Happenings at Tremont Farmers Market

Diggin' it! at the Tremont Farmers' Market! There's a lot to dig into this week at the TfM! OUR INAUGURAL SUMMER MARKET  TUESDAY MAY 1ST FROM 4-7PM   TREMONT FARMERS' MARKET  TUESDAYS  4-7pm LINCOLN PARK PARKING ON BOTH SIDES OF WEST 14TH STREET BETWEEN STARKWEATHER AND KENILWORTH FROM 2-9PM     Vendors: Abby's Kitchen, Banyan Tree, Chagrin Falls Popcorn Shoppe, City Roast Coffee, J&R Farms, Lucky Penny Creamery, George Cormack, Godmother's Pizza, Morning DEW Orchards, Morningside Farms, Noon Sharpening, Ohio Farm Direct, Plant Kingdom Bakery, Por-Bar Farms, Pride of Cleveland Pierogies, Red Basket Farm, Spicehound, Sugar Me Desserterie, t by Sarah, Urban Artifaks, Urban Growth Farms & Valley City Fungi Food Trucks: Mad Mouth Gyros, The Nosh Box, Scott's Fire & Ice Catering and Zydeco Bistro  Highlights: Morning DEW Orchards Asparagus, cider and crunchy apples! Por-Bar Farms Strawberries, Ramps, Fresh Oregano & Thyme, Spring Mix Salad, Head Lettuce, Kale, Swiss Chard, Radishes and a few Squash & Zucchini SPECIAL: $5 Ramps (wild leeks)    J&R Farms Bone In Pork Chops for $3.49lb Fresh Kielbasa in casing $3.89lb Eggs, Chicken, beef & pork   Abby's Kitchen Organic Rhubarb Jam  Red Raspberry Jam Blueberry Jam MorningSide Farm Rhubarb, Kale, Swiss Chard Salad Turnips Ramps (wild onions) Mixed Variety Lettuce Salad mix with Mixed Variety Lettuce  Mizuna (Asian Dwarf Mustard) Chard Beet Greens Spinach Potted Garden Plants   Sugar Me Desserterie Cupcakes (chocolate, french vanilla, almond, ginger pear & mini rhubarb) Spiced Pear and Coconut Financiers Mini Deep South Cherry Pies Chocolate Chip Bundt Cake Salted Fudge Brownies Blueberry Scones Oatmeal Trail Mix Cookies Sugar Lime Cookies Chocolate Nirvana Cookies Sugared Ginger Cookies Lemon Linzer Cookies The Nosh Box NOW ACCEPTING VISA-MASTERCARD-DISCOVER AMERICAN EXPRESS Lamb Chops***$10 2 Tender, Juicy Lamb Chops ... Smothered With Mint Pesto Resting on a Bed of Seasoned Rice Ribeye Sandwich***$10 Marinated Angus Ribeye Carmelized Onions Horseradish Aioli Served On A Giant Kaiser Roll Chicken Flatbread***$8 Marinated Grilled Chicken Breast Grilled Red Peppers Grilled Onions Shredded Parmesan Cheese Creamy Ranch Sauce Served on a Warm Chewy Flatbread Roasted Tomato Bisque***$5 Cheddar Bread Cubes Fresh Basil Leaves Rosemary and Salt Tater Tots***$3 Strawberry Banana Smoothies***$3 Vietnamese Coffee Smoothies***$3   EBT PROUDLY ACCEPTED  EBT PRODUCE PERKS!  Starting in May of 2012, customers utilizing the Ohio Direction Card at participating famers' markets throughout Cuyahoga County can receive extra money or PRODUCE PERKS (in the form of market-dispensed tokens) towards the purchase of fresh fruits and vegetables. To receive your PRODUCE PERKS locate the Customer Service booth at any of the 17 participating farmers' market and use your Ohio Direction Card to purchase tokens. The farmers' market will provide a dollar-for-dollar match (up to $10) in PRODUCE PERKS tokens that can be used to purchase fresh produce from local farmers. "Produce Perks" will be redeemable at all participating markets and will be available while supplies last. How does this incentive differ from last year? Last year Ohio Direction Card customers were able to receive an extra $5 for every transaction they made for $5 or more at participating farmers' markets to use on all Ohio Direction Card eligible food items. The 2012 incentive is limited for use on fruits and vegetables only and starts with the first dollar you spend. There is no minimal transaction amount necessary to receive incentive tokens, therefore you can spend $1 and earn another $1. For more information and to see which markets are participating, please visit: Cleveland - Cuyahoga Food Policy Coalition     Make it a Great Day and see you at the Market! Jim    Our featured musician this week will beNATE JONES!  Learn More... SPONSOR TfM! 2012 Summer Market Sponsor Applications are now available! Support our mission! Learn More... Zydeco Bistro! Food Trucks at the TFM! See what Chef Johnny has in store... Learn More... Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds Fundraiser Sale! TfM is still offering seeds for sale at the market at the Information Booth for $2.50 and $3 each! Cash only!   Learn More... Metrohealth is our new title presenter! We are proud to announce our new title presenter MetroHealth! Stay tuned for more information on our partnership!   Learn More...

