I’m always searching for ways to support my local community and just down the road from where I live is this great local farmers market.

The Olney Farmers www.olneyfarmersmarket.org/ and Artists Market is the brainchild of Olney resident Janet Terry. Janet was inspired by her visits to the outstanding Farmers Market in Charleston, South Carolina. She had a vision to bring a quality farmers market to serve Olney. Her idea was presented to Greater Olney Civic Association in July 2007 and has grown into reality from there.

The market is open from early May until mid November, which is perfect time to tap into all the local produce in the area.  I’ve had some fantastic peaches, corn on the cob and berries of all types.  I cannot wait for the apple season to make my applesauce, pie and not to mention hot apple cider.  I can almost feel a chill in the air, cracking fireplace and me snuggled up on the couch with my mug of spiced cider.

Last Sunday was a mixed day with weather, but that didn’t stop the folks from being there.  I got there early because I didn’t want to miss out on some fresh eggs from Fox Hollow Farm and raw honey from Banner Bees to make my morning tea with essential oil of lemon.

Each Sunday has special events happening for you and your family.  This past Sunday was focused on “kids.”  Karen Ricagno, “The Tea Lady,”  was there a first time vendor leading a variety of tea-related activities. Tea-themed art projects, games, and free iced tea Kids Pina Coladas which was a delicious blend of natural fruits and spices, which I must say was just yummy.  Entirely caffeine free; contained no sugar or other sweeteners yet it holds a special appeal for kids and sweet-toothed adults!

Registered Dietitian Isabel Maples was there to do a produce tour and food demonstration. Kids went to the various produce stands, introducing them to the various vegetables and herbs. Kids prepared “Salad on a Stick,” with tasty dips that might actually encourage them to like salad. Also included were the Fruit Smoothies, a perennial favorite.  What’s also nice is that the recipes are shared on their website, so you can create these great tasking meals, snacks and drinks easily at home.

Yin Yang Yoga Center had  kids exploring Yoga as a fun, creative way to learn about there developing bodies. Using animated poses and basic stretching exercises made the kids aware about how they could promote strength, flexibility, coordination and body awareness by doing these simple posses.  Breathing and visualization techniques were taught to teach kids how to focus, relax and develop self-control, which is perfect because school is just around the corner.  Children that are more centered and grounded will have a “leg-up” on studies and paying attention in class.

Education for family included information on helping people going “Green.”

Every second Sunday of the month recycling, reusing and reducing information is available.  Combined with the efforts of Project Change and growingSOUL,  folks will be able to decrease our trash intake from 6 bags to 1.

As I was leaving the grounds the band was setting up to play music.  This weeks groups included  ”The Treblemakers,” an acapella glee-club-style group, and the Rocketeria Jam Night All-Stars, middle and high school rock groups and
Sandra Dean and the Olney Teens, guitar and vocals.

So if you looking for a great way to spending your Sunday morning, stop by and get a cup of coffee, experience some new foods, catch-up with your neighbors, do your local shopping and don’t forget to bring your reusable shopping bags to take all this great stuff home!

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Shari Sternberger is a Holistic Practitioner with Elements Of Energy, LLC in Highland, MD.  She is a Charter member of the Howard County Village Connector and founder of National Capital Therapy Dogs, a non-profit serving the Baltimore/washington corridor with heartwarming therapy dog visits to local hospitals.