Beets, cabbage, cucumbers, summer squash, zucchini, tomatoes, potatoes, kale, basil and other herbs, sweet corn, peppers (sweet and hot), leeks, onions and shallots. For fruit, there will be melons, raspberries, table grapes, peaches and apples. Other items include jams and jellies, honey and bee wax products, breads and other bakery products, Kettle Corn, snack items, hand made clothing and other craft items.

“Don’t forget that it is now prime time to put perennials in for the fall,” Lutchka said. “You will find a great selection at the market. We have finished our summer weekly free product give away and we wish to thank these vendors for their donations: TJ Farms, Valentine Gardens, Kapnick Orchards and Barb Beeman.”

There will be a Market Basket Giveaway, the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation will have a nonprofit booth, and Dave Boutette will provide music.

Back Forty Acres will have pasture-raised chicken and duck, chicken liver, rabbit, pork and free range chicken eggs.

Tantre Farm will have arugula, green beans, beets, bok choy, Napa cabbage, carrots, Swiss chard, collard greens, Italian dandelion greens, eggplant, garlic bulbs, kale (green curly, Lacinato, Red Russian), leeks, lettuce, okra, onions (Cipollini/flat, sweet red, sweet yellow), peppers (green bell, hot, sweet red, Padron), potatoes (All Blue, fingerling, Red Norland, Yukon Gold), raspberries, spicy greens mix, summer squash, sweet potato greens, tatsoi, tomatillos, tomatoes (cherry/grape, green, heirloom, Juliet, sauce/plum, slicing), zucchini, fresh cut flowers and herbs.

TJ Farms will not be there this weekend.

Jeff died this week from cancer, after closing the meat counter he manned for so many years. I, like many folks in town, was a regular customer of Jeff’s, and looked forward to seeing his smiling face at least a couple of times a week. He was always willing to lend a hand, took care of special orders with obvious relish, and in general made Chelsea a more pleasant place to live for all of us. He leaves behind a wife, two daughters, and a town that will surely miss him.

Visitation is Wednesday, services are Thursday, and donations can be directed to the Chelsea Community Hospital Cancer Center. Details are in the extended obituary.

Back Forty Acres will have pasture-raised chicken and duck, chicken liver, rabbit, pork and free range chicken eggs.

“Never cooked duck or rabbit?” Stephanie Doll asked. “Just ask us at the market! Always glad to share a few tips!”

Tantre Farm will have arugula, green beans, beets, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, Swiss chard, collard greens, cucumbers, Italian dandelion greens, eggplant, garlic, kale (Green Curly, Lacinato and Red Russian), kohlrabi, leeks, lettuce, melons, okra, onions (flat Cipollini, sweet red, sweet yellow), peppers (green bell, hot, sweet red, Padron), potatoes (All Blue, Red Norland, Yukon Gold), sweet potato leaves, spicy greens mix, summer squash, tomatillos, tomatoes (cherry, green, heirloom, plum, slicing), zucchini and watermelon. They’ll also have fresh cut flowers and a wide variety of herbs.

TJ Farms is out this week.

Chelsea Children’s Cooperative Preschool will have a non-profit booth, there will be children’s activities, and the Bob Skon Trio will provide music.

There will be light refreshments at the concession stand, and kids will be able to “stretch with the Bulldogs” on the field. Promotional material will be there for the opening game against Ann Arbor Huron, there will be a small scrimmage, and you’ll get your first opportunity to see the new team.

Admission is free, and “stretch with the Bulldogs” t-shirts will be on sale for $10. There will be a drawing to win tickets to the Big Day Prep Showdown VI, which includes the team’s first game against AA-Huron: Saturday, August 28, at 5 p.m. at Eastern Michigan University.

If you miss tonight, next Thursday, August 19, is the team’s pre-season scrimmage at home. Go Bulldogs!

Thanks to Todd Ortbring for the additional info on tonight’s practice.

