The Weblog
This page contains news, event information, a copy of the weekly email and other items added by the market managers. Be sure and check back frequently. Thank you for supporting Lilburn Locally Grown.
PLEASE Read! Contains Important Information!
Bits and Bites
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 Lilburn, Crossfit and Hamilton Mill Market Folks:
Wow! There is a great deal of ‘news’ this week and with the beautiful weather today and the fantastic weather forecasted for the next several days, I want to get this out this evening so you can get your order placed and enjoy the rest of the weekend!
I had a new helper at the Lilburn Market this week. She is a dedicated Member of All Saints Church. Sue Martinson appeared at Church as I was unloading. She very generously offered her assistance and was a life-saver for me! I wanted to publicly thank her for all of her help. She greeted folks, showed them the ropes and helped where she could. She also helped load up my car at the end of Market! So, Sue, thank you – please know you certainly made my day better!
Marie was visibly absent from the Markets this week both as a tireless volunteer and as Bakery on Brooks; however, she will be back to make those Gluten Free Goodies for us this week! segue into – I know that the majority of you do NOT read the Newsletter because at least 15 people (not naming names!) asked me “WHERE’s Marie?” "WHY were there no “bites” or Gluten Free Products listed on the Market and why aren’t there any on the Farmers’ Sales Table?" Seriously? The fact that she was going to be on vacation was published for 2 weeks prior to her leaving with encouragement to order extra before she left!
Important Reminders, Other Matters and Pertinent Information
Market will close at 6:00pm Monday for the Hamilton Mill Market!
Market will close at 6:00pm Monday for the Lilburn Market!
I have done my best to accommodate folks who forgot to place their orders – but it has become and ‘administrative nightmare’! From making notes, to interrupting what I am doing to call the Farmer, to adding the additional order to the Farmers’ totals for the week, to remembering to make the changes in several places in the system — it adds time and makes the system less effective and efficient.
Effective immediately, unless there is an emergency (that does NOT include: ‘I forgot’) there will be an additional $10 charge for me to take an order either by phone or through email. This convenience fee pays for the extra hour or so I will spend to ‘make it happen’ for you. The Market was established for the convenience of ordering online and the hours for each Market are clearly listed on the Market page as well as included in every email that is sent. (A reminder email is sent on the day Market closes!!!)
I am committed to you, the Members, I love what I do however, the Market is more than the organized items you see on the tables when you come to pick up your orders. There is a tremendous amount of behind-the-scenes work. It provides minimal monetary reward (although the mental and emotional ones are priceless, they don’t pay the bills)! So please, help me out — use the online system to place your order during your Market hours!
The Newsletter is sent out each week to give you information pertinent to the Market. You can skip reading it now and find it under the Blog Tab to read later.
Volunteers Needed
I have asked on numerous occasions for Volunteers for Market Days at each Market. We are a community of like-minded people who believe in purchasing our food from Farmers who are equally passionate about food quality and are a part of the local economy. I truly believe that we have “the best of the best” in our Farmers and Artisans. Their prices are fair considering the work that goes into producing quality, nutrient dense food. I do my best to find us great deals on “Group Buys”, I talk to prospective Farmers each week to ensure that you have the products you want. Without you as Members, the Market would not exist and now the Market needs your help!
Marie Wheeler generously stepped up to help at Lilburn and then jumped in at the other 2 Markets also — what a blessing she is to our community. She has further blessed us as our Gluten Free and Paleo Baker as Bakery on Brooks. Marie has a husband and young grandchildren and other volunteer commitments through her Church that rightfully occupy her time. She will still be coming to Lilburn as a volunteer, but it is time that the
Sarah Rockey volunteered weekly at the Lilburn Market until work responsibilities necessitated a change in her schedule. She has once again stepped up to volunteer, this time at the Hamilton Mill Market. I would like to take the pressure from her to be there every week, so I am also requesting volunteers for the Hamilton Mill Market on Wednesday afternoon. This Market is open for pickup between 2:30pm and 4:30pm. (Sarah is Austin’s sister…who’s Austin? read on..)
Austin Smith’s grandfather and Austin, owner of Crossfit O-Zone Gym, have given us permanent space and getting ready for Market at the Crossfit location involves minimal setup! If you would like to volunteer to help Members get checked out from 4:30 – 7:00pm, you can email Maryanne at heirloomlivingmarket@gmail.com.
Thank you Mr. Smith and Austin! You have truly blessed us! Mr. Smith is the owner of Artistic Builders Supply Ace Hardware at 963 Buford Drive in Lawrenceville. Stop in and see them — the building is brand new and their inventory is most impressive. They also deal in lumber – support LOCAL! Mr. Smith has also been kind enough to allow us to utilize his parking lot for the Azure Standard monthly drop off…I cannot say enough about his kindness and generosity! He has certainly instilled his integrity, generosity and kindness in his grandchildren and for that I am grateful also.
and now for the news…
Milk Customers
Farmer Updates
Oh WOW! Where do I begin?
