by Glenda Bissex, Editor
Our Co-op is evolving, a term used by General Manager Jeannine DeWald to describe what’s happening. “Evolving is what we do to survive,” reflects Gail Falk, a former Board president. “Beings don’t evolve because they want to, but as a necessity of survival in a changing environment.” After living through many crises, and exploring many possible solutions, our changing environment has finally pushed the Co-op to take a big leap. For many in our community, it was a bitter-sweet choice. The evolving is now emotional as well physical.
You will see in this newsletter photos and words from shoppers in the village store during its last hour of operation. You will meet the new General Manager, Jeannine DeWald, and get an inside view of some of the complexities and challenges and aspirations in this evolution. You will find current information in the Community Update, take a look ahead in the President’s report, and be inspired by Jan Waterman’s “Big, Audacious Leaps.” Because all the financial data isn’t yet collected, there is no Treasurer’s report in this issue. But as always, you’ll find delicious recipes you can make mostly with ingredients from your neighborhood Co-op.
As our Co-op is evolving, the Newsletter Committee is wondering how the newsletter can evolve to serve our expanded community. Hopefully, we will have many new members. What would Hardware Store customers like to know about what being part of a cooperative means for them? What would Co-op members like to know about their new, expanded family and opportunities?
Lisa’s delightful Plainfield People posts keep readers aware of the store’s latest offerings, from a wall of Darn Tough socks to chicken and dumplings from the deli. The quarterly newsletter has traditionally looked at the bigger picture of Co-op operations, including finances, to inform us as member-owners. It has featured in-depth profiles of Co-op people and local vendors, shared seasonal recipes and information about nutrition, healthy foods and the food industry. It has reminded us of the co-operative principles we are based in. At times it has been a forum for discussing issues affecting the Co-op. We are still searching for a way to consistently include voices from the staff.
Perhaps our expanded Co-op needs some new forms of communication. Let us know what you want. You can email the editor, Glenda Bissex at songboat@vtlink.com
The Newsletter Committee:
- Glenda Bissex, Editor, songboat@vtlink.net
- Gail Falk, Staff Writer
- Elizabeth Mathai, Design & Layout, and Ad Coordinator
- Debra Stoleroff, Recipe Editor