Fowl Play

"Why did the chicken cross the road?" It's a question which has puzzled generations of children, and some adults. Saturday's Farmers Market will feature an expert who may be able to solve that, and many other, poultry mysteries.

Chicken Whisperer Maxine Shearer's knowledge of chickens is long and deep, but it is not true that she designed cages for Noah. If you have a flock, are thinking about raising your own for eggs or are simply curious about where they come from, Maxine has the answers.

Many thanks to all who made last week's Market such fun. And sincere apologies to anyone who missed out on the corn, cukes or tomatoes. This has been a very challenging year for farmers. Each Saturday we bring to Market as much as we can grow, and new vendors-such as Melissa and William of Edray-arrive each week.

It's time to begin storing food for the dark days of winter. In the old days it was a job for the entire family. While adults cut, cooked and canned the kids shucked, peeled and shelled. To recall that tradition, see Regina for some October shell beans. Similar to pinto beans, they can be shelled and stored for use in the winter stew pot.

Katie Workman, who, as Market Manager, handled all the details such as organizing the vendors, running the SNAP program and getting our books in order, is headed back to West Virginia University.