Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market: School Days!

 

There are no seven wonders of the world in the eyes of a child. 

There are seven million.

- Walt Streightiff

Wednesday, August 14, 2013 is the first day of school for Westerville City Schools.

Precious cargo: 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, along roads, in parking lots, and on sidewalks (especially at driveway aprons).

The Basic 411 on Ohio School Bus Laws (thanks to eHow):

School bus traffic laws are listed in the Ohio Revised Code, the law book for the State of Ohio. You can find traffic rules about stopping for school buses in Ohio Revised Code Section 4511.75.

Two-Lane Roads

For two-lane roads, all traffic must stop for a school bus no matter which direction it's traveling. Traffic must stop at least 10 feet away from the school bus, whether coming from its front or rear.

Resuming Travels

In many states, traffic may resume when the school bus lights are off. In Ohio, traffic can't commence until the bus resumes movement or until it's waved on by the school bus driver. Other personnel who are allowed to move on traffic when a school bus is stopped include peace officers and school crossing guards.

Highways with Four or More Lanes

On roads with four or more lanes, only traffic moving in the same direction as the bus must stop when the school bus stops to release passengers.

Traffic coming from the opposite direction doesn't have to stop in these instances. To facilitate this law, children are dropped off on the same side of the road as their residences, so they won't have to cross the street.

Divided Highways

Divided highways are treated the same as those with four or more lanes. Oncoming traffic doesn't have to stop regardless of how many lanes of traffic there are, but traffic moving in the same direction still has to stop. Traffic must stop no less than 10 feet away from the school bus.

Waiting for a Stopped School Bus

The wait for a stopped school bus may seem to take a while in some cases. That's because according to Ohio law, the bus driver must wait to resume its travels until all exiting passengers are a safe distance away from the bus.

School Bus Safety Requirements for Traffic

A school bus doesn't have to be equipped with an extending stop safety sign in order for traffic to stop. When bus lights are flashing, this is sufficient to signal drivers that they need to stop, as the bus is loading or unloading passengers. The amber and red visual signals required for a school bus are listed in Ohio Revised Code Section 4511.771.

Violation of School Bus Traffic Laws

Those who violate school bus traffic stop laws may receive a $500 fine and could have their driver's license suspended for no longer than listed in Ohio Revised Code Section 4510.02, which describes the lengths and classes of suspensions. Those who violate school bus traffic laws can't plead guilty on the site, but must attend a court hearing in person.

Be Safe.

Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market: August 7th Market Report

Broccoli from Doran's Family Farm.

Wow, it's the first full week of August and the Uptown Westerville Farmers Market is now past the half-season mark!

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

The weather report is the typical August mixed bag featuring mostly sunny skies, with a possibility of rain, a breeze that we hope sustains during market hours, fluctuating humidity and temperatures in the mid-80s.

This week's vendor line-up: Branstool Peaches, Northridge Organic Farm, Pleiades Maple Products, Blue Jacket Dairy, Sweet Thing Gourmet, Chuck Evans' Montezuma Brand Salsas and Sauces, Sugar B Bakery, Annabelle's Blooms, Malabar Peach and Apple Orchard, Dana Lee's, Bridgman Farm, Hartzler Family Dairy, Doran's Family Farm, Flying J Farm, Bird's Haven Farms, Fox Hollow Farm.

This week's community partner space features the Westerville Senior Center (located between Doran's and Flying J). 

We will not see Honey Health Farms and Ohio Farm Direct this week.

For anyone new to Market Wednesday, first, thank you!, and second, be aware that there will more than likely be a line for peaches. For more information, check out our Change of Pace blog post to give you an idea of what to expect during peak produce season.

Also, we want you to enjoy your market experience - please lock your vehicles and make sure any electronics or valuables are stored out of sight. When you are shopping, don't ever allow yourself to be distracted from your valuables or your purchases. 

While you're Uptown, stop by Meza at 48 N. State, just steps south of the market. Tatjana Brown has a specially-priced Market Wednesday wine tasting (usually it's a cool sangria that comes with a recipe). Meza has a nice selection of Ohio wines and if you ever have pairing questions or are looking for suggestions, just ask!

Heirloom organic tomatoes at Northridge Organic Farm.

Peaches from Branstool Orchards.

Sweet corn from Bird's Haven Farms.

Delicious fresh-baked breads from Angela Bowman's Sugar B Bakery.

Oh yeah! Fresh melons from Doran's Family Farm.

Peaches from Malabar Peach and Apple.

 Amazingly delicious jams from Sweet Thing Gourmet.

Fresh cut flowers from Annabelle's Blooms.

Maple sugar from Pleiades Maple Products. (Good!!)

