LINNEA SHERMAN: A New Face At Buchanan Hall Market

LINNEA SHERMAN: A New Face At Buchanan Hall Market

By Vicky Moon

‟A tidbit most people don’t know. I’m named after the famous Swedish biologist Carolus Linnaeus. It feels serendipitous that I became a conservationist.”

-Linnea Sherman

When the Buchanan Hall Farmer’s Market opens at 4:30 p.m. on May 15 in Upperville, be sure to welcome Linnea Sherman as the new market manager and administrator.

“I’m responsible for the back-end administration of the market,” she told Country ZEST recently. “This includes coordinating with vendors, handling contracts, scheduling, communicating about the market, pursuing grants to support market operations, and more.”

Linnea said she’s been inspired to see people come together not just to buy produce, but to spend time with one another. “Additionally, as a conservationist/environmentalist, I’m excited to help further the hall’s mission of supporting local farmers and businesses.”

While growing up in the Shenandoah Valley, she earned a Bachelor of Science degree at Roanoke College. In addition, at the University of Oxford in Great Britain, she earned a Masters degree in Biodiversity, Conservation, and Management .

Currently living in Nokesville with her husband, Austin Stewart, and their two dogs, they’re gradually renovating a 19th century home. She’s fond of landscaping with native plants. She also works for the Northern Virginia Regional Commission as Regional Trails Coordinator.

At the farmer’s market she’s exploring “How to better collect data about how the market is doing, how many people are visiting and from where, and so on.”

The objective is to improve how to communicate about the market’s reach as well as improve operations. “We’re also planning a ‘Conservation Week’ this season and to engage local non-profits, businesses, and other organizations involved in conservation in the region.

“One of the biggest challenges we’re working on at present is finding and applying for grant funds to make the market financially sustainable,” Linnea added. “The planning and scheduling process is a bit daunting as well as there are many pieces that must fit together to ensure the markets are fun and offer a consistent experience for visitors.”

And most of all, she said, “Yes, we’re excited to collaborate with local bands so market-goers can enjoy music throughout the season.

“I’m enthusiastic to be a part of the market and Buchanan Hall team. It’s an excellent group of people and I’ll learn a lot. I ‘m looking forward to meeting more members of the community.”

And, P.S. Not to worry, the ever-effervescent Montana Lanier Ruffner will still be around as Director of Operations.