WEAPONS OF MASS CREATION FEST RETURNS TO CLEVELAND’S GORDON SQUARE ARTS DISTRICT FOR THIRD CONSECUTIVE YEAR

Regional creative event takes the next steps in its evolution to prepare for thousands of attendees

CLEVELAND, Ohio, April 25, 2012– Weapons of Mass Creation (WMC) Fest, the premier art, design and music event of the Midwest, returns to Gordon Square Arts District June 8^th-10^th, where 20 speakers, 20 designers and nearly 30 bands will enlighten and inspire 1,000+ attendees.

The concept was conceived three years ago by Jeff Finley, a partner at local design firm, Go Media, to build a sense of community and excitement among creative professionals who often interact online, but lack many opportunities to engage in person. WMC Fest has since brought entrepreneurs, musicians, artists, students and fans together to learn, become inspired, collaborate, network and celebrate.

“At many design conferences, there seems to be a disconnect between the attendees and the organizers,” says Finley. “Our goal is for WMC Fest to grow organically, without losing the personal connection that our participants have with their audiences.”

This approach was also applied when choosing the music line up, which will include over 30 bands across two stages ranging from punk and indie to folk and hip hop. Attendees can soak up the ambient soundscapes of Eluvium to the spastic energy of Cloud Nothings and Algernon Cadwallader. “We have really amped up the whole band experience this year with the addition of the colossal Saigon Plaza venue, the staggered dual stage approach, and a more diverse band roster to experience; all while keeping true to our roots and independent ethos,” said Jesse Sloan, music curator for WMC Fest. Saturday kicks off with a two-on-two break dance battle hosted by Cleveland b-boy staple Swift Ali. The winners receive a $500 cash prize.

Based on advance ticket sales and online buzz, over 1,000 attendees are expected at this year’s fest, a steady increase over the previous two years. In anticipation of the crowds, Finley has expanded the venues to include five key Gordon Square Arts District locations, all within walking distance, including:

• The Happy Dog: Pre-fest mixer
• Reinberger Auditorium: Speaker venue
• Saigon Plaza: Band venue
• ilTHY Workshop: Art & design show
• Spice Kitchen + Bar: VIP lounge

WMC Fest is funded by ticket sales, corporate sponsors, pre-fest fundraising events and, potentially, a Kickstarter initiative that is slated to raise $7,000 by Friday, May 4^th. The money will be used to fund growing expenses related to venue rentals, promotional efforts, a mobile app, and a robust street team.

The complete 2012 event schedule, including featured speakers, designers and bands, is online at WMCFest.com. Media contacts and industry partners are encouraged to attend events firsthand. For more information, including high-quality photography, video or interviews, please contact Jeff Finley at 216.939.0000 x227or Jeff@GoMedia.us.

CONGRESSWOMAN FUDGE PLANTS SEEDS TO FIGHT HUNGER, SUPPORT URBAN AGRICULTURE BY INTRODUCING "LET'S GROW ACT OF 2012"

For Immediate Release Belinda Prinz Communications Director Belinda.Prinz@mail.house.gov   (216) 522-4900 April 16, 2012

CONGRESSWOMAN FUDGE PLANTS SEEDS TO FIGHT HUNGER, SUPPORT URBAN AGRICULTURE  BY INTRODUCING "LET'S GROW ACT OF 2012" WASHINGTON, DC-- Congresswoman Marcia L. Fudge (OH-11) today will introduce the Let’s Grow Act of 2012 to support sustainable agriculture activities in American cities, promote urban farming, eradicate hunger and improve access to healthy food.  The legislation addresses the epidemic of hunger and the high rate of childhood obesity, as well as encourages health and wellness in our communities.  "This bill will allow American cities to address chronic problems dealing with hunger and obesity as well as health and wellness.  It will provide a path for more Americans to live healthier lives by focusing on local, fresh foods.  It provides incentives for urban gardening, which are especially important in urban areas including Cleveland, and gives agricultural entrepreneurs the support they need to grow and build successful enterprises," said Congresswoman Fudge. "This bill will give a generation of children, many of whom are estimated to have shorter life expectancies than their parents due to poor health, a hope for the future.  It will allow low-income residents access to healthier foods and improve their diets, relieving some of the stress on our current health care system.  With thousands of acres of vacant property from the foreclosure crisis as well as a recession that hit middle class families hard, many cities need investment in their local infrastructure, local food production, and the health of their residents." The bill: Improves access to nutritious food by promoting an expansion of the use of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefit at farmers markets across the nation and assisting local corner stores to offer more fresh food options; Lowers the rate of childhood obesity by creating the Farm-to-Preschool Program and a private, public partnerships to conduct assessments on the availability of nutritious foods served to children through federal feeding programs; Eradicates hunger through the Weekends and Holidays Without Hunger program for kids, and the expansion and modernization of The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), which makes funding for TEFAP food more responsive to changes in need through the creation of a trigger that ties funding to the unemployment rate.  This will increase support to food banks during an economic downturn. Encourages training and job creation by establishing the Urban Agricultural Workforce Training Pilot Programming, which provides grants to develop and implement urban agricultural workforce training programs. Incentivizes urban farming through the creation of the Urban Entrepreneur and Microenterprise Assistance Program, which includes training and operation support for prospective and struggling urban farmers, as well as a grant program to assist with the creation and sustaining of community gardens.  The legislation includes grants for eligible individuals and entities to acquire abandoned and/or foreclosed properties in urban areas to convert for agricultural uses, while supporting the conversion of public land to usage for urban farms and community gardens. The legislation could increase annual regional output and expand state and local tax collections as well as increase the food security of hundreds of thousands of people, especially residents who live in food deserts.

