tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88806218031325018612024-03-13T06:04:53.694-04:00Hubbell Farm BlogWelcome to a spot where we'll discuss the local food movement, sustainable living, raising natural beef, chicken, pork, poultry, and Shire Horses. Okay, it's a home spot for the Hubbell Farm which produces local foods and Shire horses for sale. But it's also a place where I'm gonna think out loud about some of the issues/challenges surrounding our culture in the coming century.Anne Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18171242149358757581noreply@blogger.comBlogger327125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8880621803132501861.post-70483205596933502962012-09-04T13:06:00.002-04:002012-09-04T13:06:20.031-04:00Did you call?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5lyq4i-aKSA/UEY071pSm7I/AAAAAAAAATY/qSNwR331hBQ/s1600/CIMG2862.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5lyq4i-aKSA/UEY071pSm7I/AAAAAAAAATY/qSNwR331hBQ/s320/CIMG2862.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
</div>Anne Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18171242149358757581noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8880621803132501861.post-65176951969894044442012-08-28T14:40:00.000-04:002012-08-28T14:40:40.988-04:00Buckets of Rain and the greening of Detroit<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><strong>Buckets of Rain and the greening of Detroit</strong><br />
<a href="http://glenarborsun.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/Skellenger-volunteers-in-detroit.jpg" rel="thumbnail"><img alt="" class="alignright size-medium wp-image-5899" height="225" src="http://glenarborsun.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/Skellenger-volunteers-in-detroit-300x225.jpg" title="Skellenger-volunteers in detroit" width="300" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://glenarborsun.com/" target="_blank">Glen Arbor Sun</a><br />
<br />
Just try to keep up with local musician and international vegetable grower Chris Skellenger. His nonprofit “Buckets of Rain” (previously called “11 Oaks”) teaches hungry people in Africa how to install gray water bucket irrigation systems in their parched gardens so they can eat vegetables, not just grain. Skellenger also teaches urban gardening techniques to the Guatemalan people who live in shantytowns next to the Guatemala City garbage dump. Now Buckets of Rain is creating urban gardens in Detroit. You can help Buckets of Rain continue to feed the poor in Detroit, in Latin America and in Africa. There is a fundraiser at Boonedocks in Glen Arbor on Sunday, Sept. 9 from 3-6 p.m. that will include extreme gardening demonstrations, music and lots of photos.</div>Anne Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18171242149358757581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8880621803132501861.post-41362459096278909242012-08-21T12:32:00.000-04:002012-08-21T12:32:27.039-04:00Go to "field to plate"<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">At <a href="http://www.fieldtoplate.com/guide.php" target="_blank">'field to plate'</a> search for seasonal availability of fresh produce in your state or region. If your state is not listed, a readily available resource could not be located. We suggest you contact your state Department of Agriculture to ask about local availability of produce.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span class="forumssub">Michigan</span><br />
Courtesy of the City of Holland, representative of Lower Peninsula: <br />
<a href="http://www.cityofholland.com/Brix?pageID=423" target="_blank">http://www.cityofholland.com/Brix?pageID=423</a><br />
Fruits: <a href="http://www.cityofholland.com/Brix?pageID=533" target="_blank">http://www.cityofholland.com/Brix?pageID=533</a><br />
Vegetables: <a href="http://www.cityofholland.com/Brix?pageID=535" target="_blank">http://www.cityofholland.com/Brix?pageID=535</a><br />
<a href="http://www.pickyourown.org/MIharvestcalendar.htm" target="_blank">http://www.pickyourown.org/MIharvestcalendar.htm</a><br />
<a href="http://www.michigan.gov/documents/mda/Upick_avail_calendar_173366_7.pdf" target="_blank">http://www.michigan.gov/documents/mda/Upick_avail_calendar_173366_7.pdf</a><br />
<a href="http://www.fieldtoplate.com/downloads/MichiganProduceAvailability.pdf">Michigan Produce Availability</a> (pdf) </div>Anne Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18171242149358757581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8880621803132501861.post-35302448611271638532012-08-19T12:38:00.002-04:002012-08-19T12:38:46.267-04:00Exit stage left<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rUSZs0xUXt4/UDEWeMC63ZI/AAAAAAAAATE/5a25oFQaa18/s1600/DSCN7991.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rUSZs0xUXt4/UDEWeMC63ZI/AAAAAAAAATE/5a25oFQaa18/s320/DSCN7991.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div>Anne Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18171242149358757581noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8880621803132501861.post-28616433232963129222012-08-10T10:44:00.000-04:002012-08-10T10:44:08.658-04:00Fresh as it gets<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="field field-type-text field-field-oht-author"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item odd"><a href="mailto:eric@leelanaunews.com">eric@leelanaunews.com</a></div><div class="field-item odd"> </div></div></div><div class="clear content clear-block">Jess Piskor delivered a bushel of greens directly from his garden near Northport to the newly opened Northport Farmers Market Friday morning, and was feeling on top of the world.<br />
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“This kale is as fresh as it gets,” said Piskor. “And this is the most meaningful work I’ve ever done,” the 2004 University of Michigan graduate added. <br />
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Until recently, Piskor had been working at a popular delicatessen in Ann Arbor where, as he puts it, he “got into food and quality produce.”<br />
<span class="inline inline-right"><span class="caption" style="width: 298px;"></span></span><br />
“Growing and selling quality produce to your neighbors is about as satisfying as it gets,” he said. “Plus, I’m hoping we can keep my grandfather’s 40-acre farm in the family.”<br />
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Most of the farm is leased to cherry farmers. But Piskor’s 1.5-acre garden is keeping him and several of his friends and Ann Arbor “business partners” busy this summer. Farmers markets throughout Leelanau County are also bringing a little cash their way. <br />
<br />
The farmers market season in Leelanau County is now well under way, with four of the five operations run by the Leelanau Farmers Market Association opening last week.<br />
<br />
New this season is the Northport market, which opened Friday. Conducted outside The Depot next to the Northport Marina, the farm market will be open every Friday from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. through Sept. 18.<br />
The farmers market in Suttons Bay has been open since May 16.<br />
<br />
Megan Gregory is the newly-hired “market master” for the Suttons Bay, Leland and Glen Arbor markets, which are open on Saturdays, Thursdays and Tuesdays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. respectively.<br />
<br />
