News
Hoop House Work Party on Earth Day
Monday, April 22 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.: Volunteers helped prepare the raised beds in the Co-op Hoop House. We laid gravel and filled the raised beds. We are now ready for soil testing, amending and then planting!YOUTH* Shop with the Chef: Veggie Lasagna
Tuesday, April 23 from 6 to 8 p.m.: Nicole Kliebert taught youth how to get their daily serving of veggeis in a delicious dish that everyone can love. This class was also Gluten-Free.Essential Oils Talk
Friday, April 26 from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.: Sharla Snow, who was visiting from San Diego, came by the Co-op to teach the basics of Essential Oils. This free event was part of our Co-op Conversations program, connecting our community with knowledge related to food, health, and the environment.Additional Resources: Flyer
Co-op Annual Member Meeting
Sunday, April 28 from 7 to 8 p.m.: The Annual Member Meeting was a success, where members had a chance to meet the Board, enter a raffle, enjoy free Co-op desserts, and ensure good governance of the Co-op. This meeting was open to all current co-op members.Additional Resources: Meeting Agenda; A change marked version of the bylaws with the proposed bylaws changes; More information about the Board of Directors
We Who Are Clay: Traditional Green Building Talk
Thursday, April 18 from 7 to 8 p.m.: As part of the We Who Are Clay Series, Jason Gedmin, owner of Free Flow Construction of Santa Fe, and Steve Watts, GM of the Co-op, spoke on the environmental advantages of building with local, historic materials. This Traditional Green Building Talk was sponsored by Los Alamos Co-op and PEEC.PEEC Earth Day Festival
Saturday, April 20 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Thank you for supporting PEEC and the Co-op at PEEC's Earth Day Festival!Shop with the Chef: Advanced Tempura & Sauces
Tuesday, April 16 from 6 to 8 p.m.: Edwin Theodore inspired participants to explore the art of tempura with hands-on learning and a multitude of ideas.Wine Pairing Class: Vivác Winery
Saturday, April 6 at 3 p.m.: Vivác winery shared their knowledge and local wine with los alamos. Participants enjoyed a Co-op sampler plate to experiement with the 5 local Vivác wines. Michele Padberg, Vivác's Marketing Director and Executive Sommelier, talked about the different aspects of wine pairing and the complex flavor profiles of each of the different wines as well as pairing suggestions and techniques. Learn more about Vivác Winery.Shop with the Chef: Vegetable & Dairy Fermentation
Tuesday, March 26 from 6 to 8 p.m.: Ray Joggerst shared the science and techniques behind vegetable fermentaiton with the bonus of three cultured dairy products. Participants tasted a variety of ferments and went home with thier own vegetable or dairy ferment of choice. This class will be offered again this summer on July 16.Live Music: Roaring Jelly Band
Saturday, March 23 at 1 p.m.: The Roaring Jelly Band filled the Co-op with wonderful celtic music.Shop with the Chef: Gluten Free Baking
Tuesday, March 12 from 6 to 8 p.m.: Liz Thomson and Liz Miller shared their knowledge of gluten free and vegan baking along with a diverse sampler of wonderfully tasty gluten-free items including pizza, bread, scones and more. Gluten free baking is known for grainy texture, which was imperceptible in the foods in this class. This is a new level to gluten free living.February: Annual Survey Month
Thank you for your feedback on our Annual Survey. The Co-op uses the survey to assess our performance in several areas including customer satisfaction, communication, and to gain insight into our member's shopping pattern and demographics. We also use that information to communicate to co-op stakeholders how well we as an organization adhere to our Customer Service policy as well as the mission and vision of the co-op. These reports are presented to the Board in March and April and published on the website once approved/accepted by the Board of Directors.Co-op's 2nd Anniversary
Saturday, March 2: The day was filled with savings, music, and fun. Thank you to all who took part in the Co-op's Anniversary Celebration!Shop with the Chef: Asian Winter Cuisine
Tuesday, February 26 from 6 to 8 p.m.: Ara Whetten taught participants how to make curry in addition to other dishes. Her hands on teaching style was enjoyed and appreciated. She will be teaching a wonton's class in April and we look forward to having her back to teach additional classes this fall.
Co-op Discussion Course: Hungry for Change
Wednesday, February 6 through March 20 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.: This six-week discussion course will allowed participants to: (1) explore the interconnected nature of food systems and our relationship to them, (2) examine the impact our food choices have on our health, the health of others, and the health of our planet, and (3) consider the ethical and political implications of our current food system and our personal food choices.Course Description.
