Fall Staff Picks

Thanks to alpine trails and shaded valley creeks, outdoor recreation is year-round in the Rogue Valley. But fall usually makes for more frisky feet, so we asked Co-op employees for their favorite fall activities and recommendations for what they grab before they head out. 

 

Ethan's pick

You might have shared some stoke in-store with the Grocery team's Ethan, who seeks out adrenaline in the Rogue Valley. "In the fall you can catch me shredding the single track on BTI, Caterpillar, Jabberwocky, and Alice In Wonderland. The summer is too hot but fall brings the perfect combination of tacky trails and perfect temperatures to the Ashland hills. Staying hydrated is a must and the only drink I take with me is Knudsen's Recharge, which is only sweetened by natural fruit juice and has no fake colors like other sports drinks."

Diego's pick

Diego, on the Grocery team, is new to Ashland, so he’s still exploring the area for his favorite outdoor spots. But already, he’s a fan of the Bear Creek Greenway - “It’s sweet to have 25 miles of paved trail going right through Ashland. I can get outdoors without having to drive an hour out of the city. When I’m out, my go-to snack is a GoMacro bar. I think it’s got the best texture of any of the bars - not too mushy - and it’s totally vegan.” (Side note: join the Bear Creek Stewardship Day on Sept 28!)

Mahlea's pick

When she's not organizing classes on the Co-op marketing team, Mahlea is out camping and hiking.  "One of my favorite hiking trails is Wagner Butte. This is a 10-mile hike with 5 miles mostly uphill. At the top after a good work out, I like to cool off and enjoy the 360-degree view and crack open a Heater Allen Bobtoberfest - gotta have a summit beer!"

Carly's pick

You've seen Carly at the registers, but you'll also find her enjoying walks in the neighborhood in the fall. "When the leaves start changing, I really enjoy walking B Street. Ashland is full of great gardeners, and B St is full of fiery fall colors." And since coffee is Carly's favorite beverage any time of the day, "I fill my mug with the Co-op's Bombshell coffee - it's mixed with organic pasture butter, coconut oil, and cinnamon to warm up and give me a healthy energy boost."

More Co-op News

A Visit with Rolling Hills

Visit Rolling Hills Farm and learn more about owner Dave Belzberg, who the Ashland Food Co-op is so honored to partner with for more than thirty five years.

A Visit with Magnolia Farms

 

 

 

Visit Magnolia Farms and learn more about owner Elissa Thau, who the Ashland Food Co-op is so honored to partner with for more than twenty years.

A Visit with Emerald Hills

Visit the Emerald Hills Ranch and learn more about this fourth generation ranching family that the Ashland Food Co-op is so proud to partner with for more than twenty years.

A Conversation with Katie Falkenberg, Photographer and Filmmaker

Katie Falkenberg's photography and filmmaking has taken her all over the world, and lucky for us - she's been calling the Rogue Valley home for a couple years now. Exquisitely and harmoniously capturing the world around her, she is documenting not only through the lens but also through her peaceful and loving spirit. Katie reached out to us in hopes of collaborating after falling in love with the co-op soon after moving here.

January Change for Good Recipient: Rogue Valley Mentoring

Since 2005, Rogue Valley Mentoring (formerly the Rose Circle Mentoring Network) has trained over 500 adults who have mentored over 2,000 youth in our valley; letting young people know that they are not alone. A caring and compassionate ear shows them that they matter, and they they are experts of their own experience.

Rogue Valley Mentoring Circle

Shopping Safely & Efficiently

 

As coronavirus cases increase in Jackson County, the Co-op is taking extra precautions to protect shoppers and employees. 

To ensure social distancing in the store, the number of persons allowed in the store at once has been reduced to 50% capacity. Understandably, this may lead to a short wait outside of the store, but please be assured the line moves quickly.

In order to keep the wait as short as possible, here are a few steps you can take to help out:

10 Ways to Shine Your Light in Dark Times

By Allan Weisbard L.C.S.W.

 

Since 1963, autumn has been a difficult time for me. Two months shy of my 13th birthday I lost my younger brother to cancer, then shortly afterwards, President Kennedy was assassinated.

Masks Required for All In-Store Shoppers

To protect the health of Co-op staff and shoppers, all shoppers and other visitors on Ashland Food Co-op property must wear face coverings over mouth and nose except when dining in an approved area. As of November 11, 2020, face shields will not be permitted unless worn with a mask. 

From the Board: Co-ops Look in the Mirror

By Annie Hoy, Board Secretary and Chair of Owner Engagement Committee

Food Co-ops around the nation proudly display signage saying EVERYONE WELCOME. Or they use the slogan, “Anyone can shop. Anyone can join.” But are food co-ops, and other cooperative businesses, walking the walk? 

November/December GM Update: Overcoming Challenges

It’s probably already cliche to say “it’s been one heck of a year.” There have been challenges a-plenty for all of us, whether we’re working or shopping at the Co-op - but I’m so proud of how all of us have persevered.