The Ralph May Band played to a large crowd on the city hall lawn in spite of the need for umbrellas and longjohns. Ralph, center, is pictured here with his bandmates including his 15-year-old daughter Mattie May, who gives her dad a run for the money when it comes to singing.
John Baal's Bashers once again kicked butt (sort of) in the Fourth Annual Oldtimers' Softball Game. The Bashers overcame Jim Tate Taylor's Thrashers 10-8. The Bashers have won three out of the last four old-timers' games. Those heroic over the hill men, who once again bravely risked life and limb, are, front row from left: Jerry Allen, Chachi Penwell, Dean Mick, Bill Carson, Danny Long, Steve Hamilton, John Baal, Nick Blaser, Herbie Clouser, Tom Hatch and Dallas Carmen. Back row from left: Rick Schluep, Shane Paul, Jim Faulconer, Tom Meyers, Bill Rooks, Buck Young, Tom Smith, Lonnie Clouser, Jerry Savage, Donnie Willman, Steve Wile, Rob McCray and Mark Smith.
Ellie Cleland, the mastermind behind the upcoming
Greenfield Farmers’ Market, recently relocated from
Chicago to Greenfield. Before moving to Chicago,
she resided in a small burg in Michigan, similar in
size to Greenfield, so she hasn’t undergone much
of a culture shock.
“I think Greenfield is a neat area. I’ve met some
really interesting and talented people who have
certain skills and are really passionate about growing
crops,” Cleland remarked.
Her exposure to, and interest in, farmers’ markets,
however, occurred while she was living and working in
the big city of Chicago. One of her favorite things was
visiting her neighborhood farmers’ market every Saturday.
When she moved to the Greenfield area late last
year, she and her boyfriend Eric Zint brainstormed and
decided that they would like to implement a regular
farmers’ market in Greenfield so that local growers
and crafters could sell their wares.
“At least 50 percent of what is being sold has been grown, or made, in the area,” Cleland explained. “All of the vendors will have their names and farm locations on display. I think that’s an important element of the market. As a consumer, you know that your vendors are going to be there, weekly, and the money that is spent is going to stay in the area. It’s a self-sustaining market.”
Cleland is very much aware of the impact that the recent economy has had on people, particularly those living in struggling rural communities such as Greenfield. “It’s important to support people who are making an effort to add to our local economy by selling their home-grown produce and their hand-made goods,” Cleland noted.
“We have a great group of vendors and that ups the market’s chances for success. When people drive by the Pamida lot and they see nine vendors and their booths that’s pretty substantial and I think it will capture their attention.”
Cleland continued, “We have made a lot of effort to promote the market and I think the awareness of the market itself is high and will continue to grow throughout the season.”
The market will be located in the Pamida parking lot. Pamida is situated on West Jefferson St. in Greenfield.
“Pamida has been an amazing partner in getting the market off of the ground,” Cleland noted. “Pamida has been great to work with and very flexible about what space the market is going to be using in its parking lot.” Cleland is working out the details so that food stamps and WIC coupons can be utilized at the farmers’ market.
The market is open every Wednesday, from 3 to 7 p.m. beginning May 27 and lasting through September 2. If you would like to join the market as a vendor, give Cleland a call at 937-403-4790 or contact her via email, Greenfieldfarmersmkt@gmail.com. You can also stop in at the Corner Pharmacy in Greenfield and Eric Zint can provide you with any needed information.
The fee for joining is $30 and that secures your booth for the entire season.
Cleland hopes to publicize, each week, via area newspapers, which seasonal items will be sold at that week’s market. “It’s entirely up to the vendors what they sell in any given week. They price their products as they see fit and they keep the profits.”
Cleland noted that the current vendors run the gamut and will be selling dried herbs, seasoning mixes, handcrafted items, embroidered items, pet treats, hand-painted objects, home-made goods, jams, jellies, maple syrup and, of course, produce.
Vendors include:
Elaine Anschultz, Windflower Farm, Washington C.H.; Aaron and Kellie Dhume; Charles Elliott Farm; David Zimmerman; Michael Gregory and Gloria Caplinger; Cindi Pearce and Jocelyn Pearce-Dietrich; Krista Thompson and Judy Terrell; J&C Creations (Judy Mason) and Joanne Parish Farms.
*****************************************************************
Written by Cindi Pearce, who is a freelance writer and a member of the Greenfield Farmers’ Market.
Greenfield Memorial Day Parade
Jim Pearce, 85, pointing at the camera, was the Grand Marshal for the annual Memorial Day parade, sponsored by the Concerned Veterans of Greenfield. Pearce is a WW II United States Air Corps veteran. He is pictured with veterans Libby Bartley and Bill Collins. Don Anderson of Anderson-Strueve Funeral Home is pictured standing on the other side of the vehicle. Veteran Cliff Chamblin emceed the service held at the cemetery.
