The biggest news since the last edition of the newsletter is the successful negotiation of the union contract. The council is pleased with the work Mary and her team have done and with the work of the union leaders to reach an agreement that works for both parties.  

There’s another recent good-news story that I’d like to share:  

August 10 seemed like a usual Sunday morning on the stations of Central Vermont Community Radio, WGDR Plainfield and WGDH Hardwick. The guest on the show, “The Curse of the Golden Turnip”, Michael Sabourin, is president of the Vermont Entomological Society. He was talking about all things bug-related with host Alan LePage and co-host (and Council Secretary) Steven Farnham about all things bug-related, from how to prevent insects from damaging backyard apples to the decline in insect populations as seen in fewer spatters on car windshields than 50 years ago. Callers’ questions and comments spiced up the conversation. Alan has been doing a show about food, farming, gardening, and a grab bag of other topics for three decades on the station, and the 7 am to 9 am show is appointment radio for many in the region. 

Things took an unexpected turn (for most listeners, at least) when Hunger Mountain Co-op General Manager Mary Mullally called in, but not to talk about insects. She had conspired with Steven to make an on-air announcement. The Co-op had received nominations from the community for the Hunger Mountain Cooperative Community Award (HMCCA), and the council had chosen this year’s winner.  

Each year, this award is given to “a member of our community who embodies the cooperative spirit and contributes to our community,” Mary explained. “Anyone can submit a nomination. We started this award because there are so many folks doing great work out there, work that builds the foundation on which the co-op thrives. This is one way we can honor that work.” 

As a good host, Alan sought to keep the conversation moving along by asking, “So who’s the recipient?” 

Mary wasn’t quite ready to end the suspense. “Some past recipients,” she continued, “have included folks like (bakers) Jules and Helen Rabin, Doni Cain and Liv Dunton from Fox Market, and Pete Coleman (of Vermont Salumi). We usually announce the winner at our Annual Meeting, which this year, is being held on September 13.” 

And then the kicker: “But this year, we wanted to call and share that this year’s winner is you, Alan LePage.” 

LePage was completely caught off guard. “Oh, I had no idea I was a nominee,” he burst out.  

When member-owner Alice Sky nominated Alan for the award, she wrote, “Alan has been growing organic fruits and veggies for four decades, feeding the people of central Vermont. He started the Montpelier Farmers Market and the Stowe market and supplied local restaurants for years. He teaches organic farming techniques and philosophy every week through his radio show… Alan shares his knowledge and passion generously with anyone who is interested in food, fine local cuisine, culture, soil, and the rural livelihood… Alan’s collected wisdom is truly a priceless gift to this community. He takes no personal gain beyond the joy and satisfaction of seeing people open to the wonder of farming. He eats from the land and cares for nurturing it far into the future.” 

The council received Alan’s nomination, along with nominations for two other outstanding contributors to our local food system and unanimously picked Alan. This award is a reflection of what we value: generosity without fanfare, knowledge shared freely, and a quiet commitment to building something lasting. 

We’ll formally honor Alan at our Annual Meeting on September 13. Whether you’ve known him for years or just love hearing about tricks for a well-tended garden, come celebrate a true pillar of our community. 

You can listen to Mary’s call to “The Curse of the Golden Turnip” here.

Co-op Connects on Saturday, Sept. 6, 11 am to noon with the General Manager (GM) and one or two council members  

Join General Manager Mary Mullally and me (and perhaps another council member) for Co-op Connects on Saturday, Sept. 6, from 11 am to noon! It’s “ask me anything” about the Co-op. Look for signs on where to find us. 

The Wrap 

Products at the Co-op come in so many units: pounds, ounces, liters, quarts, dozen, buy-one-get-one (which is two, I guess). One thing I’ve learned, though, is never to say “288” in polite company. It’s two gross.

—Carl Etnier, Council President

Do you have any questions or comments about the council? Do you know any jokes even faintly related to food and/or co-ops? Please email them to me!