Mark your calendars for the 2nd annual general meeting of the Royal City Farmer’s Market Society:

Thursday January 28, 2010
Sign in and new memberships: 6:30 pm
Meeting: 7:00 pm

New West Public Library Auditorium
716 Sixth Ave.
New Westminster

Guest speaker will be Chris Bodnar from Glen Valley Farms located near Fort Langley. Glen Valley was a popular vendor at our summer market. The 50 acre certified organic farm was purchased through a co-operative that formed to save the farm in 1997. Individuals apply to farm the land and produce the vegetables, herbs and fruit and eggs you’ve seen at the market.

Board reports from the summer and winter markets, election of a 2010 Board, and comments/questions will fill out the evening. Refreshments and goodies will be served.

We look forward to your continued support and to seeing you on January 28!

The winner of our September photo contest is Britt Baker, who shared this photo and more from her trip to the Royal City Farmers Market
on her blog, Days of Whine and Wieners.

Once again, we want to thank everyone for entering our little contest. For her winning picture, Britt receives a RCFM t shirt and is entered to win a limited edition market tote bag full of $50 worth of market goodies.

The Royal City Farmers Market has finalized the dates of our 2009/2010 Winter Market season. Markets will be held monthly from December to April in the hall at Holy Trinity Cathedral, from 10am to 2pm. Each market will have a unique theme, with a related activity and/or children’s craft.

• December 12th: Winter Holiday
• January 9th: New Year Resolutions, featuring a cookbook swap
• February 20th: I Love the Market (in honour of Valentine’s Day)
• March 20th: Spring Fling
• April 17th: Garden Market

RCFM Winter Markets will feature locally produced meat, fresh winter produce (such as beets, cabbage, chard, onions, and potatoes) as well as prepared foods (jams, pickles, pies, dips and sauces), hot food, artisans and crafters, live music and other entertainment, children’s activities, community booths and more.

Want to get involved? New vendors & volunteers for the winter season are most welcome!

• Volunteer opportunities
• Apply to be a vendor or set up a community table
• Join the RCFM Association
• Write a guest post or submit a photo for our website
• Contact us to make a donation

While the regular summer market season has come to an end, the Royal City Farmers Market Association is proud to announce that New Westminster locavores won’t have to wait until next June for their farmers market fix. This December, RCFM will launch a new monthly Winter Market in New Westminster.

The Winter Market will be a monthly event on selected Saturdays from December to April in the hall at Holy Trinity Cathedral, and will feature locally produced meat, fresh winter produce (such as beets, cabbage, chard, onions, and potatoes) as well as prepared foods (jams, pickles, pies, dips and sauces), hot food, artisans and crafters, live music and other entertainment, children’s activities, community booths and more.

As market regulars know, RCFM has been asking for feedback from customers and vendors on overall market performance, as well as gauging demand for a winter market. The online and in-person survey showed overwhelming support for a winter market, from both customers and vendors.

It was no small feat to choose a location. It had to be central, affordable, accessible by car and public transit, provide both indoor and outdoor space for vendors, wheelchair accessible, power & water access, and large enough to accommodate a healthy crowd of vendors and customers. The hall at Holy Trinity Cathedral more than meets all our requirements.

It was a great summer season for our New Westminster Farmers Market: strong attendance, happy vendors, and some of the best rates of participation in the B.C. Farmers Market Association Nutrition Coupon Program. We are confident our new Winter Market will continue in the same tradition.

Watch for full details soon on market dates, vendors and entertainment.

Want to get involved?

• Volunteer opportunities
• Apply to be a vendor or set up a community table
• Join the RCFM Association
• Write a guest post or submit a photo for our website
• Contact us to make a donation

The Winter Market will be held once a month on a Saturday between December 2009 and April 2010 at the Holy Trinity Cathedral Hall, 514 Carnarvon St., New Westminster.

View Larger Map

The final New Westminster farmers market in our summer market season is this Thursday, and will feature a selection of our most popular entertainers, a plethora of vendors – and a special fall activity for the kids.

Free children’s activities will include balloon-twisting from Korki the Klown, face-painting by Allyson Grant, and a pumpkin-decorating craft. Kid-sized pumpkins from the Apple Barn will be available for children of all ages to decorate with feathers, wood popsicle sticks, pom poms, glitter and markers. Decorators get to take home their works of art free of charge with recipes for gobbling up their pumpkin later!

We’ve also brought back two of our favourite musical guests: singer-guitarist Alan Wong from 3pm-5pm, and local Dixieland Jazz Trio Razzmajazz from 5pm-7pm.

