Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market: Live to Honor

An outstretched hand, a kind thought, opening up a child's view of the world, steps to a better environment, a moment of gratitude and remembrance, going the extra mile...

Here's are some important community events coming up in the first part of September:

Saturday, September 6th: The Travis Manion Foundation 911 Heroes Run. An International 5k Event for runners or walkers taking place in select cities to honor "the sacrifices of the heroes of September 11, 2001, and in the wars since: Veteran, First Responder, Civilian, and Military join together to raise awareess and honor the fallen."

This is a pay-to-participate event. $25 for an individual/$80 for a family of four. Starting point is at Alum Creek Park (North), 221 W. Main St. Start time is 9 a.m.

At 8:30 a.m., a special service will start the event featuring speaker Cpl. Mike Strahle (USMC Retired), a surviving member of Lima Co. 3/25. Mike is now the Director of the Eyes of Freedom, the traveling Lima Company memorial tribute, honoring the 23 Lima Co. marines killed in Iraq in 2005. The ceremony will also feature the posting of the colors by the Westerville Division of Police, American Legion and VFW and the Tolling of a bell in memory of those who have passed serving their country and their communities. Bagpipes will start the run off.

Registration for the Heroes run is open now and entry by 11:59 p.m. tonight (August 31st) will guarantee a race shirt and event memorabilia.

For more information, click or tap here.

Saturday, September 6th: 2014 Hazardous Household Waste Collection. The City of Westerville and the Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio (SWACO) will again host the residential Household Hazardous Waste Collection program, which will be held from 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. at the Westerville Public Service Department, 350 Park Meadow Rd.

For more information, click or tap here. 

Sunday, September 7th: Cops and Kids Day. The Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market is proud to be a Cops and Kids Day Sponsor.  This awesome kid-and-family-friendly, free admission, free parking event opens up the world of first responders to kids of all ages. Representatives of law enforcement and rescue from all over the state of Ohio come to Hoff Woods Park, 556 McCorkle. There are all sorts of activities (includng a Dunk-a-Cop tank!) and free refreshments. This is always a fun, well-attended event, and the first 1k children will receive a free giveaway item!

Cops and Kids Day is from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. 

For more information, click or tap here.

Sunday, September 7th: Military Service Appreciation Day at the The Westerville Community Center The center is located @ 350 N. Cleveland Ave. The City is inviting all active and retired military and reserve personnel in the area to free access to use the pool, gymnasium, zenith climbing wall, and track & fitness area during Sunday hours: noon to 5 p.m. Military Service personnel can bring immediate family members for half-price admission for the day as well. (Pool admission is normally $5 for residents and $7.50 for nonresidents. Other fees apply for access to other areas of the building.)

For more information, tap or click here.

Thursday, September 11th: Westerville 9.11 Memorial Service. The City of Westerville and Westerville Police and Fire Chaplains will hold a remembrance service at noon at First Responders Park, 374 W. Main St., just east of Fire Station 111. The service will feature guest speaker Mike Walsh, Retired Firefighter, San Francisco Fire Division, Rescue Squad 2. Music will be presented by Eric Gnezda.

For more information, tap or click here. 

Sunday, September 14th: The Westerville Public Library presents A Community Potluck. As a part of WPL's 2014 Westerville Reads program, the library is sponsoring a twist on an old tradition - a Community Potluck from 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at 126 S. State in the Meeting Rooms.

This is a free event with pre-registration. The reason for the pre-registration is to list what you'll be bringing to the potluck to avoid duplication.

After the potluck, if you'd like to stay, there is a screening of the 2012 documentary Eating Alabama and join in on a Skype conversation with the film's director, Andrew Beck Grace. Eating Alabama is about a young couple (Andrew and Rashmi Grace) who try to live the way their grandparents did by eating locally and seasonally.

For more information, tap or click here. 

Sunday, September 14th: The 2nd Annual Great Westerville Food Truck Fest. This cool community action event benefits WARM (Westerville Area Resource Ministry). This event is a full day of family time featuring live music, children's activities, a variety of food truck vendors and the main event: Raising awareness about hunger issues by uniting the community to package 10,000 meal packets, the equivalent of 20,000 meals, to be distributed throughout Westerville!

