<p>New bands, new vendors and no dogs. It’s farmers’ market season and the 43-year-old West Tisbury Farmers’ Market is under new management.</p>
New bands, new vendors and no dogs. It’s farmers’ market season and the 43-year-old West Tisbury Farmers’ Market is under new management. The Slip Away Farm team Lily Walter, 31 and Collins Heavener, 30, have taken over the management of the market from Rusty Gordon and Wendy Oliver.
“We’re just young and stupid enough to put in the work,” said Mr. Heavener, on a recent afternoon as he and Ms. Walter took a break from working their Chappaquiddick farm to eat lunch. “I say that a lot about our farm too.”
Slip Away Farm team has both youth and experience.
Slip Away Farm team has both youth and experience.
Ms. Walter, the farm owner, created Slip Away farm in her mid-20s with the help of Mr. Heavener. They built a vegetable and flower farm on a piece of preserved land owned jointly by the Martha’s Vineyard Preservation Trust and the Martha’s Vineyard Land Bank. Ms. Walter, who grew up in Atlanta and studied anthropology and women’s studies in college, had always been drawn to outdoor jobs. She spent time working on farms, before meeting Mr. Heavener at Morning Glory Farm. He grew up in Vermont and developed an interest in carpentry before moving to the Vineyard and falling into farming. Together, they embarked on creating Slip Away Farm on Chappaquiddick.
When the market needed new managers this fall, they were slow to volunteer. It’s a tricky position to fill, a time consuming volunteer position managing a large group of people.
“Eventually, I started nudging Collins after Rusty kept going, please, anyone, someone, please, and I was looking at Collins and Collins was looking down... and I was finally like, we’ll do it, and we got voted in,” Ms. Walter said. As representatives of the next generation of farmers on the Island, they thought it was time to take a leadership role and share some fresh ideas.
And they have a lot of ideas. Top of the list is to increase the accessibility of the market. While a robust summer crowd visits regularly, Ms. Walter and Mr. Heavener see the market as a place for year-round residents. The market already accepts SNAP benefits, and Morning Glory and Slip Away have been approved to work with the HIP benefit program. They are also working to get vendors signed on to accept senior food assistance coupons and WIC coupons.
“We’d love to see more Islanders coming to the market, and I think part of it is there’s a good chunk of the Island that would benefit from being able to use SNAP and being able to use their EBT there,” said Mr. Heavener. “We don’t want to just cater to the wealthy.”
They also want to compile data. A survey placed at the welcome booth will help give the new managers numbers and information about market visitors.
Representatives of next generation of farmers on Island.
Representatives of next generation of farmers on Island.
The music scene will increase as well. After the move off Island of market regular Kevin Keady of the Cattle Drivers, the team decided to reach out to numerous musicians. There will be new food vendors too, including Head High Kombucha, Wandering farm, Pasture Prime, Acorn Farm. Cinnamon Starship will be at the market on Saturdays as well as Wednesdays.
Big decisions, like the one to ban pets from the market, are made by vendor vote. But some things, like the placement of stalls and the ratio of farmers to value-added vendors (two-thirds to one-third) will never change.
“We talked with as many market managers as possible, about seven maybe,” said Mr. Heavener. “Each one always said don’t ever mess with anybody’s location. Lily and I, we recognize and try to respect the difference between being a vendor and being the market manager.”
Slip Away has had a stall at the market for six years and the duo appreciate the time spent engaging with the community and other farmers.
“It’s the only time we see the other farmers during the summer because we all return to our little dirt holes,” said Mr. Heavener. They hope the market is a launching point to embolden people to visit farm stands at the individual farms on non market day, while also providing a platform for farmers who do not have stands at their farm.
While the cold and rain have been a boon for hay farmers, Ms. Walter said, it’s made things a little difficult for vegetable and flower farmers. At the market this weekend, she recommends looking for kale, different greens, radishes, spring garlic and overwintered leeks.
“It’s greens season,” said Mr. Heavener.
The West Tisbury Farmers’ Market opens on Saturday, June 10 from 9 a.m. to noon. It runs through Oct. 7. Wednesday markets begin June 21 and run through August 30. Visit the website at wtfmarket.org.
