Closure Of The Sacramento Campbell Soup Plant Will Be Very Painful

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This plant is only three miles from my house. Closure of the plant will rip open a new hole in the economy of South Sacramento, and the reverberations will be felt for miles in all directions, as customers disappear from shops, crime increases, and dependency grows. And what happens to the adjacent power plants (SPAC & Carson Ice-Gen)? Will they close too?:

It's an economic oasis in one of Sacramento's most impoverished neighborhoods – and an enduring symbol of the region's Big Tomato roots.

No wonder the shutdown of Campbell Soup Co.'s 65-year-old factory in south Sacramento, announced early Thursday, quickly became a bombshell felt up and down Franklin Boulevard and as far away as the Governor's Office.

The closure, to be completed in stages between now and next July, will eliminate 700 solidly blue-collar jobs, some paying $20 an hour or more. It won't stop Sacramento's late-arriving economic recovery, experts said, but it will hurt the job market and take another piece out of the region's middle class.

"Good jobs for poor people," said Monsignor James Church, pastor at nearby St. Rose Catholic Church. "This is going to whack our area – we're poor enough as it is."

Plant worker Dave Martin said the company had been dropping hints for months that the factory was in trouble, with managers complaining in staff meetings about slumping soup sales and bloated production costs. Campbell's has been losing market share as consumers drift away from canned soup.

Managers told workers that the Sacramento plant, whose workforce is represented by the Teamsters, pays the highest wages of any Campbell's factory, according to Martin. He added that some of the plant's chicken-noodle soup production was moved to another facility a month ago.

"Finally, today, they made the announcement they were closing it down," said Jesse Shanker, who has worked at the plant 22 years. "They told us that soup sales are going really, really slow, and it has been sliding over the years. And right now, they can't afford to run this plant."

Michigan Governor's 2010 Executive Budget

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Message from the Director, Bob Emerson

As Director of the Office of the State Budget, I would like to invite you to explore and make use of the many areas of our Web site. The State Budget Office is responsible for coordinating all aspects of the state budget including development of the Executive Budget recommendation, presentation of the budget to the Legislature and implementation of the budget after enactment. The Office also supervises and manages the collection and dissemination of educational data through the Center for Educational Performance and Information.

I am committed to providing comprehensive and useful information regarding the state budget and responsibilities of this office. I hope you find what you are looking for within our Web site.

**Governor Granholm's 2010 Executive Budget Addresses Structural Deficit, Protects Families
**Fiscal Year 2010 Executive Budget

Michigan Treasury

The Tax Saver's Credit Toolkit

To contact us Click HERE
A new resource from AARP—a Retirement Made Simpler partner—has been developed for HR professionals to help employees make the most of the Saver's Credit—a federal income tax credit of up to $1,000. Toolkit materials include intranet content, an e-mail message, materials for open enrollment packets, FAQs and more.

Click on either the Automatic 401(k) or Traditional Defined Contribution Plan Toolkit below to learn more about how you can help eligible employees claim this valuable tax credit.............

Retirement Made Simpler

Foreclosure Fallout: You'd rather Rent...It's not so easy anymore

To contact us Click HERE

Do you know the most common reason people don't want to buy a home? They'd rather rent. Do you rent? You will definitely want to follow me on this post.

Renting is easy? right? you just fill out the application, hand over the deposit, view the apartment, pay a little extra for a credit check. Done. Over. You got the keys. Much easier than buying a home.

As you know when you buy a home you've got to: get inspections(if you're wise) review lots of legal documents(will probably need an attorney, if you're wise), get all your bills and personal documents together over at least the last 6 months, fill out papers about every aspect of your life(your employment, credit history, residential history, auto, children, bills, assets, liabilities).

Well guess what? the same process has now arrived in the Rental world. We can look to a recent article in the New York Times. So look for this in your area soon if not already.

The lesson: If you're going to rent why not considering buying? The process is the same. Something to think about...
Click here to read the New York Times Article.

Here's all the Homes in Inkster, Michigan and Call me: Why?

