The Weblog
The local foods movement is alive and well in Champaign County! Here are some updates on other projects while we finalize our virtual market:
Local Producers Map:
Our local producers map is ready for publication and you will soon be able to find it on gochampaign.com. Copies will be distributed around the community, in the local telephone book, and other “hangouts”. The guide lists the location and contact information for nearly 50 local producers within our county. The map was a project of the Local Food Council and printed with the help of some local sponsors including the Monument Square District, Champaign Bank, the Community Improvement Corporation, the Chamber of Commerce, the Farm Bureau and others. It is a great start to finding a local source for Champaign County’s finest!
Being Kind and Showing The Love
Strangers stopping strangers just to shake their hand,
Everybody’s playing in the heart of gold band, heart of gold band…(Scarlet Begonias, Grateful Dead)
The title of this weblog has to do with the kindness of strangers. The banding together of the community spirit. The communal brotherhood that emerges when you need it.
I just got back from my weekend away at a music festival. Whenever I slip behind the gates of a music festival, set up camp, and greet my yearly friends, I feel an almost immediate friendly connection. A weekend away, amazing Grateful Dead music, a beautiful farm surrounding the grounds, and strangers who become friends, all weekend long.
Once the festival is over, and everything is packed up, you hug your friends that you will not see until next year, you shout goodbyes to your weekend neighbors that you shared laughs, coffee, wine, food with.
As you begin the drive back out of the gates, down the winding drive of the beautiful farm called, Maggie’s Farm, you take one last look back, smile, and also become a bit sad to see the empty stages, all of the tents coming down, and knowing that at the end of the lane, reality waits to take you back to the everyday.
I always feel so lucky to be a part of such a kind, loving rich fabric of friendship.
Just like at this market…strangers meeting, customers and vendors becoming friendly, trust and bonds are built.
It makes me happy to also see this kind, loving rich fabric of friendship and respect so strong even in our everyday, through our market.
As we start the week, as we start the summer, as we place our orders, today and tomorrow, let the theme of being kind and showing some love lead your way…
Peace and Love,
Cosmic Pam