Miss Vicky of Fry Farm is back! After set backs with winter crops (weather took a terrible toll), Vicky and Steve pushed through it and have some great produce to offer this week: Arugula, Flat Italian Parsley, Asparagus, Green Onions, Bibb Lettuce, Romaine Lettuce, Lettuce Mix, French Breakfast Radishes and Spinach. In addition, Vicky has also listed her Luffas! Great Body Scrubber! (Mother’s Day idea?) Welcome back Fry Farm!
Tammy of Burnell Farms has listed Arugula, Snap Pole Beans, Baby Spinach, Broccoli, Cabbage, Scarlet Nantes and Rainbow Carrots, Cauliflower, Collard Greens, 2 types of Kale, Romaine Lettuce, Sugar Peas, Swiss Chard and Chives! Be sure and check out her offerings!
The Veggie Patch is providing a good selection of wonderful fresh Spring veggie offerings and have fresh Herbs listed as well! Arugula, Bunching Onions, 4 types of Kale or a Mix, Green Lettuce, Red Lettuce, Mizuna, 2 kinds of HOT Peppers, Salad Mix and Swiss Chard. In addition, they offer cuttings if Herbs: German Thyme, Rosemary, 2 types of Parsley, Oregano, Chives and Medicinal Herbs: Marjoram, Lavender and Chamomile. The Heirloom Seedlings, (both Herb and Veggie) that I received are all doing well! Andrew and his crew certainly got them off to a banner start — now if I can just keep them healthy!
Doug of Doug’s Garden 2 types of Veggie Boxes available on the all Markets this week. Both contain a plethora of Veggies and the Herb Box has an added bag of freshly harvested Herbs! (lots of herbs!) In addition, he has added 1# bags of Spring Mix Lettuce, Young Spinach and Spicy Lettuce Mix! Lilburn folks were fortunate to see his Sweet English Peas and some purple Asparagus on the Farmers’ Sales Table this week and they were promptly snatched up! Depending on what is ready for Harvest this coming week, Doug will have additional items on the Farmers’ Sales Table.
Cedar Seeder! Yes, finally George has gotten the new green house at their new property up and running and his plantings are yielding results! He had quite a undertaking to get the new place cleared and ready for planting and now Sunflowers, Broccoli, Wheat Grass, Kale SPROUTS are ready for us to eat! Also called Microgreens or Micros – no matter your preference of names, these are little but mighty powerhouses of nutrient dense food! These are plants and come in pots that fit into the Cedar Planters hand made by George. (You can purchase the planters on the Market also!) Either way – put them in your kitchen window and add to salads, smoothies or juices! It’s Spring; time to detox and renew! Welcome back Krista and George!
Be sure and check out the wonderful meat selections available from B&G Farms. Lynda has Necks and Backs on sale; perfect to add to those chicken carcasses you have been saving to make Bone Broth. I got a Tenderloin this past week and haven’t decided whether to grill it or throw it in the Crock Pot with some homemade Sauerkraut! Either way, it is a great cut of meat from the Berkshires! Joyful Noise Acres Farm has a few items on the Market this week and will be adding more in the near future!
Carrell Farms has sold out of their wonderful Water Buffalo! Shalley has let me know that they are currently processing and will have items listed on the Market when the freezers are full once again! That will probably be next week.
Both Golden Farms and Rocky Acres offer fresh eggs from pastured chickens fed organic, soy and GMO free feed.
If you are interested in Lamb, please contact Maryanne at 404-432-4337. White Gates Farm near Butler, Georgia has Lamb offerings.
Lamb
Neck Bones at $3.50/lb
Stew Meat at $8.00/lb
Shoulder Roasts at $11.00/lb
Whole and Half Legs at $10.50/lb
Lamb Ribs at $11.00/lb
Please email Maryanne at heirloomlivingmarket@gmail.com or call 404-432-4337 to place an order for pickup at Market. *At the present time, there is no ground lamb available. Linda has just returned from England; however, she is scheduled to have surgery on her shoulder (which was injured when she was thrown from a horse). I will let you know when it becomes available.
There is a limited supply of Salmon Filets and Halibut from Doug’s Wild Alaska Salmon. Their Halibut and Salmon Wild Caught of the Alaska coast by Doug and his Family. The quality and taste are phenomenal!
My Daily Bread supply us with fresh, organic baked goods that are yummy! Be sure and check out Dabrielle’s offerings this week. For those of you who are Gluten Free, Dabrielle does offer Brownies and Sugar Cookies. Her Spelt Bread and Spelt Pumpkin Muffins are also good choices for those who cannot have wheat. Although Spelt does contain Gluten, it can be eaten by some folks who have a slight gluten intolerance! We never know what will be brought for the Farmers’ Sale Table, so be sure and place an order for what you want so you are not disappointed.