To contact us Click HERE



Sometimes I forget, because I live here, that many of you aren't  familiar with the town of Inkster, Michigan where I do business. So I'm enclosing a link where you can see all the homes. Take a look around. There are prices for all budgets.

That said, let me tell you why my company is called Red Carpet Keim Will Cooperate. Of course the Red Carpet Keim are trade names for real estate company. But what you may not know is about the Will Cooperate. When I first started in this business I had a saying on my building which said I will help you help you. Sounds redundant right? Well here's the deal.

You would be surprised how many people in this day and age think I should just give them a list of homes and send them them on their way to look at them and then purchase them from others. Well my friends, that is not how real estate works. Did you realize that you can have ANY real estate agent sell you a home. Because you see the signs in the windows or in the yard doesn't mean that is the only person or agent that you can buy a home from.

If this were the case, there would be only a few businesses in business. There are different types of real estate agents: some list, some sell and hopefully some do both. But the real estate person of your choosing  can sell you a home. We as professional real estate agents just need to be clear who we are representing. Some times you can find an agent to represent you in a transaction and they will do all they can to help you get the home of your dreams. Then there are agents, unfortunately , may only want to sell you what they've listed.
You see professionals want you to get the home you want. They will work with the listing agent or sales agents to make that possible. This in no way hurts your transaction.

So pick the real estate agent of your choosing. Do business with them and know they should help you to get the home for which you qualify.


Here is that link. Go house hunting and then, I hope, you'll give me a call.
Willie

Fw: Unclaimed Money from the Government

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Federal and state governments are currently seeking the owners of billions of dollars in unclaimed property.  Does the government owe you money? Each year, 25,000 payments are returned to the Department of the Treasury as undeliverable. Billions of dollars in savings bonds have stopped earning interest, but haven't been cashed. It's free and easy to find out if you, your family, or your neighbors have unclaimed property. Visit USA.gov today to find out if the government owes you money. . If you have questions, contact us. Stay Connected to USA.GOV: Facebook  Twitter  YouTube  Our Blog .

To contact us Click HERE

Harvest Moon The full Moon nearest the autumnal equinox (September 29 this year) is called the Harvest Moon. This full Moon helps the harvest by providing more light at the right time than do other full Moons. • Usually the Moon rises about 50 minutes later each day, but around the time of the autumnal equinox, it rises only about 30 minutes later in the United States—even less in Canada. • Gardeners and farmers can take advantage of the moonlight at this time of year and continue their day's work in harvesting crops. Read more about why we give importance to this Moon in our article "Shine On, Harvest Moon." The September full Moon is also known as the Corn Moon or Barley Moon. See our September guide for full Moon times, best days by this Moon, a video, and more. Dreams of a full Moon predict unusual success in matters of love. A harvest Moon means that you will get unusually good returns on investments of energy or money.

JAZZ FUNDRAISER for ERIC ADAMS

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UNITED MUSIC MAKERS and UP OVER JAZZ requests the pleasure of your company at a live jazz fundraiser in support of ERIC ADAMS for BROOKLYN BOROUGH PRESIDENT 2013   WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2012 6:00 till 10:00 PM   Sugar Hill Supper Club-609 DeKalb Ave @ Nostrand Bedford Stuyvesant,Brooklyn 11216   Contributions: make check payable to Eric Adams 2013, contributions can also be made online at www.EricAdams2013.com. Corporate and business checks not accepted   Presidential Debate shown on television at 9:00 PM   RSVP: Mike Howard-347.416.2400 or Bob Myers e:mail: upoverbob@aol.com   Jazz entertainment provided, cash bar, dinner available   State law prohibits making a contribution in someone else's name, reimbursing someone for a contribution made in your name, being reimbursed for a contribution made in your name, or claiming to have made a contribution when a loan is made."

Fw: Safely Dispose of Medications on Saturday, September 29

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Saturday is National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day. This is a great opportunity to safely dispose of unwanted, unused, or expired medications. Search for a collection site near you.       You received this message because you are subscribed to e-mail updates from USA.gov.   If you have questions, contact us. Stay Connected to USA.GOV: Facebook  Twitter  YouTube  Our Blog .