Comments
No dogs? Why? Our dog loves
HughW Chilmark and New YorkNo dogs? Why? Our dog loves going. We love seeing others dogs even before we had one....little kids love the dogs. And in all the years that we've been going, I've yet to see any issues created by dogs. Have there been any? More than likely....but I can't imagine any problems outweigh the benefits and a little extra dimension they bring to the market. Sure, the raison d'être of the market is a place for farmers to sell their food and wares, and to provide a central place for islanders to find wonderful fresh and interesting food and products. But it's more than that, it's also a lot of other things mainly a communal gathering for people to get together on a Wednesday or Saturday morning, listen to some music, enjoy chats with their friends, let their kids play at the adjoining playground, have a cup of Todd's coffee, or a lemonade, a fresh baked sconce. So why can't our four legged friends add to the fun?
I support the exclusion of
Barbara De Groot Oak BluffsI support the exclusion of pets from the Farmers' Market. I know you love your pet, but not everyone is comfortable around animals. . In the summertime, the market is crowded and frequently pet owners admiring each other's doggies form a road block that makes it difficult to navigate. it can't be pleasant for pets to be hemmed in by strangers. I'm sure most dogs would prefer a brisk walk to being dragged around from stall to stall. Even the most well-behaved animal may stick his nose in the food while his owner is squeezing the lettuce. For health reasons, pets are not allowed at the farmers' markets in California. I think it is a good move.
There will always be
Diane Becker West TisburyThere will always be disagreements about pets. I love seeing the dogs! You don't. Why not do a representative sampling and do a well designed poll of attendees and let the majority rule instead of arbitrary decisions? Not a difficult question, dogs or no dogs. Could be done by asking all who enter and maintaining countsmover a couple of eeeks. Count me a firm yes.
The article says it was based
Mary West TisburyThe article says it was based on a vendor vote. Dogs and food don't mix anyway. I think it's a wise decision.
This is a really nice article about the market moving forward...let's congratulate these two not fixate on this one silly aspect!
Silly? To you maybe.
DeborahSilly? To you maybe.
I have never understood the
Kathryn Blankenship EdgartownI have never understood the need to take your dog everywhere.
Completely on point!! Could
Taylor Ahearn Aquinnah, MACompletely on point!! Could not agree more.
Glad to see that young blood
Drew West TisburyGlad to see that young blood is getting involved with these projects.
I think they got the no dogs policy very wrong. They are banking on people still coming, just without their pets. I don't think they understand that the market isn't the sole destination for someone, and if the dog was being included in other plans as they so often are, it's the market that will lose out. In addition, they are going to alienate many, many visitors who don't read this and simply try to bring pets like they have for done forever.
I completely agree. The
Taylor Ahearn Aquinnah and New YorkI completely agree. The Farmer's Market is not the sole destination for many if not most people attending the market, and the idea that dogs should be left out of plans for the entire day due to this new ban really hurts my heart. And of course the alternative is leaving the dogs in the hot cars which of course is not an option at all, and it scares me to think that some people forced to leave the market with their dogs may make the mistake of doing this. The summer is a time for people to enjoy the outdoors and sunshine with their friends, family, and community and I think those of us with a heart can agree that dogs are absolutely friends, family and a part of the community. Even in a comment below, new co-manager Collins Heavener sates the bottom line is a crowding issue... so in that case, I suggest we find a larger location.
Very disappointed about the
Marissa ChilmarkVery disappointed about the new no dogs policy. My favorite part of every weekend was taking the dogs to the farmers' market. This is a huge let down.
Completely agree Marissa.
Taylor Ahearn Aquinnah, MACompletely agree Marissa. Hoping we can find a way to go back to the kind of market we know and love.
I agree...huge let down. One
Sarah Vineyard HavenI agree...huge let down. One of the reasons I moved here is because Martha's Vineyard is so dog friendly. Now it will just become like everywhere else. It was always more like Europe, where dogs are allowed to go many places. They are part of the family,and should be allowed to enjoy their vacation too! Dogs are social beings,and look forward to the outing. My dogs loved it!
Thank you lily & town of west
Janet Anthony EdgartownThank you lily & town of west tisbury boh!!! Dogs & food just don't make a good fit. I'm sorry to the pet owners who have their dogs under control. But like most things today it's the few who don't that make the changes necessary .. Here on mv we have a lot of dog friendly places but I'm sorry not at the farmers market where food is a part of the industry.
