ON OUR FARMS – It's largely been a good summer for our region's farms thus far. The weather has offered up a satisfying mix of sunshine and rain while avoiding too many oppressive heat waves, the crops are doing well, and some of the problems vexing local residents and their governments seem to be moving towards resolution. In fact, this is shaping up to be the kind of year that promises a bumper crop of nearly everything.

"It's been quite a growing season," said Deborah DeWan, executive director of the Rondout Valley Growers Association. "We've had exceptional weather, even with the bouts of rain in the last couple of weeks. Summer crops are growing strong, and the shape of those crops is corn."

Corn is easy to find at farm stands and farmer's markets this year, she said, alongside the cucumbers, squash, tomatoes and other produce.

"Everything you'd want to put on your dinner table is available right now," she added.

That bounty comes from more than just a particularly nice summer, though. DeWan pointed to two other important factors: the environment and the farmers themselves.

"Something about this part of the country, the soils and the water and just enough sunshine for good, warming temperatures during the growing season are all coming together," she said. "And of course the farmers are working hard to make it happen, that's always the case. It's a great time to get out, buy local, and enjoy the bounty of our local farms."

Another, less direct way to support the mission of the RVGA and all our local agriculture is by going to the association's annual barn dance. DeWan said that the date has been set for September 27, but other details, including location, were still hush-hush as of press time.

The Rondout Valley Business Association, another champion of local business, is making its own plans for the future. Several years ago the RVBA took over the Jennie Bell Pie Festival, but according to association president Richard Travers it won't be held this year.

"We're having some manpower issues and we're looking to redesign the festival and hold it next year," Travers said.

Named after a well-regarded pie baker from the area, the Jennie Bell Pie Festival has in the past included carnival rides, talent contests, and a vast array of pies for judging and sale. Its return will be eagerly awaited in some circles.

The RVBA has other projects in the works as well, including a discussion about the challenges to starting a business in Marbletown. A forum on the subject was scheduled for earlier this summer but will now be held in September to allow for greater participation. Travers said that they "received significant positive feedback from the public" about the concept, and want to hold the session "after school is open, and people are settled."

The idea for a discussion about the process stemmed from numerous requests to the RVBA for help in that arena, said the organization's president.

"We've simply been asked too many times to help people who are having problems," Travers said. "We don't know if they're causing those problems themselves or they're coming from external sources. We're not trying to burn anybody at the stake; our whole approach is to clear the air so the public understands the steps that have to be taken to keep your business in Marbletown. It's not an attempt to impugn anybody. If there are inherent issues, they will come out in the course of the meeting."