The Sweet Grass Grill will be featuring Salmon Burgers for just $6 and the Creperie will be on hand for other tasty hot dinner options.

As always, we have over 30 vendors featuring fresh produce, tasty homemade foods, beautiful crafts, and lovely fall flowers. Help us say goodbye to summer market season and don’t miss the Royal City Farmers Market final market!

The closing market is this Thursday, Oct. 8 in our usual location at Tipperary Park next to City Hall, from 3-7pm.

Vendors at this week’s market:

• A Bread Affair
• AJI Gourmet Products
• Angel Kiss Confections
• Anne’s Gallery
• Apple Barn Pumpkin Farm
• Bean Boy Creations
• Celyddon Farms
• Chai By Night / Village Coffee
• Copeland Foods
• Cranberry Meadows
• Creperie La Boheme
• Fire Ice Creations
• Floralia Growers Ltd
• Forstbauer Family Natural Food Farm
• Fresh Off The Boat
• Frolic Soap Company
• Gary’s Kettlecorn
• Glen Valley Artichoke Farm
• Glen Valley Organic Farm
• Gogo Java
• Golden West Farms
• Grow Your Own Mushrooms
• Hinda’s Finest Foods
• Eat It Up
• Lesley Bingley and Brenda Costin
• Little Qualicum Cheeseworks
• Nature Village Farm
• Scentimental Creations
• Secret Garden
• Skookum Harvest
• Sunrise Pita Company
• Sweet Grass Grill
• Thai Princess Enterprises Ltd
• TJ’s Sweet and Spicy Nut Hut
• Vienna Treasures

This week is our second to last week and marks our entry into October! We still have a full market of over 30 vendors selling fresh food, homemade goodies, and handmade crafts. Take time to visit “Art in the Park” while you’re there – our free artist showcase in the park, which is still ongoing because the weather has held out. This week’s musical guest is Jinhee Park, our talented young violinist, and also marks the return of Allyson, our very talented face painter. See you there!

New vendors this week: Cranberry Meadows and Grow Your Own Mushrooms, offering shitake, oyster and button mushrooms, as well as growblocks to grow your own!

Vendors at this week’s market:

• A Bread Affair
• AJI Gourmet Products
• Anne’s Gallery
• Apple Barn Pumpkin Farm
• Bean Boy Creations
• Celyddon Farms
• Chai By Night / Village Coffee
• Copeland Foods
• Cranberry Meadows
• Fire Ice Creations
• Floralia Growers Ltd
• Forstbauer Family Natural Food Farm
• Fresh Off The Boat
• Frolic Soap Company
• Gary’s Kettlecorn
• Gelderman Farms
• Glen Valley Organic Farm
• Gogo Java
• Golden West Farms
• Grow Your Own Mushrooms
• Hinda’s Finest Foods
• Eat It Up
• Lesley Bingley and Brenda Costin
• Little Qualicum Cheeseworks
• Nature Village Farm
• Secret Garden
• Skookum Harvest
• Sweet Grass Grill
• Thai Princess Enterprises Ltd
• TJ’s Sweet and Spicy Nut Hut
• Vienna Treasures

The Royal City Farmers Market Board publishes its monthly meeting minutes online, to better empower and inform RCFM members and supporters. RCFM board meetings are open for members to attend. Upcoming meetings are listed in the RCFM online calendar. Please note: the public version of meeting minutes will not include detailed notes on finances, employee relations or in camera discussions out of respect for individuals’ privacy.

In Attendance: Jen Arbo, John Ashdown, Andrew Murray (Chair), Marjorie Staal, Jane Wark (Recorder)

• Motion to accept agenda made by John, seconded by Marjorie. Passed.
• Motion to accept minutes from meeting of August 22, 2009 Board Meeting made by John, seconded by Andrew. Passed.

President’s Report:

• Grants – Andrew has been working on the application for grant from the City and it is nearly complete. Due to City by Wednesday September 30, 2009. Andrew and Marjorie created a budget for application.
• BC Farmers Market Association Meeting – Andrew attended in Surrey in several weeks ago, where challenges and ideas to success of markets were discussed. At that meeting Andrew brought up the issue of land being removed from ALR, and suggested that BCFM take on position on this issue. Board discussion around importance of ALR to farmers and markets, and also around issue of farmers markets getting involved in politics. Andrew will put his thoughts into writing and bring it to the next BCFM AGM in January for discussion.

