Plymouth's 400th Anniversary

Minutes of Public Meetings of the Plymouth 2020 Committee: 2009

Meeting of the Plymouth 400th Committee
Monday, April 20, 2009 at 7:00 pm at Plimoth Plantation

Committee members present: Peter Gomes, chair; Kathy Babini, Jim Baker, Peg Baker, Tamson Burgess, Betty DeBenedictis for Tom Calter, Vinny deMacedo, Rodney Randy Joseph, David Kirkpatrick, Gary Marks, John McDonagh, Enzo Monti, Monica Mullin for Terry Murray, Paula Peters, Ken Tavares.
Absent: Ben Brewster, Paul Bumpus, Paul Cripps, Butch Machado, Ed Santos; Patrick O’Brien.

Peter Gomes opened the meeting at 7:10 pm. He welcomed new members Enzo Monti and David Kirkpatrick, who were in attendance, and noted that three of the five new members – Ben Brewster, Enzo Monti and Ed Santos – had been officially sworn in. Two – David Kirkpatrick and Butch Machado – have yet to be officially sworn in.

INFRASTRUCTURE
Ken Tavares introduced guest Dennis Carlone of Carlone & Associates, who had been hired by the town in 2007 to produce a public space action plan. Dennis spoke on the nature of public spaces, defined and enlivened by the buildings and businesses around them. His study looked at key downtown areas and the waterfront, identifying areas of change and improvement. Paula Peters noted that the Native settlement of Patuxet is not recognized at all; it should be recognized. In respect to the question of National Park designation, Dennis said such designation would take a major effort because Plymouth does not meet the Park Service standards in a straightforward manner. Ken Tavares noted that the Carlone report is great, the challenge is implementation but some of the projects are already underway – the island at the foot of Leyden Street, the new entry marker for Burial Hill. The report also pinpointed the importance of the Court House where action is being seen right now. Peter Gomes said that these projects could relate to 2020 and that the role of this committee could be to cast a spotlight on them and to be agents for encouraging action. Implementation of the plan would certainly be a permanent benefit to the town, which is one of the goals of the 2020 celebration.
TASK: All committee members will review the Public Space Plan before the next meeting.

HISTORIC CALENDAR
Jim Baker reported that he and Gary Marks had met and discussed the 2020 calendar. The original thought was to begin the official celebration on August 1, 2020 and continue for 18 months up to the (modern) Thanksgiving of 2021. The question became, however, was this too long? Can Plymouth support 18 months of activity without lagging or falling short?

The Subcommittee, therefore, devised two alternative plans. One is for the original 18 months, the other for a celebration taking place within a single year, 2020 being the focus in the popular imagination. The Subcommittee identified the dates within these two celebrations that would be celebrated. The report of the Historic Calendar Subcommittee was submitted and will be circulated electronically.

Further questions include which calendar (Old Style or New Style) will be used and to which events will “special visitors” (royalty, celebrities, notables of various kinds) be invited?
TASK: All Committee members will carefully read the Subcommittee Report and give it serious thought before the next meeting. The calendar should be decided by this summer (2009).

FORMATION OF A 501 C3
John McDonagh distributed by-laws and associated forms for a 501 C3, drafted by pro bono counsel. This is the instrument through which donations can be made, tax-deductible, and grants sought. Once the paperwork has been finalized and submitted, it can take 8 to 12 weeks to get the formal letter from the IRS.
The 501 C3 need a Post Office box; one with “2020” would be good.
TASK: All Committee members will review the 501 C3 paperwork and be prepared to take action at the next meeting.
TASK: Betty DeBenedictis will investigate Post Office boxes.

John McDonagh introduced Dave Caolo who has designed a Website for “2020 Starts Now.” The site would incorporate general information, an opportunity to donate, an opportunity to purchase a license plate, a video greeting from Peter Gomes as chair. The site would be done in “Word Press,” a program with a lot of support that is easy to update but still powerful. The site would have links to other organizations in town. It was noted that the Committee has an existing Website at plymouthma400.com and the sites would need to be coordinated.

