by Rose Paul, Board President
Change is good when it results in sensible progress. Our Co-op has been through a lot of change and frankly, upheaval in the last couple years. Now there are opportunities to make small, reasonable changes to keep improving our Co-op.
Bylaw amendment: The Twin Valley Senior Center near the Co-op on Rt. 2 has asked if it can be a Co-op member (it is already a steady customer). Our bylaws are silent on this. Co-op members have a chance to vote in August on a bylaw change to create an institutional membership. Here’s an example of a bylaw from the River Valley (Massachusetts) Co-op which we will adapt to suit us:
“Institutional Memberships shall be organizations or businesses that desire to participate as Co-op Owners. Institutional Memberships entitle the institution to the same benefits as Household Memberships. The Institution’s Representative of Membership shall be entitled to make institutional purchases for business purposes only. The Representative of Membership shall transact all official Membership business with the Co-op. The organization or business will be named as the Co-op owner on stock certificates, patronage rebate checks, or refunds of the Membership. Institutional Co-op Owners will each be entitled to one vote in all matters submitted to a vote of Co-op Owners.”
Board members: Four of the six members are leaving in August. We need a few people to step up and run for the Board; no yard signs or petitions needed, just people who will attend a monthly meeting and make considered decisions within our governance framework. Will you help? One of our Board members, Andy Robinson, has ideas about simplifying our Policies (yes, we have a Policies handbook) to make them easier to interpret. A thoughtful Board will have a chance to change our Policies for the better. Please contact board@plainfieldcoop.com to let us know you’re interested in joining the Board. We are especially seeking folks who have some financial training.
Building Committee: If you are handy and have a little time, consider joining our Building Committee. I can’t praise these dedicated volunteers enough; they are wonderful, skilled and generous with their time. Our Rt. 2 building needs some TLC and the Building Committee is great about prioritizing and delegating tasks as needed. Most of them are working folks. too, so their volunteer time is limited. Are you willing to take on a little project now and then? You could really make a positive impact with your time. Please contact Board member Jan Waterman (jmwinvt@hotmail.com) to let her know you’re interested.
Annual meeting: August 24 from 4-6 at the Plainfield Opera House. Please come to add your voice. Do you like or dislike the proposed bylaw change? Want to cast your vote for new Board members? Want to meet our terrific General Manager Jeannine DeWald and hear her report? The Co-op is owned by all its members—your attendance is important.
The Co-op now has air conditioning! Local tomatoes and Pennsylvania peaches are in. Stay cool, have a great summer!
Board Members
- Rose Paul, President
- Anne Van Couvering, Vice President
- John Cleary, Treasurer
- Claire Dumas
- Jan Waterman
- Andy Robinson
Contact: board@plainfieldcoop.com
More information at: https://plainfieldcoop.com/board-of-directors/