BY DENNAY BEDARD
Special to the Clarkston News
Buying local was the theme at dinner, Saturday, at Clarkston United Methodist Church.
‘It is important to buy local whenever possible, because most of the money that you spend on local products goes right back into the community? said Bob McGowan, owner of Bittersweet Farm of Independence Township and guest speaker.
The 100 Mile Dinner included only ingredients originating within 100 miles of Clarkston. Food at the event included hors d’oeuvres of brushetta and cottage cheese, spinach salad, apple-fed pork with apricot glaze, roasted potatoes, green beans, and apple cobbler and ice cream for dessert.
‘I think this is a great idea,? said Julie Hall, of Clarkston.
More than 70 people gathered for dinner, organized to encourage people to support local businesses by buying locally produced goods whenever possible, and bring the community together for a delicious homemade meal.
Table decorations were also bought locally. Centerpieces were white pumpkins purchased from Northwind Family Farms at the Oakland County Farmers? Market.
Many ingredients were purchased from local sellers at Clarkston, Oakland County, and Northern Farm farmers markets. Apple-fed pork was purchased at J & M Farm in Allenton, and ice cream at Cook’s Dairy Farm in Ortonville.
The church Speakers Committee is running a four-part Speakers Series, aimed at bringing the community together with events for the public.
The 100 Mile Dinner was the third event in the series, which concludes in November with an antiques show.
‘The Speakers Committee’s objective is to bring the community together,? said Pat Martz, committee member.
‘This is the first year that the church has run this series of events, and we hope to be able to run the series every year,? said Jan Lewis, head of the Speakers Committee.
During his presentation, McGowan talked about the importance of supporting local businesses and giving back to the community.
‘It takes a village to raise a garden,? he said.
Buying local not only provides the freshest products, but your money goes right back into supporting your community, he said.
Volunteers at Bittersweet Farm grow food for donation to Gleaners Food Bank, he said.
“So, not only can you invest in your community by purchasing local products, but also by volunteering your time at a place such as Bittersweet Farm, where all of your work goes toward helping those in your community.”