Plymouth Farmers' Market Founder Says Goodbye

After eight years as market manager of the Plymouth Farmers' Market, Barbara Anglin stepped down this spring, handing over the responsibilities to two women, one a business owner and regionally famous chef and the other a project manager at a world famous Boston museum. Martha Stone and Lieza Dagher took over this spring at the outdoor market, with Barbara continuing to help coordinate more than 40 farmers and producers at the market.

As predictable as the seasons and as reliable as change is in life, one gentle soul quietly and steadfastly supported this family project: Dean Rizzo. My husband has my deep and eternal thanks for all he has done to keep the market set up and breakdown running smoothly by giving countless hours of sign and tent hoisting, foot measuring and heavy lifting, and running many miles as the man dressed in orange assisting guests to park safely!

If ever there was one individual who never had to be asked to help, never looked for thanks or compensation for his time, and who helped anyone who needed an extra hand – it is Dean.

When I had our new baby in arms and felt unsure of launching a new market, he said “you can do it!” When his god daughter, then sister, then Dad all required our time, attention and ultimately mourning, I was left wondering how can we do it all? Dean said, “We can do it, it will be alright.” When we knew it was time to pass on the market in its renewed strong and viable condition, Dean assured it could be done professionally and respectfully with lots of due diligence and faith that the right stewards would emerge. And they did!

Faith in the future also marked the support of Ellie Donovan, Executive Director of Plimoth Plantation.

Ellie inspired my faith in the future of farms and local food in Plymouth because of her obvious love for her community and her appreciation for a distinctively local flavor when she tastes one. Ellie’s encouragement and faith in the market and museum‘s synergy meant the world to me and to the entire market family and as a result, we all wanted to live up to her confidence.

The museum’s openness and hospitality is a lesson in civic courage.

Even when the chips were down – our world renown museum stepped up and offered a new home to a horde of hard workers, grateful for a place to meet the public, glad to be appreciated.

My final note of appreciation goes to you, the reader. Thanks for looking between the covers, digging a little deeper, getting to know your farmers and so reliably coming out to meet these folks who depend on each of us to make their work livable and worthwhile. They need you!

The new market organizers, Lieza Dagher and Martha Stone need you too – the entire market scene needs you to visit each week, rain or shine, to indicate that all of this work in the fields and on market day is a value to you. Keep them posted, please, about your experience, your needs and of course, if you might like to help out. Help is always needed and always welcome because market day is truly a labor of love.