Mix two high-energy hosts with one killer party house. Add a dozen or so hard working HLWA volunteers to make it all happen. Now take 40 diverse samplings of wine and beer to go with over a dozen delicious dishes from local food establishments. Add four desirable raffle items. Mix with 120 of the nicest partygoers you'll find anywhere. Now chill with some cool tunes by KeBar. Sprinkle with some twinkling stars and you've got yourself a summer cocktail of fun.

The annual food and wine tasting guests munched on everything from cool crunchy veggies and dip to filet of beef, meatballs, ziti, chicken with dipping sauces, shrimp, chicken sliders, spicy southwest eggrolls and stuffed mushrooms. Desserts were numerous and delicious. They included many samplings of Belgian chocolates, homemade baklava, fruit breads, assorted mini bakery items, cakes, cookies and homemade yummies from volunteers.

The wines consumed at the event consisted of 37 diverse-tasting selections which could be ordered at discounted prices through the event, along with three very interesting beer choices. The tables were busy with event-goers gaining and gathering knowledgeable information about the offerings, some in an effort to learn, some in the quest for a new find for gift giving or for enjoying themselves.

Winners of the raffle received either the HLWA basket of wines, a basket from Chili's restaurant or the shore basket filled with waterfront-themed goodies. Another item raffled was a beautiful framed photo by Amy Horowitz of the moon rising over Highland Lake.

Support for the HLWA wine tasting is greatly appreciated as it is the fundraiser that supports the work of the association to maintain the health and enjoyment of our beautiful lake. We, in turn, encourage everyone to support our local businesses that supported us.

This event could never be possible without those unselfish volunteers who gave so much of their time. Their tasks were numerous. Planning, program design, advertising, sign-making, numerous vendor visits, organizing, delivering, decorating, setup, take-down and cleanup were willingly undertaken by these volunteers. New and more volunteers are always welcome to lighten the load. Should you decide to help out in next year's event, or at any time, you will be in good company and appreciated.

In the end, the evening was beautiful, and the 2009 HLWA food and wine tasting was a great success with a good time had by all.

Doris and Mark Schrader, Barb and Hal Wilkes, Sarah Munley, Jean and Dick Labich, and John Munley

Rosy Molinelli and Jackie Mulvey.

Emily Przekwas and Ben Drendel

Sarah Munley, Willie Platt, and John Munley.

Front row: Mike Peacock, Sr., Sue Moore and Mike Peacock, Jr. Back row: Joe from KeBar, our entertainment for the evening.

Rosemary Jacob and Anessa Borla

Sue and Bob Bailey

Marlene Rouleau