Why no dogs? If they're
Taylor West TisburyWhy no dogs? If they're leashed they aren't a problem. Did one dog do something to ruin it for the rest of the dogs? Are they planning on having a big sign that says no pups? If so, that's sad.....
I have taken my dog for year
David EdgartownI have taken my dog for year.It is a family affair and the dog is part of our family. Can get fresh produce anywhere so time to move on
Agreed, so much for the
Pam EdgartownAgreed, so much for the Farmers Market as someone else stated. Being dog friendly makes the Vineyard
such a special place sad to see it is becoming like every other place, I vote for the dog and will
get my items and enjoyment elsewhere.
Dogs, dogs, dogs. But it's
LuvDogsBut West TisburyDogs, dogs, dogs. But it's never the dog's fault...it's the owners. Dogs are animals. Owners are human, and as such, some aren't very learned or considerate. Dogs unleashed, lost, roaming neighborhoods (daily occurrence on Islanders Talk), biting, dogs now in grocery carts(!) at supermarkets, dogs on walking trails that prohibit dogs, dogs on the Chilmark Store porch (sign says "No dogs on porch") but rules are for non-dog owners, dogs urinating on Kevin Keady's equipment at the Farmer's Market (ask him), dogs snapping at other dogs in the market crowd, dogs lurching at bikers in the State Forest (me), dogs running unleashed on the beaches over blankets and waking napping beach goers, dogs left in the yard to howl and howl...enough with your dogs. It's your fault, not the dogs. Bravo and thank you to the Farmer's Market!
Hurray for the decision to
Prudy Burt West TisburyHurray for the decision to not allow dogs at the Farmers' Market, it is long overdue. For over ten years, I sold cut flowers at the Farmers' Market; I was market manager for two of those years. I lost count of the times that dogs urinated on my stand, my truck tires or my display and those of my neighboring food vendors (including on baskets of bread and vegetables), the number of times that dog fights broke out in front of my stand, or the number of times that I saw a young child or elderly person get pushed or knocked over by two strange dogs meeting while either on the leash, or loose in the market.
This is the right decision, and I applaud it.
Thanks for cutting to the
Dana Nunes VHThanks for cutting to the chase. I love dogs but I also have a sense of where they do and do not belong. Face it, dogs pee when and where they need to and their behavior is not every moment what we'd like it to be, no matter how we delude ourselves. It's a simple rule, obey it. The few who will shun the market because of it won't even be noticed.
Prudy, I second all you just
Kris Vineyard HavenPrudy, I second all you just said. Countless times I've seen dogs urinate on tent frame legs, low shelves, I was tangled up in 2 leashes once, and so many people just love to 'show off their dogs' at the market. There's plenty of places to do that. How many times the flow is interrupted or blocked by people discussing their dogs breed, habits, etc. pppaaallleeeaaasse. I am a dog lover, owner, and he is a family member, but he's still a dog. I would never try to impose my self wants over the will of the collective of the farmers and vendors. Shame on anyone who will boycott the farmers market because you can't bring your dogs! That means it was never about you supporting the farmers, rather it was about you being 'seen' with your dog at the market. Gross....
I'm with you Trudy, and you
Mark West TisburyI'm with you Trudy, and you should know, being a constant witness and "historian" of the Market. The American dog fetish ["My doggy, right or wrong."] seems particularly strong on the island for some reason. Just as my liberty ends when my fist touches your face, so my doggy's liberty - as an extension of me - ends when his urine hits your food.
The issue of whether or not
Collins Heavener ChappaquiddickThe issue of whether or not to allow dogs has been a hotly contested issue at the island Farmers Market for decades. And we're not alone: It's a major concern for many markets around the region, as Lily and I have learned through reaching out to other Market Managers around New England to see how they deal with the issue. Many don't allow dogs, and those that do, regularly struggle with the issue.
The concern arises from repeated incidents of fights between dogs, biting people, knocking down children and older folks as a result of the dogs bodies or leashes, and peeing and pooping near or literally on market stands and produce. These are all personal safety issues as well as Board of Health concerns. The bottom line is that the Market is an incredibly busy and congested place as is, without the addition our canine friends. Also, we want the market to be somewhere that you can buy whole, healthy, Island sourced produce and foods...without the risk of potential harmful contaminates.
