The Old Creamery Co-op

What's Your Favorite?

Sun, 22 Apr 2012 16:40:18 EDT

We’d like to hear about your favorite products at the Old Creamery! What’s that item you purchase over and over again? Or perhaps it’s a once-in-a-while indulgence, like Peter’s favorite cheese, or something that is a basic everyday item, like pasta or soup. With the amazing variety of items at ...

Sylvia S.'s Pick of the Store: West Coast Cod

Sun, 22 Apr 2012 16:38:59 EDT

(April 20, 2012) Almost every Friday we get a pound of Pacific Cod from the Creamery. It's sustainably harvested/raised. I sign up by Thursday at noon—usually in person but I've been known to call in the order once or twice. This fish is so fresh and delicious! It's simple to cook and is ...

Helen L.'s Pick of the Store: Biobags

Sun, 22 Apr 2012 16:35:46 EDT

(April 13, 2012) BioBags were new to me when I met them at the Creamery several years ago, back by the laundry section. As a regular composter from way back, I think that anything making it easier is worth a try. In the old days I kept kitchen compost in ...

Alice Picks Edan Ice Cider

Sun, 22 Apr 2012 16:32:20 EDT

We have the perfect product for any holiday feast. When you're sitting down to enjoy dessert (perhaps the Dessert Crepes featured in this email), pull out a bottle of chilled Eden Ice Cider, pop the cork, and pour small glasses of this wondrous treat. This is a sipping, dessert wine; ...

African Baskets, by Alice

Sun, 22 Apr 2012 16:28:58 EDT

We love the African Market Baskets from Ghana, which you’ll find hanging from hooks in our café. The baskets are absolutely beautiful, versatile, and sturdy, and the fair trade project is fantastic.

The baskets are made in Bolgatanga, about 20 miles south of the Burkina Faso border. The Sahara ...

Bill L.'s Pick of the Store: Reed's Ginger Brew

Sun, 22 Apr 2012 16:22:37 EDT

(April 6, 2012) I don’t usually drink soda (or pop, soda pop, tonic, coke, soft drink, cold drink, depending on where you’re at), but I do stock one carbonated beverage in my pantry: Reed’s Ginger Brew. When my stomach’s on the blink and ginger tea doesn’t appeal, I’ll pop open ...

Susi W.'s Pick of the Store: Sidehill Yogurt

Sun, 22 Apr 2012 16:20:58 EDT

I love the Sidehill Farm yogurts. They are so creamy and fresh, and even the low-fat varieties are creamier than other brands. I use yogurt on pancakes, waffles, and baked or boiled potatoes. I also use it mixed with a dressing for coleslaw, and I eat the maple and vanilla ...

Sylvia S.'s Pick of the Store: Beautiful, Healthy Eggs

Sun, 22 Apr 2012 16:19:25 EDT

Last week at the Creamery, I picked up a dozen organic eggs from Black Copper Farm in Worthington and was delighted by their multiple colors, from white to pinky-beige to brown to blue. They're beautiful! These fresh organic eggs from free-range chickens are bursting with flavor--the yolks are a sunny ...

Patty K.'s Pick of the Store: "The Big Boy"

Sun, 22 Apr 2012 16:18:40 EDT

I am a huge fan of the ham, egg, and jack breakfast sandwich that’s not just for breakfast! A couple of our older regulars informally dubbed it “The Big Boy”—“What’s that Big Boy?”—as I was carrying it past their table. It is a terrific sandwich for a fantastic price. For ...

South of France Soaps

Sun, 22 Apr 2012 16:17:51 EDT

Joyce Dempsey writes, “I love the South of France soaps. Any variety is fine as I like to try new ones, but my favorite is shea butter.”

The luxurious South of France soap is kettle cooked in small batches using a traditional Marseille recipe with all natural vegetable ingredients. ...

Bill L. Picks Dr. Bronner's

Sun, 22 Apr 2012 16:16:42 EDT

I knew I loved the Old Creamery when I walked in for the first time, scanned the shelves, and spied some bottles of my old friend, Dr. Bronner’s 18-in-1 Hemp Peppermint Pure-Castile Soap. It took me back—way back.

One spring in the early ’70s, three buddies and I were faced ...

Shirley Todd's "Souper" Pick

Sun, 22 Apr 2012 16:15:00 EDT

For only $3.18 you can enjoy a yummy cup of soup and a piece of cornbread, or any other bread available that day, including Creamery-baked offerings. The Creamery’s cup of soup is very generous, but for a little more, you might try a bowl.

Some of my favorites are creamy ...

Peter Mitchell Picks His Favorite Cheese

Sun, 22 Apr 2012 16:13:05 EDT

The most delicious cheese the Creamery offers as far as I’m concerned is Delice de Bourgogne. This soft, bloomy rind cheese is straight from France, perfect with crackers as well as an apple or a pear. I love it with fresh figs, or try it with some pepper jelly. It ...

