Hello

Introductions should be made. Hello. My name is Diane Conroy-LaCivita. (Yes, I do realize that my name is a mouthful...my apologies. Think of "Lots of Pizza" and you will remember "LaCivita"). I reside in the Town of Colonie, work for the City of Watervliet and co-own a small business named Harmony House Marketplace in Historic Downtown Cohoes. I am proud to be part of the Capital Region, believe in educating the public and working collaboratively with others so all involved have the opportunity to benefit. At Harmony House, we go by several mottos, two of which are "When you buy New York, you build New York" and "Buy Local - Everyone Wins." 

I was asked by The Record to begin a Blog that would share the perspective of a small business owner while incorporating all other "stuff" we are involved in.
 
Upcoming activities include:

Educational Field Trip to Long Island
As part of our educational mission, Harmony House Marketplace is sponsoring a weekend bus outing to Long Island on Sat. and Sun., May 8th and 9th to learn more about the crops, product and produce originating in this agricultural region of New York State. The itinerary includes stops at a potato vodka distillery, an oyster farm, a local buffalo restaurant, many well known wineries and a brand new brewery. The group will be staying overnight in Greenport and will have an opportunity to meet the people influencing agriculture in Long Island. For further information, please call 238-2232.

Watervliet and Cohoes Farmers' Markets Getting Organized for 2010 Season 
The Watervliet Farmers' Market has changed its name to the Watervliet Waterfront Farmers Market to reflect its move back down to the pavilion at Hudson Shores Park (directly off Exit 8 of Interstate 787). This Market will officially open on Tuesday, June 1st from 2:30 - 5:30 PM and features many well known local farmers and producers. Come check out this Market's wonderful location right on the banks of the Hudson River in a newly dedicated "dog friendly" park.

The Cohoes Farmers' Market will officially open on Friday, June 4th from 4:00 - 7:00 PM in the large municipal parking lot on Remsen Street directly across the street from Harmony House and BeauKnits Yarn Shop. In addition to growers and producers, the Cohoes Market has many community groups participate. Remsen Street becomes the community center on Friday nights during the summer with many shops staying open later to accommodate the foot traffic.

Both Markets’ are still accepting applications for new vendors. For the Watervliet Farmers’ Market, please call 270-3800 ext. 123. For the Cohoes Farmers’ Market, please call 238-2232.