MICHIGAN FOCUS: Blogs, Healthcare Reform, Food Co-op, Alternative Energy, Groups and Events

Fight for Healthcare reform in Michigan: sign up here to volunteer for the Health Care for America Now campaign in Michigan. About Health Care for America Now:

Health Care for America Now (HCAN) is a national grassroots campaign of more than 1,000 organizations in 46 states representing 30 million people dedicated to winning quality, affordable health care we all can count on in 2009. Our organization and principles are supported by President Obama, Vice President Biden, and more than 190 Members of Congress.

We are building a national movement to win comprehensive health care reform by helping mobilize people in their communities to lobby their U.S. Senators and Representatives in Congress to stand up to the insurance companies and other special interest groups to achieve quality, affordable health care in 2009.

Sign up to fight for health care reform in Michigan now. Or contact:

John Freeman, HCAN
jfreeman13@comcast.net


BIODIESEL IN MICHIGAN:

Here are some biodiesel stations in Michigan. Biodiesel is less polluting and has a smaller carbon footprint than regular diesel, and is produced right here in the USA. Biodiesel can be used in almost any diesel engine. Up to B20 (a 20 percent blend) any diesel engine, whether car or 18 wheeler or whatever, can use it. Above B20 some older engines may have problems, but newer engines should be ok.

Chums Corners: 365 US Highway 31 S, Traverse City, MI 49684, 231-943-3749. Offers B10 (good for any diesel engine). FUELMAN 24 HRS or CREDIT 6-11; SUN-6-10.

Petersen Oil: 6360 N Lafayette St, Greenville, MI 48838, 616-754-3254. Offers B5 and B20 (both good for any diesel engine). Open 6AM-7PM M-F; 8AM-4PM SAT

Boland Tire Breckenridge: 120 S Pine St, Saint Louis, MI 48880, 989-842-5855. Offers B5 (good for any diesel engine). Call for details.

Admiral Petroleum: 1309 E Center St, Ithaca, MI 48847, 989-875-8752. Offers B20 (good for any diesel engine). Open 24 HRS.

Karbowski Oil: 3790 N Euclid Ave, Bay City, MI 48706, 989-684-7516. Offers B5 (good for any diesel engine). Open 24 HRS.

Adventure EZ Mart: 3003 Whitehall Rd. Muskegon, MI 49445, 231-766-3563. Offers B5 (good for any diesel engine). Open 24 HRS.

Atlas Oil Company: 29330 S. Wixom Road, Wixom, MI 48393, 248-374-8530. Offers B5 (good for any diesel engine). Open 24 HRS.

Meijer Fueling Stations: 3825 Carpenter Rd. Ypsilanti, MI 48197, 734-973-1453. Offers B20 (good for any diesel engine). Open 24 HRS.

Meijer Fueling Station: 3145 Ann Arbor Saline Rd, Ann Arbor, MI 48103, 734-997-3900. Offers B20 (good for any diesel engine). Open 24 HRS.

Atlas Oil Company: 24344 Ecorse Road, Taylor, MI 48180, 313-295-1693. Offers B5 (good for any diesel engine). Open 24 HRS.

Scharfs Service: 6650 E 10 Mile Rd, Center Line, MI 48015, 586-757-2708. Offers B20 (good for any diesel engine). Open M-F 6AM-7PM SAT 7AM-5PM; CREDIT OK

Heritage Fuel Food: 3420 S Rochester Rd, Rochester Hills, MI 48307, 248-853-1606. Offers B20 (good for any diesel engine). Open 7AM-10PM.

WOW Fraser: 31193 Utica Rd, Fraser, MI 48026, 586-296-1975. Offers B2 (good for any diesel engine). Open 24 HRS.

Maybee Marathon: 7595 Bluebush Rd, Maybee, MI 48159, 734-587-2282. Offers B20 (good for any diesel engine). Open MON-SAT 6AM-9:30PM SUN 6AM-8:30PM.

Red Baron Express: 974 Will Carleton Rd, Carleton, MI 48117, 734-869-2101. Offers B20 (good for any diesel engine). Open 24 HRS.

Atlas Oil Company: 649 West Main Street, Stockbridge, MI 49285, 517-851-9129. Offers B5 (good for any diesel engine). Open 6:30AM-11PM.

Randys Service: 8030 W Mason Rd, Fowlerville, MI 48836, 517-223-8503. Offers B20 (good for any diesel engine). Open 5AM-7PM MO-SA 8-5 SUN.

