Wines, Vegetables, and Fruits! Oh My!

It's official! 

www.boordy.com

"Wineries Will Be Able to Sell Wine at Farmers’ Markets Statewide -- Starting June 1"


Commemorating 68 years as one of Maryland's premier wineries, Boordy Vineyards is joining us for a third season. Representatives will be on hand sharing and selling selections of distinctive wines at American Market!

"Winegrowing, like most farming, stems from a love and respect for the land.  In our case, a connection to our farm, Long Green, has been strengthened over many generations from days spent walking its hills and valleys, fishing its streams, planting and harvesting crops, and tending to livestock.A stubborn sense place has been imprinted in our souls." 

Released ~ May 9, 2013 (by Jana Howley, University of Maryland Extension)

ANNAPOLIS, MD – Come June 1, Maryland wineries will be able to sell wine and offer samples at farmers’ markets listed in the Maryland Department of Agriculture’s (MDA) Farmers Market Directory, which is available online at www.marylandsbest.net. A new Off-Site Permit (which replaces the current Winery Special Event Permit) removes previous county-by-county restrictions and limits on the number of markets (or market days) a winery may attend. Importantly, the new process shifts the permitting burden off of the markets and on to the wineries. Market managers and property owners are no longer required to sign the paperwork for wineries to attend.

“Wineries and vineyards are a growing segment of our already diverse agriculture industry,” said Agriculture Secretary Buddy Hance. “This new permitting process is another way we are working to connect consumers with all Maryland producers.”  “This permit is a great example of the industry and state working together to promote local wines to customers already focused on buying other locally grown products,” said Kevin Atticks, executive director of the Maryland Wineries Association. “We hope to turn locavours into locapours via farmers’ markets.”

"While the new permit makes it much easier for wineries to sell their products at farmers’ markets, it does not give them open access. Markets must invite a winery to participate in a market, and wineries may not sell wine by the glass. In addition, local regulations regarding the sale and sampling of wine prevails, even if they are more restrictive than what the new permit allows."  For information about the permits or other wine-related regulations, contact Kevin Atticks, executive director, Maryland Wineries Association, 410-252-9463 or kevin@marylandwine.com. 

American Market is one of the 131 farmers markets in Maryland, up from 88 in 2008. Farmers’ markets have become essential in our communities and are growing in popularity across the U.S.  Appreciation to local farmers, food growers, vineyards, specialty food preparers, USDA, and more concerned organizations for increasing our awareness to wholesome and sustainable food system. Citizens are becoming more aware of the health benefits and are increasingly  concerned with consuming good foods that add to rather than subtract from our  well being. 

The opening season at American Market (May 4) has been great so far, regardless of the threat of a few sprinkles of water falling from the sky! Miller Farms, artisans, specialty food vendors were out in force and selling their handmade products, bedding plants, hanging baskets, breads, pies, donuts, pierogies, green condiments, roasted nuts, kettle corn, delicious fruity smoothies, bread pudding, banana breads, and more!

I don't know about you, but I just LOVE, LOVE, LOVE looking at beautiful produce! Hearty, deep and vibrant colors . . . Purple, red, green, white and more! Most of my spring onions have been consumed throughout the week . . . However, I have this lovely photo to look at all of the time!  And I have a picture of beets, radishes, strawberries, mint and broccoli! And before the season is over, I will have my own farm of fresh produce locked right in my phone!

And speaking of farms! I had an opportunity to visit one of the farms located in Maryland last week. I was excited to see all the acres of land where one of the American Market farmers, Miller Farm grow and harvest produce for the local markets in the area.  Located in Clinton, Maryland, Park Ranger, Kyle Lowe of the M-NCPPC was gracious to spend time introducing me to Cosca Regional Park. Nearby, there are acres and acres of farm land, sporting facilities -- tennis courts, skate boarding ramps, a fishing lake, picnic areas, camping grounds and of course nature are abundant! 

And . . .  To top it off the visit, Kyle took me on a short visit to the Surratt House. Shame on me; I have driven by this museum hundreds of times and never stopped to visit. The Surratt House was built in 1852 and was the home to the Surratt family, but it also served as a tavern, a public dining room, and as a rest stop for traveling gentlemen. 

Surely, I must have started day-dreaming while the instructor began to explore the history about this very significant house - albeit, history was not my favorite subject back then. If you were anything like me, and just in case you were not paying attention in class the day the teacher reviewed the history of Clinton, Maryland, this historical museum is where the "infamous" John Wilkes Booth stopped to retrieve weapons and supplies to assassinate President Abraham Lincoln.  So, you're probably wondering what this photo has to do with the Surratt Museum . . . Well, to frame your experience, lovely docents dress in the traditional attire like they did back in the day to help visitors get in the mood and roll back the hands of time. This gracious woman, dressed in typical 1800 garb was kind to pause for a photo opportunity! I was so much in the moment that I waited in anticipation for the horse and buggy to come rolling up! But Kyle's jeep would be the only 'steed' that would return me back to my vehicle. 

