The Green Center Hosts Second Annual 'Green Tie Affair'

On Saturday night, volunteers, community members and other supporters of gathered for the second annual "Green Tie Affair."

Organizers said they moved the event from July last year to June this year in an attempt to beat the heat, which backfired, as the temperatures were well into the 90s on Saturday.

However, the heat didn't seem to be too much of an inconvenience for the attendees, as they started rolling in around 6 p.m.

"We've got a great crowd, despite the heat," said Green Center Board of Directors President Laura Streett.

Cheesemaking demonstrations and cheese samples from Merryl Winstein were part of the evening's festivities. A cheesemaking class with Winstein was also one of the items up for silent auction.

"I always like to give a demonstration," said Winstein.

Bill Ruppert was also on hand with his chickens.

"They asked if I'd bring the girls out for the night," said Ruppert.

The River Rats Border Morris group was also on hand to give an English folkdancing performance.

In addition to the entertainment outside, food and cocktails were served inside the center from Mad Tomato Italian Kitchen, Onesto Pizza and Trattoria and V. Catering & Events. The owners of those three businesses, Vito Racanelli and Michele Racanelli, also addressed the crowd, urging them to do everything they can to promote local and environmentally-conscious food practices.

"We do everything we can to do as little damage to the environment as possible," said Vito Racanelli. "It's my obligation as a chef to get out and go to the farmers."

With everything the event had to offer, the guests really seemed to enjoy themselves, and the volunteers in attendance were eager to show off the hard work they've put into the center's grounds.

"I helped build the greenhouse along with two or three other people," said Jim Nyberg.

"Suzanne maintains the herb garden, but not by herself," J.C. Hagen said of his wife and the team of volunteers that keep the center going.

The Hagens are both long-time volunteers at the center, and were also celebrating their 44th wedding anniversary that night. Brad and Tara Tinnin were also celebrating their wedding anniversary.

"I saw it online and thought it looked interesting," Tara Tinnin said of their reasoning behind attending the fundraiser.

University City Mayor Shelley Welsch, who worked with The Green Center for 10 years, was also in attendance that evening.

"I came back to support what is now a great University City institution," Welsch said.

The money raised that night is going towards upcoming classes and programs at the center. More information about The Green Center and its upcoming programs can be found on their website.