Abi Miller, of Putney is coming on board as market manager. Miller comes to the market with an agricultural background and a lot of enthusiasm.
"I believe in a flourishing, healthy local economy, and I think that farms are at the center of that, " says Miller. "The farmers market is a great place to connect farms and consumers, and I'm excited to help make that happen."
Hally Anderson, the previous market manager who has shepherded the market through double-digit growth each of the last two years, praised Miller. "Managing the Bellows Falls Market has been wonderful. My schedule was too full for me to take it on again this year, but I know that Abi will be a wonderful fit."
Miller has been educating herself in the world of agriculture by working on farms in New York, Virginia and Vermont since 2001. Since moving to Putney, Miller and her husband have started a small-scale diversified farm and forestry business. In addition, she is a middle school teacher in the area. She is looking forward to the opportunity to help bring a special event to Bellows Falls on Friday that includes music, fun for kids, and cooking classes.
"It's important to me to be involved in local agriculture," Miller says. "We're all involved in agriculture, whether we realize it or not. Every time we eat, we're involving ourselves with farms. The Friday afternoon market is about the farms in the area, but it's also about the eaters of food."
The market hosts vendors selling vegetable, flower and herb seedlings for the home gardener, produce, pork, beef, bread, wine, handmade soaps, jewelry, maple-sweetened desserts, local crafts and more. There is live music each week, as well as ready-to-eat prepared food. "This is a social activity as well as a place to get great food," says Miller. "Come on down and enjoy!"
