What's Happening This Week (April 16-17)

Warmer days and plenty of sunshine have brought more trees and flowers into bloom around town, and we're excited about all the beautiful possibilities that springtime brings! And a lot of those possibilities are happening at Local Roots...

Local Agriculture and Society

This Thursday, April 15, Local Roots will host a discussion on local agriculture and society from 6:00-7:15 PM with Darwin Kelsey (Cuyahoga Countryside Conservancy) and Brian Gwin (Wayne Economic Development Council), moderated by Brad Masi. At 7:30, we will break into smaller groups to brianstorm ideas for the Mellinger Farm development. We would love to get wider community involvement in these discussions, as the Mellinger Farm can emerge in the years ahead as a great resource for local farming and education. Feel free to invite anyone in your network to the event -- there is no charge!

And don't forget, April 19 through 25 is Sustainable Agriculture Week. It's a great time to start a garden at home, visit a local farm, or -- dare we say it? -- buy plenty of good local food at Local Roots.

Felt Class

This week the felt session with Tara Herberger of the Fiber Arts Guild will celebrate Earth Day (April 22) by creating a cool "Table Top Mug Rug" and sharing ideas for your personal appreciation towards the 4 Elements of Earth - wind/water/fire/light. Friday 5-7 pm, Saturday 11-1. Class is $5.

A Toast to the Demo Kitchen!
From 9 AM to 11 AM on Saturday, Betsy Anderson (of Summer Hill Farm) will demonstrate making French toast, using a selection of breads from Local Roots producers. It's so easy to do, you'll want to buy a loaf (or two!) and make French toast a regular feature of your week!

Relax!

On Saturday the 17th from 9 AM to 1 PM, Rosanna Ralston, licensed massage therapist from Spa Collections, will offer chair massages at the market to raise money for Down To Earth Community Gardens (DECG). DECG is nonprofit organization that not only offers land to gardeners but is also starting the first Green Food Pantry in Orrville through the Salvation Army. DECG is currently working on expanding their gardens to more locations in Orrville and the surrounding area. Come help support another grassroots effort -- and feel totally relaxed afterward!

Local Roots Are Spreading

Now that the season of festivals has begun, Local Roots will start getting out into the community to share our vision for local foods and sustainable agriculture. Find us this Saturday, April 17, in Orrville at the YMCA Healthy Kids Day from 10 AM to 1 PM and Tuesday, April 20, at the 3rd Annual Scarlet, Gray, and Green Fair at the OSU Wooster Campus from 11 AM to 7 PM.

Know about other events where you think Local Roots should participate? Contact Jessica Eikleberry, Market Manager, at jessica [AT] localrootswooster [DOT] com with details.

Grand Opening May 15th!

That's right, we've finally set the date for our Grand Opening: Saturday, May 15. We'll have plenty of exciting activities that day, and we would like to invite our arts and crafts members back to the market to share their products! Please contact Jessica by May 1st for details or to reserve your spot. Keep your eye on this blog for details about Grand Opening events as they evolve. And be sure to bring a friend or two that day to help us spread the word about Local Roots!

Got News?
Just a reminder: the deadline for news, articles, or ideas for the May Local Roots newsletter is upon us. Got something you'd like to share? Drop a line to news [AT] localrootswooster [DOT] com and we'll help you get your news to a larger audience.