Under My Hat - February, 2009

—by Helen DuFault

I hope you are keeping warm. As I write this, we are having below-zero daytime temps. The good news is, warmer weather is coming!

Co-op Expansion

As you have no doubt observed, we have had some delays with our project. Now we have a glitch regarding the air exchange unit that heats the air in the winter when we are using the hood in the kitchen. The installation was approved by the mechanical inspectors, but the structural building inspector said the unit needs extra support. Instead of being supported from the ceiling, it needs to be supported from the basement. As I write, this project is being planned and should be well on the way or even done by the time you read this. We are certainly getting anxious to get moved in!

Fundraising

The other news is that we are in the beginning phases of our building acquisition fund drive. Many members will by now have received a mailing with detailed information. We are sending this mailing in small batches so that our volunteer phone callers have time to follow up in a timely manner. If you have not received your mailing by early March, please contact us. We may not have your correct address. If you are a not a member of the co-op but are interested in helping out, you can pick up a brochure at the cash register explaining our fund drive.

Anticipating Spring

Seed packets from Seeds of Change will be arriving soon, always a sign that, yes, we have wonderful spring days on the way. Anticipating spring is how we get through our cold winters. Winter really isn’t so bad if you are prepared and you can see the end in the not-too-distant future. Reminds me of when I was washing diapers!

The bedding plants have been ordered, too. Expect the hardier varieties to arrive in late April. We will have Mayfest the second week in May. There will be lots of nice baskets for Mother’s Day. I’ve ordered a few new kinds of plants. But be warned that there are always a few crop failures, and we won’t receive everything I ordered. If you want a whole flat of one thing, please talk to me as soon as possible so I can add to the order.