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THURSDAY, JANUARY 10, 2012 Weave the Web:
Make sure to click on www.heritage.com around the clock for the most in-depth coverage. See most popular stories....Are firefighters extinguish blaze in Schooner Cove complex

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VOL. 19, NO. 2

Downtown Farmers Market grows with use of food assistance programs

Danny Shaw
Heritage Media

Washtenaw County residents are spending more money than ever at the Downtown Ypsilanti Farmers Market and more than a third of its sales come from state food assistant programs. More than $148,000 was spent during the markets main 2012 season, which spans from May to October, said Christine Easley, Farmers Market manager. Nearly 35 percent of which was thanks to food assistant programs such as WIC and state-issued food stamps. Were really excited to see that our food assistance numbers are constantly going up, Easley said. The stigma has been farmers markets are for the wealthy and not for the poor and this helps defeat that mentality. We want everyone to afford healthy, local food options. The 2012 main season sales figures are up $39,000 over last year and its more than a $50,000 increase from 2010. The market brought out 18,523 customers in 2012, up from 17,642 in 2011, according to records released by its management. She said the markets sales not only show more area residents are buying local, fresh produce and goods, but the market is helping low- Photo by Leisa Thompson Photography, taken with permission from the groups Facebook page income households more than ever before. During the warm months, the market is open every Tuesday from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. on According to the U.S. Census Bureau, of Ferris Street between South Adams and South Hamilton streets. Ypsilantis 19,596 residents, more than 26 perits beginnings were modest in comparison, said The market was held on Tuesdays at Corner cent are living below the poverty level almost Easley. During its first year, the market had less Brewery in Ypsilanti during November and 11 percent more than the state average. than eight booths, bringing in only a few thouDecember. The market was started in 2006 to help the sand dollars. Easley said she thinks there are several faclow-income people in the area, specifically with Once word got out, however, the following tors helping to increase sales and attendance healthy food access, Easley said. Ypsilanti years brought more and more vendors, customfor the market. It accepts EBT, credit and debit has been considered a food desert area, havers and recognition. cards, as well as WICK food assistance and even ing, in general, a limited access to healthy food From May to October, the market is open various senior citizen food assistance programs. options. every Tuesday from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Ferris The Double Up Food Bucks program, where While the market has nearly 50 food vendors with customers spending nearly $150,000 in 2012, Street between South Adams and South PLEASE SEE MARKET/3-A Hamilton streets.

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Man shot in stable condition

Ben Baird
Heritage Media

Comedy Night Showcase to feature local, national comedic acts Jan. 11

national headlining comedians along with Ypsilantis own funny man Gordon Big Dumb Dooley. Hosted by Detroit-based comedian Coolaide, the onenight event will showcase Marcus Combs of BETs Comic View, the Bad Boys of Comedy tour and HBOs Def Comedy Jam. The event will also feature comics Mary Ann Demoss and Ms Gee and is presented by Ypsilantibased United Sonz Business Solutions and The Exclusive Group. Dooley, a lifelong Ypsilanti resident and 1996 Willow Run High School graduate, said theres nothing better than sharing a night with comedic talent such as Coolaide and Combs. Any time we can get big talent in Ypsi, its a big event, said Dooley, who also works as a promoter for United Sonz. Whenever theres a show, its normal to have some of the local talent featured. This is one of my biggest shows to date

The Marketplace:

A 21-year-old Detroit man suffered multiple gunshot wounds Sunday night and he was hospitalized following the shooting. He is in stable condition and is receiving treatment at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital, according to the Ypsilanti Police Department. Officers were dispatched at about 11:12 p.m. to the 400 block of Worden to investigate the sounds of gunshots. Police learned that prior to the officers arrival, the shooter fled the scene and the victim was transported to the hospital by witnesses. Courtesy Gordon Dooley Police are conducting an Gordon Dooley, above, will perform alongside national ongoing investigation into comedic acts during the Mix Lounges Comedy Night the shooting. Showcase on Jan. 11. A suspect, a 22-year-old Ypsilanti man, has been dars as a day to get a hearty identified by witnesses, Danny Shaw dose of hilarity. according to police. The sus- Heritage Media Ypsilantis Mix Lounge pect has not yet been located Local residents should will be hosting Comedy or arrested. Its believe the mark Jan. 11 on their calen- Night Showcase, featuring
PLEASE SEE SHOOTING/3-A

maybe even the biggest. Im really proud. Two years in the making, Dooleys comedy career is a far cry from the middlemanagement day job he once held. I was a pricing and quotations specialist, Dooley said. I got started because my brother dared me to get on stage because he thought I was funny. So I did it. Dooley said his jokes arent simply made-up stories from fake events; he draws upon daily life and personal experiences to motivate his laughs. I think simple is better but Im known to crack a lot of fat jokes, he said. I mean, hey, Im kind of a big guy. I do some family comedy, too. There are two shows scheduled for Jan. 11. The first will start at 8 p.m. and the second at 11 p.m. Tickets are $15 if purchased in advance. More information on how to purchase is available on the events Facebook page.

Local ads are just a hop away at the MIcentral.com marketplace. While you are there, you can check out all the special supplements of Journal Register Co. newspapers in Michigan. Click on marketplace on the home page of our website or go directly to www.marketplace.micentral.com.

INDEX
Editorial Classifieds Sports Page 6- Page 5-B Page 1-C

Death Notices Page 8-A

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