Vernor's

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Vernor opened a drug store of his own on Woodward Avenue, and sold his ginger ale at its soda fountain. According to the 1911 trademark application on "Vernor's" as a name for ginger ale and extract, Vernors entered commerce in 1880. City by city, Vernor sold bottling franchises, with operators of those franchises required to strictly adhere to the recipe. In 1896, Vernor closed his drugstore to concentrate on the ginger ale business alone. Initially, Vernors was only sold via soda fountain franchises, but later Vernors was bottled for home consumption.

Should I buy a home?

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I can't answer that question for you but I can give you something to think about. I read an article today that may give you another way in looking at your living space and assessing if a new home is for you.

The article was in a real estate magazine called "Realtor" (January 2011 edition). Standing out from the many articles was this one particular story on the last page of the magazine. After reading it, I think it should have been the first article in the magazine with the whole magazine dedicated to the issue of "home".

Mary Catherine, a cultural anthropologist, author of Composing A Further Life: The Age of Active Wisdom, recounted what her home, which she has owned for 50 years, means to her. I loved that an anthropologist had something to say on this issue. Just goes to show you that the concept of "home" is at the center of our universe and impact all aspects of our life.

After taking trips required because of her anthropology expeditions,Mary Catherine would notice upon return to her home things like the trees in the yard being substantially taller.Does that happen to you? perhaps you notice a bush in the yard which appears much different than a year ago? She even noticed how different the land looked to her depending on which child she was taking a walk with.

Mary recounted how decorative changes were made in the homeb because of the changing interests of the family. Her artwork was from items passed down in the family, down to the Christmas tree ornaments from every era of her life.

She also noticed some of those odd places in the home which the family would become creative in decorating to meet their needs. Do you have some area of your house which you don't like and have decorated in order create an illusion?

Also, I liked that she wanted her home to reflect what "she liked" instead of what is trendy. She fell in love with the design of "her home". Do you have favorite spaces in your home? or do you wish you had that special room for your crafts or hobbies?

Mary was asked how she would use her anthropology background to help realtors. And I think some of what she said could give you something to think about.

Here's what I believe she would ask: do you entertain? do you entertain formally or informally? what about working from home? do you cook alot or very little? do you have overnight guests? do you have a bathroom which works for your family?

These are just a few questions. But, you get it don't you? I'm sure you can think of other things: look around and be honest about if your home truly meets your needs. Do you need more space for parties? do you need additional private space for your hobbies, do you hate some of the rooms in the home which go unused because of their location or "feeling"? would you entertain more if your home had more space? does your home make you feel happy?

Questions like these are clues. If overall you think your space does not feel "homey" nor makes you feel comfortable it may be that one solution could be looking for another home. Be honest with yourself; your home depends on it.

How you feel in your space?

Great story Realtor Magazine and thanks to you Barbara Ballinger for this story.

Call me,
Willie

Foreclosure Fallout: You'd rather Rent...It's not so easy anymore

To contact us Click HERE

Do you know the most common reason people don't want to buy a home? They'd rather rent. Do you rent? You will definitely want to follow me on this post.

Renting is easy? right? you just fill out the application, hand over the deposit, view the apartment, pay a little extra for a credit check. Done. Over. You got the keys. Much easier than buying a home.

As you know when you buy a home you've got to: get inspections(if you're wise) review lots of legal documents(will probably need an attorney, if you're wise), get all your bills and personal documents together over at least the last 6 months, fill out papers about every aspect of your life(your employment, credit history, residential history, auto, children, bills, assets, liabilities).

Well guess what? the same process has now arrived in the Rental world. We can look to a recent article in the New York Times. So look for this in your area soon if not already.

The lesson: If you're going to rent why not considering buying? The process is the same. Something to think about...
Click here to read the New York Times Article.

Here's all the Homes in Inkster, Michigan and Call me: Why?

To contact us Click HERE



Sometimes I forget, because I live here, that many of you aren't  familiar with the town of Inkster, Michigan where I do business. So I'm enclosing a link where you can see all the homes. Take a look around. There are prices for all budgets.

