UDJ 6-27 Column
From CFI
The Melody of the Market
What sounds sound good to you? Which sounds encourage a smile? Perhaps it is the cadence a particular voice or a favorite musical passage – be it Mozart, Monk, Motown or Motorhead.
Some positive sounds are more universal. For example, many among us go gaga for the burble (or is it babble?) of a brook or rushing river. Another great sound is the ambient buzz of an engaged, relaxed and happy crowd – the sound you hear when the party is a success. If you’d like to hear that one tomorrow, stop by the Ukiah Farmer’s Market. It’s a regular feature this year.
But, even if you dislike the sound of happy people you will want to visit tomorrow’s market anyway (just bring earplugs). It is a Berry Special Day at the market. That is, our local berry season has hit its stride.
As you know, berries brilliant blue and red hues are also great for your health. Research is finding berry benefits ranging from a reduced risk of cancer to preventing bladder infections and improving eyesight. The mighty blueberry is a regular member of popular “super food” lists. Come stock up on healthy, delicious treats like fresh blueberries, ollalieberries, raspberries and strawberries. Blackberries are on the horizon.
At tomorrow’s Berry Special Market you will also find:
• How to make a diabetic safe berry cobbler taught by raw food chef Tonya Thurman (LOVEgaia707@yahoo). Sponsored by the Ukiah Natural Foods Co-op. • Head Start providing a tasting of spinach strawberry salad with raspberry vinaigrette. They will also provide recipes and educational information on strawberries for kids. • University of California Cooperative Extension Master Gardener graduates to answer your questions about your berry (and other) plants. • Guest independent, local business tarot reader Amber Maier under the pavilion • Continental music in the café by market favorite Don Willis
Also featured tomorrow are two new and one returning vendor:
• Meet Haehl Creek Ranches of Willits. They offer locally pastured, naturally raised lamb and goat. They are currently offering lamb, but it may not last long. • Meet bamboo specialist Linda Cushman. Linda will bring a range of bamboo and water wise plants. She is very knowledgeable about her plants and strives to match healthy plants with homes where they will thrive. She will be taking sign-ups for a free July 12 market workshop on selecting the right bamboo plant for your situation. • Welcome back Mendocino Lavender’s always excellent selection of fresh and dried herbs and flowers, container plants, essential oils and related products.
Just as the berries are peaking, you will also find our first (greenhouse grown) tomatoes at Sky Hoyt’s table. We are approaching the season for many local vegetables. You can expect the piles on the various farm tables to start swelling as we move into July.
The market’s new dog valet service also opened last week. You may now walk your dog to the park, park your dog and enjoy the market. Look for Angie under the umbrella in the park area. Good dogs may even earn one of her homemade organic biscuits.
Thanks to a generous donation by Barry Vogel the Saturday Farmer’s Market now has a benefit account at Mulligan Books (208 S. State Street). Have current, quality books you don’t need? Please consider contributing them to the market’s account at Mulligan.
Ukiah’s Certified Farmer’s Markets are from 8:30 AM to noon Saturday and 3-6 PM Tuesday’s on School Street starting at Clay Street and in Alex Thomas Plaza. The Redwood Valley Market is now open on Sunday’s from 9:30-1 PM in Lion’s Park. To learn more about our Mendocino County Farmer’s Markets, go to http://mcfarm.org/. If you have questions about the Ukiah Saturday market contact Scott Cratty at 462-7377 or cratty@comcast.net
