WESTFIELD-Since 2015, a “community” has evolved on the grounds of the Episcopal Church of the Atonement during the growing season at the Westfield Farmers’ Market.
Deborah Randzio, co-manager of the Westfield Farmers’ Market, reviews statistics with Maria Parent, who serves as market treasurer.
“Our vendors tell us it’s the best market they go to,” said Deborah Randzio, co-manager of the market with Peter Langmore. “Our vendors are our best recruiters. We continue to grow by word of mouth, our reputation and our satisfied customers.”
That “community” not only benefits from sales by local residents – but the money they earn goes back into supporting other businesses in the Greater Westfield area.
“It is a win-win situation for everyone,” added Randzio.
Karen Couture visits the Westfield Farmers’ Market weekly – especially for Sweet JJ’s lemon tarts made by John Reuss and Jay Park.
For Maria Parent, treasurer of the farmers’ market, her statistics indicate the steady growth the market has seen since 2015.
“The growth of the market has been awesome,” said Parent. “In 2015, we opened with seven vendors, and in 2016, 17 vendors, and in 2017, 27 vendors. While the number of vendors fluctuate each week due to weather forecasts and a variety of other reasons, our high has been 35 vendors at one market.”
For some vendors who have been with the market since its inception, they have seen their business start-ups take off and encourage others with similar intents to consider becoming part of the “community.”
“I got my start at the market,” said Jenny Doser, owner of Relax. Rinse. Repeat. Her all-natural health, home and pet products have been popular with area residents – especially the Bug-Away Spray.
Maureen Weiner, owner of Moe’s Donuts, chats with Jenny Doser, owner of Relax. Rinse. Repeat. before the opening bell at noon on a recent Thursday at the Westfield Farmers’ Market.
“I get a lot of repeat business,” said Doser, adding that since she started selling her products at the market – word spread and her products are now in 35 wholesale stores.
“As my business has flourished, I now have family members helping me and I am able to be a stay-at-home mom,” said Doser. “Westfield has the most loyal and friendly blend of customers and we are also a family here – promoting each other’s products.”
Adriana Lugo purchases six freshly made apple cider doughnuts from Maureen Weiner of Moe’s Donuts at the Westfield Farmers’ Market.
Maureen Weiner, who dropped by Doser’s tent before the bell sounded for Thursday’s start of the market at noon, echoed those sentiments. Weiner and her husband Mark are owners of Moe’s Donuts which always has enticing selections of freshly made doughnuts to choose from including their biggest seller – apple cider.
“Our mobile unit here at the market has opened many doors,” said Maureen Weiner, adding that Westfield State University in particular now hires them for Friday nights to keep kids on campus. “Westfield has been a great fan base for us.”
“Westfield has welcomed us with open arms,” said Mark Weiner. “From our customers to the health department, fire and police departments, everyone has been great to us. I give Westfield a thumbs up!”
Another vendor who has been at the market since its inception is Pignatare’s Farm. Cindy LaPlante oversees the market for the family farm and noted that she has seen more foot traffic to her displays over the years.
Cindy LaPlante, manager of Pignatare’s stand at the Westfield Farmers’ Market, is assisted by Sabrina Dawicki and Katrina Arona.
“Over time we have increased our business and we have more than 100 customers each week at the market,” said LaPlante.
Michael and Elena Lamontagne, owners of Stoneybrook Cider, shared a similar sentiment.
“We do 21 summer markets and three winter markets because it helps us to get the word out about our cider,” said Michael Lamontagne, adding the exposure is also helpful for any business when they are trying to raise capital. Since their entrance into farmers markets, their products including their best sellers – Bourbon Barrel Aged Cider and the Traditional New England Cider – are now available in eight package stores.
Michael Lamontagne of Stoneybrook Cider offers a sampling of his ciders at the Westfield Farmers Market.
“Westfield is a community of people who want to support local farmers,” added Lamontagne.
While vendors are at the heart of the “community” on Thursdays – the market also extends its reach to include local musicians who are paid a small stipend to perform two-hour time slots, as well as nonprofit organizations to help them get their message out to the local community, and crafters and cooks who wish to provide free weekly demonstrations.
Dave Maloof was among the musicians performing on a recent Thursday and noted that what sets Westfield’s market apart is being paid to play.
Dave Maloof performs at a recent Westfield Farmers Market.
“Most farmers’ markets don’t pay the musicians,” said Maloof, who during his two-hour stint was performing pop, jazz, rhythm and blues, folk, original comedy songs and Beatles tunes. “Here they pay you and it allows me a way to try new songs out on the audience.”
Randzio said she receives helpful feedback each week from vendors – especially those who provide the demonstrations.
“Pancake Sundaes reported a marked uptick in business after doing a cooking demonstration,” said Randzio. “Jan and Paul Tarnauskas of West Parish Orchards reported that participation in the market increased their business at their farm considerably after people learned who they were and where to find their farm shop.”
The market also benefits individuals and families who are part of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Healthy Incentives Program (HIP) by providing up to a $5 match depending on how much money they spend on fresh fruits and vegetables.
“Our total SNAP transactions in 2017 were 786,” said Parent, noting that SNAP customers spent $4,861 at the market. “We had received $2,000 from an anonymous donor and we were able to use $1,400 in match dollars. We paid $5,674 to our vendors by the market close.”
“Additionally, the market benefits seniors through the Farmers Market Nutrition Program for Seniors voucher program and by providing a day out for them,” said Randzio. “The Southwick Senior Center will be bussing seniors to the market on Aug. 16 and 23. Ludlow seniors requested a weekly outing to the Westfield Farmers’ Market rather than Forest Park, which is closer to them. Residents from the Arbors next door regularly come to the market to purchase items as well as sit at the tables under the tree and enjoy the music.”
The “community” also extends to younger people, noted Randzio.
“The Boys & Girls Club of Greater Westfield has a grant to bring kids to the market each week to purchase healthy food for their families,” said Randzio. “They are learning about nutrition and family economics. The club also distributes free lunches to children at the market every Thursday from 12:45 to 1:30. This fills the gap left by the free and reduced lunch program in place during the school year.”
The sense of community is also not lost on weekly customer Karen Couture of Westfield.
“We meet friends here each week,” said Couture. “The market is a nice gathering place to also pick up fresh fruits and vegetables, and especially lemon tarts made by the owners of Sweet JJ’s.”
The Westfield Farmers’ Market is conducted Thursdays from noon to 6 p.m. on the grounds of the Episcopal Church of the Atonement on Court Street. For an updated schedule of weekly demonstrations and musical performances as well as other market happenings, visit www.westfieldfarmersmarket.net.