2020 LICENSE PLATE
A discussion on the proposed license plate followed. (Reminder: At the March 23, 2009, meeting, Monica Mullin reported that the committee could move forward on a license plate once the 501 c3 status is obtained. There would have to be a list of 1500 people willing to buy such a plate; a design would be needed but there are many state guidelines that also need to be followed. A $100,000 bond is required until the 1500 plates are sold.)

David Kirkpatrick volunteered the services of Plymouth Rock Studios to design the plate. There are guidelines to follow and a meeting will have to be held with the Registry of Motor Vehicles.
TASK: David Kirkpatrick will move ahead with design ideas.
TASK: Vinny deMacedo and Monica Mullin will work with David to set up a meeting with the Registry
TASK: Peter Gomes will discuss the bond with Ed Santos and Vinny deMacedo.

OTHER ASSIGNMENTS
A Committee “Home.” Peter Gomes would like a regular place for the committee to meet. David Kirkpatrick graciously offered the use of the conference room at Cordage. The May meeting will be held there.

Funding for basic administrative costs, at a minimum, is a continuing issue. Ken Tavares may have identified some town funding.
TASK: Peter Gomes will talk with Darcy Lee about grant writing.

Coin.
TASK: Peggy Baker will visit the coin shop across the street from Pilgrim Hall and see if there is interest in leading such an effort.

PUBLICITY/NEWS
Tamson Burgess has spoken to Wes Ennis and “young” Ben Brewster about photographically documenting the activities up to and including 2020. She also plans to involve PACTV and has identified a volunteer with public television expertise and experience. Tamson alerted the committee that there is a potential conflict of interest for her in releasing stories to the Boston Globe, a direct competitor of Gateway Media. Tamson also plans on engaging the radio stations. There needs to be a regular presence on Public TV, as well as regular articles in the press – regularly could mean monthly.
TASK: Tamson will organize the committee as her source of articles and public speaking.
Tamson also noted that the design used for the license plate could be adapted for use as the overall logo.

INTERNATIONAL EFFORTS
Consul General Budden indicated that, having assisted in making contacts in England, it is time for this committee or the state committee to take over the effort.

STATE COMMISSION
Peter Gomes has been appointed as chair by the Governor and duly sworn in. There is still considerable confusion in the Governor’s office about his need to appoint the committee members who are, by the enabling legislation, nominated by others.
TASK: Monica Mullin will continue to pursue the issue with the Governor’s staff.

SCHOOLS/EDUCATION
Kathy Babini notified the Plymouth 1st grade teachers that they are teaching, this year, the “Class of 2020.” The children have their first assignment – “What makes Plymouth special?” There will be an annual assignment and these assignments will be saved in individual portfolios, by graduation each child will have a full portfolio. It was suggested that other Plymouths, around the country and around the world, could be contacted and invited to participate (this type of initiative was done in previous anniversary years).

PARADE, FESTIVITIES & GATHERINGS
It was suggested that there be special events in Plymouth this Thanksgiving time (2009) to start spurring interest in 2020. David Kirkpatrick and Plymouth Rock Studios are working with MIT and Sea Change in an environmental effort to “green” the town. A Massachusetts state flag that was on the moon might be available for display in Plymouth, perhaps presented by the families of astronauts, as a way of connecting the past with today through shared concepts of stepping into new worlds and setting high aspirations. The Committee thought this was very exciting.

Rodney Joseph suggested incorporating the commemoration of the Treaty with Massasoit, which he does every year with educational tents at the waterfront.
TASK: Peter asked Rodney to give some thought as to how the grander vision involved in the commemoration of the Treaty can be incorporated into a wider celebration.

Tamson Burgess noted that we also need to incorporate art and music and performance groups in other to build enthusiasm. Peter noted that we must involve Steve Karidoyanes of the Phil, Andrew Kusmin of the Art Guild and William Richter of the Pilgrim Festival Chorus.
TASK: Peter will gather Steve Karidoyanes, Andrew Kusmin and William Richter together and discuss the art and cultural groups participation in 2020.

Gary Marks agreed to be in touch with the leader of the association of Congregational Churches to see if they would gather at Plymouth in 2020.

