The Next Generation

Our grandchildren (ages 2 1/2 and 1 year) were here for a two-week visit and I took this picture on the morning of their last day in Pennsylvania - note the pajamas! They live in eastern Oregon in a small town in the middle of vast stretches of rolling wheat fields. We delighted in introducing them to this old farm where their mother, grandparents, great-grandparents, great-great grandparents and great-great-great grandparents have lived. The night before this picture was taken, we kept Rowan up past his bedtime in hopes of seeing fireflies. Sure enough - we spied a just a few of the glowing insects. While he's read about fireflies in a book, their habitat does not extend to eastern Oregon. When Grandpa carried the lad out into the darkness, he spied the crescent moon he had seen while on the porch and could not be dissuaded of his notion that there are two moons!

2012 Farmers' Market Opens!

The guidelines for the 2012 Potter County Farmers' Market include this Vision Statement:

• We envision a world in which people are buying and eating fresh, local food
  – Where local farmers are supported and thriving
  – Where schools, community institutions, hospitals and restaurants serve local food.
  – Where other Farmers’ Markets in our region share a mission of promoting and celebrating the
  values of eating locally.
• We believe that local foods nourish the community and support the local economy.
• We believe in sustainable practices, those that do not compromise the ability of future generations to meet their needs.

Friday marked the beginning of the Farmers' Market season in Potter County as three local farmers set up on the courthouse square in Coudersport.
Sean McKeone and his sons offered Shitake mushrooms, fresh spinach and rhubarb in addition to a selection of locally-grown fruit trees, brambles and plants. The Fitzgeralds offered a selection of jams, jellies, maple syrup and honey, eggs in addition to hand-painted sap buckets and free kittens! New the market is the Card Creek Trading Post – an endeavor being launched by Dennis and Netra Baker. Their table featured scallions, eggs, rhubarb, fresh flowers and a selection of plants including fresh herbs.
These farmers and others have put together a set of guidelines that provide some structure for the way our market will function. Participation in the Farmers' Market is open to all local farmers or others who wish to market handmade crafts, homemade baked cooks. Each participant is asked to sign an application form and comply with the guidelines.
Make it a point to visit the market often as the selection expands and changes with the season.