3 minute read
Feature
story by Charis Patires
Sunflowers for sale
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Marley Gerber with Sandy Nelson of Box Turtle Ranch.
Photos provided
You can find Marley selling sunflowers most Wednesdays at the Farmers Market in Camdenton. Located on Rodeo Road (next to Head Start) from 3-7 p.m.
When the war in Ukraine broke out, 11-year-old Lake resident Marley Gerber couldn’t get it off her mind. Thinking about all of the families and children being bombed was sad, she said. So she decided to do something about it.
With the help of her mom Stephanie, who is a Master Naturalist, and their mentors Sally Bauder and Sandy Nelson with Box Turtle Ranch, she decided to grow sunflowers to sell at the Farmers Market in Camdenton. Sunflowers are the national flower/plant of Ukraine.
For months now Marley has been spending her time after school working at the ranch planting seeds and watching them grow. Stephanie says Marley was able to utilize the ranch because Sally and Sandy were her role models, having known them since taking the Master Naturalist course in 2010 when she was pregnant with Marley. Since both Sally and Sandy are Master Gardeners and Master Naturalists with a farm, Stephanie reached out to them to tell them of Marley’s idea and Sandy offered to help.
Box Turtle Ranch grows a variety of produce and heads up the Farmers Market in Camdenton where they sell several varieties of heirloom tomatoes, peppers, fresh garlic, jellies and other items inseason. Marley and a number of other vendors set up at the market each week.
“She has been blessed with this opportunity. It was a skill that she didn’t have,” Stephanie said.
Marley plants three sunflowers into large pots which sell for $5. These sunflowers can grow up to 12 feet tall and benefit nature by attracting pollinators and all kinds of birds. All proceeds, after expenses and supplies have been paid, goes to two Ukraine charities. The International Rescue Committee (IRC) provides food, medical care and emergency supplies to refugee families. The Razom for Ukraine provides humanitarian relief
and recovery, evacuates vulnerable populations, and provides advocacy.
Marley plans to be at the Farmers Market in Camdenton most Wednesdays during the summer. The market is located on Rodeo Road in Camdenton and is open from 3-7 p.m.
Lake area guide to farmers markets
Looking for the freshest produce, one-of-a-kind art and homemade goods? One of the Lake area farmers markets have dozens of vendors that sell everything from soaps to wagyu beef and herbs.
A step back in time
Pictured, a collection of items found at Lake area farmers markets.
Facebook photos
Camdenton Farmers Market on the Square
Saturdays 7 a.m.-12 p.m. Camdenton Square
Osage Beach Farmers Market
Saturdays 8 a.m.-12 p.m. Osage Beach Outlet Marketplace/First Bank of the Lake parking lot
Morgan County Farmers Market
1st and 3rd Saturday of the month Morgan County Library
Eldon Farmers Market
Fridays 3-6 p.m. Rock Island Park
Farmers Market in Camdenton
Wednesdays 3-7 p.m. Rodeo Road, Camdenton (next to Head Start)
Laurie Farmers Market
Fridays 3-6 p.m. Laurie Fairgrounds
Farris Fruit and Vegetable Market
Open daily in season 1715 North Business Hwy. 5, Camdenton
Sunrise Farm Market
Open daily in season 14539 N. State Hwy. 5, Sunrise Beach
Built in the early 1930’s, our recently restored rooms will take you back to simple times. The early days of bus & railway rest stops, road-trips in the family car, and the quintessential motor court -the era of the Great American Motel. Located in downtown Eldon Missouri.
