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"Bits and Bites" September 20, 2014
you will find this easier to read and be able to see pictures if you go to the Market and choose Weblog …it’s easier on the eyes!
Greetings Crossfit / Lawrenceville Market Members:
I hope this finds you all well and enjoying the weekend with family and/or friends!
Market Update
In the past Farmers/Growers had to deliver their items on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday to accommodate each of the Heirloom Living Market pickup locations. I also spent 3 full days preparing for each Market in addition to the hours spent doing the back-office chores. Moving to the Mountains required a change in the operational model. The Farmers/Growers now can ‘make the rounds’ to all of the Markets on one day! Thankfully, Volunteer Coordinators have stepped up to oversee the Markets and I will be available to help out a bit at each of the Markets.
Lauren Stephens will coordinate the Crossfit O-Zone / Lawrenceville Market. Please put her phone number in your contact list so if you have any issues on Market day you can contact Lauren directly.
Crossfit O-Zone/ The Lawrenceville Market pickup is between 4:30 and 6:30pm on Thursday. If you are unable to pickup during this time frame, please let Lauren know. Since this location has ‘permanent space’, alternate arrangements are possible, but you will need to let her know that is your intention!
A Few Volunteers Still Needed
We are still in need of Volunteers to help with the setup of Market. Our Market Members are a community of folks who want nutrient-dense, fresh, clean food and are dedicated to eating local and supporting our Farmers and Growers. It is necessary to work as a community to continue to bring you the products you shop for each week. Please consider helping out at Market for an hour or two at least ONE Thursday each month. Duties will include: Receiving deliveries from Farmers and Growers; ensuring items are distributed correctly to each order; packaging individual meat items in bags and labeling with Member name; general setup of display items and assisting Lauren as needed. Volunteer hours are anytime between 2:00pm and 7:00pm on Thursday.
If you are interested in helping out at the Market, please contact Market Volunteer Coordinator, Chance Claar-Pressley. Thank you Chance! You can email Chance at chancita@gmail.com .
Our Farmers, Growers and Producers have been very good to us; delivering orders even when there were only one or two items for the Market. The upside has been that rarely do we NOT receive items because it was not ‘cost effective’ for a Farmer to bring it to Market. The downside has been for the Farmers/Growers/Producers who have made the effort but spent more in their time and gas then the product was worth. In other words they lost money serving our needs.
I have worked to increase Market growth in the past and will continue my efforts via more listings on various internet sites. Word of Mouth advertising by our current Members is the best way to grow the Market. The effort of the Farmers, Coordinators, Market Manager and Volunteers at present far outweigh the benefits. Please do your part and pass on information about the Market to friends, family, neighbors and co-workers.
Several of our Farmers/Producers are not in the immediate area and it is not feasible for them to continue delivering if it is not cost effective for them.
Sam Jones of Cedar Rock Dairy is in Butler, Georgia. Because I believe the milk from Sam’s all Jersey, tested A2, closed herd is the best milk from a taste as well as a nutritional standpoint, I certainly do not want to give up this valuable resource. For reasons that I am unable to determine, our milk orders have decreased recently. The cost of Sam’s milk is competitive with other Farmers providing Raw Milk for Pet Consumption. The quality is unequaled! Share the Market with others so we can continue to support Cedar Rock Dairy and drink great milk!
Dabrielle and Bruce Wills of My Daily Bread travel from Cleveland, Georgia to bring us their delicious organic bakery offerings. Could I find a more ‘local’ organic bakery? To be honest – I have tried. The quality of products, price and commitment of others has not measured up to the standards of the Market that have always been exceeded by My Daily Bread. Going forward, this is a small family run bakery, whose products reflect their passion and commitment to providing nutrient-dense, organic and delicious fare must have a minimum order to continue with the Market.
If minimums are not met and you have ordered items, you will receive an email letting you know that your items cannot be delivered. Perhaps we will make items available on an every-other-week schedule if orders continue to fall below minimum. Please be assured that we are doing everything we can to provide you with what you want from the local Farmers/Growers and Producers; but, please understand that Buying Local means supporting those who are committed to providing ‘Local’!
Farmer Updates
Shalley of Carrell Farms has let me know that the ‘Chubs’ of Ground Water Buffalo will NOT be available for several more weeks. Last week folks who ordered a pound of Ground Water Buffalo received a pound of Ground Water Buffalo Patties instead of the ‘Chub’ (packaged roll). This is the same product as the ground, just in different form and packaging.
Vicky Steve Fry of Fry Farm have no offerings on Market this week. Vicky’s Father had back surgery. Please keep him and the Fry Family in your prayers.
Turkey
Several people have asked about Turkey. I am working to find a local source for our Holiday Turkeys and will have more information in next week’s Newsletter. We will have a sign-up sheet for folks who are interested in finding out more about availability at Market this week. Be sure and let us know you are interested. Typically Farmers ask for a deposit, ranging from $25 – $35 when orders are placed. This amount will be paid directly to the Farmer supplying the Turkeys.
…this and that…
The Black Lab has claimed the property as his own! Since there are no ‘leash laws’ here, the sight of dogs meandering down the road behind the house has un-nerved him a bit; but he has let them know that venturing beyond the middle will not be tolerated! (Keep in mind, the yard is fenced!) The biggest issue seems to be the family of cats who live across the street and wander into our yard at night. Due to his history with a very aggressive barn cat when he was a puppy, he has a strong dislike for felines and the yard is scoured every morning to ensure only their scent remains. I shudder at the thought of what will happen if he catches a cat in the yard. So far daylight finds no cats on the property. There are horses and cattle nearby and their calls to each other have him cocking his head and listening intently. Given his affinity for horses and ability as an escape artist, I keep a pretty close eye on him when we are out in the yard! All things considered, he is doing well.
As I begin to unpack and settle in my new home, I continue to marvel at the circumstances that have brought me to this new adventure in my life. I am joyful to awaken to fresh mountain air, gorgeous sights and a sense of peace that had eluded me for some time. The prayers of all of you “Prayer Warriors” truly interceded on my behalf and God blessed me with a beautiful place to call home, friends who assisted in getting me packed up, organized and moved and who continue to encourage me and support me as I make this transition. I am humbled and eternally grateful for His blessings and your love and support.
Thank you for taking the time to read this bit of information!
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Market will close at 6:00pm Monday for the Hamilton Mill Market!
Market will close at 6:00pm Monday for the Lilburn Market!
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