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Farmers Market Recipes Local Events This Week at the Farmer's Market

Swiss Chard & Shrooms + Farmer’s Market Preview

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Sauteed Rainbow Chard & Oyster Mushrooms Late winter/early spring is a great time to get delicious greens like the beautiful rainbow swiss chard I picked up from Grow.Farm. These greens are excellent sauteed with Screaming Oaks fresh oyster mushrooms, fresh veggies and polenta, or pair it with either salmon or pork.
Ingredients: 2tbs safflower oil, divided
1 basket Screaming Oaks Oyster Mushrooms (de-stem)
1 shallot, thinly sliced
2 garlic cloves, minced
4 large basil leaves, ribbon sliced
Black Pepper
Sea Salt
(to taste)
2 tsp paprika
1 bunch Grow.Farm Rainbow Chard, de-stemmed, stems chopped fine, leaves rough cut
½ cup dry white wine

Heat oil on medium heat in a large skillet. Add shallots and sautee until translucent – add mushrooms and toss. Let sit undisturbed for a few minutes and toss again. Let sit for a few more minutes and add garlic and chard stems. Toss and allow garlic to cook until fragrant. Mix in chard leaves and stir often until leaves are wilted. Add white wine, cook until leaves are tender, about 3-4 mins.
Serve with polenta or your choice of meat. Enjoy! Be sure to see the Saturday Market Preview below.
Chelsea Cochrane

Covington Farmer’s Market Saturday Preview

Saturday morning dawns and Ed is in the coffee pavilion, fantastic melodies drifting from the gazebo, Fikret Kazan and Isabella’s incredible pizza oven will be on Columbia St. serving gourmet pizza and all is right with the world! 
Lent is in full swing and there are plenty of delightful veggies available to keep your fast going smoothly. You’ll find plenty of kale, green onions, carrots, turnips, and cabbage on Eddie’s table. A colorful entourage of lettuces, chard, collards, and kale adorn Nick’s table and there are still plenty of sweet potatoes, too. Kale, turnips, green onions, and lettuce abound on Mr. Houston’s table.
Microgreens galore on Aminta’s table. Use them in your smoothies, your sandwiches, any of your dishes. Sam uses his microgreens and sprouts in his green juice – heck of a lot of nutrition packed into a cup. Yes, there are strawberries as well.
Sautéed mushrooms, in a little of Maute’s butter, are a wonderful dish on their own. Add a few chopped greens and you have a dish fit for a king with very little effort. Add leftover shrimp or sausage or chicken to your mushroomed greens for an entirely different meal.
We have so much more at the market, from specialty foods from Tessier Gourmet, vegan dishes from Kimbo’s Kitchen, to quiches and enchilada pie from Norma, Mediterranean delights from Abeer and breakfast pancakes (old-fashioned sourdough or Meme’s veggie pancakes). You’re not gonna wanna miss out!
Lots of love, Charlene LeJeune Abundant Life Kitchen
The Covington Farmers’ Market is open each Wednesday, rain or shine, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Covington Trailhead, 419 N. New Hampshire and every Saturday from 8a.m. to 12p.m. on the side lawn of the Covington Police Station, 609 N. Columbia St.
Call (985) 892-1873 for information or visit www.covingtonfarmersmarket.org

Local Events

This Week at the Covington Farmer’s Market

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This week at the Covington Farmer’s Market with Charlene LeJeune, Abundant Life Kitchen, 2/5/2020

Heck of a Tuesday, friends! I hope you’re all enjoying the milder weather and tomorrow promises to be the same. Why not plan on a terrific lunch at the Covington Farmers’ Market? Kandy is preparing some lovely salads perfectly designed to bring a bit of sunshine to your day. Bring home that fabulous pho, even if the weather is warm, it’s still a great meal! Green onions, kale, and cabbage are at home on Mr. Houston’s table. On Jerry’s table, you’ll find lots of raw, sweet honey. I’ve been using mine to “ferment” my ginger slices but some people also use it to “ferment” garlic toes. Or, you can just use it to sweeten your tea. Another deliciosity on his table is the sinfully scrumptious blueberry cream cheese cake. Yes, it is as good as it sounds. 
We’ll have a new vendor this Wednesday. Many of you may have met him this past Saturday — Rodrigo. Rodrigo creates tasty vegan dishes. I tasted the broccoli ginger soup this past Saturday and it was wonderful. This week he’ll have such things as Shrimp Mango Rice and Spanish Lentil Stew. Corey is preparing more of his amazing pulled pork and brisket —so tender and smokey. The smoked Gouda Mac N Cheese is delish! Madeleines are back and Jerome is also bring more of his chocolate and caramel tarts. WOW! Wednesday is really looking great!
The melodious voice of David Broadbridge will drift from the gazebo, getting the Saturday market into full swing. So grab your coffee and take a leisurely stroll around the market deciding which breakfast you will enjoy.
Our produce vendors have outdone themselves with a gorgeous array of fresh veggies from cabbage to carrots to turnips to cauliflower to radishes to tomatoes, greens and more… Ken still has lots of citrus available.  Perfect to start your morning with or as an afternoon “I-need-a-break”. Fat, juicy, ripe strawberries at Johnadale’s are just waiting to go home with you. Natalie also has lovely ripe strawberries, as well as a crispy lettuce mix. As a regular farmers’ market shopper, you realize that you’re getting the freshest produce and fruit possible (unless you grow your own). So go check out the tables. 
Stacy has some wonderful pickled vegetable creations and I’m sure most of you only think of using them on a snack tray. Now, while they are fabulous as a snack, think about how tasty they would be if you topped your salad or homemade taco with spicy beans or lemony cauliflower. Wouldn’t a crunchy Mexican radish go great on your hamburger or perhaps slice up a few spicy brussels sprouts to add? Gives a whole new meaning to “hamburger — dressed”!
I hope you were able to taste some of Rodrigo’s vegan dishes on Wednesday. If not, you’ll be happy to know that he is at the Saturday market as well. Abeer is also at the Saturday market with some of her specialties — baklava, hummus, grape leaves, tzatziki… Check out our artisan bakers. You’ll find all types of breads and there is sure to be something to fit your recipe.
Have you discovered Serenity Lane’s new aluminum-free deodorant? It’s an amazing blend of oils that glides on smoothly and smells heavenly and works fantastically. I believe Judy and Gerard will debut a new fragrance this week. Check it out! 
From fresh vegetables and fruit to yard eggs to milk and milk products, you’ll find there’s lots of good to be had at our farmers’ market. BUT, you have to be here to take advantage of the benefits.
Lots of love,
Charlene LeJeune
Abundant Life Kitchen
The Covington Farmers’ Market is open each Wednesday, rain or shine, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Covington Trailhead, 419 N. New Hampshire and every Saturday from 8a.m. to 12p.m. on the side lawn of the Covington Police Station, 609 N. Columbia St. Call (985) 892-1873 for information or visit www.covingtonfarmersmarket.org

