Catering Students to Offer Samples at Growers Market on Sept. 6
Monday, August 25, 2008
Students enrolled in a catering course at Pennsylvania College of Technology will cook and serve samples to patrons of the Williamsport Growers Market on Sept. 6.
The Growers Market serves as the students' first event each fall, for which they plan a menu made from the products sold at the market. Three students Leanda J. Hill, of Allenwood; Marco G. Romano, of Danville; and Michael R. Yaw, of Trout Run will manage the event, under the direction of Michael J. Ditchfield, instructor of hospitality management/culinary arts.
Other students involved in the project are Elisabeth J. Callahan, of McSherrystown; Matthew S. Dansky, of State College; Stephanie M. Davis, of Ford City; Aaron D. Hileman, of Altoona; Derek J. Long, of Mifflinburg; Meagan S. Morris, of Herndon, Va.; Daniel R. Moyer, of Winfield; Tyler S. Shoup, of Montoursville; and Benjamin B. Smith, of Allentown.
"It is a great first event and first opportunity for these students to work together as a team. It is a massive undertaking," said Ditchfield, who emphasized that the students are in class while working the event.
The 12 students will prepare sample-sized portions on-site using products donated by the growers and by Helmrich's Seafood. As part of satisfying course requirements, the Growers Market gives students experience using the freshest ingredients and interacting with producers.
The event coincides with Williamsport's Local Foods Week. The week is devoted to celebrating the abundance and diversity of foods produced in the Greater Williamsport area. In addition to Penn College's catering students, Maria Danielle, of Franco's Lounge, and Liz Miele, of The Peter Herdic House, will participate at the Sept. 6 event.
For more information about the local Buy Fresh Buy Local campaign, visit online.
The Williamsport Growers Market a popular community event operates 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. each Saturday from June through October in municipal parking lot G, bounded by Fifth, Hepburn and Pine streets and Little League Boulevard.
For more information about the academic programs offered by the School of Hospitality at Penn College, call (570) 327-4505 or visit on the Web. For more information about Penn College, visit online, e-mail or call (800) 367-9222.