Cultural Council — October 21, 2026

The Fairhaven Cultural Council met on October 21, 2026, to conduct regular business, review grant cycle procedures, and establish upcoming meeting schedules. Chair Beth Ann Gallagher reported on successful three-year member reappointments by the Select Board and discussed municipal policy regarding the disposal of town property. Treasurer Jennifer Frazier provided a financial update, noting the council's Mass Cultural Council report was submitted on September 22, 2026. She reviewed outstanding grantees, highlighting that Aaron Dore's Old Time Radio Play was scheduled for November 14, 2026, and that the Fairhaven Historical Society voted to return a $600 grant after being unable to secure a speaker, funds which will be returned to the grant account.

The council spent significant time preparing for the fiscal year 2027 grant review process, noting that applications had closed with 42 submissions totaling 299 pages in the panel book. Members reviewed conflict of interest rules, agreeing to file disclosure forms regarding former member Donna Criscione, while individual members declared recusals for specific applications, including Jen Paulino recusing from Fairhaven High School drama club and Beth Ann Gallagher recusing from applications involving Millicent Library and Backyard Band Jams. The council also discussed grant evaluation guidelines, reaffirming the $1,000 funding cap and opting to enter voting decisions directly into the SmartSimple portal during the voting session.

In other business, the council discussed the proposed fundraising gala previously considered for January. Due to deposit limitations preventing a booking at Century House, as well as liquor licensing, municipal hall booking, and police detail requirements, the council decided to table gala plans until December and explore a smaller, springtime or daytime event. Finally, the council unanimously voted to schedule its grant voting meeting for November 18, 2026, and its regular December meeting for December 16, 2026, before adjourning at 7:42 PM.

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