Wacker Oil: 9050 Mi State Road 52, Manchester, MI 48158, 734-428-8366. Offers B20 (good for any diesel engine) and B99 (not okay for some older engines, fine for newer engines). Open MON-SAT 7AM-9PM; SUN 8AM-9PM.

Swan Fuel Service, Inc. 1615 E. Mason St. Dansville, MI 48819, 517-623-6087. Offers B20 (good for any diesel engine). Open 24 HRS.


BLOGGING MICHIGAN:

Michigan Liberal is an excellent source of news, events and politics in Michigan.

Blogging for Michigan is another excellent source of news, events and politics in Michigan.

Mid-Michigan DFA is a good way to stay connected with fellow progressives in the Lansing area.

The Michigan Coalition for Progress is an independent progressive voice for the people of Michigan dedicated to holding elected political leaders accountable and moving Michigan forward.


MICHIGAN FOOD CO-OPS:

People's Food Co-op & Café Verde
214-216 N. 4th Avenue
Ann Arbor, Michigan 48104
Phone: (734) 994-9174
FAX: (734) 769-0150
info@peoplesfood.coop
http://www.peoplesfood.coop

New Territory Market Cooperative
132 Water St.
Benton Harbor, Michigan 49022
Phone: (616) 926-9391
FAX: (616) 925-2573

Cass Corridor Food Co-op
456 Charlotte Street
Detroit, Michigan 48201
Phone: (313) 831-7452
FAX: (313) 832-4776
casscorridorfoodcoop@yahoo.com
http://www.geocities.com/casscorridorfoodcoop/index.html

East Lansing Food Co-op
4960 Northwind
East Lansing, Michigan 48823
Phone: (517) 337-1266
FAX: (517) 357-6086
info@elfco.coop
http://www.elfco.coop/

Dibbleville Food Cooperative
106 East Elizabeth Street
Fenton, Michigan 48430
Phone: (810) 629-1175
contact@dibbleville.com
http://www.dibbleville.com

Simple Times Farm Market & Buying Club
6081 E. Baldwin Rd.
Grand Blanc, Michigan 48504
Phone: (810) 771-4480
healthfood4less@yahoo.com
http://www.simpletimesfarm.com/

West Michigan Co-op
1111 Godfrey SW
Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503
Phone: (616) 248-0760
membership@westmichigancoop.com
http://www.westmichigancoop.com

Keweenaw Food Co-op
1035 Ethel Avenue
Hancock, Michigan 49930
Phone: (906) 482-2030
FAX: (906) 482-7845
info@keweenaw.coop
www.keweenaw.coop

Hartland's Nutrition Connection Cooperative
1898 Korte Street, PO Box 530
Hartland, Michigan 48353
Phone: (810) 632-7952
FAX: (810) 632-7620
hnccinc@ismi.net
http://www.hnccinc.com/

Hillsdale Family Food Co-op
31 N. Broad
Hillsdale, Michigan 49242
Phone: (517) 439-1397
FAX: (517) 439-2443

Brighton Food Cooperative
2715 West Coon Lake Road
Howell, Michigan 48843
Phone: (517) 546-4190
bfcoop@brightonfoodcoop.org
http://www.brightonfoodcoop.org/

Ionia Natural Food Co-op
Healthy Basics 2, 576 State St.
Ionia, Michigan 58846
steved@iserv.net
http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/IoniaNaturalFoodsCoop/

Northwind Natural Foods Co-op
116 S. Suffolk Street
Ironwood, Michigan 49938
Phone: (906) 932-3547
evannfc@sbcglobal.net

People's Food Co-op of Kalamazoo
436 Burdick St. South
Kalamazoo, Michigan 49007
Phone: (616) 342-5686
FAX: (616) 342-0194
chris@peoplesfoodco-op.org
http://www.peoplesfoodco-op.org/

Marquette Food Co-op
109 West Baraga Ave.
Marquette, Michigan 49855
Phone: (906) 225-0671
FAX: (906) 225-1169
info@marquettefood.coop
http://www.marquettefood.coop/

Green Tree Grocery
214 N. Franklin
Mount Pleasant, Michigan 48858
Phone: (989) 772-3221
FAX: (989) 775-3961
greentree@yahoo.com

Grain Train Natural Food Market
220 Mitchell Street
Petoskey, Michigan 49770
Phone: (231) 347-2381
FAX: (231) 347-0046
info@graintrain.coop
www.graintrain.coop

