04/11/11 Supporters and well-wishers of the newest location of the Earthworks Store in Plymouth, gathered on Saturday morning for a blessing ceremony. Earthworks is dedicated to providing food that is made from sustainable ingredients, according to Sister Sue Rogers who has headed up the project for the last eight or nine years. Sister Sue said, “We can trace the origin of the ingredients.”
The Plymouth location at 701 East Jefferson Street will have classroom space for educational programs, a bakery and a market for the sale of healthy products that are hormone and additive free. Sister Sue said they partner with local farmers to provide lamb, pork, chicken and beef; eggs,; honey, maple syrup; and the well known homemade breads.
Sister Rogers said they are targeting young people ages 17-20 for the first educational programming. Students involved in the JESSE program and women from Heart and Hands are scheduled to begin classes that will include baking skills and employment strategies.
Earthworks was established 23 years ago on the banks of Lake Gilbert near Donaldson.
Speaking at the ceremony on April 10 was one of the original board members of the organization, Father Ed Reutz. Father Reutz said, “This started as a dream of Sister Mary Baird who wanted an ecological center for the air, water, soil, flora and fauna.” According to Reutz, the first meeting was held in the Schricker Building in downtown Plymouth and then moved to an old farm house that was about to be torn down. Reutz said they labored for ten years to renovate the house than now has double insulated walls.
As Father Reutz sprinkled the three areas with water for the blessing, he said, “This is good for the land and good for us.” “The water is a sign of life-giving, “Father Reutz said.
Also on hand for the dedication was the Chair of Earthworks Board, Dennis Emmons. Emmons said, “It took 23 years to get to this point. The same amount of time it takes from the birth of a child through their college years.” Emmons said, “Earthworks started with an idea the way all things do.” “We need to grow. We need to tell others.” he said.
Local realtor Jim Masterson was especially pleased to observe the ceremony. Masterson helped to broker the building for Earthworks use that was formerly the site of Oliver Ford. Masterson said, “This will be a lighthouse for the community.”
The Earthworks store will be open Tuesday through Saturday form 8:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. On Wednesdays they have extended hours until 5:30 p.m.
Carol Anders Correspondent