That said, let me tell you why my company is called Red Carpet Keim Will Cooperate. Of course the Red Carpet Keim are trade names for real estate company. But what you may not know is about the Will Cooperate. When I first started in this business I had a saying on my building which said I will help you help you. Sounds redundant right? Well here's the deal.

You would be surprised how many people in this day and age think I should just give them a list of homes and send them them on their way to look at them and then purchase them from others. Well my friends, that is not how real estate works. Did you realize that you can have ANY real estate agent sell you a home. Because you see the signs in the windows or in the yard doesn't mean that is the only person or agent that you can buy a home from.

If this were the case, there would be only a few businesses in business. There are different types of real estate agents: some list, some sell and hopefully some do both. But the real estate person of your choosing  can sell you a home. We as professional real estate agents just need to be clear who we are representing. Some times you can find an agent to represent you in a transaction and they will do all they can to help you get the home of your dreams. Then there are agents, unfortunately , may only want to sell you what they've listed.
You see professionals want you to get the home you want. They will work with the listing agent or sales agents to make that possible. This in no way hurts your transaction.

So pick the real estate agent of your choosing. Do business with them and know they should help you to get the home for which you qualify.


Here is that link. Go house hunting and then, I hope, you'll give me a call.
Willie

Triple your gift!

To contact us Click HERE

Triple your gift! A generous donor has offered to match your gift, two-to-one, as a challenge to support ISLAND’s work in the community. Make your tax-deductible gift before midnight, August 31, and your gift will be matched two to one, up to a total of $6,000.
Your contribution supports your commitment to ecology, agriculture and the arts in small places like northwest lower Michigan. Your dollars will fund three major programs:
Creation of new art: The Hill House Residency Program is an artist residency serving emerging musicians, writers at all stages of their career and a growing selection of non-studio artists. Awards are given to between 12 and 18 artists each year and consist of time and space—two to four weeks in a rustic log cabin near the Jordan River, stocked with local and organic food—to support artists and the creation of new art. 
Support of beginning farmers: The CRAFT Program, the Collaborative Regional Alliance for Farmer Training, enhances agricultural internships through a regional network of farms. Each growing season a score of small farms take turns hosting workshops, farm tours and social potlucks as a way for interns to gain exposure to a wide range of agricultural techniques and management styles, and to build community amongst young and beginning farmers.
Skill building for community self reliance: Workshops and Skill Swaps focus on building community self-reliance through a wide range of skills, like beekeeping, home-mushroom production, wildlife tracking, tractor and chainsaw safety, cordwood building, fruit tree grafting, and fermentation. The Goat Skill Swap and Radical Homemaking Skill Swap are mini-conferences with focused, hands-on skill building. ISLAND has hosted nearly 100 different events over the last six years, with over 100 more slated for 2012.

A generous donor has recognized ISLAND’s important work in this community. Please join her in supporting local agriculture, the arts and ecology.

Two easy ways to give:

1. Donate online at www.artmeetsearth.org
2. Send your check to: ISLAND at 5870 Cottage Drive, Bellaire, MI 49615

PS: There are only a few short weeks before our August 31 deadline. Your gift will be matched two to one, so please give today!

Putting By

To contact us Click HERE

How to can, pickle, freeze, dry and cure—so you can enjoy the harvest all year 

Come learn how to can, pickle, freeze, dry and cure; or if you know how, come join in the fun of preserving food in a group setting. Canning jars, lids and produce will be provided. Each participant will learn hands-on, and take home a share of the finished product the end of the workshop. There will be take-home info and resources available. Each event is tentative and subject to change based on the season. For more information and to register, contact Mary at (231) 522-6262 or mary@artmeetsearth.org.July 26: Pickles and dilly beans
at Bliss Gardens Farm and Community Kitchen in Cross Village