The Great Westerville Food Truck Fest is from noon until 7 p.m. at Nationwide Children's Close to Home, 455 Executive Campus Drive (near N. Cleveland and W. County Line). Admission is FREE!

For more information, tap or click here. 

Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market: Honoring Hard Work

Staff of Culver Art and Frame Co., 

74 N. State, circa early 1900s

We are at our very best, and we are happiest,

when we are fully engaged in work we enjoy

on the journey toward the goal

we've established for ourselves. 

It gives meaning to our time off and comfort to our sleep. 

It makes everything else in life so wonderful, so worthwhile. 

Earl Nightingale 

The vendors and management team of the 

Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market 

wish you a safe, happy Labor Day Weekend! 


Photograph courtesy of Westerville Public Library - 
Local History Photo Archive.

Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market: August 27th Market Report

Fresh from the fields - cantaloupe from Bird's Haven Farms.

We are looking at a forecast for a typical August afternoon - somewhat "sauna-esque". As of this moment, the accuweather forecast for Market Wednesday in Westerville is partly to mostly sunny skies, temperatures in the mid-80s (real feel close to 90) and a 7 mph breeze.

The forecast shows a slight chance of rain during market hours - 30% to 40%-ish - enough that we should mention it.

If you are feeling the heat at the market, give yourself a break. Gene and Rose from Church of the Messiah, keep ice water and lemonade available (free!), and The Gathering Place building is air conditioned.

Home grown. Home made. All Ohio. Wednesdays 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. through October 29th @ N. State and E. Home Streets in Uptown Westerville.
 

The Market Wednesday line-up for August 27th: Blue Jacket Dairy, Sugar B Bakery, Montezuma Sauces & Salsas, Sweet Thing Gourmet, Dan the Baker, Swainway Urban Farm, Branstool Orchards, Fox Hollow Farm, Bird's Haven Farms, Roger's Honey, Flying J Farm, Doran's Family Farm, Hartzler Family Dairy, Bridgman Farm, The Blueberry Patch, Annabelle's Blooms.

We set a place, but don't have a confirmation from Ohio Farm Direct.

Pleiades Maple Products is out this week. Eddie Lou Meimer's grandson, Jake, has a steer in the Morrow County Fair!

Browse. Visit. Taste. Shop. Enjoy.

See you at the market!

Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market: August 20th Market Report

Cherry tomatoes from Bird's Haven Farms.

Overnight storm systems have moved out of Ohio and the Market Wednesday forecast, as of this moment, calls for partly cloudy skies, temperatures in the low 80s, and, with elevated humidity, it may feel warmer and downright muggy. We expect a light breeze this afternoon as well. 

There is a slight chance of rain this afternoon between 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. and a very low chance of precip until early evening. 

A great afternoon for a little al fresco shopping!

Home grown. Home made. All Ohio. 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesdays through October 29th @ N. State & E. Home in Uptown Westerville. 

The August 20th Market Wednesday line-up: Sugar B Bakery, Montezuma Sauces & Sauces, Sweet Thing Gourmet, Dan the Baker, Pleiades Maple Products, Swainway Urban Farm, Branstool Orchards, Bird's Haven Farms, Roger's Honey, Flying J Farm, Doran's Family Farm, Hartzler Family Dairy, The Blueberry Patch, Annabelle's Blooms, Blue Jacket Dairy.

We expect to see, but are awaiting, confirmation from Bridgman Farm and Ohio Farm Direct.

We will not see Fox Hollow Farm this week - they'll be back on August 27th.

We are de-lighted to welcome this week's community partner, Westerville Electric Division.

A Market Wednesday tradition: Each week, Meza Wine Shop at 48 N. State (just steps south of the market) features a specially-priced cocktail during market hours. Whether you're new to wine or have enjoyed wine pairings for years, stop by to see what's new or to pick up some serving suggestions to complement your market purchases from the folks at Meza!

Great produce fresh from the fields and rich soils of Central Ohio and incredible food artisans! Visit. Taste. Browse. Shop. Come join us!

See you at the market!!

 

 

Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market: Apple Season is Here!

 

Market Wednesday welcomes Branstool Orchards to the 2014 market season!

Today Marshall and Travis are bringing Redfree, Zestar, Tsugaru, Mollie's Delicious and Ginger Gold apples to market today. 

