|
 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.
[to top of second column] |
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] |
