Leaf Community

LEAF Farmers Market Gearing Up For 2022!

We are excited that LEAF (Lakewood Earth and Food) Community Farmers Market is starting up in collaboration with City Fresh again this summer! LEAF has been serving Lakewood with community gardens, education and a farmers’ market since 2007. We are going back to a hands-on community market this year. There will be produce, honey, grains, coffee, eggs, handmade goods, music and more.

Markets are held in front of the Lakewood Library main branch on Thursday evenings between 5:30 and 7:30pm. The dates are June 16th through October 27th.

As things pick up for the season, we are in need of volunteers to help us assemble the veggie shares, check-in customers and other light tasks. This is a fun way you can connect with your community, give back, enjoy seasonal produce and support local farmers and other vendors.

Below are a few words from dedicated, longtime volunteers and coordinators on what they liked:

"I first volunteered because I had just moved to Lakewood. It was a good way to meet people and I enjoyed the fun atmosphere and being outside in the summer weather."

 

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Volume 18, Issue 11, Posted 12:29 PM, 06.01.2022

LEAF Heirloom Plant Sale

LEAF (Lakewood Earth and Food) Community's annual heirloom plant sale will take place on Saturday, May 11 from 2-5 p.m. at the Lakewood Garden Center (13230 Detroit Ave, Lakewood). We will be hosting several local seedling vendors to help you get your garden ready for spring or find the perfect last minute gift for Mother's Day. Additional local food and craft vendors will be included and the brand new, Lakewood owned, Dang Good Foods Food Truck will be there! Still accepting vendors (email leafcommunity@gmail.com for information). Plus, Garden Guru Emil Girod and his apprentice Jim will be selling seedlings at the sale as a fundraiser for LEAF.

Current slate of vendors (more to be added once confirmed):
Ridge Bridge Farm - tomato and other veggie starts
Bay Branch Farm - veggie starts
Community Greenhouse Partners - veggie starts and more
Jim and Emil - veggie starts
Other Hand Farm - veggie and flower starts
Moss Momma - unique moss terrariums and more
Bee Basic Products - handmade skin care products and gifts
Dang Good Foods -tastes from Singapore and more
St. Croix Farms - locally grown flowers and gifts

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Volume 15, Issue 8, Posted 12:14 PM, 04.17.2019

Holiday Gifting Gets Local With LEAF's Holiday Farmers Market

Tuesday, December 18th marks the second LEAF (Lakewood Earth And Food) Community Holiday Market this holiday season and the final farmer's market put on by LEAF in 2018. Conveniently located right here in Lakewood, at Garfield Middle School (13114 Detroit Ave.), the weekday-evening market runs from 5:30 to 8 p.m. From market City Fresh CSA Holiday Shares, to other locally grown and produced foods, to a wide array of gift giving arts and craft options from local makers, the Holiday Market is a locavore's dream.

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Volume 14, Issue 23, Posted 2:28 PM, 12.04.2018

Food And Gifting At LEAF Holiday Market

Step in from the cold for a lovely celebration of local food, art, and craft vendors. Mark your calendars for Tuesday, December 18th for LEAF (Lakewood Earth And Food) Community's second and final Holiday Market of the year. Conveniently located at Garfield Middle School (13114 Detroit Ave.) right here in Lakewood, be sure to stop by after work from 5:30 to 8 p.m. to help you take care of all of your holiday cooking and gift giving needs. The December 18th market will include City Fresh holiday shares, local produce, other locally grown and produced foods, a soup and bread and hot drink bar, raffle prizes and festive music.

Vendors are currently being booked. Vendor registration information is here: http://www.leafcommunity.org/.

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Volume 14, Issue 22, Posted 4:01 PM, 11.20.2018

Thursday Evening LEAF Farm Market Returns At LPL

Starting on Thursday, June 7th, all are welcome to shop the LEAF Community Farm Market and enjoy a family friendly summer evening from 5:30 to 8 p.m. on the steps of the Main Branch of Lakewood Public Library. Every Thursday evening from June through mid-October, these evening farm markets will be filled with local vendors with everything from locally grown produce to bulk goods to unique arts and crafts and are open to all! For those that prefer to plan ahead, the market also includes a pre-paid CSA share pick up for City Fresh and Front 9 Farm. There is still plenty of time to sign up for your CSA with either group at: https://cityfresh.org/ or http://www.front9farm.com/.

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Volume 14, Issue 11, Posted 10:43 PM, 06.05.2018

LEAF Heirloom Plant Sale

Spring is finally here and you're ready to get those plants in the ground! Well we can help get your garden off to a strong start at LEAF Community's Annual Heirloom Plant Sale. The plant sale will include several local seedling vendors as well as additional local food and craft vendors. Generously hosted once again by Lakewood Garden Center, this event is truly one-stop-shopping for all of your garden (and Mother's Day gifting) needs!