Like last year, apple selection and purchase will be set up in a Bag Your Own fashion and samples will be provided.

Recommended reading: Check out the Branstool Orchards Blog!

 

Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market: Meme Wisdom

 

If thou tastest a crust of bread, 

thou tastest all the stars and all the heavens.

Robert Browing

Bread from Dan the Baker.

Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market: Meme Wisdom

What I say is, if a fellow really likes potatoes, 

he must be a pretty decent sort of fellow. 

A. A. Milne

Potatoes from Flying J Farm. 

Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market: August 13th Market Report

Green beans from Doran's Family Farm

Forecast says we have a fabulous day ahead on this beautiful Market Wednesday in Uptown Westerville! Partly to mostly sunny skies, temperatures in the mid-70s, zero (oh, yeah, you read that right) - We'll say it again, zero percent chance of precipitation, lower humidity, and a gentle breeze. Now, that is the forecast for a good day to pick up a little farm fresh!

Home grown. Home made. All Ohio. Wednesdays, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. thru October 29th @ N. State & E. Home.

The August 13th Vendor Line-up: Sugar B Bakery, Montezuma Sauces & Salsas, Sweet Thing Gourmet, Dan the Baker, Pleiades Maple Products, Fox Hollow Farm, Bird's Haven Farms, Flying J Farm, Doran's Family Farm, Hartzler Family Dairy, The Blueberry Patch, Annabelle's Blooms, Blue Jacket Dairy.

We expect to see and are waiting for a confirm from Bridgman Farm.

We hope to see Ohio Farm Direct, it depends on staffing - Barb is on vacay, there may not be anyone available to come off the bench!

We will not see Swainway Urban Farm this week. Roger's Honey checked in and Roger has to take advantage of the weather for some bee colony maintenance.

This week's Community Partner is Westerville Police Division.

Visit. Taste. Browse. Shop. Enjoy. See you at the market!

Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market: Go to School!

Think and wonder. Wonder and Think. - Dr. Seuss

Wednesday, August 13, 2014 is the first day of school for Westerville City Schools.

Time for school buses to re-enter the traffic mix, when-children-present speed limits to be heeded, and heightened awareness of school-age children in crosswalks, on skateboards and bikes, along roads, in parking lots, and on sidewalks (especially at driveway aprons).

Last year, we posted the basic 411 and links for Ohio's school bus and traffic laws pertaining to schools. Just click or tap here to link to that blog post.

Please, endure patiently.  Be safe.


School sign spec image courtesy ODOT.

Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market: August 6th Market Report

Watermelons from Doran's Family Farm.

We see a beautiful Market Wednesday afternoon in Uptown Westerville in your future with mostly sunny skies, temps around 80°, lowered humidity, and a light breeze. Sounds like an awesome Central Ohio afternoon to visit a farmers' market and pick up a little farm fresh! 

Home grown. Home made. All Ohio. 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. @ N. State and E. Home 

The August 6th Market Wednesday vendor line-up: Doran's Family Farm, Bridgman Farm, The Blueberry Patch, Blue Jacket Dairy, Sugar B Bakery, Montezuma Sauces & Salsas, Sweet Thing Gourmet, Dan the Baker, Pleiades Maple Products, Swainway Urban Farm, Fox Hollow Farm, Bird's Haven Farms, Roger's Honey, Flying J Farm.

This week's Community Partner is Westerville Senior Center.

We will not see Hartzler's Family Dairy, Annabelle's Blooms, and Ohio Farm Direct today.

Sweet corn from Bird's Haven Farms.

 

Cherry tomatoes from Bridgman Farm.

 

Broccoli, Cauliflower, Kale from Doran's Family Farm.

 

Melon from Doran's Family Farm.

 

Cabbage from Flying J Farm.

 Potatoes from Flying J Farm.

Delish! Smokey Chipotle Raspberry Lime Salsa 

from Montezuma Sauces & Salsas.

 

Roger's Honey!

 

Sweet Thing Gourmet!

Tomatoes at Bird's Haven Farms.

See you at the market! 