Product Pick by Kathryn Jensen: 60 Days' Breakfast

Sun, 22 Apr 2012 16:11:35 EDT

My most important purchase at the Old Creamery is the ingredients of my homemade granola, which are all available in the bulk food bins. This is rather like ordering a banana split: a chance to have all those delectables in one bowl. Besides a big bag of rolled oats, I ...

Goat Rising Chevre, by Alice

Sun, 22 Apr 2012 16:10:08 EDT

I was in the Creamery office upstairs, diligently working at my desk, when my keen concentration was interrupted by my grumbling stomach. Dang, another lunch time come and gone and an empty stomach reminding me to take a break. A glorious moment in the fresh air on my ...

Alice Picks a Game!

Sun, 22 Apr 2012 16:09:46 EDT

Okay, what's crescent-shaped, bright yellow, is nourishing for the brain, and can be enjoyed any time of day? Nope, you won't find it in the produce section. It's one of Amy and Alice's favorite games, Bananagrams! This brilliant, simple game, created by three generations of the Nathanson family, comes in ...

Alice Picks Moulins Mahjoub Couscous

Sun, 22 Apr 2012 16:05:41 EDT

Amy's and my standard 20-minute meal, when we are tired and hungry and it is late, is Couscous and Spicy Chickpeas with a quickly cooked vegetable on the side. I sauté onions and peppers for 10 minutes, add a jar of our own canned salsa, toss in a cup or ...

Hattie Plehn Picks Crack Care

Sun, 22 Apr 2012 16:00:06 EDT

Beginning in the fall, the skin on my fingers gets so dry that they develop cracks and hangnails. It's hard to play the piano with Band-aids on three or four of your fingers! The only product I've found that prevents this is Crack Care, a salve made of walnut and ...

Alice Picks Original Beans Cru Virunga

Sun, 22 Apr 2012 15:55:56 EDT

We’re packing up the winter holiday decorations at the Creamery and pulling out the hearts. Valentine’s Day is my favorite holiday. Any celebration that combines love, chocolate, flowers, and poetry is tops in my book! I’ve found myself humming an old classic song: “I’m in the mood for … chocolate!?!” ...

Pomegranate Molasses, by Alice

Sun, 22 Apr 2012 15:47:39 EDT

I'll be grilling salmon on Friday, catering the wedding of a dear friend. I'll let you in on a little secret. One of my favorite ingredients is pomegranate molasses. I add a drizzle to salmon when I marinate it before grilling (along with olive oil, coconut milk, shallots, fresh herbs, ...

Popcorn from the Valley, by Alice

Sun, 22 Apr 2012 15:43:28 EDT

We are so excited to be able to offer locally grown popcorn from Pioneer Valley Popcorn to our customers. Popcorn is one of our favorite quick snacks, and even serves as supper after a late work night. This is the most delicious popcorn we've ever had the pleasure of eating! ...

Alice Picks a Cookie

Sun, 22 Apr 2012 15:40:18 EDT

I take my responsibility as shopkeeper very seriously, and part of that job is to sample as many of the new products we feature at the Creamery as possible. I have to endure tasting all of the new chocolates and sweet treats we offer, ...

Patty Kimura's Picks the Bakers!

Sun, 22 Apr 2012 15:37:50 EDT

If you come to the Creamery for lunch or dinner, you may wonder who makes the cookies, scones, muffins, brownies, fresh bread, cinnamon buns, cakes, pies, focaccia, and corn bread that you enjoy here.

My personal Creamery pick is the marvelous early morning Creamery bakers: Lori, Rose, Nancy, and Judy, ...

Michael Kalagher and Creamery brownies

Sun, 22 Apr 2012 15:35:51 EDT

I usually visit the Creamery in mid-afternoon when it occurs to me that chores on the farm have kept me from thinking about lunch. On a cold day, I'll start with a cup of hot Creamery soup and follow up with a hot deli dish, or one of the wonderful ...

Bill Latimer picks the Creamery'sTortilla Pie

Sun, 22 Apr 2012 15:33:57 EDT

Tortilla pie! Of all the delicious offerings in the Old Creamery’s deli case, this is the one that whispers “comfort food” to me, although sometimes it’s more of a shout: “Here I am, here I am! Partake!” Others may take such comfort in mac ’n’ cheese or hot creamy soup ...

Alice's Pick from Old Friends

Sun, 22 Apr 2012 15:31:46 EDT

This week's pick is easy. It’s something we can only offer for a few precious weeks of the year. Fresh young organic ginger from Old Friends Farm in Amherst is a delicacy. One of our customers from Hawai'i has not seen delicate and tender young ginger like this outside of ...

The Cranberries Are Here!