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Volume 14, Issue 9, Posted 12:39 PM, 05.01.2018

Shop Early, Or Late, But Always Local At A LEAF Holiday Market

The weather might finally be turning cooler and it’s time to put the gardens to bed for the winter, but Lakewood Earth And Food (LEAF) Community is still going strong! Once again, LEAF will be hosting two Holiday Markets, one on Tuesday, November 14th (for those that like to get their shopping done early) and one on Tuesday, December 19th (for those last minute types). Both Holiday Markets will take place at Garfield Middle School from 5:30 to 8 p.m.

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Volume 13, Issue 20, Posted 12:05 PM, 10.17.2017

Celebrate Another Harvest With LEAF

Every year LEAF's annual Harvest Festival is your chance to get a taste of great local food in front of Lakewood Public Library. This year's celebration of the local fall bounty will be held on Thursday, September 21 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. on the front porch of the Main Library.

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Volume 13, Issue 17, Posted 12:35 PM, 09.06.2017

Eat & Learn With LEAF Community

July is a busy month in the garden, which means it’s a busy month for LEAF Community! If you have a green thumb (or want to get a better one), like to eat green foods, or just want to spend some green with local businesses, then you’ve come to the right place. Check out the events below.

LEAF Night Farmer’s Market

Stop by the front porch of the Main Library on Thursday nights between 5:30 and 8 p.m. for our weekly LEAF Night Farmer’s Market. A new season, means lots of new exciting local vendors, including The Vegan Doughnut Company! You can also still sign up for a City Fresh CSA share - stop down at a LEAF Night to pre-pay for the following week or order online through City Fresh’s website (https://cityfresh.org) and pick-up with LEAF on Thursday.

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Volume 13, Issue 14, Posted 12:35 PM, 07.18.2017

Spring Fest 2017 Kicks Off Another Growing Season With LEAF

Celebrate the start of the growing season with LEAF (Lakewood Earth And Food) Community on the front porch of the Main Library the evening of Thursday, June 8th! The first market of the 2017 season will include activities for kids, live music from The Sonder Bombs, and of course local produce or homemade goods from our vendors.

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Volume 13, Issue 11, Posted 12:39 PM, 06.06.2017

LEAF Heirloom Plant Sale At Lakewood Garden Center

Spring is finally here and you're ready to get those plants in the ground! Well we can help get your garden off to a strong start at LEAF Community's annual heirloom plant sale. The plant sale will include several local seedling vendors as well as additional local food and craft vendors. Generously hosted once again at Lakewood Garden Center, this event is truly one-stop-shopping for all of your garden needs!


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Volume 13, Issue 9, Posted 4:19 PM, 05.02.2017

Local Food, Handcrafts At LEAF Holiday Market On December 20

Buy local for the holidays! At LEAF’s Holiday Market on Tuesday, December 20, you can find fresh, seasonal produce in addition to a variety of locally made food items and handmade crafts. The market is from5:30-8 p.m. at Garfield Middle School, 13114 Detroit Ave in Lakewood. 

Enjoy local foods for your holiday meals:Order a CSA share of seasonal produce to pick up that evening. (Order in advance by December 13 at cityfresh.org.)

Fuel up for shopping with hot, homemade soups and cookies, available to eat on site.

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Volume 12, Issue 25, Posted 7:29 PM, 12.06.2016

Go Make A Memory

I can’t remember if it was last week or a month ago -- honestly the days and weeks seem to blur and blend together lately since we have been eagerly expecting the birth of our fifth child: Whenever the exact day is inconsequential to the story.

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Volume 12, Issue 23, Posted 3:38 PM, 11.09.2016

LEAF Holiday Market

Buy Local for the holidays with LEAF starting with our Holiday Market on Tuesday, November 15 from 5:30-8 p.m. at Garfield Middle School.

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Volume 12, Issue 23, Posted 3:38 PM, 11.09.2016

LEAF Community Harvest Fest Will Be October 13

Celebrate autumn and our local harvest at LEAF Community’s Annual Harvest Festival. This year, LEAF’s signature event will be held on Thursday, October 13, from 5:30-8 p.m. Join us on the porch of Lakewood Library, Detroit Avenue. 

Your whole family can enjoy this free event. The evolving details of the evening include:

Food: Bring your appetite! Cleveland Vegan will be vending dishes to eat on the spot. Or nosh on a variety of soups and stews, homemade from mainly local produce, locally made breads, and other foods, available with a nominal donation to support LEAF.

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Volume 12, Issue 20, Posted 5:03 PM, 09.27.2016

LEAF Community Garden Bicycle Tour

In 2008, with enthusiastic support from then Mayor Ed FitzGerald, the Lakewood Earth & Food (LEAF) Community broke ground at Cove, Kauffman, Madison, and Webb Parks expanding the total plots to over 150 throughout the community. The four new sites had been carefully chosen by LEAF board members, and approved by Mayor FitzGerald, in order to appeal to and give garden access to a wide array of community members. A fifth site North of The Westerly Apartments was added in 2010.

