ALMH Market kicks off fourth health promoting season

 

[May 14, 2019] 

LINCOLN 

Saturday morning bright and early on a day that would end up quite rainy, the weather held off long enough for a ribbon cutting ceremony outside the ALMH Market buildings at the Logan County Fairground.

The ribbon cutting was held to celebrate the fourth year of the ALMH Market sponsored by ALMH Community Health Collaborative and the ALMH Foundation.

It was a great time to acknowledge ALMH for all its efforts made to improve the health and well-being of Logan County residents.

The opening began with remarks made by Nila Smith as Karen Hargis and Roy Logan, all of the LDN Ribbon Cut Crew, held the ribbon. Guests behind the ribbon included Community Ambassadors Deron Powell and Marcia Cook, and for the city of Lincoln - Mayor Seth Goodman, Clerk Peggy Bateman, Aldermen Kevin Bateman and Ron Keller; and several representatives from ALMH and the market. On hand from ALMH was Chief Administrator Dolan Dalpoas, Foundation Director Sarah Helm, Market Coordinator Chelsie Campbell, market volunteers and some of the many market vendors on hand this year. ALMH Community Health Collaborative Executive Director Angela Stoltzenburg was also on hand doing a live feed of the ribbon cutting.

Smith noted that this was an opportunity for the community to express appreciation to ALMH for all it does within the community and said that the ALMH Market was a small, but very significant piece of that effort.

Dalpoas said that he appreciated the acknowledgement of the home town hospital and all the efforts it makes. He wanted to thank all the volunteers who work so hard to make the market successful as well as the “hospital team that makes this work so well.” He also thanked Campbell and said she does a terrific job. He concluded that he also wanted to thank the community for its support of the market and other ALMH projects. He said everywhere he goes, he hears good things about the market.

Mayor Goodman said that he too wanted to thank ALMH for the efforts they are making to improve our community. He said he was especially happy that the market offers up an opportunity for “some of our local talent to be showcased.”

The last speaker before the cut was Market Coordinator Chelsie Campbell. She said like those who had already spoken, said she wanted to say thank you for all the support. She offered a special acknowledgement of the ALMH Foundation, saying it was their support that made the market possible.

When the speakers were finished, the group participated in the three-two-one-snip shout out. The ribbon was cut by Campbell with members of the hospital including Dalpoas and Helm helping out.

Visitors to the market will see many of their favorite vendors returning for another year. At the same time, they will find some new vendors and new activities, particularly for the youth.

The Power of Produce program for youngsters has been in place since the beginning of the market.

This year the market will offer a second youth activity geared toward the younger children. Little Sprouts will offer story time every thirty minutes starting at 8:30 a.m. each week.

There will also be a teen cooking program, where kids will learn about preparing simple and healthy foods for themselves, friends and family.

This year, the café’ area has been expanded to fill the majority of the space in the north building. Food is being offered by a popular downtown eatery – Flossie and Delzena’s. That north building will also house the live music, as well as the new Little Sprouts corner.

Back in the main vendor building, there is another new corner in the building called the “Taste of the Market.” About once a month the booth will be set up with foods for shoppers to sample that all source from vendors on hand at the market.

For the first week, there were samples of diced tomatoes, homemade bread, crackers with Peach Pepper Jelly, pulled pork, and an asparagus and radish salad made with honey. According to Angela Stoltzenburg with the market and Community Health Collaborative, the booth will be set up for guests to taste products that are on sale, and they may also be able to pick up recipes for some of the items on the table so they can make the same dish at home for their family.

Outside the market were bounce houses for the kids.

This year, another new feature for the market is the free ride program. The program offers free taxi rides to and from the market for shoppers in need of transportation. Anyone who needs a ride may call 732-8294 for the local taxi service. They will then be given vouchers at the market to pay for their ride. The free rides are being sponsored by the ALMH Foundation.

ALMH health checks will continue to be a periodic feature at the market offered on the second and fourth Saturday’s of the month.

The market also offers a LINK card match program that will assist in stretching limited budgets a little further at the market.

The market will be open each Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon, now through September 28th.

Over the years, the market has become not just a local shopping event but a destination within our community. With lots of vendors, lots of activities, food opportunities and much more, the market is the go-to-place to be on a Saturday morning, run in and grab what you need, or spend the morning with family and friends. Either way, you’re sure to be happy you attended!

[Nila Smith]