Minutes of Public Meetings of the Plymouth 2020 Committee: 2010
MINUTES - Meeting of the Plymouth 400th Committee
Monday, January 25, 2010 at 7:00 pm at the offices of the Plymouth Chamber of Commerce, Cordage Park, North Plymouth
Committee members present: Peter Gomes, Chair; Kathy Babini; Jim Baker; Peg Baker; Ben Brewster; Paul Bumpus; Tamson Burgess; Paul Cripps; John Mahoney; Gary Marks; Monica Mullin for Therese Murray; Patrick O’Brien; Paula Peters; Ed Santos; Ken Tavares.
Absent: Tom Calter (exc.); Vinny deMacedo; Ellie Donovan; Rodney Randy Joseph; David Kirkpatrick (exc.); Butch Machado; John McDonagh; Enzo Monti (exc.).
Invited guests (on the agenda) : Darcy Lee, fund-raising consultant for 2020 Starts Now Inc.; Kevin O’Leary, TKO Creative.
Members of the public: Mark Harding, treasurer, Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe; Brenda Houlihan, event planner, Experlent; Katherine Angley, Plymouth Antiquarian Society; Marilyn Angley, Plymouth Antiquarian Society.
Peter Gomes opened the meeting at 7:00 pm.
New attendees were welcomed.
REPORT OF PETER GOMES
Committee appointment: The Plymouth Board of Selectmen has officially appointed Ellie Donovan as a member of the Plymouth 400th Committee. The Committee hopes that the new Town Manager will attend one of the Committee’s meetings as his schedule allows.
Outreach to the Cape: Peter Gomes and Jim Baker went to the Cape, the occasion was a talk given by Peter to the Cape & Islands Historical Association. Many different Cape institutions are represented and they are willing to be engaged. Representatives from the Cape associations might be invited to attend Committee meetings. Peg Baker received an email from James Bakker, Executive Director of the Pilgrim Monument and Provincetown Museum. He is going to be writing to Peter to extend an invitation to the members of the Committee to come to Provincetown and meet with the Centennial Committee planning the celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Pilgrim (Provincetown) Monument to discuss “how we might be able to help each other and coordinate/combine our efforts.” Bakker writes, “Our 2010 celebration might be a perfect platform to launch a 10 year countdown to 2020. More than ever, I think collaboration with our plans is crucially important to both our successes.” A reporter from Provincetown has also contacted Committee member Kathy Babini who spoke to her about the educational initiatives leading up to 2020. When the time is appropriate, Peter hopes that a group from the Plymouth 400th Committee will visit the Cape. Peter also reminded the group that we are now in 2010 and the “big event” is only 10 years away.
Other outreach: Peter also noted that he had spoken that noontime to the Plymouth Rotary Club. They are interested but have no specific ideas as yet on how they wish to be involved. The local service groups are a good network and the Committee should be linked in to them. Peter would welcome an invitation to speak from the Chamber of Commerce as well, along with other civic groups.
Participation by Native People: Peter and the Committee remain concerned about how to ensure a truly meaningful participation in 2020 by Native People – whether an event, a series of events, an element integrated into the August 1 event, or all of the above. This is a prime concern going forward. Peter asked Paula Peters to consider how this can be done. Paula asked the Committee to consider an invitation to Chief Ken Adams of the Mattaponi Tribe of Virginia, strong participants in the Jamestown 400th Commemoration, to meet with this Committee. We can learn from him what has already been done successfully (a cultural festival, a visit by tribal dignitaries to England, a welcome by the Mattaponi to the Queen when she visited). Paula noted that we would have to pay costs and make arrangements for his stay in Plymouth. Peter asked Paula to move ahead in exploring this idea in the next few months. Paula agreed and will be forming a Subcommittee to work with her.
Peter also noted that he has not yet replied to Cedric Cromwell’s letter and that he was awaiting guidance from Paula on this response. Paula had sent materials that had not been received; she will resend those materials to Peter.
Formation of the 501 c3: Ken Tavares has spoken with the two lawyers who have been involved; Ken will clarify with them that their work is pro bono. Ken and Ed Santos will review the paperwork during the next week and then expect to be ready to file.
Governor’s Commission: There seems to be no progress. Peter Gomes has decided to simply write to each of the ex officio members named in the Executive Order and invite them to a meeting in Cambridge.
Outreach (International, other): Margery Burgess wishes the Committee to invite the Emperor of Japan to visit Plymouth in 2020. The Emperor has visited before and there is interest. The Committee agrees that this would be a good thing.