Local Events

Happy New Year from the Farmer’s Market

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Happy New Year, friends! I feel that 2020 is going to bring exciting things for our Covington Farmers’ Market. I do hope you’ll join us each week to enjoy the “fruits of the land” as it were. Many of us have made resolutions for 2020 and maybe you already dove into that can of cookies (or maybe never dove out). One thing is sure, you will find freshly picked produce at it’s ripest. 

I am anticipating a delightful Saturday with lively music from Jerry Hess floating from the gazebo to a tasty breakfast to veggies and fruit and all manner of goodness. Breakfast?? Yes, that’s what I said. You’ll find something wonderful to suit your tastes whether a fabulous veggie pancake from Meme’s or sassy tortilla wrap from Spanish R Us, Kimberly’s wildly flavorful vegan tacos, Windfield Farms’ fantastic egg salad croissant (muffins, too), tasty sourdough pancakes from Happy Flour, or the crispy falafels that Norma makes. The bad news is I can’t help you make a choice. The good news is that you have a wonderful variety to satisfy week after week.

Now that your tummy is full, let’s check out the produce. Gorgeous bundles of Swiss chard and tat soi on Nick’s table plus the added bonus of Southeast Louisiana’s best varieties of sweet potato. Ken boasts bags of satsumas, navel & regular oranges, kumquats and the hugest broccoli and cauliflower I’ve ever seen. There are radishes hiding among the mustard, collards, and kale at Eddie’s tent and a marvelous selection of greens, turnips, green onions, and cabbage at Mr. Houston’s. Sweet Pontchatoula strawberries are to be had at Johnadelle’s and tangy strawberry kefir at Succotash Ferments.

Aminta should be back with her fabulously nutritious microgreens. At Sam’s tent you’ll find a smorgasbord of sprouts, shoots, and microgreens for your salad or snacking. Sam will even juice them for you – WOW, talk about a nutrition punch! And, he’s still got white turmeric. You’ll find oyster mushrooms in yellows and grays and pinks plus lion’s mane, shiitakes, and chestnut mushrooms on James’ tables. 

Interspersed among these vegetable/fruit powerhouses, are bonuses such as yard eggs, raw honey, fresh juices, cow’s milk (butter, yogurt, cream cheese), doggie treats, artisan breads (yes, cookies & muffins, too), goat’s milk (feta, chèvre, and Greek yogurt), jams and jellies, natural skin care products, prepared foods, pickled eggs, and even a massage. We’ll have starter plants for your spring garden (it’s not that far away), humongous shrimp from Mr. Two, grass-fed beef, lamb, and pork from Jubilee Farms, and especially Papa D’s kettle corn. We look forward to seeing you each week. You really don’t want to sleep in and miss it all!

Lots of love, 

Charlene LeJeune

Abundant Life Kitchen

The Covington Farmers’ Market is open each Wednesday, rain or shine, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Covington Trailhead, 419 N. New Hampshire and every Saturday from 8a.m. to 12p.m. on the side lawn of the Covington Police Station, 609 N. Columbia St. Call (985) 892-1873 for information or visit www.covingtonfarmersmarket.org

Local Events

This Week in Covington

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Rockin’ the Rails, the City of Covington’s free concert series in October, begins this Thursday featuring Tuba Skinny!  Hailing from New Orleans, and inspired by the early jazz and blues music of the twenties and thirties, Tuba Skinny — which consists of tuba, trombone, cornet, tenor banjo/guitar, vocals, washboard, and sometimes clarinet — evokes the rich musical history of the city.  Since forming in 2009, the band has developed a following thanks to their performances on streets and stages around the world.

