An Open Thank-you Note to Galion KFC and Bucyrus Sears

Many farmers' markets fail. Success depends on many factors: the dedication of vendors to show up every week to build consumer confidence; a community that wants fresh, locally grown food and is willing to fit the market hours into their shopping habits and schedules; support of local media; and a fantastic location.

Many farmers' markets are given space for free by local businesses. And many of these local businesses are actually national chains owned and/or managed by local business people. I find this to be a wonderful balance of goods and services for our communities.   

In our area, two national franchise chains support our efforts to have farmers' markets. In Bucyrus, Sears allows Lil' Farmers' Market to set up in their parking lot on Saturday mornings. In Galion, KFC supports NorthSide Farmers Market by providing both the large grassy area in front of the store for vendors plus their large parking lot for customers.

It is heartening to know that the franchise owners of these corporate businesses realize the value of supporting the 'little guy'. I am grateful to them, but do they know it?

Probably not.

So, here's an idea....if you shop at a farmers' market that is supported by a business, how about taking time to pop in the front door to say 'thank you', or if you have time, send them a thank-you note? After all, the owners and managers of these places are people, too. And who doesn't appreciate a pat on the back once in a while instead of the usual complaints? 

I know I do!

Thank you, Galion KFC :)

Thank you, Bucyrus Sears :)

We could not have our markets without you!

Marcheta *Grateful 

Opening Day at NorthSide Farmers' Market

Today is the opening day of NorthSide Farmers' Market. I was asked to help create this market in 2010 by my neighbors, Toni and Dale Norwood.

I chose to accept the challenge of starting a market (most farmers markets fail) because I felt that consumers in our area really want fresh, locally produced food. There are many small market growers in our area; and a farmers' market seemed like a perfect fit to connect growers with consumers.

I chose to ask Jan and Joe to host the market at their business, Galion's K.F.C. because they are community-minded business people. And, it didn't hurt that we are also long-time friends. :)

We named the market NorthSide Farmers' Market. I got busy designing the logo and registering the market with the ODA (Ohio Dept.of Agriculture). The Norwoods contacted vendors. Jan set up an advertising campaign. I ordered signs. By mid-season we had the market up and running.

NorthSide was a success from the beginning for several reasons. We could not ask for a better  location (on a St.Rt. just north of town near the Rt. 30 ramp); our hosts at KFC work to promote the market; area media (Galion Inquirer, GalionLive) gave it a lot of coverage; we have great vendors who are passionate about their products; and wonderful, loyal customers who shop the market every week and tell their friends about it.

Today we will have about 8 vendors. By peak season, we will have around 20 vendors. In some circles, these numbers may sound lame, but for a small town that is surrounded by farms and where many citizens have their own vegetable gardens, the success of NorthSide is impressive.

At least to us :)

Here's the thing. None of us really knew how to start a market. We simply wanted one. We did the research and with the help of ODA we dove right in. We dove in knowing that it might fail. But, hey, it may succeed. There was no way of knowing until we tried it.

Today's picture was taken last year by Dale Norwood (who is also an awesome photographer!). There may not be real pots of gold at the rainbow's ends, no one is going to get rich from setting up at the market, but this market is golden to us because it represents what can happen when a community works together to have things that it wants.

What would you like to see happen in your community? How can you help make it happen? Are you brave enough to fail?

Marcheta *home of the brave

Aunt Grace's Granola

Today Noel shares her aunt Grace's recipe for home made granola that she has posted on her website, Apron Free Cooking.  Last week I bought ingredients for a granola recipe that uses pure Ohio maple syrup, but so far have not had the time to actually make a batch. Noel's aunt Grace's recipe calls for honey, again a locally produced ingredient. Both pure Ohio maple syrup and local honey are available at The Farmers Wife store and at NorthSide Farmers Market (located at Galion KFC).

I've never made granola before, so I am looking forward to giving it a try PLUS saving money :)

Marcheta *frugalista

With warmer weather approaching, many folks I know are thinking about exercising and getting into shape. One simple change that will help towards the goal of feeling better is to give up the fast food breakfast in exchange for a bowl of granola.

Not only can this change help your physical wellness, it might also help your financial wellness. The last time I checked a fast food breakfast was about $3 or $4. You can make your own granola for a lot less than $3 per serving.

My Aunt Grace recently shared her granola recipe with me. It’s wonderful in its simplicity. You’ll love the versatility of the simple granola, too. A simple recipe is easy to modify!

Aunt Grace’s Granola

6 cups old fashioned oats1 cup chopped pecans1/2 cup honey1/2 cup oil1 cup chopped dates

Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. In a very large mixing bowl, combine oats, pecans, honey and oil. Stir well to incorporate all ingredients. Place mixture into an oiled 9 x 13 dish, and bake 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Remove from 9 x 13 pan and put back into mixing bowl immediately (dish still hot – may overcook oatmeal), and cool. Once the granola is cooled mix in 1 cup chopped dates.


Make it a Meal: Place a half cup of granola over your morning yogurt. Serve as cereal with slice fresh fruit and milk. Sprinkle over your salad to add some crunch to the greens.


Approximate Nutritional Information: Servings Per Recipe: 24, Amount Per Serving: Calories: 262, Total Fat: 11g, Cholesterol: 0mg, Sodium: 1mg, Total Carbs: 37g, Protein: 7g.

Variations: You may substitute any dried fruit in place of the dates. Raisins are easy to find and always a good choice. Dried cranberries or blueberries are also available in most groceries. If you want to really change up the flavors, create a tropical granola by adding some coconut flakes, dried pineapple and apricot. Another way to change the flavor of your granola is to replace the pecans with chopped walnuts or peanuts.

Granola is full of fiber, which is vital for digestion, as you know if you watch TV commercials. I think a better source for information might be a reputable nutritionist or other health professional, but I do believe in all things in moderation. However, I do know that a small bowl of granola with a little milk or yogurt has got to be healthier than a fried breakfast.

If you’re looking to make some lifestyle changes in nutrition and exercise arenas, then start with some small changes. Aunt Grace’s Granola is easy to make, simple to store (up to a month in airtight container), and provides a tasty breakfast.

You’ll be doing your budget a favor as well, since the cost of this oatmeal is pennies per bowl. The other great thing about having a container of granola sitting on the counter…it’s easy to fix a bowl to eat while your checking your morning emails!

Noel Lizotte is breaking free of corporate stress with convenience cooking! This recipe is similar to ones printed in her cookbook Apron Free Cooking which is available on the website www.apronfreecooking.com.

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'....