The non-profit learning center at what was formally known as Fisherman’s Nook and now called Fisher’s Nook will be holding a fundraiser and celebration on July 23rd. New owners Sean and Karen Gargamelli-McCreight bought the property last July and in less than a year have already begun transforming much of the property and are conducting workdays and even some limited classes as their dream of an ecological and agricultural learning center is beginning to become a reality.

After giving up lucrative jobs in the Big Apple, Sean and Karen had spent the last six years in New York City rehabbing old properties mainly owned or sold by religious institutions, according to Karen. She and her husband turned a number of New York City properties into housing via their non-profit-benicasa.org. (The organization holds to the doctrines of Saint Katherine of Sienna, whose last name was Benincasa.)

“Her way of being in the world, we align with. We find a lot of inspiration in that,” said Karen. “We plan on being called Benincasa Community at Fisherman’s Nook because we very much want to connect to what was here.”

Karen Gargamelli-McCreight said the event will be a great way for curious community members to see what’s going on at the property and a unique chance for those who remember the old camp to come, reminisce and make new friends.

“We are preserving so much of the natural elements that were already here. We are putting in a small farm and the idea is not to sell vegetables or make it an economic endeavor but to make it an ecological center where kids from middle school to graduate school can come and connect with the Earth and have a hands-on experience,” said Gargamelli-McCreight. “(O)ur eco-classroom gives students the opportunity to learn to grow food, care for our bioregion and care for themselves by spending time outdoors.”

The ultimate goal of the couple is to have a functioning site that caters to a wealth of different educational uses. Ideally, the couple wants to see schools at all levels and all ages on the property absorbing knowledge about farming, agriculture, and responsible habitat sustainability.

Additionally, they would like to see graduate and high-degree seeking students and interns live on the property, conducting research and developing curriculum focused on sustainable farming and ecological sustainability.

Through July 30, Sustainable CT will match dollar for dollar every donation made to Benincasa through their Community Matching Fund. According to Gragamelli-McCreight, the goal has been set to raise $15,000, and all funds will support the complete “green renovation” of the Dan Berrigan Center’s farm classroom. Those upgrades will include energy efficient windows, solar panels, insulation, and water saving improvements.

The festival will be a chance to gather, remember, restore, and celebrate during their annual feast day, fundraiser, liturgy, and joyful reunion, said Gargamelli-McCreight. It is focused on raising funds to renovate the old barn on the property, which despite its age, is a solid and gorgeous building, according to the couple.

“This is specific to renovate our barn, which we are turning into our eco-education classrooms,” said Garagmelli McCreight. “We need to insulate the structure and also to install a graywater system as well. These are expensive projects but critical to what we want and what we need to see here. We are so happy to be in Guilford and hoping to meet more of our neighbors. So many of our neighbors have come to see us, help us, and support us and we hope this will be a fun time, especially anyone who may have gone to the original Fisherman’s Nook, to come and have a fun time and see what’s happening on the property eat some great food and listen to some great music and enjoy. We also are very grateful for all the support we have received so far. Everyone has been incredibly generous with their time and donations, especially the Guilford Foundation, who we are very appreciative of.”

Attendees are invited purchase a ticket online. A donation of any amount is your ticket, and no one will be turned away. All donations will be matched by Sustainable CT until July 30.

Fisher’s Nook Celebration and Fundraiser

Saturday, July 23

10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Fisher’s Nook, 2160 Durham Rd., Guilford

Donations, ticket sales will be matched by Sustainable CT

Includes live music and outdoor fun on the farm!

Lunch provided by Pacifeast Catering

Buy tickets online at patronicity.com/project/scholars_to_workers_

building_a_sustainable_future_for_benincasa