Covington Farmer’s Market Every Wednesday & Saturday

The Covington Farmer’s Market takes place two times a week:  Wednesdays at the Covington Trailhead (419 N. New Hampshire) and Saturdays at the 600 Block of Columbia Street (Covington Police Department).  The Wednesday market features grab-and-go lunch items, with seating at the trailhead if you prefer to stay and eat.  Hear the sounds of the Farmer’s Market Players everyWednesday as they jam in the round up on the trailhead’s gazebo stage.

The Saturday markets feature live music from local and regional performers, prepared foods and demo, produce, local meats and dairy, plants, herbs and much more.   The Sunset at the Landing concert series, which follows the Block Party schedule of March – October, is sponsored in part by the Covington Farmer’s Market. 

The Art Market takes place this Saturday October 5 at the Covington Trailhead from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.  The Art Market gives local artists a unique opportunity to sell directly to the public in a comfortable outdoor setting.  The Trailhead is located at 419 N. New Hampshire St.

 The Parish Fair is here!  Poster by Suzanne King.

Local Events

Farmer’s Market, Downtown Events Saturday

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The Covington Farmer’s Market takes place two times a week:  Wednesdays at the Covington Trailhead (419 N. New Hampshire) and Saturdays at the 600 Block of Columbia Street (Covington Police Department).  The Wednesday market features grab-and-go lunch items, with seating at the trailhead if you prefer to stay and eat.  The Farmer’s Market Players are out on Wednesdays, jamming in the round on the trailhead stage.

The Saturday markets feature live music from local and regional performers, prepared foods and demo, produce, local meats and dairy, plants, herbs and much more.   The Sunset at the Landing concert series, which follows the Block Party schedule of March – October, is sponsored in part by the Covington Farmer’s Market. 

Live Well Northshore, a community health event, takes place this Saturday at the Covington Trailhead (419 N. New Hampshire St.) from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.  This event will feature free cancer screenings as well as a blood drive, blood pressure and glucose checks, food music and more.  Presented by the Mayor’s Council on Healthy Lifestyles.

Kiwanis Club of Greater Covington presents the 2nd Annual Corporate Adult Spelling Bee this Saturday, September 28, 2019 at Covington High School.  Doors open at 5:30 p.m., start time is 6:00 p.m.

Proceeds from the Bee support Kiwanis programs for the children of the Covington Community.  Contact Lynn Delacruz at 985-893-4123 for more information.  Visit the Kiwanis online at kcovington.org.

Keep Covington Beautiful is sponsoring its annual Bogue Falaya River Sweep, a litter cleanup on the Bogue Falaya River, on Saturday, September 28th.

As much as eighty percent of all litter and debris in our oceans, rivers and lakes originates on land, carried there by wind and storm water run-off.  The rivers that define the city of Covington are essential to its unique character.  Join us to help keep our portion of this scenic river clean!

To become a KCB member or volunteer and to learn how to get involved with KCB’s major project, the Blue Swamp Creek Nature Trail, visit keepcovingtonbeautiful.org.  In addition to the nature trail, Keep Covington Beautiful’s other projects include planting the downtown street-side planters, an Arbor Day celebration, educational seminars, litter prevention and recycling activities. 

Local Events

Sunset at the Landing Friday

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The Sunset at the Landing Free Concert Series continues this Friday at the Columbia Street Landing (Columbia Street at the River) from 6 – 9 p.m.  This month’s performers include Charlie Miller at 6 p.m. Followed by the Trustys of Davo Crossing.

Sunset at the Landing is brought to you by the City of Covington, Heritage Bank of St. Tammany and the Covington Farmer’s Market.  Admission is free, the public is encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets and picnic baskets.  For more information:  985-892-1873

Local Events

Sunset at the Landing Friday

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Sunset at the Landing is Friday, May 17, 2019 from 6 – 9 p.m.  This is a free concert and all are encouraged to bring chairs and refreshments.  This month  features James Killeen followed by Yilver Oliva and Quartetto Obrigado.  This concert series is brought to you by the City of Covington, Heritage Bank of St. Tammany and the Covington Farmer’s Market. 

Local Events

Sunset at the Landing Friday

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Sunset at the Landing takes place this Friday at the Columbia Street Landing from 6 – 9 p.m. This is a free concert, open to the public, brought to you by the City of Covington, The Covington Farmer’s Market and Heritage Bank of St. Tammany. Feel free to bring your picnic basket and a blanket or chairs. This month features Rose Anne Bivens at 6 p.m., followed by David Bivens and Matt Johnson.
For more information: 985-892-1873

Local Events

Covington Farmer’s Market Wednesday & Saturday

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The Covington Farmer’s Market takes place every Wednesday at the Covington Trailhead from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. and every Saturday at the 600 Block of Columbia St. (Covington Police Department) from 8 a.m. – noon.

Sunshine, friends, isn’t it glorious?! If you can’t get enough either, join us for lunch on Wednesday filled with great food, lovely breezes, music and laughter. Stop by Mr. Houston’s for a few fresh veggies. How do like your hogshead cheese? Well, Brotha makes it “parish style” which means it was made with love. Abeer tells me she is making Mediterranean lasagna for tomorrow. Now, I’m not sure what’s all in a Mediterranean version, but I can’t wait to find out! Jerry fixed his incredible blueberry cream cheese cake last week and is sure to have more this week—it is sooo wickedly delish! Kandy’s salads are always wonderfully healthy but if you’re on the go, you may want to try her spring rolls —a lovely salad neatly wrapped in a rice paper “package”! Oh, man! Joy is serving baked fish with grilled zucchini. She’ll have more of those wonderful pralines as well.