With a marketing degree from the Traverse City campus of Davenport University, Gregory said she’s trying out a few new ideas this year to increase attendance at farmers markets. On Saturday, for example, she invited a local musician to play guitar and sing at the Suttons Bay market for tips.<br />
<br />
On July 16, the Leland Farmers Market will host a tour for Learngreatfoods.com, an Illinois-based organization specializing in “agri-culinary” tours. The event will include a visit to the fish market in Leland as well as a local winery.<br />
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“The farm markets have been busy so far,” Gregory said, “even though some of the crops appear to be a little bit behind this year.”<br />
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Spring crops such as rhubarb and asparagus were still in abundance at local farm markets last week. Strawberries had been delayed by unusually cool weather earlier this spring, however.<br />
<span class="inline inline-left"><span class="caption" style="width: 198px;"></span></span><br />
“We had a few strawberries Saturday morning at Suttons Bay, but they sold out quickly,” Gregory said. “More of them will be coming in soon, I’m sure.”<br />
<br />
The “market master” in Northport is longtime resident George Anderson, while Reuben Chapman heads the Empire market. Gregory, Anderson and Chapman all work for the board of the Leelanau Farmers Market Association, a non-profit organization that came into existence nine years ago through another organization called the Leelanau Agricultural Alliance, with the help of the Michigan State University Extension. <br />
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Leelanau County MSU Extension director Rob Sirrine said he believes the farmers markets are off to a good start this year and have a bright future ahead.<br />
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“More people are interested in purchasing local food and supporting local farmers,” Sirrine said.</div><div class="clear content clear-block"><br />
And “local” is what farm markets are all about. Rules promulgated for Leelanau Farmers Markets specify that “all products must be grown or produced locally” with “local” being defined as “within 60 miles of the Leelanau County Farmers Market that the vendor is selling at.”<br />
<br />
Vendors pay fees for setting up a stand at farmer’s markets – as little as an introductory fee of $5 for one day, or as much as $250 for a space at all five farm markets for the entire season.</div><div class="clear content clear-block"><br />
Farmer Karen Drake of Cherry Beach Orchards in Suttons Bay said the farm markets mean a lot to the bottom line for some local farmers. <br />
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“We do all five farmers markets,” Drake said, “and, so far, we haven’t seen as many customers as we’d like. We’re hoping more locals will stop by the markets this summer for some really great deals, some really fine products, and to help support local agriculture.”</div></div>Anne Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18171242149358757581noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8880621803132501861.post-89305498503384989462012-08-09T14:16:00.003-04:002012-08-09T14:16:52.498-04:00Check out the Northwest Michigan Fair<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><a href="http://www.northwesternmichiganfair.net/">http://www.northwesternmichiganfair.net/</a></div>Anne Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18171242149358757581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8880621803132501861.post-47944083515432201252012-08-05T14:45:00.000-04:002012-08-05T14:45:39.298-04:00Manitou Music Festival<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><a href="http://www.leelanau.com/blog/" target="_blank">Manitou Music Festival</a><br />
Enjoy a beautiful summer’s evening at the foot of the Dune Climb in the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore this Sunday (July 15) at 7 PM.<br />
The setting is magnificent and the music is even better. The Dune Climb Concert is an annual presentation by the <a href="http://glenarborart.org/">Glen Arbor Art Association</a> and free to the public.<br />
This year’s concert features <a href="http://www.detourbluegrass.com/"><strong>Detour</strong></a>, a Michigan-based bluegrass band that combines original contemporary bluegrass sounds with great traditional favorite. Detour’s tight focused harmonies, precision instrumentals, and creative melodies will take the audience down a unique bluegrass road have landed the band at <a href="http://www.detourbluegrass.com/2012/06/our-rose-is-a-bloomin/">#1 on the national bluegrass charts</a>! (scroll down for a video)<br />
The band’s talented line-up features the soaring lead vocals of Missy Armstrong, the championship fiddling of Peter Knupfer, the inventive rhythm lines of Jack Grant on bass, the soulful guitar of Scott Zylstra, the hard driving mandolin and superb song writing of Jeff Rose, and the stellar banjo playing of Kevin Gaugier. Detour has quickly become a standout — “a bluegrass joyride” that the Lansing State Journal acclaims as “perhaps the best bluegrass band Michigan has yet produced.”<br />
There is no charge for the 7:00 p.m. concert; however, a National Park pass is required for parking. Free shuttle busses will provide transportation to overflow parking lots. Bring chairs or blankets to sit on. Some folding chairs are also provided in front of the stage. In the event of rain, the show will go on at the Glen Arbor Town Hall.</div>Anne Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18171242149358757581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8880621803132501861.post-7735466523710698432012-08-03T15:37:00.001-04:002012-08-03T15:37:03.303-04:00Mother and Child<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MOj-6EUATCg/UBwoRLjyUnI/AAAAAAAAASw/1xqhnwGv47g/s1600/384.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MOj-6EUATCg/UBwoRLjyUnI/AAAAAAAAASw/1xqhnwGv47g/s320/384.JPG" width="320" /></a></div></div>Anne Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18171242149358757581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8880621803132501861.post-85928414654528054162012-08-01T12:37:00.000-04:002012-08-01T12:37:01.497-04:00Hungry?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">We are enjoying the wonderful free range chickens in the chicken pot. They are so tender and delicious. I love to slather them with barbecue <br />
sauce and throw carrots and potatoes right in the pot. <br />
<br />
Delicious!<br />
<br />
You should consider contacting the farm for dibs on beef or pork!</div>Anne Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18171242149358757581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8880621803132501861.post-18297951897910531272012-07-30T16:49:00.000-04:002012-07-30T16:49:45.467-04:00Holy Rosary and A Chicken Dinner<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Yesterday, I wandered up to Holy Rosary for their annual chicken dinner. The sky was so blue and cloudless. The colorful tents fluttered. I thought about how my father told me that these chicken dinners were a wonderful tradition. He thought that they were community events that were fading out of fashion. <br />
<br />
<br />
