From The Outreach Coordinator: February 2018

On January 31st, we experienced a unique lunar phenomenon termed a super blue blood moon. Try to say that 10 times fast! What does it mean? Well, there was a lunar eclipse (blood moon) during a blue moon (the second full moon in the same month) at the same time as a super moon (when the full moon is at its closest proximity to earth). Incredible!

 

Whatever you believe about moon energy, I imagine you feel some sense of awe when gazing at the moon, and perhaps if you saw this phenomenon that feeling was intensified. This is what I’m feeling about the Co-op right now – an amplified sense of awe and wonder.

As a co-op, we are in super-blue-blood-moon mode – and NOT because we are a rare phenomenon; In fact there are around 120 start-up co-ops throughout the U.S. Instead, I believe we are in this mode because we are in a time of incredible and unique energy as we find ourselves poised on that next and final phase in our Co-op’s journey – finding our store site and ultimately opening our storefront!

The co-op energy is palpable: In January, we co-hosted our annual Member Mixer with Second State Brewing Co. This was a “plus one” event to which many members brought guests who were interested in hearing more about our efforts. Four people became new member-owners, and everyone had a fabulous time catching up, meeting new people, and enjoying good food and drink. Over a dozen volunteers made soups and breads to share, while more than 80 people gathered, finding great food, drink and company on an otherwise rainy evening.

 

Back by popular demand, our potlucks start up again this month on February 20 at 6 p.m. We are grateful to Second State Brewing Company for allowing us to bring our own food while also providing 10% off of beer draws for card-carrying Co-op member-owners.  Our potlucks (like almost all of our events) are open to the public. All that we ask is that you bring a dish to share, but we also encourage you to bring your own tableware to help us reduce garbage waste.

 

There are so many exciting things coming up this year with the Co-op that I won’t be able to list them all. But, here’s a teaser:

  • Co-op Connections: Every month, these casual gatherings pop up at local businesses around the Cedar Valley region. Drop in to get your co-op questions answered, meet new people, and have more one-one time with others in the community. These local businesses partner with the Co-op to offer discounts to member-owners so don’t forget to bring your card. The next Co-op Connections will occur Monday, February 12 from 9:30 – 10:45 a.m. at Cup of Joe and Thursday, March 8 from 5:00 – 6:30 p.m. at Urban Pie.
  • Co-op Book Club: Recently formed, this book club has been a popular event on the Co-op calendar. The group discussed Barbara Kingsolver’s Animal, Vegetable, Mineral in January. Devil in the White City by Erik Larsen is the February read. The group will meet on February 26 at 4:45 (location TBD). They plan to meet the fourth Monday of each month.
  • Co-op Trivia Night: In March, we will co-host a trivia night which promises to be a fun-filled event. Start brushing up on your trivia skills and stay tuned for more details soon.

 

I tell people that even without a store, we are a co-op already. We are a co-op of people actively engaged with one another and the community in many positive ways. Not the least of those ways include the five committees through which volunteers keep the momentum moving forward on ensuring our Co-op will be in the Cedar Valley for generations to come. When I attend committee and Board meetings, I’m always struck by the enthusiastic energy and dedication from those in the room. If you have interest in learning more about the work these committees do, I am happy to speak with you about them; you are also welcome to visit meetings so you can see for yourself what they are all about. Our upcoming committee and board meetings are always listed in the sidebar on the right side of your co-op newsletter, The Garlic Press.

 

The Cedar Falls Food Co-op phenomenon is happening and I’m so glad for all who are on board to experience it! Thank you.

 

Melanie Drake

Outreach Coordinator
outreach@cedarfallsfood.coop

319-830-3398

 

 

 

 

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