Harvest Event

Benefits Scholarship Association

By Kendra Bobowick

Dressed up in rusty oranges and golds, the decorated barn and grounds at Sticks and Stones Farm on Huntington Road filled with guests, many with wine glasses in hand, on Saturday, October 15.

During the evening’s Harvest Wine Party, an annual event presented by and a fundraiser for  to benefit the Newtown High School Scholarship Association, Inc, guests sampled cabernets, chardonnays, and other bottles provided by Sandy Hook Wine & Liquor of Sandy Hook. Two young women, sisters Amanda and Nicole Krause, both had been scholarship association recipients in high school and agreed that the funds were “a big help” as they began their college careers. Both recent college graduates, the sisters said they had seen one of the many signs around town announcing the event and decided to attend.

Mike Agius of My Place Restaurant worked at a table with restaurant owner Mark Tambascio, serving samples of both beer and wine to guests stopping by, including Maura Juan, who smiled as she held out her glass for a taste. Nearby were friends Deb Palladino and Lori Fitzsimons who both enjoyed the early fall evening in a rustic barn of antiques and a spread of farm-grown produce fresh cut from the Sticks and Stones fields.

Clustered under wooden beams filled with dried herbs and farming gear were Gavin and Susan Preis, who grabbed a chance to talk with friends Eileen Preston, Lisa Shambelan, and George and Leslie Trudell. The group attended for fun and to support the scholarship fund.

A member of the scholarship board, Ms Trudell hoped to make students aware that information about obtaining scholarships is available at www.NewtownScholarship.org. “Students can go there and find ways to apply,” she said.

Speaking with guests was board member James T. Morley, Jr, who noted that the evening was going “very well,” with the gentle string sounds of folk music coming from musicians including Dick Neal, Rick Brodsky, and Frank Infurchia.

Listening to the bass, guitar, and banjp sounds were Trish and Justin Wootton and Sue and Brian Monschein.

The band’s sounds trickled into the barn where liquor distributor representative Sam Bacco, Carlotta Garthwait, Beth Ann Walsh, and Martin Scott helped guests choose a wine they liked.