Everyone was smiling and friendly. Kids were running everywhere. I stood in line and listened to people chat with each other. It would be a terrible thing if parish chicken dinners didn't happen. I was so filled with gratitude that I lived in a place where they were still going on.</div>Anne Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18171242149358757581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8880621803132501861.post-70136147114245169712012-07-26T13:01:00.002-04:002012-07-26T13:01:23.984-04:00Summer on the Farm<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0vC-1XCQwBU/UBF3vb_OsmI/AAAAAAAAASk/nUmL6HoTXqA/s1600/my+horse+grandkid+pictures+7-14-05+264.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0vC-1XCQwBU/UBF3vb_OsmI/AAAAAAAAASk/nUmL6HoTXqA/s320/my+horse+grandkid+pictures+7-14-05+264.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div>Anne Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18171242149358757581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8880621803132501861.post-12481100085951755262012-07-25T12:53:00.002-04:002012-07-25T12:53:37.136-04:00Ninth annual Michigan Family Farms Conference Set for January 14, 2012 in Battle Creek<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div align="center" class="style2"><span class="style2"><a href="http://www.miffs.org/news63.asp" target="_blank">Ninth annual Michigan Family Farms Conference Set for January 14, 2012 in Battle Creek</a></span></div><br />
<em>August 4, 2011: </em>Register now for the ninth annual Michigan Family Farms Conference on Saturday, January 14, 2012 at Lakeview High School in Battle Creek. This year’s theme is “Building Your Success with Local Products, Partnerships and Planning”, and the day-long conference is packed with 18 educational sessions to connect family farmers with resources to build their farm’s successful future. <a href="http://www.miffs.org/mffc/index.asp">More...</a><br />
<br />
The Michigan Family Farms Conference is a forum for beginning, small-scale and culturally diverse farmers to network, learn and build sustainable family farms. It provides a unique opportunity to connect with other growers and great resources and learn about topics important to family farms. <br />
<br />
Dan Carmody, President of the Eastern Market Corporation, is this year’s keynote speaker. Eastern Market has been feeding Detroit since 1891 and has grown and evolved with the times, from the boom of the automotive industry to today’s recession. It is still offering fresh produce to Michigan families each Saturday. <br />
<br />
Because this is the Michigan <strong><em>Family</em></strong> Farms Conference, we also have a youth track for young farmers which will include educational topics like nutrition, careers in agriculture and natural resources, and the dollars and cents of farming. This track also includes a field trip in the afternoon to Binder Park Zoo.<br />
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Early-bird registration is open online and is only $35 per person before December 16, $30 for MIFFS members and $25 for youth. Visit www.miffs.org/mffc or contact MIFFS at (517) 432-0712 or miffs@msu.edu for more information or to register. The registration deadline is January 10, 2012. Some scholarships are available.<br />
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Partners and sponsors so far include: Michigan Food & Farming Systems (MIFFS), the Farm Research Cooperative, USDA Risk Management Agency (RMA), W. K. Kellogg Foundation, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA), Michigan State University (MSU), MSU Extension, the Potawatomi Resource, Conservation & Development (RC&D) Council, the C.S. Mott Chair for Sustainable Agriculture, the MSU Product Center for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Morgan Composting, and the Calhoun Conservation District.<br />
<br />
For more information, please contact MIFFS at (517) 432-0712 or <a href="mailto:miffs@msu.edu">miffs@msu.edu</a> or visit <a href="http://www.miffs.org/mffc">www.miffs.org/mffc</a>. <br />
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<div align="center">###</div><br />
Founded in 1998, MIFFS is a statewide membership organization (501c3) whose mission is to help small and medium-sized farms operate profitably, produce healthy food for all people and protect the environment for future generations. MIFFS has been effective at establishing successful partnerships among producers, markets and institutions that have created more profitable, environmentally friendly food systems in Michigan. <br />
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To learn more, please visit <a href="http://www.miffs.org/">www.miffs.org</a> or call (517) 432-0712.</div>Anne Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18171242149358757581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8880621803132501861.post-6605630992141953162012-07-24T19:31:00.002-04:002012-07-24T19:31:29.864-04:00Summer on the Farm<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OMLtMyxQ-_w/UA8wMXf2NfI/AAAAAAAAASY/HC8y4ztBFbQ/s1600/457.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OMLtMyxQ-_w/UA8wMXf2NfI/AAAAAAAAASY/HC8y4ztBFbQ/s320/457.JPG" width="320" /></a></div></div>Anne Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18171242149358757581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8880621803132501861.post-72392134119917978652012-07-23T15:09:00.001-04:002012-07-23T15:09:13.080-04:00Free Range Chickens<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">We stopped by the farm yesterday and picked up 30 chickens. You cannot beat the taste of naturally raised chickens. Dan had been working hard since 5 AM getting the killing and preparing out of the way.<br />
<br />
</div>Anne Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18171242149358757581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8880621803132501861.post-67358972195558647662012-07-19T13:23:00.000-04:002012-07-19T13:23:33.126-04:00Beautiful<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZOAxA1LmpB4/UAhCRgUMsrI/AAAAAAAAASM/gQrdLTJRUYw/s1600/357.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZOAxA1LmpB4/UAhCRgUMsrI/AAAAAAAAASM/gQrdLTJRUYw/s320/357.JPG" width="320" /></a></div></div>Anne Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18171242149358757581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8880621803132501861.post-10890566040423053232012-07-16T16:47:00.000-04:002012-07-16T16:47:15.019-04:00Micro-Loans Available For Small Farmers In Northern Michigan<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><em>By </em><a href="mailto:payettepc@interlochen.org"><em>Peter Payette</em></a><br />
<a href="http://ipr.interlochen.org/ipr-news-features/episode/5273" target="_blank">http://ipr.interlochen.org/ipr-news-features/episode/5273</a><br />
<br />
<br />
The number of small farms in northern Michigan has shot up in recent years with almost no help from modern capitalism's main weapon: loans. <br />
Banks in Michigan are accustomed to lending money to farmers. But a lot of new farmers are avoiding debt.<br />
<br />
Some people think that should change.<br />
<br />
Like a lot of the new farmers in the local food movement, Jess Piskor is young, and not from a farming family. He doesn't own any land. But he's excited about growing vegetables, even if his farm looks more like a large garden. <br />
<br />
<em>"It's just an acre, a small bit of land, but we're producing a lot of food for a lot of families and it feels really good," he says.</em><br />
