Friday, March 28, 2014

Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market: Tapped


In contemplating the present opening prospects in human affairs, I am led to expect that a material part of the general happiness which heaven seems to have prepared for mankind, will be derived from the manufacture and general use of Maple Sugar. Letter to Thomas Jefferson by Benjamin Rush (George Washington's physician), August 19, 1791

Life on the Farm from Pleiades Maple: 
 
From Eddie Lou Meimer... 

- The 2014 maple season is coming to a close. This warm spell will probably be the last run we collect. The trees are about to bib. Once that happens the chemical makeup of the sap changes and the syrup becomes bitter. We will probably make close to 2000 gallons this year.

- The crew is boiling sap tonight. Big run today. They have over 10,000 gallons of sap to boil in. So far in looks and tastes like Grade B and that's a good thing. 

Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market: The Frozen Peach Tree Blues


We've been waiting to hear and wanted you to know as soon as we knew: 

Life on the Farm: From Branstool Orchards... 

Time to deliver the sad news: We are not going to have a peach crop this summer. Unfortunately the subzero temperatures at the very beginning of the year were too harsh to handle. Marshall recently contacted an orchard in Adams County in Pennsylvania, and we do plan on them shipping us some peaches. Because they will not be our peaches, we won't be at the farmers markets until our apples are coming on strong. The good news is that our apple crop is looking plentiful and we anticipate having a good apple season.

Utica is a nice drive and not that far, so we'll keep you posted when the Adams County, PA peaches are available at the Branstool Orchards store.

We are looking forward to the Branstool Family's amazing selection of apple varieties later this summer.

Sunday, March 23, 2014

Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market: Protecting Our Own


Westerville Fire and Police Divisions have released the following information:

Westerville Residents:
 

For immediate release: March 22, 2014

(Westerville, Ohio) – The Westerville Divisions of Police and Fire are investigating suspected acts of arson that have occurred in residential areas this week.


The fires under investigation are believed to have been intentionally set to the exterior rear of each home. The four fires were set while the residents were in the home.


Residents are asked to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity around their home or their neighbors’ homes to the Westerville Division of Police at (614) 882-7444.


Anyone with any information related to these fires is also asked to call police. Reports may also be made via the Police Tipline at (614) 901-6866 to remain anonymous.


Media inquiries may be directed to the Westerville Division of Police at (614) 901-6450.


----------------------------------------------------------------------------


Below are some arson prevention tips.


By following the tips provided you can help to protect your property from becoming a target for an arsonist. Many arson fires occur out of doors and with materials that are easily accessible. Survey the areas around your home, garage, carport and out buildings being sure to pay close attention to the items listed below:


• Store all flammable liquids such as paints and gasoline in an approved storage location: Locking cabinets and storage units can also prevent access to kids. Keep all flammables and combustibles away from heat sources such as furnaces and any type of heaters.


• Report suspicious activity near houses or other buildings to the local police and support Neighborhood Watch programs.


• Keep leaves, firewood, overgrown brush and shrubbery and other combustibles away from buildings.


• Keep outside lights turned on at night. Consider installing light fixtures with build-in motion sensors


For more information, click....

Click here for the Fire Division facebook page.

City of Westerville website.