British Consul Phil Budden is working with the British Ambassador to issue an invitation to the Queen. Phil wishes to meet with the Committee; Peg Baker will issue him an invitation.
Events in 2020 & “Lead-In” Annual Events:
Peter wants a parade and massive fireworks on the August 1, 2020 weekend. Some thought should be given to this. The parade and fireworks would be a good project for a volunteer Committee. Paula suggested giving responsibility for a project such as the fireworks to the Rotary or other civic group. Darcy noted that any suggestions for the Rotary should go before their Board and should be coordinated with her fund-raising plans. Ken will bring some names of Plymoutheans who are very knowledgeable about fireworks (one is a Rotarian) and parade organization to the next meeting. Ken suggested, further, that there be a Subcommittee devoted just to the parade, not only organizing it but also providing liaison with the two other parades (4th of July and Thanksgiving). Ken will start organizing this Subcommittee. Paula suggested that, for the fireworks in 2020, Mayflower II could be used as premier seating.
Peter suggested there should be a number of events, annually, leading up to 2020.
Peter has spoken recently with Charles Ansbacher who leads the “Boston Landmarks Orchestra.” (“The Boston Landmarks Orchestra presents exceptional orchestral music performances in significant architectural, historical, and geographical settings throughout the Boston area, always free to the public.”) This group might be interested in playing a part.
Ed Santos suggested that a “Spooner Concert” be held. Ed has had contact with the New York bank that has charge of the Spooner Trust; he will check his records for contact information and investigate as to how a Spooner Concert could be arranged.
Darcy Lee noted that during her feasibility interview with Steven Karidoyanes of the Plymouth Philharmonic, he told her that some big names in the orchestral world book 10 years out and that specific plans should be made now. Perhaps a Cultural Subcommittee should be formed.
Jim Baker noted that, at an earlier meeting, Paula Peters has suggested holding an annual spring event. It is too late for a spring event in 2010 but, perhaps, an event could be organized around the 4th of July with, perhaps, a related event on the Mayflower II. Darcy said another idea that came up in the feasibility interviews was to have a “400th Float” in the 4th of July parade. Darcy also noted her experience with fund-raising during a parade when a small number of people raised $6,000 by walking the route and asking for donations. Ken noted that the July 4th parade will be held in 2010; the organizers might be willing to consider 2020 as a theme but a proposal would need to be made very quickly as the decision on the theme is being considered in about 10 days. The Committee members should think creatively and get any ideas to Ken as soon as possible. It was noted that the parade this year is on a Sunday and will be held at 1:00 pm. Wampanoag participation is probably not possible because the big Mashpee PowWow is scheduled over the 4th of July weekend and there is already a full schedule of events.
Ed Santos suggested that the “big three” Plymouth service clubs – Rotary, Kiwanis and Lions – could perhaps work collectively if they were brought together. Someone needs to take this on as a project. Ed Santos agreed to contact the presidents of the organizations and plant the idea.
Paul Bumpus noted that there would be Mayflower Triennial Congresses in Plymouth in 2011, 2014 and 2017 (as well as in 2020) and that, in those years, the annual event could be scheduled to coincide.
Tamson Burgess said it was extremely important to involve the local community. Tamson agreed to form a Subcommittee to consider a schedule of events; Paul Bumpus and Paula Peters also agreed to serve.
Ed Santos raised two concerns. One, we do not have the infrastructure in place to properly welcome and take care of large numbers of visitors. He is also very concerned about fund-raising to pay for events. Darcy noted that there will be a Development Plan presented to the Committee at its March meeting. She also urged the Committee not to get too far ahead of itself before we hear and have a chance to digest the results of the Feasibility Study, which will be presented to the Committee at its February meeting. Peter believes we should start to think programmatically now but be prepared to change or make ideas more specific as the feasibility study indicates. Darcy also noted that the Committee should be “selling” the vision rather than specific events and that the Committee members could use some coaching on how to use that vision to promote 2020. Peter also noted that, as he speaks to local groups, he asks them to consider hosting an event that would be a draw or of interest to people in 2020.
PRESENTATION BY FUND-RAISING CONSULTANT DARCY LEE
Darcy Lee reported the progress of the Feasibility Study: 29 interviews held, 2 more scheduled. The Feasibility Study will be presented to the Committee at its February meeting and the Development Plan presented at the March meeting.
She is talking this week to members of the state and federal delegations about an annual appropriation for the Plymouth 400th Committee. It is not likely that there would be an appropriation this year but it is essential that they are aware of our activities and needs and the Committee must make such a request every single year.