COMMITTEE GOALS FOR NEXT MEETING ON May 18
PREVIOUS TASK: Each committee member should consider what groups or agencies based in Plymouth but with larger constituencies should be invited to be involved.
NEW TASK: All committee members will review the Plymouth Public Space Action Plan before the next meeting.
NEW TASK: All Committee members will carefully read the Subcommittee Report and give it serious thought before the next meeting. The calendar should be decided by this summer (2009).
NEW TASK: All Committee members will review the 501 C3 paperwork and be prepared to take action at the next meeting.

PETER GOMES - INDIVIDUAL ACTION ITEMS
PREVIOUS TASK: Peter will contact suggested honorary members of the committee, John Talcott Junior and Brian Alosi.
PREVIOUS TASK: Peter will write a letter of thanks to Phil Budden, British Consul General.
PREVIOUS TASK: Peter Gomes will contact Darcy Lee regarding her offer of pro bono services in grant-writing.
PREVIOUS TASK: Peter will contact Ed Santos and Vinny DeMacedo regarding service on a Funding Subcommittee and (NEW TASK) will discuss the 2020 license plate bond ($100,000) with them.
NEW TASK: Peter will gather Steve Karidoyanes, Andrew Kusmin and William Richter together and discuss the art and cultural groups’ participation in 2020.

KATHY BABINI - INDIVIDUAL ACTION ITEM
PREVIOUS TASK: Kathy will confirm the year of the National Council of Social Studies meeting in Boston. 2014?

PEGGY BAKER – INDIVIDUAL ACTION ITEM
NEW TASK: Peggy Baker will visit the coin shop across the street from Pilgrim Hall and see if there is interest in leading an effort to get the US Mint to produce a commemorative 2020 coin.

PAUL CRIPPS - INDIVIDUAL ACTION ITEM
PREVIOUS TASK: Paul Cripps will be asked to provide a report on the inventory of hotel rooms now and those expected by 2020 so that the committee can begin to approach national groups, particularly those with chapters in Plymouth, about scheduling meetings and events in Plymouth in 2020/2021.

BETTY DeBENEDICTIS - INDIVIDUAL ACTION ITEM
NEW TASK: Betty DeBenedictis will investigate Post Office boxes with a “2020” flair.

VINNY DEMACEDO - INDIVIDUAL ACTION ITEMS
NEW TASK: Vinny deMacedo and Monica Mullin will work with David to set up a meeting with the Registry regarding the design of a 2020 license plate.
TASK: Peter Gomes will discuss the 2020 license plate bond ($100,000) with Ed Santos and Vinny deMacedo.

RODNEY JOSEPH – INDIVIDUAL ACTION ITEM
NEW 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 - INDIVIDUAL ACTION ITEM
NEW TASK: David Kirkpatrick will move ahead with design ideas for a 2020 license plate.

GARY MARKS - INDIVIDUAL ACTION ITEM
NEW TASK: Gary Marks will contact the Congregational Church association about gathering in Plymouth in 2020.

JOHN MCDONAGH - INDIVIDUAL ACTION ITEM
PREVIOUS TASK: John will carry through the idea of possibly participating in the Smithsonian Folklife Festival, held on the Mall in 2020, as part of the kick-off of the celebrations.

MONICA MULLIN – INDIVIDUAL ACTION ITEMS
NEW TASK: Monica Mullin will continue to speak to the governor’s staff and encourage the appointment of the state 2020 Commission
NEW TASK: Vinny deMacedo and Monica Mullin will work with David to set up a meeting with the Registry regarding the design of a 2020 license plate

PATRICK O’BRIEN - INDIVIDUAL ACTION ITEM
PREVIOUS TASK: Patrick O’Brien will speak to Congressman Delahunt’s office regarding the stamp and about an official mechanism for getting a flag from each state.

KEN TAVARES - INDIVIDUAL ACTION ITEM
NEW TASK: Ken Tavares will continue pursuing town funding.

NEXT MEETING
The next meeting of the committee will be 7:00 pm on Monday, May 18, in the Conference Room of Plymouth Rock Studios at 36 Cordage Park Circle (Building 3), Suite 305.

The meeting adjourned at 9:00 pm.
Peggy Baker, Clerk