Do the Math....

 Commitment + Community Support = Healthy Smiles :)

 

 

 

NorthSide Farmers Market began mid-season in 2010 with about eight vendors. Galion K.F.C. owners Jan Bilsing and Joe Campbell were kind enough to let vendors set up in the large lawn in front of their store. The Galion Inquirer and GalionLive media were also extremely supportive by bringing attention to the market, which is one of the reasons that NorthSide became a hit with area consumers.

The picture above  was taken during one of the very first markets. In it, one of the vendor's daughter (Audry, on left) and her friend advertise the market to passersby.

From that humble beginning...an idea planted by Toni (a full-time country woman) and Dale Norwood, carried by me to my friends at K.F.C. and watered with media attention, has grown into a successful market.

Farmers markets are more than just vendors hawking their wares. They provide a sense of community, build trust between grower and consumer, and are educational. When you shop at a farmers market, you're gonna see a lot of smiles!

The 2013 season is about to begin. These past years, Toni and Dale have worked hard, donating their time to build NorthSide into the success that it is today. Now a new chapter begins. The market has tripled in size, which is wonderful but brings with it a whole new ballgame.

Mostly because of insurance issues for K.F.C., Jan and Joe have decided to shoulder the management side of the market business. This frees up the Norwoods to do what they do best, working their own business at Springwood Valley Farm where they grow heirloom vegetables and herb plants, and Toni's mission to educate the public about GMO foods and healthy eating.

Our community is fortunate to have people like the Norwoods, who make things happen instead of sitting around wishing that something would happen.

Other examples of individuals helping to improve our community are the founders of Galion Community Theatre, Inc. Like NorthSide Farmers Market, our community theatre was created by people who saw a need for a theatre and made it happen. The first productions were held in schools and local lodges. Now, 20 years later, Galion is blessed with a state-of-the-art theatre. Better yet, this theatre is the renovated movie theatre that was vacant and falling apart. Not only did the founders of G.C.T. create a venue for local talent, they also saved a building from becoming a victim of urban decay.

Both of these examples show that a community consists of individuals who have the power to make the standard of living that they want. We all have that power. Isn't it wonderful?

What ideas do you have? Are you brave enough to make them happen?

Marcheta *...just sayin'....