OH DEAR! Almost forgot Double K eggs! Can’t have that since I found this recipe for egg salad that will change your opinion of that particular dish. Here are the basics…

6 hard boiled eggs, chopped, 2 Tbsp room temp butter (Mauthe’s of course), 3 oz softened cream cheese,

2 Tbsp celery, minced, 1 Tbsp mayo, 1 tsp grated onion, 1 tsp sugar (optional),

1/2 tsp lemon juice, 1/4 tsp salt, 1/8 tsp pepper

In a medium bowl, cream together butter and cream cheese until smooth. Stir in celery, mayo, onion, sugar, lemon juice, salt and pepper until well blended. Add eggs and mix well. You can garnish with chopped parsley, a sprinkle of paprika (or any of Spicy Lady’s seasonings), or crumble of bacon (Jubilee Farms’ naturally).

Mr. Funny Money and the Sideliners will be tickling the tunes in the gazebo on Saturday. So grab a coffee from the pavilion and stroll around the market ‘cause we have more wonderful in store for you, like goodies from Windfield Farms. Susie’s lemon squares and pecan squares and Ooey Gooeys have been a staple on her table for one simple reason—they are YUMMY!

All this sunshine makes for a lot of Spring Fever. You want to get outside, do some grillin’, spend time with the fam, just having fun. Kick back with a lovely white wine from La Serendipity Vineyards while getting that grill fit for duty. Grilled mushrooms are so tasty; marinate in one of Spicy Lady’s olive oil blends for 30 minutes before grilling for fabulous flavor. You can do the same with shrimp from Mr. Two — just sprinkle with seasoning, marinate, and grill! Sooo easy! Just in time for the season, The Smokey Heifer is back! They even brought a new flavor, Honey Barbecue. Look out Jubilee pork chops, sausage, ribs, the sauce is back!

Did you try the chard recipe last week? Total deliciousness! I think I’d like to try “frying” beets, potatoes, and carrots for a wonderfully tasty dish. Quite simply, cut your root veggies into bite sized chunks so they are approximately the same size. Season with salt and pepper and sauté in one of Spicy Lady oils or melted butter and slowly “fry” in a pan or you can roast them in the oven. When they’re just about done, toss in your chopped greens for added bonus.

No matter what you’re looking for, just follow that toe-tappin’ music to the market; we’ll be there waiting with fresh coffee, honey, kombucha (Succotash Ferments), lots of strawberries, and all manner of good things. Hope to see ya there!

Lots of love,

Charlene LeJeune

Abundant Life Kitchen

The Covington Farmers’ Market is open each Wednesday, rain or shine, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Covington Trailhead, 419 N. New Hampshire and every Saturday from 8a.m. to 12p.m. on the side lawn of the Covington Police Station, 609 N. Columbia St. Call (985) 892-1873 for information or visit www.covingtonfarmersmarket.org

General Healthy Living Local Events Non Profit Spotlight

Arbor Day Foundation Tree Facts

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Tree Facts What can a tree do for you? A lot. Check out all the ways—sometimes unexpected—that trees positively affect us, our communities, and our world.
Trees help clean our air. Global forests removed about one-third of fossil fuel emissions annually from 1990 to 2007. U.S. Forest Service, 2011
Trees remove pollution from the atmosphere, improving air quality and human health. U.S. Forest Service, 2013
In Los Angeles, trees remove nearly 2,000 tons of air pollution each year. U.S. Forest Service, 2011
In Chicago, trees remove more than 18,000 tons of air pollution each year. U.S. Forest Service, 2013
In Greater Kansas City, trees remove 26,000 tons of air pollution each year. U.S. Forest Service, 2013
Roadside trees reduce nearby indoor air pollution by more than 50%. Lancaster University, U. K., 2013


Trees contribute to our health. A study of 10 cities found community forests save an average of one life each year. In New York City, trees save an average of eight lives every year. U.S. Forest Service, 2013
Office workers with a view of trees report significantly less stress and more satisfaction.
Chungbuk National University, South Korea, 2007
Trees provide us with oxygen. One large tree can provide a day’s supply of oxygen for up to four people.
North Carolina State University

General Local Events Non Profit Spotlight

KCB Arbor Day 2019

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Keep Covington Beautiful will celebrate Louisiana Arbor Day with the annual seedling tree give-away at the Covington Farmers Market on Saturday, January 19, 2019, from 9:00 a.m. until noon, or until the seedlings are all given away.  A variety of native bare-root seedlings will be available – American Snowbell, Parsley Hawthorn, Red Bay, American Elm, Cherry Laurel and Longleaf Pine.

Volunteers are needed to help wrap the seedlings & hand them out.  If you are interested in helping, please email info@keepcovingtonbeautiful.org.

Join Keep Covington Beautiful in the celebration of the natural beauty that surrounds us, which we too often take for granted. To learn more about our projects, become a member or volunteer, visit www.keepcovingtonbeautiful.org or contact KCB at 985-867-3652 or info@keepcovingonbeautiful.org.  Follow us on Facebook.