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Volume 12, Issue 19, Posted 5:46 PM, 09.13.2016

LEAF Education Presents: Fermentation With Wake Robin

Join the Lakewood Earth & Food (LEAF) Community for an educational session on fermentation with Molly Murray of Wake Robin Fermented Foods. Molly Murray works with Wake Robin Fermented Foods, a Cleveland-based company that creates live cultured vegetable products such as sauerkraut and kimchi. A food enthusiast from seed to plate, she is an avid gardener and has also worked as a cook at several local restaurants. Molly will discuss the history, health value, practicality and versatility of preserving food by fermenting it and will demonstrate a simple recipe.

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Volume 12, Issue 14, Posted 4:11 PM, 07.06.2016

LEAF Kicks Off Another Year Of Local Food In Lakewood

The sounds of live music waft through the air, families gathered on the Library’s front porch, and baskets overflowing with colorful produce, can only mean one thing – it’s time for LEAF Night Farmers' Markets again! Join us in front of the Main Library for our very first LEAF Night of the year, our annual "Spring Fest," on June 9th and again every Thursday night through the end of the growing season in October from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at Lakewood Public Library, 15425 Detroit Ave.

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Volume 12, Issue 11, Posted 4:51 PM, 05.24.2016

LEAF 7th Annual Heirloom Plant Sale

Join Lakewood Food and Earth Community on Saturday, May 7th from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. for the 7th Annual Heirloom Plant Sale. The event will take place at Lakewood Garden Center, 13230 Detroit Road. Vendors include:

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Volume 12, Issue 9, Posted 3:24 PM, 04.26.2016

LEAF Community Open House

Lakewood Earth & Food (LEAF) Community will hold its annual Open House on Saturday, March 12th from 2-4 p.m. in the Lakewood Public Library Main Library Multipurpose Room. Sign up for a Community Supported Agriculture program or a Garden Plot. Find out about upcoming LEAF educational events. Select guest vendors will be at the Open House. LEAF is hosting a seed swap again this year; bring extra seeds you'd like to trade (in clearly marked envelopes or bags). LEAF volunteers will be on hand to share information about the organization and answer your questions. To find out more about LEAF, visit www.leafcommunity.org or email leafcommunity@gmail.com.

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Volume 12, Issue 5, Posted 11:28 AM, 03.01.2016

Think Spring At LEAF Community Open House

LEAF Community Open House

Many people say that LEAF is one of the top reasons they love Lakewood, so isn't it time that you find out about all that LEAF Community has planned for 2016? Learn more about volunteering, the community gardens, community supported agriculture programs, and our educational program series. We are hosting some guest vendors this year too, who will be selling locally grown and produced foods. Confirmed vendors thus far include City Fresh, Geauga Family Farms, and Dave the Grain Man, with more to come soon!

This year's Open House will be held on Sunday, March 12th from noon-2 p.m. in the Main Library's Multi-Purpose Room.

2016 Community Garden Applications
Returning gardeners in good standing are currently able to re-register for their garden plots. If you are a returning gardener and have not received a renewal application, please email leafcommunity@gmail.com.

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Volume 12, Issue 4, Posted 1:37 PM, 02.16.2016

Come Out For Food And Family Fun For All At LEAF Harvest Fest

Celebrate Harvest Festival with LEAF on October 1, 2015  5:30 - 8 p.m. at Lakewood Public Library, 15425 Detroit Ave.

Bring your appetite! Choose from a wide variety of delicious, homemade soups, stews, breads, and more.

Pumpkin Patch: Get your Halloween carving pumpkin and fall decor from our Pumpkin Patch

Enjoy live music from Shawn Brewster (Oldboy, Shawn and Shelby) on the library's front porch all evening!

Outdoor Story time: A LPL librarian shares some autumn and Halloween-themed books with little ones

Show off your baking skills by entering our pie baking contest (and sample the entries!).

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Volume 11, Issue 20, Posted 5:29 PM, 09.15.2015

Welcome Spring At The LEAF Community Open House

Spring is coming, which means it's time for the Lakewood Earth & Food (LEAF) Community's annual Open House. On Sunday, March 15th from 2-4 p.m., come to the Lakewood Public Library Main Branch's multi-purpose room to learn about LEAF educational programs, sign up for a Community Supported Agriculture program or Community Garden Plot, swap some seeds, and find out how you might like to volunteer with LEAF this upcoming year.

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Volume 11, Issue 5, Posted 6:07 PM, 03.03.2015

LEAF Hosts Holiday Market December 16th

This holiday season we invite you to shop local with the Lakewood Earth & Food (LEAF) Community at our December holiday market at Garfield Middle School on Tuesday, December 16th from 5:30-8:00 p.m. This indoor farmer's market and craft fair combination can help you keep all of your holiday shopping local from food to art! Not only will you find a wide variety of local farmers and artisinal food vendors offering local produce, baked goods, and much more for all your holiday gathering needs, but you can also find fantastic gifts for anyone on your list from local artists and merchants selling items ranging from baby gifts, to photographs, to soap. For those that have pre-ordered their City Fresh holiday CSA shares, these will also be available for pick-up.

