Parmelee Farm Committee Approves Private Event Bookings For Killingworth, Haddam Residents

KILLINGWORTH, CT — The Parmelee Farm Committee voted 5-1 on Aug. 6 to allow bookings for private, non-wedding events associated with Killingworth and Haddam residents, following a lengthy discussion about future events at the farm.

Peg Scofield made the motion, which Tim Gannon seconded. Scofield, Gannon, Eileen Blewett, Ken and Linda Dudek voted in favor, while Chairman Richard Pleines opposed the proposal, according to the minutes.

The committee also discussed crowd and parking concerns stemming from a Motown concert held at the farm in July. Members said the event drew a large crowd and suggested that a larger venue might be more appropriate for it in the future. No formal vote was recorded.

Another recent event, a Coast Guard concert, was described as well attended. Committee members said additional volunteers would be helpful and planned to contact Greg Wind for suggestions about helping the event run smoothly.

Artisan Market Preparations Underway

Dudek reported that the upcoming Artisan Market will include many new vendors and additional types of merchandise.

A Regional School District 17 bus will again provide transportation between HKIMS and Parmelee Farm for the event. The committee also said volunteers are needed.

Committee members discussed several maintenance issues around the farm. The kiosk needs minor repairs and cleaning, and Scouts who originally built it have been contacted to refurbish the structure.

Blewett reported cleaning mildew from the bathrooms following humid weather and said she would purchase a moisture-absorbing product. Dudek planned another cleaning before the Artisan Market.

Members also discussed maintenance at the schoolhouse. The painted trim on the east end is peeling, and evidence of mice was found inside. The building will require a thorough cleaning before second graders visit for an educational day Oct. 15.

The committee said pest-control efforts have kept most mouse problems in other farm buildings under control and that it would investigate additional options for the schoolhouse.

The committee accepted its July meeting minutes as presented and briefly reviewed financial reports.

Pleines called the meeting to order at 7 p.m. in the Pond Room at Parmelee Farm. Pleines, Blewett, Gannon, Scofield and Dudek were listed as present. The meeting adjourned at 8:50 p.m.