Your Health is Top Priority at Local Farmer’s Market

By Jennifer L. Warren

NEWBURGH – A fall bounty of vibrant-hued, fresh fruits and vegetables adorned one of the front tables. Meanwhile, nearby residents were joyfully interacting with an eclectic mix of vendors, relaying priceless information. Across the street, perfectly seasoned hamburgers were being grilled up, accompanied by corn on the cob being steamed in large pots at a church, just feet away, as grateful guests patiently waited for the complimentary lunch. It was a scene filled with priceless community bonding and potent partnerships on a crisp, magical fall day.

Last Tuesday, at the Broadway Green Lot, between Lander and Johnson Streets in the City of Newburgh, an impressive crowd turned out for the Annual Harvest and Health Celebration, one of several special events staged by the weekly Healthy Orange Farmers Market. Running each Tuesday, from June 18-October 22, 2024 this year, the popular Market, which features an assortment of “regular” vendors, selling everything from fresh farm produce to, hand-made crafts, to health and beauty products as well as delivering integral pearls of health details and services, such as blood pressure screenings, compliments of Cornerstone Family Health Center, aspires to also bring the community together in positive, educational and lasting ways.

“Today is all about a thank you to the community for joining us at the Market this year,” said Meg Oakes of the Orange County Department of Health, who hosts the weekly event on the bottom end of Broadway, which also includes an opportunity to drop off food scraps, used to recycle compost, and to qualify for raffles as well as regular customers to earn loyalty cards to shop at the Market.

Making last Tuesday extra memorable was not only the delicious lunch and unique, seasonal raffled off items, but the appearance of special guests: intensively-trained Master Gardeners, all-volunteer run Medical Reserve Corp as well as representatives from Senator Pat Ryan’s office.

“We are providing information to children on healthy eating-good nutrition as well as talking about ticks and Lyme Disease today,” said Linda Gayton, who along with Dianne Wilder and Donna Boyer, fielded questions about their organization, as they enjoyed the gorgeous fall weather behind their booth. “We were here on Kids Day when we painted rocks and gave out tomato plants and had a lot of fun; it’s a great place to be.”

Also enjoying his time at the event was first-timer, Alton Lee, representing RAAP (Release Aging People in Prison) and providing information on what his organization does.

“We are here to help spread attention to advocate for the elderly for parole,” said Lee, who also added that there are seven chapters in existence in New York. “We want to get legislation passed to help and are trying to change the perceptions of societal views on incarcerated individuals.”

The day and Market in general has something to offer everyone, even if it’s simply sitting at one of the picnic tables, chatting and just enjoying being around others and outside getting fresh air and sunshine.

“A huge part of what we do at the Orange County Department of Health involves building partnerships,” said Dr. Alicia Pointer, Orange County Commissioner of Health, and who was on hand Tuesday, taking in all the wonder of the event and its overall vibe. “Today is a wonderful example of how a community of organizations can really come together to improve the health of our residents.”

Stay tuned, as the Market comes to a close for the season. A critical Breast Cancer Screening Event, celebrating Breast Cancer Awareness Month, is coming up some time in October. Here, free screenings will be available in addition to the regular assortment of fun-filled, informative festivities offered every Tuesday.