Sun, 22 Apr 2012 15:29:28 EDT

Okay, what do we have in the Creamery this week that is exciting, special, seasonal, delicious and required two different volunteers to drive several hours (each way!) on an acquisition mission? Cranberries! Fresh from the Cape! Thanks Kimberly and Lisa! Kimberly went to Cape Farm and Cranberry Company in Harwich ...

Alice's Picks Feta

Sun, 22 Apr 2012 15:18:08 EDT

I have to admit I feel just a little guilty. When I offer someone a taste of Meredith Dairy Marinated Feta, I realize the likelihood of contributing to an obsession with this incredible cheese. I recognize the look. Someone walks in to the Creamery with an expression of ...

Peri's Pick

Sun, 22 Apr 2012 15:15:11 EDT

I've endured many lectures by stern hairdressers in the past. They complain about the dryness of my hair and offer dire predictions of things to come if I don't change my evil ways and start taking better care of my hair. Well, you all know me; I've never changed my ...

Alice's Pick of the Week

Sun, 22 Apr 2012 15:06:17 EDT

As Amy and I ponder what bulk foods to add when we expand our bulk foods offerings (now is the time to let us know if you have favorites; drop a note in the suggestion box on the beautiful bookshelves), Quinoa leaps to the forefront of my imagination. I love ...

Product pick from Emmy Howard, Creamery baker and cook

Sun, 22 Apr 2012 15:03:56 EDT

I'll have to ask Alice how to pronounce the name of my pick: Nocciolata (the double c always gets me). That's the brand name for an Organic Hazelnut Spread with Cocoa & Milk that is found on the shelf near the jams and nut butters. Before you let your kids ...

From Deli Manager Carly Leusner:

Sun, 22 Apr 2012 14:59:55 EDT

Mooo . . . Camille the cow, cover your ears! My favorite Creamery treat, as it is known in the deli, is the House Roast Beef. Our own Peter Mitchell roasts it best--it’s juicy, rare, and rich with flavor. The beef arrives fresh weekly from Boyden Farm, a small family ...

To Wash Your Clothes...

Sun, 22 Apr 2012 14:56:03 EDT

Kimberly Longey of Plainfield says, “I have a confession to make. I like to do laundry. I find the process of putting the clothes in the washer, then hanging them out on the line, then bringing them in and folding them, very meditative and relaxing. My neighbor and I share ...

To Brush Your Teeth . . .

Sun, 22 Apr 2012 14:53:45 EDT

As often as she can, Alice will tell customers about a favorite product at the Creamery. What luscious food item is she likely to wax poetic about? Surprise! Her first favorite pick was a toothbrush. What?!?

Alice says, "I recently discovered a product made by a company called Preserve. ...

Find Out More about Co-op Transition Plan

Sun, 22 Apr 2012 14:42:42 EDT

Download a copy of our Business Plan Summary to learn about the Co-op's principles and philosophy, projected costs and funding sources, improvements to the Creamery's grounds and parking, renovations to the store, timing, and more! Click here to see a rendering of the interior renovation plan, and here to see ...

The Gift of Giving

Sun, 22 Apr 2012 14:08:06 EDT

Camille has been made a very happy cow indeed through the extremely generous giving of the greater Creamery community! The Co-op’s goal of $225,000 in gifts and grants was exceeded at the beginning of the year. This is a remarkable achievement! Many in the co-op world had advised the Co-op ...

Member-Owner Loans - Can you participate?

Sun, 22 Apr 2012 14:02:13 EDT

As indicated in the chart below we are hoping to secure $285,000 in member-owner loans and then finalize our loan agreements with commercial lenders for the remainder of our project costs. As soon as these pieces are in place we will apply for the liquor license transfer. When approved, we ...

Cheese of the Week!

Sun, 22 Apr 2012 7:31:13 EDT

Come to the Creamery to pick up some scrumptious Toussaint cheese produced by Sprout Creek Farm in Poughkeepsie, New York. Toussaint is an Alpine-style, raw cow's milk cheese with a natural rind. It has a nutty, sweet, rich flavor, with a firm but creamy texture. Regularly priced at $19.99 per ...

FRESH FISH every week

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 21:40:06 EDT

Peter's selections of sustainably harvested/raised fish and seafood:

All items on our pre-order list are sustainably farmed and/or harvested, according to guidelines set by monitoring agencies such as the Monterey Bay Aquarium.

For Tuesday, April 24, pickup:
Icelandic Char......$13.99 per pound

Sangha Farm

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 14:54:31 EDT

Sangha Farm is a small family farm located in Plainfield. We grow culinary herbs and produce "the way nature intended," without the use of harmful chemicals, pesticides, and herbicides. We also raise registered Nubian Goats and purebred Finn Sheep. Treading lightly on the earth is important to us; we are working ...

Creamery Supports Local Farms

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 14:53:32 EDT

When you shop at the Old Creamery, you support local farmers, who provide us with delicious, fresh food. They also maintain the landscape that is one of the reasons we live here. Here are some of their stories.