We are now awaiting word on a $5000 planning grant that will require a very small match.
Darcy noted that she is unable to do serious fund-raising until the 501c3 status is finalized. Very few granting organizations will allow the use of a fiscal agent.
ACTIVE ONGOING PROJECT – Branding
Paula Peters presented on behalf of the Branding Subcommittee (Paula Peters, chair; Paul Cripps, David Kirkpatrick, Darcy Lee and Patrick O’Brien consultant). The Subcommittee, after receiving 28 proposals, interviewed 3 finalist agencies, each of which gave a 1-hour presentation. The Subcommittee recommends TKO Creative as the agency to create a brand identity for 2020.
Kevin O’Leary of TKO had been asked to be present; he made a short presentation to the Committee, noting that he was excited and honored to be chosen by the Subcommittee and that he saw this as a great opportunity and a momentous event. He described two approaches to branding – symbolic and evocative; he sees a combination of the two as often the strongest approach. 2020 needs a clear visual identity that people will recognize, that will get them excited and encourage involvement. The challenge is to tap into the images that exist now in popular imagination but also to rise above them to present something new. O’Leary presented several examples of work done for other organizations. He described the process as, first, researching existing information and imagery; to identify visual elements and winnow them down to a list of approaches; that he would do a number of mock-ups for presentation to the Committee who would have opportunities to review and present feedback before any final logo and tagline was developed and presented. The timeline on a project of this size could be anywhere between 1 and 5 months and the creative work could begin immediately.
Paula noted that the Subcommittee was most impressed with Kevin’s understanding of the power and use of visual images as well as the passion he brought to the project – he saw the inherent drama in the event. Monica Mullin asked if the end product would be a single image. Kevin replied that there would be a single image; this is essential to pull people together and give them something to remember. TKO would also supply a tagline and brand elements (a standards manual laying out color schemes, use in different media, etc.). As noted by Monica, this is a multifaceted story with many elements. Kevin said that these elements would be part of a marketing campaign that uses a variety of vehicles but that, for effective branding purposes, there needs to be a singular logo.
Kevin was thanked and left, the Committee discussed his presentation.
The Subcommittee recommended offering the branding contract to TKO Creative. It was noted that all three of the presentations were excellent; the TKO proposal at $9650 was the middle proposal in financial terms. After discussion, it was moved that the Plymouth 400th Committee recommend to “2020 Starts Now, Inc.” (the 501c3 organization that financially supports the work of the Plymouth 400th Committee) that 2020 Starts Now enter into a branding contract with TKO Creative. It was VOTED and the vote carried with 9 in favor, 4 opposed and 1 abstention.
The Branding Subcommittee will remain in force as this project moves forward.
ACTIVE ONGOING PROJECT – License plate.
A report from David Kirkpatrick was presented: “We have collected 482 names and data for interest on the license plate as a result of the kick-off party, the internet and mailings. We have some additional names from Patrick O’Brien and some hard copies that have come through the mail that still need to be processed and are not part of the 482 number. I need to get with Tammy Burgess and create a license plate drive through the Old Colony (her recommendation) next week. We are off to a good start and, with some additional effort, we should be at the 1500 mark in the next 60 days, which is our goal.”
PROJECT – Review of the 1995 Plans for the Plymouth Waterfront
Jim Baker noted that the 1995 plans spoke directly to Ed Santos’ concern regarding infrastructure and makes it clear that the waterfront may not be the place to hold major events. Jim suggested that this issue be postponed until there is time for a deeper discussion. There are very few copies of the 1995 report; Patrick O’Brien will scan the report to make it more widely available. Ken Tavares requested that a special meeting be held devoted to this discussion. Jim Baker agreed this was desirable but asked that it be held after March.
ISSUE : Payment of invoices from Darcy Lee, consultant
Ed Santos noted that Darcy Lee’s invoices were unpaid because the process of utilizing the funds voted at the Fall Town Meeting was not understood.
Patrick O’Brien explained: the Directors of “2020 Starts Now Inc.” must vote to ask the Board of Selectmen to approve the use of the funds in a specific amount for a specific purpose. After that approval is received, “2020 Starts Now, Inc.” must submit an invoice to the town.
In a meeting of the Directors of 2020 Starts Now, Inc. (Peter Gomes, Jim Baker, Peg Baker, Ken Tavares and Ed Santos) held within the Plymouth 400th Committee meeting, the Directors of 2020 Starts Now, Inc. moved and VOTED to ask the Plymouth Board of Selectmen to release the town funds in the amount of $35,000 to fund the work of consultant Darcy Lee in producing a Feasibility Study and Development Report; and in the amount of $9,650 to fund the branding project by TKO Creative. The meeting of the Directors of 2020 Starts Now Inc. ended.