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He and business partner Abra Berens started Bare Knuckle Farm this year with their own money. And, fortunately, they were able to use land in Northport that Jess's grandfather owns.<br />
<br />
Jess is amazed by the amount of debt some conventional farmers carry.<br />
<br />
<em>"That kind of farming requires that kind of investment," he says. "This small scale farming doesn't require that much capital. Anyone can afford this."</em><br />
<em> </em><br />
Still, Jess and Abra plan to borrow $1,000 dollars for next season. They want to help people eat locally year round. And their idea is to encourage people to buy large amounts of potatoes in the fall that can be stored and eaten through the winter.<br />
<br />
So the loan will help them plant a lot more seed potatoes next spring.<br />
They also want to create pamphlets with advice about storing potatoes and cooking them.<br />
<br />
Abra is a chef and she says learning about food involves more than just sharing recipes.<br />
<br />
<em>"How do you get to know that food and know how to work with it," she says.</em><br />
<br />
Farmers like Jess and Abra almost never approach banks or credit unions for a business loan, according to research done by Michigan State University.<br />
Susan Cocciarelli is an economic development specialist, who wrote the report. She says the banks generally loan to commodity farmers that sell to known markets. But the bankers do know about the new trend in agriculture. <br />
<br />
<em>"I would say the majority of the people I interviewed had heard about local food suystems and could point out, 'yeah I've seen more farmer's markets,'" she says.</em><br />
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And that can mean missed opportunities. Coccerellie says wait to expand their businesses because they have to save up cash for every new investment. She'd like to see the banks and the people in the local food movement come together.<br />
<br />
<em>She calls it: "A financial pathway to scale up food."</em><br />
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Coccerelli says any pathway should also offer help to new farmers learning the trade and developing sound business models.<br />
<br />
And that's exactly the goal of a new program based in Traverse City. The <a href="http://www.utopiafound.org/group-microlending-rural-northern-michigan" target="_blank">Utopia Foundation</a> has started a loan fund that will help a handful of farmers in Leelanau County.<br />
<br />
This is how Bare Knuckle Farm hopes to finance next year's potato crop. <br />
In order to borrow money from the Utopia Foundation's fund you have to be part of the borrowing group. It's a group of farmers that meets each month to help each other with their businesses. They also help develop the proposals and advise the foundation about loans.<br />
<br />
Utopia Foundation board member Heather Jordan says the group also has to help out a member in a pinch -- that is, if a member of the group is having trouble repaying. <br />
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The foundation also uses this group borrowing model to make micro-loans in Guatemala. And leaders say the needs of poor people in Guatemala are not that different from the needs of new farmers in northern Michigan. Both can use financial help and advice about starting or building a business. And Heather Jordan says both may end up moving if they don't get some help.<br />
But farmers aren't lining up for the loan program.<br />
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The foundation could make up to five loans this year. And there may not be that many proposals. </div>Anne Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18171242149358757581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8880621803132501861.post-60078432963696431032012-07-12T10:58:00.002-04:002012-07-12T10:58:14.730-04:00Lunch?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v9eMaZgM7QU/T_7l1jgehOI/AAAAAAAAASA/ZH0CyLNlPQY/s1600/372.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v9eMaZgM7QU/T_7l1jgehOI/AAAAAAAAASA/ZH0CyLNlPQY/s320/372.JPG" width="320" /></a></div></div>Anne Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18171242149358757581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8880621803132501861.post-35846180545687202532012-07-11T13:16:00.000-04:002012-07-11T13:16:13.428-04:00Traverse City, Michigan Is A New Foodie Haven<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><strong><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/06/30/traverse-city-michigan-is_n_223059.html" target="_blank">By John Flesher, Associated Press:</a></strong><br />
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<strong>TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. - Attention, traveling foodies: Something yummy is happening in the Traverse City area, and it's even grabbed the attention of luminaries such as celebrity chef Mario Batali, who has a summer home on the scenic Leelanau Peninsula just northwest of town.<br />
Long a top Midwestern tourist draw for its lakes, rivers, forests, beaches -- and the orchards that inspire the self-proclaimed moniker "cherry capital of the world" -- the Traverse City area is now home to an increasingly varied and sophisticated culinary culture with a strong emphasis on local ingredients.<br />
The Lake Michigan resort town is awash in award-winning restaurants and wineries, artisan bakeries, dairies and farm markets. Midwest Living magazine recently placed Traverse City second on its list of the region's best "food towns," trailing only Madison, Wis.<br />
The area's food scene "has just exploded" in the past decade, Batali said in a phone interview: "What you're seeing up there is a renaissance, the rise of a gastronomic subculture that makes it a fascinating place to be."<br />
Trattoria Stella restaurant serves Italian fare ranging from crescenza cheese ravioli to veal scaloppine, but the menu also lists information about where the ingredients came from.<br />
Sleeping Bear Farms provided the honey, Shetler Family Dairy the milk and cream. From Land of Goshen came eggs and Italian sausage. Other producers from the Grand Traverse Bay region of northwestern Lower Michigan supplied veggies, ground beef and lamb, maple syrup.<br />
<div class="ad_wrapper" id="ad_mid_article"> <form action="" id="qas_dfp_frm" method="get" name="qas_dfp_frm" target=""><input name="ie52_mac_only" type="hidden" value="" /></form></div>"It's just better when it hasn't traveled thousands of miles to get to your plate," Trattoria Stella proprietor Paul Danielson says.<br />
It helps that Traverse City's Northwestern Michigan College hosts the Great Lakes Culinary Institute, which has trained many of the region's chefs. "I can't go into many of the restaurants around here without seeing what looks like a class reunion," says Fred Laughlin, the director.<br />
Local farms by the hundreds reflect a statewide agricultural diversity second only to California's. Michigan leads the nation in production of tart cherries, blueberries, three types of dry beans and pickling cucumbers while ranking in the top 10 for dozens of other commodities, including apples, asparagus, carrots and potatoes.<br />
And nature cultivates its own jewels. Batali delights in the morel mushrooms that grow wild on damp forest hillsides. So highly prized are the delectable fungi that productive gathering sites are closely guarded secrets.<br />