...

Sidehill Farm

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 14:51:19 EDT

The Old Creamery is proud to carry yogurt produced by our friends at Sidehill Farm in Ashfield. Amy Klippenstein and Paul Lacinski say they didn’t start out as farmers: “We started out as good eaters. Juicy heirloom tomatoes, fresh salad greens, spicy basil, sweet and crunchy carrots—these are the vegetables ...

Alice bids farewell and good luck to Diemand Farm egg farmers

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 14:49:50 EDT

It is with great sadness that I announce that we are no longer able to offer Diemand Farm eggs to our customers at The Old Creamery. They will continue selling their turkeys to their wholesale customers, including us, but their eggs will only be available at their farm store in ...

Holiday Brook Farm

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 14:35:31 EDT

Holiday Brook Farm includes about 1,300 acres of open fields, forest, and pasture, stretching out on both sides of Route 9 as you come down the hill from Windsor into Dalton. Its managers since 2007 are Desiree and Jesse Robertson-DuBois.

“Our major production this year was Gwyneth Robertson DuBois, ...

Local Meats, Dairy, and Eggs

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 13:46:01 EDT

The meats in our freezer and the dairy in our coolers are sourced from small farms that treat their animals well and raise them in an environmentally sustainable manner. We have a variety of sausages; grass-fed beef, pork, lamb, and chicken; yogurt; milk; cheeses; and eggs from the following care-full farmers.

Misty Knoll Farm (Southern Vt.)

West Branch Organic Farm

Black Copper Farm

...

Wheel-View Farm

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 13:45:37 EDT

Wheel-View Farm in Shelburne is a family-owned scenic hilltop farm raising USDA-certified natural grass-fed beef and breeding stock from a primarily Belted Galloway herd (the "Oreo cows"). These heritage-breed cattle do an excellent job of maintaining open space on land that is not suitable for grain or vegetable crops. Wheel-view ...

Local Fruits and Vegetables

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 13:41:56 EDT

We source as many of our fruits and vegetables as possible from local farmers. When products are in season in our area you cannot get fresher, better tasting products. And it keeps farmland active and supported, keeps money in the local economy, and reduces fuel used for transportation.

...

Our Local Suppliers

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 9:06:16 EDT

Following are profiles of some of our local suppliers. We are proud to carry these locally sourced ...

Bart's Homemade

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 9:05:33 EDT

(April 18, 2012) The mercury flirted with 90 earlier this week, and many Hilltowners found themselves drawn to the Old Creamery and an icy cold scoop or two of Bart’s Homemade—ice cream, that is.
In 1976, Hobart D. Smith opened Bart's Homemade Ice Cream in downtown Northampton. Everything in his ...

Sunbeam Candles

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 9:04:18 EDT

(April 11, 2012) Creamery-goers snapped up lovely egg-shaped beeswax candles from the counter last week as spring swept into the Hilltowns! These candles, and others now carried at the Creamery, are made by Sunbeam Candles, an Ithaca, New York-based company that prides iteslf on making six lines of earth-friendly, handcrafted ...

Dean's Beans

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 9:02:40 EDT

(April 4, 2012) As Creamery shoppers know, variety is the spice of life. That goes for coffee, too. Last week, we profiled Indigo Coffee, and this week we showcase another great coffee supplier to the Creamery, Dean’s Beans. The Creamery is delighted to carry Dean’s coffees in whole beans and ...

Indigo Coffee

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 8:59:00 EDT

(March 28, 2012) Founded in 1989, Northampton-based Indigo Coffee an independent artisan roaster dedicated to the enjoyment of coffee through the preservation of the traditional art of coffee roasting and a fanatical quest for quality from origin to roast to cup.

Indigo Coffee is committed to being a responsible member ...

Just Soap

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 8:57:10 EDT

(March 21, 2012) The Old Creamery is proud to carry Just Soap, soap and shampoo bars made with bicycle power! Yes, that’s right! Bicycle power! Well . . . actually . . . human pedal power.

Just Soap founder Frederick Breeden, a biking enthusiast and environmentalist, pondered the time-consuming stirring ...

Shire City Herbals

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 8:55:56 EDT

(March 7, 2012) “Whoop that cold with a belt … of Fire Cider!” is the slogan for Shire City Herbals’ elixir based on the traditional New England cure-all of apple-cider vinegar and honey. You can get a “belt” of Fire Cider at the Old Creamery for $1.50, or buy a ...

Local/Regional Wines & Beers

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 8:15:33 EDT

We stock several local and regional wines. Contact these wineries to learn more, or better yet enjoy a weekend drive and pay them a visit. We also stock beer from quite a few local and regional breweries as well as some small-batch, artisanally produced beers.

Green River Ambrosia

...

