Meetings Ahead
Most meetings in Truro are remote. Go to truro-ma.gov and click on the meeting you want to watch. The agenda includes instructions on how to join.
Thursday, Feb. 2
- School Committee, 4 p.m., Truro Central School
Monday, Feb. 6
- Local Comprehensive Plan Committee, 3 p.m.
- Conservation Commission, 5 p.m.
Tuesday, Feb. 7
- Board of Health, 4:30 p.m.
Wednesday, Feb. 8
- Council on Aging, 9 a.m.
- Planning Board, 5 p.m.
Thursday, Feb. 9
- Economic Development Committee, 9:30 a.m.
- Commission on Disabilities, 4 p.m., Public Library
Conversation Starter
Dedicating the Annual Town Report
At its meeting on Jan. 24, the select board approved a design to include historical maps of Truro for the cover and back of the 2022 Annual Town Report, which is compiled as a historical record of the town’s activities each year. But the more existential question of the report’s dedication, which went to the town’s civic volunteers in 2021 and to first responders in 2020, remained undecided.
After soliciting ideas through the town website, social media, and the Truro Talks newsletter, the board considered and ultimately rejected two community suggestions: Fred Todd and Susan Howe, both beloved Truro residents who died last year. As reported by the Independent, Todd, who presided over the Payomet Performing Arts Center board, died of pancreatic cancer on April 16. Howe, the president of the Truro Historical Society, was killed on Sept. 30 by her son, Adam Howe, who suffered from bipolar disorder and psychosis and took his own life inside the Ash Street Jail in New Bedford the day after his arrest.
During the meeting, the board viewed a full list of retirements and deaths in Truro in 2022. Chair Kristen Reed held a moment of silence over Zoom as members looked at the names.
After viewing the list, Reed said, “All those lives are precious, and they’re all being missed, and we all extend our sympathy, and so I’m uncomfortable personally with elevating two names from that list in a recognition.” She also noted that the Annual Town Report already includes In Memoriam and In Recognition pages each year. Member Stephanie Rein echoed Reed’s sentiments.
The board has previously discussed Truro youth as a possible dedication, tied to the expansion of the Truro Childcare Voucher Program. The item will be on the agenda again at the next select board meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 14. —Amelia Roth-Dishy
