Get Fit! Get Healthy! . . . In the Zone!

July 4th is here and will soon be over . . .  But! The Farmers' Market season is moving right along! 

Remember -- "Chubby Checker recorded the original nostalgic party jam – "let's twist again like we did last summer," Summer of 1960."  Twisting is a Great Exercise! So . . .

If you've been indulging and grilling up those hamburgers, hot dogs, short ribs, long ribs, tofu ribs since the advent of the summer season (and it isn't over yet), perhaps you should consider visiting a nearby local farmers market and gather up some of those delicious vegetables and fruits!

Boy oh Boy! When I sliced up some of those juicy red, hearty tomatoes, my eyes rolled back in my head! Memories of how a REAL tomato should taste like! And then I cut up some of those crunchy baby cucumbers, sprinkled a bit of pepper and lemon seasoning and made me want to shout! 

I love summertime and fresh seasonal vegetables and fruit . . . They lots of flavor! In another day or so, I am going to slice up my summer squash, but I have to eat up my pot of cooked kale -- the way my mother and grandmothers used to cook them -- in a pot so I may savor that good ole pot liquor . . . Ummmmm, ummmm! 

Don't get me wrong, I have been eating "RAW" most of my life because my parents instilled good eating habits when my sister and I were little people. Our grandparents would venture outdoors at the crack of dawn and pick vegetables, dig up potatoes, pull up beets and corn from their garden and prepare healthy meals each and every day.  Besides, I consume enough green leafy vegetable -- salads, carrots, and eat lots of other food with fiber -- so, it is best not to not consume too much fiber! Balance is the key!

 
Berries, berries and more berries! 

When you get a handful of sweet juicy blueberries from the local farm, there's nothing like them in the world! One of our customers came by last Saturday and said she could not put the carton down . . . She just kept poppin' them in her mouth until they were all gone! Needless to say, those berries never made it in her home . . . Drop some on top of your cereal, yogurt -- Yum! 

It is a good thing I ate dinner before I prepared this blog! I am excited that tomorrow is Farmers' Market Day! 







 

“Roots &Stems”

Farmers' Market is now in its third weekend and the harvest is plentiful!

If you are in the area, grab a recyclable/sustainable bag to the market this Saturday! Joel Edelen Produce and Shlagel Farms will be at the market with loads of farm produce!

What's in season . . .??

Fennel
White Sweet Potato
Red Potato
Korabi
Kale (3 varieties), Collards, Swiss Chard
Salad Greens (chemical  free hydroponic)
Beets, Leeks, Radish
Spring Onions, White and Red
Broccoli
Cabbage; Green
Cabbage; Pac-Choi
Yellow/ Green Squash
Pickling  and Regular Cucumbers
Green Beans
Red Potatoes; New
Tomatoes, Home Grown
Blueberries

Eggplant -- 5 Varieties!

And, brown eggs!

In the coming weeks , we will be adding a few prepared food vendors too!  

Kirksey Catering - featuring Raw Kale with brocolli/carrot, pumpkin seed salad with/without Grilled chicken and Red Velvet Cupcakes

Keesha and Cousin - Homemade deserts

And more goodies will be added in the coming weekends! If you or you know a foodie looking for a great new farmers' market, tell them to give us a call!  We would love to have them join us!

Bring the family, tell the neighbors! Find a market, come out and support our local Maryland farmers  . . . 

Mark your calendars!

Buy Local Week is coming up soon!  End of July!

 “Roots &Stems”

a Community Farmers' Market

Tucker Road Athletic Complex

1770 Tucker Road, Fort Washington, MD  20744

Saturdays, 8:30 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.

 We'll see you on Saturday!  And remember bring your walking shoes and . . . Get in the Zone!

Phyllicia                                                              Mark
Market Manager                                       Market Manager
Phyproductions123@gmail.com
(301) 910-8076 Mobile

"Get in the Zone!"

 A NEW Farmers Market is in the neighborhood!

“Roots & Stems”

 a Community Farmers Market

1770 Tucker Road, Fort Washington (Oxon Hill/Glassmanor), Maryland

Before sharing the exciting news about the market . . . Did you hear!  Washington, DC is recognized as "Most Physically Fit!"  According to an article in the Washington Informer (June 12-18, 2014),

 "New research was released by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) revealed that the area ranked Number One on the 2014 Annual Fit City Index." "Officials noted that area residents spent an average of $398 at farmer's markets and D.C. had a Walk Score of 74, above the target of 51.1."

