Summer time, Summer time!

It's Summer Time!  . . . Not quite, but soon!

Besides the earth moving under the feet of Japanese citizens, there's lots of happenings in this part of the region too! Farmer's Markets! Festivals! Barbeques! Beach and Pools! Weddings! Family Reunions! and more activities abound!

Did you hear . . . 
If you hear any noise it's just me and boys!  . . .  Get a glide in your stride and a dip in yo hip!

The "Mothership Connection" will be landing at Merriweather Post Pavilion June 5-7 . . . A great line up of contemporary jazz and R&B performers will entertain thousands at the 23rd Annual Capital Jazz Fest! In addition, on Saturday and Sunday over100 micro small businesses will share and sell handcrafted and other unique products in the marketplace!  If you have tickets to attend the sold out event, take the time to support micro small businesses! www.capitaljazz.com  . . . By the way, the marketplace is coordinated and managed by yours truly!
If you are like me -- running around like a chicken, there's much to share . . . 

I am not sure where to begin . . .  Let's start with this tall pitcher of Watermelon Sangria . . . A fellow Pinterest pinner pinned (repeat three times after a few glasses!) this beverage on one of her boards.

Oh so refreshing . . .  And almost just in time to harvest local watermelons! Just in case you need to know when the best time to enjoy those juicy melons, on this side of the land (DC, Maryland Virginia), melons are ripe and ready to eat around July.

How about a glass of water infused with fruits or vegetables! A great beverage after an invigorating workout or relaxing massage . . .

For a non-alcohol beverage try Coconut Lavender Lemonade . . . The ingredients alone sound refreshing! And the color is so very inviting!

And while I am on the topic of seasonal . . .  Here's a list of seasonal fruits and vegetables in the DMV . . .

June and July

Fruits . . . Strawberries, Blackberries, Blueberries, Cherries, Melons, Peaches, Plums, Raspberries, and Rhubarb

Vegetables . . . Asparagus, Snap Beans, Beets, Broccoli, Cauliflower, Corn (yellow/white), Cucumbers, Eggplant, Okra, Onions, Peas, Peppers, Potatoes, Summer Squash, Tomatoes

Get ready, get ready, get ready! 

Mark your calendars!

Buy Local Week is July 18-26!

The Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission (SMADC) is partnering with the Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) to support "2015 statewide Buy Local Challenge Week." 

Anyone and everyone . . . Citizens, local farms, markets, restaurants, stores, wineries and more may participate! 

Send a note and let me know that you and your family and friends will participate by sending a ‘Comment’, 'Like' or ‘Post’ the Buy Local  (BLC) on your social media pages! Support your local grown food provider in your community!

And here's an update about Roots & Stems Community Farmers' Market . . . We were off to a good start at the Fort Washington location until an unfortunate thing happened  . . .  As some folks say, "there is a reason for everything - perhaps?"  Meanwhile, I am working on finding and securing a new farmer to anchor and support the other creative and talented vendors . . . Reinvented Elegance, Wilhoit's Roasted Nuts, Garmer's Garden, and other new and inquisitive business folks. I am sticking to my mission! God will make a way!  To be a conduit that will  offer access to local healthy foods to nearby residents.

Meanwhile, the Roots & Stems market located at the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC) is in full swing! I am honored to help support the employees achieve greater health as well as provide opportunities to micro small business owners. And what a great opportunity for Maryland residents! Come out and pay your water bill in person . . . We are there every Wednesday. While you are taking care of important matters, support our market vendors!

Jenny's Market

-- http://jennysfruitandvegie.com/aboutus.htmlt 

Zoe's Vegan Delights

-- http://www.zoesvegandelight.com/

The Baker's Table 

-- Homemade pasteries, cakes, breads, cookies, tarts and more

Helping Hands 

- - Nutritious made to order fruit smoothies

Pong's Orchard 

-- http://www.pongsorchardmd.com/

Spaces are available!

If you or other business owners are interested in selling and sharing local food or skincare products with the WSSC and other neighboring business employees, let's connect!  New proprietors are always welcome to sign up and join the other vendors. 

And while we are talking about beets! Oh, I mentioned them above . . . Those deep red root vegetables are in season . . . 
So, how do you eat your beets? The best way . . . Eat them raw! I had a bowl last night as a snack!