General Local Events Local News

Sunset at the Landing this Friday

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Sunset at the Landing is a free concert at the Columbia Street Landing (Columbia Street at the Bogue Falaya River) brought to you by the City of Covington, the Covington Farmer’s Market and Heritage Bank of St. Tammany. This month features the Cosmic String Duo at 6 pm (Martin Masakowski on bass and Ira Echo on violin) & a One Man Drums Show with Jason Marsalis.
Bring the family, bring a friend, bring a blanket, chairs and a picnic. There is plenty of great food to grab and go in downtown on the way to the landing!

General Local Events Local News

Fall For Art 2018 This Saturday

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The Covington Farmer’s Market takes place every Wednesday at the Covington Trailhead from 10 am – 2 pm and every Saturday at the 600 block of Columbia Street (Covington Police Department) from 8 am – 12 noon. You’ll find local produce, prepared foods, live music and more. This Saturday, hear the sounds of the Bad Penny Pleasuremakers at the Farmer’s Market.
Marsolan’s Old Feed Store Music Series takes place at Marsolan’s Feed and Seed on Saturday beginning at 12 noon, right after the Covington Farmer’s Market. This week, Marsolan’s presents Fair River Station. Marsolan’s is located at 314 E. Gibson St. 

The St. Tammany Art Association’s Fall For Art 2018 takes place this Saturday evening from 6 – 9 p.m. In historic downtown Covington. This event is an annual celebration of the arts, and among the galleries and shops downtown you will find live demonstrations, music and dance performances to entertain and delight.

General Local Events Local News

Sunset at the Landing Friday

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Sunset at the Landing takes place Friday, September 21, 2018 from 6 to 9 p.m. At the Columbia Street Landing on the Bogue Falaya River. The Landing Concerts are Free and open to the public, brought to you by the City of Covington, the Covington Farmer’s Market and Heritage Bank of St. Tammany Parish. Bring a friend.

General Local Events Local News Shop Local

This Weekend in Downtown Covington

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The Covington Farmer’s Market takes place every Wednesday at the Covington Trailhead from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and every Saturday at the 600 block of Columbia Street (Covington Police Department) from 8 a.m. to 12 noon. Find local produce, prepared foods, local meat and dairy, plants, herbs, live music and happy people.
LiveWell Northshore is a community health event at the Covington Trailhead on Saturday, September 15, 2018 from 10 a.m. To 2 p.m. Free cancer screenings for breast, colorectal, oral, prostate and skin. Blood pressure and glucose checks, food, music and fun family activities.


Brought to you by the Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center and the Benjamin Blanchard Memorial Foundation. For more information, call 985-276-6810
Visit online at marybird.org/livewellns
FOTL Monthly Book Sale
The Friends of the Library of West St. Tammany holds its September Book Sale this Friday and Saturday, September 14th and 15th. The Friends of the Library has hundreds of magazines this month, all at ten cents each. Fill a magazine holder (limited supply) for $1.

The Friends of the Library of West St. Tammany is an all volunteer, nonprofit organization with proceeds supporting the Library in West St. Tammany. The group holds a monthly book sale on the third Saturday and preceding Friday of each month from the hours of 9 a.m. To 5 p.m. The book sale is located at Hadden Hall, 106 S. Jahnke Ave. Cash or Check only.

WGNO’s “News with a Twist” will visit Marsolan’s Feed Store on September 15, 2018 to do a story on the old feed store music series ahead of the regular season (which begins on the first Saturday of October).
Chris Talley and Three Rivers Cooperative is the featured band. Come out to hear the music and bring your instruments to participate in the jam that follows.
The audience and the jam will be major features in their story, so come on out and help us have a beautiful, photogenic audience and a robust, energetic jam!

Live Music Downtown

Columbia Street Rock N Blues Cafe features live local artists Wednesday, Thursday and Friday evenings. Wednesday is Game Night, play some pool, grab a pizza and a pitcher. Thursday is Steak Nigh, featuring J. Rees on the front stage.
Friday night, Ameal Cameron performs songs from his new release, which is also now available for purchase! After hours, it’s Ladies Night with Melo-D’s DJ Dizzi.
Saturday, it’s Band Camp for one night only!

Friday night features Roy Tyler Nesbit and Shane Paul Smith followed by King’s Row. Saturday night get ready for a Songwriter Show with Todd Lemoine and Patrick Johnson. Todd and Patrick will perform selections from their respective releases. Support local music!
Wharton’s Green Room is located at 521 Boston Street. The Green Room is open 7 days a week, 2 p.m. To 2 a.m.
Featuring: Trivia Tuesdays, Open Mic Wednesday, Ladies Night Thursdays, Live Music and Karaoke Sundays. See back for more show details/times.

Retro Music Co. (424 Columbia St.) hosts an Open Mic for music, poetry and spoken word on Saturdays from 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. Call 985-888-9890 for more information.

