 10% overage for branded handouts.
At a supplemental Zoom meeting on May 20, 2026, the Sharon Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee unanimously approved several budget reallocations, adopted its strategic plan as amended and approved funds for branded event handouts.
Chair Jennifer Illuzzi opened the meeting and reviewed the purpose of the supplemental session, called to follow up on budget opportunities discussed at the committee's May 14 meeting. Committee members in attendance were Jennifer Illuzzi (chair), Lauren Grasso, Jillian Jennett, Sayjal Patidar Menon, Robert Soffer and Matthew Zinno.
Lauren Grasso and Sayjal Patidar Menon proposed reallocating $612 from unused custodial fees for the canceled Community Speak Out event to purchase sensory-friendly items — such as weighted items, headphones and fidgets — for use at Town of Sharon and DEI-sponsored events. After discussion about purchasing, storage and access, Robert Soffer moved the reallocation; Jillian Jennett seconded. The motion passed, 6-0.
Illuzzi reported that the previously allocated $350 for park rental fees for the 2026 Juneteenth event was no longer needed because the park waived its fees. She said she spoke with Carla Hands, who is heading the event, and proposed moving the $350 to general event support (food, paper goods and activity supplies). Matthew Zinno moved the reallocation; Robert Soffer seconded. The motion passed, 6-0.
Illuzzi then led a review of the DEI Committee's Strategic Plan that had been circulated in advance. Members discussed minor edits to wording and terminology. Matthew Zinno moved to approve the plan as amended; the minutes record that the motion was seconded by Nada Hashmi and approved, 6-0. The meeting minutes also list Nada Hashmi among those "not in attendance," creating a discrepancy in the record noted in the minutes.
The committee discussed items to hand out at events bearing the DEI Committee seal and potential logo. Matthew Zinno proposed a $400 budget and Robert Soffer offered a friendly amendment to allow a 10% overage. Zinno moved the allocation with the overage; Sayjal Patidar Menon seconded. The motion passed, 6-0.
Robert Soffer moved to adjourn; Sayjal Patidar Menon seconded. The motion passed, 6-0, and the meeting adjourned.
Votes at a glance: Reallocate $612 from Community Speak Out custodial fees to sensory items — moved by Robert Soffer, seconded by Jillian Jennett; result: approved, 6 Yeas, 0 Nays, 0 Abstentions. Reallocate $350 from Juneteenth park rental fee to event support — moved by Matthew Zinno, seconded by Robert Soffer; result: approved, 6-0. Approve Strategic Plan as amended — moved by Matthew Zinno, minutes record second by Nada Hashmi (attendance list records her as not present); result: approved, 6-0. Allocate $400 with a 10% overage for DEI-branded handouts — moved by Matthew Zinno, seconded by Sayjal Patidar Menon; result: approved, 6-0. Adjournment motion — moved by Robert Soffer, seconded by Sayjal Patidar Menon; approved, 6-0.
Next steps: Funds reallocated for sensory items and Juneteenth support will be used at Town and DEI events as described; staff or committee designees will proceed with purchasing and logistical arrangements.
