Collegiate Times

farmers market_center2

With August heat beating down on Blacksburg, the best time to get outdoors is the morning and the early afternoon. So, take a stroll with the Collegiate Times as we profile the vendors who grace the Saturday morning and Wednesday afternoon farmers market.

Continuing from last week, here are two more profiles of local farmers who help keep Blacksburg a little healthier — and lot more enriched.

INDIAN VALLEY FARMS

Tucked away in Indian Valley, Randy Cohen and his wife, Chipkin, have been at it for nearly two decades.

The market veterans sell a wide variety of vegetables,  and eggs and honey when available. Since they started coming to the market nearly 20 years ago, they’ve maintained long time clients and witnessed the growth in the local foods movement.

“I love it when people ask me what I grow and where I grow,” Cohen said. He pointed out the increases in awareness about local farming and health consciousness.

As for where he grows, Cohen has about three acres of farmland with two hoop houses — the green houses made from semi-circles that are covered with plastic — and various vegetables and melon patches.

Growing up in Long Island, N.Y., Cohen is a licensed certified personal accountant who works mostly during the tax season while he waits for the growing season to start. Three kids — two of whom helped out in the market — have graced the Cohen’s lives, but none are farmers. Cohen said that it’s

understandable since kids these days “just that aren’t into farming.”

However, Cohen is excited about the increase in student attendance at the market over the past few years.

“It’s great that students come to the market because they are eating healthy,” Cohen said. “At least they are trying to eat locally raised products.”

Cohen says he hopes to see even more students come to the market in future.

BIRDSONG FARMS

Patti and Deano Chlepas are the epitome of all things nature and wellness.

Hailing from California, the two originally moved to Lindside, W.Va., about four years ago in order to tackle the state’s health problems and start their own farm. Patti Chlepas said their philosophy is simple: “Love all things natural.” Because of the health benefits, the couple knew they wanted to incorporate

beeswax and honey into their farm. Many, if not most, of their products contain some form of either, as well as other natural oils.

Deano, an airline pilot who was forced to retire after being diagnosed with a degenerative eye disease, worked as a fitness and nutrition adviser, as well as a trainer.

He specialized in childhood obesity and ran a business with Patti that offered services to help improve the health of families.

The two even started a non-profiteorganization to help promote fitness and wellness, but it was sidelined when the economy declined.

Although the fitness business struggled, Birdsong Farms took off. Originally starting with beeswax candles, the business quickly expanded to include a plethora of natural skincare products including soaps, lotion bars and all-natural insect repellant. The products were a hit, especially the “Don’t Bug Me” repellant. There are two distinct formulas, one for humans and one for dogs.

Birdsong Farm, aptly name for the birds that are always singing, also sells flowers such as sun flowers and lavender, as well as shiitake mushrooms, which will be ready to sell in bulk next year.

Surrounded by forest, the farm itself is like a natural haven for birds.

“It’s a really natural setting,” said Chlepas.

A version of this article appeared in the Aug 12 issue of the Collegiate Times.