 

Featured Posts General Healthy Living Local Events

This Week at the Covington Farmer’s Market

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The Covington Farmer’s Market takes place every Wednesday at the Covington Trailhead from 10 am to 2 pm, and every Saturday at the 600 Block of Columbia Street (Covington Police Department) from 8 am to 12 noon. Charlene LeJeune sends out the Covignton Farmer’s Market Newsletter every Tuesday:

Glorious Tuesday, friends, even if the skies are cloudy. OK, and rainy but you can’t rain on my parade because tomorrow is Market Day and our vendors are quite busy baking and cooking and veggie picking… Jerry is even out there playing with the bees — very carefully, of course.  
You’ll love the shrimp and shredded cage salad that Kandy has to offer—so light and refreshing and delicious. Happy Flour will be there with their incredible breads and perhaps even scones. You can always count on boiled shrimp from Papa Lou’s and she is always coming up with something delicious in addition. Mr. Houston has muscadines but you’ll have to make your own wine. Jerry will be there with his fabulous blueberry jam and raw honey.   
Before you know it, Saturday will arrive along with Betty Brock, owner and operator of YUM YUM GIMME SUM Mobile Food Truck, on Columbia Street. What a lovely treat for this Labor Day weekend! And that’s not all. Jerry Hess will be in the gazebo singing and playing and adding a bright note to our Labor Day celebration. You’re gonna love it! Treat yourself to one of Gabe’s invigorating massages under the cooling environment of a beautiful oak.
Believe it or not, the temperatures have been s l o w l y lowering which means you can get out in the garden more and start planting some of the gorgeous plants our vendors have available. Check out Alton’s selection of fine herbs. He has a variety of basil that I have never seen before, African Blue Basil. This little gem is an excellent pollinator with a wonderful flavor that will make an incredible pesto! Aton assures me that he will be adding to his collection of herbs with vegetable starters each week. Now, if you’re still not ready to get outside in the garden, Miss Betty has a few extraordinary houseplants that will create a zen-like atmosphere in any room or patio. 
So now that you had a chance to sample Jubilee Farms’s sausages last week, I’m sure you’ll want some for the pit this weekend. Liz and Paul also have ground beef for burgers and pork chops, ribs that love the grill. Your next stop should be James for chicken and then over to the Smoky Heifer for sauce. This sauce is full of all-natural homemade ingredients – no high fructose corn syrup. He has a traditional flavor and a spicy one for your enjoyment and pleasure. Fabulous on meats, fabulous on veggies, fabulous on pizza. Yes. Papa D told me topping a pizza crust with Smoky Heifer spicy sauce, chunks of pineapple, and ripe olives. Ask him to see a photo while you’re getting your official football game snack of the vendors —kettle corn!
Now if you are planning to grill some of Mr. Two’s huge shrimp, check out the seasonings at Spicy Lady. Cheryl has a seasoning for everything – even those peaches you may want to try grilling. You’ll find okra, squash, and eggplant on the produce tables. Lovely on the grill. Nick tells me he will have hot peppers next week and also the heirloom crowders (get there early).
Then the piece de resistence — ice cream! Billy has some fabulous new flavors like orange nib. OH MY GOODNESS, was it good! And for a fruity adventure into the refreshing, try one of Amanda’s famous popsicles! I can’t say OH MY GOODNESS enough. Delightful. Wonderful. Marvelous. Fabulous. You get my point. There’s really no excuse not to be there. It won’t be any fun without you.
Lots of love, 
Charlene LeJeune 
Abundant Life Kitchen
 
The Covington Farmers’ Market is open each Wednesday, rain or shine, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Covington Trailhead, 419 N. New Hampshire and every Saturday from 8a.m. to 12p.m. on the side lawn of the Covington Police Station, 609 N. Columbia St. Call (985) 892-1873 for information or visit www.covingtonfarmersmarket.org

Healthy Living Local Events Shop Local This Week at the Farmer's Market

This Week at the Covington Farmer’s Market

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The Covington Farmer’s Market takes place every Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Covington Trailhead and every Saturday at the 600 Block of Columbia Street (Covington Police Department). Charlene LeJeune of Abundant Life Kitchen provides a weekly preview on Tuesdays:

Hi, friends, July is quickly fading, unfortunately not the heat. No worries, though, after all the market goes on regardless of the day, the month, or the weather. So, get your tasty buds ready for some incredibly delicious food and meet us at the market. 
Kandy is back and has a refreshing selection of summer perfect salads. Yeah, I know. It’s always a tough decision so you may as well just get two. Empanadas filled with black bean, sweet potato, spinach, cilantro & lime, that’s what Cati’s makin’. Get there early for your eggs and Kristen may even still have some figs. Barry’s back as well so you can bask in the deliciousness of golden falafel patties resting comfortably on a bed of cole slaw and hummus. Bring home some boiled shrimp and/or crabs from Papa Lou’s…….you know you want some. She also makes this fantastic ceviche with shrimp that is phenomenal on a salad. Remember the blueberry jam; what says summer more than a spread of blueberry on a slice of toast.
Saturday will start with a bang as Maddie Monroe strums out popular musical tunes from the gazebo. Then get your coffee (iced or not) from the pavilion or hold out for nice bottle of kombucha from Nancy or a cool, refreshing fruit juice from Amanda. But wait! What about breakfast??? No worries; we gotcha covered. You’ll find a delightful repast in all corners of our lovely market. Bear Creek’s Jennifer has a few delicious selections such as her hash brown and egg tart. Or you may want a little south of the border flavor with Rebecca’s breakfast pupusa. It starts with scrambled egg atop a pupusa (or tortilla), then add your favorites like salsa, refried beans, sour cream….
Perhaps you’ll want to go totally vegan such as Nathaniel’s veggie pancake. The mix also comes in a handy container so that you can take some home and have pancakes midweek. Another vegan repast would be one of Barry’s Fal-awfully good falafel “sandwiches”. Norma Jean always has some delightfully different quiches to try like her Artichoke & Valbreso Cheese quiche. Of course, you could just be totally radical and go for Papa D’s kettle corn or one of Susie’s cranberry or Morning Glory muffins—it’s a Saturday morning, after all.
You asked for it and your wish has been granted; Lucy’s Pumice Power soap is finally ready. This is the perfect sudsy solution to gardeners’ dirty hands (or anyone whose hands carry the residue of their hard work.)
Sweet peppers and eggplants abound and just begging to be stuffed. Eddie has several colors of peppers—green. chocolate, red, yellow— plus beautiful butternut squash, tomatoes. On Nick’s table you’ll find okra, actually 20 varieties of okra and his gorgeous Nician squash have made an appearance bringing a rich flavor similar to butternut squash. Greg still has watermelon and honeydew melon, so cooling on a hot summer evening. Now, if you’re not a purist and don’t want to go through the trouble of fridging, slicing, and deseeding, you can still get that refreshing melon flavor in a delicious glass of Amanda’s watermelon lime juice or with a scoop of Althee’s watermelon jelly. No mess, no fuss, total delish!
So don’t forget to set your clock for stupendous! Fight the urge to sleep in…Saturday afternoon naps are really wonderful. The tastes are fantastic; the flavors abundant and the smiles are everywhere. How many more reasons do you need to be at the market each week?
Lots of love
Charlene LeJeune
Abundant Life Kitchen
 
