Progress with Standby Generator Project
by Rick Beach
Dan Lewis and Michael Jeremiah working to construct the concrete pad required to install our generator, seen at the top left in its crate.
Hidden behind the fence, our stand-by generator sits in its delivery crate while we prepare the installation site. Dan Lewis, co-op board member, coordinated the delivery by FedEx Freight, forklift operations by Chris Hutcheson, propane tank selection with Suburban Propane, and concrete pad construction with Rick Beach and Michael Jeremiah, all after approval from our landlord, the Odd Fellows.
Next steps will involve mounting the generator on the pad, taking delivery of a 500-gallon propane tank, and installing propane and electrical connections.
Our campaign has raised about 70% of the $18,000 budget to install the generator. So far, we have two 0% interest loans, substantial payments into member house-charge accounts, and donations and contributions to our GoFundMe campaign: https://www.gofundme.com/f/coastal-organics-cooperative-up-generator-fund.
The community’s generous spirit created and has supported the co-op over the past 10 years. The new generator will enable us to provide the community with these services (and more) whenever the electricity goes out:
- a safe, warm, well-lighted place serving hot food, coffee, and drinks
- fresh filtered water if your well pump is out
- ice
- your regular groceries and emergency supplies
- electricity to charge your cell phones, tablets, and laptops
Please help in any way you can.
Co-op Fundraising Successes
After reading about our recent campaign to raise funds for a stand-by generator, a thoughtful co-op member asked whether our past fundraising campaigns for other purposes had been successful and raised enough money.
The answer is yes.
We are very grateful for the support of co-op members who responded to support the co-op when we needed financial help.
Our first campaign was in fall 2013 when the co-op sought funds for a cash-flow reserve heading into the winter doldrums of 2014. The President of the Board at the time, Curtis Weinrich, raised $10,000 in 24 hours!
During the past two years, similar campaigns successfully raised funds to replace our stove/oven, then our café refrigerator, and, recently, to upgrade our credit-card machines. Each of those campaigns helped our staff do their jobs better and serve our loyal co-op members more effectively.
Co-op members have contributed financially in various ways. Some paid into their house-charge accounts. Some gave us donations. Others gave us low-interest shareholder loans. Some paid to bring their member equity to full-share status.
If you want to help financially, you can add to your house-charge account at the register. For other offers of financial contributions, please see Natalie, Lee, or one of the co-op board members.
Cheers,
Rick Beach
Treasurer, Coastal Organics Cooperative, Inc.
dba Arena Market and Cafe
New Items
So Delicious Oatmilk Creamer. Unsweetened Original & Vanilla! 16 OZ. $3.79. Smooth, creamy & thick. The perfect dairy-free creamer has finally arrived! A must try.
Silk Unsweetened Vanilla Almondmilk Yogurt 24 OZ. $7.89. Smooth, rich, creamy, and oh so delicious. This yogurt has a lovely delicate vanilla flavor that needs no extra sweetness added.
Simple Mills Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Cookies 6.2 OZ. $6.79. Soft, chewy and only 6 grams of sugar!
Suzie’s Olive Oil Saltine Crackers 8.8 OZ. $5.89. After trying these delicious gourmet saltines you’ll never go back to the boring original ones!
Endangered Species Oatmilk Chocolate 3 OZ. $3.95. Rich dark chocolate marries creamy oatmilk. A match made in heaven.
Mom’s Raisin Bran Cereal 22 OZ. $4.95. A hearty, healthy & affordable way to start the day!
Vegan Rob’s Beet Puffs 3.5 OZ. $3.49. A light & crunchy, salty & sweet snack that hits all the spots without weighing you down!
Pukka Teas, 20 Bag, $6.19 - $6.49. A lovely collection of teas with some creative flavor combinations!
Nasoya Egg Roll Wrappers 1 LB. $3.59. An easy and fun way to add some flair to the dinner table!
Sale Items
Happy Camper Gluten Free Buckwheat Bread 17.4 OZ. ~ $8.89 ($1.40 off)
Field Roast Meatless Breakfast Sausage 9.3 OZ. ~ $4.95 ($2.04 off)
Real Foods Sesame Corn Thins ~ $2.99 (.50 off)
Straus Whole Milk Yogurt 32 OZ. ~ $6.49 (.50 off)
Beanfields Spicy Queso Chips 5.5 OZ. ~ $3.59 (.50 off)
Come on into the co-op for a slice! Going forward the co-op will have a pizza lunch special every Tuesday.
