Bolton Heritage Farm advances potable water project, sets plans for October Living History weekend

Chairman Arlene Fiano called the Bolton Heritage Farm Commission to order at 5:37 P.M. on Aug. 7, 2023, and led a meeting focused on farm maintenance, infrastructure work and event planning for the fall and winter season.

The commission received an update on the potable water project from building and grounds supervisor John Butrymovich, who said the town has completed mowing the fields and that a water filter has been installed as part of the project. Butrymovich told the commission that the Town still needs to sign off on documents from the State of Connecticut and that the group is hoping the work will be complete by October in time for Living History Weekend.

The commission also finalized operational plans for Living History Weekend, scheduled for Oct. 7–8. First Selectman Pam Sawyer asked Chairman Fiano to set up biweekly Zoom check-in meetings among Le Regiment Bourbonnais, event publicity lead Kevin Drake, town administration and commission representatives; those meetings will begin Monday, Aug. 14 at 8:30 a.m. Kevin Drake will lead publicity. The planning discussions will cover parking and shuttle logistics and soliciting student volunteers from Bolton High School. Rhea Klein volunteered to create a volunteer schedule for both days. Bonnie Massey reported the Women’s Auxiliary Group will run a continental breakfast on Saturday from 7:00–9:00 a.m. under a tent.

Members debriefed the recent Digging into History program and said feedback has been positive, noting that students successfully found artifacts on the farm. The commission reviewed correspondence from resident Gwen Marion about buttons recovered at the event; Chairman Fiano said the commission plans to purchase a climate-controlled display case using grant funds and will respond to Marion.

The commission confirmed participation in the town’s Sleighbells Ring/Winter Faire (the Saturday before Thanksgiving) and agreed to start tree-decoration workshops after Living History Weekend. The Festival of Trees is also returning; commissioners discussed possible tree themes and accepted an offer from Kevin Drake to provide access to a Cricut machine for paper decorations.

On routine business, Paula Lynn was seated for Vice Chairman Beth Harney for the election. Arlene Fiano offered to continue as chairman and Beth Harney had offered to continue as Vice Chairman and Treasurer; the commission recorded consensus in favor. Rhea Klein moved to accept the minutes of the July 10, 2023 meeting without corrections; Paula Lynn seconded. Cara Wraight moved to adjourn the meeting; Rhea Klein seconded, and the meeting was adjourned at 6:28 P.M.

Votes at a glance: the commission recorded unanimous consent to continue current officers’ service (Arlene Fiano as chair; Beth Harney to continue as vice chair/treasurer), approved the July 10 minutes as moved by Rhea Klein and seconded by Paula Lynn, and approved a motion to adjourn moved by Cara Wraight and seconded by Rhea Klein.