Goodness Grows News

Newsletter #4

We are having a blast at the farm markets this season. No matter where you live, you are probably near one...or more! Check a market out and enjoy this season of bountiful produce and amazing artisans and vendors! Goodness Grows is again part of the Austintown Farmers Market every Monday from 5-8 at the Austintown Township Park. We are also at the new, but very cool, South Ave. Market in front of Wedgewood Pizza in Boardman, also from 5-8 Monday evenings. Howland has a wonderful market on Saturdays, from 9-1, where we participate the last Saturday of every month. We would love to see you at one of the markets. We always have our Jungle Jam, with free samples, as well as a variety of other items. You never know what amazing goodies you'll find at the farmers market!

Jams available right now...5 different Jungle Jams (contain hot peppers, either jalapeno, habanero, or both) and 1 flavor of Juicy Jam (no peppers). Blueberry Jalapeno, Strawberry Jalapeno, Cherry Habanero, Pineapple Habanero, Xtra Hot (Jalapeno Habanero) are the current Jungle Jams. In the Juicy Jam category, we have Blueberry Lemonade. Come see us at any of the markets or shows to get some jam! Can't make it to an event? That's okay! Just give us a call to set up a time to come to Goodness Grows and buy some jam right here!

We have had two more awesome groups join us to volunteer at Goodness Grows. If you think there is no hope for our current crop of teenagers and young adults, well, then you have definitely not been hanging out with the right people! These folks are amazing. They work hard, giving their all to whatever task is at hand. The most impressive part is that they do it with a smile and with plenty of kindness and good-natured teasing. We thank these two mission groups for the time and effort they put in all over our property, from weeding, to hauling and spreading mulch, to splitting wood, to more tasks than we have space to name. Thank you! We also thank Canfield Presbyterian Church, once again, for housing all the groups and making these experiences possible. Now we are looking forward to meeting our final summer mission group from Sunset Hills United Presbyterian Church.

Our third annual Goodness Grows Family Fun Fest was a hit with all participants. The Mahoning County Green Team was here with their reusable bag project, which is always enjoyed by young and old alike. A big thank you to Kim Lewis from the Green Team for providing compostable cups and creating a special "Hydration Station." We are proud to report that this is the first year we did not sell any disposable water bottles and we generated very little "landfill trash." Kim took the compostables with her to Youngstown instead of consigning them to the dump. Sometimes it is easy being green!

Dragonfly Balloons was with us again, providing penguins, snowmen, kitten ears, fairy wings, fish inside fish bowls, and more balloon works of art than you can imagine! Making his inaugural appearance at the Fun Fest was Ouija the Umbrella Crested Cockatoo, who brought his human family along with him, of course! Everyone enjoyed Ouija's kisses and cuddles, as well as his ability to speak. It appeared Ouija was not a big fan of amazing balloon creations, though.

Along with all those special guest, there were wagon rides, face painting, and outdoor games all for free, as well as hot dogs, chips, popcorn, and lemonade for sale. The highly anticipated Bake Walk was a huge success. This game that allows you the opportunity to win items like a whole cake, a plate of cookies, a pack of cupcakes, etc., for just a $1.00 ticket has wowed players for two years now. Thank you to everyone who donated baked goods for this beloved game! The players were impressed by the wide array of delicious prize choices.

If you didn't make it to the Fest this year, we are sorry you missed out! Watch for info on Fun Fest 2018 and come support Goodness Grows while enjoying an afternoon of full of fun for all ages.

Summer is a great time to head to the car shows. We invite you to come check out the amazing rides and visit us for some jam and more. Saturday, July 29th brings the Lake Milton American Legion Car Show, from 10-5 at the American Legion. Come admire the cars, the Chinese Auction, and the Jungle Jam! Then, in September, we will be at the Austintown Car Show at Hollywood Gaming on Wednesday the 13th, from 5pm to 8pm.

The Youngstown Flea is a popular destination again this year. It is incredible to see the variety and talent of the craftspeople and vendors of the Mahoning Valley. Come check it out August 19 and September 16, from 11-4, next to the Covelli Centre.

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: goodnessgrows4all.org
Location: 2310 West South Range Road, North Lima, OH, United States
Phone: 330-549-9408
Facebook: facebook.com/GoodnessGrows4all/
Twitter: @GGrows