Co-opROCKS! Dream, Create, CO-OPerate!
Saturday, February 16 from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. at Warehouse 21 in Santa Fe: Thank you to everyone who participated in this event!Fun, FREE, artistic event for teens and young adults.
Learn more about the bands on Facebook and the Co-opROCKS! flyer.
Live Local Music
Free Workshops
Co-opROCKS! logo design contest
Art
Food
MUSIC LINE-UP: Local musicians (DJs, rock bands, acoustic numbers).
DJ BotEars (11-12:30 AM), Andy and Sammy and Melanie (12:30-1 PM), Jovani Griego (1-1:30 PM), Mariam Kass (1:30-2 PM), Mohit Dubey (2-2:30 PM), Maddy Boyd (2:30-3 PM), Dogsit Godsit (3:15-3:45 PM), Matt Tapia & Co. (4:15-5 PM), Choking on Air (5:30-6:30 PM), DJ Mickey Paws (6:30-7:45 PM) and All the Wrong Reasons (8-9 PM).
This event was brought to you by The Los Alamos Co-op Market, La Montanita Co-op, and Warehouse 21.
Attendance was FREE.
Co-op Cowboy Ad Part II
Monday, February 11 from 4 to 6 p.m.: Thank you all who participated in the filming of the Cowboy Commercial Part II. We could not have done it withouth you. Look for the ad in the Reel Deal Theater in March.
Beer and Cheese Pairing: A Fund Raising Event for Los Alamos Beer Cooperative!
Thursday, February 7 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Co-op: On Thursday February 7, 2013 the Co-op tried out a new and Beer and Cheese Pairing event format. A twist on our popular Beer Dinners, this event was a more casual, cocktail party design that focused on introducing the beers (and one hard cider!) from Blue Heron Brewing Company and local and international cheeses carried in the Co-op! Taylor Copper from Blue Heron Brewing lead the discussion of pairing beer and cheese and then set attendees free to mingle and enjoy the various beers, cider and cheeses. This successfull event was sold out and well recieved. This event raised about $400 for the Los Alamos Beer Cooperative, a New Mexico chartered cooperative. Thank you for supporting local businesses.Shop with the Chef: Raw Cuisine
Thursday, January 31 from 6 to 8 p.m.: Jesse and Johanna Boudreau shared their knowledge and recipes for raw tea, soup, and sushi.Informational Meeting: A success.
Tuesday, January 29 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Holiday Inn: Community members met with the Los Alamos Co-op Market's Board of Directors and learned about the exciting opportunity to participate in the governance of the Co-op. In addition, the public is welcome to attend Board Meetings, which are held the 3rd Wendesday of every month from 6:30 - 8:00p.m. at the Holiday Inn Express, 60 Entrada Drive, Los Alamos (just east of the Co-op).Community Garden Initiative: Seeking Your Feedback
Tuesday, January 29 from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Co-op: The Los Alamos Youth Food Project presented information on expanding the garden initiatve from an educational garden at the Middle School to include the community and a public garden site. This meeting was attended by high school students, who were excited to see this project progressing. The proposed location for the Community Eduacational Garden is on County land near the Horse Stables on North Mesa.This project is still looking for your feedback. Please tell us what you think and fill out the online survey. The survey data will be presented to the county.
For more information:
Cultivating Community Information Poster, Flyer, and Paper Survey.
