Friends and family of Jessica Sayles Doolittle have come together to cherish her honor and spread some good with their first annual “Jess Fest.”

The event, scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 16, from 6 to 11 p.m. at Cedarwood Event Venue, will raise money to support the Jessica Sayles Doolittle Scholarship Fund and breast cancer research. 

Doolittle, who passed July 31, 2022, was a very determined woman, said friend Megan Williams.

“She was a great athlete. She played sports all through high school, and in college she played rugby, which was not super common for girls,” said Williams, adding that Doolittle was also a caring mom and a great friend with a fantastic sense of humor.

“She was a really close friend of mine,” Williams added. “Our kids grew up going to nursery school together, and we’re still really close with their family. After she passed, we just wanted to think of ways to keep her legacy going. So, we started the scholarship fund at school, and then we came up with the idea of having this event to fund the scholarship program and raise money for breast cancer research.”

Organizers started discussing the event in the spring, exploring different venues. When they saw Cedarwood, the event facility checked all of the boxes. Most importantly, it reminded them of their beloved friend and family member.

“It just had the exact right feel for what we were looking for,” said Williams. “And it reminded us of her and her energy and her spirit. So, we thought this is the perfect place to do something.”

Williams shared that Cedarwood’s rustic chic aesthetic, in particular, reminded her of her friend. 

“You definitely can feel her there,” she said.

The event, which Doolittle’s family and friends hope to make an annual one, is sponsored by local businesses, including the Maguire Foundation. An auction will feature unique items such as a tour and tasting at Liquid State, an eight-hour private fishing charter by Buckos Branded Guide Service, a tour and tasting from Muranda Cheese Company, wine from Red Feet Wine Market, an overnight stay at the Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel, Trumansburg restaurant gift cards, a wine tour and chauffeur service by Trumanburg’s Vince Puleo, autographed Buffalo Bills merchandise and more.

Because Doolittle loved music and going to concerts, organizers will represent her preferences during the event, including country music and hits from her college days.

“It’s sort of capturing that sense of fun,” said Williams. “We had a really strong group of friends and love spending time together, and it’s hard when we get together without her, but this is definitely going to have her spirit throughout.”

Music, food and a drink are included in each ticket price, which can be purchased on eventbrite.com or at the door.

Trumansburg Connection appears every week in Tompkins Weekly. Send story ideas to editorial@VizellaMedia.com or courtney.rehfeldt@gmail.com.

In brief:

Bright Raven Farm and Apiary is hosting a tour and tasting on Wednesday, Sept. 13 from 6 to 8 p.m. at  4061 Swamp College Rd. Tickets can be purchased at eventbrite.com. 

Farm tour and honey tasting at The Honeybee Embassy

The two-hour event will include a tour where owners Teresa Vanek and Brent Welsch discuss their visions and goals for the design of The Honeybee Embassy. Project architect Jonathan Ferrari of Studio Ferrari Architecture will discuss how the design process developed to incorporate the vernacular farm aesthetic with a contemporary twist that both relates to and complements the landscape upon which it sits. 

The session will address the grant funding utilized to rejuvenate the property, which was formerly farmland, into meadows that support pollinators and the success and challenges of supporting and maintaining this habitat.

During part two of the event, the owners will discuss the life cycle and habitat of honeybees and explain the benefits of micro-harvesting and cold-processing honey. Participants will also have the opportunity to taste three to four types of honey and learn how to identify honey varietals and explain the health benefits of honey.

Gong Bath Experience with Caryn Sheckler

Due to popular demand, Caryn Sheckler is returning to the Trumansburg Conservatory of Fine Arts at 5 McLallen St. for an afternoon Gong Bath experience on Sunday, Sept. 24, from 2 to 3:30 p.m.

The gong and gong bath workshop will include celestial communications, a style of seated movement that helps bring on a state of relaxation.

Attendees should bring a mat and a small blanket. 

Tickets can be purchased in advance on eventbrite.com. They are $15.00 in advance or $20 at the door.

Comedy UnCorked: Trumansburg’s Comedy Nights

Get ready to uncork the laughter with Comedy UnCorked: Trumansburg’s Comedy Nights! at Cedarwood Event Venue, 9632 NY-96, on Thursday, Sept. 28 from 7 to 9 p.m.

Unwind with crisp humor, local favorites on tap and a community of laughter lovers.

For tickets, visit comedyonthecommons.com.

An evening with Daniel Champagne

Blues and folk guitarist and singer-songwriter Daniel Champagne will play the Trumansburg Conservatory of Fine Arts.

Known for his virtuosic guitar skills and soulful vocals, Daniel has captivated audiences around the world with his unique blend of folk, blues and rock music. Champagne will take the stage at 5 McLallen St. in Trumansburg on Sunday, Sept. 17, 7:30 – 9:30 p.m. 

General admission tickets are $18 online and $22 at the door. For tickets, visit tburgconservatory.org.