Eggplant, cucumbers, tomatoes, sweet corn, summer squash, zucchini, potatoes, beans, onions, beets, garlic, basil and other herbs, peppers, kohlrabi, melons, raspberries, peaches, summer apples, free range eggs, natural beef, pork, lamb and chicken, jams and jellies, honey and bees’ wax products, breads and other baked goods, Kettle Corn and homemade childrens’ clothing items, along with many others.

“Be sure to sign up for our free giveaway of products and produce,” Lutchka said. “We wish to thank last week’s vendors for their donation: Gail’s Berries, Janet’s LLC, Stone Hearth Breads and Lutchka Farms.”

Details as we have them.

“Dear Friends and Customers,

“Since we began our store in 2007, we have attempted to make the New Chelsea Market a thriving part of the downtown business community.

“As many of you already know, the past two weeks have brought changes to our location. Jeff Flintoft, who had been proprietor of the meat and deli business for many years, has decided to retire, which will leave a significant absence in our local business community. We are saddened by this decision, but know that it has been made in the best interests of all concerned.

“Although we are newer to this community, we know that for many of you, the role that the Flintoft family has played in the community will mean that this loss is both practical and emotional. Founded in 1900 under the ownership of the Kantlinger family, the market was bought in 1914 by the Schneider family, who later moved it to 125 South Main Street in 1928.

“A strong Chelsea tradition, the Flintoft family has helped run the business since 1941,” with Howard “Red” Flintoft joining the business and Carl D. Schneider as proprietor. [Ed.'s note: I changed the section outside of the quotes to clarify, after Schneider's heir contacted Chelsea Update.] “Their many specialties have stocked many pantries and contributed delicious traditions to families’ dinner tables. In the past several days, eighty-two years later, with Jeff’s retirement, that tradition came to a halt unexpectedly and suddenly. There will be many who feel the loss of their enterprise very deeply. We wish Jeff and Carolyn the best and hope that everyone will be patient while next steps are contemplated.

“We have heard that some expect us to close as well, but that is definitely not under discussion: our plan is to continue providing this community with the best selections of food, produce, and spirits in keeping with our own goals of excellence and meeting your needs close to home. If you have comments, please e-mail us at kevin @newchelseamarket.com and let us know what you are thinking. Many thanks for your support over the past few years.

“Sincerely,

“Kevin Riley and Francisca Fernandez
“New Chelsea Market”

[Ed's note: I was a regular customer of the meat counter, and will miss Jeff's willingness to go out of his way for his customers. I wish the very best for the Flintoft family.]

All kinds of tomatoes and sweet corn, green and yellow beans, kohlrabi, broccoli, cabbage, okra, kale, cucumbers (slicing and pickling), summer squash, zucchini, potatoes, onions (sweet and cooking), garlic, basil and other herbs, shallots, honey and bees’ wax products, breads and bakery items, jams and jellies, Kettle Corn, snack foods, natural beef, pork, lamb and chicken and free range eggs. For fruit, there will be blueberries, blackberries, peaches, nectarines, plums and apples; there will also be many handmade items.

“Be sure to sign up for the free product giveaway,” Lutchka said. “We wish to thank these vendors for last week’s prizes: Mill Pond Breads, CJ’s Garden, Kapp Farms and Pregitzers Farm.”

“Joining us for the first time at the market this week you will find Kapnicks Orchards,” she said. “They will be bring peaches, nectarines, summer apples, plums and apricots.”

Also up for sale: sweet corn, tomatoes, cucumbers, summer squash, zucchini, beets, kohlrabi, cabbage, onions of all types, green beans, kale, fresh basil and other herbs, garlic, eggplant, peppers (hot and sweet), potatoes (red and gold), broccoli, raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, sheep cheeses, honey and bees’ wax products, breads and other bakery products, jams and jellies, Kettle Corn and other snack items. Perennials for your late planting needs are still available from T.J. Farms. Also available: homemade clothing, blankets, kitchen towels and other craft items.

