Goodness Grows News

Newsletter #5

The farmers markets have been wonderful this year! We want to thank the fine folks who put their time, effort, and heart into setting up these amazing venues. Without them, all of our local farmers, artisans, makers, and vendors would not be as easily accessible. The Austintown Farmers Market, the new South Ave. Market, the Howland Farmers Market, the Youngstown Flea...we are so very lucky to have these weekly and monthly opportunities right here in our area.

If you haven't made it to a market this summer, there is still time! You will still be able to find Goodness Grows at the Austintown Market on Monday evenings, at the South Ave. Market on September 18th for the Fall Market, at Howland on September 30th, and at the Flea on September 16th. We will be there with jam and more, along with plenty of other fantasic vendors!

It is the season for peaches and we have had Peach Habanero Jungle Jam and Peach Lemonade Juicy Jam on our minds...and in our tummies! Yum! These jams keep selling out as quickly as we can produce them. If you want a jar, we suggest you get one soon, before peach season becomes a fond memory!

Just like our other jams, there are many uses for our special peach creations. Try them on toast for breakfast, for second breakfast, for lunch, for tea - I could go on and on, because jam and toast is awesome any time of day, but you get the idea! People also enjoy these jams on cream cheese and crackers, on ice cream, on a peanut butter sandwich, as a glaze for meats...the possibilities are endless. If you have a favorite way to incorporate our Jungle Jams or Juicy Jams into your meals, we'd love to hear about it. Send us a message, or even a picture, and we would love to share your ideas on Facebook or on our website. (Our contact info is at the bottom of this newsletter.)

We wrapped up our mission trip time with the friendly folks from Sunset Hills United Presbyterian Church, from Mt. Lebanon, Pennsylvania. This group was just as hard working and enthusiastic as the previous groups. They dug right into weeding (See what I did there???), trimming, building and setting up raised beds, and much more. We are grateful for their willingness to tackle any job set before them. Their help really keeps goodness growing!

Once again we want to offer our thanks and appreciation to Canfield Presbyterian Church for making these mission trips possible. Through their effort and their wonderful facility, our summer was brightened by all the new friends that were brought to the area! If anyone would like to learn more about working with Canfield to plan a mission trip, follow this link: http://www.canfieldpresbyterian.org/mission-housing.

Before we are ready for it, the leaves will be falling and then the snow will fly. Do you know what makes a long, chilly winter more enjoyable? Jungle Jam! It can provide a pick-me-up on the coldest of days, with its sparkling flavor that carries the taste of summertime. You might want to consider stocking up, so you don't wind up jam-less on a snow day! With no farmers markets in sight, it will be time to look to craft shows and seasonal markets. Goodness Grows loves attending these special events, and we are adding them to our schedule all year. The first one for us this fall will be the Junior Women's League of Canfield's 48th annual Fall Market on the village green, Saturday, September 16th from 9-4. We will also be in Canfield at the high school for the Christmas Craft Show on December 2nd. We will be sure to keep our website and Facebook page updated with all the locations where you can come see us to get jam for yourself and for gifts! Can't make it to a market or show? Just give us a call to arrange a time to come visit us in North Lima - we would love to see you!

"To everything, there is a season." For us here at Goodness Grows, this fall is just not the season for our traditional benefit, the Harvest of Hope (HoH). Due to staff changes and life events, we had to make the tough decision to take a year off from this beloved fundraiser. If you were looking forward to a night out to enjoy local, seasonal, creative dishes and an awesome basket raffle, we were too and we apologize! If you were planning on making a monetary donation, participating as a chef, or giving a basket or gift card, thank you for thinking of us and please watch for information about how you can be a part of HoH 2018.

As a non-profit, we are always trying to raise money to keep our mission going. We are very appreciative of any and all donations, whether they are monetary, time, or useful items. If you would like to be a part of Goodness Grows by making a donation or volunteering, please give us a call or send an email. We rely on the generosity of our supporters to keep making a difference in the community. Thank you!

Goodness Grows is a faith-based non-profit that has grown out of the commitment of care to work creatively with community groups, congregations, workplaces, and individuals. Our mission is to inspire new hope by growing food locally and teaching sustainable vegetable production. Goodness Grows is committed to promoting human services through creation care, service, and education for people of all abilities.

Email: kitty@goodnessgrows4all.org
Website: www.goodnessgrows4all.org
Location: 2310 West South Range Road, North Lima, OH, United States
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GoodnessGrows4all/
Twitter: @GGrows