Kingston Selectmen Approve Event Dates and Discuss Historic House Tour Plans
- Meeting Overview:
The Kingston Board of Selectmen meeting was marked by significant planning for upcoming community events, including the confirmation of dates for a parade and a historic house tour. The board focused on addressing a financial shortfall, event logistics, and fostering community engagement through arts and historical initiatives.
00:04The meeting commenced with discussions on financial allocations to address a $2,510 shortfall. Members deliberated on the best use of remaining funds before the next fiscal year, with proposals including the purchase of additional merchandise or funding a book publisher. Ultimately, a motion passed to allocate $1,000 towards the book and $830 towards merchandise. The book, which is part of ongoing projects, is anticipated to be printed by mid-October at an estimated cost of $48,000.
08:16Adjustmentsttention was given to the scheduling of a parade, with the board proposing a tentative date of July 25th, 2026. Initial confusion over the year was clarified, and despite personal commitments from some members, the date was agreed upon unanimously. The board emphasized flexibility for future adjustments and highlighted the importance of preparing for the event in advance, noting it as a community gathering anticipated by many residents.
26:11Another topic was the planning of a historic house tour event, set to take place on June 30th. The tour will feature several notable properties, including a house on Walking Road with an entirely original interior and a house on Summer Street that recently changed its exterior color. Members expressed enthusiasm for increasing the number of homes on the tour from four to five, considering adding the old schoolhouse on Green Street due to its historical significance.
39:19The discussion revealed plans to integrate a scavenger hunt, where attendees can search for artifacts in each house, with a historian present to provide insights. The idea of having local vendors in a historic barn, offering refreshments and merchandise, was also considered. However, concerns were raised about managing multiple locations within the event’s timeframe, from 12 PM to 4 PM, especially with a concurrent cemetery tour led by John Bendetti.
31:54Pricing for the house tour was suggested at $30 per person, $50 per couple, and $20 for seniors. The board stressed the necessity of ensuring value for attendees. Safety of the homes was a priority, as homeowners expressed concerns about potential damage or theft during the tours.
35:15Recruitment of volunteers and organizational challenges were another focus, with limitations on email communications hindering outreach efforts. The board discussed fundraising opportunities through merchandise sales and engaging the community via social media, recalling a previous successful event. The potential for a scavenger hunt with prizes was debated.
24:59In parallel with event planning, the board touched on arts and historical initiatives. They explored possibilities for combined events at the First Parish campus, although no specific dates were confirmed. These initiatives are part of broader efforts to enhance cultural activities and foster local artist participation.
City Council Officials:
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Meeting Type:
City Council
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Committee:
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Meeting Date:
06/08/2025
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Recording Published:
06/23/2025
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Duration:
45 Minutes
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Notability Score:
Routine
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State:
Massachusetts
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County:
Plymouth County
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Towns:
Kingston
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