August 9: Raspberry jam
at King Orchards in Central Lake

August 12: Blueberry jam
at King Orchards in Central Lake

August 23: Pickles and dilly beans
at Birch Point Farm in Traverse City

August 30: Freezing sweet corn
at King Orchards in Central Lake

September 4: Canning tomatoes
at the Wells Family Farm in Williamsburg

September 6: Tomatoes: Canned, frozen, and dried
at Bliss Gardens Farm and Community Kitchen in Cross Village

October 13 & 14: Hog breakdown and charcuterie
at Epicure Catering in Omena

Many thanks to our supporters and partners: Rising Star Wellness Center, Edible Grande Traverse, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, Northern Michigan Small Farm Conference

 

Renovated Homes, First Come First serve. Ideal for Potential Buyers with small budgets. Downpayment assistance possible!

To contact us Click HERE

Campaign begins 1/31/2011.
First Come First Serve

In 15 Metro Detroit areas:

"The 15 municipalities in Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties are offering down payment assistance from as little as $5,000 up to as much as 50 percent of the purchase price of the home. The 15 municipalities partnering in the coalition include: Eastpointe, Ecorse, Ferndale, Hazel Park, Holly, Inkster, Keego Harbor, Lake Orion, Oak Park, Ortonville, Pontiac, Redford, River Rouge, Royal Oak Township and Westland." according to press release from MAR

"To qualify for this program, buyers must have a minimum income of at least $1,200 per month (minimum income can include employment, social security, alimony and child support.) For qualified buyers, down payment assistance and credit counseling are available through several government programs." according to Michigan Assn. of Realtors

“These foreclosed houses are ideal for potential buyers with small budgets..."

If interested call 1-313-274-3141

Image above is not one of the sample homes(used for posting only)

Foreclosure Fallout: You'd rather Rent...It's not so easy anymore

To contact us Click HERE

Do you know the most common reason people don't want to buy a home? They'd rather rent. Do you rent? You will definitely want to follow me on this post.

Renting is easy? right? you just fill out the application, hand over the deposit, view the apartment, pay a little extra for a credit check. Done. Over. You got the keys. Much easier than buying a home.

As you know when you buy a home you've got to: get inspections(if you're wise) review lots of legal documents(will probably need an attorney, if you're wise), get all your bills and personal documents together over at least the last 6 months, fill out papers about every aspect of your life(your employment, credit history, residential history, auto, children, bills, assets, liabilities).

Well guess what? the same process has now arrived in the Rental world. We can look to a recent article in the New York Times. So look for this in your area soon if not already.

The lesson: If you're going to rent why not considering buying? The process is the same. Something to think about...
Click here to read the New York Times Article.

Here's all the Homes in Inkster, Michigan and Call me: Why?

To contact us Click HERE



Sometimes I forget, because I live here, that many of you aren't  familiar with the town of Inkster, Michigan where I do business. So I'm enclosing a link where you can see all the homes. Take a look around. There are prices for all budgets.

That said, let me tell you why my company is called Red Carpet Keim Will Cooperate. Of course the Red Carpet Keim are trade names for real estate company. But what you may not know is about the Will Cooperate. When I first started in this business I had a saying on my building which said I will help you help you. Sounds redundant right? Well here's the deal.

You would be surprised how many people in this day and age think I should just give them a list of homes and send them them on their way to look at them and then purchase them from others. Well my friends, that is not how real estate works. Did you realize that you can have ANY real estate agent sell you a home. Because you see the signs in the windows or in the yard doesn't mean that is the only person or agent that you can buy a home from.

If this were the case, there would be only a few businesses in business. There are different types of real estate agents: some list, some sell and hopefully some do both. But the real estate person of your choosing  can sell you a home. We as professional real estate agents just need to be clear who we are representing. Some times you can find an agent to represent you in a transaction and they will do all they can to help you get the home of your dreams. Then there are agents, unfortunately , may only want to sell you what they've listed.
You see professionals want you to get the home you want. They will work with the listing agent or sales agents to make that possible. This in no way hurts your transaction.

So pick the real estate agent of your choosing. Do business with them and know they should help you to get the home for which you qualify.


Here is that link. Go house hunting and then, I hope, you'll give me a call.
Willie

Downtown Detroit is coming back...