Want to prepare your own meals while visiting Traverse City? The area has a couple dozen farmers' markets during harvest season, which typically runs from May to October. Or stop by a roadside stand en route to attractions such as Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, a half-hour's drive west of town, or Mackinac Island two hours northeast.<br />
Of course, many of us want someone else to cook while we're on vacation. That's where the restaurants come in.<br />
"You can bring home all the cherries and asparagus you want," Batali said, "but if no one is creating sophisticated, specialty dishes with them it can have a sort of state-fair quality." Fortunately, he added, northwestern Michigan has restaurants and chefs whose skills are up to the challenge.<br />
Danielson and his wife Amanda, co-owners of Trattoria Stella, are among many restaurateurs whose arrival in recent years has bolstered the region's culinary credentials. They chose an intriguing location: a building that once housed the Northern Michigan Asylum for the Insane. Seriously.<br />
Constructed in the late 19th century, the mental institution occupied a grassy, tree-lined 480 acres. The yellow brick buildings are of Victorian Italianate design, and their rooftop turrets are reminiscent of European castles. Nowadays, the complex is a tourist attraction unto itself as it's redeveloped into a village with boutiques, eateries, wine tasting rooms and more.<br />
With the asparagus harvest in full swing, Trattoria Stella's menu on a recent day featured the tender stalks in two appetizers -- one with poached egg and toasted sourdough -- and as a side dish for a Berkshire pork loin entree. Among other choices: fettuccine topped with morels sauteed in garlic butter and salad with pickled local ramps.<br />
"Our suppliers have such an amazing selection of great stuff, we can rewrite the menu every single day," Paul Danielson says.<br />
Plenty of neighboring restaurants are showcasing local ingredients as well.<br />
Hanna's morel mushroom ravioli draws raves. The Cook's House, tiny but popular, wows customers with smoked rabbit salad, walleye and whitefish dishes -- and liberal use of cherries. Eric Patterson, chef and co-owner, apprenticed under the celebrated Andre Rochat in Las Vegas before migrating to northern Michigan. His business partner, Jennifer Blakeslee, is a local native who began working with Patterson at the celebrated Andre's restaurant in Vegas.<br />
Both are among a cluster of quality restaurants in Traverse City's thriving downtown on Grand Traverse Bay. During the summer, sidewalks are busy as tourists sample cherry jams and salsas from vendors such as Cherry Republic and American Spoon or take in a movie at the historic State Theatre, headquarters for an indie film festival headed by Michael Moore.<br />
For simpler fare, try a salad or sandwich at Lake Street Kitchen and Cafe in the Oryana Natural Foods Co-op, where shelves are packed with organic vegetables, fruits and locally produced foods ranging from peanut butter to ice cream. And just about anywhere, you can savor a slice of oven-warm pie oozing tart cherries, northern Michigan's signature fruit.<br />
Dining opportunities abound outside town as well. A few miles east, Aerie Restaurant & Lounge changes menus seasonally as different local produce becomes available. An added bonus: its location on the 17th floor of Grand Traverse Resort, offering spectacular views of the bay and verdant countryside.<br />
To the west, the Leelanau Peninsula is dotted with lakefront tourist villages and restaurants galore. Martha's Leelanau Table, a European-style bistro in Suttons Bay, stuffs its pancakes with northern Michigan blueberries and its frittatas with cheeses from nearby dairies.<br />
Thirsty from all that food? Wineries and breweries have sprung up across Michigan's northlands, and their products are featured on many local restaurant menus. A favorite day trip for tourists is the 18-mile drive to the lighthouse park at the tip of Old Mission Peninsula. Along the way, visit tasting rooms at the likes of Chateau Grand Traverse, Chateau Chantal and Bowers Harbor Vineyards and watch a spectacular sunset. Nice way to work up an appetite for the next meal.<br />
___</strong></div>Anne Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18171242149358757581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8880621803132501861.post-89338241215001259702012-07-10T13:59:00.000-04:002012-07-10T13:59:37.044-04:00Leelanau Peninsula<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><a href="http://www.chicagomag.com/Chicago-Magazine/June-2012/Midwest-Foodie-Destinations-Leelanau-Peninsula-in-Michigan/" target="_blank">by Chicago Magazine</a><br />
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Michigan’s Leelanau Peninsula—a relatively narrow outcropping just north of Traverse City, with its collection of lakeside towns, farms, beaches, and rolling hills—was a fairly well-kept secret until a few years ago. That’s when Mario Batali, the New York-based celebrity chef who has a summer home in Northport, started promoting the farm-to-table restaurants, cafés, shops, and farmers’ markets like only a TV personality can. The buzz is deserved and the peninsula’s towns are thriving on the attention. Connecting them all is M-22, a gorgeous stretch of road that follows Lake Michigan.<br />
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<span class="dropcap">H</span>ead up M-22 north of Traverse City, where the road winds along the shores of Grand Traverse Bay and Suttons Bay. You’ll soon see signs for <strong>Ciccone Vineyard</strong> (10343 E. Hilltop Rd.; 231-271-5553), a local winery also known for the winemaker’s world-famous daughter: Madonna. Not long after, you’ll encounter <strong>Black Star Farms</strong> (10844 E. Revold Rd.; 231-944-1270), a gorgeous agriculture estate and winery. Park your car and walk around the property, which includes a stately inn, horse stables, tasting rooms, and a distillery. It will be the first of many moments when the Leelanau Peninsula reminds you of Northern California. Stop for lunch at <strong>The Hearth and Vine Café</strong> (231-944-1297; entrées from $10); the kitchen makes a fine wood-fired pizza.<br />
A few miles north on M-22, <strong>Suttons Bay</strong> (see “Hot Hood,” below) is one of the more popular destinations on the peninsula for its walkable central area and boutique shopping. Continue inland on M-204 toward the town of <strong>Lake Leelanau,</strong> a gold mine for fresh produce. Local farmers set up humble stands on both sides of M-204. These typically operate on the honor system—look for a basket and leave what you think you owe.<br />
Stay on M-22 as you leave Suttons Bay, and the road will lead to the adorable tiny town of <strong>Omena.</strong> Just steps from the water, the tasting room at <strong>Leelanau Cellars</strong> (5019 N. West Bay Shore Dr.; 231-386-5201) has a wall of windows overlooking Grand Traverse Bay. While there—or at any Michigan winery, for that matter—pay special attention to the rieslings, chardonnays, and other whites, since the region’s short growing season favors white varietals over reds. Across the street from the tasting room is another treasure: <strong>Tamarack Gallery</strong> (5039 N. West Bay Shore Dr.; 231-386-5529), a decades-old shop that represents more than 60 artists from around the country.<br />
