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America 250 committee eyes spring schedule, reports $6,520 in donations and plans July 4 finale
Summary
The America 250 Committee reviewed fundraising and event logistics on Feb. 9, 2026, reporting $6,520 in donations to date, confirmed multiple spring events (March–May) and sketched a July 4 finale that includes performances, vendors and student volunteer recruitment.
Amy Brosnan convened the America 250 Committee on Feb. 9, 2026, at the Clifford B. Green Memorial Center and on Google Meet to review fundraising totals and firm up spring and summer events. Rye Owen reported, “The donations to date total $6,520.00.”
Committee members reviewed fundraising results from merchandise sales: the group reported $750 in ornament sales and inventory counts of 21 wooden ornaments and 69 acrylic ornaments remaining. The fundraising subcommittee discussed offering t-shirts and sweatshirts through Monogramit Plus if at least 48 orders are secured, and suggested advertising the merchandise in the Parks and Recreation newsletter and distributing order forms at events.
The historical subcommittee outlined several heritage programming ideas, including a lawn event at the Historical Society, artifact displays, town landmark tours (noting two pre‑revolutionary meetinghouses) and outreach to veterans. Dennis Landis said he is preparing a speech on the Underground Railroad and plans to deliver it at the Unitarian Meetinghouse.
The events subcommittee confirmed a slate of spring dates: a March to 250 at Prince Hill on March 28; a community mural launch on April 22; Bingo rescheduled for April 12 after two postponements; a Last Green Valley history hike at Little Dipper Farm on May 16; and an America 250 Color Run with the PTO on May 23. Landis scheduled his Underground Railroad talk for May 9 at 2:00 p.m. The committee also discussed a possible Israel Putnam reenactment in June.
For larger logistics, members reviewed a Dattco trolley quote of $2,375 for 4.5 hours and discussed holding a trolley‑served event on Juneteenth or another date. The group discussed floral displays using red, white and blue plantings and agreed to reach out to Hart’s Greenhouse for options.
Planning for the July 4, 2026 finale included invitations to local choirs, gymnastics and karate demonstrations, a school art show, a ‘‘Final lap to 250,’’ an oxen pull, a recipe contest, lanterns, food trucks and vendors. Phyllis Bonneau reported that “the DAR had ordered the stickers and they are ready to be picked up.” Committee members noted that Killingly High School and Woodstock Academy students who need community service hours could help staff events.
Members proposed promotional channels including Facebook, Instagram, the Town website, the Parks and Recreation newsletter and the Senior Center newsletter. Venus Corriveau said the committee should begin lining up students who need community service for the main event.
The meeting closed with routine next steps for subcommittees to follow up on quotes, volunteer outreach and publicity plans.