“Be sure to sign up for our weekly free product giveaway,” Lutchka said. “We wish to thank last week’s vendors for their prize donations: Marks Farm, Oak Hill Farm, Ernst Farm and Gibbs Berry Farm.”

Sweet corn, tomatoes, cucumbers, summer squash, zucchini, beets, kohlrabi, cabbage, onions (sweet and cooking), green beans, kale, fresh basil and other herbs, garlic, eggplant, peppers (hot and sweet), new potatoes (red and gold), broccoli, raspberries, blueberries, sheep cheeses, honey and bees’ wax products, bread and other baked goods, free range eggs, natural beef, pork, lamb and chicken, jams and jellies, Kettle Corn and other snacks, annuals and perennials, homemade clothing, blankets and kitchen towels.

“Be sure to sign up for our free weekly giveaway,” Lutchka said. “We wish to thank last week’s vendors for their prize donations: Dream Bakery, TJ Farms, Lutchka Farm and Good Time Kettle Corn.”

Here’s a quick overview of what you’ll find in the Park Street parking lot from 8 a.m. until noon:

Back Forty Acres will have chicken and chicken liver; cuts of pork including chops, steaks, roasts, bacon, sausage and more; and free range eggs.

Beautiful Earth Farm will have greens (chard, collards, kale), cilantro, basil, dill, parsley, various Lettuces, a variety of summer squash, garlic and organic blueberries from West Michigan.

Tantre Farm will have arugula, beans (fava, green, yellow), beets, bok choy, broccoli, green cabbage, Swiss chard, cucumbers, fresh garlic bulbs, kale (Green Curly, Lacinato, Red Russian), kohlrabi, green onions, sweet red onions, sweet yellow onions, snap peas, potatoes (Red Norland, Rose Gold), raspberries, summer squash, tatsoi, Hakurei turnips, fresh cut flowers and a variety of herbs.

TJ Farms will have shrubs and perennial plants.

Well, our friends at the Chelsea Police say they’re finally doing it, starting Monday. Time to figure out an alternate route through downtown, folks, because Main Street will be out of commission – reportedly from July 19 (Monday) through 23 (Friday), but I’ll try and keep you updated as the work goes on. Detours will be as follows:

Southbound traffic: Take North Street to Hayes to W. Middle to Wilkinson to Old US-12 to S. Main Street.

Northbound traffic: Take E. Old US-12 to N. Freer to Railroad to McKinley to Dewey to N. Main Street.

Summer squash; zucchini; beans (yellow, purple and green); beets; kohlrabi; onions; garlic; fresh basil and other herbs; new potatoes (gold, white and red); cucumbers; naturally raised chicken, beef, pork and lamb; free range eggs; sheep cheeses; honey and bees’ wax products; maple syrup; breads and other bakery products; jams and jellies; Kettle Corn; fresh cut flowers and perennial or annual plants.

“Be sure to sign up for our weekly giveaway,” Lutchka said. “We would like to thank last week’s prize donators: Waterloo Country Crafts, Janet’s LLC and Stone Hearth Breads.”

Back Forty Acres will have whole chickens, pork cuts, chicken eggs, duck eggs, chicken livers… and one rabbit! First one there gets it.

Beautiful Earth Farm is bringing kale, collards, chard, a variety of summer squash and zucchini, basil, dill, romaine lettuce, and some mild hot peppers from their farm, plus local organic blueberries from a farm in West Michigan.

Merkel Gardens will have beans, flowers, rhubarb, cut flowers and zuccini.

Tantre Farm will bring Arugula, Fava Beans, Green Beans, Yellow Beans, Beets, Bok Choy, Broccoli, Green Cabbage, Swiss Chard, Cucumbers, Fresh Garlic Bulbs, Kale (Green Curly, Lacinato, Red Russian), Kohlrabi, Lettuce, Green Onions, Spicy Greens Mix, Summer Squash, Tatsoi, Turnips, Hakurei, Yukina Savoy Greens, flowers and a variety of herbs.

