The Kingston Historical Commission is calling for the relocation of a new electronic notification sign at Town Hall, with members describing the blinking display as a disrespectful intrusion on the town’s Veterans Memorial. Member Thomas Vendetti led the criticism during the Commission’s Wednesday night meeting, arguing that the modern signage destroys the atmosphere of a site intended for quiet reflection. It is a horrid place for it, Vendetti said. It's a place for contemplative thought. If you asked the veterans in the old pictures if they liked a blinking light there, they'd say the sign should be moved.

The aesthetic clash drew sharp rebukes from other members who compared the flashing lights to a casino environment. Member Linda Ragosta recounted her reaction to seeing the sign for the first time while arriving at the meeting. I saw it on the way in and thought, 'What the bloody hell is that?' Welcome to Reno, Massachusetts, Ragosta remarked. Chair Craig Dalton noted that while the blinking might be tied to town emergency notification protocols, the Commission would investigate moving the sign further down the hill to restore the memorial’s dignity.

Beyond the signage controversy, the Commission is facing a potential showdown with contractors over the stalled restoration of the historic Powder House. Dalton reported that the town’s facilities manager is reaching a breaking point regarding delays by contractor Michael Barry. Despite some materials being delivered, the structure still requires significant work on the eaves, roof, and front door. Dalton indicated that the town might pull the plug and seek a new firm if progress is not visible by late spring. He's really up to here with Michael Barry as far as getting back to him on the work being done, Dalton said of the facilities manager.

In a more positive financial update, the Community Preservation Committee (CPC) has cleared a major hurdle for the town’s gravestone restoration project. The Commission’s funding request passed the CPC without opposition and will now head to the May 2 Town Meeting for final approval. Vendetti noted that the committee was impressed by the quality of the application, which is part of a multi-year effort to preserve the Old Burying Ground. Dalton has already documented 75 headstones for the upcoming restoration contract but warned that the cleaning process must be handled delicately to avoid mold hazards. Don't touch them dry because of the black mold, Dalton cautioned, explaining that a specialized biological spray is required to safely clean the fragile markers.

The Commission is also looking toward the town’s 300th Anniversary celebrations, though budget realities are beginning to shape the festivities. Dalton reported that the high cost of professional marching bands—averaging $2,000 to $3,000 each—will likely limit the musical lineup for the July 25 parade. The anniversary year will also include an art show on May 9, a formal proclamation on June 27, and fireworks at Paul Street Fields in September. To commemorate the milestone, Dalton proposed a new Revolutionary War memorial on the Town Green. To avoid the high costs of stone engraving, which reached $70,000 for a similar project in Marshfield, Member John Bartlett suggested a tech-forward approach. You could use a QR code or a kiosk that holds a pamphlet with their locations and names in the cemetery, Bartlett proposed.

As the town prepares for these large-scale events, local history is also reaching residents on a smaller scale. Vendetti announced a new outreach initiative at the Wingate healthcare facility, where he will bring tactile artifacts like an antique sword and a model meeting house to engage residents with dementia. On the retail front, the committee’s Kingston history book has proven to be a local bestseller. Only 40 copies remain of the original 1,000-book print run, with the revenue successfully covering the project’s outstanding bills. Everything looks great, Vendetti said of the book’s conclusion, noting that copies are being reserved for town officials who have yet to receive one.