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Disability Pride Month
Disability Pride Month, first celebrated in 1990, commemorates the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This landmark legislation prohibits discrimination based on disability and ensures equal opportunities in all areas of public life. Disability Pride Month promotes visibility and mainstream awareness of the positive pride felt by people with disabilities. It is a time to honor the contributions of individuals with disabilities and advocate for a more inclusive society where everyone can thrive. It is also a time to advocate for a more inclusive society where everyone can thrive. At the Ashland Food Co-op, we are committed to supporting all members of our community. We believe that diversity and inclusivity make us stronger, and we are dedicated to creating a welcoming environment for everyone.
As we celebrate Disability Pride Month this July, we are honored to share the inspiring story of Luke Hogan Laurenson, a remarkable member of our Ashland community. Luke, who graduated as valedictorian from Ashland High School in 2023, has overcome numerous challenges to achieve this milestone. Born with a disability, Luke's journey is a testament to resilience, hope, and the power of community support.
Despite the physical challenges he faced, Luke excelled academically and socially. His valedictorian speech resonated with many as he spoke about hope, the importance of embracing one's individuality, and the joy of dancing – a passion of his that reflects his positive spirit. Luke also drew inspiration from his favorite artist, Taylor Swift, whose music and messages of empowerment have been a constant source of motivation.
Luke's success is not just a personal victory but also a reflection of the inclusive and supportive environment of Ashland. Our community has rallied around him, offering encouragement and resources to help him thrive. This spirit of inclusivity is something we, at Ashland Food Co-op, deeply value and strive to foster within our own space.
We invite you to join us in celebrating Disability Pride Month by learning more about the stories of individuals like Luke Hogan and supporting initiatives that promote inclusivity and accessibility. Together, we can build a community where everyone feels valued and empowered.
If you would like to follow Luke on his journey you can check out his Youtube channel and his non-profit, Luke's Foundation for Love.
More Co-op News
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Meet Board of Director Trine Ostergaard
Trine Ostergaard is a newly elected Ashland Food Co-op Board of Director. She brings a world, literally, of experience to the table and has a sincere passion and love for the Co-op. We are thrilled to have her aboard and asked her to answer a few questions.
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
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Meet Board of Director Dean Williamson
Dean Williamson is a newly elected Ashland Food Co-op Board of Director. He brings to the table a plethora of co-op experience and a love of chocolate chip cookies. We are thrilled to have him aboard and asked him to answer a few questions.
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
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Staff Picks: Favorite Local Products
September is Love Local Month! All month long we’re celebrating our local farmers and vendors with demos, events and more. Here are some of our staff's favorite local products.
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How Can I Reduce My Plastic Use at the Co-op?
By Rianna Koppel, Sustainability Coordinator
Plastic pollution today is a global dilemma. Did you know that more than 40% of plastic is used once, then tossed? In 2015, 79% of total plastic waste ended up in landfills or the environment. How can our co-op help reduce the amount of single-use plastics? Luckily, we offer a variety of options for owners.
Stainless Steel Straws
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Meet Pachamama Coffee Cooperative
By Lauren Taber, Pachamama Coffee Cooperative
Pachamama Coffee Cooperative started in 2001 with a few simple questions in mind: what would it look like to take Fair Trade a step further? How can coffee farmers be in direct relationship with end consumers in the United States?
We found that the answer was even simpler: cooperative ownership. Pachamama Coffee has been 100% farmer-owned since day one, and is currently owned by 140,000 small scale family farmers across the coffee producing regions of the world.
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Community Cider Backyard Fruit Drive
How often can you browse the shelf at your neighborhood grocery store, see a bottle of hand crafted, local cider and say, “Hey, I help make that!” Well, at the Co-op you can.
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2018 Board Election Results
The AFC Board of Directors is pleased to announce the results of the 2018 Board Election. There were three excellent candidates running for two Board positions. In total, 905 votes were cast.
Congratulations to the following candidates who will serve three-year terms on the Ashland Food Co-op Board of Directors.
Thank you for voting!
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Meet Store Manager Barry Haynes
By Barry Haynes, Store Manager
Twenty three years ago my wife and I began our quest to relocate our family from the midwest to the west coast. We were looking for a beautiful area with an engaged community that would enable our children to thrive. Equally important, we wanted our new home to have a vibrant natural food store. When we arrived in southern Oregon, we felt as though we hit the jackpot.
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Beat the Heat
When the heat of summer takes over, it can be hard on our bodies and moods. Don’t let the scorching temps get you down, cool off with one of these refreshing Staff recommendations.
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Report from the Board of Directors: Strategic Plan Update
By Jeff Golden, External Relations Committee Chair
Ashland Food Co-op is striding into the future with careful intention. We’re especially focused on the three top priorities of our strategic planning process, a collaboration of our board and management team. A quick update:
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Riding off into the Sunset
By Annie Hoy, Retiring Marketing Manager
Since I was born and raised in far West Texas, I cannot help but use some imagery from what is so familiar to me.
Report from the General Manager and Board of Directors
By Emile Amarotico, General Manager and Ed Claassen, Board President
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Ashland Food Co-op Signs Contract to Purchase Property
The Ashland Food Co-op expects to soon complete the purchase of an undeveloped lot at 120 Clear Creek Drive in Ashland. The parcel is located directly behind Ashland Lumber. This purchase is a major step in the Co-op’s vision for growing its downtown presence.