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Volume 10, Issue 25, Posted 5:23 PM, 12.09.2014

LEAF Presents: Homebrewing With Paul Benner

Join the Lakewood Earth & Food (LEAF) Community for an educational session on beer making with Paul Benner of the Cleveland Brew Shop and Platform Beer Company. The presentation will take place on Thursday, October 23rd at 6 p.m. at the main branch of the Lakewood Public Library. This educational event will be held in conjunction with LEAF's annual Harvest Festival, which will run from 5:30-8 p.m. on the porch of the library and will feature local food, vendors, and music, as well as kids' activities and our annual pie contest.

Paul, a native Northeast Ohioan and graduate of Baldwin-Wallace University, Paul helms the Cleveland Brew Shop, Cleveland's only full-service homebrew supply shop open since 2012, and is part-owner of Platform Beer Company, a production brewery and tasting room that opened in 2014. Both businesses are located in nearby Ohio City.

Paul will discuss the parallel rise of the craft beer and homebrewing movements, along with how the beermaking process works on a small scale.

As always, this LEAF educational event is free and open to the public.

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Volume 10, Issue 21, Posted 2:02 PM, 10.14.2014

Local Food Fun For The Whole Family At LEAF Harvest Festival

As the growing season comes to an end, join LEAF Community at the 8th Annual Harvest Festival to get one last taste of great local food in front of Lakewood Public Library in 2014. This year's celebration of the local fall bounty will be held on Thursday, October 23 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. on the front porch of the Main Library. Hope to see you there!

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Volume 10, Issue 20, Posted 2:16 PM, 09.30.2014

LEAF Presents: Wild Edibles With Rob Shearer

Join the Lakewood Earth & Food (LEAF) Community for an educational session on foraging and wild edible with Rob Shearer. The presentation will take place on Wednesday, September 17th at 7 p.m. in the Engine Room (downstairs) of the Buckeye Beer Engine (15315 Madison Ave.).

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Volume 10, Issue 18, Posted 4:26 PM, 09.02.2014

LEAF Presents: Fermentation Demo With Wake Robin Fermented Foods

Join the Lakewood Earth & Food (LEAF) Community for an educational session on fermentation with Molly Murray of Wake Robin Fermented Foods. The demo will take place on Wednesday, August 20th at 7 p.m. in the Engine Room (downstairs) of the Buckeye Beer Engine (15315 Madison Ave.).

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Volume 10, Issue 16, Posted 3:05 PM, 08.05.2014

Celebrate Local Food With LEAF's Spring Fest

LEAF Night Farmers' Markets are every Thursday night starting June 5th (Spring Fest) through the end of the growing season in October from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at Lakewood Public Library, 15425 Detroit Ave. On June 5th, join us in front of the Main Library for our very first LEAF Night of the year - our annual "Spring Fest"!    

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Volume 10, Issue 12, Posted 6:24 PM, 05.28.2014

LEAF Presents Dehydration With Maggie's Farm

Join the Lakewood Earth & Food (LEAF) Community on Wednesday, May 28th at 7 p.m. in the basement kitchen of Trinity Lutheran Church (16400 Detroit Avenue) for a workshop on dehydration with Diane from Maggie's Farm. Diane will discuss reasons to dehydrate food, what to dehydrate, how to store dehydrated items, and how to have fun with dehydration, including making nutritious fruit rolls. The workshop will include a hands-on segment.

Maggie's Farm is located in the Stockyard neighborhood of Cleveland and features produce grown using no chemicals or pesticides but lots of love. The farm also has a farm stand where not only the produce grown on the farm is available, but also other local products like cheese, preserves, fresh baked goods and more. More information on Maggie's Farm is available at http://www.maggiesfarmcle.org/.

For more information about LEAF Community, visit leafcommunity.org, join our group on Facebook, or email us at leafcommunity@gmail.com

As always, this LEAF educational event is free and open to the public.

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Volume 10, Issue 9, Posted 11:14 AM, 04.29.2014

Think Spring At The LEAF Community Open House

Spring is coming, which means it's time for LEAF Community's annual Open House. On Sunday, March 9th from 4-6 p.m. come to the Main Library Multi-Purpose room to learn about LEAF educational programs, sign up for a Community Supported Agriculture program or Community Garden Plot, swap some seeds, and find out how you might like to volunteer with LEAF this upcoming year.

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Volume 10, Issue 5, Posted 2:17 PM, 02.18.2014

LEAF Presents: Soapmaking Demo With STEM Handmade Soaps

You are invited to join the Lakewood Earth and Food (LEAF) Community as we partner with Lakewood-based STEM Handmade Soap for an educational soapmaking demo on Wednesday, October 16th at 7 p.m. in the kitchen of Trinity Lutheran Church (16400 Detroit Avenue).