Rainbow Health Foods
66783 Gratiot Avenue
Richmond, Michigan 48062
Phone: (810) 727-5475
FAX: (810) 727-5475

Choice Foods Co-op
Royal Oak, Michigan 48073
choicefoods@home.com
http://members.home.net/choicefoods/

Oryana Food Cooperative
260 E. 10th St.
Traverse City, Michigan 49684
Phone: (231) 947-0191
FAX: (231) 947-2516
info@oryana.coop
http://www.oryana.coop/

Woodland Food Co-op
116 N. Main Street
Woodland, Michigan 48897
Phone: (616) 367-4188

Sturgeon River Co-op
8469 Mentor Road
Wolverine, Michigan 49799
Phone: (213) 525-8419
FAX: (213) 525-8419
yourcoop@localnet.com

Ypsilanti Food Co-op and River Street Bakery
312 N. River Street
Ypsilanti, Michigan 48198
Phone: (734) 483-1520
FAX: (734) 483-1354
csikorski@emich.edu
http://www.comnet.org/ypsifoodcoop.org


ALTERNATIVE ENERGY GROUPS AND EVENTS IN MICHIGAN:

Here are some statistics from Repower America:

* A new study by Michigan State University revealed that the state could produce as much as 321,000-megawatts of electricity from wind if its offshore resources are developed. This is more than 10 times the total electricity Michigan produces from all its energy sources
* Swedish Biogas International will turn Flint, Michigan's wastewater into fuel for powering vehicles or generating electricity and initially employ 24 to 40 people with their plan.
* Michigan has a renewable portfolio standard (RPS) that requires all public utilities to generate 10% of their electricity from renewable energy resources by 2015.

BioDiesel Michigan

Interested in Buying Biodiesel or Starting a SE Michigan Cooperative??

Please email your name and contact information: leidel@oakland.edu to be added to a list of potential biodiesel users. The author of this site is campaigning for retail stations to carry B20, and a list of potential buyers will be invaluable. A business plan for a Detroit Metro cooperative is also in the works.

Show your interest, Please!! email here: leidel@oakland.edu Please include full name & town of residence

The Michigan Biodiesel Consortium is a group of individuals and businesses dedicated to improving the environment through the use of renewable fuels.

Our mission is to educate consumers and industry of the environmental benefits of replacing fossil fuels with renewable fuel resources.

We believe increasing farm production of seeds and grain, as well as renewal of waste oil can stimulate the Michigan economy. We will create jobs in the bio-fuel industry and join universities in development of technologies related to bio-fuels as well as promote renewable energy as a mainstream solution to dependency upon foreign oil.

We will bring together urban municipalities, farming communities, labor, industry and individuals to capture the American spirit of independence and entrepreneurship, in the noble endeavor of creating a healthier, and more economically vibrant Michigan.

If you are interested, contact them here:

Don Lee
Systems, production, and grease monkey extraordinaire.
Cell: 616.304.6810

Sarah Strong
Grants, research and the brains of the operation.
Cell: 616.890.0025

Michigan Biodiesel LLC was formed with fifty-seven farmers and eight biodiesel distributors. It is almost ninety percent Michigan owned and strives to enhance rural development and value-added agriculture production.

Michigan BioDiesel LLC is a group leading the way to the production and sales of B100 to distributors. Michigan BioDiesel LLC is the only full-service biodiesel group offering risk management, raw material procurement, plant construction know-how, biodiesel production and biodiesel sales and marketing services. All planned facilities will utilize batch system biodiesel production technology, methanol recovery and water recycling with zero water release from production, while becoming BQ-9000 accredited. Michigan BioDiesel LLC markets biodiesel to customers through its distributors to many industries including on-highway fleets, maritime, military, home heating and agriculture industries.

Michigan Biodiesel, LLC
700 Industrial Parkway
Bangor, MI 49013

If you need to contact us by phone, at 269-427-0804.
The fax number is 269-427-0904.

If you need to contact John Oakley, the CEO of Michigan Biodiesel, the email address is joakley@mibiodiesel.com

Production Development and Chemical Process Manager: Robin Wason, the email address is rwason@mibiodiesel.com

Sustainable Michigan-Peak Oil Meetup Group
Come to a Sustainable Michigan/Peak Oil Meetup to generate ideas and discuss actions to raise public consciousness, promote sustainable development. Find others concerned about making Michigan sustainable in energy, food production, green building and other key areas related to relocalizing so that we are prepared in Michigan for any energy/resource decline. Get the support to BE the change. To find out more, join this group.