Find Los Alamos Youth Food Project on Facebook
Contact Sylvan at sargo@laymca.org or 662-3100
Shop with the Chef: The Basics of Antipasto
Tuesday, January 22 from 6 to 8 p.m.: Edwin Theodore took the class through the art and history of Antipasto. Participants sampled the delicious food, which included home-made ricotta cheese.Shop with the Chef: Vegetable Fermentation
Tuesday, December 11 from 6 to 8 p.m.: Ray Joggerst and Teo Insogna shared the science and techniques behind vegetable fermentaiton. Participants tasted a variety of ferments and went home with thier own vegetable ferment of choice. This dynamnic duo is looking forward to expanding their class offering to include a dairy and grain fermentation class. This full and fun class will be the first of many.Shop with the Chef: High Altitude Cooking & Baking
Tuesday, November 13 from 6 to 8 p.m.: Liz Thomson's class sold out, and was another successful Shop with the Chef class. The participants enjoyed her hands-on teaching style, and learned to make soup, cookies and cornbread. These delicious dishes were enjoyed bay all who attended.Community Garden Celebration
Tuesday, October 23 from 4 to 6 p.m.: The Youth Food Project received a grant from the State Farm Youth Advisory Board. The check presentation was held at the Co-op and was combined with a hoop house work party. The Youth Food Project involves many community groups including the Y, JJAB, PEEC, and the Co-op.Camino de Paz y Cooperaćion
Thursday, October 18 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.: Students from Camino de Paz, an experiential Montessori middle school, played Marimbas in front of the store and shared the stories behind the beautiful photos taken by Minesh Bacrania, which are beautifully displayed in the Co-op cafe. The Co-op and Camino de Paz partnership goes beyond the products in our store, and now you can read some of the stories behind the partnership when you stop by the Co-op. To all who attended, thank you.Keep It Co-op Partnership & International Credit Union Day
Thursday, October 18: On International Credit Union Day, Del Norte Credit Union gave away annual memberships to the Co-op to the new and existing members who came by on Thursday, October 18 (International Credit Union Day). On this day, eighty-one people became members of two local cooperative businesses, which Del Norte Credit Union made possible with their generous gift. Thank you to all who "Keep It Co-op" by supporting cooperative businesses like the Co-op and Del Norte Credit Union. (LA Daily Post article).Beer Dinner: Second Street Brewing Company
Thursday, October 4 from 4 at 6 p.m.: Second Street Brewing Company showcased five of their beers paired with wonderful Co-op food prepared by their chef, Jason Gleichman. Rod Tweet, Second Street's head brewmatser also shared his amazing raspberry kielbasa. This was our third beer dinner, and tickets have been selling out faster each time. We are looking forward to offering beer dinners more than biannually, so more people can enjoy this great program. Second Street Brewing Company: thank you for making this event possible.Little Forest Playschool Fall Festival
Saturday, October 6 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Little Forest Playschool held another successful Fall Fiesta, and we were happy to be a part of the celebrations of the oldest cooperative business in Los Alamos (since 1951). This is the beginning of a great partnership between us, Little Forest Playschool, and Del Norte Credit Union (three cooperative businesses). As cooperatives, one of our principals is to support other cooperative businesses because we are stronger together.Co-op Health and Wellness Fair
Thank you to everyone who helped with and attending the Health and Wellness Fair on Saturday, September 22. The weather was beautiful and the wind only tested us the last hour of the event. Attendees had access to free demos from massage therapists, polarity workers, acupuncturists, chiropractors, and Access Consciousness. We look forward to our next Vendors included: Massage Therapists, Naturopaths, Chiropractors, Acupuncturists, Physical Therapists, Mental Balance Coaches, Krav Maga & Z-Health Instructors, It Works Wraps, Psychotherapists, United Way, and Pipermade.Member Appreciation Day
One of the ways we say thank you to our owners (our members) is by having a 10% OFF day each quarter. Note: We do not compound discounts, we promise to honor the maximum savings.Thank you for your support!
Shop with the Chef: Spring Rolls 2.0
Our first Shop with the Chef class this season was well on Tuesday, August 14. Ara Whetten and the class filled the store with wonderful aromas as they prepared and ate spring rolls and Korean BBQ. We are looking forward to having her back to expand our knowledge of oriental cuisine. Thank you to all who participated and/or assisted with this delicious class.Letter and Response Regarding Meat/Cheese Case
(Picture: Copeland Compressor)
Letter:
Dear Mr. Watts,
I am writing because in my humble opinion the problems with keeping the meat case refrigerators running are growing into a more serious problem. I have no doubt that you have given the question of whether to repair or replace the refrigerators serious thought, but given the large number of times that I have been in the Coop and seen the cases empty, I think there is the potential for the frequent fridge failures to be causing a painful loss of opportunity for the Coop. As a member, I will continue returning even when I see a failed empty cooler/fridge. However, I doubt this is the reaction from infrequent or non-member customers. This is not good for expanding the Coop's clientele.
I will take the liberty of suggesting three ideas:
1. If repair is the chosen alternative, understand why previous repairs failed so soon. The number of failures also indicates a need to seriously consider the possibility that the Coop is being taken for a ride/played for a fool by your refrigeration repair service. Is it reasonably possible to return the fridges to reliable operation (i.e. likely to be > or = 5 yrs. between failures, as guaranteed by a free repair guarantee of at least 2 years)? My experience with appliance and vehicle repair in Northern New Mexico is highly variable and consistent with the proposition that there are a significant number of fundamentally incompetent repair people attempting to ply their trade.
