Green Drinks meeting looks at co-op movement

The public is invited to Green Drinks McHenry County from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 7, at Duke's Alehouse & Kitchen, 110 N. Main St. in Crystal Lake.

Head upstairs at Duke's for information and inspiration, business and pleasure. Come talk about "greening" the future with others. You must be 21 to purchase alcohol; nonalcoholic drinks are available, of course.

This month's topic will be on what is a food cooperative and why should there be one in McHenry County?

Learn about the co-op movement in the U.S., from its beginnings through the Depression, into the 1960s and its resurgence today. There are more than 300 food co-ops in the U.S., with 100 more in the development stage.

There are many advantages to a food co-op, including the fact that it is owned and run by its members, it features locally grown, healthy food, and it contributes to the local economy.

There is a grass-roots movement to start a food co-op in McHenry County. Representatives from McHenry County Food Co-op will talk about plans to open their very own storefront in May 2015. Community involvement is important, so come, learn, ask questions, get involved.

Register your interest on their website, www.mchenrycountyfoodcoop.com, and like them on Facebook to keep abreast of their progress.

There will be natural lawn care demonstrations by Billy Goat Lawn Care from Johnsburg, Ringers Landscape Services from Fox River Grove, and NaturaLawn of America. These start at 5 p.m., followed by the main presentation around 5:45 p.m.

An information table will be set up, and you are welcome to bring information about your green products and services each month to share. Additional parking is available at the train station.

To be added to the email list, send a note to GreenDrinksMC@gmail.com or "like" the group on Facebook at www.FaceBook.com/GreenDrinksMcHenryCounty.