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"Thank you Local Beet for carrying fish from The Local Catch. Just had their flounder for dinner and it was fabulous... So great to have it available right here in Chester."
-Sosse Taylor Baker
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"I so much appreciate all that everyone at The Local Beet does for the community. I love the warm atmosphere and cheerful volunteers... Thanks for being there."
- Michele Haynes,
Co-Op Member
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Dear Friends,
We can't believe it - Spring is officially here, and it won't be long until our shelves are stocked with the fruits of our local producers' labors. We can't wait!
State Rep and Beet member Philip Miller has been gracious enough to update us regarding the fast-moving, ongoing efforts of HB-6517, a GMO labeling bill being considered in our state. More on that follows, along with other news and important events coming up!
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Phil Miller on GMO Labeling Efforts
By Kirsten Carbone
 Tuesday was a big day at the Capitol. After a year of hard work, our state's Public Health Committee voted to move HB 6517 forward to the House of Representatives and the Senate. It's the next big step in Connecticut's efforts to make labeling of food products that contain genetically modified ingredients (GMOs) a law.
I recently met with State Representative Phil Miller, Local Beet Co-Op member who also wrote the bill, to learn about the progress of this landmark effort. Miller, who is also Vice Chairman of the Public Health Committee, and a naturalist, asserts that "all we are asking for in labeling is to be fully informed consumers. We want to empower our economy by making educated choice. Any economy works best in the aggregate when consumers make educated choice."
 | | Kim Stack, head of Holistic Moms Network, getting ice cream from Jerry |
I was surprised to learn that a significantly strong grass-roots movement regarding GMO labeling in this state has been going on for several years. On March 15th, years of effort culminated with a successful and well-attended Public Health Committee hearing. According to Phil, it heard high-quality testimony. Ben and Jerry's co-founder Jerry Greenfield also testified, and with several tubs of non-GMO ice cream in tow, served up scoops to hearing attendees. Both his ice cream and testimony were a big hit. [More...]
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Save the Date - Twice!
We have two important events coming up to let you know about!
2nd Anniversary Celebration during Chester's May Daze
Friday, May 3rd, from 5-8 p.m.
Stop by and say hello during Chester's May Daze celebration. We'll have live music and samples from local vendors, including anniversary cupcakes from Cupcakery and JUSTchocolate from JUSTFOOD. You'll also have an opportunity to meet board members in an informal meet-and-greet setting. Ballots for board elections will be available for members who would like to vote but will be unable to attend our Annual Members' Meeting the following morning.
Our Annual Members' Meeting
Saturday, May 4th from 9-10 a.m.
Please join us at our Annual Members' Meeting, at the Beet, the morning after May Daze. We'll discuss the past year's growth and plans for the future. We'll also hold elections for new and existing board members. If you'd like to help contribute to the growth and success of our Co-Op, please consider running for a board position. Our board meets monthly and previous board experience is not essential. We have a particular need for someone with a financial background who can provide strategic planning and coordinate with our accountant and bookkeeper. If you are interested, or have any questions, please email Alissa Wood, Chair of the Board of Directors, at alissawood@meridianlights.us, and briefly describe how your professional and/or personal experiences will contribute to the success of our Co-Op.
We hope to see you at either or both of these important upcoming events! |
Dave the Raw Food Trucker at JUSTFOOD
JUSTFOOD's next guest speaker is currently on a U.S. tour sharing the story of how he healed himself of colon cancer and diabetes by juicing and eating raw foods -- and foregoing chemo or radiation. Join us and connect with this inspiring story so you can educate yourself and inform those you love. For more information on this, and other upcoming events, visit www.facebook.com/gojustfood/events. |
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GMO Info Night at Holistic Moms Network
 On Tuesday, April 30, 2013, the Holistic Moms Network will host a GMO information night, with Tara-Cook Littman of GMO-Free Connecticut and State Representative Philip Miller, who wrote the state's GMO labeling bill, currently under consideration. The meeting will cover what GMOs are, how they can affect us, how to avoid them, and progress on current efforts to label. The free meeting will be from 7-9pm at the United Church of Chester, 29 W. Main Street, Chester. You do not need to be a member of the Holistic Moms Network to attend. Free child care is available at meetings. RSVP to middlesexhmn@yahoo.com or 860-526-9260. The Holistic Moms Network is a national non-profit organization connecting people interested in holistic health and green living. For more information on the network, visit www.holisticmoms.org.
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Reminders:
-The first Saturday of every month members receive a 10% discount on all groceries. The next discount Saturday for members will be this Saturday, April 6th.
--The next Buying Club buying date will be April 19, for pick up on April 25. For more info, please visit http://www.thelocalbeetcoop.com/buying-club.
--Everyday member specials include 5% off Farmer's Cow Milk, $.50 off Farmers Cow eggs, $1 off Fabled Foods Multi-Grain bread and $1 off Equal Exchange Chocolate Bars.
-JUSTFOOD is back in action and ready to serve you healthy raw juices, smoothies and chocolates. And keep Cupcakery (in the garden level) in mind for your next special occasion!
~ See you at the Beet soon ~
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