2. Purchase new cases, hopefully without involvement of the current repair shop, if it is not possible to reasonably understand the nature of past failures and receive a reasonable guarantee on current repairs.
3. The temporary scheme of having meat and seafood fetched from the storage freezers/coolers has one of my friends delighted with the quality of the food. Perhaps a longer-term solution is to place a slightly smaller display fridge in the meat department and knock a small hole in the wall for a meat and seafood counter? Thanks for taking the time to read and consider my mail.
Best regards,
Concerned Customer
Response:
Hi Concerned Customer,
I understand your concern and want to address it as best I can.
We have recently (April 2012) hired a new refrigeration company. Some of their work has been to correct previous attempts to repair our refrigeration equipment. We have full confidence that this new company can produce the results we require. Because of that confidence, we are following their recommendations. It is much more cost effective to repair the equipment we have. The recent failure was caused by the heat load of our unusual weather patterns. We have repaired that compressor (under warranty) and have made other repairs and adjustments to our equipment to maximize their performance under these unusual heat events. That is part of the work that our refrigeration vendor is performing to maintain our equipment. All of these types of issues are very common in the grocery business, and I have faced similar issues at the other co-ops where I have worked. We attempt to provide excellent customer service at all times--even if sometimes that means that we have to "fetch" product from the back. We are working hard at coming up with further remedies to eliminate that from happening again.
Thank you again for your time. Please feel free to call me (695-1579) and discuss this issue further.
Cooperatively,
-Steve Watts, General Manager
Bike Swap
Sunday, June 10 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.: We held the first Los Alamos Singletrack Association Bike Swap at the Co-op. This event had a great turn out, and raised $937.68 for the Los Alamos Singletrack Association!Thank you to all who brought bikes and other items to sell and to everyone who came to check out the Bike Swap. We hope you enjoy the great Los Alamos roads and trails this summer, and we look forward to working with LASA to bring you another Bike Swap next year!
Beer Dinner
Wednesday, May 30 at 6 p.m.: Santa Fe Brewing Co. and Chef Chris McLean, executive chef at Bishop's Lodge, hosted our second beer dinner. Music was provided by the Craig Martin Experience. It was a wonderful evening, which created a beautiful atmosphere for our outside event. The food, beer, and music were fantastic. Thank you to all who participated. We sold out, and we are looking forward to our next Beer Dinner.Greenhouse Fundraiser
Help us put a Greenhouse at the Co-op to be used by the Y, the Los Alamos Youth Food Project, the Middle School Green Team, and other community needs.You can support this fundraiser by buying a worm ($2) and/or spade in dirt ($5) the next time you shop with us. The worms and spades in dirt are decorated by the Middle School Green Team, who wants to used the greenhouse to grow food for animals at the Wildlife Center. Thank you for your support!
Co-opRocks! music and art event May 19
The Co-opRocks! event was a fun success. It was held Saturday, May 19th from 7 p.m. to Midnight at UNM-LA Student Union Building. Admission was free!The Co-opRocks! program is brought to you by the Los Alamos Co-op as part of our outreach program to young adults. We strive to share our cooperative values through this venue by sourcing local talent and encouraging young adults and the community to support each other and make this event fun. This event would not be possible without the support of many people and groups including: Los Alamos Teen Center, Art Club, Anime Club, Student Council, Environmental Club, Northern New Mexico Electric Vehicle Association, LA Historical Society, FCCLA, Los Alamos Historical Society, UNM Los Alamos Campus, Robotics Club, and more!
NOW Watch Our Big Screen Ad
Thank you to all who helped make this film a success! We could not have done this ad without the support of our community.Click HERE to see why "My Co-op Rocks!" Watch the video submitted last fall to the My Co-op Rocks contest, and see why people in Los Alamos think the Los Alamos Co-op Rocks! My Co-op Rocks contests are held throughout the year.
Buying Local vs. Buying Fair Trade
Ethical Ocean asks the question, which is better when shopping, Local or Fair trade? Their findings are presented in a great infographic. Check out what they found.Cooperate Coop
Check out the latest from our cooperate cooperative. Find recipes , the latest news, and much more. A great place to get everything you need for heatlhy food.Choose a Coop
One simple decision. One simple way to help your community. Check out this video.