Farmers Market Report
Local strawberries—get ‘em while you can!
by Megan Bruce, co-manager
 The Cedar Mill Farmers Market (sponsored by THPRD) will host the annual Sustainability Fair on Saturday, June 8 (see below). Power you brain to get all that good info when you grab some breakfast or lunch from the charming ladies at The Loaded Potato, who use local ingredients in their constantly evolving menu. Try a breakfast baked potato stuffed with bacon, eggs, cheese and veggies. Blazin Grill and Chill has also expanded their menu of traditional Guamanian BBQ bento and shaved ices to include both hearty breakfast plates and grilled fresh vegetables, so bring your appetite when they return on June 13.
When you choose to buy truly locally you get a chance to eat varieties of produce that don’t show up in grocery stores. You also get a chance to discover all sorts of goodies, from RhoJo’s handmade gnocchi, to one of Mindy’s masterpieces at Decadent Creations, to a gorgeous geometric quilt from Ursula’s Handarbeiten. And you can meet the people that make these treasures.
Delicate spring asparagus and tart juicy rhubarb are still plentiful; and the year’s first crops of raspberries, cherries, and blueberries start pouring in this month too. Baird Family Orchards returns to the market in June with gorgeous cherries.
If all these berries inspire you to make some preserves, take a tip from master jam-maker Melissa of MeeMee’s
Goodies and use Pomona Pectin. Miss M says, “It's so much more versatile than the other popular brands—it makes cooked and freezer jam. You can use any sweetener—honey, stevia, fruit juice or any amount of sugar. You can find it at Bales Thriftway, New Seasons, or order bulk online.”
Terra Linda CUE promotes sustainability at Market and beyond
Terra Linda’s volunteer organization “Conservation, Us and the Environment" (CUE) will once again team up with the Cedar Mill Farmers Market and local organizations to offer a Sustainability Fair on Saturday, June 8.
Learn practical ideas to help the planet, save money, and get your whole family involved. Dean Moberg, CUE Co-chair, explains, “The Sustainability Fair is a chance for the community to meet informally with organizations that can help us generate our own electricity, reduce dependence on cars, and improve wildlife habitat in our own backyards.”
Participating organizations include Tualatin Soil and Water Conservation, the WashCo Bicycle Transportation Coalition, Plan-it Earth Design, Habitat for Humanity ReStore, the Master Gardeners, Tualatin Hills Parks and Recreation District, and PGE Green Energy. Find information to help you understand how your choices make a difference.
Another CUE project is Take It Or Leave It Day on July 6. This is an annual opportunity for Terra Linda neighbors to put items—usable but no longer needed—at curbside for others to use, and perhaps find something you can use on a neighbor’s curb.
If you want to participate, get your used items out early, and place a sign that says “FREE!” next to your items. Examples of items to give away include clothes, books, bikes, plants, tools, and furniture. Take It or Leave It Day helps the environment because it is the ultimate in recycling good but used material.
Terra Linda CUE is a volunteer organization that meets every two to three months. We formed in 2008, and our mission is “To promote a livable, healthy and environmentally friendly Terra Linda neighborhood.” Residents of Terra Linda neighborhood who would like more information (or want to join us!) may email CUE at terralindaconservation@gmail.com
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