One Vision for the Eastern Shore Food Economy
By KAREN GAY
Cape Charles Wave Columnist
May 25, 2015
Last Saturday I hosted a Weston A. Price booth at the Crabby Blues Festival. It was a wonderful day not only because of the fabulous weather and music by The Janitors but because of the many health-minded people who stopped by my booth to talk about their successes with weight loss, their farming experiences, and dietary plans that they like. Several folks signed up to take one of the Juicing and Smoothie classes that I’ll be offering. And quite a few festival-goers expressed an interest in buying the fermented vegetables that I had on display.
What are fermented vegetables? Sauerkraut and kimchi are examples of vegetables that are prepared in a crock or glass jar and covered with a brine of water and salt. Over a week or more, the lacto-fermentation process causes the growth of bacteria which benefits the gut. Many traditional societies ate these fermented or cultured foods with each meal to keep their intestinal micro-biome in balance. Today we have culture starters that can be added to the brine which adds an even broader spectrum of beneficial bacteria. Someday I may have the time to start a home-based business to make and sell these vegetables.
I was so pleased to see the many small businesses selling their products at the festival. These enterprises add so much value to the Shore’s economy and in my mind they suit our environment. We are not a place for large corporations, polluting chicken houses, and massive agribusiness. I’d like to see a return to a sustainable farm-based economy where our neighbors grow our food and small businesses grow up around the farms to add value to their products. Those of us who partake in eating and using what our neighbors have to offer may pay more for food, but we’ll all see a return in the explosion of money-making activity, community, and especially our health.
I’ve reported on two small farms, La Caridad and Willowdale, on the Eastern Shore of Virginia and there are quite a few more: Mattawoman, Perennial Roots, Copper Cricket, Shine and Rise, By the Bay Alpaca, ES Emus, and others I have yet to discover. These farms produce vegetables, herbs, fruit, pork, chickens, eggs, rabbits, dairy, emu, alpaca and probably things I don’t know about. [Read more…]
MONDAY 5/25: Memorial Day Service Across from Library
A Memorial Day service sponsored by American Legion Post 56 will be 11:15 a.m. May 25 at the War Memorial across from the Cape Charles Library.
SATURDAY 5/30: Mayor Proto Delivers ‘State of the Town’ Address
Cape Charles Mayor George Proto will update the citizens on a variety of topics including statistics and information from department heads at the “State of the Town” meeting 10 a.m. Saturday, May 30, at the Cape Charles Civic Center. Attendees will have an opportunity to voice their concerns and ask questions.
SATURDAY 5/23: Art & Music at Barrier Island Center
Saturday, May 23, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Art and Music on the Farm at the Barrier Island Center in Machipongo. Over 40 juried artists and artisans as well as amazing food, farming displays, music, plants for your gardens, and so much to see and enjoy. Come join us for the day. Tickets $5 adults, children free.
SATURDAY 5/30: ‘Havana Nights’ Benefit for Arts Enter at Oyster Farm
Mini Cubano sandwiches, authentic vegetable, beef, and chicken enchiladas, and Columbian chicken stew are just a few of the delicious menu items being prepared for the 19th annual Benefit by the Bay. The “Havana Nights” party includes champagne, dinner, dancing, and an auction/raffle, all beginning 6 p.m. Saturday, May 30, at the Oyster Farm at Kings Creek in the new Pearl event center. [Read more…]
FRIDAY 5/29: ESO Live! with Mike Hawker
Friday, May 29, at 8:00 p.m. — ESO LIVE! with Mike Hawker. ESO Arts Center is located at 15293 King Street in Belle Haven. Admission $10. [Read more…]
MAY 30/31: Annual MS Ocean to Bay Ride Starts in Cape Charles
2015 Bike MS: Virginia’s Ocean to Bay Ride, May 30-31, starts and finishes in Cape Charles. Overnight at YMCA Camp Silver Beach. Route Options: 60 miles Saturday or 36, 75, or 100 miles each day. CLICK for details.
TUESDAY 6/2: Northampton Teacher Recognition Banquet
The Northampton County Education Foundation invites the Northampton County School District’s community of friends and supporters to celebrate excellence in teaching on Tuesday, June 2. At its annual Teacher Recognition Banquet, the District’s Teacher of the year, other outstanding teachers and the 2015 retirees will be honored. The festivities will begin at 6:30 p.m. at Franktown United Methodist Church, 7551 Bayside Road. Banquet tickets are $15 and are available at both Rayfield’s Pharmacies (Cape Charles and Nassawadox) and the Northampton County District Office in Machipongo, or call Bill Payne at 757-331-4047. [Read more…]
