KENT—A Revolutionary spirit was loosed in Town Hall last week as the America 250 Committee held its inaugural meeting, ready to start planning for the town’s semiquincentennial celebration of the nation’s founding.
First Selectman Marty Lindenmayer said the group, which currently consists of 13 representatives from local government, the business and educational communities, civic organizations and the public at large, will be an oversight committee that will work with other organizations over the next two-and-a-half years.
Current members are Andrew Rowand, Darlene Brady, Marge Smith, Marty Lindenmayer, Matt Busse, Meadow Moerschell, Melissa Cherniske, Michelle Mott, Phil Fox, Samantha Hasenflue, Sarah A. Chase, Sarah Marshall and Steve Klots.
Other members may be added in the future. Lindemayer noted that the charge for the committee requires it to ensure that “any observance of the semiquincentennial of the American Revolution is inclusive and appropriately recognizes the experiences and points of view of all people affected by the events surrounding the American Revolution.”
To that end, he has reached out to the Schaghticokes seeking a representative on the committee but has yet to receive a response.
Park and Recreation Director Matt Busse was elected as chairman, with Chamber of Commerce Vice President Ellen Corsell named as vice president. Historian Marge Smith is secretary.
Lindenmayer said the group should provide the selectmen with an action plan in September that can then be refined. Busse asked all the members to come to the next meeting with ideas of what they would like to see and to focus on a timeframe. “What kind of a theme are we looking for?” he asked. “How do we engage the community, businesses? Then we can start ironing out the exact charges.”
Memories were called up of the celebration of the 1976 Bicentennial when Kent held a parade, a Revolutionary War encampment, had a birthday cake for the nation, and had a large copy of the Constitution that everyone was invited to sign. A gala was held with attendees coming in 18th-century attire.
The possibility of doing something with traditional foods and an Antiques Roadshow-style event were discussed. A historic house tour was suggested but Smith said that, while popular, house tours are hard to coordinate.
The committee will next meet Tuesday, Aug. 27, at 7 p.m. in the Town Hall, 41 Kent Green Blvd.
