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Young at Heart Enjoy the abundance at our county's farmers markets It's springtime and our local farmers markets have a bounty to enjoy, and resources that can help if you are a low-in- come senior (or a low-in- come person of any age). Plus, two Santa Cruz County markets—Felton and Scotts Valley—are launching their seasons in the next few days! Santa Cruz Community Farmers' Markets (SC- CFM) operates five mar- kets. Three of these are year-round: Wednesday downtown (DT), 1-5 p.m. during fall/winter, 1-6 in spring/summer; Saturday Westside (WS), 9 a.m.-1 p.m.; and Sunday Live Oak (LO), 9 a.m.-1 p.m. The Tuesday Felton mar- ket (1:30-5:30 p.m.) opens May 2. The Saturday Scotts Valley market (SV), 9 a.m.-1 p.m., opens May 6. Both markets begin with their annual Straw- berry Bonanza events: free strawberry shortcake while supplies last. And their seasons last until late fall. We recently spoke with Nicole Zahm, Communi- cation and Programs Man- ager at SCCFM, about the markets' wonderful produce and ready-to- eat-food, the fabulous vendors, and dynamic programming and special events. Are you a farmers market newbie? Here are some products Nicole loves, available from various vendors: the greens at Four Sisters Farm (DT market), citrus and avocados at Brokaw Nursery (DT & LO), the cheese at Garden Variety Cheese (DT), and meats at Fogline Farm (DT, WS, LO & SV). "I can't name just one! Also, the carrots at Pinnacle Farm (DT) are over the top sweet and crunchy, and I recommend the beautiful chicories at Dirty Girl Produce (DT & LO)." It's wise to know what's in season; this way, you get the freshest produce possible. When shopping in late April through May, check out the market's strawberries, asparagus, blueberries, chicories, and spring alliums. During June, don't miss the Blen- heim apricots, raspberries, fresh peas, and plums. This time of year is also perfect for finding fantas- tic flowers at the markets. Nicole is at the down- town market each week and enjoys talking to customers. She repeatedly hears how they relish get- ting to know the farms and vendors. "People build friendships and depend on these weekly check-ins for their sense of place and belonging," she says. Market attendees also comment on how they can find great deals (includ- ing at Pinnacle and Live Earth Farm) and items that are difficult to locate elsewhere. The latter include heirloom greens plus heirloom squash and potatoes. "Ronald at Windmill specializes in these heirloom squash and potatoes in particular," she adds. People may not be aware of this, says Nicole, but markets— particularly the downtown one—are host to the most concentrated diversity of cultural/ethnic foods in the county. These include ready-to-eat food vendors Dos Hermanos Pupuseria, NahNa Eritre- an, Il Biscotto (traditional Italian cookies), Deli- cious Crepes (Russian), India Gourmet, Tia Bere (Mexican cuisine), and more. And Hakouya has probiotic Japanese miso dressing, Amazake (refreshing probiotic fermented rice drinks) and By Tara Fatemi Walker Young at Heart In Santa Cruz County Special Advertising Supplement to the Santa Cruz Sentinel Continued on page 2 April 2023 edition Elderday Adult Day Health Care Lift Line Senior Center Without Limits Learn more at / Obtenga más información en www.CommunityBridges.org or call/ o llame (831) 688-8840 Day services for adults with complex medical conditions Servicios de dia para adultos con condiciones médicas complejas Transportation to medical appointments Transporte a citas médicas Online classes and workshops Clases y talleres virtuales Amenities Active Retirement for Active People Dominican Oaks offers all inclusive living with 3 homecooked meals, weekly housekeeping and laundry services, activities and local transportation options. Our activity calendar is robust with a variety of physical & cognitive exercises, social events, support groups and cultural enrichment. Dominican Oaks is also a supporter of the local community attending the lo cal museums, theatre, symphony and events. Meals are homecooked with fresh ingredients and feature daily specials. Residents receive restaurant style service. Schedule a tour today! (831) 462-6257 www.DominicanOaks.com Lifestyle Our goal at Dominican Oaks is to give you back time in your day. We take care of the cooking, cleaning, yard work and chores, providing you with more time to spend doing what you love with who you love. Our 1 and 2 bedroom units come with kitchens, private patio and a parking space. The community features multiple beautifully landscaped outdoor courtyards plus a resident garden, pool hall, library lounge, salon and more. Lic# 440708773 Photo by Tara Fatemi Walker