Celebrate Delmar Farmers Market Anniversary

Senate Resolution No. 4370 BY: Senator BRESLIN COMMEMORATING the 10th Anniversary of the Delmar Farmers Market on May 5, 2018 WHEREAS, The agricultural industry is part of the foundation upon which our distinct American heritage is built; New York State and the entire United States are dependent on our agricultural industry for a variety of food products; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commemorate the 10th Anniversary of the Delmar Farmers Market to be celebrated at its opening day on Saturday, May 5, 2018; and WHEREAS, For its upcoming 10th season, the Delmar Farmers Market in Delmar, New York, will prohibit the use of plastic bags by vendors, a change which affirms the Market's long time mission to promote environmental awareness, lead the way in sustainability, and serve as a responsible template for farmers markets across the state; and WHEREAS, It takes 12 million barrels of oil to supply the United States with one year's worth of plastic bags; at least 95 percent of plastic bags end up in landfills, on streets or in the waterways; more than 100,000 marine mammals and sea turtles are killed each year by eating or becoming tangled in plastic bags; and WHEREAS, The Delmar Farmers Market will provide its vendors with 100 percent post-consumer, waste-recycled paper bags for customers who do not bring their own containers; and WHEREAS, In 2009, Anne Benware, Jean Gerbini, and Paul Tick decided that there should be a farmers market in their Delmar community; in February of that year, a meeting was held at the home of Paul Tick and Agnes Zellin, with several neighbors in attendance; at this time, Mark Warford, Assistant Principal of the Bethlehem Central Middle School was chosen as President of the Board of Directors; and WHEREAS, Paul Tick, who went on to become the first and long-time manager, had some experience at the Troy Farmers Market; he invited Karyn Novakowski, a local farmer, to join in the early discussions; she eventually joined the Board and became the first vendor at the Delmar Farmers Market; and WHEREAS, In the spring of 2009, the first market was held in the Bethlehem Central Middle School's parking lot; as fall approached, the market was originally held in the Delmar Presbyterian Church Hall; after a few years, it was decided that the cafeteria of the middle school would provide a more convenient setting; and WHEREAS, From its humble beginnings, the Delmar Farmers Market has grown to became a highly successful market and community gathering place where residents can purchase affordable, convenient, healthy food; people from all over the area come to the market, looking for the reddest round apples for a snack, or the sweetest ear of corn for dinner; and WHEREAS, After seven years of service, Paul Tick left his position as Manager in 2016; however, he is still a vital participant of the current 15-member Board; Ken Myer, a veteran of the food industry who brings a wealth of experience to the market, assumed the title of Manager; and WHEREAS, The success of the Delmar Farmers Market is in direct correlation to the efforts of its staff, and many volunteers whose involvement is, and always has been, characterized by an impressive commitment, an unbridled enthusiasm, and an uncompromising standard of excellence in all endeavors on behalf of the institution and the community it serves; and WHEREAS, Farmers' markets help to develop local and regional food systems that support family farms, revitalize communities, provide opportunities for farmers and consumers to interact, promote environmental sustainability, and support our economy in New York State; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commemorate the 10th Anniversary of the Delmar Farmers Market on May 5,