 

Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market: Life on Fox Hollow Farm

Sunday, August 10th, Market Wednesday vendor, Fox Hollow Farm is hosting a farm tour as part of the Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association summer farm tour series

From the OEFFA website:

OEFFA’s summer farm tours continue in Knox County with a tour of Fox Hollow Farm on Sunday, August 10th.

Enjoy a guided or self-directed tour of Fox Hollow Farm to see Lisa and Bruce Rickard's techniques for mob-grazing cattle and sheep; raising pigs and heritage meat chickens on pasture, and managing laying flocks using an eggmobile.

Learn about how Jesse Rickard and Chelsea Gandy have incorporated Permaculture practices into the farm, including swales, living fences, and chinampa (or floating gardens). Lisa and Bruce will also discuss how they direct market their products through farmers' markets and local food co-ops and Chelsea will explore what's involved in hosting farm-to-table dinners.

This event is free, open to the public, and does not require pre-registration.

This tour is part of the 2014 Ohio Sustainable Farm Tour and Workshop Series featuring free public tours of some of Ohio’s finest sustainable and organic farms. Fifteen tours, six workshops, and a farm to table dinner, held between June and November, are being sponsored by OEFFA. The series is promoted in cooperation with the Ohio State University Sustainable Agriculture Team, which is sponsoring additional tours.

Directions: Fox Hollow Farm is located at 20060 Gilmore Rd. in Fredericktown, Ohio.

From I-71, take Exit 151. Take Rte. 95 E through Chesterville. Travel 10 miles into Fredericktown. At the traffic light in town, turn left to stay on Rte. 95 N/Main St./Ankneytown Rd. After approximately 3 miles, where Rte. 95 bends sharply to the left, travel straight onto Mishey Rd./County Rd. 55. Take the first right onto Knox Lake Rd./County Rd. 82 and travel approximately 0.25 miles. Turn left onto Spohn Rd. After 1 mile, turn left on Gilmore Rd. Fox Hollow Farm is the first driveway on the right.

More Information:  For more information about Fox Hollow Farm, go to www.foxhollowfarmnaturally.com, call 740.694.8528, or email lisa@foxhollowfarmnaturally.com.

For more information about this and other tours in the 2014 farm tour series, click here or go to www.oeffa.org/documents/farmtour2014.pdf to view the full tour brochure, click here to read the complete original press release, or contact OEFFA at 614.421.2022 or oeffa@oeffa.org.

Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market: National Farmers' Market Week!

August 3rd through August 9th is 
National Farmers' Market Week!

More and more, farmers' markets are becoming an important part of local economies across America. Vendors can gather and a market can open, but it must be supported by the members of the community to thrive.  Everyone who touches a farmers' market fuels its success!

Thank you for your enthusiastic support of the American farmer and food artisan.

From the USDA:

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has declared August 3 through 9, 2014, "National Farmers Market Week". Throughout the week, USDA will celebrate our nation's thousands of farmers markets, farmers who make them possible and the communities that host them.

The declaration was made via an official proclamation signed by Secretary Vilsack. This year marks the 15th Annual National Farmers Market Week recognizing the important role that farmers markets play in the agricultural and food economy. The U.S. Department of Agriculture began declaring National Farmers Market Week in 2000.

"National Farmers Market Week is a great opportunity for farmers markets across the country to host special events to showcase all the tremendous services they provide," said Secretary Vilsack. "Farmers markets play a key role in developing local and regional food systems that support family farms, and help grow rural economies. They bring communities together, connecting cities with the farms that support them and provide Americans across the country with fresh, healthy food."

Thousands of farmers markets across the country offer consumers fresh, affordable, convenient, and healthful products sold directly from the farm. They also offer additional market opportunities for local producers, especially smaller or newer operations. Farmers markets increasingly offer electronic benefits transfer technology that can be used by recipients of USDA's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program - as well as low-income women, infants, and children and seniors participating in the WIC and Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Programs - to get fresh, seasonal ingredients.

Farmers market development is a cornerstone of the USDA's Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food Initiative, which coordinates the Department's policy, resources, and outreach efforts related to local and regional food systems. Secretary Vilsack has identified strengthening local food systems as one of the four pillars of USDA's commitment to rural economic development, along with production agriculture (including expanding export markets and improving research), promoting conservation and outdoor recreation opportunities, and growing the bio-based economy.