Thank you Kyle for the exciting journey! If you would like to discover more about the M-NCPPC parks and activities, visit www.pgparks.com

 . . . . Now onto the American Market!   

Vendor Highlights!

Reinvented Elegance

Joyce Wagner, artist and owner of Reinvented Elegance. Her mission is to create things that will make people smile and bring them joy. Reinvented Elegance features wire wrapped, crocheted jewelry and accessories, mosaics, and pressed flower art. Joyce, a very gracious woman, loved to make things since she was little. In fact, grouting mosaics reminded her of making mud pies many years ago in her side-yard. To the complete horror of a few girly-girls in her neighborhood, she then proceeded to decorate them with Dogwood berries and sun-bake them on my aluminum slide!  Today Joyce is inspired by her terrific family (husband, five kids, and three cats); her many talented artist friends; anything funny; the gift of nature; trash/recycling days; and beautiful Old Town, Alexandria, VA (not necessarily in that order). When making jewelry and accessories, she loves to throw odd materials and colors together with pressed flowers, a myriad of recycled items, and twists of wire and see what happens! She also loves the look of crocheted jewelry, somehow at once Victorian and edgy. (Jewelry: earrings, bracelets, necklaces, pendants, rings. Accessories: key chains, bookmarks, cell phone charms.) When making mosaics, Joyce feels tremendous satisfaction from finding discarded or thrift store materials and breathing new life into them. She also loves the idea that an odd assemblage of materials can somehow be greater than their individual parts.  (Mosaic products:  mirror frames, gazing orbs, tables.) When creating with pressed flowers and leaves, Joyce never cease to marvel at the gift of nature’s beauty. (Pressed flower products: jumbo refrigerator magnets, greeting cards, bookmarks, lampshades.)

Habeebah's Herbals, Reflexology & Aromatherapy Center
"It’s all about “chemistry and creativity.”   
Habeebah's Herbals natural and organic body products are wholistic and spiritually heart created, righteously made, and hand poured. They are formulated with the best ingredients and love. Our products are friendly human tested, again, again, and again!  No parabens, alcohols or unhealthy ingredients are used.  We produce natural and organic body butters, body scrubs, massage oils, facial products, hair products, body dusting powder, soaps, bath products, spiritual oils, soy candles, and more. The company also offer Reflexology and Aromatherapy services. Connect with Habeebah at www.habeebahsherbals.com or like her on Face Book - Habeebah’s Herbals.

Entertainment on the Way . . . 

Mark your calendars and join us on June 15th to enjoy Conjure Woman . . .

Conjure Woman is a Indie Blues/Roots/Americana band that formed in Washington DC in 2013. They are currently unsigned. Their music encompasses a wide range of material within the Americana Roots scene, from work songs and ring shouts to Delta blues, spirituals, mountain songs and rock and roll. The group named itself.  Conjure Woman......a classic yet timeless figure in the African American community who aided people when they had troubles (or “the blues”). She was highly respected, yet aloof and mysterious. Conjure Woman band members . . . Oma Pearl, Michelle Webb, Zenzi Miller, Kesha Jaramillo,Home Page: http://www.reverbnation.com/conjurewoman, Genres: Blues / Americana / Roots Music.

That's a wrap! We'll return in a couple of weeks with new and exciting news and adventures to share! And speaking of sharing . . . Feel free to pass this Blog along to your family and network of friends and colleagues. We hope to see you at the American Market soon!  

Lots of blessings!

Phyllicia and Mark
Market Masters
phyproductions123@gmail.com
http://www.phenomenalproductions.com
www.nationalhabor.com (click - Things to Do)

American Market at National Harbor

 on American Way  
(Between Fleet and Waterfront Streets)

May 4 - October 26, 2013

Saturdays

10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.
Managed by Phenomenal Productions LLC
Rev. Phyllicia M. Hatton and Mr. Mark A. Wilson

VENDORS

Farmers and Specialty Food Vendors

Tyson's Farms

Miller Farms

Allie and Trish Sweets

Big Poppa's Kettle Corn

Boordy Vineyards

Gone Greens (collard green condiments)

Gourmet Spices by Joni (dips/sauces)

G's Pierogies

Havana Banana Breads

Puddin’ (bread pudding)

TAMO Smoothies

The Sweetest Surrender (sorbet)

Wilhoit's Roasted Nuts

Artisans

Beads by Persia (jewelry – men, women, children)

Big Mama's Blessing Candles

Canvas Photography by Klaire and knitted puppy hats

Elements One (jewelry, travel candles)

ET Textiles (handbags)

Greystone Products (computer jewelry)

Habeebah's Herbals (skin and hair products)

Holley Blue Jewelry (silver jewelry)

K. Lynn Creations (ornaments, pillows)

Millie's Scented Rocks (aromatherapy)

NativeGrind (long boards)

Reinvented Elegance 

(jewelry created with recycled items, greeting cards, mosaics, ornaments)

Relaxing Arts 

(original watercolor, acrylic paintings, giclee prints, note cards, colored eggs, tea cozies)

Sugalump Boutique (children’s hair accessories)

Terry Martinez (recycled handmade leather accessories