Happy Mother's Day!

Saw this at the Forest Hills Greenmarket this morning:

Forest Hills Greenmarket Frequent Shopper Program Launches Sept. 7th

I saw this at the Greenmarket today:

Di Paola Turkey Farms at Forest Hills Green Market

My nose led me to Di Paola's stand at our Green Market last weekend...

Forest Hills Greenmarket to Be Open Year-Round

They had been trying to get people to sign a petition over the past several weeks to extend our Greenmarket from ending Dec. 29th to going year-round.  Well, those at the market this morning were greeted by this sign:

By the way, today's a great day to be at the market. The news media successfully scared most people into thinking Armageddon was at hand with yesterday's light snow (this morning, there's virtually nothing on the ground), so, all that fresh produce is just your's for the pickin'! Much lighter crowds today, bright sunshine, temps in the 40's - it's like paradise out there! And, they're letting you taste eggnog french toast at the Greenmarket stall to boot! What's not to love?

One vendor told me he had to drive five hours to the market this morning through every type of hazardous weather - snow, sleet, ice, slush, you name it. You gotta hand it to these greenmarket vendors. They're a dedicated lot.

Greenmarket Update

One of the people who runs the Forest Hills Greenmarket told me Sunday that it's looking good that it will be extended from ending on December 29th to continuing through the winter, becoming year-round from now on. But as one reader said in an email to me, it's probably a good idea to get as many signatures on the petition about this. So, if you like our Greenmarket and would like to see it extended year-round, please stop by their information table this Sunday and ask to sign the petition. 

The Greenmarket worker also told me that the fact that a new vendor just started this past Sunday makes it look more likely that it will be continuing year-round. The new vendor is Garden of Eve, which sells organic produce. They were located in front of the Forest Hills Jewish Center this past Sunday (down where Bread Alone is usually located, for those of you who are Greenmarket regulars):

The Queensway Visits the Forest Hills Greenmarket

I was happy to see QueensWay representatives with a stall at the market a few weeks ago, discussing with residents the proposal for the borough's very own elevated Park. (I am planning to do a post focusing more on the Queensway soon, with additional information, since there were some interesting developments just before the visit from Mumford overshadowed everything.)

It was great to see residents really seemed interested in the idea for this new elevated park, as you can see from the photos:

Today at the Forest Hills Greenmarket

If you are brave enough to weather the horrible heat and humidity out there today, here's a little update on what's available at our Greenmarket today. The toll the weather is taking was apparent, by the way: there was no live music today. Also, Ronnybrook Dairy had only a limited amount of stuff on sale because of the heat.

But, on a positive note, the Summer Fruits are finally here!

Our Greenmarket is open until 3 p.m. today, but I wouldn't be surprised if the vendors close up shop a bit early...

Playing Today at the Forest Hills Greenmarket

The Hills Are Alive...

.... with the sound of music...

Glenn Paul Manion, a member of The Squeaky Clean Band, regaled Forest Hills Farmer's Market goers with some folksy tunes this past Sunday.

And I noticed this at The Flying Pig:

Some Greenmarket Music

Nice to see Olivia Mancini performing again today at the Forest Hills Greenmarket.

The Forest Hills Greenmarket Re-opens Sunday, April 7th

Now in its second season, this neighborhood Greenmarket boasts an even larger variety of locally grown, fresh products. Throughout the season, the market will offer free cooking demonstrations, kids activities, and the opportunity to mingle with neighbors, all while getting to know the regional farmers who grow your food. As the season progresses, more farmers will join the market—see below for start dates. Come back each week to learn about the healthful and flavorful benefits of eating what is fresh and in season.

The market is located at Queens Blvd and 70th Avenue and will be open every Sunday, 8 a.m. – 3 p.m., April 7^th through December 29^th, 2013

* EBT/Food Stamps/Debit/Credit accepted at market info tent.

* WIC and FMNP checks accepted at individual farmer stands.

*Compost Collection 10 a.m. -12 p.m., starting in June

Amantai Farm Vegetables, Mexican specialty produce, herbs, and eggs from Lehigh County, Pennsylvania (Joining market in May)
Andrews Local Honey Honey and honey products from Fairfield County, CT.
Bread Alone Artisan breads, mostly certified Organic, and pastries from Ulster County, NY.
B & Y Farms Animal Welfare Approved lamb, poultry, pork, eggs, and bison, flowers, yarn, and fleeces from Tioga County, NY.
Castello Di Borghese Wines from Suffolk County, NY
Dipaola Turkey Farm Turkey from Mercer County, NJ
Gajeski Produce Vegetables from Suffolk County, NY
Goodale Farms Vegetables and dairy from Suffolk County, NY
King Ferry Winery Wine from Cayuga County, NY
Lavender By The Bay fresh cut, dried, and potted lavender and honey from Suffolk County, New York (Joining market in June)

Nordic Breads Whole grain rye bread from New York, New York (Joining market in late April)

Pura Vida Fisheries Wild-caught fish and seafood from Suffolk County, NY
R & G Produce Vegetables from Orange County, NY (Joining market in June)
Red Jacket Orchards Orchard and small fruit, fresh juices and preserves from Ontario County, NY
Ronnybrook Farm Dairy Milk, yogurt, butter and ice cream from Columbia County, NY
Terhune Orchards Orchard fruit from Dutchess County, NY

Forest Hills Greenmarket Returns in April

Given all the gloomy weather lately (this really is one of my least favorite times of year, overcast days, no snow, but still too cold to enjoy the outdoors very much), thought I'd post this about when our Greenmarket returns..
Forest Hills Greenmarket
Open Sunday, 4/7/13 - 12/29/13
8:00 a.m. - 3 p.m.