| Greetings! |
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Ray and I wish you a safe, happy and labor-less Labor Day! Traditionally, Labor Day is celebrated by most Americans as the symbolic end of the summer and the start of the school year, the beginning of NFL and college football season and a time to BBQ and spend time with friends.
Do you know the origins of Labor Day? The first Labor Day in the United States was celebrated on September 5, 1882 in New York City. In the aftermath of the deaths of a number of workers at the hands of the U.S. military and U.S. Marshals during the 1894 Pullman Strike, President Grover Cleveland put reconciliation with Labor as a top political priority. Fearing further conflict, legislation making Labor Day a national holiday was rushed through Congress unanimously and signed into law a mere six days after the end of the strike.
We would like to take time to recognize some of the people that labor to make our lives better:
- Farmers and farm workers, of course! Without their labor, we wouldn't eat.
- Matthews Farmer's Market volunteers and staff. You have made my crack-of-dawn Saturday mornings easier and helped me get home sooner after a full day.
- Windcrest Farm volunteers and crew. Your helping hands and encouraging words have helped us get through the hottest days of summer.
- Urology Specialists at Matthews Presbyterian Hospital. Thanks for helping us get through a very stressful year with humor and compassion.
- Teachers everywhere!
In these challenging economic times, many of our friends and neighbors have lost their jobs and livelihoods and are struggling to find paying labor opportunities. Let's remember that their labor built the industries, corporations, banks, buildings and houses that continue to provide service to our country and the world. These displaced laborers hold a tremendous wealth of knowledge and experience and they deserve respect this Labor Day for their many contributions.
AT THE MATTHEWS FARMER'S MARKET THIS SATURDAY
Note: Short Market Hours On Labor Day Weekend
Short market hours from 7:15 to 9am on September 4, Labor Day weekend. Come early to shop before the kick off of the Matthews Alive parade and festivities.
Windcrest Farm will have more fall vegetable and herb transplants as well as our specially blended soil amendments available this Saturday.
If there is anything you are specifically looking for, please let us know. We will be returning with produce at the end of September. |
