Veterans Memorial Committee
Meeting Minutes
May 25, 2010

Committee Members
Present: Edith Stillson Lisa Sargent Peter Korbet
deForest Bearse Chip Cobb

1. Approve minutes from the last meeting: April 27, 2010
Edith Stillson motioned to approve the minutes of the April 27th meeting as presented. Lisa Sargent seconded the motion and all were in favor.

2. Stone Cutting Update: Aaron
Aaron was not in attendance, so no update was received.

Chip said he would like to see a time line created for both Aaron and the Committee to ensure that everything would get done in time for the dedication.

3. Dedication Ceremony
Chip will contact Senator Sanders' office again to see if the Senator's calendar has been clarified for Veterans Day yet.

Fred, deForest and Lisa are continuing to work on compiling the list of Weathersfield veterans to be invited to the ceremony.

Discussion resumed regarding the actual date of the dedication. It was agreed that the decision will probably be based on Senator Sanders' schedule. Events for the day will include a speech by Chip Cobb, Fred Mellish reading his poem, and the remainder of the event will go to Senator Sanders. Refreshments may be served following the ceremony.

Peter Korbet suggested inviting the VT National Guard. He will speak to Fred Mellish about the idea.

4. Educational Component Plan
No contact has been received from the School Board. Chip will contact them again.

5. Walkathon
Plans are in place for the event.

6. Comments from citizens
Peter Korbet repeated his belief that the memorial should acquire a zoning permit before it is placed on the green. deForest continues to maintain that it does not need one. Peter repeated his beliefs that the easement granted by the Church to the Town for the monument is worthless because there is no deed that proves the Church owns the land. He also stated that the Town was squandering an opportunity to clear up the question of ownership of this portion of the green. The Town could legally lay out a park there as a veterans memorial park, which he believes is an idea supported by the Town Plan.

Chip has become involved with the Court Diversion Program in Springfield. He was contacted about a suitable project for two boys convicted of an offense involving the American flag. Chip thought it would be appropriate to have the boys scrape and re-paint the flag pole that is on the Ascutney green. He also suggested having several veterans present to converse about the role of the flag in our culture. All agreed that it was a great idea until Peter pointed out, and Lisa concurred, that the pole was probably painted with lead paint and scraping it may pose an unacceptable health risk. Further investigation is called for.

7. Next meeting date
The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, June 29th , 2010, at 7:00 PM in the Town Office.

At 7:52, Edith Stillson motioned to adjourn the meeting. Lisa Sargent seconded the motion and all were in favor.

NOTE: Committee meetings will be held on the LAST Tuesday of every month unless otherwise noted.

Respectfully submitted,

deForest Bearse