Interestingly, I have found that many people do not like beets, but when they understand the beneficial nutrients to beets, they will soon change their thinking!  Found this list on www.eatlocalgrown.com/article/TopTenWaystoeatbeets

• Easy to eat: Beets can be purchased from the market and stored for days in the refrigerator. Simply, slice couple of beets and store them in the refrigerator. Every time you feel hungry or feel the need to munch something, have the beets you saved earlier. No cooking required and cold beets taste good as well.
• Beets fight cancer. Studies show beet juice inhibits the formation of cancer-causing compounds, particularly in the colon and stomach.
• They prevent heart and vascular diseases. Beet greens and roots contain the phytochemical betacyanin, which reduces levels of the homocysteine, an amino acid related to heart and vascular diseases. Plus, compounds in beets dissolve inorganic calcium deposits that cause arteries to harden.
• Beets guard against Alzheimer's and dementia. Nitrates in beets open the blood vessels and increase blood flow to the brain, which can help prevent cognitive disorders in older adults.
• Beets are good for your eyes. The lutein and zeaxanthin in beets support macular and retinal health.
• They help lower blood pressure — and prevent clotting and inflammation.
• They help you exercise longer. Researchers at the University of Exeter in the U.K. published a study in the Journal of Applied Physiology (Aug. 6, 2010), reporting that a nitrate in beet juice increases stamina and makes exercise less tiring, allowing people to exercise 16 percent longer.
• Beets are good for your skin. Beets contain vitamin A, which maintains healthy skin and mucus membranes as well as protects against lung and mouth cancers.
• You can have beets in the raw form as well as boiled, steamed or sautéed forms. You can also have the juice of fresh beets. However the juice of beet has a very strong taste and may not be like by all, but beet juice is an excellent health tonic. You can mix beet juice with carrot juice and apple juice to reduce the strong taste.
• Beets are natural blood cleanser and colon cleanser. 

 So, that will do for the moment . . . I will bid you a fond farewell . . . For now . . .

Phyllicia M. Hatton, M.Div.

Market Master . . . And more!

Let's connect and do more to help God's people . . . Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Pinterest or just plain ole e-mail . . . phyproductions123@gmail.com

Live in Fear or Live Well . . . You Choose

For several months, I have been formulating a blog that focuses on "fear." Why?  Glad you asked ... One morning while preparing for the day, all of a sudden, my usual happy disposition and countenance changed in an instant . . . My head lowered and I whispered to God, "I feel as though I am living in a nightmare."  I soon realized what ignited this feeling of despair . . . News headlines and reports which hold society in a state of constant fear . . .

NEWS ALERT! 

Work overload may have impact on health 

What happened to that saying, "hard work never hurts anyone?"

Police Search for 'Despicable' Thief Who Stole 4-Year-Old's Wheelchair

Women Drove to Census Bureau to Elude Kidnapper: Prosecutors - Documents filed in the death of a Census Bureau guard say two women drove to the agency because they knew the guards were armed.

How many teaspoons of sugar are in your favorite beverage? Lower the risk of obesity, diabetes, heart disease, gout, and cavities, minimize sugary beverages including juices. 

Food Additives: What's Safe and What's Not.

DOJ to Probe Man's Death After His Arrest 

Hackers increasingly target banks and their employees and not customers

Mediterranean shipwreck said to be the deadliest

Listen up people! Let's get and remain happy! 

While we work to overcome the madness, let us be reminded that there is a lot to be thankful for . . . Such as the flower buds blooming on the trees, flowers popping up all around, warmer temperatures, folks tending to the yard, planting seeds and flowers, and all in preparation for the season!  And the opportunity to celebrate Earth Day!

And watch out, there's a Spinosaurus running down M Street! And adorable new babies - like my grand nephew - Kori David Hazel Goins who was born on April 4th!  *smile*


And there's more exciting news . . .
Farmer's Market season begins! 


If I heard it once, I've heard it a thousand times! Folks love, love, love Farmer's Markets and are thrilled and cannot wait to visit their local market and purchase healthy, wholesome foods; especially with all of the recent reports about contaminated and diseases such as; listeria, pesticides, bird flu. 

This season I will be running two (2) markets!

Saturdays
May 2 until October 31
Fort Washington, Maryland 
National Church of God - 
Free Parking! Crafts, foods, and more!

Westmoreland Produce - vegetables, fruits, plants Reinvented Elegance - Handmade jewelry, items for the homeWilhoit's Roasted Nuts - pecan, almonds, walnutsGarner's Garden - skincare productsHudson Sauces - sauces and seasonings Kirksey Catering - value added prepared foods 
EBT, SNAP and WIC will be accepted!

Wednesdays
May 13 until October 28 
Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission headquarters (WSSC) (over 700 employees)
Laurel, Maryland (and neighboring businesses) 
Pong's Orchard - citrus trees, vegetable/fruit plants, fruit and vegetables  . . . Asian pears, white peaches, fuji and gala apples, sweet cherries, plums, persimmons, figs, cherry tomatoes tomatillos, hot peppers, sweet peppers, eggplant, cucumber, basil Zoe's Vegan Delight - vegan foods and desserts 
Cooking demonstrations, Information on how to prepare foods, and more!

Let's have a change of mind and enjoy the bounty of the farmer's labor! If you or know someone who would like to apply for one or both of the markets, send us a note at: phyproductions123@gmail.com 

We welcome creative cooks and chefs who want to showcase their culinary skills!

Support our local farmer's markets!  

Eat well, Live well! Play hard! And laugh a lot!

Phyllicia M. Hatton, M.Div.
Market Master
301-910-8076 Mobile
See us on -- Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, LinkedIn!

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
Find us on Twitter, Pinterest, LinkedIn, Facebook

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