Experience a ‘Taste of the Seaway’ August 25th

MORRISBURG – Wine, beer, and food, the perfect way to wind down the summer season. That is the hope for the Anglican Parish of South Dundas which is hosting their first ever ‘Taste of the Seaway’ fundraiser at the Stone Crop Acres Winery August 25th.nnThe event brings together local businesses and artisans for an afternoon of wine, beer and food sampling, coupled with local musical talent. There will also be a silent auction.nn“We had looked at the traditional fundraising events,” said the Reverend Jon Martin. “While we’ve been fortunate to have a lot of support in running these, the community response has decreased.”nnHe said that this new fundraising event is a way to harness the best in the community. “But doing it in a way that might attract folks that might not otherwise attend.”nnThe event will run from 2-5 p.m. at the Winery.nnIn addition to wine from Stone Crop Acres, Ingleside brewery Humble Beginnings will be on site for beer samplings. Sheep’s Head Bistro in Cornwall is providing some of the food for the event as well.nn“This is the first time we’ve tried organizing this type of afternoon event,” said Melanie Martin, who is spearheading the fundraiser. “The amount of support we’ve already received has been outstanding.”nnDonations to the event so far include from Stone Crop Acres Winery, Humble Beginnings Brewery, Sheep’s Head Bistro, Upper Canada Playhouse, Russell Manor B&B, the Morrisburg Golf Course and Strong Cat Yoga.nn“We are proud of our local community and all of the different businesses and artisans here,” said Jon.nnFunds raised at Taste of the Seaway will help support ongoing community outreach initiatives by the parish. Some of the outreach includes: Family Game Nights; Movies in the Church Yard – where families can watch movies on a big screen set up in the yard; Martha’s Kitchen – started by Jon’s mom Pat back in the 1990’s to help people learn to cook and prepare food. This initiative has morphed into a community lunch; The annual Christmas dinner for the community at the Legion; And the Apple Tree Ministry.nnJon explained that Apple Tree is an overall umbrella for the other programs, but also provides assistance to people who are struggling with food, clothing, transportation or financial needs. It also has a formal partnership with Canadian Mental Health,nn“For years fundraisers were meant to help keep the church lights on,” Jon said. “What we’re trying to show folks is when they invest in their community, that the outreach is there.”nnTickets for the event are $35 each and can be purchased at the parish office at 543-3904, or by email to Stjames072013@gmail.com. For information or to donate, contact Melanie 643-2147.