Wine, music and the opportunity to purchase wine from Niagara and Ontario Wine Trail vineyards and shop for unique items from local farmers and entrepreneurs encourages Holley residents and surrounding community members to “Raise a Glass for Reading” during the annual Wine Tasting and Farmers Market at the Community Free Library in Holley held on Friday, April 25 from 7 to 9 p.m. Tickets are available for purchase in the Community Free Library in Holley for $15 each.
This sell-out annual event, traditionally held on the last Friday in April, provides funding for the library’s summer reading program. Because of the success of previous wine tastings, the Library has been able to double the number of programs offered to children, going from six programs throughout the summer to twelve, and providing each child who attends five or more programs with a free book to keep. This year’s theme, “Fizz, Boom, Read,” will integrate science themes with reading.
Current research points out that increased summer reading reduces summer learning loss. According to Bernard A. Margolis, Assistant Commissioner for Libraries and New York’s State Librarian, “…public libraries, through their summer reading programs, put books in the hands of children. This is the best antidote for the ‘summer slide’ in children’s reading achievement. Access to books and library programs over the summer results in more reading which, in turn, results in improved reading skills.” Called the best value in town, summer reading programs are free to children and parents.
The 2014 event welcomes a new winery, the Victorianbourg Wine Estate in Wilson, NY, as well as returning vineyards Leonard Oakes Estate Winery (Medina), Mayer’s Lake Ontario Winery (Hilton), and Schulze Vineyard and Winery (Burt). Each will be bringing a variety of wines for sampling and purchase.
As a Farmers Market, the event showcases local farmers. This year, Lora Partyka from Partyka Farms (Kendall) will be bringing a taste of spring with annuals and perennials, bedding and potted plants, gifts for Mother’s Day, as well as information on their Mother’s Day Quilt Show.
Theresa Herzog, owner of Stoney Meadows Alpacas will bring information on her alpacas bred for sale as well as alpaca products she produces – items you just don’t find at the mall. And if you are interested in spinning your own alpaca yarn, Herzog also sells roving and spinning wheels as well as offer yarn spinning classes.
The event also provides a showcase for local entrepreneurs. Dennis Mehan (Holley) does Swedish weaving, and will bring items for sale as well as a portfolio of work he does upon request, while Hanna Ey, owner/operator of Thainna’s Gift Shop will bring soy candles, etched glass, bath and body products, and jewelry she produces.
While sampling the wines and talking to the vendors (and buying wine, plants and gifts), guests will be able to listen to jazz, classical and folk music, and Broadway show tunes by Sound Foundations, featuring Wendy and Sean Williams and their sons, Brannon, Charlie, and Owen.
The event promotes local businesses and the Niagara and Ontario Wine Trails, and highlights community support for children’s reading. For questions, contact Sandra Shaw, Library Director, at 585-638-6987.
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