Historical Commission minutes for April 5, 2021
Present: Sonia Morrison, Thomas Ragusa, Celeste Watman, Gail Gelburd, Judi Mabee , Diane Provenz
Guests: Melva Eidelberg, Geoff Pigman, Lynne Geane
Called to order at 11:25 am
Meeting minutes March approved with correction
Knox Trail Video – Jessica would like to know if it best to film some now and wait for next winter to finish it when there is snow. Diane will discuss seasonal recording with Jessica . We have to set a time frame. Jessica will forward the outline to us and then we can discuss the script. Tom advised he has many people signed up for the Knox Trail hike and had to close it for Otis residents to allow more Sandisfield residents to attend. Jeff Donahue, a member of the MA Circuit Riders is going. It was noted that we were awarded $2500 from MA Cultural. Tom said he will have another hike in the future.
Knox Trail – Tom told us there is a new book out about the trail and he will email all of us with the name of the author and the book. Discussed bringing others into the mix for additional information on native Americans in the area that would have made use of the trail. Joy Brown and Peter Cameron are meeting with Tom to discuss it. Diane will follow up and Sonia will see if she can get research papers from Joy.
Notice Otis Series – We could set up some descendants of Native American in this area to speak or to interview.
Budget update – Our budget remains same as last year as with all other departments. Diane spoke to Brandy to suggest that our invoices get approved by the select-board before it goes to be paid. There should be more transparency from all departments detailing where their money is being spent.
OPT– Diane is reaching out to Berkshire Bank and Trustco to see if they would be willing to donate. Tom asked if he should ask for donations to OPT on the hike. Diane said she will bring envelopes for that. Anew donation came from Melva – shares of Apple stock worth approx $500.00– we thank you Melva. Gail advised that the Fitzpatricks with get back to her in April to submit application for grant for this term.
St. Paul’s – Lynne and Mark Amonte contacted Dave Wheeler but he is not going to be able to do the work on the steeple that we had hoped for. Diane suggested sending a letter to Brandy advising OPT will pay for the lift and hopefully the town would do the needed repairs. It is town property and OPT is working on more grants to help but it is imperative that some repairs need to be done now.
Otis Observer – Lauretta is conducting an interview with Charles Rosenblum and others regarding the meditation garden She is compiling a list of all we have accomplished. Can we distribute this at the town meeting? She is also writing an article about Warrants: why we need them and the towns support.
We need to make everyone aware that the $70,000 earmarked for a community center will open up another $50,000 for use. A vote to approve the article was passed. P
Junior Historical – Diane advised Dave Rice, a former history teacher, is interested in helping us. Judi will wait to hear from him to see what direction he has in mind.
New Business -We asked Cindy Ragusa if she would be interested in forming a photography class for the children. We have an updated Facebook page with weekly posts to raise contacts and Diane asked if we could see if Karen Amonte might create a drawing that we can display at the meeting showing the design for the meditation garden. We were also advised that the bank sent an letter saying they would not stand in the way of the Sienna transfer of land behind the church. The town will value it at $3200.00. Some possible ideas for more visibility might be a section of the Otis Observer showing an old photograph of local area or persons and request from readers to send any information they may have about it. Maybe a prize? Lynn suggested the first photo the we could use might be of Sue Moody White – the subject of Gail’s current work. Diane is going to speak to Jessica about a possible play based on the book when it is completed. Sonia suggested a book about Cliff Clark. Tom had information about Norm Tincomb – long time resident who is moving back to town from AZ. At one time he ran a recording studio out of the Knox Trail Inn. Melva requested we forward info on Native tribes around the Jacob Pillow area. Diane advised she sent it.
Next meeting May 4. 2021 at 10am
Meeting adjourned 12:56 pm