Okay, first, I will make the assumption that's $398/month. Secondly, I am one of the first to delve into research and I love metrics and studying data . . . But there is a big elephant in the room . . . One of the primary reasons for establishing a farmers market is to offer access to healthy locally harvested and prepared foods! Especially for disenfranchised communities. Of course folks are going to walk!  Hint: Metro is not in every neighborhood . . . Yet!

Some of our precious citizens still have a ways to go before change is realized. Folks are still consuming fast foods, stopping by the convenience stores to pick up a bag of chips and a bottle of soda, still nibbling on those buy 5 for $1.00 chicken wingettes, and there are more delicatessens opening up . . . Perhaps that famous sub shop is making a bunch of money as athletes continue to "endorse" them.

Hey, if anyone knows of a professional athlete interested in doing something worthwhile -- something a little bit different, tell him/her to give me a call! I have a new opportunity that would bode well with promoting our community farmer's market!

Again, We say . . .

“Roots & Stems”

a Community Farmer's Market is in the neighborhood!

Our very own farmer's market has just opened this past weekend in the heart of the community . . . Nestled in a nearby location in Fort Washington, Maryland is one of Prince George's County's best kept secrets. Sprawled over hundreds of  acres neighbors and travelers venture down the road to the Tucker Road Athletic Complex to "Get in the Zone!"

The Complex is surrounded by trees, a farm next door with real cows (not the one that talks and cries on television), a fitness center, ice skating rink, basketball and tennis courts, biking, roller skating, and running path, four (4) baseball fields, football fields, a golf course, a play ground for the little people, a pond to catch fish -- and turtles, picnic tables and grills for gatherings and events. And, just through the woods and up the road a bit, is the newly built TechRec facility! A full size basketball court, indoor walking path, fitness center, rock climbing wall, meeting space, computer and teaching labs, and . . . Each month folks will come out for Yoga exercises . . .  

 Get in the Zone!

Anchored by the "Transitioning Neighborhood Initiative" and the Maryland National Capital Park and Planning Commission's  "Health and Wellness" initiative, "Roots & Stems" has greater significance as it has the potential to reach hundreds of residents who will enjoy the outdoors, purchasing fresh fruits and vegetables, fishing, meeting and greeting neighbors, and more!

Each week, our farmers bring a variety of "seasonal" vegetables, fruits, eggs, direct from farm to the market. Also, neighbors will take part in some of the tastiest prepared dishes prepared by talented local chefs and bakers. Did I mention . . . Neighbors may take pleasure in exercising, playing ball, golfing, or strolling along the path!

As the market takes shape and more and more foodies come on board, we'll be adding some fun food activities that neighbors may learn while soaking in the atmosphere that nature offers. So, here's your task . . . Even if you don't live in the area, you certainly must know someone in our community. If not, go meet someone who lives in Prince George's County, D.C. or Virginia and tell them to stop by for a refreshing experience! And . . . Keep in mind, we are always seeking food artisans to join us.

The community is reflective of people from around the world and so we welcome you to pass this exciting news along to family, friends and colleagues!

The "Roots & Stems" Farmers Market  is located on . . .  

 Tucker Road Athletic Complex

1770 Tucker Road

Fort Washington, Maryland 20744

Saturdays, June 21 until October 25, 2014
Hours: 8:30 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. -- Rain or Shine!

Come visit with us often!

Phyllicia - Market Master                                         Mark - Market Master
phyproductions123@gmail.com
(301) 910-8076 Mobile

Connect with us . . .  Twitter, LinkedIn, FaceBook, Pinterest . . . Google!

Celebrating Agriculture Week!

Yea, yea, yea, I know, it is hard to believe that we are approaching the farmer's market season; especially as snow was falling from the sky again in DC,VA,MD! And it is cold as Alaska outdoors! None-the-less, if the robins, daffodils and other signs of spring are appearing, and surviving, we humans can at least wait a few days when the temperatures go soaring into the 60s! So, let's press forward and celebrate and welcome the local food season!

