Homeland Security Theme for the Indian Valley Farmers’ Market on Saturday, September 16

September is Homeland Security Month and the Indian Valley Farmer’s Market has a local angle. Several displays and demonstrations will be available for visitors of the market to enjoy and share with their families on Saturday, September 16 th .

An Extra Hand Organizing Service of Souderton can help to prepare households for an emergency. “Most people don’t think about what they need if disaster strikes,” said Bev Gwozdz, proprietor of An Extra hand Organizing Service. “I will have a sample kit that could insure your family’s safety and comfort in an emergency.” See the sample kit of the supplies that are recommended by FEMA and the American Red Cross for each household in the event of a disaster.

She will also show tips on how to declutter your home or office, organize files, recipes, and photos, and systematize routine tasks such as meal planning, bill paying, etc.

The Indian Valley Farmer's Market will also host Mandel Smith, Penn-State extension educator, nutrition and food safety expert Saturday Sept. 16th. Starting at 10 a.m. Ms. Smith will demonstrate canning techniques for those that want to preserve the locally grown goodness available at the farmer's market every Saturday morning from June to October 14.

Ms. Smith will bring all the equipment necessary to understand and successfully can in your own home. She will work with tomatoes, and green beans. Both of these vegetables and many others, including freshly baked artesian breads and Italian confections will be available at the market for purchase. Seating for the canning demonstration will be limited. Please arrive on time.

"In the winter most people end up supporting farmer's in Florida , California , Chile and Argentina . Why not can your own locally grown fresh produce, and support your taste buds and the local community, and reduce our nation’s dependence on foreign energy to ship produce great distances," says Souderton-Telford Main Streets volunteer, Dave Kelly.

Ms. Smith has a master's degree in food chemistry and safety from the University of Tennessee . She has a BS in food technology from Hampton University in VA. She is a native of Albany Georgia and has recently become a resident of Pennsylvania .

The Penn State Extension Program is housed at the school building on Route 113 in Creamery, PA, about 10 minutes south of the Indian Valley . The Penn State Extension Program offers many agricultural and gardening related services, information, and instruction. Call 610-489-4315 from 9-4 Mon-Fri for More information.

The Souderton Telford Main Streets Program sponsors the Indian Valley Farmer’s Market. Call 215-723-6627 for more information. A limited number of booths are available for producers of flowers, meats, and crafts, for 2007.