The Covington Farmers’ Market is open each Wednesday, rain or shine, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Covington Trailhead, 419 N. New Hampshire and every Saturday from 8a.m. to 12p.m. on the side lawn of the Covington Police Station, 609 N. Columbia St. Call (985) 892-1873 for information or visit www.covingtonfarmersmarket.org

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July Sunset at the Landing

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Sunset at the Landing takes place this Friday, July 20, 2018 from 6 – 9 p.m. The concert is free. This month features Olga Wilhelmine and Carl Leblanc.

Sunset at the Landing concerts are brought to you by the City of Covington, Heritage Bank of St. Tammany and the Covington Farmer’s Market.

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This Week at the Farmer’s Market

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The Covington Farmer’s Market takes place every Wednesday at the Covington Trailhead from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and every Saturday at the 600 Block of Columbia Street (at the Covington Police Department) from 8 a.m. to 12 noon. Charlene LeJeune of Abundant Life Kitchen provides a weekly newsletter detailing the markets which goes out every Tuesday.
Top of a toasty Tuesday to you, friends! Boy, the weeks are absolutely flying by; school will be back in session before you know it. Not that that has anything to do with the Covington Farmers’ Market, ‘cause we are here rain or shine, July or December, and we have lots of good meals and treats for you. For instance, Cati’s Empanada’s……did you try one last week? It’s amazing how yummy she can make chickpeas and sweet potatoes taste. Papa Lou will be there with boiled crabs and shrimp and the most wonderful ceviche with shrimp ——-OH MY!! We also have a very welcome newcomer toWednesday, Happy Flour Bakery. Patrick and Madeleine will be there with sourdough bread, their lovely cinnamon coffee cake and  probably a few surprise goodies. And, naturally, there will be eggs, honey, fresh veggies, blueberry jam; the only thing missing is Kandy’s amazing salads and egg rolls but they should be back next week.
Bright and early Saturday (cause that’s when the veggie selection is best) grab your iced coffee from the coffee pavilion and say “hello” to Ed ‘cause it really just makes his day.  Pretty soon the delightful tunes of Zac Maras will be drifting out from the gazebo. Enjoy the music as you stroll around the market grounds while you’re waiting for chefs Lolo and Christine from The Shack Restaurant in Covington, to set up for a tasting from their fabulous menu.
So, there I was last Saturday, quietly strolling through the grounds, making groceries and Reed stops me with a jar of Rockin Robin’s Brandied Fig Pepper Jelly. Oooh Yeah! It is that time of year, after all. Well, I suppose you can guess my first thought—you got it! Vanilla ice cream! Yeah, from Nice Cream. And I don’t have to worry about my serious diet since I am quite sure that I read somewhere that the capsaicin in the hot pepper can actually burn off any calories in the ice cream. (And I’m taking it as gospel!) Of course, a nice glass of cold La Serendipity wine with creamy Brown Hat Dairy chèvre spread on a cracker and a dollop of brandied fig would also be amazing. Uh huh, I see that smile…
Then, I stopped by Succotash Ferments where Nancy and Britt have a very tasty Peach Ginger soda in addition to raw sauerkraut. Those happy little probiotics in cultured vegetables offer a number of health benefits including fighting off unfriendly microbes found in our food, water, and environment, and supplying digestive enzymes, thereby allowing the body’s enzymes to be reserved for eliminating toxins, rejuvenating cells, and strengthening the immune system —and it’s all packed inside this nifty little mason jar.
Butter Me Up has added a new butter to the group, Garlic, Parmesan & Black Pepper. Doesn’t that sound like something that would have your slice of bread smilin’? Celeste also mentioned she may have a marinara sauce next week. That will go very nicely atop any of her delicious handmade pastas. Serve with a warm slice or two of Bear Creek’s focaccia bread. Heaven, I’m in heaven…
Nick has Striped Rose eggplant and those cute little peppers again, Violet Sparkle; what a wonderful name for a fantastic pepper that is perfect for stuffing. Then, a trip over to Natalie’s found me with a crispy bag of mixed lettuces, so nice to have farm fresh, locally grown lettuce in the middle of summer. Eddie has spaghetti squash available, so delicious baked up with a splash of Celeste’s tomato lemon butter – WOW! Produce tables are groaning with tomatoes and potatoes, yellow squash and white squash and butternut squash, okra (J.R.), chanterelle mushrooms (Mr. Houston) and chestnut mushrooms (James). I’ll bet that garlic, parmesan, black pepper butter would really make the meaty flavor of the mushrooms POP!
Whether you’re here for the veggies or the jellies or the mushrooms or the wine or the lovely creams & lotions at Serenity Lane, you won’t find a better place to be than the Covington Farmers’ Market on a sunny Saturday morn. See ya there!
Lots of love
Charlene LeJeune
Abundant Life Kitchen


