Winchester Medical Center's Farmer's Market: Bringing Fresh and Local to Healthcare

The Valley Today

Our conversation for Tourism Tuesday welcomes Joy Dovel, the gift shop manager and coordinator for the weekly farmer's market in the courtyard at Winchester Medical Center.

The farmer's market is a relatively new initiative at Winchester Medical Center, running every Wednesday from May through October, from 11 AM to 3 PM. Joy explains that the idea was conceived by Dan Cornish from the nutritional services department. He wanted to bring local farmers and vendors together to provide hospital employees and visitors with access to fresh, locally-grown produce and handmade items. The market serves as a convenient shopping venue for employees and supports local farmers and vendors.

Initially envisioned as a traditional farmer's market, the market has expanded to include a diverse array of vendors. Apart from fresh produce, the market features flowers, woodworking items, essential oils, and more. Joy recounts how vendors with varied offerings reached out, resulting in a vibrant and eclectic marketplace. Although not all vendors can attend every week, there are usually at least five or six present.

We discuss the beautiful setting of the Winchester Medical Center courtyard, noting the picturesque grounds with trees, flowers, geese, ducks, and squirrels. Joy highlights the hospital's well-maintained and almost park-like surroundings, making the market a pleasant experience for both staff and visitors.

Joy provides an overview of some of the market vendors including Amber Kerns of Fur and Bers with baked goods, Mary (Libby) Powell from Sibling Coffee Roasters, Brian Brooks is the BatDad woodworker, Jeffrey Robinette the beekeeper, Carol Webb with flowers and lamb, Sierra Rudolph with goat milk products, Mark Bishop from Master's Touch with fresh produce, and several others. Each vendor brings unique products to the market, adding to its diverse appeal.

The conversation touches on the broader community impact, highlighting Valley Health's commitment to supporting its employees and local vendors. Joy explains that donations from the market benefit Winchester Medical Center Auxiliary, supporting numerous projects such as the Cancer Center and shuttle services.

Joy invites interested vendors to contact her via email.

In the second segment, we wander the market and talk with a few vendors. First, Mark Bishop of Masters Touch Plants and Produce shares his experience and the variety of items he brings each week. Mark has been part of the market since its inception and values the opportunity to support hospital staff while promoting his locally-grown produce and plants.

Next, we talk to Megan from Magpie Apothecary, who explains her mission to offer natural remedies and bath products, using locally sourced ingredients. Megan shares her personal journey from dealing with health issues to finding a passion in creating apothecary products during the COVID-19 pandemic. She emphasizes the importance of natural alternatives to pharmaceuticals and outlines her involvement in various local markets.

Finally, we talk with Maria Rosales and Rosa Marquez from Rosa Maria Bakery. They discuss their friendship, love for baking, and decision to start a bakery business together. The duo shares their unique dessert menu featuring both Hispanic and original recipes. Despite balancing school and work, they manage to fulfill special orders and participate in the farmer's market, receiving positive feedback from customers.