Cleveland Wwoofs!

Cleveland Wwoofs!

A one of a kind opportunity to explore Cleveland’s Local Food Movement!

Be our guest this summer – work at several of Cleveland’s up and coming nationally recognized urban farms and in return receive room and board at the one and only brand new Cleveland Hostel- Opening soon in the Ohio City neighborhood – the regional hub of local food and all things awesome!

Check out Cleveland Wwoofs Now - Follow this link:

http://www.growfood.org/farm/25608

Check out the Cleveland Hostel Now – Follow this link:

https://www.facebook.com/clevelandhostel

Please contact us today to schedule your visit!  - Thank you – Lilah Zautner, Neighborhood Progress, Inc.

Please note: Clevelanders are welcome to participate. However, to qualify for room and board your permanent address must be at least 80 miles outside of Cleveland. 

More information:

This is an amazing opportunity to be a part of nationally recognized urban farms—in the heart of Cleveland, Ohio, rated #2 in the nation for local food!!  Neighborhood Progress, Inc., through their ReImagining Cleveland initiative, is partnering with multiple urban farms and The Cleveland Hostel to provide a one-of-a-kind experience.  This volunteer adventure offers you the ability to gain experience on up to nine different farms located throughout the city ranging from industrial to residential neighborhoods.  Each farm is unique and you will be exposed to growing a wide array of crops, performing multiple tasks related to urban agriculture, and get to interact with the leaders of the urban farming movement. 

Your daily activities will vary depending on which farm you volunteer with, but generally will include: watering, planting, weeding, fertilizing, mulching, harvesting, composting, and chicken and bee husbandry.  Your ability to commit to a longer stay will allow you to experience more farms and opportunities, so a minimum stay of one week would be beneficial to all.  In addition to agricultural work, there is also a need for carpentry (sheds, fences, raised beds, compost systems), marketing and outreach (website development, print and social media and branding design), alternative building skills, and accounting.  Having a diverse skill set will be very helpful to our urban farms!

Happenings at Tremont Farmers' Market Today

Diggin' it! at the Tremont Farmers' Market! There's a lot to dig in to this week at the TfM!         TFM: INDOOR/OUTDOOR SPRING MARKET    Tuesday April 3rd from 4-7pm     HHoly Ghost Greek Catholic Church and Cultural Center  2420 W. 14th Street, Cleveland, OH 44113    Stop down and get everything you need for a healthy Easter or Passover dinner!    Vendors: Abby's Kitchen, Blaze Gourmet, J&R Farms, Lucky Penny Creamery, Godmother's Pizza, Morning DEW Orchards, Morningside Farms, Ohio Farm Direct, Plant Kingdom Bakery, Por-Bar Farms, t by Sara & Valley City Fungi   Highlights: Morning DEW Orchards Fresh Crisp & Juicy Apples Buy one basket and get two dollars off the second basket!    Por-Bar Farms Spring Mix Salad, Asian Greens, Spinach, Carrots & Beets MorningSide Farm Spinach, Kale, Chard, Arugula, Salad Mix & Beet Greens  Blaze Gourmet Answer Cowboy George's TRIVIA questions to save $1.00 on every item purchased   EBT Proudly accepted. EBT Incentive Program: Participants who use more than $5 from their Ohio Direction Cards receive an extra $5 to spend at the market.          Make it a Great Day and see you at the Market! Jim Votava   SPONSOR TfM! 2012 Summer Market Sponsor Applications are now available! Support our mission! Learn More... Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds Fundraiser Sale on April 3rd! TfM will be offering seeds for sale at the market beginning April 3rd from 4-7pm for $2.50 each!   Learn More...