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!
The End of the End
At the end of the end…
It’s the start of a journey…
To a much better place…
And a much better place…
Would have to be special…
No reason to cry…
No need to be sad…
At the end of the end…
(The End of the End- Paul McCartney)
On a somber and sad note, I would like to let our little local market of love community that one of our own has passed away. Today, we mourn the loss of the beloved Katie Hoover of Sunshine Gardens.
Katie left our market, a while ago, as her health was taking a turn downward. Being the little fighter that she was, she outlived the time spans that were given to her. She was a strong spirit, a strong presence, and a strong leader.
Katie was a pioneer in this local food community, local food movement, before it was the trendy thing to do. Back when local food, real food, was just regular food.
Katie was an expert baker, gardener, and led the community with love, and her faith, for many years.
Many bakers learned at the hands of Katie. Many who sought wisdom, comfort, and compassion, would find themselves in Katie’s kitchen.
I grew to know Katie when I first entered the local scene as a new baker. She and her husband Rufus were always in the same spot, at the end, or the beginning of the market midway, at the Champaign County Farmer’s Market. When I entered as a new vendor, though our baking styles were entirely different, she came to me and welcomed me, and always had a cheerful smile, a welcomed greeting, or a knowing way about her as she looked at me, at all of us.
I know that others have many tales, accomplishments, and memories about Katie…I can only write from my heart about a very kind woman, who was small but mighty, friendly but fierce/protective to the ones she loved, talented in her craft, and steady in her faith.
Katie may have now reached the end of her end, but her journey is now just beginning…our hearts are all better for having known her.
Peace, Love, Good Vibes…
Cosmic Pam