Grange members seek to improve building efficiency

The Grange opened its doors to local farmers and buyers this month. From 10 a.m. to noon on Saturdays, the Sandy River Farmers Market and artisans grace the hall with an array of locally grown vegetables, meats, baked goods and other items.

"It's an effort toward helping people sell locally grown foods throughout the year," said Grange member Richard Marble. "The turnout of farmers and consumers looking to buy or sell healthy, locally grown foods and other goods has been promising. The Grange hopes to see this Saturday market grow into a destination spot for locals and folks from away."

Keeping those doors open through the winter will mean making improvements to the hall. Due to the price of oil, the hall has not been used for the past few winters, Marble said.

Six members spent this past Sunday working on windows, and members hope to raise enough money to put more insulation in the ceiling of the hall and put in a more efficient furnace. Both are badly needed, Marble said.

Their plans reach beyond necessary repairs, he said. The group would like to finish off the large basement and install walk-in coolers and a commercial kitchen where farmers can process their crops.

Marble, who has installed a commercial kitchen and a cooler on his farm, says that work can be done fairly inexpensively. The insulation will be the most expensive part, he said.

He uses an air conditioner controlled by a Coolbot, a part created by a farmer in New York. It controls the air conditioner so it doesn't burn out while turning it into a cooling unit for the walk-in. In the process, it keeps moisture in the cooler.

Potatoes and cranberries placed in his cooler last year have remained firm, Marble said. He estimated the cost of the cooler and Coolbot at about $600.

The past two Saturdays, business was brisk at the farmers market, he said. Farmers didn't plan ahead for the market to extend through the winter, so local artisans may be invited to join the Saturday market.

Anyone who wants to help is welcome, Marble said. For more information about the Saturday market or to help the Grange's efforts, call Marble at 778-6968.

abryant@sunjournal.com

Submitted photo

Farmington Grange members Steve Scharoun, Richard Marble and others held a work day Sunday to fix windows at the Grange Hall. Grange members want to make improvements so they can keep the building open year-round to promote local agriculture.

- Submitted photo

Submitted photo

Farmington Grange has opened the doors of the West Farmington hall to the Sandy River Farmers Market. The market is open from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturdays at the hall on Bridge Street. Grange members are attempting to make improvements to the hall.

- Submitted photo