Lily and I get it, we have a dog of our own who we love and dote on more than we probably should. And we bring him everywhere with us as we believe he is a well trained and well behaved dog. But we also know that there are plenty of places that we don't bring him, and don't expect to: the grocery store, the doctors office, my friends Timmy's house, as he's terribly allergic, amongst others...and so we take the time to think about our daily schedule and plan accordingly.
There has been outreach through the papers, social media and word of mouth, and there will be signage. But, we understand that this a big shift and we can't expect it to change over night. There will be folks who still show up to market with their pets and, when that happens, we have asked of our vendors to be gracious, but firm, in providing reminders of the policy change. We hope, over time, through conversation, that we will achieve a gradual shift in behavior.
I am always open for a conversation, though, please respect my, and our vendors' time during the market hours, as we need to focus on the work at hand--being busy with all customers and working to make a living.
As a side note, as a part of the objective of compiling data and feedback from our market customers, there will be a survey on an iPad at the Welcome Booth where you can leave your thoughts and find more information about the dog issue and the market itself.
Please remember, this is a decision made by the farmers market as a whole. And we didn't make this decision without much conversation and debate--years of it. Please remember that WE are also farmers, bread and soap makers, coffee roasters, chefs and cheese makers, but, above all, GOOD people--not the anti-dog lobby. As a collective, we are trying to make the best decisions we can for the market and our customers.
Well said & well written
Kelly McCausland EdgartownWell said & well written Collins! Thanks for your beautiful articulation.
As a dog owner and long time
Ned F. TisburyAs a dog owner and long time attendee/patron of the West Tis Famer's Market, I applaud the 'no-dogs' policy even if it means keeping our well behaved dog back. They impede pedestrian traffic, invite safety concerns and can be difficult to manage for even the most well behaved dog or owner.
Any thoughts on creating a farm produce area apart from the prepared foods? Another congestion issue for foot traffic. Please keep the live music.
Well so much for our favorite
Gerald Warburten EdgartownWell so much for our favorite summer tradition when we take pooter and Julia to the market. Wish this was something we could have watched being debated at town meeting. Martha's Vineyard isn't New York or California, it's a place made for dogs and people. Dogs are therapeutic. Oh well. Wish I didn't have to break the news to my dog but I guess change is coming to good ol' west tisbury.
It's perhaps therapeutic to
tiskid VHIt's perhaps therapeutic to you, but not to everyone
The dog decision was not made
Thomas Hodgson wtThe dog decision was not made at a Town meeting.
What happens if you bring a
Ted EdgartownWhat happens if you bring a dog? What if a dog comes on their own. In all seriousness dogs are really smart and have a great sense of direction. Police escort out? Newsflash: They can't arrest dogs.
Yes, dogs can be arrested.
Sandra C Bayne WashingtonYes, dogs can be arrested. That is what animal control officers do.
Once again the gazette buries
Carla CW Woods holeOnce again the gazette buries the best story on the home page. We want to read things that'll impact us. This is top news. We're discussing it and we think this year the market will feel a little sad. Even the banks on MV have treats for dogs!
Guess what business will be
Justine OBGuess what business will be booming this summer? Dog sitting!!!!!!
Is parking the issue? Because
Bernedette ObIs parking the issue? Because dogs don't drive cars.
I am very. very happy that we
Mr. B ChilmarkI am very. very happy that we will no longer have dogs at the Farmers' Market. The reasons are outlined above by many writers. My only fear is that we will eventually have to have police there to enforce the matter.
Can we put this in
Dana Nunes VHCan we put this in perspective, please? We're discussing why people-people privileged enough to spend all or some part of a summer on MV, people comfortable enough to enjoy an idle morning strolling through the farmers' market purchasing lush, fresh produce, flowers,etc.-cannot bring their privileged, comfortable pooches into the market. I realize that many people think of their dogs as family but you don't take your kids everywhere you go, do you? Some venues are simply inappropriate. Adults know this.
There are plenty of real, life-altering issues out there. This isn't one of them. Let's just congratulate these two young people and thank them for helping to keep the island farmers farming.
Very disappointed with the
Davis Hunt Mount Pleasant, SCVery disappointed with the decision to exclude dogs. We are on island for a month during the Summer and typically attend the farmer's market twice a week. Not that it will be missed, but your vendors won't get any more business from me.