To contact us Click HERE
With all the talk about foreclosures, razing properties, crime one would think Detroit is on its last leg. But it's not. Don't buy into the hype. Watch the trends: companies like Quicken Loans relocating to Downtown Detroit. Artists and younger people setting up new businesses.

Not long ago a couple started their own custom hats and designer clothes in the Detroit area, after checking in cities like New York and Atlanta for opportunities.

And you can start off reading this article if you don't believe it's true:

For Article click here. 




Image: Magic Johnson with Detroit Venture Partners by Carlos Orsorio, Photographer

A Big Thank You...Taking a break...

To contact us Click HERE
This blog has been in existence for about 5 years. I'm on a break currently from blogging but please go through the posts and enjoy the pictures of some homes in Inkster and my insights on things related to Real Estate.

 Our office is still up and running and if you have any questions please feel free to contact the Sales Manager Ernestine Williams or one of the many staff people at the office. I want to thank you for reading the blog posts, sharing them. I'm also taking a small break from Social Media including facebook and twitter posts.

Thanks so much for your understanding.

You are what makes a house a "home".

Willie

Learning how to Weld

To contact us Click HERE

Inside the metal-roofed barn, stale with hot air accumulated from the Sunday sun, stood ten participants of a welding workshop listening ardently to the information their instructor, Derek Newland, was giving to them. “There is more to welding than just knowing how to weld,” said Derek, a twenty-seven year old Bellaire local. Derek got his start when he moved to Canada six years ago and since has had experience from production to military welding. “For instance, you can use cardboard as a shield against flammable objects if you soak it in water first,” Derek continued.

The July 22nd event at Derek’s family home marked the second success for an ISLAND welding workshop. ISLAND is an arts and ecology institute in Bellaire dedicated to connecting people with skills and resources to help build a strong local community. “Today we are going to be working in two groups,” instructed Derek, “Those who want to use welding for farming purposes and the artsy folk.” The group looked around at each other heedfully; with some it was easy to tell which application they would choose, yet others were harder to place. Derek continued to explain that generally everybody would continue to work together in one group but there would be two separate focus projects. For those with a desire to work on farm equipment, the days project would be to build a broadfork, a sort of pitch fork that uses one’s body weight to dig into the ground and loosen soil; for those wanting to create art, well, the day would start by uncovering lost treasures in various piles of rusty scrap metal. 
As the group separated into individuals—some digging through and discovering old-turned-new pieces of scrap, others huddling around a large piece of paper telling tales of how to construct a simple yet valuable tool—Derek rolled out a small red Lincoln Electric welder. “Gather round please,” Derek was preparing to give the class a demo.“Today we are going to learn about MIG welding.” Derek proceeded to talk about some basic safety measures, metal preparation and handling, all the while preparing himself for the first weld of the day. He slipped on a worn yellow leather jacket to protect his arms from the heat and fly away sparks; on his head he wore a backwards baseball cap covered in american flags, “By wearing your hat backwards you are able to protect your head and your neck at the same time,” he advised.
With a slight breeze from the lone rickety fan in the corner, Derek bent over two pieces of metal and demonstrated how to make a tack weld. When he was finished, one by one each student was able to have a turn at making their own tack weld. Derek waited patiently beside each person as they made their attempt. He gave them each personal pointers and let them try as many times as they needed until they felt comfortable with the process. Throughout the next few hours this rotation continued between one-on-one instruction and group discussion. By the end of the day, though worn from heat, smiles sparked the air congratulating one another on the progress the group made together on their various projects. “Welding is the ultimate skill for a do-it-yourselfer,” exclaimed Brad Kik, co-director of ISLAND and workshop attendee, “I’ve been working with wood for a decade, but there are some projects that are just meant for metal-working.”
Join us for the 3rd ISLAND Welding Workshop with Derek Newland on Sunday September 30th. Preregistration is required. For more information call (231) 622-5252 or email mary@artmeetsearth.org

Art Schoolmaster welding part of a broadfork
 
Brad Kik welding part of a broadfork   Julie Martinson grinding scrap metal in preparation for welding  

