Cheers to 50 Years: Ypsi Food Co-op's Community Harvest Podcast

Episode 5: 50 Years of Cooperation – A Conversation with Gary and Marie Urick

In this heartwarming episode, host Rodolfo Alvarado spends time with Gary and Marie Urick—two longtime Ypsi Food Co-op supporters whose story is as unique as it is inspiring. From Gary’s legendary produce runs to Detroit aboard the “Bozo Bus” to the day they met, fell in love, and eventually married, their lives have been intertwined with the Co-op in unforgettable ways. Today, they both work at the co-op, continuing to give back to the place that brought them together. Join us for a conversation filled with community, commitment, and love.

Episode 4: 50 Years of Cooperation – A Conversation with Alexander Ball

In this inspiring episode, host and longtime Ypsi Co-op supporter Rodolfo Alvarado sits down with Alexander Ball, founder of Old City Acres [https://www.oldcityacres.com/], to reflect on the spirit of cooperation that has shaped Ypsilanti’s food landscape. From his early experiences with the Co-op to launching a farm rooted in sustainability and community, Alex shares how cooperation, innovation, and local connection continue to nourish both soil and soul.

Episode 3: 50 Years of Cooperation - A Conversation with Dave Strenski

In this episode, we sit down with longtime Ypsi Food Co-op member, solar advocate and community enabler Dave Strenski. From waving at neighbors, to envisioning solar panels on 1,000 roofs, Dave shares his bold, grassroots vision for an equitable solar future—one that includes low-income households, underutilized land, and a thriving co-op at its center. We explore the pioneering solar arrays atop the Ypsi Food Co-op, and Dave’s dream of transforming vacant land into solar-powered EV charging stations. He breaks down the innovation behind “Solar for All,” a plan to install panels across neighborhoods while creating jobs and delivering long-term savings to families. Dave reminds us: solar isn’t just about energy—it’s about empowerment. Thanks for joining us for this special 50th anniversary season—let’s keep the momentum going!

Episode 2: 50 Years of Cooperation – A Conversation with Connor Harlow

In this episode, host Rodolfo Alvarado reflects with Connor Harlow, the Bakery Manager at the Ypsi Food Co-op, whose story is as warm and fulfilling as the sourdough he bakes. Connor first discovered the co-op back in 2013 while studying environmental science at EMU. What began as a simple search for local food quickly turned into a life-changing connection. From his first steps through the co-op’s front door to becoming the heart behind its brick oven, Connor shares how curiosity, community, and a passion for baking led him from customer to co-op cornerstone. Connor reflects on his early days of baking pies for Thanksgiving, his self-taught mastery of sourdough, and how a once-quiet oven became a symbol of his dedication and creativity. Now, nearly a decade later, Connor reflects on what it means to grow with a place and help shape its future—loaf by loaf. A story of purpose, passion, and the power of good food. Tune in now to hear Connor’s journey in his own words.

Episode 1: 50 Years of Cooperation – A Conversation with Lisa Bashert

The wait is over! "Cheers to 50 Years: Ypsi Co-op’s Community Harvest Podcast" is finally here! Created to celebrate 50 years of cooperation, we’re kicking things off with an inspiring premiere episode featuring longtime Ypsi Food Co-op member Lisa Bashert. Hosted by Rodolfo Alvarado, a dedicated supporter and friend of the co-op, this premiere episode dives into Lisa’s incredible journey—from leading the Local Honey Project and Coop Quilters Club to running the farmers market stall and co-founding the Cooperative Orchard of Ypsilanti and the Ypsilanti Growers Co-op. A beekeeper, gardener, and passionate advocate for cooperation, Lisa shares memories and stories from her decades of involvement with the co-op. Join us as we celebrate 50 years of cooperation and kick off this exciting new podcast series—listen now!