STUDENT VOLUNTEER MITRA PATEL is shown pouring hot fudge sauce on Wakefield resident Alan Scofield’s ice cream sundae at the Colonel James Hartshorne House’s fifth annual Ice Cream Social, held Thursday night, Aug. 8. (Gail Lowe Photo)

Published on the August 9, 2019 edition.

By GAIL LOWE

WAKEFIELD — The weather on Thursday night, Aug. 8 was perfect for bringing out people to the Colonel James Hartshorne’s fifth annual Ice Cream Social, a fundraiser held on the grounds of Wakefield’s oldest home.

By the end of the event, more than 280 ice cream lovers had come to enjoy sundaes made with vanilla, chocolate and Oreo flavors and topped with hot fudge, whipped cream, cherries, jimmies, sprinkles and M&Ms.

“There were steady crowds starting at 6 right up to 7:45 p.m.,” said Lisa Tecce, head of the House’s fundraising committee.

Other members who helped organize the event were Kathy DeCosta, Gretchen DiNanno, Erin Fopiano, Kendall Inglese and Abby Russell and House Directors Lois DeViller and Joanne Sarafian.

As in previous years, the ice cream was donated by Meletharb Ice Cream of Wakefield.

“We’d like to give Meletharb a special thanks for their continued support of this annual event on the grounds of the Hartshorne House,” said Tecce.

Other donations were made by Stop & Shop in Reading and Shaw’s in Wakefield.

A special thanks also went to Allen Drinkwater and his wife Emily Drinkwater, current caretakers of the house.

Student volunteers from Wakefield Memorial High School, Class of 2020, were also commended for their participation. They were Student House Director Noah Greif, Mitra Patel, Colin Leary, Kevin Clark and Andrew Russell.

The students helped with setting up and scooping the ice cream.

“They were the muscles behind the event,” said Tecce. “We couldn’t have this event without their help.”

Director Abby Russell agreed. “The student volunteers are really appreciated,” she said.

The cost of an ice cream sundae was $3.50 or $3 if a non-perishable food item was donated to the Wakefield Food Pantry.

“All funds raised at the event will be used for the upkeep and maintenance of Wakefield’s oldest public building,” said Tecce.