Earth Day Celebration at Aquinas College

The Earth Day Celebration at Aquinas College in Grand Rapids will be held on Wednesday, April 22^nd. The public is welcome to attend. Events will include a Farmer’s Market and a concert by Breathe Owl Breathe.

Earth Day Farmer’s Market

Time: 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Location: In front of the Wege Center at Aquinas College

Breathe Owl Breathe Concert

Time: 8:00 PM

Location: The Moose Café (located on the first floor of the cook Carriage House) at Aquinas College.

Cost: $5

First Annual Master Grilling Cook-Off!

The first annual Master Grilling Cook-Off will take place at Modern Hardware in Grand Rapids on Saturday, June 13. Click here to read more about the event.

Interested in becoming involved in the event? They're currently in need of the following:

• 4-person grill teams
• Live music and entertainment
• Local artists
• Restaurants/food vendors
• Sponsors
• Judges

For more information, please contact Rod Glupker at (616) 241-2655 or (616) 291-9558 or by email.

Urban Farming in Ypsilanti

The article, “Collective Efforts,” published in the Detroit Metro Times today describes one family’s quest toward producing sustainable agriculture by way of urban farming.

The article tells the story of Peter Thomason, who lives in downtown Ypsilanti. In his backyard, Thomason grows crops in a new greenhouse which was constructed using recycled materials. In addition, he has a small barn in his backyard which houses chickens, rabbits, and goats.

Click here to read the article.

Extended Shopping Window

Due to the ordering period coinciding with Spring Break we have extended the shopping window for this month until Tuesday April 14th at midnight.

Pick up is on Earth Day, Wed. April 22nd, 5:45-8pm.

Happy Shopping!

Volunteers Needed!

Help Promote the West Michigan Co-Op by Volunteering for an Event.

The word is getting out about the West Michigan Co-op and we've been invited to participate in a number of events over the next few months! These are great opportunities to inform people about the co-op and benefits of eating locally and supporting our local farmers and economy.

But we need your help!! Would you be willing to volunteer at one or more of these events? They each involve the WM Co-op having a table/booth to hand out pamphlets, talk about the co-op, and sell co-op T-shirts and bags. Two people will be scheduled for each shift.

The shift times vary, and feel free to offer to work a double (the shifts aren't very long)! :) I can provide you with further specifics on the event(s) that you are available to help with and any necessary information/training.

Many of these events need a commitment from us within the next couple weeks, so please let us know ASAP if you are willing to help out! Please respond to tara@westmichigancoop.com.

• When: Saturday April 18th
  What: Grand Rapids Public Library Indoor Farmers Market
  Where: Downtown Library
  Shifts: 10:00am - noon
  noon - 3:00pm

• When: Saturday April 18th
  What: Kent District Library Green Living Fair
  Where: EGR Library
  Shifts: 10:00am - noon
  noon - 2:00pm

• When: Sunday April 19th
  What: WMEAC Earth Week Expo - Richie Hovens concert
  Where: Fountain St. Church
  Shifts: 5:00pm - 7:00pm
  9:00pm - 10:00pm

• When: Wednesday April 22nd
  What: Fishbeck, Thompson, Carr & Huber's Staff Earth Day Celebration
  Where: 1515 Arboretum Dr. SE
  Shift: 11:30am - 1:30pm

• When: Wednesday April 29th
  What: Clark Retirement Village event
  Where: 2250 East Paris SE at their Cultural Center
  Shifts: 11:00am - 1:00pm
  1:00pm - 3:30pm

• When: Thursday April 30th
  What: Lakeside Elementary Earth Week Local Business Expo
  Where: Lakeside Elementary School - 2325 Hall SE
  Shift: 8:30am - 9:30am

• When: Wednesday May 20th
  What: State Farm Insurance Health & Fitness Day
  Where: TBA
  Shifts: 10:00am - noon
  noon - 2:30pm
  2:30pm - 5:00pm

• When: Saturday June 20th
  What: Water Festival
  Where: Riverside Park
  Shifts: 10:30am - 12:30pm
  12:30pm - 2:30pm
  2:30pm - 4:30pm
  4:30pm - 6:30pm

Please respond to tara@westmichigancoop.com if you're interested in volunteering.