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Becket Historical Commission Meeting – February 27, 2013
Present: Rob Gordon, Rita Furlong, Aaron Beatty and Gail Kusek (guest)
Meeting was called to order at 7:05 pm. Minutes from the 1/23/13 meeting were read. Rita moved to accept the minutes as read, Rob seconded and the minutes passed unanimously.
Gail introduced herself and expressed an interest in joining the Historical Commission.
TREASURER’S REPORT
- We spent $41.95 on new fabric backings for the postcard displays in the Becket Room.
- We spent $99.00 on new mylar postcard protectors and other archival materials.
COMMUNICATIONS
- Lauren Gaherty (Berkshire Regional Planning) – sent us word that scenic byways grants are available, the funds for which could provide Jacob’s ladder trail interpretive signs along rte. 20.
- A discussion ensued about other possible uses for grant funds. Suggestions included: restoration/replacement of Wagon Accident monument or a Historic District directional sign at the intersection with rte. 8 & 20
- Rita will present these alternatives to Lauren and get back to us.
- Rob called Patricia Mullens to see what’s happening with the Westfield Wild & Scenic sign that was to be placed in Bidwell Park. We may move ahead and make a sign on our own if the collaborative sign does not happen.
- It was brought to our attention that the Becket Arts Center may be doing some renovations around their stage. We are waiting to hear more details.
CIVIL WAR MONUMENT
- Rita will approach Granite folks about price (original quote we received was lower than latest quote)
- We are still looking into names of Becket folks who served in the Revolutionary War. Rita spoke to Skip who will look further into this. Gail mentioned that she has a book from the DAR that may have this information as well.
ATHENAEUM RENOVATIONS
- Aaron provided a report to the commission on the status of renovations to the interior of the Becket Athenaeum. There have been a few meetings with Barry Architects, but no drawings yet. As soon as drawing are available, Aaron will present them to the commission.
NEW BUSINESS
- Becket Map at library blowing out – Aaron & Rob will repair as soon as they are able.
- Rita painted 3 walls, organized, cleaned - things look great! Many cabinets have been reorganized
- Rita has redone the postcard collections in Becket Room
- Rita purchased some cabinets & chairs & glass to repair frame for $236. Aaron made a motion to reimburse Rita for the $236, Rob seconded and the motion passed unanimously.
- We now have a Dell Photo 926 printer/scanner/copier which we will use as a copier for now. We need to find a power cord (Gail will look for).
- We discussed the Historical Commission getting a computer and scanner. No action to be taken at this time – if we need to scan documents, we can use the Athenaeum’s.
- Our collection of Annual Town Reports have been audited – we have a complete copy (sans 1973 – no one in state has one) – and 3 extras.
- We talked of digitizing our collection of micro film. It would cost $90 for each roll. We may use CPA funds in the future, or put something on the Town Warrant in the future.
Meeting adjourned 8:02pm (Rita moved, Aaron seconded)
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