PHOTOS: Lexington's 300th Volunteers 'Meet, Greet and Dance'

The following write-up was provided on behalf of the Lexington 300th Anniversary Celebration Committee.

More than 120 enthusiastic volunteers stepped into the dances at on Sunday, April 29 for a 300th Anniversary appreciation event called, "Meet, Greet & Dance!"

As part of the festivities, everyone gathered to sing "Happy Birthday" to Lexington in honor of the town's 299th Anniversary of Incorporation. The town turned 299 on March 31, and volunteers enjoyed a slice of cake alongside their 18th Century and international community dances. The band was lead by Eric Eid-Reiner and his Family Band. Dances were called by Lexington natives Andy Taylor-Blenis and Matt Burke.

Volunteers from the town's official 300th Anniversary Celebration Committee were joined on the floor by students from Lexington elementary and middle schools -- and everyone in between. With so many different events in the works, it was a nice opportunity for people to meet team-members they had only known only through email messages.

Cheryl Meadow, the 300th Webmistress, enjoyed watching dancers, and praised the tone of the event. Emily Ye, a member of the Opening Ceremony Team and the Publicity Team, was glad to try out new dance steps. Many of the dances didn't require partners, but those requiring partners were orchestrated by Taylor-Blenis so people had the chance to meet new people.

Sue Rockwell, 300th Chair, formally welcomed everyone and hoped volunteers would take the evening "off" to enjoy the moment of appreciation.  However, several Events Chairs reported that they were able to recruit more help for their events during the informal evening.

Judy Zola, who had informally signed on for Opening Day Events, took the time to learn more about the three different options taking place on Sept. 22, and decided where she would commit her energies.

Tanya Morrisett, Events Co-Chair, thanked everyone for pitching in, "Van Seasholes is signing people in at the welcome table, Margaret Counts-Klebe brought cake, Donna Hooper ordered pizza, Jane Hundley's family picked up the first shift of pizza and Betty Gau's family picked up the second round, Fay Backert's checking on the band, and together, we're feeling like a team that is ready to host the town's 9-month celebration."

Jessie Steigerwald, Events Co-Chair, continued, "Kamala Soparkar, Kathleen Lenihan, Melanie Lin and Geetha Padaki are all getting a good sense of how the community dances might feel, and we're glad that so many people are willing to jump in to help. Sanjay Padaki volunteered on-the-spot to serve as tonight's official photographer, his son Roshan offered to help at the origami table, and we're glad for all of the help!"

People who want to get involved should plan to attend the 300th Committee's Community Meeting on May 10, beginning at 7 p.m. at . Meet in the lower level in the Estabrook Room where you can learn about all of the Events and find a way to get involved!

Visit www.lexington300.org for more information, or to sign up.