Suppliers LOGO Gallery

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 8:12:24 EDT

...

We Stock Local Grocery Items

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 8:04:24 EDT

Our grocery selection is ever-changing, offering not only the basics, but also unusual, artisanally produced specialty foods. We carry conventional groceries and a wide array of organic items. We offer as many locally grown and locally produced products as possible, including:

South River Miso Company

Bo’s Dog Food Bones

Bread Euphoria Bakery

El Jardin Bakery

Dean’s Beans Organic Coffee

Effie’s Oatcakes

Tesoro Farm Spaghetti Sauce

Indigo Coffee

Sunbeam Candles

Bear Meadow Apiary Honey

Tessier’s Sugar House Maple Syrup

Zawalick’s Sugar House Maple Candy

...

Make a Tax Deductible Gift to Our Co-op Development Fund

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 15:10:04 EDT

Gifts to The Old Creamery Co-op Development Fund will be applied to the purchase of the building, business, and inventory; improvements to the property and store equipment; and a range of education, training and support services to assist the board, staff and community transition to a Co-op. Based on your ...

Summer Recipies from Alice's Cooking Classes

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 11:47:53 EDT

What a fabulous time of year for those of us who love to eat! Local produce is abundant, colorful, and beckoning to us to gather friends and family and prepare a feast. Here are a few ideas from my cooking class titled "Italian Sides". Add a fresh salad and some ...

Old Creamery Co-op Development - Major Milestones

Wed, 18 Apr 2012 14:59:53 EDT

July 26, 2011 Reached 405 Member-Owners. On the way to 500 !

July 26, 2011 Member-Owner Appreciation Day. 10% off storewide

July 21, 2011 Announced Avery Sharpe and Charles Neville fundraiser

July 20, 2011 Launched summer gifting push and Member-Owner Loan program

July 19, 2011 Secured larger venue for Maddow event and re-opened ticket sales

July 10, 2011 Co-op wins $10,000 Grant from Food Cooperative Initiative

June 26, 2011 Announced Rachel Maddow Fundraser (Sold out in under two weeks)

June 26, 2011 Hosted community Progress Report and unveiled store renovations and business plan

June 7, 2011 Reached 386 Member-Owners !

June 7, 2011 Second Member-Owner Appreciation Day held. Near 200 sale items PLUS 10% store wide

May 2011 Hired a part time Communication/Marketing Consultant and an Outreach Coordinator

May 1, 2011 Implemented a Point Of Sale computer system for inventory control and future tracking of Member-Owner purchases

April 2011 Building and Grounds Committee completed redesign plan and hired a professional estimator

Feb/March 2011 Held a series of informative Co-op Conversations and contiue to hold one per month

Feb 8, 2011 The Board of Directors approves the Co-op Bylaws

Jan 15, 2011 The Old Creamery/Co-op joins Pioneer Valley Local First

Jan 7, 2011 Number of Founding Member-Owners signed up breaks the 350 mark !

Dec 18 - A Holiday Party/Fundraiser was hosted by Raeph Laughingwell and Joseph Best at their home in Worthington.   New member owners signed up and $3,275 was raised for the co-op development fund.

Early Dec - The co-op attends and supports the Hilltown Charter School fundraiser and holds a Holiday Community Sing Along with Laura Wetzler leading Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanza, and Winter Solstice songs.

Late Nov - A Creamery staff survey is conducted on work challenges and opportunities with great responses from staff. The Buildings and Grounds Committee reviewed results with all staff, and will continue to get their advice on potential changes.

Mid Nov - The co-op board establishes a Buildings and Grounds Committee, that includes the donated services of a local architect, to explore improvement alternatives (many ideas were suggested in the community surveys)

Nov 9 – The Co-op becomes a member of the New England Farmers Union (NEFU), a partner organization of Neighboring Food Co-op Association.

Early Nov - Returns from our surveys start coming in with a phenomenal 265 returns! and fantastic thoughts and advice from the community. Amy and Alice begin implementing some immediate changes in response.

Oct 21 - The co-op crosses the 300 Member-Owner mark!!! On to 500 by Summer 2011.

Oct 15 - The co-op sends out over 800 surveys to Member-Owners, Friends, and Hilltown Residents.

Oct 1 - The Old Creamery Co-op participates in Co-op Month kickoff at Greenfields Market

Sept 24 - The Old Creamery Co-op joins the Neighboring Food Co-op Association (NFCA)

Sept 19 PM   Reached 250 member-owners!

Sept 19 AM   Reached 200 member-owners!

Sept 19 - Celebrated 10 years of Alice and Amy’s ownership of The Old Creamery, and the first Member-Owner Appreciation Day

Sept 11 - Reached half-way mark of 2010 goal of 150 member-owners!

Sept 7 - Engaged a part-time community outreach coordinator

Sept 1 - Engaged a part-time fundraising consultant

Aug 24 - First official Board of Directors Meeting

Aug 20 - Reached 100 member-owners!

