GreenMark Public Relations (SM)

Jerry Harkavy of the Associated Press posted on Aug. 24, 2008 Farmers’ Almanac predictions for winter chills. On the 2008/09 winter, the 192-year-old publication says, “numb’s the word.” The 2009 edition of Farmers’ Almanac predicts colder than average temperatures that are “going to be catastrophic for millions of people,” according to almanac editor Peter Geiger.  

Not every weather authority agrees with these predictions, however. The National Weather Service predicts a warmer winter over much of the country. Ed O’Lenic, chief of the operations branch at NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center, says it’s impossible to predict the weather two years in advance. The article points out, however, that the almanac was accurate in its winter predictions in the 2008 edition.

Click here to read the article. 

Click here to order the 2009 edition of Farmers’ Alamanc.

At least, according to Farmers’ Almanac, summer temperatures will be near-normal.

Farmers’ Almanac is loaded with helpful gardening tips, home remedies, monthly moon origins and more - so, naturally, it makes its way into some interesting blog posts.

In a blog post on brain freeze, published on Aug. 7, 2008 in the Boston.com Lifestyle section (from The Boston Globe), blogger Devra First writes about a mind numbing brain freeze she experienced after gulping her morning smoothie. She turned to several sources for information and relief including The Farmers’ Almanac, who offered this advice: ”For instant relief, simply press either your tongue or your thumb firmly to the roof of your mouth. Taking a couple sips of a warm beverage may also help stop the pain. To prevent further ice cream headaches, remember to slow down and savor every delectable spoonful or sip.”
Click here to read the blog post.

Judy Walker of The Times-Picayune (Louisiana) blogged about “Some tips for preserving and using fresh herbs” on Aug. 16, 2008. She references Farmers’ Almanac extensively for suggestions on various ways to preserve August basil, rosemary and more. The two methods mentioned are drying and freezing. One can dry certain fresh herbs by tying them in small bunches and hanging them upside down in the sunlight. When freezing herbs: wash them first, then chop them and place them in an ice cube tray lined with nonstick spray. Once herb cubes are frozen, remove them and store them in plastic bags or jars with tight-fitting lids. The article then goes on to list several dishes the herbs can be used in.
Click here to read the blog post. 

ADW Rich Travel is a blogger who not only loves to travel, but also enjoys Autumn in New England. That’s the name of his Aug. 19, 2008 blog post on his website. His focus is on Massachusetts: great cities to visit, cultural heritage spots and the best times to view fall colors. For the last one, he uses the Farmers’ Almanac fall foliage dates map found on their website, here.
Click here to read the blog post.

Travis Morse, of The Journal-Standard features the 8th annual Midwest Security & Police Conference/Expo (produced by ROC Exhibitions, Inc.) in the Aug. 8, 2008 article “Police Notebook: Medical marijuana topic of expo.” Drug critic Calvina Fay gave a presentation at the expo highlighting the tactics used by different groups to legalize marijuana for medicinal purposes. She says such a movement is ongoing in the Illinois State Congress and bills are being debated in committee. “Overall,” said Fay, “the legalization of medical marijuana may end up hurting patients who would benefit from ‘legitimate medicine.’” Fay is the executive director of Drug Free America Foundation, Inc.

Click here to view the article.

This exhibition also received mention in Joliet Herald-News, Freeport Journal-Star and Crain’s Chicago Business weekly events listing with dates, times, and a link to event registration.

“Plainfield touts rain barrels” is the headline from Janet Lundquist in the Aug. 6, 2008 edition of The Herald-News. The village of Plainfield, Illinois is developing an incentive plan for residents to conserve water by offering rain-barrels at a lower price in spring. The article has data provided by The Conservation Foundation, stating average homeowners pour up to 40 percent of their household water on lawns and gardens each summer. It also states that using rainwater, instead of water from the house will not only save money, but will also put fewer pesticides in natural rivers and streams and reduce the threat of erosion and floods. The article also mentions that while most the village trustees think issuing rain barrels to residents will encourage water conservation, others remain skeptical of the village subsidizing the program. The 55-gallon plastic rain barrels sell for $85 and the village is looking at offering them for $65. With or without the discounted price, the environmental value of a rain barrel remains its greatest incentive.

