In the beginning, there was the Main Street program…and we saw that it was good…for a start. But today, we are our own force of nature…and none of what I’m about to write would be possible without the imagination and dedication of, and countless hours spent by the LEDC, Lansdowne Borough Council, and an army of dedicated volunteers. So make sure you thank them every now and then…
Farmers know that when you plant a seed, great things can happen. Given enough time and effort and support, one little seed can feed a family…or grow a town.
More than a decade ago, a farsighted group of L’downers looked at a small strip of asphalt, but saw much more… and the seed of an idea was planted. Of course, you know the rest… Lansdowne Farmers Market quickly became a place to meet up with friends, catch up on local news (OK, gossip), and oh, yeah, access healthy, locally sourced and seasonal foods…also new ways to think about that food…like a greater appreciation of what it takes to grow it.
Today the LFM has grown into a flourishing Saturday destination, summer through fall. New families came and set down their own roots, planting their own seeds because of what they found there.
But that ain’t all, folks. Uh uh.
Turns out our LFM has dropped a few seeds of its own. It grew a community, which grew some ideas, which in turn nourished other ideas and undertakings which grew into or sustained even more communities. Like what? you ask. Well..just off the top of my head:
Lansdowne Landing; LEDC’s Utility Works, 5K Run, and Arts on the Avenue festival; Buy Nothing Lansdowne; Lansdowne Garden Club, Lansdowne Rocks, Lansdowne Votes; a revitalized Boys and Girls Club, and we’re closing in on the reality and rebirth of the Historic Lansdowne Theater…see what I mean? Pipe dreams into realities, ideas large and small, on the ground and on-line.
And talk about new beginnings…THIS JUST IN: Some people take a knee…Shane Hall, with a little help from the village, took the marquee at our Historic Lansdowne Theater, with the entire LFM as witness, to propose to the lovely Megan Callahan. Word is she said “yes.” Congratulations to both!
I’m sure I’m missing some, but you get my point, right? Seeds are all about moving energy from one thing into another. From one person to another. New families, new ideas and re-envisioning of some old ones. LFM isn’t claiming them all…but it will take credit for the fertilizer. Can’t wait to see what sprouts up next.
Now, back to the business at hand: What’s at the Market?
A lot will depend on the weather…could stay mild into October, but as sure as a fading summer tan, the sun will continue on its ancient course, sinking into the Pacific earlier each day.
We’re going to be seeing the very last of the summer corn and maybe some lingering melons, peaches and vine-ripened tomatoes. (Note to self: make room in the freezer; buy more Ball jars.) But they’ll have to get outta the way as the apples and pears take their star turn, the melons morph into winter squash, and lemonade turns into crisp ’n spicy apple cider.
If homemade soups and stews are now back in the rotation, and maybe a quart or two of John Wilson’s curiously good chili, what could be better than a big loaf of Big Sky Bread to go with?
Artist of the Week: Bole Lig. Artist and designer Puya Johannes transfers her Addis Ababa- inspired designs to paper and fabric. A celebration of African women and girls.
Health and Beauty: The ladies from Izzie Lizzie are back, with lotions and potions, and my favorite: charcoal soap, great for removing impurities from under the skin.
Community Guest Table: WIC / FMNP Coupon Program will be on hand to help eligible shoppers make the most of their food dollars. Stop by and see how they do it.
CANINE COUNTDOWN! Sept 29 is Doggie Day! Move over, Westminster. Our show may be a tad less highbrow, but a lot more fun!
The Lansdowne Votes “booth” got lots of attention from voters old, new and future. The LFM strives to remain apolitical, but building civic awareness across all party lines is part of what keeps the dream, and towns like ours, alive.
As always, you can find all the answers to who’s coming when by visiting the LFM website or our FB page. Be sure to read all of the newsletter for news and upcoming events around town.
See you there!
-Terry Baraldi, Lansdowne Proud