Produce in the Park is a non-profit organization run by a board of directors passionate about growing local food and community.
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Kelsey Beschorner has been involved with Produce in the Park since she started working as the Program Director for the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce in March 2020. Kelsey was not raised in a rural community, but she has always had a passion for agriculture and growing relationships though community programs. When at the market, she enjoys talking to the community members and vendors, allowing her to make connections and learn from others. Kelsey enjoys farming with her husband Adam in her “free” time.
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Ciara Hoegh has participated in Produce in the Park since 2018. She currently works for Produce in the Park part time as the Market Manager. Ciara has sold sweet corn and popcorn at markets through her business, Corn 4 a Cause. Ciara values the unique community-oriented focus of Produce in the Park and loves helping entrepreneurs build their businesses at the farmers market. Ciara also loves the shady trees in the park, live music, and the delicious, fresh produce.
Ciara values the efforts Produce in the Park makes to keep the markets accessible to all people, regardless of income. She is pictured here (L) with Emily Paulsen of Burn Ko Farm handing out free samples of 'Cowboy Caviar'. |
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Vicki Nordskog is the Produce in the Park Board Secretary, but in this photo she's serving as the market's Guest Chef, making fried okra! Vicki grew up on a farm outside Atlantic and returned to this area upon retirement after 43 years living in large urban cities. She became involved with PIP due to her interest in gardening, supporting small producers, healthy eating, reducing food insecurity, and building community. In addition to being the Produce in the Park Board secretary, she is an active member of the Atlantic Lions Club and the Atlantic Elks Lodge #445. Vicki often volunteers with the Atlantic Food Pantry and other food security efforts in Cass County; she is a founding member of the Grow Another Row executive team. Vicki has been a frequent buyer at Produce in the Park over the years, thoroughly enjoying the variety of produce, crafts and foods available as well as the helpful knowledge she obtains from the various service organizations that cycle through the park each week. And the live entertainment each week and children’s games make the perfect festival atmosphere!
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Jennifer McEntaffer was born and raised in Atlantic. She is the current Economic Development Director at Cass/Atlantic Development Corporation. She knows the value of buying and selling local and what it does for the local economy. Jennifer loves visiting the park, enjoying the music, atmosphere, and all the many things the market has to offer. In her spare time, she raises her four children and attends MANY events! She is excited to see how Produce in the Park will continue to grow and add so much to the community.
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Kolton Hewlett is the Produce in the Park Board Treasurer. He joined the board because of his passion for gardening, supporting local food producers, and helping ensure everyone in the community has access to fresh, healthy food.
Kolton began gardening several years ago with just a few herbs and vegetables on his front porch. Today, he and his partner live on five acres in Atlantic, where they tend eight raised beds filled with vegetables, herbs, and pollinator-friendly flowers, as well as various cottage, woodland, and prairie-style gardens. Each year he enjoys growing many plants from seed, and believes gardening is one of the best things you can do for your mind, body, and soul. A Cass County resident since 2017, Kolton is a member of the Cass County Master Gardeners and serves on the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. Professionally, he is the Chief Financial Officer at Cass Health. Kolton is pictured here assisting The Pancake Man at Sweetheart Market 2025. |
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Kate Olson is the Director of Cass County Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. Extension "builds a strong Iowa by engaging all Iowans in research, education, and extension experiences to address current and emerging real-life challenges," and offers programming in the following areas: Ag and Natural Resources, Community and Economic Development, Human Sciences (family, food, financing, disaster recovery, and mental health), and 4-H Youth Development. Through this work, Kate is involved in lots of programs related to food from food preparation and preservation classes, to coordinating Cass County Master Gardeners involvement in food donation gardens and programs. Kate also sits on the Cass County Local Food Policy Council.
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Sue Liston relocated to Atlantic in 2021 after inheriting her family's farm, becoming the fifth generation to reside on the property. With a lifelong passion for gardening, she has transformed the old chicken house/greenhouse on the farm into a Garden Gift store. In addition to her gardening endeavors, Sue is an avid painter, photographer, and creator of unique gift ideas for her store. She enjoys crafting whimsical critters from materials found during her walks.
In 2024, Sue joined the Produce in the Park team, inspired by the community's spirit and the way residents come together on Thursday evenings. |