Co-op In the Community
added 05/05/10
Co-op Expo & Annual Meeting
The Co-op held the second annual Co-op Expo on April 10 in conjunction with Annual Meeting. This year’s theme was The Impact of our Food Choices and featured displays on a variety of topics including import substitution (getting our vitamin C from New England-grown cranberries), fair trade, support for local growers and producers, food safety, humane treatment of animals, sustainable fisheries, wellness, industrial corn production, and more. Over 330 members and non-members attended the exposition, chatting with farmers, vendors, and Co-op staff while sampling organic cheese, locally raised pork, and fair trade bananas dipped in fair trade chocolate. Additional displays featured information on composting, including composting with worms, and an informational display on member benefits provided by Co-operative Insurance Companies.
Members had a chance to speak with candidates for the Board of Directors and to vote, as well as attend the Annual Meeting which drew about 65 members in addition to staff and Board.
Fresh, the Movie
Roughly 85 people filled the Mayer Room at the Howe Library on April 14 to view the film Fresh by Ana Sofia Joanes. The Co-op co-sponsored the viewing with Slow Food Upper Valley, whose members provided light refreshments. After the showing, attendees asked questions of a panel consisting of local garden expert and Valley News columnist Henry Homeier, Co-op Sustainability Coordinator Emily Neuman, Co-op Produce Merchandiser Dot Benham, and Co-op Assistant Merchandising Director Paul Hoffman.
The DVD of Fresh was donated to the Howe Library’s collection. Additional copies of Fresh are available for borrowing from the Co-op’s Member Lending Library in the Hanover store. For more information on the film, go to www.freshthemovie.com.
HCCF Update
In 2009, 811 Co-op members showed their support for the HCCF by donating $12,604.9
in patronage refund and personal checks. Eight years ago, the HCCF Committee set out to raise $250,000 by the end of 2007, a goal that was reached in October 2007. The HCCF Committee Chairman promptly announced an updated goal of an additional $300,000 to be raised by the end of 2012! We need your help if we’re going to get there. We invite you to be part of the excitement. If you would like to donate your check—or simply make a contribution to the fund—please make your check payable to the Hanover Co-op and deposit it in the HCCF box at either food store or mail it to the Coop at P.O. Box 633, Hanover, NH 03755. We will gladly give you a receipt for tax purposes. Thanks in advance for your generosity!
Voting Wrap Up
During the month of April, 574 Co-op members submitted ballots to fill three seats on the Board of Directors. The members elected John Boutin, Margaret Drye, and Jill Mikucki to the Board. The full Board will choose officers for the coming year at the May Board meeting to be held on Wednesday, May 19, 2010 at 5:30 p.m. in the Hanover Boardroom. All Co-op members are welcome to attend. For more information, please contact Board Administrator Genie Braasch at (603) 640-6340 or email her
Join Our Reading Group!
Just Food, by James E. McWilliams
Do locavores have it wrong, and is there a more responsible way to eat? Join our reading group for some lively discussion in the Hanover Co-op Boardroom on four consecutive Thursdays, September 2, 9, 16, 23 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. To sign-up or for more details call or email, Jaime Richardson (603) 640-6555 We have limited space available, so don’t hesitate!