Fruit salsas from Chuck Evans' Montezuma Brand Salsas and Sauces.

Fresh tomatoes from Bird's Haven Farms.

Ready to roast - mmmmmmm - garlic from Bird's Haven Farms.

Tomatoes and fresh basil from Flying J Farm.

Sunflowers from Annabelle's Blooms.

Tomatoes from Bridgman Farm.

Have a great day! See you at the market!!

Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market: A Change of Pace

It is peak produce season in Central Ohio! The peaches are ripe, the sweet corn is ready, and tomatoes are just right for slicing and eating! 

In the land of shopping innovation (also know as greater Columbus), we are fortunate to have access to fresh produce 24/7/365.  Yet, the intensity of the rich flavors in the vegetables and fruits grown in local soils and ripened under the Ohio summer sun is beyond compare - and that's why we celebrate and enjoy our farmers' markets.

Farmers' market fare comes to market in phases and at a slower pace  -  so we see asparagus only in the early weeks of the market, our berry seasons may run a week or two, and peaches, tomatoes, and sweet corn are available starting in July. 

Farmers' markets operate at a slower pace. Markets set up in parking lots, parks, town squares, and along city streets, so even though a farmers' market is a place of business, there are no doors and no velvet ropes. Over the summer, a farmers' market becomes a community, and from vendors to customers, everyone who touches the market fuels its success. 

Customer service and care at a farmers' market is one person at a time. 

Here in Westerville, the Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market opens for business on Wednesdays at 3 p.m.  Three hours each week, a simple parking lot, graciously provided by Church of the Messiah, comes alive to honor an ancient form of community - the outdoor market.  We have a great location that even accommodates customer parking. Early mornings we "cone-off" the lot to public parking; noonish or so, we prep the lot for vendor arrival, and from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. our vendors arrive and set up their shops.
  
On Market Wednesday, between 2 p.m. and 3 p.m., we focus on one thing - market set up.
 
Market vendors pack their shops in their vehicles (tents, tables, gear, merchandise) and, from Wooster to Washington Court House, drive from parts north, south, east, and west around Central Ohio to Westerville. Our produce vendors fresh-pick, so their days start in the wee hours of the morning as they prep to come to Westerville.  The hour we provide for set up gives our vendors plenty of time to pull in, take care of any immediate needs, set up, and prepare their merchandise (and both peach vendors look at each peach as they prepare their product for sale).

All vendors open for business at the same time: when the market opens for business: at 3 p.m. There are no early sales.

Central Ohio peaches are off-the-charts awesome (just the aroma, let alone the taste - ahhhh) and we have two excellent orchards: Malabar Peach and Apple (Ashland County) and Branstool Orchards (Licking County). Both orchards offer unique selections. 

During peach season, especially in the early weeks, lines form for peaches during market set up times.  It's a tremendous compliment to our orchards that people are willing to wait in line for their fresh-picked peaches.

From a customer care standpoint, we want to make sure that you don't have frustrated expectations when coming to market:

▪ There are no early sales. 3 p.m. is 3 p.m.

▪ Parking: We are adapting this market to the available space. There is excellent open parking to the east of the market lot, but it's obviously what we might call "rustic" with no parking guidelines. Please, when you park, park like you would at the grocery or for church. Please don't double-park (we guarantee you won't just be a minute) and please leave enough space in front, behind, and to the sides so everyone, including you, can access their vehicle when they are ready to head out. 

The market makes sure there are clear throughways to the market space should there ever be the need for urgent care. Please keep that in mind as you make your parking decisions.

We are also part of a neighborhood, so we want to drive and park accordingly.

Last week, customer parking was the best ever - thank you, everyone!

▪ Reality: You will stand in line. 

And, there really are no sales until 3 p.m. If you choose to come early, we just ask that you maintain an awareness that you are now a part of market set up and if a vendor needs to pull their vehicle into their space, you'll need to be aware and move out of the way.

As you come to market, know ahead of time you'll need to slow the pace. Bring a friend, bring a camp stool, bring something to read, listen to, play, or watch, meditate, take the time to just relax. If it's hot, do the things you normally do to stay cool. Chances are good you'll run into someone you know or haven't seen in a while, too.

This week, there is a slight chance of rain during set up, bring rain gear or an umbrella just in case.

One more tidbit - we want you to enjoy your market experience - please lock your vehicles and make sure any electronics or valuables are stored out of sight. When you are shopping, don't ever allow yourself to be distracted from your valuables or your purchases.

Visit. Taste. Browse. Shop. Thank you for your enthusiasm for Market Wednesdays in Uptown Westerville!!!

Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market: National Farmers' Market Week

 

Shopping at Hartzler Family Dairy

Food Interactive! August 4th through August 10th is officially National Farmers' Market Week!  