Aug 15 - Designated fund to donate memberships for individuals who could not otherwise afford to join the Co-op

Aug 11 - Reached 50 member-owners!

Aug 6 - Incorporated the Old Creamery Co-op as a legal entity in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

July 30 - Launched founding member-owner drive

July 15 - Set goal of 300 founding member/owners by December 31, 2010

July 15 - Determined the member/owner share ($150) and benefits/responsibilities for member-owners

July - Orientation and training sessions with all current Creamery staff

May 25 - Established Old Creamery Co-op Development Plan

May 24 - June 21 - Site visits to 5 area co-ops: Berkshire, Wild Oats, Greenfields Market, Leverett, and Putney VT

May 15 - Attended first community event - CDC Spring Fest

April 18 - Established co-op vision and mission statements

April-May - Outlined business and communications plans, analyzed the financial history of the current store, created future financial projections, compiled estimates for building/business/inventory purchase and co-op start-up costs

March 30 - Organized 4 working groups: business/operations, community, governance, finance

Feb 15 - Joined the Cooperative Grocers Information Network (CGIN)

Feb 12 - Joined the National Cooperative Business Association (NCBA)

Jan 31 - Community informational meeting attended by 300 people (Scroll to the bottom of this page)

Jan 30 - Launched The Old Creamery website

Jan 14 - First meeting of initial co-op steering committee

Dec 2009 - Held five Community Co-op conversations

Fall 2009 - Amy and Alice met with Cooperative Development Institute to explore their dream of transitioning The Old Creamery to a community owned cooperative ...

Alice's Recipe - Fiddlehead Arugula Salad

Wed, 18 Apr 2012 14:32:15 EDT

One of the most joyous culinary moments of the year for me is the arrival of the season’s first fiddleheads. It’s among the first of the “just-picked” cooking rituals that will continue to unfold until late autumn. Each year I repeat the simplest of preparation techniques for my first fiddleheads ...