Abby Mandel Meyer was the founder of Chicago’s 10-year-old Green City Market – and GreenMark’s first client. I’ll never forget the first time I met her. She didn’t know me but greeted me with her famous ear-to-ear smile and a hug. She felt strongly about the importance of eating sustainably and about supporting local farmers and local chefs. Abby believed food should be respected and celebrated. She created a wonderful fresh food oasis for us to enjoy two days a week. But she was also creating a sustainable food network in Chicago that celebrated the abundance of the earth. Abby took great joy in watching children at the Market. She believed that they are the future of sustainability. Those of us who also believe that must continue what she started and ensure that her legacy of belief in the protection of the earth, the support of small family farms and the health of human beings continues.

Rest in peace, Abby.
Fondly,
Sue Markgraf

Click here to visit Greencitymarket.org.

Abby Mandel Meyer was the founder of Chicago’s 10-year-old Green City Market – and GreenMark’s first client. I’ll never forget the first time I met her. She didn’t know me but greeted me with her famous ear-to-ear smile and a hug. She felt strongly about the importance of eating sustainably and about supporting local farmers and local chefs. Abby believed food should be respected and celebrated. She created a wonderful fresh food oasis for us to enjoy two days a week. But she was also creating a sustainable food network in Chicago that celebrated the abundance of the earth. Abby took great joy in watching children at the Market. She believed that they are the future of sustainability. Those of us who also believe that must continue what she started and ensure that her legacy of belief in the protection of the earth, the support of small family farms and the health of human beings continues.

Rest in peace, Abby.
Fondly,
Sue Markgraf

Click here to visit Greencitymarket.org.

The summer 2008 issue of Garden Decor, a quarterly supplement to Home Accents Today and Casual Living,  spotlights Chicago’s Chalet (page 8-12). Since taking root in 1917, Chalet has become a prosperous, award-winning operation located on 16 acres in North Chicago. The article by Susan Dickenson takes a look at some of Chalet’s history and some historical moments. Chalet was named the 2007 Innovator of the Year by Garden Center magazine, but innovation has always been a key part of the company. In 1954, L.J. Thalmann (founder) built a 9,500 square foot garden center, which was something almost unheard of at the time. L.J. (Larry) Thalmann III joined the company in 1984 and has since become, and remains, the store’s president bringing a vision of “excellence in service, quality and value in a culture that is supportive and rewarding to employees.” As part of his vision, Thalmann created the Chalet College, attended by staff members in the off-season for training and review. Thalmann said, “I take a great deal of pride in watching our company get a little bit better each  year… I love working with people who share in that pride, and want to be a part of something special.” The article also mentions that Chalet has more Illinois Certified Nursery Professionals than any other garden center or landscape firm in the state. With a rich history and a promising future, we look forward to Chalet’s continued success and innovation.

Bill Leuenberger of Chalet visits WGN for a “Lunchbreak” on WGN News at Noon, Thursday, July 24, 2008. He shares the importance of aerating the lawn and says fall is the best time to do it. He advises hiring someone to come and aerate the lawn, as the machine tends to be heavy.  Once the lawn is aerated, bring out the grass seeds and fertilizer, spray for fertilizer, give the yard a good watering and enjoy a fresh green lawn.

Click here to watch the video.
Click over to “Lunchbreak” and scroll down to “Lawn Maintenance.”

Christine Moyer interviews The Conservation Foundation’s in her July 28, 2008 article for The Fox Valley Villages Sun, “Going green, saving green: Rain barrels becoming trendy as homeowners try to save money and the environment.” McDonald says rain barrel sales have grown so hectic that they had to limit buyers to once a week otherwise the staff had no time to help other customers. Rain barrels are nothing new, she says, people have been collecting water in them for decades, but now it’s become trendy. If environmental problems persist this trend may very well turn into a permanent solution. In the article, Moyer also goes into explaining what rain barrels are, how they work and some of the benefits.

Click here to read the article.

Chicago has something for everyone as columnist Bill Zwecker describes in his July 30, 2008 column for the Chicago Sun-Times “Headed Here” (page 30). He mentions Chicago being a possible spot for Cheech and Chong’s reunion tour, “Hey! What’s that Smell?” and whether or not you’re interested in finding out, he offers a “far more staid but very impressive” alternative: the Chicago Humanities Festival’s “Once in a Lifetime” benefit concert at the Symphony Center October 3, featuring singers Barbara Cook, Frederica von Stade and Diane Reeves. Why not check out both?