Peak Moment in Monroe:
Peak Moment refers to the period of energy, climate, and economic uncertainty that we now live in as humans rapidly approach the end of the Age of Oil.

Meet others who share your concern. Generate ideas and discuss actions to raise public consciousness.

Advocate for new urbanism and sustainable development. Explore the potential of alternative energy. And join others interested in community gardening. To find out more, join this group.


Here are some Progressive Groups in Michigan:

Gratiot County Democratic Party: You are welcome to join us at our regular meetings on the Third Thursday of each month at 7:00 PM in the Community Room in the Alma Public Library.

You can also help win the MI-4 Congressional seat from the Republicans by donating here.

MidMichigan Democracy for America:
Website: mmdfa.blogspot.com
Email Address: midmichigandfa@yahoo.com
Mailing Address: MMDFA, P.O. Box 18153, Lansing, MI 48901

MMDFA meets the second Wednesday of every month at 7:00 pm. All progressives are welcome.
Location: SEIU Local
1026 E. Michigan Avenue
Lansing, MI
across from Sparrow Hospital

Lansing area DFA group - Listserve Sign-up:
Subscribe MMDfA@lapn.net

Monthly Berkley Democratic Club Meeting:
Generally meets on Thursdays from 7pm to 8:30pm and all club meetings are open to the public. Bring your topics, ideas, and opinions to share and interact with other like-minded individuals!

All meetings are held at Anderson Middle School, 3205 Catalpa, Berkley, Michigan in the Media Center. We welcome you to join us!

Contact: http://www.berkleydems.org or info_at_berkleydems.org

Monthly Flint, MI Progressive Caucus Meeting
2nd Tuesday of every month, 6:30:00 PM
Asbury United Methodist Church, Flint

Farmington Hills Club Meeting
Farmington / Farmington Hills Democratic Club
Third Wednesday of Every Month
Starting at 7:30pm
Web: http://www.ffhdc.org
Phone: 248-615-9119
Location: Varies...call or check out website for more info.

Pontiac Democratic Club
Third Saturday of Every Month
Starting at 10:00am
Pontiac City Hall
47450 Woodward Ave., Pontiac
Phone: 248-338-7765
Location: Pontiac City Hall, 47450 Woodward Ave., Pontiac


And for those who want to combine socializing with politics, here are some Michigan Drinking Liberally groups:

Ann Arbor, Michigan
* Second and fourth Thursday of each month, 7pm
* Dominick's, 812 Monroe St. (Behind and across the street from the Law Quad)
* Hosted by Jenay Karlson, Leah Hanzlicek and Jeffrey Schultz, annarbor (at) drinkingliberally.org

Grand Rapids, Michigan
* Third Wednesday of each month, 7:00 pm onward
* Graydon's Crossing, 1223 Plainfield Ave NE (just north of Leonard)
* This month, we're meeting on Tuesday, 4 March at 7:00 for a Primary Results Watch Party
* Hosted by Brent Geers and Phil Skaggs, grandrapids (at) drinkingliberally.org

Houghton, Michigan
* Every Thursday, 7:00 pm onward
* Keweenaw Brewing Company, 408 Shelden Ave (Downtown Houghton)
* http://drinkingliberally.wikispaces.com
* Hosted by Jeremy Sandrik and Jon Maxwell, houghton (at) drinkingliberally.org

Lansing, Michigan
* Third Thursday of each month, 7:00 pm onward
* Reno's East, 1310 Abbott Rd, East Lansing (Corner of Abbott and Saginaw)
* Hosted by Julielyn Gibbons, lansing (at) drinkingliberally.org

Mount Pleasant, Michigan
* Second Tuesday of each month, 8:00 pm onward
* Mountain Town Brewing Company, 506 W Broadway St
* Hosted by Abhik Roy, Will Tomlinson, Scott Dunn and Brandon Mayer, mtpleasant (at) drinkingliberally.org

Oakland County, Michigan
* Third Thursday of each month, 6:00 pm onward
* Rochester Mills Beer Company, 410 Water St, Rochester (Downtown Rochester)
* Great food and some great brews, bring a hunger and a thirst for Democracy!
* Hosted by Ron Wasczenski, oaklandcounty (at) drinkingliberally.org