M-22 rolls and winds for another five miles before reaching the rustic town of <strong>Northport.</strong> If you get there early enough, grab your coffee and an old-fashioned doughnut or cinnamon twist at <strong>Barb’s Bakery</strong> (112 N. Mill St.; 231-386-5851) before they’re gone. The town offers a wealth of outdoor activities: Wander by the <strong>Northport Farmers’ Market</strong> at the marina, hike the dunes of <strong>Cathead Bay,</strong> walk along <strong>Christmas Cove,</strong> jump in the lake at any of the quaint beaches, and visit the historic <strong>Grand Traverse Lighthouse.</strong><br />
For a casual lunch or dinner, head south to <strong>Fischer’s Happy Hour Tavern</strong> (7100 N. Manitou Tr., 231-386-9923; entrées from $11), on a section of M-22 that runs along the western edge of the peninsula and through some of its most breathtaking vistas. Fischer’s has the cozy ambiance of a backwoods lodge and serves great no-frills classics: fried chicken, fried mushrooms, fried cauliflower, and some nonbattered items like burgers and fish. During the dinner rush, expect a considerable wait—but don’t leave. Get a drink at the bar and sip it on the restaurant’s porch.<br />
Continuing south from Northport, M-22 cuts through gorgeous rolling hills, orchards, and forests before reaching the town of <strong>Leland.</strong> In a perfect world, your trip would include at least one of the following: the <strong>Leland Wine & Food Festival</strong> (June 9); the town’s Fourth of July parade, which oozes small-town Michigan charm; or a boat or fishing trip with one of the local charters, such as <strong>Manitou Island Transit</strong> (231-256-9061; day trips $20 to $35).<br />
You can certainly squeeze in an afternoon stroll through <strong>Fishtown,</strong> a bygone fishing village where shops and charters still operate out of weathered shacks. Head to <strong>Carlson’s</strong> (205 River St.; 231-256-9801) for the day’s fresh catch, as well as smoked chub and whitefish (the adventurous will love the fish sausage). If you’re looking for a sit-down meal, locals will direct you to the 80-year-old <strong>Bluebird</strong> (102 River St., 231-256-9081; entrées from $16) and suggest that you order the whitefish or perch. The restaurant at <strong>The Riverside Inn</strong> (302 E. River St., 231-256-9971; entrées from $21) is great for something more formal.<br />
South of Leland and inland a bit, <strong>Maple City</strong> is home to two restaurants where area chefs are known to dine on their day off: <strong>La Bécasse</strong> (9001 S. Dunns Farm Rd., 231-334-3944; entrées from $24) and <strong>Funistrada</strong> (4566 W. MacFarlane Rd., 231-334-3900; entrées from $25). But the biggest attraction is <strong>Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore,</strong> a breathtaking stretch of sugar-sand dunes, beaches, and cliffs.<br />
Watch the sun go down over Lake Michigan from the dining room at <strong>Blu</strong> (5705 S. Lake St., 231-334-2530; entrées from $25) in nearby <strong>Glen Arbor.</strong> This town feels livelier than most, especially when weekend crowds come to shop and sit outside at the restaurants and bars. At some point, pop into the <strong>Cherry Republic</strong> (6026 Lake St.; 800-206-6949), a store that pays homage to the county that “grows more cherries than any other county in the country” by—you guessed it—selling cherries, food with cherries, and trinkets involving cherries.<br />
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</div>Anne Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18171242149358757581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8880621803132501861.post-62118868037090293022012-07-09T12:41:00.002-04:002012-07-09T12:41:56.175-04:00The Call of Story<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Check out the wonderful stories and storytellers at the following link:<br />
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<a href="http://byutv.org/watch/6b6c3ccb-68e2-4d34-baf3-da2c482714c3#ooid=90dTNvMTr25e_YBIG6FLrnWNv4LByHXd">http://byutv.org/watch/6b6c3ccb-68e2-4d34-baf3-da2c482714c3#ooid=90dTNvMTr25e_YBIG6FLrnWNv4LByHXd</a></div>Anne Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18171242149358757581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8880621803132501861.post-32213413886568860812012-07-08T13:27:00.000-04:002012-07-08T13:27:00.618-04:00National Cherry Festival Happenings<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><a href="http://www.mynorth.com/My-North/July-2012/Traverse-City-National-Cherry-Festival-2012-Music-Entertainment/" target="_blank"><span class="dropcap">T</span>raverse City Events</a>: The 2012 Traverse City National Cherry Festival will be filled with live music, special entertainment events, parades and fireworks! Here's a line-up to help you plan your Traverse City National Cherry Festival week of fun!<br />
<h3><a href="http://www.mynorth.com/My-North/June-2012/Traverse-City-National-Cherry-Festival-Kicks-Off-with-Air-Show/" target="_blank">Traverse City National Cherry Festival Kicks-Off with Air Show</a></h3><h5> July 7 and 8, 2012 12:45 p.m.</h5>Traverse City's 86th Annual National Cherry Festival opens with the anticipated Festival Air Shows on Saturday, July 7 and Sunday, July 8 2012. Pilots will fly over West Grand Traverse Bay, in perfect position for crowds at the Festival Open Space in Traverse City to watch.<br />
<h3><a href="http://www.cherryfestival.org/2012-event-schedule/156" target="_blank">Bay Side Music Stage - The Bihlman Brothers</a></h3><h5> July 7, 2012 8:00 p.m.</h5>Four-times Emmy Award winners and graduates of Musicians Institute of Technology. They have backed, recorded, or appeared with Trey Anastasio (phish), Ted Nugent, BB King, Pink, Ray Charles, Dido, Hank Williams Jr.,ZZ Top, Buddy Guy, Kenny Olsen (Kid Rock), John Echols (Love), Jack Tempchin (Eagles), Robert Bradley, Tim Pierce (everybody!), and legendary Chicago Blues man Son Seals.<br />
<h3><a href="http://www.cherryfestival.org/2012-event-schedule/155" target="_blank">Bay Side Music Stage - Pop Evil, Finding Clyde and Wayland</a></h3><h5> July 8, 2012 8:00 p.m.</h5>Known for their love of University of Michigan’s ‘Big House’ Football Stadium through their hit single ‘In the Big House’, Pop Evil will rock the Festival’s Bay Side Stage. ‘Since re-releasing their first record in 2008, Pop Evil has developed their following the hard way. They have toured the US continuously since their first release, playing nearly 400 shows in two years and only taking time off to record their new album, War of Angels.<br />
<h3><a href="http://www.cherryfestival.org/2012-event-schedule/163" target="_blank">Heroes' Day Concert</a></h3><h5> July 9, 2012 1:30 p.m.</h5>The NMC Concert Band and the Cherry Capitol Men's Chorus will perform on the Lay's Potato Chip Cherry Blast Stage. This free concert features American music as a tribute to Veterans, active duty and reserve military personnel and first responders.<br />
<h3><a href="http://www.mynorth.com/My-North/May-2012/Traverse-City-National-Cherry-Festival-Meet-Author-Janet-Evanovich/" target="_blank">National Writers Series - An Evening with Janet Evanovich</a></h3><h5> July 9, 2012 7:00 p.m.</h5>The National Cherry Festival and The National Writer Series have teamed up to bring author Janet Evanovich to Traverse City this summer! See Janet speak at the City Opera House.<br />
<h3><a href="http://www.cherryfestival.org/2012-event-schedule/49" target="_blank">Lay's Cherry Blast Free Stage - The Corvairs</a></h3><h5> July 9, 2012 8:00 p.m.</h5>Traverse City local band, The Corvairs!<br />
