Vacant building opens as grocery store

A new grocery store opened on Townsend Park.

Festooned with flags, the 37 Central Avenue Market just opened its doors for the first time 10 days ago and since then Owner Yasir Osman business has been "all right." Osman decided to locate the store in the building that was once the Deja Vu Video store because of its proximity to the Townsend Park Homes. Osman wants seniors and residents nearby to have easier access to necessities like bread, soup, ice cream, sodas, laundry detergent, soda and juice.

The store also sells snacks, cigarettes, cell phone accessories, and coffee. The thing that sets his grocery store apart is that he does not sell beer or lotto. "I think they just get you into trouble," Osman explained.

Osman said he invested about $16,000 in remodeling the building, and today it is neat as a pin. The shelves are neatly lined with salad dressing, coffee, and cereal. The hot coffee and cream display are set up on a table with a clean white tablecloth, and here and there soda and chips are arranged in tidy displays. Osman cashes out two little girls buying ice cream bars on a shiny new register. "They're neighbors," he says with a smile.

Groceries are a new endeavor for Osman, and he says he hopes that the store serves his community and supports his family.

New Farmers' Market Hits Its Stride

In its 10th week, the Central Avenue Farmers Market is already hitting its stride. Fruits and vegetables have started to pour in, and this week marks the beginning of tomato season. Corn, salad fixings, and green beans continue to be plentiful, and customers are also stocking up on the market's farm-raised poultry and 100% grass-fed Angus beef.

The market has been featured in a number of news stories, and the market's publicity efforts are also starting to pay off. Customer numbers are climbing, and expected to keep growing as more produce rolls in.

This week marks the beginning of the Market Fresh Kitchen cooking series, where a number of area chefs will be providing cooking demonstrations at the market. Noah Sheetz, the Governor's Chef and a perennial favorite, will return to the market to kick off the series. Sheetz is known for his emphasis on local foods, and is a strong advocate of farmers' markets.

Other upcoming events include a Holistic Health Day, a Flea Market, and an Artist's Market. The market continues its outreach efforts trying to hook local audiences, and make the market part of their weekly routine.

Market organizers are also investigating how the can better serve low-income populations, andthey are currently putting together a survey to solicit feedback about the market.

To highlight the Avenue's international flair, the market will offer cuisines from around the world. Food vendors will include Capital Q, for a taste of down-home south, The Big Fat Greek for Greek and Meditterranean food, Al-Baraki Lebanese, Paquito's Mexican Food, and for a green touch, a Solar-Powered Hot Dog Stand. Each week the market will feature a different vendor.

The market is open every Saturday from 9am-1pm and is located at the Linda, WAMC's Performing Arts Center at the corner of Quail and Central. For more information about the market, please check out the website at www.centralavenuefarmersmarket.com.

This Week at The Central Avenue Farmers Market

Come join us at the Central Avenue Farmers' Market
Every Saturday, from 9am-1pm
At the parking area of The Linda, WAMC’s Performing Arts Studio, 339 Central
Quail and Central, Albany
THE MARKET WEB SITE
Support the city's newest market!
This Week, Saturday August 1
Farmers and Vendors
14 farm stands will provide the very best in homegrown fruits and vegetables, 100% grass-fed Angus beef, poultry and eggs, artisan cheeses, fresh-cut flowers, homebaked pies, fresh herbs, homemade bread and scones, handmade jewelry, crafts, and gourmet specialty items. Click here to see our full list of vendors.
Cooking Demonstration with the Governor's Chef
Please join us for a cooking demonstration by Noah Sheetz, the Governor's Chef. Noah will show you how to make great dishes with the very freshest ingredients of the season! This event marks the beginning of our cooking demonstration series, "Market Fresh Kitchen." These demos will take place every week, and highlight a different chef every time.

Food stamps now welcome

Now market customers can use their EBT benefits to purchase groceries at the market. Just bring your card to the Market Manager booth to purchase tokens for use in the market. It's that easy to buy fresh, local goods!
Central Avenue Farmers' Market--Growing Our Community!

Albany Named ALL AMERICAN CITY

First published in print: Saturday, June 20, 2009

Albany has won the title of "All America City" after city officials promoted its municipal improvements, youth programs and historical significance.

The National Civic League made the award Friday to a team of 25 boosters, including Mayor Jerry Jennings, during a meeting in Tampa, Fla. Jennings said by phone after the ceremony that it was a tough competition, pitting Albany against some of the best and brightest cities in the country.

"It's celebration of everything we've done and all the efforts the city has made to make it a great community for everyone," Jennings said.

The last time Albany received the award, which the league considers the equivalent of a "civic Oscar," was in 1991. Albany was one of 10 to receive the award among 32 finalists nominated. Jennings and others had submitted a 27-page application that detailed improvements made to the city since the mayor'selection, including the Capitalize Albany revitalization plan.

The city could use the All America City logo for up to the year, said Mark McGrath spokesman for the National Civic League, using it to market the city and attract tourists or businesses.

Humberto Martinez and Jordan Carleo-Evangelist contributed to this story.