West Alameda Farmers’ Market Now Open Thursday Afternoons

You now have two chances each week to get locally-grown, farm-fresh fruits and vegetables without leaving the Island.

The West Alameda Farmers’ Market is now open from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursdays through the end of September as well as from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Tuesdays year-round. In addition to a large selection of fresh produce, the market features baked goods, eggs, honey, dates, nuts, fish, gourmet Indian and Mexican food, popcorn, rotisserie chicken, flowers and more…all to the accompaniment of live music.

“Shopping at the Farmers’ Market helps reduce your carbon footprint by buying locally-grown fruits and vegetables and other food items that don’t generate a lot of greenhouse gases to get to your table,” says Kathy Moehring, Executive Director of the West Alameda Business Association. “You’ll also have the assurance that the food that you buy will be fresh, healthy and safe.”

The Farmers’ Market, at the corner of Webster Street and Taylor Avenue, is a joint project of the West Alameda Business Association (WABA) and the Pacific Coast Farmers’ Market Association (PCFMA). For more information, visit PCFMA at www.pcfma.com.

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Alternatives in Action, a West Alameda a non-profit organization serving children (ages 2-5, and 14-19) and their families, is moving its programs into the Woodstock school site on Third Street in West Alameda and needs your help.

Volunteers are needed from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 10 and 17 to get the space ready to move into at the end of June. Volunteers will help clean, repair and paint, or serve food to the other volunteers. They are also asking Webster Street businesses to help by providing food for their volunteers.

The group runs three programs -- HOME Sweet HOME preschool, B.A.S.E. high school and HOME after school. Information: (510) 748-4314x315 or www.alternativesinaction.org

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The College of Alameda small ensemble improvisation class performs under the direction of music instructor Herbert Mims Jr. at the college’s spring concert from 7 to 10 p.m. May 8 at 555 Ralph Appezzato Memorial Parkway, Building F. The event is free and open to the public. Information: (510) 748-2213.

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A ribbon cutting ceremony at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, May 15 will mark the opening of LanVie, a women’s fashion shop featuring upscale Asian-inspired clothing and accessories at 1501 Webster St. at the corner of Santa Clara. LanVie is owned by Alamedan Cai Lan Liu, who designs many of the clothes herself, combining the glamour of the Asian tradition with modern styles.

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Taste two wines for $8 at Angela's Restaurant in Marina Village and the Alameda Civic Light Opera stage Broadway-style productions.. Friday nights in May from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Information: (510) 522-5822.

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The West Alameda Business Association (WABA) still needs your help in order to continue supporting the renaissance of West Alameda. WABA’s current wish list includes:

• 48” credenza
• Bar-size refrigerator
• Small microwave
• Digital camera

If you can donate any of these items, please call WABA at (510) 523-6368.