Lakeville Agricultural Commission approves fall screening of documentary ‘Forgotten Farms’

The Lakeville Agricultural Commission voted to pursue a community screening of the independent film Forgotten Farms in the fall and agreed to explore venues and small donations or sponsorships to cover a $250 licensing fee.

The vote came after a commission member said Nancy Kitchen had contacted the film’s producer and that the producer “will help organize and promote a viewing” if the commission elected to host it. The proposer said she would place a donation bucket at the event and, if necessary, personally cover the cost.

Commission members discussed potential venues including the senior center and the library gallery, noted room capacities (about 100 with tables, up to roughly 150 without), and agreed to seek a larger screen than the portable device used at a prior event. One member suggested reaching out to local businesses for sponsorship. The motion to pursue the showing was made and seconded; members voted in favor with no recorded opposition.

At the same time, commissioners discussed other fall-event possibilities and the farmers market. They reiterated that the farmers market could not be held this year and considered cooperating with the town’s fall festival or organizing other educational programming instead.

The commission also briefly reviewed outstanding 4‑H approvals: a member said she had sent follow-up emails about approvals for Nancy Kitchen and Christina Gillum and that only one 4‑H applicant had been cleared so far. Members discussed contacting Valerie, who was described as “the one that’s in charge of the 4‑H Wells clubs in Plymouth County,” to resolve outstanding CORI and approval paperwork.

The commission said it will follow up on venue availability, seek modest funding or sponsorships, and revisit specific event planning at a future meeting.