The Friends of the Easton Library welcomed the start of summer with a Wine and Cheese fundraiser at Sport Hill Farm on June 23. Eastonites Liz Drew of Drewlizcious, Janelle Krizek of Trellis & Vine, and Kelly Skarupa, a leader in the Friends’ fundraising efforts, were delighted to organize this event because of their passions for wine, food, flowers and event planning. The use of the picturesque location was generously donated by Patti Popp, owner of the farm.
Over 40 people joined the event: a wonderful mix of “old timers” and brand-new newcomers to Easton. The group raised nearly $1,000 for the Friends of the Library and, by extension, for the Library itself. The night felt magical and one not to be forgotten by all who were there. Happily, there are already talks of repeat gatherings in the future.
Liz guided a four-pour wine tasting that included a curated grazing board. She spoke about basic pairing principles on how to create “perfect bites” to enhance sips. Janelle provided stunning and unique décor that included flower arrangements flowing out of book pages.
Library Director Lynn Zaffino signs in donors for the event. — Beth Cliff Photo 
The three organizers: Janelle Krizek, Liz Drew and Kelly Skarupa created a special event for the Friends group. — Beth Cliff Photo 
Appropriately, arrangements featured wildflowers and books at each table. — Beth Cliff Photo 
Kelly Skarupa and Liz Drew welcome the group. — Beth Cliff Photo 
Four rounds of pairing food and wines made for a full evening. — Beth Cliff Photo 
Friends mingle before the festivities begin. — Beth Cliff Photo 
More guests mingling amid the farm life at Sport Hill Farm. — Beth Cliff Photo 
The evening hour gave everything a special glow. — Beth Cliff Photo 
New Friends included long-timers of over 30 years in town to one couple who had just closed on their new Easton home that day. — Beth Cliff Photo 
Folks learned about the wines while also meeting new friends in town. — Beth Cliff Photo
As Lynn Zaffino, the library director, shared: “The Wine & Cheese Tasting was a wonderful event. Everything was perfect — the weather, the decor, the venue, and the special women who put it all together! I am so grateful to Kelly, Janelle, and Liz for their hard work, and to Patti Popp for donating her beautiful space.”
Added Beth Cliff, the president of the newly rejuvenated Friends group: “It is so wonderful that we can host events that bring people together in our town that build bridges across the regular affiliations of school, sports, politics, religion or demographics. Our common bond is fun, community, and supporting a great resource that all of us in Easton enjoy — the Library!”
The Friends of the Easton Public Library is a non-profit dedicated to supporting the library and bringing people together in the Easton community, as volunteers and as townpeople. They can be followed on Facebook and Instagram, and contacted directly at friends@eastonlibrary.org. Their next large event will be a Used Book Fair on Oct. 2. Stay tuned for details on how to donate used (and in good condition!) treasures.
Membership in the Friends is currently at four tiers: from Buddy ($20/yr) to BFF ($90+/yr). Donations can be made by going to the website: eastonlibraryfriends.org. Signing up to volunteer to help organize fundraising events can be done on the website, too.
