Sentinel column - 5-8-09

Can’t make it to market on a weekday? Then this is the weekend for you. The market will hold its special Day-Before-Mother’s-Day Market Saturday (May 9) from 9 to noon under the pavilion. In addition to local produce, there will be lots of plants, planters and hanging baskets, just in time for Mother’s Day.

It’s also our Let’s Plant a Garden Day, when every child and student through college receive a free tomato plant, a bit of fertilizer and instructions from an experienced market grower. Look for the Kids’ Table next to Shoal Creek Gardens on the west side of the pavilion. That will also be the place to sign up children, 5th grade and older, for the Kids Community Garden.

We only have one Saturday market in May but starting in June the market will be open every Tuesday, Friday and Saturday through September.

Saturday, Ninth Hour Quartet performs from 9:30 to 11:30. They are one of our favorite singing groups and will be yours, too. Led by Matthew Holt, who accompanies them on the piano, Ninth Hour moves with style and grace from golden oldies to Southern Gospel.

Breakfast will be cooked up to order on Saturday from 9 to 11.

But, you may ask, what about Friday (May 8)? The pavilion should be filled, as it always is on Fridays. John Pate tells me that he’s bringing 250 pounds of his local high tunnel tomatoes. Those lucky enough to get his tomatoes last Friday said they were “fabulous!”

There should also be spinach, lettuce, green onions, broccoli, asparagus, mustard greens, pac choy, cilantro and some radishes. And, of course, there are loads of plants, honey, jams and jellies, baked goods and even koi for your water pond.

The Granny Chicks play today from 11 to 1. It is their first time at the market, so please make them welcome. Lunch is ham and beans, cornbread, brownie and drink for $5.

My children say that my motto ought to be “What can YOU do for ME?” Harsh, but often true. And to prove it, this is my invitation to you to be part of the market volunteer team.

We’re looking for the following volunteers for the regular season:
A griller for Cooking for a Cause - If you are good at grilling on a propane grill, we could use your help. We hope to recruit volunteers who can grill from about 10:30 to 1 on Tuesdays once or twice a month.

Golf cart drivers - We are fortunate to have Duane Hunt as a regular driver, but we’d like to have a couple of back up drivers to give him the occasional time off. If you’re a licensed (and careful) driver and would like to drive from 10:30 to 1 on Tuesday or Friday or 9 to 11 on Saturdays, let me know.

Assistant managers - We are blessed with a number of volunteer managers, but would like to train a few more volunteers to fill in when one or more of the regulars have to be away.

Friends of the Market – We are always looking for volunteers who can help out on special occasions like Berry Day or the Tomato Festival. Jobs include preparing sampling dishes in a certified kitchen, setting up displays, and serving samples to our customers.

If you would like to be part of the market volunteer team, please give me a call at 417 483-8139 or stop by the market information table.

Next Tuesday, Big Brothers, Big Sisters serves up Cooking for a Cause. Put it on your calendar!