Forums!

Hello! Paul the Tech Guy here, blogging once again.

Today, we're launching forums on the West Michigan Co-op. You can find them at http://wmcoop.com/forums. There's a few forums available to post in, and there will likely be more to come.

We've looked at a lot of software packages to solve the issue of forums, but none of the best options offered integration with our existing log-ins. We didn't want to make you, as a contributor to our community, have to open yet another account and password just to talk to other Co-op'ers. That's a mistake that we made with the Wiki, and I'm certain it's slowed down our use of the wiki as a community tool. And yes, I'm working on bringing the Co-op log-in to the Wiki so everybody who has an account with us can get in and help us document this process together.

We've also got that great short domain name that you see above: wmcoop.com - that's a new shortcut name - it'll take you to the same westmichigancoop.com that you've known the past 3 years, but it's shorter and easier to share with friends.

As always, thanks for your support, and if you have any suggestions, feel free to comment below, in the Forums, or email me at paul@wmcoop.com!

"Eating Locally Getting Easier, More Delicious"

The Kalamazoo Gazette recently ran an editorial about the local food movement. It begins as follows:

"Whether you're interested in healthy eating, the health of the region's economy or the health of farm animals, it seems the "local food" movement is a good prescription."

The article discusses the ways in which buying locally grown food is beneficial for health, economic, and environmental reasons.

Click here to read the complete article.

Then head on over to the West Michigan Co-Op for some "window shopping" of local food options here in West Michigan. Get your shopping list ready, because the Co-Op's next shopping cycle begins on July 4 and runs through July 10.

The West Michigan Co-Op Needs YOU!

Would you be able to volunteer on behalf of the West Michigan Co-Op at an upcoming event?

The Co-Op will have an informational table at each of the events listed below and we need your help to staff these tables! Both events are this Saturday, June 13.

If you are able to volunteer for a shift, please contact Tara at tara@westmichigancoop.com.

Event: Local First Street Party
Date: Saturday, June 13.
Time: Begins at 4:00.
Location: In front of Bistro Bella Vita in downtown Grand Rapids.

Event: First Annual Master Grilling Cook-Off
Date: Saturday, June 13.
Time: 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Location: Modern Hardware - 1500 Kalamazoo Ave. - Grand Rapids

A Book Club, brought to you by the West Michigan Slow Foods

The West Michigan Co-op is joining up with Slow Foods for a joint Book Club!! Below is information on the upcoming book to read and meeting details.  

Please RSVP to Veronica if you plan to attend: veronicap@tds.net.  

Monday, June 29, 6:30 pm 

Location: TBD 

Book: Julie and Julia by Julie Powell

Those attending are encouraged to bring a dish from Mastering the Art of French Cooking. If a NY broad can do it, so can you!  

Both books are available at Kent District Library in a variety of media.

Green Food Blue Grass Festival - Volunteers?

There is a tremendous opportunity to help out and get involved with this great event taking place at the Felt Mansion in Holland on Sunday July 19th!!

And with many benefits! All volunteers for a four hour shift will receive a free t-shirt, free admission into the concert, and an option to be paid minimum wage or waive payment to receive a ticket to a future Felt Mansion event (culinary event or Christmas tour)!

Of course if you feel that any of these benefits are enough payment for your time, please feel free to decline any or all of them and help contribute to the restoration of the Felt Estate and Shore Acres Farm even more! See http://www.feltmansion.org/festival/about.htm for more information.

All volunteers must attend one of the following training sessions (time does not count towards the required 4 hour shift):

- Tuesday July 14th 7:30-8:30pm
- Saturday July 18th 10-11am
- Sunday July 19th 10-11am

All ticket sales volunteers and those serving alcohol will also need to be TIPS certified. TIPS training is at the Felt Mansion on Tuesday July 14th 5:30-7:30pm.

Event Volunteers are needed for the following tasks:

Set-up - including putting up signs and small tents, setting up tables, etc.
Saturday July 18th 11am-3pm
Sunday July 19th 11am-1pm

Parking Attendants - help direct traffic
Sunday July 19th - 1-5pm, 2-6pm, 3-7pm OR 4-8pm

Ticket Sales - sell tickets, check ID's, issue wrist bands
Sunday July 19th - 1-5pm, 2-6pm, 3-7pm OR 4-8pm

General Staff - on the look out for underage drinking, people wandering into the event without a wristband, etc.
Sunday July 19th - 1-5pm, 2-6pm, 3-7pm OR 4-8pm

Beer Tent - New Holland Brewing Company - serve beer!
Sunday July 19th - 1-5pm, 2-6pm, 3-7pm OR 4-8pm

Beer Tent - Miller Lite - serve beer!
Sunday July 19th - 1-5pm, 2-6pm, 3-7pm OR 4-8pm

Wine Tent - Fenn Valley - serve wine!
Sunday July 19th - 1-5pm, 2-6pm, 3-7pm OR 4-8pm

Wine Tent - Corkscrews - serve wine!
Sunday July 19th - 1-5pm, 2-6pm, 3-7pm OR 4-8pm

Please let me know if you are interested in helping out and for which task and shift. Also please indicate which training session you plan to attend.

If interested in volunteering, email tara@westmichigancoop.com.

For more information see http://www.feltmansion.org!

Thanks!

Grand Rapids Water Festival

The Water Festival will take place on Saturday, June 20, at Riverside Park in Grand Rapids.

This festival celebrates the water that surrounds us here in Michigan and includes live music, speakers, workshops, and more. Come check it out!

For more information about the Grand Rapids Water Festival, please click here.

Local First Street Party

Local First's 6th Annual Street Party will take place on Saturday, June 13, beginning at 4:00 p.m. in front of Bistro Bella Vita in Grand Rapids.

Over 12,000 people are expected to attend this celebration of local food, local beer, and local music. Don't miss it!

For more information about the Street Party, and to view the band line-up, please click here.