Seeking new members, the Chautauqua Italian American Organization (CIAO) tried to think outside the box with a recent community activity. But instead, it’s what was inside the box that got everyone’s attention.

Steve Spears, owner of Dunkirk Homebrew Supplies, was welcomed by CIAO to teach a class on making homemade wine, including a lecture and a demonstration of a do-it-yourself wine kit out of a box. Spears originally began home brewing wine and beer as a hobby, but it has transformed into a business where he sells the equipment necessary to do so.