Plainfield Co-op & Community Center

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The Plainfield Cooperative board of directors is pleased to announce that Jeannine DeWald has been hired as the new General Manager, beginning December 1, 2024.

The co-op purchased Plainfield Hardware in August and is merging the two businesses at the hardware store location on Route 2.

"We are delighted to welcome Jeannine back to the co-op," said board president Rose Paul. "She brings a wealth of relevant expertise and a strong commitment to cooperative values."

Many members will remember Jeannine as long-time co-op staff and member of the management collective, prior to her departure in 2018. Since then, she completed a degree in accounting and has worked for a variety of businesses with a focus on organizational development, finance, and customer service. Among her relevant skills:

• Grocery and retail management
• Budgeting, accounting, and financial modeling
• Deep understanding of cooperative values and co-op culture
• Engaging the board and supporting good governance
• Creative thinking and problem solving
• Commitment to the Plainfield Co-op: its history, future, and long-term success

"I am thrilled to be returning to the co-op to serve as General Manager," she says, "and I'm grateful to the board, staff, and membership who have worked so hard to guide the co-op through this momentous transition! The purchase of Plainfield Hardware offers a unique opportunity to expand our membership and service to the community, while preserving local ownership of two essential businesses. I am excited to be joining all of you in this mission."

Jeannine lives in East Montpelier – just a few miles from the store – and enjoys working in her garden, hiking, paddling, reading, riding her bike, and sharing meals with family and friends.

"Please stop in and say hello," she says. "I am committed to working with everyone to build a co-op that serves our entire community, and I am excited to be moving forward together."

We will be dancing Tara at the Plainfield Community Center on Sunday, November 24 and December 22, 1-3pm and you are invited to join us!

Tara dance is the Praises to the Divine Mother of the Buddhas and her enlightened qualities translated from the Tibetan Buddhist lineage of Kalu Rinpoche.

No prior experience is needed as the dances are taught and danced in a circle with easy to follow movements that uplift our spirits, open our hearts, and inspire the natural grace and peace that is present in all things.

If you would like learn more visit: taradhatu.org

Join us!