At a farmers' market, you can meet, chat with, and shake the hand of the person who raised or made your food.  It’s a family-friendly place to enjoy - to meet old friends and new, try new flavors, and buy fresh, flavorful, nourishing foods. 

Everyone who touches a farmers'  market plays a role in its success. When you shop at a farmers' market, you're supporting local farmers and food artisans so they can earn their living, and also benefiting from foods and products with ingredients grown, raised, or made close to home. 

Browse. Visit. Taste. Shop. Take an edible adventure - look for farmers' markets where you live, vacation, and travel.  

We've included a link to Ohio Proud's online market directory - almost any day of the week, you'll find a farmers' market somewhere close to home, and if you're looking for a day-trip idea, think of visiting a farmers' market in another part of Ohio!

Click here: The Ohio Proud Online Market Directory

See you at the market!

Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market: July 31st Market Report

Good bread is the most fundamentally satisfying of all foods;

 

and good bread with fresh butter, the greatest of feasts. 

- James Beard

It's the last day of July and we should see a beautiful summer afternoon  in Uptown Westerville. It's Market Wednesday!

Home-grown. Home-made. All Ohio. The Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market opens for business from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. @ N. State and E. Home Streets.

We are keeping an eye on the sky (and weather reports) between 4 p.m. and 5 p.m. today for an ever so slight chance of rain.

The fresh produce is plentiful and full-of-flavor: peaches, tomatoes, sweet corn, peppers, potatoes, cucumbers, cabbage, onions, summer squash varieties, garlic, eggplant, and okra.

Artisan foods include salsas, tortilla chips, cheese, daily bread, butter, jams, cookies, milk, specialty breads, sauces, maple syrup, packaged ice cream, scones, maple-coated spelt, rubs, and marinades.

Market protein vendors are Fox Hollow Farm (fresh eggs, beef, lamb, chicken, pork) and Flying J Farm (grass-fed beef).

This week's line-up:  Malabar Peach and Apple Orchard, Annabelle's Blooms, Sugar B Bakery, Chuck Evans' Montezuma Brand Salsas and Sauces, Sweet Thing Gourmet, Blue Jacket Dairy, Pleiades Maple Products, Northridge Organic Farm, Branstool Orchards, Fox Hollow Farm, Bird's Haven Farms, Flying J Farm, Ohio Farm Direct, Doran's Family Farm, Hartzler Family Dairy, Bridgman Farm, Dana Lee's Bakery. 

Market Tip: Lots of Market Wednesday merchandise is sold frozen and refrigerated or keeps best when cooled, if you plan on browsing, tasting, and shopping - pack a cooler.

 Work with Anna Brown to create a bouquet at Annabelle's Blooms.

Sweet and great for grilling - Jimmy Nardello peppers at Northridge Organic Farm.

Fresh garlic from Bird's Haven Farms.

 

Ashland County peaches from Malabar Peach and Apple Orchard.

 

Tomatoes from Bird's Haven Farms. 

  

Eggplant from Bird's Haven Farms.

 Cucumbers from Flying J Farm.

Awesome cherry tomatoes from Bridgman Farm.

Sweet corn from Doran's Family Farm.

 

 Onions from Northridge Organic Farm.

 

  

Peaches from Branstool Orchards 

  Petite Fairytale Eggplant from Bridgman Farm.

 

Potatoes from Flying J Farm.

 

Sunflowers from Annabelle's Blooms.

  

Tomatillos at Flying J Farm.

Shopping at Dana Lee's.

Maple syrup from Plieades Maple Products.

Shopping at Fox Hollow Farm.

Organic, heirloom tomatoes from Northridge Organic Farm.

Chuck Evans' Montezuma Brand Sauces and Salsas.

Fresh-baked biscotti from Sweet Thing Gourmet.

Shopping at Northridge Organic Farm.

See you at the market!

Uptown Westeville Farmers' Market: Neighborhood Power

Tuesday, August 6th is the 30th annual National Night Out!

Westerville Police Division explains: Westerville's National Night Out event is unique because the venues are hosted by individual neighborhoods. Participating neighborhoods host block parties with activities including: potlucks, karaoke, face painting, raffles, police car rides, and appearances by  W.P.D. officers & "Safety Friends" (including PC: The Patrol Car and McGruff the Crime Dog).

To learn more, click here (scroll down) or contact the Westerville Police Division at 614.901.6860 

Update: Click here for the Westerville National Night Out locations.

Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market: July 24th Market Report

Heirloom tomatoes from Northridge Organic Farm

Boy howdy, we like this week's weather forecast much better! A forecast high of 74° with low humidity, an occasional gentle breeze, and partly sunny skies - that sounds like great farm-fresh weather!

