Community Connections

August 2023 Word from the Board

Maral Erol, Wheatsfield Board Member

As a lover of warm weather and long days, I love August. I look forward to the golden light of long summer evenings spent in the shade of a backyard, watching the life buzz around me (maybe with a glass of local kombucha from Wheatsfield). It is also a little bittersweet for me as the last month of summer. Even though the weather is still hot and days long, back-to-school excitement begins, ISU students start returning, and with all these the idea of Fall starts hovering in the back of our minds.

August also comes with the summer harvests and the beautiful days to enjoy all the abundance with loved ones. Fruit and vegetables ripen in the gardens, giving gardeners the joy of tasting the results of their labor. This is also my favorite time for the produce section of our co-op with so much great local crops reaching their peak, from sweet corn to crisp zucchinis, to juicy heirloom tomatoes and fresh herbs. They make me feel connected to the local producers and community as well as being delicious and nourishing.

Another opportunity to connect with the community is coming up this month: the Local Foods Potluck on August 26th where we will celebrate summer together with a local food potluck in Brookside Park. Local food is great on its own of course, but somehow, I feel like it tastes better when you share it with other people. So please show up, with your favorite recipe to share if you want. (I am going to bring my potato salad which was a big hit in our last party, so come let me know if you think it is indeed good.)

This month also comes with another invitation to deepen your connections with our co-op community: The deadline to apply for one of the three open board member positions at Wheatsfield Board of Directors is August 14, at 11:59pm. All member-owners can apply, and the election will happen in October. As a fairly new member of the board, I can say that serving on the board has been a valuable experience for me. I highly encourage anyone who has an interest in co-ops, good food, sustainability and community to apply. You will get a chance to learn a lot while contributing to the decisions shaping the vision of the co-op and help enrich the diversity of voices in the board. Just like in a potluck, ideas are better when shared with others, and your co-op is eager for your contribution!