West County Farmers Market Scene Hopes To Be In Full Bloom This Weekend

Markets in Ellisville and Wildwood get their first weekend open under the same management team.

George and Rene Sackett have big hopes for changing the food culture in West St. Louis County, and this weekend marks the couple's first chance to see a new partnership start to grow. The pair run SOL Events and Catering, which manages the Ellisville Community Farmers Market and for the first time, the Wildwood Farmers Market. Ellisville's first regular Thursday night event at Bluebird Park is this week after the threat of raindrops put a damper on a "Taste of the Market" kickoff last Friday. Wildwood's season kicks off Saturday morning in Wildwood Town Center on Fountain & Plaza Drive. "We are receving a lot of interest from people who want to do both markets. From their perspsective its easier," George Sackett said, citing less paperwork…

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Farmers Market Vote Postponed in St. Louis County

Clayton Farmer's Market manager Deb Henderson has asked for a review of the bill's wording on liability, dogs and operating days, which could affect farmers markets like the one in Ellisville.

A vote on a proposed St. Louis County farmers market bill has been postponed so the County Council can review changes proposed by Clayton's market manager. The council has been reviewing the issue for months in cooperation with market officials and the St. Louis County Department of Health. In a letter dated March 23, Deb Henderson of the Clayton Farmer's Market wrote that the wording of the bill is problematic because it will: The council had been scheduled to give the measure final approval Tuesday. But members agreed to hold on voting to address Henderson's concerns. Henderson recommended in the letter that the bill be updated so that the market—not the manager—is liable for any violations of health code. Her other recommendations: …

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Health & Fitness

Will Ballwin and Ellisville be Inspired to Prescribe Produce?

The New York Times reports that some doctors in different states are prescribing fruits and vegetables in the fight on obesity. Could our area be next to try a new approach to the national issue?

Doctors in several states are targeting obesity in children in the hopes of preventing dangers associated with the condition such as diabetes and even heart attacks from occurring. Pediatricians in California are leading a study in which, in addition to receiving nutritional advice, children who are overweight or at risk of obesity are prescribed servings of fruits or vegetables, according to an article in The Bay Citizen. The hospital program also required vegetable preparation classes for participants to better equip them to use their new foodstuffs.  Similar programs exist in places such as Massachusetts and Maine. The Massachusetts program, for example, as covered in The New York Times last August, incorporates the local farmers market…

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Farmers Market Meeting Tackles Cost, Safety

The director of the St. Louis County Department of Health defended proposed changes as progressive, while some market managers questioned their efficacy.

A proposed bill that would change how St. Louis County permits and regulates farmers markets drew questions—and some support—at a meeting Tuesday in Clayton. Several market officials spoke before the St. Louis County Council Committee of the Whole, arguing the changes are unnecessarily restrictive, provide no accommodations for markets in the off-season and put the legal burden of ensuring food safety on market managers. It marks the latest in a months-long discussion about how markets and the St. Louis County Department of Health can co-exist. Supporters of farmers markets like the one in Ellisville, which runs Thursday evenings throughout the summer and early fall, say the events provide a forum that supports local growers and organic …

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Farmers Market Health-Concerns Raised at County Council

A local business owner said there may be health-safety issues with St. Louis County's farmers markets.

Proposed changes to the laws governing St. Louis County farmers markets received brief attention Tuesday during a county council meeting. "I think there's some concerns from my point of view for the safety," said Robert Menendez, the owner of Sunset 44 Bistro & Banquet in Kirkwood. The third-generation restaurateur said that while he shops at farmers markets, he wants the council to look into health and safety rules as they relate to the on-site preparation of food. He said dogs and other animals walk around at markets. He also asked what type of insurance markets would be required to carry and who would audit that plan under a proposed seven-month market season. Chairman Mike O'Mara  (D-Florissant) invited Menendez to submit a letter to …

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'Healing Hands' Owner Has Twofold Ties to Healthy Living

'Healing Hands' owner Rene Sackett practices wellness therapy almost daily, in addition to planning for the second year of the Ellisville Farmers Market.

When people talk about wellness therapies, most think "new age," but Healing Hands Massage Therapies offers clinical, certified massage therapy under owner Rene Sackett, who perfectly balances professional with personable for this unique, hands-on business. Their small but serene suite has a tranquil, soothing atmosphere. This helps create an environment, Sackett said, that allows clients to mentally and physically unwind. “We are not your typical chain spa or salon," Sackett said. "We’re here for the total healing of mind, body and spirit." Healing Hands was born from Sackett’s love of getting massages herself to help shed some of the fatigue tied to working as a personal chef and caterer. Soon, after 15 years in the food service industry…

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Dr. Nick Barnes

12:47 pm on Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Rene is awesome! The team at 212 Degrees Of Wellness loves everything about her and her work!   more ›