At the Co-op

added 02/22/10

Quicklinks:

Have You Seen the Hop and Vine?

Love wine and specialty beers? So do we. And because we get so many questions about wine and beer, the Co-op’s beverage merchandiser has dreamed up a new digital publication to join our family of e-newsletters that is devoted to the subject and is already a big hit. Want to check it out?

Send an email to comment@coopfoodstore.com we’ll add you to the subscription list, or join online at www.coopfoodstore.coop. The Hop and Vine features recipes, background information about various wines and beers, news about the latest products being offered in our stores, what’s coming up on sale, and more. In the future, look for specials offers and goodies just for Co-op members, too. See you online at the Hop and Vine!

Subscribe and Follow: eNews and Facebook

When the Co-op had free season passes to Ascutney Mountain Resort and gift certificates for free lunch at Harpoon Brewery, we decided to raffle them off to two lucky members. (Members do own the place, after all.) And who were some of the first members to know? The fans of our Facebook page and the subscribers to our email newsletters!

Want to be among the first to know about upcoming Co-op Classes? Love specialty beer and wine? Want weekly specials in your inbox? The Co-op publishes several email newsletters, covering topics such as consumer news, general updates, Co-op Classes, food-safety information, and more. They’re short and sweet so you can get the information you need and be on your way. You can sign up for just the information you want and opt out at any time. And of course, we never give your information to third party evildoers, no matter what. Sound good? It is! So what are you waiting for? Join our list. Email us at comment@coopfoodstore.com or subscribe online from the Co-op website at www.coopfoodstore.coop.

Do you use Facebook to stay in touch? Follow us. We regularly post tidbits to our Facebook page to help keep our ever-growing fan base in the know. Go here to check it out and join.

Not a Member Yet? Joining is Fast and Easy

If you picked up this copy of the Co-op News while shopping in our stores, are you wondering what this membership business is all about? It’s easy. It takes only a few minutes to join the Co-op by visiting the Service Desk at either Co-op Food Store. Want to save time? Download and fill out an application from our website at www.coopfoodstore.coop/members and bring it with you. Each member household buys ten $5 shares of Co-op stock. This one-time $50 investment entitles you to full membership in the Co-op. Learn more about member benefits on page 11.

Co-op Classes

Our Co-op Classes are legendary. They are taught by top-notch staff in friendly settings with plenty of samples to try and information to take home. We offer classes individually, based on the availability of an instructor, the timeliness of the topic, and member and customer interest.

Our Spring line-up so far includes everything from local cheese to vegetable gardening to worm composting. Look for information on posters in our food stores, on our website, www.coopfoodstore.coop/class, follow us on Facebook, or sign up to have class information delivered by email to your inbox. You can also call the Service Desk at (603) 640-6328 at any time for updates on current class offerings.

Release Your Inner Teacher: We’re Looking for a Few Good Instructors
Interested in teaching a class? Contact Jaime Richardson at (603) 640-6555 or send her an email at Jaime.Richardson@coopfoodstore.com with a description of the class that you would like to teach.

Co-op Board of Directors Meetings

The Co-op’s Board of Directors holds meetings on the third Wednesday of every month, starting at 5:30 p.m. in the Board Room upstairs at the Hanover Food Store. We post the agenda on the Board of Directors web page by the Friday before the scheduled meeting. Please contact Genie Braasch, Co-op Board Administrator, at (603) 640-6340 if you plan on attending, or email her at gbraasch@coopfoodstore.com.

There’s Still Time to Sign Up for a Co-op Garden Plot

One of the many benefits of Co-op membership is the opportunity to rent a garden plot for the summer. Plots are available at the Co-op’s Community Garden, located on Route 5 in Norwich, Vermont, next to the Farmers Market.

The gardening season runs from mid-May through October. Each year, the Co-op holds a drawing to allocate plots to interested members. Gardeners from the previous year are given priority. Renters make a payment of $50 in the form of two $25 checks, one of which will be returned if the plot is cleared of all stakes, markers, and other non-plant debris in early fall. The other check covers the rental of a plot that is approximately 20 feet by 20 feet.

All gardeners must tend their plots with organic gardening methods, limiting themselves to natural or organic fertilizers and pest control methods. Gardeners are considerate in their use of water, which is in limited supply, and are expected to assist in maintaining the overall well-being of the entire garden area.

To enter the drawing for a plot, send your contact information and two checks for $25 each, made out to the Co-op Food Stores, to:

Michele Jordan
Hanover Co-op
P.O. Box 633
Hanover, NH 03755

so they are received on or before April 1. Winners will be notified by phone or e-mail during that week. If necessary, a waiting list will be established, and checks will be returned to those who do not get a plot. If you have further questions, contact Michele at (603) 640-6323 or email Missy@coopfoodstore.com.

A grocery store with an art gallery? What gives?