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.
My wife and I are relatively new to the area, having relocated to Ashland from Bozeman, MT, where we owned a vegetable farm and where I also worked at Montana State University. Currently, I direct the Farm at SOU, and she is a massage therapist, nutrition guide and wellness guru. I served on the co-op board in Bozeman for 12 years and have also worked at the Boise Co-op, so I am happy to share what I have seen and be helpful in any way I can. I have been a teacher, and will be again in the fall of '18 (sustainable food systems at SOU); I was a creative writing major and have a Ph.D. in Native American literature. I’m left handed and purple is my favorite color. Summer days I like to fill with farms and outdoors-stuff: paddling the rivers or backpacking the mountains. And, I think there is not a single thing that can’t be made better by eating a chocolate chip cookie.
Why do you want to lead the Co-op?
I am excited to join the Ashland Food Co-op’s Board of Directors. Co-ops, as we know, do business in the best ways, guided by inclusive principles and committed to community, and organizational prosperity. For me, helping support the Ashland Food Co-op is another chance to continue to do my part to create and maintain an honorable, localized, and secure food system. As a farmer, I appreciate the Ashland Food Co-op’s commitment to locally produced food and products. I think it’s important to have a grower-perspective on the board, especially in competitive times such as these. As a former co-op board member, I am excited to offer my experience to the Ashland Food Co-op, as we grapple with the challenges of growth—not merely for the sake of expansion, but to serve the needs of the members and to spread the co-op model—and the food—to more people. As a former co-op employee, I believe a happy, dedicated, caring staff is the foundation for success; that core dedication helps support the vision for future success. The issues facing agriculture and retail grocery are challenging and complex, and so now more than ever, we need a hopeful and supportive way to thrive: the co-op way.
What is the one product from the Co-op you can't live without and why?
I think I already blew my cover on this one: it's the cookie. It's a life-long deal with me--not a problem so much as an opportunity.
More Co-op News
Jackfruit 101
You might have noticed a rather large, prickly fruit hanging out next to the apples, oranges, and papayas in the Produce Department. Meet the Jackfruit, the newest addition to the Produce Department. In case you don't know "jack" about Jackfruit, here is a crash course.
- The Jackfruit is native to South and Southeast Asia and is a close cousin of the fig.
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The Co-op sources the fruit from Patagonia Orchards. Their fruit is grown in the tropical rainforest of Nayarit, Mexico.
Get Your Garden On
This is one of our favorite times of the year. The sun is out and the days are longer, time to play in the dirt. Our Produce Staff share their favorite seeds and starts to help you get your garden going.
Meet the Meat Department
Welcome back to our Behind the Scenes blog series. So far you’ve meet the dynamic Produce and Deli teams. Next up, the department that is packed with protein, meet the Meat Department.
Did you know?
Rachel's Spring Produce Picks
Rachel Rose, Assistant Produce Manager, shares her spring produce picks.
Strawberries
Most people are surprised to know that early spring are two of the best months out of the year for tasty strawberries. The first batch out of California is usually so sweet and full of flavor that the rest of the year I often shy away from strawberries. They just don’t measure up to the fruit coming out early in the year.
5 Edible Plants to Start in Your Garden Now
Spring is most definitely upon us, and we are lucky enough to live in Southern Oregon where the weather during this time is usually (ahem) co-operative enough to let us get some plants in the ground in between the hail storms and rainbows. There are actually many plants that do quite well in this time of transition, as they prefer the cooler temperatures that we get here this time of year, before the real heat sets in. Here are a few that we have right now at the Co-op, direct from local, organic farms. Plant these in your garden now for best results!
UPDATED Organic Raw Macadamia Nuts Recalled Because of Possible Health Risk
UPDATED 3/17/16
Ashland Food Co-Op of Ashland, Oregon issues the updated press release to clarify that we re-packed and sold Organic Raw Macadamia nuts in random weight bags at our retail store in Oregon only between January 5th, 2016 and February 4th, 2016. We do not have any internet sale or distribute affected product outside Oregon.
Garden of Life Raw Meal Recall
Garden of Life has issued a voluntary recall on all Raw Meal products shipped after August 15, 2015.
Please see the below link to Garden of Life’s blog for all lot numbers that they are recalling, as well as details of the recall.
Let Thy Food Be Thy Medicine
Rachel Rose, Assistant Produce Manager, shares her winter produce picks.
The cells in our bodies are all made using the building blocks that we provide in the food that we eat, the air that we breathe and the water we drink. If we want healthy bodies, feeding ourselves and our families the cleanest healthiest foods is a real good start. We are what we eat!
Burdock root
Behind the Scenes: The Deli
Welcome back to our Behind the Scenes blog series. We recently took you into the colorful world of Produce. Now we’d like to introduce you to the department that enters beast mode daily: the Deli.
Did you know?
31 Reasons to Visit the Co-op
Happy 2016! It’s a brand new year, new month, new day. No doubt many of you’ve made a variety of resolutions to make this year the best yet. The Co-op can help you succeed. How? Let us tell you. Here are 31 reasons why you should visit the Co-op every day this month to improve your life and your community.
Behind the Scenes: Produce Department
You shop for groceries at the Co-op. For lunch, you often stop at the Deli for a quick meal from the Hot Bar. You meet friends outside on the plaza, give each other long hugs, and catch up on life. After a long week, you swing by for the Friday beer and wine tastings at the Kiosk. But how well do you really know the Co-op?
2015: A Year to Remember
Can it really be that time of year again? 2015 was full of so many things for which to be grateful. Here’s a list of some of the highlights.
We celebrated the 10-thousandth person to become a Co-op owner! Co-op ownership is a way to help create a more humane and democratic way to do business locally. A robust cooperative economy is one way to take a stand against corporate misbehavior.
Smart Chicken® Holiday Giving Challenge
The holiday season is upon us. Amidst the shopping frenzies, family gatherings, and parties it can be hard to remember this is also a season of giving. Luckily, you have us and we are making it easy for you to give back.
During the month of November, Co-op shoppers can nourish their own families and help fight hunger in the Rogue Valley.