Soldiers Memorial Commission Meeting February 10th, 2026

January 13 Minutes:

Pledge

Roll call

Nelson Serrao
Kevin Thomas
Ken Harstine
Lady Rua
Scott Meyer
Colleen Chesmore

Minutes accepted. Nelson and Thomas

Don Andrejczyk currently recuperating

Old business:

Spanish American War Memorial: Will accompany folks to see the old stones from the Armory.
250th Revolutionary War activities: Looking at talking about CPA funding. Once we have funding we can make plans.
Security System: No funds yet to upgrade and fix the system. Tabled
Front Door has been repaired. All doors are now functional.
Chandeliers: No change. One side is not functional. We need a new dimmer system. Tabled
Attic Cleaning: CERT items have been largely removed. Next we need to clean the cages.
T Shirts: Funding in place. Paper City will get the contract.
Bathroom Refitting: Lights and doors fixed. Tabled
Janitorial Contracting: $8000 has been payed to Janatize. DPW and Sherifs department are doing the outside.
Emergency Systems: Need to renew shelter requirements. Room identification. Ramps and handicap accessibility. Need maximum occupancy. Need new showers.

Budget: Fire department inspection bills. & Lizotte for glass replacement. Approved movement of unused building funds to pay these bills.

Grants: $52000 to upgrade the building from 2018 to upgrade the building for shelter purposes.

Approve requests for CPA funding.

Additional discussion on non agenda items.

Need to plan what we want to do this year. Banners for Heroes and Holiday events. Looking to have a parade for Memorial Day, May 25th. March from Veterans park from park to War Memorial. Need to connect with existing veterans organizations to organize participation in the parade. Someone from the Soldiers Memorial Commission should be on the Patriotic Commission for planning of future events.

Need commissioners to submit goals and desires for 2026 budget before the next meeting. Scott Meyer requests restarting the Holiday Market in early December.
Seniors come and walk in the Soldiers Memorial commission.

Negotiating plans for basement. Proposal to install an interior wall to provide better maintenance access to the outer walls and storage.

Wants to commemorate additional related events such as the War Memorial Opening.

Wants to do Open Doors Holyoke in October.

Wreaths for America participation. Wreaths placed in December.

Next Meeting February 10th 6pm.

Ken Harstine
413-250-8298