Last week, I saw a kid point to local apples in the produce section and say, “These are from right here!” That moment? That’s the heart of what we’re building. Our Vision Committee is handing the council a draft of our next five-year vision. It’s based on our current mission statement and ends policies, updating them to reflect values that are an important part of the conversation now, like respect and resilience. We want everyone to reliably find good food, understand where it comes from, and feel welcome while doing it. We’ll discuss the draft at our December 9 meeting and vote on approval of it at our January meeting; that version is what we’ll look for feedback on from the wider community. Come to our meetings to give us feedback or write me at the address below. This vision is ours together. 

Also, at our December 9 meeting, the guest presentation will be from former Hunger Mountain Co-op Community Relations Manager Stephani Kononan, now at the Vermont Foodbank. Members are welcome to join the council meetings in person or by Zoom to see these presentations (and more of the meetings); see the Meeting Info page for details on how to join.  

The Co-op Wants YOU—To Help the Council 

The council gets a big boost in its work from member-owners who aren’t council members. For years, for example, non-council members have served on the Ballot Committee and HMCCF Advisory Committee.  

The council is starting to operate through a number of standing committees, and we’re looking for other member-owners to help us on those. They include committees on Sustainability and Resilience, Community Engagement, Governance, and Council Development (recruitment and continuing education). If you’re interested in any of these, please contact me. 

Meet the General Manager (GM) and Me: December 6, 11:30 – 12:30 

Please join General Manager Mary Mullally, me, and possibly another council member for Co-op Connects on Saturday, December 6, 11:30 am – 12:30 pm! We’d love to chat with you about the past, present, or future of the Co-op – or anything else on your mind. Look for signs to find us. 

The Wrap 

Here’s a riddle to ask someone at your next visit to a local dairy farm:  

1. Why do they put bells on cows?
2. Because the horns don’t work. 

—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!