Newly Added to Items On Sale ------ Scroll down for more ways to save

Wed, 18 Apr 2012 7:09:17 EDT

SALE ITEM SALE $ REG. $ SALE ITEM SALE $ REG. $ GROCERY ITEMS: REFRIGERATED ITEMS: Bulk organic rolled oats 1.39 1.59 Earth Balance buttery spread 5.39 6.29 Bragg's org. cider vinegar 16 oz. 3.59 4.49 Soyboy tofu 2.49 2.89 Casc. Org. multi grain squares 2.99 6.19 Lifeway mango lassi 1.39 1.69 FieldDay org. black refries 1.69 1.99 Mt.Vikos feta cheese crumbles 3.99 4.99 FieldDay salsa x 3 3.19 4.19 Mt. Vikos feta cheese 5.99 7.19 Hodgson gluten free brownie mix 4.19 4.89 Silk Soy Creamer 1.99 2.59 Koyo brown rich chips org. 2.99 4.19 FREEZER ITEMS: LateJuly org mini pb sand. cracker 6.99 8.29 RisingMoon org. ravioli x 2 3.99 5.29 LateJuly snack chip, g/f, org, salt 4.99 6.79 3 Baker gluten free hot dog bun 4.99 6.39 Nat.Nect.g/t hazelnut cocoa sticks 3.99 5.39 3 Baker gluten free grinder bun 5.99 7.69 Stacy/s Italian harvest pita chips 2.99 3.69 Wood.Farm org. strawberries 4.99 6.29 GoRaw Live org. pumpkin bar 0.99 1.29 Wood.Farm org. white corn 2.99 3.49 Salazon org. choc. Bar x 2 3.39 3.99 Wood.Farm org. petite peas 2.99 3.49 Dr. Kracker snack crackers 3.79 4.49 CLEANING PRODUCTS: Newman's org. fig newman's 4.49 5.29 EarthFriendly lavender dish soap 3.99 4.79 ScharffenBerger baking chunks 4.99 5.89 PERSONAL CARE: Clif builder bar x 2 1.99 2.39 VitaCare toothpaste mint/pom 4.49 5.99 End. Spec. org. butterfly/wolf bar 3.99 4.89 Nat.Gate select hair care & soap 5.99 7.29/99 Harvest Bay org. coconut oil 9.99 15.49 Nat.Gate moist. Lotion 7.99 9.99 Al Dente pasta whole wheat 3.99 4.99 Avalon rosemary conditioner 8.99 10.59 Martinelli's prickly pear lemonade 3.99 4.79 Des.Ess.TeaTree mouthwash 6.99 7.99 Tazo iced tea packets x2 4.59 5.39 Dr. B's 16 oz. asst. 8.99 10.49 Twinings Lapsang, earl, english 3.59 4.19 Dr. B's 8 oz. asst. 5.99 6.39 Chocolove org. ft 73% dark 3.79 4.49 Dr. B's 4 oz. asst. 3.99 4.29 Angie's kettle corn caramel/orig 2.99 3.99 Tea tree oil 60 ml 14.99 19.59 Somersault snack nugget cinn. 3.99 4.99 Topricin 19.99 24.99 Somer. Snack nugget sunflower 3.99 4.99 Topricin 29.99 39.99 TwoMoms raw goji bar org. 2.99 4.39 Crystal deodorant stick 5.69 6.99 Koyo ramen x5 0.99 1.49 Natracare super tampon 5.99 6.99 Madecasse chocolate bars asst 4.99 5.49 Arnica the Rub 8.99 10.59 Cole's canned mackerel, trout BLOWOUT SALE Nat. Gate jojoba shampoo 4.99 6.49 Cole's anchovies, sardines 25% OFF!!! Kiss classic moisturizer 7.99 11.99 Nuttzo 7 nut/seed butter chunky 12.99 14.99 Kiss honey calendula lotion 9.99 11.99 Organic planet noodles x 3 2.99 3.69 Des. Ess. vanilla chai lotion 5.99 8.99 Field Day box cereal org. x 3 3.69 4.69 Des. Ess. van. chai hand wash 7.99 8.99 Field Day org. olive oil 6.99 9.29 Desert Ess. Coconut lotion 6.99 8.99 Field Day g/f rice pasta 2.99 3.89 Desert Ess. Lavender lotion 6.99 8.99 Mt.Vikos olive oil biscuit 5.99 6.79 Nat. Gate liquid soap purifying 4.99 6.49 Mt.Vikos fig hazelnut spread 4.99 7.29 Avalon rosemary shampoo 8.99 10.59 Mt.Vikos kalamata spread 4.99 6.79 Des.Ess. Coconut conditioner 6.99 8.99 MtVikos red pepper feta spread 4.99 6.79 Des.Ess. Italian grape cond. 6.99 8.99 Mt.Vikos roasted eggplant spr. 4.99 6.79 Des.Ess. Hand/body lotiion coc. 6.99 8.99 Trad. Med. 4 types tea 3.99 5.79 SUPPLEMENTS: Whole. Swt. Org. brown sugar 5.59 6.59 Bach rescue remedy 10 ml 11.99 13.99 Gaea xv olive oil 9.99 13.29 Bach rescue remedy 20 ml 17.99 19.99 Nat.Ch. Org. rasp. Fruit bar 5.99 6.99 Bach rescue sleep 17.99 19.99 Bionaturae WW org spaghetti 3.39 3.79 Nat.Way Umcka sambucus syrup 14.99 16.59 Nat.Path org. heritage flakes 4.79 5.79 Nat.Way Umcka syrup ch./menth 13.99 15.59 Annie's gluten free mac. & ch. 2.99 4.19 Futurebiotics acidoph. 10.99 14.49 Choice org. classic black tea 4.39 5.19 Nelson Arnica 30c 4.99 6.59 Festive choc. chip pecan cook. 3.49 4.49 Schiff vitamin D 8.99 9.49 Glenny whole fruit/nut bar 5-pk. 4.99 6.49 Alacer rasp. Emergen-C 11.99 15.89 Nat. Sea Alaskan canned salmon 2.99 4.19 Alacer lemon lime 11.99 15.89 Muir Glen BLOWOUT SALE!!! 50% OFF!!! Alacer super orange 11.99 15.89 (selected items) Alacer tangerine 11.99 15.89 Choice org. japanese green tea 4.39 5.19 Alacer joint health emergen-C 13.99 18.99 Napa Valley grapeseed oil 9.99 11.39 Quantum zinc spray 8.99 10.99 Late July org. rich crackers 2.99 3.49 Quantum elderberry syrup 11.99 1399 GENERAL MERCHANDISE: Quantum elderberry extract 9.99 14.99 Ecover dish liquid 32 oz. 4.59 5.59 Rain.Lt. food based calcium 15.99 21.99 Firestarter 100% biomass 7.49 8.49 Rain.Lt. super C 1000 mg 9.99 13.99 Field Day baby wipes 3 sizes $1.00 OFF! Nelson Clik Pak homeopathy 6.99 8.79 Field Day paper products x 4 20% OFF! Cold-Eeze lozenges 6.99 8.39 Kooka. Salmon cat treats 1.99 2.29 Nat.Ade child's cough syrup 5.99 7.79 Wellness cat food cans 1.89 2.29 Boiron oscillococcinum 6 dose 11.99 15.19 Wellness dog food cans 2.69 2.99 Nat. Ans. Red Yeast Rice 19.99 24.99 Green bath tissue 0.99 1.29 B & T cough syrup 6.99 7.99 Green paper towels 1.99 2.49 Boiron oscillococcinum 30 ct 24.99 36.49 Eclipse dust pan 6.99 10.69 Eclipse microfiber mop 10.99 16.99 Eclipse microfiber mop&ringer 17.99 28.59 Numi dancing leaves teapot 24.99 34.59 ...

