Come down, test your knowledge of co-ops, sustainable growing, and all things co-op.  Prizes will be awarded – don’t miss out!

It’s time to get back on the road! Is your bike ready to ride? Learn how to do it yourself with expert help from Ben Witt, owner of Milltown Cycles in Faribault. Ben will teach you how to properly grease the chain, air the tires, lubricate the cables, and change a flat. The last part of class Ben will offer a quick diagnostic on your bike (one bike per person, please) to let you know if there’s more serious stuff that needs work before you head out for a ride. Don’t miss this opportunity to be free-wheeling again! You will be all set for Bike to Work Day on May 10.

About the book:

“Turn Here Sweet Corn is an unexpected page-turner. Atina Diffley’s compelling account of her life as a Minnesota organic farmer is deeply moving not only from a personal standpoint but also from the political. Diffley reveals the evident difficulties of small-scale organic farming but is inspirational about its value to people and the planet.”—Marion Nestle, author of What to Eat

“This book is wonderful on so many levels: the swift moving and dramatic story of Atina and Martin Diffley, the farmers of Gardens of Eagan, as they confront wild weather, development pressure, and pipelines. The transformation of Tina into Atina, from confused teenager to strong, passionate, and committed leader in organic agriculture. A powerful argument for organic farming and a must read for anyone thinking of farming—a vivid and realistic picture of the beauties, satisfactions, and stresses of farming as a way of life. And finally, a vision of hope for the future: blending intuitive faith in our oneness with Nature, the most advanced biological science, and the power of community.”—Elizabeth Henderson, author of Sharing The Harvest: A Citizen’s Guide to Community Supported Agriculture

“What strikes me most about this amazing memoir is that for those of us who aren’t farmers but who are versant in such issues as organics, soil building, diversity, GMOs, certification and more—it is utterly different to hear how the farmer herself grapples with them in her daily life. Unlike reading about the same issues in an article, it’s immediate, powerful, tender, heartbreaking and above all, encouraging.”—Deborah Madison, author of Local Flavors, Cooking and Eating from America’s Farmers Markets

How does purchasing a house contribute to financial sustainability? Learn to search for and evaluate properties, as well as assess, apply, and qualify for various methods of financing. Participants will consider factors that contribute to housing expenses, compare the costs of owning vs renting, and receive tools to evaluate the financial sustainability of various choices. Instructor Linne Jensen is a licensed realtor with Edina Realty who has been working with home buyers and sellers since 1994 and living in Northfield since 1970. She is a founding member of Just Food Co-op.

By understanding Mother Nature’s approach to natural lawn care, we can mimic a process that has endured the age of time! This is the premise behind ‘The LAWN (Light-Air-Water-Nutrients) Principles’. Learning to think naturally, not chemically, to a beautiful lawn is possible. Instructor Brian Tjaden uses a product called corn gluten as a lawn application and developed a custom program for it – the Natural LAWN Program. It integrates corn gluten into your annual routine lawn maintenance, with a methodology that makes it successful. You CAN have a green AND chemical-free lawn.

Start from the perspective of developing a new project for home owners as well as commercial buildings. The focus will be on the Passive House building energy standard, surpassing energy needs with surplus renewable energy production, and designing for year round food production. Project planning and considerations will look at longer term benefits and impact of this type of new construction.

1. Grilled Gardenburgers (on sale for $2.99 for a box of 4) with a side of Alexia sweet potato fries (on sale for $2.29).

2. Annie Chun’s mini-wontons (on sale for owners for $2.59) cooked in Pacific Foods chicken broth (on sale for $2.59). Add a few chopped veggies like carrots, cabbage, or broccoli.

3. Annie’s Mac & Cheese (on sale for $1.99) mixed with steamed SnoPac broccoli (regular price $2.59) or Natural Sea tuna (on sale for $1.99).

Thursday, March 22, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Be sure to register 72 hours before event.
Cost is $25/$23 owners.
To register for this class click here: http://www.eventbrite.com/event/2807077043

Hear Vayu’s tips for how to keep our kids interested in healthy foods and how to prepare them. Vayu grew up in Sweden with an international family focus on food which taught him the importance of quality food prepared with creativity and love. He is the owner of Young New York Chefs, a NYC cookery school, and founder of Firebellies, the first Carleton 100% cooking club.

Raising Young Chefs will be held in the Community Room on Thursday, March 15, 7-8:30 p.m. The cost is free, but registration is required.

Click http://www.eventbrite.com/event/2807030905 to register.

CSA farmers sell “shares” in their upcoming harvest during the spring, giving them the capital to prepare for the growing season. Then, usually from about June to October, the folks who have purchased shares (usually referred to as CSA members) head to the farm each week to pick up an often bountiful basket of whatever is in season. By purchasing a share, CSA members share in both the risks and the rewards of the season.

This year, attendees will find produce, cheese, and meat CSAs at CSA Day. Farmers participating in CSA Day include Shepherd’s Way, Sunshine Harvest, Red Barn Farm, Open Hands Farm, Spring Wind Farm, Sam Kedeem, Big Woods Farm, Thorncrest Farm, and Simple Harvest Organics Farm. Don’t miss this great opportunity to meet local farmers!

Click here for more information on the Winter Eat Local Challenge.