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FEBRUARY 2021 NEWSLETTER
Hello Co-op Owners, Neighbors & Friends:

We can see the light at the end of the tunnel.  Construction has just a few steps left, then we’ll be putting the finishing touches on our store and getting our groceries on the shelves. I wanted to give you a quick update on some of the exciting things that we’re working on:

●    Hiring Managers and Staff
●    Decor and Art Installation
●    Grocery Orders
●    Local Food and Farmers
●    Covid-19 Action Plan
●    Founding Owner Wall Design
●    Training for Staff
●    Green Wall Installation in the Cafe! 

That’s really just a fraction of what’s left, but it’s a little insight on all that still has to come together before opening.
 


From the turnout for our Wednesday Walkthrough store tours, you are just as excited as I am about the progress we’re making and how the store is looking!  We’re really glad that so many of you came out last week to tour your store because this week we’re closing it off until opening day.  It’s been great to show everyone around and we’re looking forward to our “big reveal!”
 
We’ll be shopping the aisles of our

very own Co-op together soon.

I want to thank you all so much for your patience and engagement during the build-out.  Not a week goes by that I don't receive multiple emails from owners or prospective owners asking for insight into the store, telling me about their small business, keeping me abreast of a local issue, and always recommending local farmers.  Your input is really helping my learning curve with moving to a new place and will ultimately ensure that we have a true community store.  

Stay tuned for final updates and opening day plans.  We’ll be shopping the aisles of our very own Co-op together very soon.   
 
Cooperatively Yours,

Chris Roland
General Manager
Fredericksburg Food Co-op
 

WELCOME TO OUR 54 NEW CO-OP OWNERS


We were thrilled to welcome 54 new owners in January.  It's amazing to start February with 1722 founding owners. Let’s get to 1800 prior to opening! 

Everyone who joins before we open our community-owned grocery store will be honored on our FOUNDING OWNERS WALL. 

ALL ARE WELCOME TO JOIN 

Our deepest gratitude to all who have already become owners!
 
BECOME A FOUNDING OWNER!

TOMORROW - SPECIAL ONLINE EVENT!

BLACK FARMERS AND COOPERATIVES

 
 FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 6:00-7:00 PM
ONLINE - REGISTER HERE

Join us for a lively presentation by Cornelius Blanding, Executive Director of the Federation of Southern Cooperatives. The Federation is a non-profit cooperative association of black farmers, landowners, and cooperatives which emerged directly out of the civil rights movement. Today the Federation works to develop cooperative businesses, to expand land ownership by Black farmers, and to advocate for policies that benefit low-income rural communities.
 
REGISTER FOR BLACK FARMERS & COOPERATIVES

ELECTION OF CO-OP BOARD OFFICERS


Clockwise from top left:  Gerald Anderson, Els Van Wingerden, Rich Larochelle, Michael Spragins

At its January 25 meeting, the Fredericksburg Food Co-op Board of Directors elected officers for the 12 month term beginning February 1, 2021 through January 31, 2022. The newly elected board officers are: Gerald Anderson, Chair; Els Van Windergen, Vice Chair; Michael Spragins, Secretary; and Rich Larochelle, Treasurer.  Heartfelt thanks to each of these board members for accepting these important and highly demanding volunteer positions for the year.  You can contact the board at fxbgfoodcoop@gmail.com.

FEBRUARY EVENTS

 
ALL ARE WELCOME!
 

Friday, February 5, BLACK FARMERS & COOPERATIVES, 6-7 pm, ONLINE.  Join us for a lively presentation by Cornelius Blanding, Executive Director of the Federation of Southern Cooperatives, which emerged directly out of the civil rights movement.  Today the Federation works to develop cooperative businesses, to expand land ownership by Black farmers, and to advocate for policies that benefit low-income rural communities. Click here to register.

Monday, February 8 & 22, CO-OP BOARD MEETING, 7-9 pm.  All are welcome to attend our board meetings.  Please email us at fxbgfoodcoop@gmail.com if you plan to attend.
 
Wednesday, February 10, WINTER WELLNESS 101, 7-8 pm, ONLINE.  Join essential oil wellness experts Nancy Gravely and Linda Roach as they demonstrate how to use essential oils to build our immune systems, open airways, relieve dry skin and alleviate the moody-blues.  Click here to register.
 
Thursday, February 11, FOOD CO-OP BOOK GROUP, 1:00 pm or 7:00 pm, ONLINE.  In February, the Food Co-op Book Group will discuss A Sand County Almanac by Aldo Leopold.  Email Linda at fxbgfoodcoop@gmail.com to participate.

Saturday, February 13, ROGUE OYSTER POP-UP, Time TBD, 320 Jefferson Davis Hwy, Fredericksburg.  Pre-order your Rappahannock River oysters from Rogue Oysters by midnight February 10. Oysters will also be available to buy at the pop-up.
 
Friday, February 19, A PEEK INTO THE CO-OP -- WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER OPENING DAY, 6-7 pm, ONLINE.  Join General Manager Chris Roland for an exciting update on what's in store for the Food Co-op!  Click here to register.

Wednesday, February 24, RETHINKING RECYCLING, 6:30-7:30 pm ONLINE.  Join R-Board staff leaders Diane Jones and M.C. Morris and Food Co-op sustainability volunteer Selma Kossol to discuss important changes in landfill management and recycling, including your role in reusing, repurposing, and upcycling.  Click here to register.

Visit the Food Co-op YouTube channel to see videos of past events!


IN CASE YOU MISSED IT:
Watch the video of New Year, New Approach 
with Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Faye Krause.
JOIN THE FREDERICKSBURG FOOD CO-OP!
Our mailing address is:
Fredericksburg Food Co-op
PO Box 1398
Fredericksburg, VA 22402

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