Visitors sample the 'Taste of Vernon'

By Vera Olinski
VERNON — Where to begin? Exquisite food, wine, music, and camaraderie. The Vernon Chamber of Commerce proudly presented Monday, May 1, the second annual Taste of Vernon at Heaven Hill Farm.
During the community gathering, Vernon Township High School's Chamber Orchestra deftly played mellow tones, floating throughout Heaven Hill's green houses.
Classically trained musician George Orlando contributed his pleasing “Spanish Serenade” performance of romantic guitar music.
Beautiful sunflower centerpieces floated in glass globes on the many tables, provided by Highland Flowers and Gifts.
Students received community service credit as they cheerfully volunteered for the event.
Beyond the outstanding food and sheer pleasure, there was also a sense of purpose, as a portion of the proceeds went to help the Vernon Coalition in their mission to reduce substance use among “our youth.”
“We try and raise money for a good thing — trying to help the kids and everybody out,” Lamp Post Inn owner Sal Santonello said.
Along with helping “the kids and everybody,” the many businesses showcasing their mouthwatering food and wine were: ACME Markets, Blissful Bites, Candy Apple Shoppe, Dairy Swirl, Drunken Cherry Cookie Company, Eddie's Roadhouse, Gencarelli's Pizza & Restaurant, The George Inn, Healthy Thymes Market, Heaven Hill Farm, The Lamp Post Inn, Milano Restaurant, Party Personnel, Smokey's Brick Oven Tavern, Top of the Mountain Honey Bee Farm, and Vernon Valley Farm.
Guests also cast ballots for their favorite eatery of the evening. ACME Markets won “Best Presentation Award,” and The Lamp Post Inn won the “People's Choice Award.”
Sponsors supporting the happy evening and coalition were: Heaven Hill Farm, Highlands State Bank, Decker Transportation Inc. School Burs Service, Highland Flowers and Gifts, Lakeland Bank, Stephanie Scilingo Insurance Producer, Senator Steve Oroho, and Sussex Rural Electric Cooperative, Inc.
Silent Auction Donors also contributing to the Vernon Coalition included: ACME Markets, The Bungalow Home & Gifts, The Copy Center, Crystal Springs, Finish Line Sports, Heaven Hill Farm, Highland Flowers & Gifts, Lakeland Pools, McAfee Hardware, Mount Vernon Tree Farm, Mountain Creek Water Park, Pochuck Valley Farm Market, Safeway Driver Education, Starbuck's, Steel Magnolia Hair Salon, Sun Station, Sussex County Miners, Sussex County YMCA, Thirty One Gifts, Top of the Mountain Honey Bee Farm, Vernon Township Historical Society, Vernon Kiwanis, Vernon Valley Farm, and Vernon VFW Auxiliary.
Dignitaries N.J. Senator Steven V. Oroho, Vernon Mayor Harry Shortway, and Vernon Township School Board Member Edward A. DeYoung attended the festivities.
After another successful evening, VCC President Elmer Platz reminded attendees to save Monday, April 30, 2018, for the third Annual Taste of Vernon — punctuated with a Spanish flourish on Orlando's classical guitar.
— Photos by George Leroy Hunter