STEM Handmade Soap makes 100% natural soaps by hand in small quantities using our good earth's skin-loving ingredients. Scented with natural essential oil, STEM soaps provide a feeling of balance and well-being. Your skin will thank you when you use handmade soap from STEM.

Pure, natural soap retains all of the skin nourishing qualities rarely found in synthetic soaps sold in supermarkets. STEM natural soaps are made from all vegetable ingredients and are tested only on family and friends.

So, come learn how to make soap using all-natural ingredients. You will discover why all-natural handmade soap is better for your skin and the environment.

As always, this LEAF educational event is free and open to the public.

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Volume 9, Issue 21, Posted 8:54 PM, 10.15.2013

LEAF Presents: Dehydration Demo With Maggie's Farm

Join the Lakewood Earth & Food (LEAF) Community on Wednesday, September 25th in room A226 at Lakewood High School for a workshop on dehydration with Diane from Maggie's Farm. Diane will discuss reasons to dehydrate food, what to dehydrate, how to store dehydrated items, and how to have fun with dehydration, including making nutritious fruit rolls. The workshop will include a hands-on segment.

Maggie's Farm is located in the Stockyard neighborhood of Cleveland and features produce grown using no chemicals or pesticides but lots of love. The farm also has a farm stand where not only the produce grown on the farm is available, but also other local products like cheese, preserves, fresh baked goods and more. More information on Maggie's Farm is available at http://www.maggiesfarmcle.org/.

For more information about LEAF Community, visit leafcommunity.org join our group on Facebook, or email us at leafcommunity@gmail.com

As always, this LEAF educational event is free and open to the public.

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Volume 9, Issue 19, Posted 11:41 AM, 09.20.2013

LEAF Presents: Putting Your Garden To Bed With OSUE

You are invited to join the Lakewood Earth and Food (LEAF) Community for an educational session for gardeners with the OSU Extension. The session will take place on Wednesday, September 11 at 7 p.m. at LEAF's community garden in Madison Park (13201 Madison Ave.; garden is on the Athens Ave. side of the park). 

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Volume 9, Issue 18, Posted 1:37 PM, 09.05.2013

LEAF Presents: Cheesemaking With Lucky Penny Creamery

You are invited to join the Lakewood Earth and Food (LEAF) Community for an educational session on cheesemaking with Abbe Turner of Kent's Lucky Penny Creamery. The demo will take place on Wednesday, July 31 at 7 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church (16400 Detroit Ave.).

Abbe, a milkmaid, cheesemaker, and Slow Food delegate, studied at University of Wisconsin-Madison and the Pennsylvania Association of Sustainable Agriculture. She uses the goat and sheep milk produced at Lucky Penny's partner farms to create handmade artisanal cheeses including chevre, feta, and ricotta, as well as other dairy products. Abbe will demonstrate how to make cheese at home and create a perfect cheese plate for summer entertaining, as well as discuss the cheesemaking process, from farm to creamery, and present recipes and creative ideas for appetizers and more.

As always, this LEAF educational event is free and open to the public.

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Volume 9, Issue 14, Posted 8:59 AM, 07.10.2013

LEAF Presents: Yoga For Gardeners (And Everyone Else!) With Marcia Camino Of Pink Lotus Yoga

This all-levels yoga class, led by Marcia Camino (founder and director of Pink Lotus Yoga in Lakewood) will take place at Lakewood Park behind the Woman’s Club Pavilion on Wednesday, July 10th from 7:15-8:15 p.m., weather-permitting. A Lakewood resident, Marcia is Cleveland's only Amrit-certified instructor and has taught over 1,500 hours since she began her daily practice in 2003.

Marcia will lead students through a practice in the great outdoors, so welcomed this time of year, with special attention to hands, feet, backs, and knees: areas of the body where gardeners new and saged can feel the ache from their efforts. Class will begin with a brief meditation on nature and end with a deep relaxation.

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Volume 9, Issue 14, Posted 8:38 AM, 07.03.2013

LEAF Presents: Bay Branch Farm Tour

The Lakewood Earth and Food (LEAF) Community will be returning for another visit to Lakewood's own Bay Branch Farm for this month's educational event. The tour will take place on Wednesday, June 19th at 7 p.m.

Bay Branch Farm is an urban market garden in Lakewood, Ohio whose mission is to grow high-quality food in a sustainable manner, honoring the soil, the environment, and the people in our community.

Owners Eric Stoffer and Annabel Khouri began gardening in their own backyard before expanding to a vacant lot in the Birdtown neighborhood in 2009. Now they are regular participants in the Saturday Lakewood Farmer's Market and LEAF Nights and have their own version of a CSA program called A La Farm Carte, where members make a down payment in advance, then choose what they like from the crops available throughout the season.

