Enough is enough! 

Where's the green grass?. . . Exclaims the American red robin a.k.a. (Turdus migratorius).

Lots of red breasted birds have been walking around for the past three weeks; showing yet another clear sign that spring is just around the bend! But, they cannot find those plump, wiggly, and juicy earthworms buried deep below the snow covered ground.

A Fun Fact! 

The red robins are the first birds to sing at dawn! Of course, that explains the wonderful sounds I hear "when" (operative word) I rise to take my stroll at 6 o'clock a.m. I always enjoy listening to their songs consisting of several distinct parts that are repeated -- musicians can relate to this theory. 


New beginnings  . . . A fresh start and a new outlook!
  
Can you tell, I am excited! More day light! The scents of spring filtering the air! Bright colors abound! 

I love, love, love spring! And speaking of a New Look! Look at what Ose (a very creative mind) has created for my farmer's market . . . A New Look! Creative spirits just cannot help themselves . . . Oooddles of ideas and thoughts just exude from those minds! However, in addition to being an artist and designer myself, I am also a business woman and know that "branding" is an important component to identification. So, the original logo is still included . . .

Mark and I have initiated the CALL for artisans, growers, and for valued added food vendors to join us! 

And what would a farmers market be without the farmers! A special outreach effort is on-going to ensure we identify the best local farmers that will bring delicious, locally grown fruits and vegetables to sell; not only to appease and satisfy the palate, but to offer our neighbors  consume healthy, dense foods. It is vitally important to us that nearby residents and folks from other parts of the region have access to local food and enjoy the bounty of harvested produce each week. 

And the Survey Says! 

In the fall of 2014, Obie Patterson, councilman for District 8 (Fort Washington, Oxon Hill, Clinton, Forest Heights, Temple Hills, Camp Springs, Marlow Heights, Glassmanor) communities, hosted his Annual Health Fair at the M-NCPPC's Southern Regional Technology and Recreational Complex. The health fair featured several health related companies and institutions ranging from dental, nutrition, health research, physical trainers, food preparers, and yours truly! 

Yes, a special extension of appreciation to Nicole, Derek and Charles who invest their time in the community, we were offered the opportunity to set up a table (see the photo!) to share the news about "Roots & Stems." And the response was overwhelmingly positive! The residents are VERY eager to welcome the farmers market! Young and seasoned adults, men, women and even babies signed a survey indicating that they are in favor of having a market in the community.

I don't know about you, but looking at fresh produce makes me want to SCREAM and SHOUT . . .

Thank you Lord!
 
Of course, as the Market Masters of Roots & Stems Community Farmer's Market, we cannot overlook that there are tons of crafty folks in our local communities . . . Jewelry, metal work, glassware, pottery, artwork, rug makers, soap and body care products, wood crafts, and more who have already and are planning to apply this season. And we are also thinking about adding some music in the mix to help shoppers enjoy their visits . . . Just like the 'BIG' food stores!

And last, but certainly not least . . . Ose and I continue our outreach to micro and small business owners encouraging folks to place an advertisement and listing in the directory  . . . "OrganicMind Magazine." Send us a note  . . . organicmindmag@gmail.com . . .  Better yet, send us your ad! The magazine is filled with great information that will support and establish a healthy lifestyle, promote "YOUR" company, feature unique, one of a kind products, handcrafts, foods, recipes, and more! Once the magazine is ready to print -- with you AD inside its pages, we will distribute it to lots of places, including at a very popular and well attended event in June!

Okay . . . There's other work to accomplish, but rest assured, we will return!

Enjoy the meltdown! And share!

Phyllicia and Mark
Market Masters & Founders of creative outlets . . . "People"
Roots & Stems, Community Farmer's Market
(301) 910-8076 Mobile
phyproductions123@gmail.com
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Roots & Stems Community Farmer's Market - 2015 Season

 It may not be warm and sunshiny on the east coast, but that does not stop us from preparing for the spring! 

Yes indeed, we are planning, prepping and excited about the farmers' market this season.  

And you know what's really exciting, we are relocating the market to a new location that will offer us increased visibility. 

Take a moment and jot down the details . . . 

Saturdays, May 2 through October 31

9:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. 
(Rain or Shine)

National Church of God

6700 Bock Road

Fort Washington, Maryland 20744

Spring will be here before we can blink an eye. Without skipping a beat, folks in agriculture offices and in the farmers market industry are reaching out to market managers requesting updates and submissions to include in publications across the nation. 

We are moving right along and have submitted Roots & Stems in local and national directories such as: USDA Farmer's Market Directory, Southern Maryland Department of Agriculture's So Maryland, So Good brochure, University of Maryland Extension web site and brochure and other outlets to spread the news!

We cannot have a farmers' market without farmers and value added food vendors, but this year we are including other micro small business owners who self produce their own products such as soaps, skin and haircare, unique, one of a kind items such as jewelry, items for the home and yard, and more!

Just thinking about mouth watering local farm produce . . . Strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, peaches, greens, tomatoes, and so much more! We cannot wait to make that transition from store bought to local farm harvested foods! Yum! And of course, March is the time when we begin to observe . . .

Ag Day is March 18, 2015

Agriculture Council of America  

Visit http://agday.org for additional information

Purpose

The Agriculture Council of America (ACA) is an organization uniquely composed of leaders in the agriculture, food and fiber communities dedicated to increasing the public awareness of agriculture's vital role in our society. The Agriculture Council of America and the National Ag Day program was started in 1973.

Core Values

ACA believes that every American should:

• Understand how food and fiber products are produced.
• Appreciate the role agriculture plays in providing safe, abundant and affordable products.
• Value the essential role of agriculture in maintaining a strong economy.
• Acknowledge and consider career opportunities in the agriculture, food and fiber industry.

We are dedicated to help inform and teach everyone about the value of consuming healthy and wholesome foods everyday. Support your local farmers market . . . Especially Roots & Stems this season.

Applications for the market are NOW available . . . Send a note to phyproductions123@gmail.com to request an application and feel free to share with other foodies and crafters!

We are looking forward to connecting with you soon!

Phyllicia                                   Mark
Market Master                           Market Master
Roots & Stems                          Roots & Stems