TJ Farms will not be at this week’s market.

Without further ado, here’s your list, courtesy of Joan Lutchka, of the yummy good at tomorrow’s Bushel Basket Farm Market, on Chelsea Community Hospital grounds from 2:30-6 p.m.:

New potatoes, string beans, zucchini, summer squash, onions, beets, basil and other herbs, kohlrabi, broccoli, rhubarb, blackberries, raspberries, cheese, jams and jellies, cut flower bouquets, Kettle Corn, breads and bakery products, and homemade children’s clothing, along with blankets and kitchen items.

“Be sure to sigh up for our weekly giveaway of products,” Lutchka said. “We would like to thank these vendors for last week’s prize donations: Greystone Farms, Mill Pond Bakery, CJ’s Garden and Kapp Farms.”

New potatoes, peas of all kinds, string beans, summer squash, zucchini, green onions, kale, beets, rhubarb, raspberries, blackberries, the last of the Michigan strawberries, honey and bees’ wax products, maple syrup, sheep cheeses, free-range eggs, natural beef, pork and pork products, chicken, breads and bakery products, Kettle Corn and handmade children’s clothing, blankets and many other items.

“While you are at the market, be sure to sign up for our free weekly giveaway,” Lutchka said. “We would like to thank Marks Farm, Ernst Farm, Oak Hill Farm and Barb Beeman for their prize donations last week.”

Faith in Action will be holding a food drive at the market, which remains in the parking lot on Park Street surrounded by the First United Methodist Church, the library and Merkel Furniture. The entertainment will be Ed Sugar.

Back Forty Acres will have pasture-raised broiler chickens, chicken and duck eggs, and a full range of cuts of Tamworth Pork. They’ll also be taking orders for a variety of meats, including duck and lamb.

“When we had our Tamworth Pork earlier in the year, so many of you kept coming back for more, more, more!” Stephanie Doll said. “If we sold out of loin, you bought chops. If next week no more chops, you bought ham. No ham, then hocks!”

Beautiful Earth will have lots of garlic scapes, kale, lettuce, herbs and (from another local farm in west Michigan) dark sweet cherries.

Tantre Farm is bringing arugula, asparagus, beans (Fava and green), beets, bok choy, broccoli, Swiss chard, fresh garlic bulbs, kale (Green Curly, Lacinato, Red Russian), kohlrabi, lettuce, mushrooms, green onions, peas (shelling, snap and snow), Pink Beauty radishes, spicy greens mix, spinach, summer squash, tatsoi, Hakurei turnips, and a variety of herbs: cilantro, chives, lemon balm, lovage, oregano, parsley, peppermint, sage, French sorrel and thyme.

TJ Farms will have perennials and shrubs, including shrub roses in a variety of colors. “We will also have the first of the green onions fresh from the garden,” Sandy Barkman said.

The town looked just beautiful; so many Scouts in uniform, and nearly every business with a sign or marquee had a special message for Gentz or his family. A combat rescue officer, Gentz was killed in action June 9. He was a Chelsea High School alumni, honor student, and role model to many.

Click here for our previous stories on his passing and a link to his extended obituary.

The fruit continues to expand at local farmers markets as we officially get rolling on summer. Here’s what you’ll find at tomorrow’s Bushel Basket Farmers Market at the Chelsea Community Hospital from 2:30-6 p.m. (list courtesy of Joan Lutchka):

Raspberries, strawberries, rhubarb, lettuce, green onions, peas of all kinds, radishes, beets, free range eggs, natural beef, pork, lamb, chicken, fresh ground flour, breads and baked goods, maple syrup, honey and bee wax products, sheep soft cheeses, jams and jellies, Karmel Corn and snacks

“We would like to thank Janets LLC, The Dream Bakery, Pregitzer Farm Market and Good Times Kettle Corn for donating last weeks prizes for our drawing,” Lutchka said. “Be sure to look for and sign up for our free weekly giveaway.”