Home-grown. Home-made. All Ohio. Market Wednesday is open for business from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. @ N. State and E. Home in Uptown Westerville.

Produce is plentiful, fresh, tasty, and awesome!

This week's vendor line-up: Malabar Peach and Apple Orchard, Annabelle's Blooms, Sugar B Bakery, Chuck Evans' Montezuma Brand Salsas and Sauces, Sweet Thing Gourmet, Blue Jacket Dairy, Pleiades Maple Products, Northridge Organic Farm, Branstool Orchards, Fox Hollow Farm, Bird's Haven Farms, Flying J Farm, Ohio Farm Direct, Honey Health Farms, Doran's Family Farm, Hartzler Family Dairy, Bridgman Farm.

Update: Just before noon, we heard from Branstool Orchards. Try as they might, the storms over the past week have taken their toll and there just aren't enough ripe peaches to bring to market this week.  As we say at the market, 'Life happens. Nature happens. Farming happens.' and while disappointed for this week, we'll look for Branstool Orchards next week.

(We are waiting to hear from our limited engagement vendors that let us know mid-morning if they are coming - we'll keep updating.)

This week's community partner is Westerville Public Library - our favorite resource (It's free! You just need a library card) for cookbooks, recipes, and the 411 on great food and nutrition.

What can you buy at the Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market?

Protein/Dairy:

Hartzler Family Dairy (non-homogenized, pasteurized milk, roll butter, and packaged ice cream)

Blue Jacket Dairy (cow, sheep's, and goat's-milk cheeses including cheddar curds and Gretna Grillin')

Ohio Farm Direct (organic, grass-fed Meadow Milk cheeses, drinkable yogurt, summer sausage)

Fox Hollow Farm (naturally-raised beef, pork, chicken, lamb, and fresh eggs)

Flying J Farm (grass-fed beef)

Fresh Vegetables and Fruits:

Bird's Haven Farms (produce)

Northridge Organic Farm (certified organic produce)

Branstool Orchards (peaches)

Doran's Family Farm (produce)

Flying J Farm (produce)

Bridgman Farm (produce)

Malabar Peach and Apple Orchard (peaches)

Fresh-picked and coming to market: Tomatoes, sweet corn, tomatillos, okra, onions, summer squash varieties, cabbage, potatoes, garlic, transparent apples, kale, lettuce, eggplant, peaches.

Bees and Trees:

Pleiades Maple Products

Honey Health Farms

Artisan Delicious:

Chuck Evans' Montezuma Brand Salsas and Sauces (Salsas (fruit-based, tomato-based, mild to three alarm sizzling hot, hot sauce, marinades and cooking sauces, including barbeque, tortilla chips)

Sugar B Bakery (Fresh-baked bread, specialty breads, bagels, cookies, scones, muffins)

Sweet Thing Gourmet: Jams and biscotti

Field-fresh Beauty:

Annabelle's Bloom (cut sunflowers and bouquet flowers)

A lot of our vendors feature tasting samples, although we think you'll want to once you've tried these amazing foods, there is no pressure to buy - so stop by and meet our artisan vendors, taste, and enjoy.

We heard from Z Blueberry this morning and they have finished their season. Much like our strawberries, between U-pick and the weather - this year, our berry seasons have been short and sweet.

If you have time, we encourage you to walk a few steps south of the market to Meza, 48 N. State. Tatjana Brown features a speciall-priced Market Wednesday tasting (usually it's a nice sangria, with recipe) and will happily help you with wine pairing ideas for your market fare.

Peaches from Branstool Orchards

Cheddar curds from Blue Jacket Dairy

Shopping for sweet corn at Doran's Family Farm

Raw honey from Honey Health Farms

Peaches from Malabar Peach and Apple Orchard

Transparent apples from Doran's Family Farm

Marinades and sauces from Chuck Evans' Montezuma Brand Salsas and Sauces

Okra and peppers from Bird's Haven Farms

Shopping at Sweet Thing Gourmet

Zucchini at Doran's Family Farm

Sweet Thing Gourmet

Cucumbers from Doran's Family Farm

Tomatoes from Bird's Haven Farms

Fresh cut flowers from Annabelle's Blooms

Fresh-baked from Angela Bowman's Sugar B Bakery

Tomatoes and garlic from Flying J Farm

Bill of fare at Annabelle's Blooms

Sweet corn at Doran's Family Farm

Maple syrup from Pleiades Maple Products

Sunflowers at Annabelle's Blooms

Sweet as candy! Cherry tomatoes from Bridgman Farm

Just want a few peaches? Go with Branstool Orchards' 1/4 peck.

Enjoy this great day! See you at the market!