Perennial Food Growing Group meeting 2012-04-23 6:30pm

Thu, 9 Feb 2012 14:59:57 EST

Open to all! Our goal for now is to learn more about permaculture, by teaching each other and reading selected books on the subject. Please join us. Our immediate focus is apple guilds (the community/ecosystem of flora, fauna, fungi and conditions that comprise a healthy environment for apple trees/orchard). So ...

Workshop: Increase Sales and Profits 2012-04-23 6:30pm

Sat, 7 Apr 2012 7:15:30 EDT

"Increase Sales and Profits by Investing More Energy, Not More Money." HCDC offers a workshop on how small businesses can increase sales and profits by investing more energy, not more money. Learn how to improve sales without spending money on advertising, how to generate word-of-mouth buzz simply and authentically, and ...

Hilltown Choral Society Rehearsal 2012-04-23 7:30pm

Sat, 7 Apr 2012 7:28:43 EDT

The Hilltown Choral Society announces rehearsals for 2012 spring programs. New singers are welcome to join the Chorus! Rehearsals leading up to concerts to be held on Saturday, May 19, at the Zion Lutheran Church in Pittsfield and on Sunday, May 20, at the Congregational Church in Chester will be ...

Co-op Board Meeting 2012-04-24 6:30pm

Sun, 18 Dec 2011 18:27:48 EST

Twice monthly meeting of the Old Creamery Co-op Board of Directors. All member-owners welcome. ...

Talk by Founder of Slow Money 2012-04-24 7:30pm

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 12:26:33 EDT

Woody Tasch, the founder of Slow Money, will be the speaker for the 2012 annual meeting of the Community Land Trust in the Southern Berkshires. The public is invited to attend the talk. Slow Money, based in Brookline, Mass., seeks to make land and people the central principles of investing ...

"The Growing Edge" Movie 2012-04-25 6:30pm

Sun, 19 Feb 2012 6:17:42 EST

Doors open at 6:15. Film free; donations requested; free refreshments. "THE GROWING EDGE: Beyond Sustainability to Regeneration." This film is an antidote to environmental despair, a hopeful and practical look at a path to a viable, flourishing future. It introduces us to examples of projects led by some of the ...

Young Farmers 2012-04-27 4:00pm

Mon, 9 Apr 2012 8:58:35 EDT

Children are invited to come help the farmer with taking care of the afternoon chores. Come feed the animals, check for eggs, and do other daily chores that make life on the farm so interesting. Parents and younger siblings are always welcome. Chores start promptly at 4 p.m. All ages ...

Acoustic Music Jam 2012-04-27 7:00pm

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 17:34:02 EST

Guitar pickers (and others) wanted for an eclectic acoustic music jam. Some blues, some folk, some country. For a "taste" of what we mean, check out www.communityguitar.com and click on "for students" and then on "songs." Join us on the fourth Friday of the month, 7 to 9 p.m., starting ...

4-H Sewing Group 2012-04-28 10:00am

Thu, 1 Mar 2012 11:42:24 EST

Basic hand-sewing skills, introducing our young ones to machine sewing. Call Kathy Harrison for ...

Home Composting Made Simple 2012-04-28 10:00am

Thu, 22 Mar 2012 10:43:34 EDT

In this FREE workshop you'll learn how simple it is to turn your daily food scraps into Black Gold for your houseplants, lawn, and garden! Attendees will participate in a hands-on demonstration of how to build an efficient and active compost pile. A good home compost system can improve lawns, ...

The Wonder of Vernal Pools 2012-04-28 10:00am

Mon, 9 Apr 2012 8:52:31 EDT

Join Red Gate Farm staff at the vernal pool of Maitland Memorial Forest for a morning of searching for and identifying wood frogs, fairy shrimp, spotted salamanders, and many other species. Wear rubber boots and dress for the weather. This is a hands-on workshop! All ages welcome. Advance registration required. ...

Plainfield Firefighters' Assoc. Spaghetti & Meatball Supper 2012-04-28 5:00pm

Wed, 29 Feb 2012 13:01:31 EST

Spaghetti and Meatball Supper! Adults, $10; children under 12, $6. The Little League will hold a 50/50 fundraising raffle. For tickets, call Ellen DuPont (634-5343), Kenny Magdycz (634-5585), or Theresa Thatcher (634-5582), or from any Plainfield firefighter or ...

Double Edge Theatre Open Training 2012-04-29 2:00pm

Sun, 26 Feb 2012 13:19:59 EST

A two-hour introductory workshop followed by a tour of the theatre center and dinner with the ensemble. For actors, directors, dancers, designers, performers, and the simply ...