OTHER:
Monica Mullin noted that Senate President Murray had received a letter from a Jamestowne-Yorktown Foundation official offering his assistance to the Plymouth 400th Committee.
PUBLIC COMMENT – There was no comment.
NEXT MEETING – Monday, February 22, 2010 at 7:00 pm at the offices of the Plymouth Chamber of Commerce, Cordage Park, North Plymouth.
Peggy Baker will be absent; an interim Secretary will be determined.
The meeting adjourned at 9:00 pm.
PETER GOMES
ONGOING TASK: Peter will write to Cedric Cromwell of the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe regarding his earlier concerns.
NEW TASK: In furtherance of the formation of the Governor’s Commission, Peter will write to each of the ex officio members named in the Executive Order and invite them to a meeting in Cambridge.
KATHY BABINI
ONGOING TASK: Kathy will work with Tamson Burgess to promote the work of the “2020 Kids.”
JIM BAKER:
ONGOING TASK: Jim will schedule a special meeting of the Committee (after March) to have an in-depth discussion of the 1995 Plans for the Plymouth Waterfront.
PEG BAKER:
NEW TASK: Peg will be in touch with Phil Budden regarding a future visit to the Plymouth 400th Committee.
TAMSON BURGESS
ONGOING TASK: Tamson will work with Kathy Babini to promote the work of the “2020 Kids.”
NEW TASK: Tamson agreed to form a Subcommittee to consider a schedule of events to involve the local community; Paul Bumpus and Paula Peters also agreed to serve.
RODNEY JOSEPH
ONGOING TASK: Peter asked Rodney to give some thought as to how the commemoration of the Treaty with Massasoit could play a more prominent role in the Thanksgiving events
DAVID KIRKPATRICK
ONGOING TASK: David will continue to gather names for the license plate; he will work with Tamson Burgess to create a license plate drive through the Old Colony.
ONGOING TASK: David will consult with Kathy Babini on a video component to the Class of 2020 project.
TASK: David will continue to pursue foundation interest in the “2020 Kids.”
JOHN MAHONEY
GARY MARKS
ONGOING TASK: Gary will contact the Congregational Church association and other religious leaders about gathering in Plymouth in November of 2019 for the opening event in the 2020 celebration.
JOHN MCDONAGH
ONGOING TASK: John will carry through the idea of possibly participating in the Smithsonian Folklife Festival, held on the Mall in 2019, as part of the kick-off of the celebrations.
TASK: John will seek funding for Officers & Directors Insurance for the 501c3.
PATRICK O’BRIEN
NEW TASK: Patrick will scan the 1995 Plans for Plymouth Waterfront and make them available to Committee members.
NEW TASK: Patrick will work with Peggy Baker to make sure that the process of requesting the use of the funds voted by Plymouth Fall Town Meeting is followed effectively.
PAULA PETERS
ONGOING TASK: Paula, as chair of the Branding Subcommittee, will continue with that project.
NEW TASK: Paula will resend her materials regarding Cedric Cromwell’s letter to Peter Gomes.
NEW TASK: Paula will form a Subcommittee to investigate the timing and logistics of inviting Chief Ken Adams of the Mattaponi Tribe to meet with the 400th Committee.
ED SANTOS
ONGOING TASK: Ed and Ken Tavares will review the 501 c3 paperwork and be prepared to file next week.
NEW TASK: Regarding a “Spooner Concert,” Ed will check his records for contact information for the New York bank that has charge of the Spooner Trust and investigate as to how a Spooner Concert could be arranged.
NEW TASK: Ed Santos agreed to contact the presidents of the the “big three” Plymouth service clubs – Rotary, Kiwanis and Lions organizations and plant the idea that they could perhaps work collectively if they were brought together.
KEN TAVARES
ONGOING TASK: Ken will clarify with the lawyers working on the 501 c3 that their work is pro bono. He and Ed Santos will review the 501 c3 paperwork and be prepared to file next week.
ONGOING TASK: Ken will follow through with Rockland Trust re the bond for the license plates.
NEW TASK: Ken will bring some names of Plymoutheans who are very knowledgeable about fireworks (one is a Rotarian) and parade organization to the next meeting. Ken will start organizing a Subcommittee devoted just to the parade, not only organizing it but also providing liaison with the two other parades (4th of July and Thanksgiving). |