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Volume 9, Issue 12, Posted 11:51 AM, 06.13.2013

LEAF Presents: Green Spring Cleaning & Pest Conrol

You are invited to join the Lakewood Earth and Food (LEAF) Community for an educational session on Green Spring Cleaning and Pest Control on Tuesday, April 23rd at 7 p.m. at Mahall's 20 Lanes (13200 Madison Ave.).

Several years ago, Missy Toms, a Lakewood mom, became concerned about the safety of the cleaning products she was using. She began purchasing high-end, environmentally friendly products to clean her home and clothes. When the recession hit, she and her husband Darren were convinced there was a more economical way to clean without harsh chemicals. Using natural and easily accessible products, they have been able to keep the Toms household safe and sparkling for just pennies on the dollar. Find out how they do it from Missy herself!

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Volume 9, Issue 8, Posted 9:37 PM, 04.16.2013

LEAF To Host Open House On March 10

LEAF (Lakewood Earth and Food) Community will host an Open House on Sunday, March 10 from 4-6 pm. Stop by the multi-purpose room at Lakewood Public Library to find out more about its programs that promote a healthy, sustainable community.  

Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) Programs 

Be healthy, be green and eat local! Consider signing up for a "share" in a CSA this season, which provides you with a weekly supply of seasonal produce each week. LEAF Community coordinates with several farms and programs that provide fresh, locally produced products each week at LEAF Community Farmers' Markets. The Open House will host several CSA programs that will be offered in Lakewood in 2013. Representatives from the various programs will be available to answer questions and talk about their farm or program and register members.

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Volume 9, Issue 5, Posted 9:44 PM, 03.05.2013

Celebrate Local Food At LEAF's Sixth Annual Harvest Festival

As the growing season comes to an end, join LEAF Community at the 6th Annual Harvest Festival to get one last taste of great local food in front of Lakewood Public Library in 2012. This year's celebration of the local fall bounty will be held on Thursday, October 25 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. on the front porch of the Main Library. Hope to see you there!

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Volume 8, Issue 21, Posted 5:44 PM, 10.16.2012

LEAF Presents: Soapmaking Demo With STEM

You are invited to join the Lakewood Earth and Food (LEAF) Community as we partner with Lakewood-based STEM Handmade Soap for an educational soapmaking demo on Wednesday, October 17th at 7 p.m. in the kitchen of Trinity Lutheran Church (16400 Detroit Avenue).

STEM Handmade Soap makes 100% natural soaps by hand in small quantities using our good earth's skin-loving ingredients. Scented with natural essential oil, STEM soaps provide a feeling of balance and well-being. Your skin will thank you when you use handmade soap from STEM. 

Pure, natural soap retains all of the skin nourishing qualities rarely found in synthetic soaps sold in supermarkets. STEM natural soaps are made from all vegetable ingredients and are tested only on family and friends.

So, come learn how to make soap using all-natural ingredients. You will discover why all-natural handmade soap is better for your skin and the environment. And, you will be able to take home some handmade soap and all-natural body butter!

As always, this LEAF educational event is free and open to the public.

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Volume 8, Issue 21, Posted 4:31 PM, 10.11.2012

Visit Bay Branch Farm With The Lakewood Earth & Food Community!

The Lakewood Earth and Food (LEAF) Community's educational events for 2012 will start with a return visit to Lakewood's own Bay Branch Farm. The event will take place on Wednesday, June 20th at 7 p.m. 

Bay Branch Farm is an urban market garden in Lakewood, Ohio whose mission is to grow high-quality food in a sustainable manner, honoring the soil, the environment, and the people in our community.

Lakewood residents and owners Eric Stoffer and Annabel Khouri began gardening in their own backyard before expanding to a vacant lot in the Birdtown neighborhood in 2009. Now they are regular participants in the Saturday Lakewood Farmer's Market and LEAF Nights and have their own version of a CSA program called A La Farm Carte, where members make a down payment in advance, then choose what they like from the crops available throughout the season.

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Volume 8, Issue 12, Posted 9:10 PM, 06.12.2012

Please Attend: Lakewood Earth And Food (LEAF) Community Open House 2012

When: March 4, 2012, 2:00 – 4:00 pm
Where: Lakewood Public Library, Main Branch
Multi Purpose Room

The Details: Each year, the Lakewood Earth and Food Community assists neighbors to access fresh, local food and knowledge about sustainable living. The Open House is the first event of the year, to showcase the programming planned for the upcoming year. All are welcome!    

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Volume 8, Issue 4, Posted 10:02 PM, 02.21.2012

Visit Bay Branch Farm With The Lakewood Earth Ane Food Community!

The Lakewood Earth and Food (LEAF) Community's Third Thursday Speaker Series for 2011 continues on July 21st at 7 p.m. with a visit to Lakewood's own Bay Branch Farm.

Bay Branch Farm is an urban market garden in Lakewood, Ohio whose mission is to grow high quality food in a sustainable manner, honoring the soil, the environment, and the people in our community.