<h3><a href="http://www.cherryfestival.org/2012-event-schedule/64" target="_blank">Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa & Chippewa Indians Pow Wow</a></h3><h5> July 10, 2012 12:00 p.m.</h5>The National Cherry Festival will celebrate the heritage of the region with a Native American Pow Wow Dance, presented by the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians. Come and see the colorful display of dance and drumming from days gone by and taste Native American cuisine. <br />
<h3><a href="http://www.cherryfestival.org/2012-event-schedule/73" target="_blank">HEAT!! Teen Event</a></h3><h5> July 10, 2012 8:00 p.m.</h5>The 2012 Heat event is offered this year on Tuesday, July 10th from 8:00pm – 11:00pm and will be located near the volleyball courts in the center of the National Cherry Festival. Entertainment features music through Northern D.J. Connection, and the hands-on opportunity to participate in firefighter agility tests and driving simulators, home escape obstacle course, and a “distracted driving” simulator. There will also be big prize giveaways from Rockstar, Volcom and 2nd Level Goods. Attendees must be between the ages of 16 to 20 and admission is FREE!<br />
<h3><a href="http://www.cherryfestival.org/2012-event-schedule/70" target="_blank">Lay's Cherry Blast Free Stage - LoCash Cowboys</a></h3><h5> July 10, 2012</h5>LoCash Cowboys have criss-crossed the country, honing their craft on stages large and small, developing one of the most dynamic live shows in any genre of music. Along the way, they had sold more than 60,000 copies of their homemade CD, shared bills with artists including Charlie Daniels and ZZ Top and performed at halftime of NBA and U.S. Olympic team basketball games.<br />
<h3><a href="http://www.cherryfestival.org/2012-event-schedule/140" target="_blank">Cherryland Band Classic - MACBDA Preliminary Finals</a></h3><h5> July 11, 2012 6:00 p.m.</h5>For the first time, the National Cherry Festival will host the Mid-American Competiting Band Directors Association Preliminary Finals during this year's National Cherry Festival. Come see Sound of Sun Prairie, Renegade Regiment, Shadow Armada and more!<br />
<h3><a href="http://www.cherryfestival.org/2012-event-schedule/150" target="_blank">Bay Side Music Stage - Joe Diffie and Jerrod Niemann</a></h3><h5> July 11, 2012</h5>Since he first topped the charts in 1990 with Home, Joe Diffie has remained on a steady course, staying true to his Oklahoma roots and delivering hit after hit totaling twelve #1’s, twenty top 10’s and four gold and platinum albums. When you attend a Joe Diffie concert, you’re not waiting for him to sing his hit - you’re waiting for him to sing your hit. Whether it’s Ships That Don’t Come In, Pickup Man, John Deere Green, or If the Devil Danced (In Empty Pockets), Joe’s music always makes you remember where you were the first time you heard it.<br />
Adding to the amazing music of Joe Diffie on Country Night: Jerrod Niemann! Niemann’s compositions reflect an adherence to the adage “Write what you know.” With hits like his lead No. 1 single, Lover, Lover or his lighthearted barroom anthem One More Drinkin’ Song, which climbed into the Top 15 on country radio, Jerrod will have you singing along in no time!<br />
<h3><a href="http://www.cherryfestival.org/2012-event-schedule/108" target="_blank">Touchstone Energy Junior Royale Parade</a></h3><h5> July 12, 2012 6:30 p.m.</h5>See one of America's only Kids Parades, the Touchstone Energy Junior Royale Parade features the National Cherry Festival Prince and Princess court representing our 27 local Elementary schools. Come see clowns, marching bands, floats, and much more! This years theme is "America the Beautiful", celebrating the Sleeping Bear Sand Dune's designation as "America's Most Beautiful Place". The parade is approximately two hours.<br />
<h3><a href="http://www.cherryfestival.org/2012-event-schedule/157" target="_blank">Bay Side Music Stage - Blue Oyster Cult</a></h3><h5> July 12, 2012 8:00 p.m.</h5>Blue Öyster Cult (often abbreviated BÖC) is an American rock band from Long Island, New York, best known for such classic rock songs as "(Don't Fear) The Reaper", "Burnin' for You", and "Godzilla". Since the release of their self-titled debut album in 1972, the band has sold over 24 million albums worldwide, including 7 million in the United States alone. The band's music videos, especially "Burnin' for You", received heavy rotation on MTV when the music television network premiered in 1981, cementing the band's contribution to the development and success of the music video in modern pop culture. <br />
<h3><a href="http://www.cherryfestival.org/2012-event-schedule/159" target="_blank">Afterglow with Rocker Mitch Ryder</a></h3><h5> July 12, 2012 11:00 p.m.</h5>Rolling Stone Magazine has cited Mitch Ryder as one of the five most influential rock and roll singers to ever come from Detroit and has also published a special collectors issue entitled, “The Five Hundred Greatest Songs of All Time” which includes Mitch Ryder’s “Devil With the Blue Dress / Good Golly Miss Molly”; which was cut during his short sting with the ever changing back-up group The Detroit Wheels. If you are interested in witnessing a genuine legend perform join us for an afterglow party with Mitch Ryder at the Inside Out Gallery.<br />
<h3><a href="http://www.cherryfestival.org/2012-event-schedule/139" target="_blank">Cherryland Band Classic - MACBDA Championship Finals</a></h3><h5> July 13, 2012</h5>The Cherryland Band Classic will again host the Mid-American Competiting Band Directors Association Championships during the 86th National Cherry Festival! Come see first hand the hard work of bands from throughout the midwest compete for the title of MACBDA Champion!<br />
<h3><a href="http://www.cherryfestival.org/2012-event-schedule/132" target="_blank">Queen's Coronation Ball and Royale Auction</a></h3><h5> July 13, 2012</h5>Join us and meet the four candidates competing to be the 2011/2012 National Cherry Queen. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. with hors d'ouevres, cash bar, and live and silent auctions benefiting the Queen's Scholarship Program. Program will get underway at 8:00 p.m. with the crowning of the 2011/2012 Queen at 9:00 p.m.<br />
<h3><a href="http://www.cherryfestival.org/2012-event-schedule/153" target="_blank">Bay Side Music Stage - Grand Funk Railroad</a></h3><h5> July 13, 2012 8:00 p.m.</h5>Originally from Flint, Michigan, Grand Funk Railroad is an American rock band that made its name in the 1970's, selling out concert venues throughout the country. Since then the group still tours from coast to coast and was recently voted into the Michigan Legends Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2005 for several of their recordings. With songs out such as "We're an American Band" and "Some Kind of Wonderful" Grand Funk Railroad is always guaranteed to put on a fun and eventful concert.<br />
<h3><a href="http://www.cherryfestival.org/2012-event-schedule/160" target="_blank">Afterglow with Rocker Dick Wagner</a></h3><h5> July 13, 2012 11:00 p.m.</h5>Dick Wagner’s songs and lead guitar have been featured on more than 200 renowned albums, garnering more than 35 Platinum and Gold records, BMI songwriter awards, Emmys, and numerous prestigious international awards. More than forty years after launching his storied and dynamic career, hit songwriter, guitar virtuoso, producer and arranger, Dick Wagner, remains a brilliant, prolific and vibrant force in American music. Whether rock, blues, country, jazz or spiritual, Wagner’s songs continue to detail the essence of life. His guitar playing continues to inspire guitarists worldwide, and his production values recall the era of great songs with great melodies and universally accessible lyrics.<br />
