MASSENA -- Reservations are now open for St. Lawrence County Hospice and Palliative Care’s popular gourmet brunch Tastes of Autumn.

For the past 16 years, the Tastes of Autumn events have become a highly anticipated affair, celebrating the important partnership of Hospice donors and volunteers while raising much needed funds to support programs provided in St. Lawrence County, said a press release from Hospice.

Once again, DeeDee Cappione of the River Road Restaurant at the Massena Country Club is graciously opening his doors to Hospice staff and volunteers Sunday, Oct. 15.

The cost to attend the event is $40 per ticket, and all proceeds will help sustain Hospice’s many patient services and community programs.

Reservation times will begin at 11:30 a.m. and continue every 30 minutes until 2:30 p.m.

Returning to Tastes are guest chefs Dr. Bill Orlando of Orlando Chiropractic, Chef John VanKennen of SUNY Potsdam and Chef Steve Maiocco of SUNY Canton.

Dr. Orlando will prepare a portobello mushroom ravioli served in a porcini cream reduction with asparagus and topped with pancetta. Mr. VanKennen is preparing a pan roasted pheasant breast in a pomegranate-apple glaze, served with a sweet potato and maple puree and a side of sautéed brussels sprouts. And Mr. Maiocco will be serving balsamic braised beef short ribs with orange-thyme carrots and a potato puree with scallions.

These culinary creations will be accompanied by hand-crafted soups, salad, bread and desserts donated by a variety of local businesses and organizations like BOCES Seaway Tech’s Culinary Arts program, The Italian-American Civic Association of Massena and First Crush Bistro.

Members of the Massena Rotary Club will return this year as the celebrity wait staff. Hospice board member Chad Green of Donaldson- Seymour Funeral Homes will serve as event chair and will welcome guests as the host for the day.

The financial success of Tastes relies heavily on corporate sponsorships. There are many different levels of sponsorship and many options include tickets to the event.

Businesses or individuals interested in more information about event sponsorships can call Kellie Hitchman at 315-265-3105 or via email at khitchman@hospiceslv.org.

Reservations may be made by calling Samantha Jones at Hospice at 315-265-3105 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday.

Please include your entrée choices and two options for seating times. Payment in advance is suggested. The reservation deadline is Friday, Oct. 6.