Operations Manager Report:

• Final Two Markets of Season – Jen continues to get phone calls from new Vendors wishing to attend the final two markets of the season. We have three new vendors booked for the last week. Musicians and Korki the Clown also attending. Korki has offered to attend for free and busk; Jen has suggested that due to the popularity of Corky with visitors, we pay her anyway, which was agreed.
• Surveys – We have 200 customer and 25 vendor surveys completed. Results very positive. Several requests to open market later, i.e., till 8:00 pm.
• Cups for water – Jen has ordered cups made from corn from Bio-cup company.
• Queensborough Fall Fair – Jen attended. Our table was next to New West Environmental Partners. Good response, although our table was inside the building and weather was beautiful, so people tended to stay outside.
• Coupon Program – Jen reports it is running well, with minimal administrative work necessary. Redemption rate down slightly in September, likely due to school being back and parents not able to attend. We seem to be getting more tickets redeemed in last half of month.

New Business:

• First Aid and Lost Child Policy – Agreed that this is important however there is not enough time to organize for final two markets. Plan is to get these items organized for opening of next season’s market.
• Jen Arbo’s contract – Jen explained that there are tasks that need doing in the off season, such as marketing the market, first aid and lost child policy, and others. Jen proposed to the Board that she remain employed during the off season for 5 – 10 hours a week. Jen left the room for Board to discuss proposal. The Board discussed and felt that Jen has done a wonderful job of running the market, and that indeed there is additional work that needs to be completed in the off season.
• Motion: “To retain Jen Arbo’s services beyond October 8, 2009 for up to 10 hours a week, with additional hours by Board approval.” made by Marjorie. Seconded by John. Passed.
• Winter Market – Jen gave update on what Will has been working on. Looking for venue with possibilities including Grace Hall, St. Barnabas church, Olivet church and others. Marjorie will make some contacts regarding location. Peter Julian has offered to look into the Armories. Discussion over size (how many vendors will fit, including some outside tables), location (want to be near where our customers live, and want visibility) and vendor access (stairs, parking, etc.). Jen will look at how many vendors will fit at various venues and take these factors into consideration when choosing a location. Jen and Will looked at Saturday dates which would not conflict with Vancouver nor Port Moody markets. Andrew suggested limiting it to one Saturday a month as a trial for this year and Board agreed this is reasonable. Also, need to determine if a Winter Market is financially viable, given that we expect 10 – 15 vendors. Marjorie noted that we currently have a very good reputation as a market and we want to keep it up, therefore we need to ensure that if we do a Winter Market, we do it well, and have it enough vendors and a good location.

Meeting adjourned.

Next meeting is October 28th.

Week 13 of the market season features a full house of 35 vendors selling fresh food, homemade goodies, and handmade crafts. We’re starting to see lots of fall harvest fruits and veggies and we are proud that we are still adding new vendors, and this week is no exception.

This week also features the return of Korki the Clown – the reigning queen of balloon twisting. We’re also pleased to present Jasmine Harvey on guitar from 3-5 and Chris Mesotin on accordian from 5-7.

Also, remember to enter for your chance to win a tote full of goodies worth $50+ by filling out our customer survey. Don’t forget to bring your camera either – we still have the monthly photo contest running all season long. Ask for details at the RCFM tent. See you at the market!

Vendors at this week’s market:

• A Bread Affair
• AJI Gourmet Products
• Apple Barn Pumpkin Farm
• Bean Boy Creations
• Black Bamboo Artisans
• Celyddon Farms
• Chai By Night / Village Coffee
• Copeland Foods
• Creperie La Boheme
• Fire Ice Creations
• Floralia Growers Ltd
• Forstbauer Family Natural Food Farm
• Fresh Off The Boat
• Frolic Soap Company
• Gary’s Kettlecorn
• Gelderman Farms
• Glen Valley Artichoke Farm
• Glen Valley Organic Farm
• Gogo Java
• Golden West Farms
• Hinda’s Finest Foods
• Eat It Up
• Lesley Bingley and Brenda Costin
• Little Qualicum Cheeseworks
• Maluma Bison
• Maple Sugar Shack
• Miss Bossy Boots
• Momma Nellie’s Goodies
• Nature Village Farm
• Secret Garden
• Skookum Harvest
• Sunrise Pita Company
• Sweet Grass Grill
• Thai Princess Enterprises Ltd
• TJ’s Sweet and Spicy Nut Hut
• Vienna Treasures

The Royal City Farmers Market Board has decided to begin publishing its monthly meeting minutes online, to better empower and inform RCFM members and supporters. RCFM board meetings are open for members to attend. Upcoming meetings are listed in the RCFM online calendar. Please note: the public version of meeting minutes will not include detailed notes on finances, employee relations or in camera discussions out of respect for individuals’ privacy.

