A Party for YOU
Each year we hold an Annual Meeting and Owner Picnic. This is our chance to catch up over a delightful picnic and most importantly update you on the recent year’s events and financials.
This year, we are changing things up a bit. The Annual Meeting and Owner Picnic will be more family friendly than ever before. We have a new menu designed to appeal to busy little (and big!) hands so you and your kiddos have time to enjoy one of our many family friendly activities.
With all the new changes, we developed this step by step guide to attending the event.
6 Things to Know Before You Go
1. Friendly Food
Enjoy light picnic fare in a beautiful setting, Lithia Park. The tapas style meal will have you satiated and give you the freedom to mingle with other Co-op owners, play games, and/or explore the park. On the menu we have: fruit salad, cheese, crackers, hummus, salami, corn chips, artichoke spinach dip, black olives, lemonade, and fruit popsicles. Food service starts at 11am and closes at 12pm sharp. *If you have dietary restrictions, please bring your own picnic.*
2. Bring Your Own
At the Co-op, sustainability is a key pillar of our day to day business operations and this event is no exception. As we strive for a zero waste event, please remember to bring your own durable plates, eating utensils, cups and reusable napkins.
3. Get Your Game On
Is your bean bag toss game top notch? Do you have mad hula hoop skills? If so, you are in luck. This year, we planned a variety of activities and games that are fun for the whole family. On the game agenda we have face painting, an egg race, hula hooping, a bean bag toss, 3-legged race, bubbles and more.
4. Play and Win
Participate in activities and games and earn tickets for the raffle. We have prizes for adults and kids, including a Magic Bullet, $100 Co-op gift card, s’mores essentials package, and much more. Rumor has it that talking to people wearing purple feather boas will also earn you raffle tickets. So many ways to win big!
5. Lunch and Learn
After food service ends, stay for the Annual Meeting portion of the picnic. Meet newly elected Board Members, hear an update on the Strategic Planning initiatives, learn about the financial health of the Co-op, and hear the key findings from our recent Owner Forums.
6. Stay and Explore
Lithia Park is probably the most beautiful place in the world for a picnic, at least we think so. We’ll picnic under towering trees and listen to the sounds of Ashland Creek flowing by. Stroll around the park’s lovely trails or enjoy the awesome playground area before or after the event.
Reserve your meal tickets ($5 Adults, $1 Children 10 and under) at the Info Desk today. We hope you can join us for this family friendly party on June 25th, 11am to 1pm, at Cotton Memorial Picnic Area in Lithia Park. See you there!
More Co-op News
An update on Strategic Energy Management at the Co-op
By Nina Friedman, Strategic Energy Management intern
Open letter from AFC Board on Coronavirus Policies
The Ashland Food Co-op has played a critical role supporting our community for nearly 50 years by providing healthy food and a safe place to shop. With the recent COVID-19 shutdown, this support has been even more important and has stretched our organization in ways that we could not have anticipated. We have endeavored to address the needs of both our staff and our customers, hopefully in the most cooperative manner.
Owner Voting on 2020 Co-op Board & more
As an owner of the Ashland Food Co-op, you are an important decision-maker in the leadership of the Co-op! A vital part of your ownership is voting for the Board of Directors.
On the ballot: Vote for Board Candidates and Change for Good Organizations
Vote for Board Candidates
This year, four candidates are nominated for three Board positions: each elected Board director will serve a three-year term. The candidates are Ed Claassen, Mark Gibbs, Carolina Livi and Julie O'Dywer.
2020 Annual Meeting for Owners
Mark the evening of May 13 at 5pm on your calendar and join us for the 2020 AFC Annual Meeting. We’ll host the meeting online using Google Hangouts. Please click here to join the meeting, or call in at this number:
+1 617-675-4444
PIN: 719 680 293 2056#
A dozen local favorites to explore this summer
The Co-op has always had a focus on supporting the strong local scene of growers and producers - and in these times, it's even more important. Here is just a small selection of some of our favorites from the area. Help support local businesses next time you stop by the Co-op by picking one of these products.
Unwavering Spirit in a Time of Change
By Emile Amarotico, General Manager
It’s been two months since my last update on our Co-op community, but it could just as well have been two years ago, or from an alternate reality! Needless to say, life at the Co-op has changed, and it hasn’t been easy for employees or shoppers. But despite the challenges, it has been an inspiring and reaffirming time that reminds us why we love the cooperative enterprise.
Staying Sustainable in A Changing World
By Rianna Koppel, Sustainability Coordinator
In the midst of a health crisis, how can we focus on sustainability? Let’s be real - these are tough times!
What does sustainability look like now? I like to refer to the definition of sustainability - meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. How can we meet the needs of the present, while keeping the future in mind?
Democracy and Co-ops
By Annie Hoy, Board Director
This month, AFC Owners will democratically elect a slate of board candidates. These candidates are co-op owners, just like you and me. By holding annual elections, co-ops around the world and close to home are expressing Cooperative Principle 2: Democratic Member Control.
2019 Patronage Dividends are available now
From the Board of Directors:
This year, the Co-op Board of Directors is taking unprecedented action to distribute 100% of the over $628,000 2019 Patronage Dividend to our owners. In this time of great need, there is no holding back. This is not the moment to put away funds for the future, but rather to support our owners fully so that we may all have more strength to weather the storm.
Beans from Scratch
Michelle isn't serving up samples right now, so she's serving up kitchen tips instead! Here's her tried and true approach to cooking dry beans, plus some extra tips for upping your flavor, saving time, and cook other legumes. (Ingredients and modifications are below the video.)
Ingredients
Tips to Stay Safe and Limit Waste
By Mahlea Rasmussen, Education Coordinator
Inspired by Bea Johnson's Zero Waste Home
We are in uncertain times and some of you may be second-guessing some of your zero waste practices and replacing them with safety measures for you and your family. I was proud not to have chemical cleaners in my home and never used plastic gloves - but now those products are being suggested for staying clean and safe. Here are some tips to keep your home safe while working towards more sustainability.
Ashland Food Co-op employees are heroes, worthy of respect and gratitude
Until a crisis like this occurs, few think of Grocers as essential service providers. However, our employees have been here day in and day out, risking their health and the safety of their loved ones, to provide food for our community. This is not a job that can be done from home or from what is now considered a safe social distance. Our employees have worked with the utmost professionalism, care, and concern for shopper well-being.
Meet Reagan Roach, AFC Executive Chef & Prepared Foods Manager
The Co-op's general manager, Emile Amorotico, sat down with the newest addition to the co-op's management team, Reagan Roach. Get to know Reagan in the interview below - and say hi when you see him in store!
5 Things You Didn't Know the Co-op Carries for Cold, Flu & Immune Protection
- Wishgarden Herbs - Kick Ass Immune: Your total frontline immune defense!
- Oshala Farm - Oshala Fire Cider: Locally made in the Applegate. It tastes so good you could craft a healthy dressing with this fire cider!
- Mickelberry Gardens - Elderberry: Great Immune support for kids and adults. Made in Oregon.
