HVME to debut our Reuse-a-Bus at The Eco-Fabulous Farmers Market
This is a story of how people in our area come to the rescue of one another and comes to us from Billiam van Roestenberg of Liberty View Farm LLC – thank you Billiam and all the folks who came to the rescue!
All for one and one for all!
Last Friday, after 5 years of hard work, The Hudson Valley Materials Exchange Bus had it’s maiden voyage. The project, called… ‘Reuse a Bus and Learning with Leftovers Mission’… had just begun. Loaded with inexpensive art supplies for children, camps and home schoolers… including leather, silkscreen print frames, 27 different colors of tissue paper, wood and chime tubes, awning fabric and shutters, the bus had just left The New Paltz Recycling Center and stopped for gas at the Modena Service Center for what was going to be the biggest event of the year. This year was going to be the best ever. Every year, the Hudson Valley Materials Exchange raises a large sum of money, selling materials at the Great Hudson River Clearwater Revival Festival, which was this past Sat June 20th.
Jill Gruber, president and founder, had just bought $200.00 of diesel fuel, and was looking forward to seeing all the happy faces of people, purchasing items that they can use. When all of a sudden, with just a turn of the key, this beautiful day and dream literally went up in smoke! In the rear of this large colorful bus, filled with hopes and aspirations, the engine had just blown. A black cloud of smoke was billowing everywhere.
“I was in shock”… Jill Gruber said…. “I remembered speaking to Billiam earlier in the day, he was setting up at Robins’ for the New Community Farmers Market. I told him how excited I was about the bus and he was very happy for me. I was very grateful that he and his fellow farmers were busy working hard every day to get local food to us all. I did not know what to do about my bus, but I knew I needed to speak with Billiam. I was on the verge of tears when he saw me. As always, Billiam welcomed me with open arms and told me everything was going to be ok. We both went to speak with farmer Dave Rogers, co-manager of the Eco-Fabulous Community Farmers Market. We all then went to speak with the owner of Robins’ Grocery Market, Mike. Mike came to the rescue as usual and asked how he could help. He said we could have the bus towed to Robins and we did!!! “I took a look inside the bus and saw things I can use for my home and grocery store. They have everything one could need, even a kitchen sink!”… said Mike. “This is great for the whole community…†said Anne Rogers of Dancing Meadow Farm. “ …and in such a convenient spot…†said Lauren from Alchemy Farm.
“…Cock a doodle do…!!!†“With all the terrific things to do here in this part of the Hudson Valley, you have to get up early. Save your weekends for fun things, and for convenience, shop with us on Friday evenings. Buy local nutritious food directly from the growers. Walk a few feet away to the crafty HVME bus, now parked in Robin’s parking lot, and get crafty with children of all ages. You will be all set for the weekend…†said Laura from Full Moon Farm in Gardiner NY.
Hudson Valley Materials Exchange, is an environmental not-for-profit organization, since1993. Their “Community Warehouse” and New Mobile bus… (um…immobile bus) redistributes surplus and used art, craft, education & building materials, rescued from commercial use. Open to the public and focused on educating communities to save money and learn how to make the best of resources. Over 3000 tons of materials have been used thus far and diverted from being put into landfills, saving over a million dollars in purchasing costs so far. HVME is a necessary resource for our environment and our community.
“I always believe in cross pollination. We all have wonderful projects and ideas and when we all help each other, we all benefit…†said Billiam. “ The Eco Fabulous Community Seasonal Friday Farmer’s Market is a great market that just got better every Friday 4 PM Seasonal local produce, local baked goods, great atmosphere! So y’all come down now, ya hear!!…â€
Open Fridays with the New Community Eco-Fabulous Farmers Market 4PM
Related post:
HVME to debut our Reuse-a-Bus at The Eco-Fabulous Farmers Market