From Farm to Frame: Ripe Moments Through the Le

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From Farm to Frame: Ripe Moments Through the Lensfrom the farmfrom the marketfrom the tableFrom Farm to Frame: Ripe Moments Through the Lens is a photo contest that will showcase the beauty of small farms and local food through three different categories: from the farm, from the table, and from the markets. Awards reception October 23, 5:30pm to 7:30pm at the Carnegie Building Exhibition October 23 to November 25, 2012 at Crooked Tree Arts Center CALL TO ARTISTS: All photographs must have been taken in Emmet or Charlevoix Counties and must not have been previously exhibited at Crooked Tree Arts Center. Jury selected photographs will hang in an exhibition at Crooked Tree Arts Center in the Lower Level Gallery; cash and prizes will be awarded to all winning entrants. Top prize also includes publication in Edible Grande Traverse. Submit work online at www.crookedtree.org. Deadline: September 14, 2012. For more information: Visit www.artmeetsearth.org, or call (231) 622-5252 Many thanks to our sponsors and partners: American Spoon Bear Cub Outfitters Blackbird Gardens Coveyou Scenic Farm Crooked Tree Arts Center Edible Grande Traverse Fleming Feirm The Grain Train Jolly’s Cookies and Café Julienne Tomatoes Institute for Sustainable Living, Art & Natural Design (ISLAND) Lake Street Market Local Eats Magnum Hospitality: Café Santé & Red Mesa Grill Michigan’s Guide to Local Cooking No Boundaries Northern Copy Express Palette Bistro Petoskey Community Victory Garden/ Farming For Our Future Petoskey-Harbor Springs Area Community Foundation Pond Hill Farm Stafford’s Hospitality SweetGrass Framing Toski Sands Twisted Olive Café

Vote for the Food Preservation Trailer!

To contact us Click HERE

Food Preservation on Wheels—a canning, curing, fermenting kitchen in a trailerVOTE HERE

Awesome Food, the Food Chapter of the Awesome Foundation for the Arts and Sciences is offering a grant for $1,000 to an organization that will make our food more awesome. Our idea? Food preservation on wheels!Ideas are open to public voting from August 23 to September 6. All submissions with 50 votes or more will advance to the final round of judging by Awesome Food’s Trustees for a chance to win a $1,000 grant.

Picture a small enclosed trailer that can be pulled onto any one of a hundred small farms at the peak of produce ripeness. Folks gather, the trailer doors open, and in about 30 minutes everyone is getting to work in a three-season high-efficiency food preservation kitchen. A tent keeps wind, sun or rain off of a bank of high-BTU burners, boiling away at hot water baths and pressure canners. Inside the trailer, a sink and food prep station allows up to six people to work at prepping produce. With a few small modifications, the same trailer can be outfitted to ferment kimchi or sauerkraut, or make yogurt, or even demonstrate the slaughter of small livestock like goats, sheep or pigs.

With this trailer we can:
1) make food preservation a party. Folks can come to learn, or to update their skills, or they can come to meet new folks, hang out with friends and keep the drudgery away.
2) close the gap between a small farm's surplus and the cellar pantry for scores of families.
3) connect the dots between food preservation and the economy, culture and ecology of our small places.

VOTE TODAY!


Think this idea is so awesome that you'd like to support it with dollars and votes? Click the link below to donate online.

Storing Root Vegetables

To contact us Click HERE

Saturday, September 22 from 2 - 4 p.m.
Grace Episcopal Church, 341 Washington Street, Traverse CityLearn to store root vegetables straight through the long winters of our part of the world with a panel of community experts who practice a range of models for winter food storage—from ancient methods like burying vegetables below the frost line to new technologies like CoolBot and time-honored, future-proof systems for storing food without electric inputs.

Suggested donation $5-10. Space is limited and pre-registration is required. For more information call (231) 622-5252 or email mary@artmeetsearth.org. Sponsored by ISLAND and supported by Grace Episcopal Church, the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service,  Northern Michigan Small Farm Conference, Bay Area Recycling for Charities, Oryana, and Rising Star Wellness Center.

