Later this year, the U.S. Congress will begin debate on the 2012 Farm Bill, including many of the USDA’s programs to support sustainable agriculture and local/regional food systems. In southeastern Michigan, these programs are helping redefine our economy both in rural and urban settings. One example of this: the salad greens and spinach currently used in our kitchen were picked just a few days ago in passive solar hoop houses less than an hour’s drive from TRC. Many of these hoop houses were made possible by the high wind tunnel grant from the USDA.

The Tillian Farm Development Center located in Ann Arbor Township was created to give young farmers a venue to develop their skills and business model before investing in a land purchase or lease. A major portion of the Tillian’s startup funds and additional capital for equipment came from USDA programs.

I encourage everyone to contact your representatives in Washington and voice support for the continuation of Federal support for sustainable agriculture and local food systems. Please also take the time to look around in your own area and decide what you can do to make a difference in purchasing for your own kitchen.

DV

Congratulations to Bartender Zack Zavisa on being nominated for ‘Bartender of the Year’ by Domaine de Canton! Zack will be presenting his drink at the regional competition in Chicago later this month. There, he’ll compete for a chance to be one of five U.S. contestants that will head to French St. Martin for the final competition. We couldn’t be more proud of Zack and wish him the best of luck in Chicago!

The Ron Brooks Trio has been a beloved part of the Ann Arbor Jazz lexicon for decades. Brooks, the former owner of Bird of Paradise, has teamed up with a dizzying array of other musicians over the years, including Eddie Russ, Harvey Reed, Eric Dolphy and George Davidson, just to name a few. The bassist leader began his musical career as a student at U-M, and has recorded albums with the Contemporary Jazz Quartet and Mixed Bag. The Ron Brooks Trio was the house rhythm section at the Bird of Paradise until 2004, when the Bird closed its doors. Since that time, the trio has performed throughout Southeast Michigan.

On Wednesday, April 25, the Ron Brooks trio will be joined by tenor saxophonist Ben Jansson. Mr Jansson is a highly sought after tenor saxophonist on the national and international jazz scene. As well as having played in numerous jazz festivals such as the North Sea Jazz Festival in the Hague, Netherlands and the Toronto Downtown Jazz Festival Mr. Jansson has played gigs opening up for the Count Basie Orchestra, Eartha Kitt, Dave Brubeck and the late Ray Charles. At the 2006 Detroit International Jazz Festival Ben played the first tenor book with jazz great Diane Schuur and was featured as a soloist throughout the performance. As a leader, Ben fronts his own Quintet featuring stellar New York guitarist and longtime band mate Randy Napoleon. Other members of the Quintet include the great pianist Rick Roe, bassist Paul Keller and Drummer Pete Siers. The Ben Jansson Quintet recently recorded “live” at the Firefly Club in Ann Arbor, Michigan and will be releasing its first CD in the spring of 2007 on the PKO record label. Ben’s playing is Straight-ahead, a mix of fiery bebop and lyrical west coast cool. Originality and the spirit of jazz are at the heart of Ben’s playing. He has recorded and composed several of his original compositions and arrangements. For more information: please visit: www.benjansson.com.

Even after you’ve left the nest, Mom still takes care of you in so many ways. Whether it’s your own mother, your kids’ mom or another wonderful maternal figure in your life, we’re all grateful for a little motherly love. Why not show her a little appreciation with a Mother’s Day brunch or dinner at The Ravens Club?

Join us Sunday, May 13th and let the Mom in your life know how much you care. For brunch, treat mom to one of our sumptuous omelets or French toast, along with a complimentary mimosa for Mom.

If you’re joining us for dinner, you can complete your dining experience by adding soup or salad, along with the Chef’s choice of dessert – just $8 with the purchase of an entrée. Round out the perfect evening with a sparkling wine toast for the mothers in your party – on us!

The Ron Brooks Trio has been a beloved part of the Ann Arbor Jazz lexicon for decades. Brooks, the former owner of Bird of Paradise, has teamed up with a dizzying array of other musicians over the years, including Eddie Russ, Harvey Reed, Eric Dolphy and George Davidson, just to name a few. The bassist leader began his musical career as a student at U-M, and has recorded albums with the Contemporary Jazz Quartet and Mixed Bag. The Ron Brooks Trio was the house rhythm section at the Bird of Paradise until 2004, when the Bird closed its doors. Since that time, the trio has performed throughout Southeast Michigan.

On Wednesday, April 25, the Ron Brooks trio will be joined by the wonderful Jazz singer Ramona Collins. Born in Toledo, Ohio, Ramona was reared in Lansing, Michigan, by a jazz pianist/singer mother – the late Alice (Collins) Carter – who encouraged her daughter to sing at an early age to combat her shyness. Today, anyone fortunate enough to witness the veteran performer at work will detect not a whit of shyness. Sultry, seasoned, witty and cool are words that come to mind when experiencing this engaging performer whose command of the stage and vast repertoire have helped her establish a solid rapport with club, concert and festival audiences wherever she goes. Ramona recorded early in her career. She made her debut at 16 singing standards on a recording accompanied by her mother and a drummer. Her voice attracted attention from local musicians and before long, she was sitting in at jam sessions and clubs with her mother’s musician friends. Her reputation as an exceptional song stylist and performer continues to attract musicians and songwriters of all ages, even today. For more information: please visit: www.ramonacollins.com.