 
The Covington Farmers’ Market is open each Wednesday, rain or shine, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Covington Trailhead, 419 N. New Hampshire and every Saturday from 8a.m. to 12p.m. on the side lawn of the Covington Police Station, 609 N. Columbia St. Call (985) 892-1873 for information or visit www.covingtonfarmersmarket.org

General Healthy Living Local Events Shop Local This Week at the Farmer's Market

This Week at the Covington Farmer’s Market

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Charlene LeJeune writes a weekly newsletter detailing the Covington Farmer’s Market, taking place Wednesdays at the Covington Trailhead, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Saturdays at the 600 Block of Columbia Street (Covington Police Department), 8 a.m. to 12 noon. Here is this week’s edition with a preview of today’s market:

Whadda ya know, friends, it’s Tuesday again! What a lovely day we’re having today and I know you’re all ready for another sensational week at the market. Our vendors are all ready too! Come and indulge in a Wednesday lunch filled with great food, terrific music, and gentle breezes. Papa Lou’s will be there with  stuffed artichoke and not your regular stuffed artichoke either. This artichoke is filled with stuffing (of course) but also lump crab meat. WOW! Another new vendor who has actually been with us for about 2 markets is Cati. She has prepared the most delicious empanadas ever! This week she is featuring a classic Chilean recipe with ground beef, boiled egg, raisins, and olives. I can’t wait to try it. Barry will be out with his fantastic falafel feast. I found out Saturday, that you can actually freeze the falafel “dough” and bring it out again to fry as desired. 
Whatta Saturday! Whatta Saturday! New to our market, Jessica Meltz, will bring her beautiful harp melodies to complement a lovely Saturday morning. THEN — Fikret Kazan and Isabella’s fantastic traveling pizza oven will set up on Columbia Street —and that means YUM! PLUS— WYES and Chef Kevin Belton (author of several amazing books featuring New Orleans cuisine) will join us for a book signing. I’m sure he’ll also have some available if you don’t already have a copy. You don’t want to miss this!
Happiness is blooming all over the market these days. Welcome new vendor, Covington Bloomery, with a lovely selection of cut flowers—zinnias, Jewel of Opar, amaranth, flowering basil and more, gorgeous colors, wonderful fragrance. I’ve never seen hostas that blossom before but Trudy had a few this past week and they were beautiful and it didn’t hurt that they were surrounded by precious purple Mexican Petunias and Yellow Dancing Ladies.  Dancing over to see what Dennis had, I discovered Angel Trumpets and plump hydrangeas and fluffy white Crepe Myrtle. He also has a very unique Crepe Myrtle with burgundy leaves and blossoms. Purslane is awaiting you at Alton’s place. This beautiful little plant is often overlooked and sometimes regarded as a weed but its leaves are, in fact, one of the most nutritious plants you can eat.
It’s amazing what just a stroll around the market will uncover. Althee is now offering mini pies and quick breads along with delicious jams and jellies. She says the selection will vary from week to week. You’ll find pound cake at Windfield Farms; how can you say no to that? Honeydew melon and watermelon, that’s what Greg has for you. Five (or maybe six) varieties of figs are to be found on Nick’s tables. Just picture it….sweet, ripe figs, sliced in half with a crumbling of Brown Hat’s goat cheese on top and a drizzle of balsamic to really bring out the flavors. 
I was looking through my recipes and came across a photo of a spiral ratatouille dish that looked wonderful. You’ll need 1 large red pepper or 2-3 smaller ones, 2 small zucchini, 2 small yellow squash, 1 eggplant (about as round as the squashes), fresh oregano and thyme from Alton, some goat cheese from Brown Hat Dairy, and a jar of La Provence’s pasta sauce. Slice your veggies into equal thicknesses so they cook evenly. Pour half the jar of pasta sauce into a baking dish, add a few leaves of oregano and thyme, and crumble some of the goat cheese on top of that. Then lay the sliced veggies around the baking dish in a spiral, alternating eggplant, zucchini, yellow squash, bell pepper. Top with the rest of the sauce and goat cheese and bake at 375 till tender. You can find all those vegetables on the tables of our produce vendors.
There’s lots of wonderful to discover at the market so set your alarm clock for faahbulous, ‘cause if you sleep in, all you gonna do is dream about it!
Lots of love
Charlene LeJeune
Abundant Life Kitchen


 
The Covington Farmers’ Market is open each Wednesday, rain or shine, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Covington Trailhead, 419 N. New Hampshire and every Saturday from 8a.m. to 12p.m. on the side lawn of the Covington Police Station, 609 N. Columbia St. Call (985) 892-1873 for information or visit www.covingtonfarmersmarket.org

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