Attending: Andrew, John, Marg, Matthew, Sheila, Jen
Guests: Will and Briana Tomkinson
Regrets: Jane

1. Introduction of Will Tomkinson to the board

Andrew introduced Will and Briana to the group and Will described his background, commitment to New West and interest/activities with the market.

MSC: that we nominate Will Tomkinson to the RCFM Board for the remainder of the year. Will accepted.

2. Housekeeping

MSC: adoption of the agenda; MSC adoption of the July 22 minutes.

3. President’s report (Andrew):
- the August 13 “Get Active” market was deluged with rain; but guest organizations stayed on
- August is usually a doldrum period for most markets. Promoting the market continues. Last year visitor numbers increased in Sept.
- The Nutrition Program is now maxed at 50 families. The “stage 2” group of our New West partner called “Baby & Me” (based in Burnaby, but many New West mums) is now our 2nd partner group. The future of this program may be in jeopardy with the Min. of Health cuts.
- Andrew visited Jaimie McEvoy and Shiloh United Church as another potential partner just as this 2nd group joined the program.
- Art in the Park continues and artists seem very pleased with the opportunity to show; also adds to our sense of community found at the market.
- Andrew attended the biweekly Ladner market last Sunday. This market has great support from Ladner businesses
- Andrew will be attending a mtg called by Surrey market on Sept. 1 to look at current issues such as visitor attendance, sites. Other markets have heard good things about the New West vibe!

4. Treasurer’s report (Marg)

5. Operations Manager report (Jen)
- the 150 Market was a success, band was great, vendors happy. Jen sent the city 150 committee a thank-you letter. We ran ring toss at the City’s 150 celebration event.
- Sept 10 will be a Youth Sports market – several city groups and leagues will have registration/information tables. We will provide space for their own tables & tents in the grassy area.
- Vendors have been at capacity at every market even with a couple of cancellations. Vendors are still calling and Jen is trying to accommodate. Crafters are about 12-15% of the tables.
- The photo contest has gone well the last 2 months. At the end of the year there will be a random draw with a prize winner.
- Need more hot food vendors

6. Old Business
- Discussion on storage and vehicle to tow the RCFM trailer. Will & Briana offered storage space at the bottom of their yard. We may be to use a side-mounted canopy on the trailer for our market table.

- Code of conduct (from last meeting). Marg reported hard to find such things from other organizations.

- Marg distributed a draft Board Job Description. Discussion and suggestions. To review again at next meeting.

7. New Business

a) Winter public market.
The Newsleader last week had a story on a possible winter RCFM market. We have not looked at or decided to yet, but there is a question on winter market on our customer survey. Key item to consider is location. City has nothing, so would need to look at private sites. Dates and more marketing are also important.

MSC the Board research the idea of a winter market including dates, times, location, vendor issues and survey results, with a report back to the next September board meeting. Will, Andrew and John volunteered to work on this.

b) Membership communication
Briana had offered constructive feedback to Andrew earlier. We could do a monthly or quarterly summary of progress/highlights to members, offer more volunteer opportunities, offer member recognition such as Christmas cards. Jen offered to do a monthly newsletter for members.

c) Promotion
We have 1,500 cards left. Last year we mailed them to targeted neighbourhoods. As meeting time was running out, Andrew will send out a motion by email.

d) Vendor representative
John resigned board vendor rep position.

MSC: We create a vendor liaison board position; Will volunteered for this role for the rest of the season.

e) Visitor survey and web site report

Briana provided board with written reports on survey results to date (both at the market & online). The survey will continue into Sept & October. Feedback overall very positive.

Briana also provided a report on web site visits and use of Twitter and Facebook to promote market dates etc. Board noted all much improved with Briana’s work. Thank you!

Next meeting: September 16, 7:00 pm - RCFM members welcome to attend. For location information, please contact the board.

The mix of vendors and products at the Royal City Farmers Market continues to evolve. We’re proud to welcome three new vendors to our Market:

Gelderman Farms

Gelderman Farms Ltd. is a family-owned pig farm located in the Fraser Valley in Abbotsford B.C. The Gelderman family takes pride in raising quality pork that is tasty and good for your family. Gelderman Farms is primarily focused on providing various cuts of pork from ham and pork chops to bacon but they also offer blueberries in season and fantastic compost for your garden.

Greendale Herb and Vine

Doug and Katy Lowe bring herbs in many formats – fresh, dried, in vinegars, in hand creams – as well as cheddar, honey comb, and garlic. Find them on Facebook!

Fire Ice Creations

One of a kind hand made glass jewelry and home decor items, using recycled glass. Custom pieces are available! Find them on the web at www.fireicecreations.com.