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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHuron Expositor, 2014-07-02, Page 22 Huron Expositor • Wednesday, July 2,2014 New local food networking event draws a crowd Tara Ostner QMI Agency Local food was at the top of people's minds on Wednesday night at a networking event planned by the Huron Food Action Network (HFAN). The HFAN is a volunteer - based organization interested in all things food -related through- out Huron County. According to Tanis Vander- Molen, a member of the HFAN, the network is "a coalition of local farmers, restaurant own- ers, processors, consumers, municipal and health repre- sentatives and basically any- one who is interested or involved in food," which began about a year and a half ago. VanderMolen explained that, so far, it has basically been a "grassroots" organization. "We let the groups of people at our meetings shape the direction of where we're going. Everyone deals with food everyday so everyone has a voice when it comes to food," she said. The HFAN also consists of various working groups of people who focus on discussing and researching one food - related topic in particular, such as, food education, policy and community gardens. The groups are open to anyone and those who have their own local food - related ideas are encouraged to contact the HFAN to form their own working group. VanderMolen says that by participating in these special working groups, rather than sit- ting in a meeting, everyone can proactively address their areas of interest. "The overall mission of HFAN is to cultivate a sustainable local food system to nourish all peo- ple of Huron County and beyond," she said, adding resi- dents should find the working groups and objectives of the net- work valuable. The event, which was held at the Central Huron Community Complex in Clinton, was free and welcome to everyone. Guest speakers included Firmly Rooted Farm, from just outside of Clinton; Everspring Farms of Seaforth; Ret Cat Bakery, from Goderich; and Coastal Coffee Company from Grand Bend. Mathew McIntyre, chef at Truly Local, was also featured at the event, providing samples of local foods including lamb kebobs with wine soaked goat cheese tzatziki, salad cups with herb and shallot vinaigrette and strawberry and rhubarb tarts. Many interesting and innova- tive food ideas were discussed and, at the end of the evening, guests participated in an open mic session where they could share personal food -related stories. Of the food industry, Vander- Molen said, "There is no short- age of things for people to learn about." Around 90 people attended the event, a number that organ- izers were very happy with, and the network hopes to hold another one this fall. A website for the network is currently in the works and, in the meantime, people are asked to contact the HFAN via Twitter. • Tara Ostner, OMI Agency Graduates celebrate at St. Anne's Three St. Anne's students are all smiles as they wait for their Grade 12 graduation ceremony to commence. The special ceremony was held June 26 in the gymnasium at St. Anne's Catholic Secondary School. AMDSB passes balanced budget for 2014-15 school year The Avon Maitland District School Board (AMDSB) has approved a balanced budget for the 2014-15 school year. The budget passed by trus- tees includes operating reve- nue and transfers of reserves and expenses estimates both in the amount of $197,947,830. A press release from the board said the "2014-15 budget reflects investments in student outcomes, literacy and numer- acy, inclusive education, path- ways, safety as well as instruc- tional leadership." "Each of these items has been established as a key ele- ment in the board's Improve- ment Plan for Student Achievement." ATTENTION ADVERTISERS! DEADLINES Our Weekly Deadlines are as follows: ADVERTISING & EDITORIAL Friday @ 2:00 pm Seaforth Huron Expositor 8 Main St., Seaforth PH: 519-527-0240 www.seaforthhuronexpositor.com OFFICE HOURS: Mon. - Fri. 9am - 5pm CLOSED TUESDAYS The 2014-15 budget also includes $12,929,954 in capital allocation and spending for the period of Sept. 1, 2014 to Aug. 31, 2015. The staff report on the budget also indicated that the overall enrollment in AMDSB is projected to grow 4.3 per cent next year. To view a full detailed report on the 2014-15 budget visit, http://your- schools.ca/wp-content/ uploads/2014/06/14-06-24-Report- to-Finance-Committee-1415-Budget- FINAL.pdf. INDIAN RIVER DIRECT PEACH TRUCKLOAD SALE SEAT0111111 WED., JULY 9TH - lpm to 3pm Seaforth Agricultural Society 25 lb. box of FREESTONE GEORGIA PEACHES www.indianriverdirect.com