Spotlight on Crafts: Art & Stationary

Hey Folks,

Next up in our list are our wide variety of Art and Stationary artists in the Co-op!

First up is Kim Jacobs from right here in Brooks. She has a variety of items with her artwork on the, from puzzles, calendars and books(and more). She also sits on our board and volunteers in the Co-op in many different ways. She’s dedicated a ton of time ensuring that the Co-op has continued to thrive!

Then we have items from Helena Malone, also right here in Brooks. These are cards that display some of the artwork that she does on hanging silks, scarves and pillows!

Next up is Louise Shorette right up in Jackson (she also does the Jewelry and Fiber Arts). She’s brought in items for a few years and she has great cards of butterflies to choose from!

Next up is Mulberry Marsh Designs (Meredith), she’s over in Jackson as well and does photo cards along with Fiber Arts which we’ll highlight in a later post!

Then we have items from Toki Art from Belfast. She has a selection of cards, calendars and other items to share with everyone!

We also have some cards from Frog Water Designs (Jasmine) from over in Morrill!

Spotlight on Crafters: Jewelry

Hey Folks,

First up are our local Jewelry makers, most of them within 10 Miles of the Co-op itself.

Maid In The Woods (Doreen) has been with us since pretty much the beginning of the Co-op and she has been making wonderful jewelry in Jackson for the that time. If you want to see what else Doreen has go and check out her thriving Etsy shop as well!

Oh My Goddess (Louise) started bringing things in the Co-op two years ago (she also does fiberart and cards as well, pics in future posts). She’s also not too far away from us right up in Jackson!

We have a mix of items from Lally Broch Farm in Frankfort, they do a bunch of soaps and other items that we’ll get closer pictures of in future but they also make Jewelry.

Then we have Viking Girl Designs by Shawna up in Jackson (I’m sensing a theme). She’s been with us for a few years now and has some wonderful pieces.

More info to follow!

Spotlight on Crafters 2021!

Hey Folks,

It’s that time of year again where we like to take the opportunity to put a spotlight on all the local crafters in the Co-op. Over the course of the next few weeks we’ll be posting about the different categories we have of crafts in the Co-op that are made by local people in our community! A big shout out first to the folks that worked on the wonderful display which is decorated completely by items found in the Coop.

Annual Report 2020-2021, Annual Meeting Nov 14th 5pm and Ballots

Hi Everyone,

We’ve been hard at work putting together the information for the upcoming Annual Meeting on November 14th at 5pm so that everyone has a chance to take a look at it a head of time. We’ve also just finalized our slate of potential board members(we are super excited) as well, which you will find below for your review. Ballots will be available on the day of the meeting either at the register or you will receive a digital version in your email if you are a member. If anyone has trouble submitting your ballot please don’t hesitate to reach out to marshrivercooperative@gmail.com and we’ll give you a hand.

Link to Full Annual Report

We are also voting to update one of our bylaws regarding the composition of the Board. Please find the proposed changes at the bottom of this message for your review.

Slate of candidates for our board!

Brenda Moot, Consumer Member

Hello, my name is Brenda, and I’m hoping to join the MRC Board. I live in Winterport on North Road, just around the corner from White’s Farm on Monroe Road. I currently volunteer at MRC a few hours a week and enjoy learning more about the products, farms, and people at the co-op. My work experience includes about 20 years teaching for Head Start, Universal Pre-k, and Even Start. Each program teaches preschool children and Even Start also includes adult Ed for parents seeking their GED. Since 2012, I have worked as a Nanny caring for newborn babies in their home. I’m not working right now, and any future position I take would be part-time, so I will have time and energy to work on the board. My interests include writing creatively, spending time outdoors, and doing work that supports sustainable living, like local food co-ops! I look forward to learning more about how the co-op runs and how I can participate.

