What an Interesting Bunch at the Farmers' Market in H-burg

To the untrained eye, the Hollidaysburg Farmers' Market isn't the biggest you could imagine, but talk to some of the vendors. They have interesting stories to tell that will make you glad you visited.

Eric Noel, co-owner of Maya Mountain Coffee and Spice Co., is an entrepreneur selling jungle-sourced spices, organic oils and coffee for six months each year. The other six months, he and wife and business partner, Cindy, perform non-profit mission work in Belize. After visiting there in 2017, and witnessing the challenges of daily life for remote villagers, they decided to do something about it. With a background in agriculture and food preparation, Eric and Cindy founded "Sowing Seeds in Belize." They are committed to educating, training and providing the resources for economic growth while building faith-based relationships with the villagers. They teach them entrepreneurial skills, assist in exporting their products, while helping to educate the children to read and write based on Biblical principles. For a dose of inspiration, visit their website at http://www.mmcsc.org, which is the only way to purchase their products other than at Farmer's Markets.

Larry Meckley proudly wears his "Retired Veteran" hat. This man served two tours in Vietnam, crewed with the VF53 Fighter Squadron flying off of the USS Bon Homme Richard aircraft carrier, and said it was exciting, especially at night. An Altoona native, Meckley has resided for the past two decades in Hollidaysburg six months of the year. The other six months he resides in Naples, Fla. Regardless of where he is, Meckley is now an extraordinary jewelry maker. He doesn't consider this a business; it's a hobby. He likes creating things. His creations at the Farmer's Market included bracelets with a variety of beads and clasps, simply elegant earrings and necklaces adorned with his artistic flair. Meckley also paints, with several pieces on display currently at 321 Gallery on Allegheny Street.

Claudia is a crafty person. Her Microwave Bowl Holder makes getting hot bowls out of the microwave painless. You just nestle your bowl inside this potholder, put both in the microwave and when heated, grab opposite corners of the holder and safely carry them to the table. The potholders are pretty enough to use as your placemat and are machine washable. Claudia makes them in a wide variety of colorful fabric, including holiday patterns. If you missed Claudia this summer, she will be making her PumpkinFest debut in October.

The last Tuesday in September, Sept. 24, was the final 2019 Hollidaysburg Farmers' Market. Katrina Pope, Hollidaysburg Borough director of community relations and events, thanked everyone for a wonderful market. Visit their Facebook page for periodic updates on where to find the participating farmers throughout the year.