<h3><a href="http://www.cherryfestival.org/2012-event-schedule/122" target="_blank">DTE Energy Cherry Royale Parade</a></h3><h5> July 14, 2012 11:15 a.m.</h5>Join us in kicking off the 86th National Cherry Festival's final day with the DTE Energy Cherry Royale Parade! Enjoy royalty, marching bands, Prince and Princess floats, clowns, specialty entries and much more! Wheelchair access on the corner of 6th and Union Street.<br />
<h3><a href="http://www.cherryfestival.org/2012-event-schedule/123" target="_blank">Cherry Idol Finals</a></h3><h5> July 14, 2012</h5>Cherry Idol finalists returned to the Bay Side Music Stage to compete for the 2012 Cherry Idol title!<br />
<h3><a href="http://www.cherryfestival.org/2012-event-schedule/152" target="_blank">Bay Side Music Stage - Here Come The Mummies</a></h3><h5> July 14, 2012</h5>Here Come the Mummies will bring their "Terrifying Funk from Beyond the Grave" and are looking forward to a party atmosphere in Traverse City on Saturday, July 14th! Enjoy Festival fireworks and great funk!<br />
<h3><a href="http://www.cherryfestival.org/2012-event-schedule/129" target="_blank">Festival Fireworks Finale Over West Grand Traverse Bay</a></h3><h5> July 14, 2012 10:30 p.m.</h5>It's a Fireworks Finale in grand style over West Grand Traverse Bay closing out the 2012 National Cherry Festival! Fireworks can be viewed along the south end of West Grand Traverse Bay near the Festival Open Space Park, Clinch Park Marina, Bryant and West End beaches.<br />
<h4> </h4></div>Anne Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18171242149358757581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8880621803132501861.post-91889452862731946772012-07-07T11:56:00.000-04:002012-07-07T11:56:00.407-04:00Cherry Festival-Traverse City<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><a href="http://www.cherryfestival.org/" target="_blank">The Cherry Festival</a><br />
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The Grand Traverse region, known for its world-record tart cherry harvest, bursts with visitors eager to savor the flavor of cherries tucked into everything imaginable. Each day Festival goers find cherry delights along with parades, family and kids events and entertainment. In all, there are more than 150 events along the shores of Lake Michigan's Grand Traverse Bay. The Festival has been named in <em><strong>USA Todays</strong></em> top ten festivals for several years running.</div>Anne Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18171242149358757581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8880621803132501861.post-58125649401703236142012-07-06T17:28:00.002-04:002012-07-06T17:28:54.110-04:00Polka Fest in Cedar<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">The The <strong><a href="http://www.cedarpolkafest.com/">2012 Cedar Polka Fest</a></strong> will be held July 5th, 6th, 7th & 8th, 2012. Highlights include a parade on Saturday at noon, softball tournament, a polka mass and (of course) polka under the big, big tent with the big names of polka. More details as we have them!<br />
<strong><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/beastiekeith/243445815/"><img align="right" alt="Polka!" height="160" hspace="4" src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/89/243445815_001dbef4b9_m.jpg" title="Polka!" width="240" /></a>Thursday, July 5, 2012</strong>The annual Cedar Polka Festival begins with the flag raising ceremony at 5:00 p.m. Music and dancing begins immediately after the ceremony. Music TBA.<br />
<strong>Friday, July 6, 2012</strong>Sidewalk Chalk Art at 10 am, meet at the Town Hall. Music and dancing beings at 2 pm.<strong></strong><br />
<strong>Saturday, July 7, 2012</strong>Polka Fest Parade beings at noon at the Solon Twp. Hall. All participants should be at the Solon Twp. Hall by 11:30 am sharp.<br />
Music and dancing begins at 2 pm and runs until 1 am.<br />
<strong>Sunday, July 8, 2012</strong>Polka Mass celebrated with Bishop Cooney begins at 11 am under the tent. Music and dancing resumes at 1 pm.<br />
<strong>Admissions-per person</strong><br />
<ul><li>Thursday & Sunday $5.00</li>
<li>Fri & Sat $10.00</li>
<li>3 Day Pass $20.00</li>
<li>(Ages 13 thru 20) 1/2 price when accompanied by parent</li>
<li>(Ages 12 & Under) Free when accompanied by parent</li>
</ul>For Info Phone: (231) 228-3378 or email <a href="mailto:cedarchamber@gmail.com">cedarchamber@gmail.com</a>.<br />
The photo is <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/beastiekeith/243445815/">Polka Dancing in Krakow</a> by beastiekeith. Check out the <a href="http://lcweb2.loc.gov/cocoon/legacies/MI/200003133.html">Library of Congress Local Legacies</a> and the <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&oe=UTF8&msa=0&msid=115935752141910902145.000444a415362433d9869&ll=44.964798,-85.755157&spn=0.600486,1.422729&t=p&z=10&iwloc=00044f4144b36cddc2ab0" target="_blank">Leelanau.com/map Cedar Polka Fest location</a></div>Anne Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18171242149358757581noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8880621803132501861.post-19236186046434996922012-07-05T13:53:00.000-04:002012-07-05T13:53:14.072-04:00Parades!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-taE9BKCbZgk/T_XUR6HgBII/AAAAAAAAAR0/DPaqrL86lFI/s1600/SDC10136.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-taE9BKCbZgk/T_XUR6HgBII/AAAAAAAAAR0/DPaqrL86lFI/s320/SDC10136.JPG" width="320" /></a></div></div>Anne Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18171242149358757581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8880621803132501861.post-16061599337697216452012-07-03T13:07:00.000-04:002012-07-03T13:07:24.922-04:00Jobs and mid-sized farms<a href="http://cherrycapitalfoodsllc.blogspot.com/">Cherry Capitol Foods<br />
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What do California and Michigan have in common besides thousands of miles of coastline? I would argue that as the 2 most agriculturally diverse states we are both poised to create jobs and opportunities around an often overlooked and neglected market sector, namely farming. Elanor Starmer blogs that "the midsized family farms that used to dominate U.S. agriculture are disappearing, and with them, the jobs they once brought on and off the farm. That's largely a consequence of the fact that over the last few decades, the number of companies that buy food from farmers, process it, and distribute it to consumers has shrunk while the size of the few left has grown dramatically" If you replace California with Michigan and SF Bay Area with GT Bay Area the similarities are uncanny.<br />
So, how can you help? One way is to "buy local" whenever you can. The Michigan Land Use Institute has a great program, "Spend 10 Local Dollars" and the resources to help. Check it out and let's help build more of those mid-sized farms that are crucial to our health and well being, economic growth, and food safety. Take the pledge!Anne Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18171242149358757581noreply@blogger.com0