This year’s House of the Good Shepherd Wine & Dine will have a new look as it goes “under the stars” on Thursday June 14.  As part of this year’s event, two House of the Good Shepherd ”stars”, Tom Schiano and Linda Gregg, will be the guests of honor.  

The fundraising event, the 11th annual, will be held outside under a tent at the House of Good Shepherd Retirement Community in Hackettstown, located at 798 Willow Grove Street. Hours are 5:30-8:30 p.m. Open to the public, proceeds from the event benefit their Shepherd’s Fund. The fund provides financial support to residents who have outlived their resources and ensures that no resident shall be asked to leave due to an inability to pay. 

The night features over 15 of the area’s finest restaurants offering tastings of their superb culinary delights, wine and beer tastings, and live music with the Joe Ferrara Band including a tribute to Bobby Darin. It all starts with a cocktail hour from 5:30-6:30 followed by the food, music and silent auction from 6:30 to 8:30. 

A question often asked by Tom Schiano is “What can we do to help?” In fact, it’s a question often asked by Tom –perhaps thousands of times. Tom and his brother Louie own Mama’s & Café Baci in Hackettstown. For 47 years they have fed families and individuals in the Hackettstown area featuring Italian cuisine and unparalleled hospitality. From the time they served mostly pizza in the old Hackettstown Mall to the upscale dining and catering experience they provide today, the Shiano family has always had a huge heart for the community. 

Without a doubt, Tom, and his family, has been there for all. Tom has a way of watching out for others, finding ways to quietly contribute his time and resources, and of course a seemingly endless supply of comfort food. It’s pointless to name all the schools, clubs, teams, charities, first responders, Veterans, church groups and others who have benefited from the Shiano family generosity. No power? “What can we do?” House fire? “What can we do?” Death in the family? “What can we do?” And often Tom Schiano doesn’t even ask. He just knows what to do to comfort others. And he does it. 

As just one small example, this year the Arc of Warren and WRNJ held their 28th Radiothon for the Arc. Tom and his staff at Mama’s donated a feast for a small army so that all the volunteers would have something to eat while working for a great cause. And the same occurred for each of 18 Annual Radio Auctions to benefit the Foundation for Hackettstown Medical Center. Centenary Stage, NORWESCAP Food Bank, The Joan Knechel Cancer Walks, and so many others have also benefited, many from the dozens of Chef Nights that Mama’s & Café Baci have volunteered food and staff over the years. And since its inception, Mama’s has been there year after year for The House’s Annual Wine & Dine fundraiser. 

Schiano is a grateful human being with a gentle, generous spirit. He feels he’s just returning the favor. “We have to give back. We’ve been given so much.” 

For 10 years, from 2007-2017, Linda Gregg served as the Director of Dining Services at The House. Her cheerful attitude and commitment to excellence did not go unnoticed by residents and staff during her time spent there. She retired at the end of 2017. 

Gregg came to The House with a successful background in the restaurant industry. She worked at various restaurants around the country. While working at a Steak & Ale she met her husband of 34 years, Guy, and soon after they partnered with others in their own restaurant. Later, they owned and operated three full service restaurants including the hugely popular Publick House in Chester. 

Over the years Gregg has been involved in many community activities such as Toys for Tots, The Growing Stage, Dover Food Pantry and also was instrumental in the start-up of a community wide Halloween parade. She also served as a board member on the Morris County Tourism Council.  

She will tell you though that her personal love and commitment is to animal welfare as it relates to rescue and education. She and her husband, who served many years as a state legislator, have owned seven rescued dogs – as she says, “her children.” 

“Working at The House was truly an honor and a surprise,” she admits. “I never thought working here would impact my life as it did. Seeing an aging community up close and experiencing their day to day life, feeling their joys and sorrows and being a part of their finale journey was truly a life experience. I now look at aging through a different set of eyes!” 

Tickets for the “Wine & Dine” are just $75 per person, in advance or at the door. Advanced ticket purchases are highly recommended due to space considerations. To reserve your tickets, please call 908-684-5900 or visit www.hotgs.org. Sponsorships and ad journal opportunities are also available. Call and ask for Craig Stroud for those details.