Thank you for considering me as a board member, Brenda Moot

Cheryl Huber, Consumer Member

Good Day,

My name is Cheryl Huber and I live on Monroe Highway here in Brooks. I am writing this letter in the hopes of being considered to fill one of the seats as a board member of the Marsh River Co-op. My husband Terry and I moved from CT to Brooks at the end of May. When we first looked at our current house I was excited to see that the Co-op was nearby. You see I started researching organic growers, farmers markets etc before we even knew we would be living here. Although I have worked in the medical field since 1989 as a receptionist, EKG tech and in an admitting department I hold a passion for organic growing. I have worked for Nine years in the horticulture department at Old Sturbridge Village, while running my own business growing and selling organic vegetables, herbs and flowers. All grown proudly from seed. This home business 3B’s Organic I owned for seven years. I met a lot of wonderful people who also shared my passion. During that time I took part in the local farmers market and donated plants to our local garden club to be planted throughout town. I believe in supporting our local farmers and growers who work so hard at what they do and contribute to the community. I also feel a connection to them, first to be good stewards to our land and second to give my best back to the community. We have settled in this town and have met some very nice people who have welcomed us and helped us get acquainted with our surroundings. We would like to become involved in this community in a place where our values are shared. This is why I ask you to consider me as a future board member of the Marsh River Co-op. Thank your your time, respectfully Cheryl Huber

Terry Huber, Consumer Member

Greetings,

My name is Terry Huber and I live at 130 Monroe Highway here in Brooks. I am writing this letter as an application to fill one of the seats as a board member of the Marsh River Co-op. My background has been in the legal field, having worked as a Case Specialist for the Massachusetts Executive Office of Health and Human Services for over 20 years but I have also worked in product promotions/sales and as a radio host/personality for several stations in Connecticut. My desire to serve on the Marsh River Co-op board is firmly rooted in my belief in the importance of community service and supporting the farms and small businesses of that community. Over the years of helping my wife with the day to day work of running her home business, 3 B’s Organics, I have come to realize the importance of safe and healthy foods and the need to support the local folks. One of our favorite parts of the organic plant business has been educating the customers as to the benefits of eating health with organic foods. I believe that my varied background, work ethic and commitment to community would be an asset to the board of the Marsh River Co-op. Thank you for your time and consideration. Respectfully Terry Huber.

Adam Price, Consumer Member

It’s a pleasure to be able to offer my application to become apart of your board. I’m very excited to explore this community, the local crafts, and how I can be involved in the interconnected growth of it’s products and livelihoods.  As a Man with a deep interest in rural construction, food independence, and inventive creativity, I find this opportunity to learn about and be a supportive part of our local crafters community to be a true joy. I was born and raised in Washington state, but am grateful to call Maine my Home for the first time this year, first of many to come. I’ll be offering my services to the public as a property and product designer, cleanout/project/materials manager, and silvopasture/orchard arborist shortly here, as soon as my business logistics catch up to my new life here in Maine.   I’m living amongst the Developing Woodsong Community, neighbors to Kim and Bob, & Dylan and Laura. I believe I could be an integral contributing member of the hand crafting community here in Brooks and Maine at Large. Working as a board member and leading a craft committee for Marsh River Co-op would be a great chance for mutual benefit and improved access to locally made, practical, ethically sourced goods for all who live here. It’s a great honor to be considered for Board Membership and to progress these hopes and ideals with y’all. Sincerely,      Adam T. Price

Proposed Bylaw Change

4.1 Number of Board seats: The March River Cooperative Board shall have 3 – 9 seats as determined by the Board, except during those interim periods when any Board seat becomes vacant prior to being filled as provided hereinafter. If the number of elected board members falls below 4 a special election can be called. It is expected that producer members shall reserve a majority of the seats on the Board, but in the event that enough producer member nominees for Board service are not forthcoming, and on the recommendation of the Board at a regularly scheduled and announced Annual Meeting, with elections to follow as provided hereafter, a minimum of producer member positions may be filled by consumer members. Likewise, a minimum number of interim producer member positions may be filled, by appointment as provided hereafter, by consumer members, if no producer members are willing to serve. Each director shall be a voting member in good standing.

Annual Meeting Update

Hey Folks,

Just working on the planning for the upcoming board meeting on November the 14th at 5pm via Zoom. We’ve finalized the agenda which we have posted below and we are hoping to have the slate of new board members and the Annual Report ready by the end of this week. If you wish to attend to receive the instructions please give your email address at the register or email marshrivercooperative@gmail.com.

ANNUAL MEETING

——————-

Sunday, November 14

5:00 – 6pm

Via Zoom

Link to be sent via email or ask at the register!

AGENDA

5:00 – 5:05 Welcome/Intro of the board

5:05 – 5:10 Message from the President

5:10 – 5:25pm Manager Presentation

5:25pm-5:30pm Bylaw Presentation

5:30-5:40 Candidate Presentation

5:40 – 6:00 Open Forum