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Town meeting approves school mural project

SHARON — At a special town meeting held on Thursday, March 16, voters discussed and approved three items. About 17 residents were in attendance.

Residents voted to approve support of the Sharon Center School mural project that is part of an arts enhancement program. Discussion focused on the planned use of $15,000 from the town’s Silly Putty account in support of the arts mural project. The Silly Putty Fund, created in 2021, is used for cultural, historical, recreational or educational purposes.

Stipulations on the use of the funds included formation of a project committee in advance of the release of the funds. The Board of Selectmen will also need to receive a written explanation of the mural project’s scope and vision. A further stipulation holds that if grants are applied for and received in support of the project, that the Board of Finance and the Board of Selectmen be notified.

The expense from the Silly Putty Fund had previously been approved by the Board of Finance.

During discussion that was largely favorable toward the project, residents discussed the availability of state and federal creative arts grant programs and they urged that children be included in the creative process for the outdoor mural. Others asked about maintenance of the mural once its installed.

Voters also approved expansion of the Sharon Energy and Environment Commission from its present size of seven members to a new total membership of nine.

In a third action, voters accepted the town’s financial statements for the year that ended on June 30, 2022. Copies of the new town report are available at the Town Hall.

Leila Hawken

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