Marie of Bakery on Brooks has her Gluten Free and Paleo goodies back on the Market this week! I did order extras before she left but alas! My stash is gone and I can’t wait for some “Chocolate-Chip-Can-I-Adopt-You-As-My-Mom Cookies”! I really can’t decide between her Oatmeal Chocolate Chip (to die for) Cookies, Oatmeal-these-are-the-best-Raisin Cookies! She is a creative Baker and has found the secret of Gluten Free goodies. Her Paleo Bites are fabulous – don’t know how she does it – but they are small and mighty bites of heaven! Try any of the varieties. I will stick with the Almond Joy thank you very much!
Cara of Golden Farms has Duck Eggs available! Get your order in early because there is a limited supply!
In addition to all of their Honey varieties, Dances With Bees has Creamed Honey back on the Market! In Plain, Cinnamon or Cherry, it is perfect on toast! Yummy treat! Have you seen the Blackberry Mead Vinegar Jay has listed in his offerings! WOW! It makes a great salad dressing! I also tried reducing it and used it as a glaze for Lamb Chops! Oh, yes, it was a winner!
Bo and Megan of My Quality Mushrooms had a very busy and productive Winter making many improvements to their Farm! We look forward to their return in the very near future!
That about sums up the Farmer Updates unless of course you want to know about
STRAWBERRIES
Now for the news everyone has been waiting for Watsonia Farms Strawberries Are Here! I worked with Brandon to get his best pricing and I am happy to report that Organic Strawberries are available in quarts or gallons.
Remember, these are ORGANIC Strawberries. They have not been sprayed with pesticides, herbicides or fungicides. They may not be ‘perfectly shaped’ but they will be fresh and flavorful! Pay attention now — this is important. Here is a hint – when you get your berries home, soak them in a solution of Vinegar and Water 1 part Vinegar to 3 parts Water (preferably filtered water or spring water). I use Apple Cider Vinegar (Bragg’s) however, white vinegar will work also. Soak those little red juicy globes of strawberry goodness for about a half hour; swish the water around when you think about it. The soak will remove any spores that may be present on the berries and will prolong the life of them greatly. After the soak, rinse well. I spin my berries dry (salad spinner) and then put in a glass container lined with a paper towel. I do not put the lid on tightly so that moisture does not accumulate and there is air flow! My berries keep til I finish the last one ~ sometimes up to 5 days later! Try it, it really does work! (Thanks Mom!)
… this and that …
I truly hope that the majority of you have taken the time (albiet considerable)to read all of the News! Please continue to share the Market with Friends and Family so that we can continue to support our fine Farmers! I thank you for your support and look forward to seeing you at Market this week!
The Black Lab has wanderlust! What can I say? Yet again, he found a place to dig under the fence! Same scenario, different escape route, same annoyed Maryanne. He finally came home ~ perhaps because in my frustration I might have yelled: “Okay, I am listing your sorry excuse for a faithful friend on the Market for free” or maybe it was the “Time to eat” that caused him to miraculously appear at the front door. Funny he never comes back through the hole he digs to get out! (Yes, my neighbors think I am a bit strange! But hey, I only have 3 close neighbors and what do they know?)
It is time to say – thank you for taking the time to read this missive. Seriously, I do appreciate it! and…
Please “Like” us on Facebook and please share the Market with family and friends!
Market will close at 6:00pm Monday for the Hamilton Mill Market!
Market will close at 6:00pm Monday for the Lilburn Market!
Order now since you are just a click way!
BUY LOCAL ~ Know your Farmer!
Joyful thoughts and bountiful blessings!
~Maryanne
“Like” us on Facebook!
Lilburn Market is Open!
The Lilburn Market is OPEN for ordering!
Friday 9:00am thru Monday 6:00pm
“Bits and Bites” Newsletter will arrive in your inbox in the morning!
Fry Farm is Back!
Bakery on Brooks is Back!
Strawberries!
Bakery on Brooks is Back!
Strawberries!
Strawberries will be listed later today as I am waiting for pricing information. Look for details in Newsletter which will go out tomorrow!
Take me to the Market.
Joyful thoughts and Bountiful Blessings!
~Maryanne
“Like” us on facebook!
Take me to the Market.
Shop until 6:00pm this evening!
Reminder New Ordering Hours!!!
Market Closes at 6:00pm Today!
Don’t forget to check out the yummy goodies from My Daily Bread! Dabrielle has several Gluten Free goodies – Brownies and Sugar Cookies!
I just got an email from Doug at Doug’s Garden and the Basic Produce Box this week will have:
Thank you for your support!
See you at Market on Thursday!
See you at Market on Thursday!