Lakewood residents and owners Eric Stoffer and Annabel Khouri began gardening in their own backyard before expanding to a vacant lot in the Birdtown neighborhood in 2009. Now they are regular participants in the Saturday Lakewood Farmer's Market and LEAF Nights and have their own version of a CSA program called A La Farm Carte, where members make a down payment in advance, then choose what they like from the crops available throughout the season.

 

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Volume 7, Issue 14, Posted 8:15 AM, 07.13.2011

Eat Local And Support LEAF During June At 56 West

Every Tuesday evening, and all day each Wednesday in June, 56 West will be donating 15% of your bill to Lakewood Earth and Food Community (just say that you are a "friend of LEAF"). 56 West's menu features many local and sustainable ingredients. Enjoy a meal and support LEAF at the same time!

Lakewood Earth and Food (LEAF) Community is a 501c3 non-profit dedicated to the development of a more sustainable, healthful, and economically viable community through environmentally responsible actions producing broad access to fresh local foods, knowledge and culture. 

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Volume 7, Issue 12, Posted 2:08 PM, 06.14.2011

Go Green With LEAF And CSWCD

Want to make steps to "go green," but aren't sure where to begin? Join the Lakewood Earth & Food (LEAF) Community on Thursday, June 16th at 7:00 p.m. at the Beer Engine (15315 Madison Avenue) for a discussion with the Cuyahoga Soil & Water Conservation District (CSWCD) about going green in your own backyard.

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Volume 7, Issue 11, Posted 2:53 PM, 06.01.2011

Container Vegetable Gardening With The LEAF Third Thursday Speaker Series

Have a small yard or limited garden space because of shade? Just starting out with gardening? Want a few extra vegetables to supplement your shopping? Container gardening may be for you.

The Lakewood Earth & Food (LEAF) Community's Third Thursday Speaker Series returns for its third year, starting with a Vegetable Container Gardening talk this May. This year's first event will take place on May 19th at 7 p.m. at bela dubby (13321 Madison Ave.), where Christine Harris, Master Gardener from the Ohio State University Extension, will share her knowledge of container vegetable gardening with us. A retired educator, Christine has been a Master Gardener since 2004 and has lectured extensively throughout the area. She has appeared on WCPN Ideastream, contributed to the Plain Dealer's "Inside Outside" page, and been named Cuyahoga County Master Gardener of the Year for 2011 (as well as being nominated for Ohio Master Gardener of the Year).

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Volume 7, Issue 9, Posted 11:56 AM, 05.03.2011

LEAF Community 2011 Open House

The first signs of spring are here: snow is melting, trees are budding, and the LEAF Open House is coming!

Lakewood Earth & Food (LEAF) Community will be holding its 2011 Open House on Sunday, March 20th, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. in the Multipurpose Room at the main branch of the Lakewood Public Library. This is an opportunity to meet LEAF members, find out what’s in store for 2011, get information, and ask questions about LEAF programs like the Third Thursday Speaker Series, bulk buying, community gardening and our community supported agriculture (CSA) programs.

LEAF Community facilitates community gardens at five locations in Lakewood: Cove Park, Kauffman Park, Madison Park, the Westerly, and Webb Park. A historical garden was also initiated at the Oldest Stone House at Lakewood Park and LEAF assisted the Lakewood Library in establishing the Learning Garden at the Madison Branch, both in 2010. Come find out more about each of these gardens and what space is available. Contact leafcommunity+gardening@gmail.com for questions about community gardening.

On the third Thursday of each month from May through September, LEAF Community holds an educational session covering topics related to local food and green living. Topics have included composting, rain barrels, canning, beekeeping, and many others. Sessions are held at local businesses around Lakewood. A representative from the education committee will share the Third Thursday Speaker Series calendar for 2011. Contact leafcommunity@gmail.com for questions about the speaker series.

 

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Volume 7, Issue 4, Posted 6:48 PM, 02.22.2011

LEAF Announces Fourth Annual Harvest Festival

Come celebrate the bounty of the harvest at Lakewood Earth & Food (LEAF) Community's 4th Annual Harvest Festival. The event will be held on Wednesday, October 20th, from 5:30-8:30 p.m. on the front porch of the Lakewood Public Library (15425 Detroit Avenue), extending out into Mars Avenue. Come join the celebration, and don't forget to bring your pre-carved jack-o-lantern for the Pumpkin Carving Contest, pies for the Pie Bake-off, and the whole family for the games, activities, music, vendors, and, of course, locally grown and made food and drink.

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Volume 6, Issue 20, Posted 8:30 AM, 10.06.2010

LEAF Nights Are Bursting With Local Flavor

Lakewood Earth and Food Community (LEAF) will begin our 20 week celebration of local food and culture on June 9th.  Every Wednesday night from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m., farmers will be driving to the front porch of the Lakewood Public Library to deliver and vend their fresh picked produce. Two Community Supported Agriculture programs, multiple additional local vendors with fresh, local, naturally grown or created goodies, and music will be included at each LEAF Night this summer. In addition to the Wednesday LEAF Nights, a third CSA program will be delivered to the Root Cafe on Thursday evenings.

