Nelsonville planners weigh movie, equipment and venues for America 250 celebration

Nelsonville planning and development members spent part of their June 15 meeting finalizing logistics for a community America 250 celebration, focusing on a delayed state-supplied activity kit, selecting a family-friendly movie and confirming equipment and backup venues.

"The America 250 celebration has been announced to everyone via Facebook," Charlotte said, adding, "It is a bring a blanket and your own snacks and picnic goods." Charlotte told the group that the state kit—intended to supply a small kite craft and other simple activities—was expected to ship at the beginning of June but had not arrived as of June 15.

Chair Amy Hollenbaugh asked for an update and the group discussed how to proceed without the kit. Charlotte said the kit is small and that the planned activities are intended to be low-impact and family friendly: "It's just the free little kite craft and the little color on the fan kind of thing." She emphasized that, despite earlier mentions of "games," she did not have organized games planned.

Planners confirmed the library’s projector and screen as their primary playback equipment; Charlotte said she had picked up the projector and would test it. The group discussed criteria for the movie, stressing it must be "age appropriate, family friendly, [and] non-controversial." Suggestions offered included 1776, Hidden Figures, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, National Treasure and Night at the Museum.

Members debated whether to poll the public on the movie choice or make a staff decision; Charlotte noted time pressure, saying they were in the "last 15 to 20 days of needing to procure the movie to show the movie." The group agreed to prioritize efficiency and to plan a dress rehearsal to verify equipment and sight lines before the event.

On weather and venue contingency, Charlotte volunteered to contact Stewarts about hosting if rain forced a move indoors and noted the JFS building normally does not open outside business hours. The planners discussed alternate community buildings while indicating the library setup is their first choice.

Next steps identified at the meeting included confirming the movie selection, completing a technical dress rehearsal, following up on the missing state kit delivery to 211 Lake Ave (city hall), and reaching out to potential backup venues if needed. No formal motions or votes were recorded during the discussion.