Heritage Farm Commission seeks grant for display case, weighs student-built option and Master Garden Plan changes

The Bolton Heritage Farm Commission said Jan. 6 that it will pursue a grant to fund a display case for Digging for History artifacts and will revisit the farm’s Master Garden Plan.

Rhea Klein, a Commission member, said most of the grant application has been written, that Christine Pittsley reviewed it and that Sarah Sportman will help with the artifacts section; she expects the grant to be completed by Feb. 1. Rhea told the Commission the grant can provide up to $5,000 but requires a Town match; she estimated the total case cost at roughly $3,000–$4,000, which would require the Town to raise about $1,500–$2,000 as the match.

Arlene Fiano, the Commission chair, said the display case will be sited in the climate-controlled library and therefore does not need separate climate control. The Commission discussed whether Board of Education shop students might build the cabinet, and Commissioner Leslie Shea voiced concerns about craftsmanship and the need for a secure lock if students build the case. Arlene suggested contacting local cabinetmakers such as Country Carpenters or a fine furniture builder she knows as alternatives.

Arlene also proposed creating a simple model of the farm (barn, proposed walk, church and Town Hall) to accompany the Master Plan in the library case. She said June is currently booked for the library case and proposed a presentation at the library that would include a Q&A and a walk from the library to the farm; she told the Commission she would meet with Gwen and Jim to plan the event and invited Commissioners to help prepare model materials. Paula Lynn offered small wooden houses that could be used in the model.

Treasurer Cara Wraight reported account balances and fundraising updates that relate to the Commission’s plans: the Heritage Farm Fund balance was $10,375.98 and the Rosie Fund total was $6,861.37 (an 11-cent interest increase). Arlene said $6,500 from the Winter Faire will be deposited into the Rosie Fund, and she reported $695 in checks deposited between the Winter Faire and Festival of Trees; the Town received a $500 prize check for winning the Festival of Trees that was deposited into the Town account.

Next steps: Rhea and Arlene will finalize grant details and return with a display-case plan. The Commission will walk the farm to identify Master Garden Plan priorities and will plan a June library display and related public outreach tied to LOTCIP trail discussions.