2010 will be the fifth year Lakewood residents have been participating in Community Supported Agriculture. Starting back in 2006, the first 15 shareholders started the Community Supported Agriculture interest with the Covered Bridge Gardens CSA program. Last year, LEAF assisted over 400 families participate in one of three CSA programs. Community Supported Agriculture or CSA is becoming more and more popular, but many still don't really know what it means. CSA is a model of food distribution where consumers develop a direct relationship with the farmer. People become "share holders", in which they pay the farmer up front and then receive delivery of "shares" (packages of fresh picked food) throughout the season when the farmers harvest them. The CSA model has many benefits for the farmer, the consumer, the environment and the local economy.

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Volume 6, Issue 11, Posted 8:56 AM, 06.02.2010

LEAF Third Thursday Speaker Series: Rain Gardens

When it rains, it pours. And when it pours, stormwater flows into storm drains, causing erosion, water pollution, flooding, and diminished groundwater. The chemicals and particles picked up by rain as it finds its way over pavement and through our sewer system causes a great deal of the pollution of our lakes, streams, and rivers. And, as it turns out, creates an undue burden on that sewer system.

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Volume 6, Issue 7, Posted 9:23 PM, 04.06.2010

LEAF 2010 Open House

Lakewood Earth & Food Community (LEAF) will be holding its 2010 Open House on Sunday, March 14th from 2:00 to 5:00 at the main branch of the Lakewood Public Library in the Multipurpose Room. This is your opportunity to get information and ask questions about LEAF programs. There will be representatives from our educational series, bulk buying, community gardening and our Community Supported Agriculture programs (CSA).

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Volume 6, Issue 4, Posted 8:31 AM, 02.24.2010

Summer Lovin'

 
This summer I fell in love.  It has blossomed into a colorful relationship filled with reds, greens, yellows, and blues. This partnership even has an official name, but one that I cannot adopt, because many other ladies and gentlemen are already part of its system.

It’s called my summer CSA program (community supported agriculture). While it might be a summer fling, I’m in it for the long haul.

For $260, and 16-summer weeks, I receive vegetables weekly. Fresh, crispy, mildly organic, Ohio only grown, goodness.  It feels like Christmas comes early when I pick up my fresh blueberries, strawberries, corn, basil, Napa cabbage, and tomatoes. Each week, the mix is different, gorgeous, and delicious.

I pick up a canvas bag mix every Wednesday at the Madison Library, which is the main distribution point. This ever so popular pick-up joint has been orchestrated by the LEAF Community (Lakewood Earth and Food), which is essentially a volunteer based organization of over 600 members. The LEAF Community partners with City Fresh to distribute the shares with the local farmers and other guest vendors.

I recommend these programs to anyone and any family, and most importantly, I save big time. Historically, I’d overspend by $75-$100 at my local Giant Eagle for China-based apples, Chilean grapes, New Zealand kiwis, Idaho potatoes, and who knows what else on other fruits and vegetables.  Join now and experience the summer love for local farmers.

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Volume 5, Issue 17, Posted 3:05 PM, 08.25.2009

Basil and Beyond Brings Locally Grown Herbs to LEAF Nights

Do you like locally produced, fresh food?  In addition to the great opportunities to buy local food in Lakewood, your chance to buy food grown even closer to home has arrived. A new urban farm has started in Lakewood, Basil and Beyond, LLC, which grows all natural culinary herbs including several types of basil, oregano, chives, sage, rosemary, cilantro and many others.  Basil and Beyond is operated as a small environmentally sustainable business that uses no synthetic pesticides, fertilizers or herbicides. 

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Volume 5, Issue 13, Posted 10:40 AM, 07.01.2009

LEAF Breaks Ground with Community Gardening

After receiving enthusiastic support from Mayor FitzGerald, the Lakewood Earth & Food (LEAF) Community has officially broken ground at plots in Cove, Kauffman, Madison, and Webb Parks, as well as the Plover Garden in Bird Town, for its community gardening initiative in 2008.

Beginning last year with six plots in the Plover Garden, LEAF has expanded its efforts in community gardening to more than 130 plots across Lakewood, including about 20 at Cove and Kauffman Parks, 30 at Madison Park, and more than 50 at Webb Park. Plots are now available to the Lakewood community for a small fee...

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Volume 4, Issue 11, Posted 6:39 PM, 05.22.2008

LEAF Community Offers Two CSA Programs

Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) is a term given to a model of food production and distribution where a group of people (us) develops a direct relationship with nearby food producers (farmers). Customers enroll in the program to support a grower, who they trust to take good care of their land, crops, and animals. A typical CSA program includes an early spring membership payment, with weekly distribution of produce and other items when they are freshly harvested...
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Volume 4, Issue 11, Posted 9:45 PM, 05.17.2008