Farmers market has new manager

Rachel Kelleher, a registered nurse and Sisters resident, has taken the reins as the new manager of Sisters Farmers Market located in Fir Street Park. She replaces Benji Nagel and Carys Wilkins, who stepped down from the volunteer position earlier this year.

Nagel and Wilkins, founders of Mahonia Gardens, an organic farm east of Locust Street, signed on as co-managers in 2013, when the market was just 2 years old.

Kelleher hails from Wilsonville, but found her way to Sisters in 2015. Wilkins and Kelleher met up and have been friends ever since.

"She's really motivated and brings a youthful energetic movement as the new manager," Wilkins said. "She has great ideas and is implementing them into place."

Farmers markets have deep roots in American history. In July 1806, President Thomas Jefferson bought beef, eggs and assorted vegetables at a Georgetown market.

When vendors bring fresh produce or homemade goods to Sisters Farmers Market, they're in participation with the renaissance of a beloved American Institution.

"I believe in the new movement toward organic farming, knowing where your food comes from," said Kelleher. "It's healthier for everyone."

Kelleher worked as a surgical nurse at St. Charles Medical Center until giving birth to two baby boys, one right after the other.

"I needed a slower-paced lifestyle while raising two sons," said Kelleher.

But not too slow.

Kelleher took a holistic nutritional health coaching course a few years ago and has recently hooked up as a personal trainer at Sisters Athletic Club.

"As a nurse I wasn't fixing the root of the patient's problems, but now I'm helping people get heathier before a problem starts," she said.

As the new farmers market manager Kelleher will help vendors get situated and answer any questions people have.

Kelleher will be there every Friday as host selling new awesome reusable tote bags that have the Farmers Market logo and can be used for shopping.

"We may have lost vendors last year because of smoky conditions caused by the Milli Fire, but we have new vendors this year, including Boone Dog Pizza bakery items," said Kelleher. "I'm excited about being manager, it's been a learning curve but I have been getting help from Benji and Carys."

Kelleher's goal is to kick off a sponsorship program, so the market can have its own savings account.

"We have a lot of great ideas and potential but don't have the funds to bring those ideas to fruition," she said.

Sisters Farmers Market will be operating each Friday starting June 1, from 2 to 5:30 p.m. 

The committee is still actively seeking vendors. For more information visit www.sistersfarmersmarket.com.