I strongly support the no
Respectful supporter VHI strongly support the no dogs rule. I am very disappointed with the behavior of so many dog owners on MV. Many many many times I went walking on trails with my young boy and dogs would run up to us at full speed barking and owners would run up to me saying "Sorry! Sorry!" If you were sorry the dog would have been on a leash like the sign says. Less dogs please.
Possibly lost in the back and
Red S. West TisburyPossibly lost in the back and forth about dog access to the Farmer's Market is the reality of the market being 'over subscribed' in its current location and potentially not suitable for the volume of auto and pedestrian traffic on a busy Summer morning in the middle of West Tis.
.
I wonder if there was another more spacious Ag Hall nearby which featured ample parking, expanded facilities and room for a, dare I say, a dog run? Probably doesn't exist...
Great idea!!
Taylor Ahearn Aquinnah, MAGreat idea!!
No dogs at the Farmers Market
Michael OBNo dogs at the Farmers Market ??
I am SO there.
Yahoo !!!
Let's not lose focus of the
BrianLet's not lose focus of the story - two new, young people have volunteered to take the lead of this important island tradition, (and it seems like we're lucky they stepped up). I’m a dog owner and see both sides of the argument, but if I’m being honest I’ve seen many flare ups involving dogs over the years and so I respect the decision of the vendors.
The anti-dogites miss the
Joseph Sieber KatamaThe anti-dogites miss the point that the Vineyard has a tradition of being a dog friendly island. This is not dog friendly. Hopefully they will reconsider!
Most of the time the issue is
Tim R. ChilmarkMost of the time the issue is not the dogs themselves. 'Dog-friendly' is secondary to safety concerns and consideration of others.
.
I second the notion somebody raised of moving to the 'new' Ag Hall which can accommodate the throngs of people.
I strongly support the no
Bea Phear West TisburyI strongly support the no dogs policy. They can wait in the car (leave the windows open) while you shop. They have tripped me up with leashes crossing and cause pedestrian traffic jams, as well as being scary to some. And congratulations to Collins and Lily for the new information and added booths. Well done!
Unsurprisingly, as with most
Steven Stantz EdgartownUnsurprisingly, as with most changes of ownership, the market has gone to the dogs (or should I say the dogs are gone from the market?). Kevin Keady was the life of the market, with his prescence being an absolute and well loved. Now with him gone and this ban on dogs, I have never seen the market so low quality in my life. Let us talk about the dog ban shall we. Dogs are allowed in almost every public place, as they are generally well behaved companions that were actually the sole reason to come to the market for many. This decision was clearly made in the name of selfishness, and an egocentric lifestyle that I can only imagine is a sad one. For all that think that it is unreasonable to bring dogs to the market, understand that you are going against the standard of dogs being allowed in almost all public outdoor areas. I used to even see plenty of well known celebrities taking their dogs through the market for a walk, no longer. I have spoken to several vendors on this subject and it seems they are fairly indifferent, meaning that it was probably more along the lines of nepotism or favoritism that dogs have been banned. I can only imagine the various ways in which the market will continue to deteriorate, for us long times fans it may be time to say goodbye to what was once a great place to be. Show me an actualy dogbite mark and maybe I'll believe the almost assuredly fabricated stories that are allegedly part of the reason for the change. If you don't like dogs out in public, stay inside where you belong.
Dogs don’t belong at the
Lucy ChilmarkDogs don’t belong at the farmers market. It is not a playground or a dog park. Even when these dogs are leashed, the owners are socializing and not watching the dogs. For people over fifty, with joint replacements or other infirmities such as osteoporosis, tripping over a dog at a crowded market is a disaster. And it puts the town and the market organizers and the owners of the Ag Hall and the dog owners, at peril of lawsuits. The people crying about this dog ban are thinking only of their own selfish pleasure.
No dogs being allowed at the
Albert Fischer West TisburyNo dogs being allowed at the farmer's market is the right decision and I agree with all who wrote in opposing dogs at the market.
A few years ago I saw a couple exuberant dogs tangle their leashes around an elderly lady causing her to fall down, she was ok but this could easily happen again and seriously hurt someone.
I personally agree with the no dog rule.
Great story...great news..
Paul OBGreat story...great news...yet everyone is hung up on the "No Dog" policy...MOVE ON PEOPLE!
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