It's Warm Inside the Co-op!
From Karen, Our General Manager:
Brrrrrrrrr!!! This must be why they coined the phrase "dead of winter": everything seems to be in suspended animation, except that I'm enjoying the glimpses of wildlife on my drive to work, a coyote, and an owl, most recently. I do wonder how they possibly keep warm on such frigid nights. But somehow they must. I hope you too are keeping warm! With the weather and the season keeping more of us indoors, I hope you will consider using that extra time on your hands to let us at your Co-op know how we're doing. Are there products you'd like to buy here but don't see? Perhaps there's a favorite flavor of cracker that we've neglected to order? Don't be shy; this is your Co-op and we truly want to know how best we can meet your needs! So keep those cards and letters coming, give us a call, write us an email--we truly appreciate all your comments, suggestions, and feedback.
See you at the Co-op!
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We're All in This Together
Farmers know well--heck, we all know: Crap happens! It happened last week to Co-op member-owners Michael Kalagher and Anna Hanchett of Plainfield, when their chimney caught fire and ultimately resulted in $100,000 worth of damage to their antique farmhouse. Quick action by the Plainfield Volunteer Fire Department, with support from other area fire departments, saved the home from total destruction. And Michael and Anna and their animals are fine.
Then Hilltowners quickly went to work to once again demonstrate the meaning of "community": people coming together to help those who need it, to selflessly work to improve the lot of individuals and thereby the community. Yes, it's circular, a circle of caring, cooperation, and compassion. In Michael and Anna's case, Hilltowners sprang into action, sealing the burned-through roof from the weather, draining pipes, finding warm temporary homes for houseplants, deluging the couple with gifts of food and offers of lodging. Local businesses opened after hours to provide needed supplies to secure the house until it can be fixed. And on and on . . .
People in these Hilltowns comprise a community that knows no bounds in its willingness to help. As Michael told the Daily Hampshire Gazette, "that is why we live here." (To read the Gazette's article about the fire, click here.)
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A Reminder: What's Next on February 10
Please join our Co-op's Board of Directors and general manager on Sunday, February 10, from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Cummington Community House to learn about "what's up and what's next." Light refreshments will be served. There's no need to let us know in advance that you are coming, but do come, and please bring a friend. This meeting is open to all. Childcare will be provided, so bring the whole family. (If you plan to use the childcare services, please send an email to [email protected] to let us know the number and ages of your children. Thanks!)
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Cheese of the Week!
This week's sampling cheese is Comt�, made in eastern France in the cooperative dairies of the Jura Mountains and aged in the renowned caves of Marcel Petite Fort St. Antoine. It's a cheese of singular character, quality, and versatility, at home in sandwiches or served simply with fruit, nuts, and bread. You can cook with it or serve it in a cheese course. This Comt�'s aromas of hazelnuts, fried onions, and spring berries shine over an undercurrent of cut grass, wet earth, and straw. There is a humble, everyday perfection in these wheels; herbaceous and fruity, and kissed with deep, heavy cream, this Comt� has you coming back for more.
Come down this Saturday and have a taste. You won't be disappointed! Remember, we'll take 10% off the regular price all day! Hope to see you this weekend!
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Recipe: Blueberry Brunchle
This week's recipe comes from Co-op member-owner and Board of Directors member Susi Westwood.
My mother-in-law, Carolyn Westwood, created several recipes to use the abundance of blueberries and maple syrup that her farm produced. This is one of the family favorites and a dish that I like to take to potlucks. Most people hear the ingredients and give me a skeptical look, but if they are willing to try it, they usually comment favorably. Carolyn called it Blueberry Brunchle, so I guess she considered it a good brunch dish.
(Click here for a link to the recipe.) What's your favorite recipe? Submit a recipe and a little story and we may share it right here in the Recipes section. Just send it to [email protected]. |
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In the White Light of the Round Moon
The Old Creamery's Community Calendar is your place to post, and check for, happenings in the Hilltowns. The Community Calendar can be found on the Old Creamery's website under "News & Events." You can click on any event in the calendar to pop up an expanded information box. For instance, click here to see the listing for the Franklin Land Trust's Full Moon Getaway this Saturday.
We'd also love to hear from you with any suggestions, compliments, gripes, or other comments about the Old Creamery Co-op's weekly email and website. You can email them to [email protected]. Thank you for your help!
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Help us spread the word! Consider encouraging your friends to sign on to receive the Creamery's weekly email newsletter. Better yet, encourage them to become member owners of the co-op. You can forward this email to your friends and relatives, and rest assured, we won't clog their inboxes and we will respect their privacy. We will not disclose your or their email addresses to anyone else. You can unsubscribe at any time. Thank you for your interest, commitment, and support.
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Many items are on sale every week at the Creamery. Look for the brightly colored shelf tags. These items are 15%-45% off regular prices. We work hard to find bargains on many different items, including staple groceries, treats like chocolate, juices, refrigerated items, personal care products, and supplements. The shelf tags indicate when the sale price expires. Some sale items are one-time opportunities that remain on sale until sold out. Many are purchasing opportunities that can be replenished over several weeks at great prices. Enjoy the savings!
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Your continued patronage supports the ongoing success of our community-owned, values-based cooperative. Thank you for supporting the Old Creamery Co-op as a member-owner, as a shopper, as a friend. We value every contribution to the success of the Old Creamery Co-op.
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