And so the season begins! I am pleased to announce that Hannah's Grace, Inc. is expanding!Did you know that water is essential to nourish our bodies and yields an excellent crop?
Of course you did!  Well, we are in the throes of establishing a new market  . . . The WSSC Farmer's Market in Laurel, MD! Just in case you do not recognize the acronym . . .It stands for Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission. And did you know that there are a lot of environmentalist at WSSC? What a great match! Water = Vegetables, Fruits, Wheat, Legumes, Chickens, Seafood, and healthy meals to enjoy! The market will feature local Maryland produce and healthy food offerings from local foodies! If you are in the area, stop by and don't forget to tell somebody!  Moving along . . . As a point of reference, I scrolled through my series of blogs and rediscovered one that welcomes the return of springtime . . . Documenting history is so beneficial . . . Just like preparing a sermon; I don't have to rewrite and make up new stuff to share! It's just like reminding us how good God is to us! This time last year we had a ton of rain falling, but it was not cold. As you may recall, we were observing observances! 

Remember, the link, http://c.ymcdn.com/sites/www.nationalwellness.org/resource/resmgr/healthobservancescalendar/2014_nwi_healthobsvcal.pdf. . . This is the place where you may uncover a plethora of 'things' to celebrate . . . Donut Day, Hot Dog Day, Hug a Tree, Hug a Neck Day, Happy Nutrition Month and more! Celebrate whatever tickles your fancy and keeps you happy! 

As I've shared, there's no need to recreate new information . .Happy Agriculture Week!

National Ag Day is organized by the Agriculture Council of America (ACA). ACA is a nonprofit organization composed of leaders in the agricultural, food and fiber community, dedicating its efforts to increasing the public's awareness of agriculture's role in modern society.  

Generations Nourishing Generations -- National Agriculture Day and mark a nationwide effort to tell the true story of American agriculture and remind citizens that agriculture is a part of all of us. A number of producers, agricultural associations, corporations, students and government organizations involved in agriculture are expected to participate.

 
The National Ag Day program encourages every American to:

• 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.

National Ag Day FAQ's

What Is Ag Day?

It's a day to recognize and celebrate the abundance provided by agriculture. Every year, producers, agricultural associations, corporations, universities, government agencies and countless others across America join together to recognize the contributions of agriculture.

Who Hosts Ag Day?

The Agriculture Council of America hosts the campaign on a national level. However, the awareness efforts in communities across America are as influential - if not more - than the broad-scale effort.  

Why Celebrate Agriculture?

Agriculture provides almost everything we eat, use and wear on a daily basis. But too few people truly understand this contribution. This is particularly the case in our schools, where students may only be exposed to agriculture if they enroll in related vocational training. By building awareness, the Agriculture Council of America is encouraging young people to consider career opportunities in agriculture. Each American farmer feeds more than 144 people ... a dramatic increase from 25 people in the 1960s. (2013 data) Quite simply, American agriculture is doing more - and doing it better. As the world population soars, there is an even greater demand for the food and fiber produced in the United States.

What Can YOU Do to Help?

Put simply, get involved! Your participation in Ag Day is critical in helping us spread this positive message about agriculture. If you are interested in planning an event, download your Planning Guide today. Of course, there are other ways you can lend your support, including sending a letter to your local newspaper, calling your Congressional representatives or simply sharing information about agriculture with youngsters in your community. 

. . . . AND DON'T FORGET, SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL FARMER'S MARKET! 
 

 And if you really sink your teeth (toes) into the earth, listed below is a link from the MD Department of Agriculture . . . Enjoy!  Celebrating Agriculture in Maryland -  http://news.maryland.gov/mda/press-release/2014/03/13/maryland-celebrates-national-agriculture-week-seven-ways-you-can-get-involved-with-maryland-agriculture/

Enjoy the start of spring . . . We will be in touch soon!

Phyllicia
Rev. Phyllicia M. Hatton, M.Div.
Founder and President
Hannah's Grace, Inc. ~ www.hannahsgrace.org  
"Find us everywhere! And Share with everyone!"

University of Maryland Extension
Fodors
So Maryland, So Good
MD Department of Agriculture's Farmer's Market Directory 
USDA.gov
FreshNation
AgritourismWorld
Craftmaster News
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