The Jefferson Farmers Market is drawing big crowds each Saturday morning to the recently outdoor market on North Samuel Street in Charles Town. The market features a number of highly sought items, including fresh fruits, vegetables, flowers, and herbs. There are also a number of unique offerings that you might not expect to find at a farmers market, such as specialty whole bean coffees, all natural soups and breads, salsa and chips, and cookies made from organic ingredients. Combined, these offerings make for one-stop shopping for local consumers who like their products fresh, natural and affordable.

Brian Bircher of The Black Dog Coffee Company said he believes the farmers market “this year is better than it’s ever been.” He attributes this growth to better visibility in the new location and an increased appeal of buying local products. “With gas prices, consumers are carpooling to take advantage of the high quality, unprocessed products the farmers market offers.”

Chris and Evie Lotze of Roxley Farms are participating in the Jefferson Farmers Market this year for the first time. “I see the market steadily growing,” said Chris. “Every Saturday, it gets bigger.” The response to their steaks, roasts, and other beef products has been good.

Bill Grantham of Tudor Hill Farm Market, participant of the Jefferson Farmers Market and president of the Shepherdstown Farmers Market Association, said that the “Fresh and Local” theme championed has really taken hold.
For more information on the Jefferson Farmers Market and a complete listing of all farmers markets in Jefferson County, visit www.JeffersonFarms.org.

Who you’ll find at the Jefferson Farmers Market Saturdays from 9 to noon, 100 block of North Samuel Street in Charles Town

• The Best Cookie
• The Black Dog Coffee Company
• EarthChoice Products
• Heirloom Kitchen, LLC
• Kilmer’s Farm Market
• Middleway Farm
• Peace in the Valley Herb Farm
• Ridgefield Farms
• Roxley Farms
• Salsas de Mexico
• Tudor Hall Farm Market
• Uvilla Orchard
• Webber Farms

Many of these vendors can also be visited at the Shepherdstown Farmers Market, Sundays from 9:30am to 1pm behind the library on German Street.

BIZ Notes:

• Many businesses in S-Town will be staying open until 8pm on thursdays this summer.

• Off Mane Street, a full service salon in Shepherdstown, has added Juliet Valli as a stylist in their Princess Street salon. She has been a stylist for six years, specializing in all aspects of hair and nails.

• Catering to their Charles Town customers, Alter Ego, a hair studio in Shepherdstown, has expanded to a second location at 25 North Charles Street in Charles Town.

• Willow Tree Manor, a skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility in Charles Town, recently named Nancy Seigel, RN as their new Administrator.

• Dr. Lisa Dunn, Director of Dental Health Programs at WVU Robert C. Byrd Health Sciences Center’s Eastern Division has recently been named a 2008 Health Care Hero for Community Service in West Virginia.

• In partnership with Allegheny Energy, Blue Ridge Community and Technical College is now offering the Electric Distribution Technology program,. They have also added Cisco CCNA courses to their technical track. Visit www.BlueRidgeCTC.edu.