Radical Homemaking in October

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Food Preservation: Canning ApplesauceMonday, October 1 from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm
at the Martha Wagbo Farm and Education Center, 5745 Michigan 66, East JordanCome learn how to can and freeze applesauce from organic apples; or if you know how, come join in the fun of a community canning party. Organic produce, organic sugar, canning jars and lids will be provided. Each participant will prepare and can applesauce hands-on, and take home a share of the jars at the end of the class. There will also be take-home info and resources available. Class size is limited.Cost is $15-25, sliding scale. Preregistration is required. A partnership of ISLAND, the Martha Wagbo Farm and Education Center, Northern Michigan Small Farm Conference, and USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service.For more information call 231-622-5252 or email mary@artmeetsearth.org

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Hand Tool SharpeningThursday, October 4 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
at the Bellaire Community Hall, 202 North Bridge Street, BellaireFrustrated with the quality of edge tools Nick Carlson, of Carlson Tree Service, took it upon himself to learn, "the best way to create a durable, and sharp edge. This creates a safer tool to work with. Once you work with a well tuned hand tool, there is no going back!" In this workshop, Nick will cover edge tool sharpening systems, both in shop and in the field, the theory behind a sharp edge, as well as how to bring an old tool back for use once again, from junk shop to tool bench.TBA. A partnership of ISLAND, Northern Michigan Small Farm Conference, and USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service.For more information call (231) 622-5252 or email mary@artmeetsearth.org

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Radical Homemaking Skill SwapSunday, October 7 from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
at the Ware Farm, 9014 Alkire Road, Bear LakeFill your home with the simple luxuries of delicious food, spirited evenings, and a clean home the way they did 100 years ago—and might still again—with this all-day workshop on the lost arts of real home economics. Community experts from herbalists to backyard chicken farmers revive grandparent knowledge of days gone by with classes on breadmaking, natural cleaning, fermentation, and more. Cost is $15 for anyone registered before September 30, $20 for walk-ins and late registrants.

For more information call (231) 622-5252 or email mary@artmeetsearth.orgCo-sponsored by ISLAND, Great Lakes Bioneers and Ware Farm, and supported by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, Northern Michigan Small Farm Conference, Bay Area Recycling for Charities, Oryana, and Rising Star Wellness Center.

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2nd Annual Hog Breakdown and Charcuterie WorkshopSaturday, October 13 and Sunday, October 14
at Epicure Catering, 5530 N West Bayshore Drive, Omena, MIThis is a two-day event led by Chef Steven Grostick of Toasted Oak Grill and Market, Novi. The workshop will start with a hands-on hog breakdown. Then, learn how to use simple techniques to preserve meat in your own home through salting, smoking and curing. Techniques will be discussed in detail, you will get hands-on experience and fresh take home pork to preserve. Gourmet lunch by Epicure Catering. Bring your own boning knife.The cost to attend this two-day workshop is $300-400, sliding scale. The rate for couples is $550-$650.For more information call (231) 622-5252 or email mary@artmeetsearth.org

A partnership of ISLAND, Epicure Catering, Northern Michigan Small Farm Conference, and USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service.

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Saving Seeds from the Farm and GardenTuesday, October 23 from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm
at Michigan Works (south entrance of the building), 1209 S. Garfield, Traverse City, MIFarmers and gardeners that save seeds benefit in a number of ways—not only do they preserve rare varieties and develop new ones suited to particular growing conditions, they save money, preserve heritage, and support a more secure local food system. In this workshop, seed-saving enthusiast Craig Schaaf provides some basic techniques for saving seeds on farms and in home gardens, including tips and tricks for propagating many common vegetable species.Suggested donation $15. Space is limited and pre-registration required. For more information call (231) 622-5252 or email mary@artmeetsearth.org.For more information call 231-622-5252 or email mary@artmeetsearth.org

A partnership of ISLAND, the Michigan Land Use Institute, Northern Michigan Small Farm Conference, and USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service.
 

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