May Day Wine & Champagne Tasting to Benefit Killingworth Library

Many of the programs at the Killingworth Library are on the chopping block as town funding has remained flat, expenses have increased, and encumbered funds that had been relied on for these programs have been depleted.

Hence, several months ago the Killingworth Library reached out to the Killingworth Women's Organization (KWO) to explore collaborative efforts to raise funds needed to save these popular programs. What has transpired since is a team effort between the KWO and the Killingworth Lions Club to create a Wine & Champagne Tasting Event. The elegant affair, which will include the newest wines and a wide array of delicious hors d'oeuvres, will be held on Saturday, May 1 from 5 to

10 p.m. at the Killingworth Library.

The library programs due to be cut as of June include the summer reading program for pre-readers through 5th grade, the popular children's music program "Music with Margie," Traveling Tales (a reach-out-and-read program with local day cares and schools), Terrific Twos, Signing with Jaye, and the free museum passes to local attractions such as Mystic Seaport, Mashantucket Pequot Museum, and the Peabody Museum.

"It would be a shame to lose any of these programs. During the last fiscal year, 5,525 children between the ages of 6 months to 11 years participated in library programs. Also during this time, the museum passes circulated 212 times (and the library has just acquired the pass to the Florence Griswold Museum, thanks to an anonymous donor)," said Head Librarian Tammy Eustis.

"In these economic times, more people are looking for free services and opportunities to unwind. The museum passes offer families a chance to enjoy time together for little or no cost. The children's programs are both entertaining and educational, constantly promoting literacy and learning with plenty of creative fun thrown in for good measure. I have watched Killingworth children literally grow up in the library as they attended our programs," Eustis added.

According to Killingworth Library Board of Directors President Alison Karam, "For years we relied on a $5,000 grant from American Savings Foundation (even though the bank is gone, the foundation still existed) to fund six popular children's programs and the community museum passes program. That grant went away and the funds we earmarked to sustain those programs will nearly be depleted by the end of our fiscal year" in June 2010.

In short, there's a lot at stake for this fundraiser.

"What's been great about this particular event is this is the first time the KWO is working with the Lions directly. We've both been doing events in town for a long time, but this is the first one that is a combined event," explained KWO Public Relations Chair Joan Reed Wilson. "Between the experience they have with putting together different events in town and the experience we have, there will be the best of both at this event."

The goal is to raise $6,000.

"It's all based on what the library needs," Wilson said. "It's a lofty goal for us, which is part of the reason we joined up with the Lions."

The community-wide fundraiser will be held inside the library and outside in the garden. The Country Package Store will serve as the wine distributor and the food will be prepared by members of the KWO, members of the Lions, and members of the Library Board. The organizers promise "a lot of different types of appetizers."

"All three of those forces coming together is going to make it a great event," Wilson noted.

KWO member and interior designer Rachel Schemmerling will give the library a makeover inside and out.

"Because we're having members make the food and decorate and we even have one member who donated 200 glass plates for the occasion, most if not all of the proceeds will go directly to the library," Wilson said.

The KWO is purchasing wine glasses that can be used at future events.

"We're not taking this off of the proceeds, either," said Wilson.

The tasting will include not only wine, but champagne as well, "which gives it that elegant touch," according to Wilson.

"We're benefiting the town and the community," said Lions Director Nathaniel Titcomb. "For any library, money doesn't grow on trees. Think of all the different programs they have, let alone maintaining the property. We figured it was a good cause."

Tickets for the May Day Wine & Champagne Tasting are $35 per person in advance and $45 per person at the door and are available at the library or through the KWO website, www.killingworthwomensorg.org.