Friday, December 4, 2020
www.towntimes.com
Volume 26, Number 36
SMOOTHIE, JUICE BAR OPENS
‘Pedals’ dedicated to organic, local products By Nadya Korytnikova Town Times
A curious cow at Deerfield Farm, 337 Parmelee Hill Road, in Durham. Photos by Nadya Korytnikova
Farm sales rise during pandemic By Nadya Korytnikova Town Times
Large-scale quarantine, travel restrictions, social distancing, and increased unemployment all caused a sharp drop in consumer spending and had a lethal effect on many businesses across the country. But despite the uncertainty of the pandemic, some local farmers have flourished this year. Coronavirus brought the country to a standstill for parts of 2020. Restaurants shut down and grocery stores suddenly posed an infection risk, making people rethink the ways they source their food. “No one wanted to go to the supermarket when the pandemic started. But people still wanted their vegetables and fruits, so they came to us,” said David Zemelsky, owner of Starlight Gardens in Durham. This year, his sales increased by 20 percent. “Over time, people have gotten more comfortable going
Vivian Diglio-Caturano restocks shelves at her J.C. Farm & Greenhouses, 385 Wallingford Road, in Durham.
For those looking to maintain a healthy lifestyle, reaching that goal may be just a little simpler and more delicious with the newlyopened Pedals Smoothie and Juice Bar. Located in Durham, at 16 Main St., Unit 301, Pedals is run by longtime residents Patrick Nelson, 46, and his wife, Katie Hughes-Nelson, 47. The bar features a warm and modern atmosphere with cozy seating, bike-themed decor, and a fruity scent. A vegan, gluten-free menu offers a wide selection of cold-pressed juices, smoothies, bowls, and house-specialty drinks. Patrick and Katie are completely committed to using only organic and locally-sourced ingredients. For instance, maple syrup comes from Durham Sugar House, while seasonal produce comes from Forest City Farms in Middletown.
to the grocery stores, but our sales are still higher than before,” said Zemelsky.
As the business flourishes, they hope to pair up with more local farmers.
Before the pandemic, Zemelsky sold about half of his produce to restaurants. When eateries shut down, he sold his crops at farm markets in New Haven, Madison and Durham.
“I believe there is some connection between how good the food tastes and the ethical environment it has been produced in,” said Katie.
See Farms, A7
At Pedals, no ingredient comes from a bottle.
Patrick and Katie make their own organic almond milk, peanut butter, almond butter, and even hazelnut chocolate spread, which they named ‘New’tella’ – a healthy, palm oil-free Nutella alternative. All nuts and cocoa come from Equal Exchange – a trading organization that brings products directly from small-scale farmers around the world. “I don’t think that we should be making a living off the products that are produced at the expense of the environment or the producer,” Katie said. “Everyone should win.”
Katie Hughes-Nelson prepares a Mountain Biker smoothie.
See Pedals, A8
Photos by Nadya Korytnikova
A pet project with heart By Nadya Korytnikova Town Times
When Seanna Ruimerman turned 8, she didn’t want birthday party guests to bring her presents, she wanted them to bring animal food and toys, which she donated to a local shelter. Five years later, Ruimerman’s love for animals has not faded. In fact, her desire to help them has grown. In just one day, the 13-year-old generated $300 selling her hand-made bracelets, charms, and miniature acrylic paintings at Naples Farm in Durham. And that was just one of the
Ruimerman
many fundraisers she has organized to help animals in need. See Project, A7