For Immediate Release
Contact: John Bryant
540-343-5652  john@roanokenaturalfoods.coop

Roanoke Natural Foods Cooperative Withdraws Proposal for Urban Farm
Farm would have been adjacent to former Countryside Golf Course property.

Roanoke, Va. (Nov. 7, 2011) – Citing respect for the wishes of nearby residents The Roanoke Natural Foods Co-op today withdrew it’s proposal to create an urban farm on a 12 acre parcel located  in NW Roanoke City and adjacent to what was once the Countryside Golf Course.

In a statement before Roanoke City Council, Co-op General Manager Bruce Phlegar officially withdrew his group’s interest.  “We are very interested in creating a cooperatively owned urban farm in the city of Roanoke.  But we are not interested in creating an entity that is a significant point of conflict with the surrounding neighborhood.  Out of respect for those who oppose this project, and in the hope that the city will continue to work with our group, we respectfully  withdrew our proposal.”

The Co-op had initially submitted its request on July 8^th after City planners said they wanted the parcel to be used for commercial urban agriculture in its master plan for the Countryside property and several parcels adjoining it.

The Co-op plan called for  8 green houses know as “high tunnel hoop houses,” garden style row crops and an orchard.  The group planned to have as many as 400 free-range chickens to produce eggs and fertilizer for the plants.  Since the group utilizes sustainable farming techniques, it  will not use harmful commercial fertilizers or pesticides.  Plans also called for a small retail shop where locally grown produce would be sold to members of the surrounding community.   The building would also have included classroom space.

“We still believe in the value and viability of a sustainable urban farm within Roanoke City limits,” said Phlegar.  “It offers our community hyper-locally grown produce, and many educational opportunities. Our farm will strengthen the local, sustainable food movement in the Roanoke Valley.” Phlegar said the group would continue to seek property within the city that would meet their needs and have the general support of the surrounding neighbors.

Roanoke Natural Foods Co-op has served the Roanoke Valley since 1975, providing the community with nutritious food choices and earth-friendly products. Roanoke Natural Foods supports sustainable environmental practices, local organic farmers, local businesses, and its surrounding community. Products at Roanoke Natural Foods contain no artificial colorants, preservatives, or additives. In addition to providing families with high-quality organic and natural products, Roanoke Natural Foods supports local efforts to preserve the integrity and health of our natural resources and community.

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Roanoke Natural Foods Co-op’s Proposal for an Urban Farm at Countryside

Roanoke Natural Foods Co-op is now holding monthly orientation sessions for new owners called, My Co-op 101. Here we will listen to your needs and help you find what you’re looking for. Learn more about how a cooperative business works and how you can make the most of your ownership.

The orientation is FREE to owners, even if you’ve been an owner for 35 years you are welcome at My Co-op 101. Walk-ins welcome, but a heads up would be appreciated. My Co-op 101 will always be the last Tuesday of the month. Email info@roanokenaturalfoods.coop or call Customer Service 540-343-5652.

MY CO-OP 101 DATES:
Tuesday February 28, 2012 – 6 p.m.

Other Co-op Classes and Events:

Sign up for all classes at the registers, by calling 540.343.5652, or emailing info@roanokenaturalfoods.coop.

Series: Happy Healthy Families
Tuesdays January 24 & February 7
6:00 p.m.
$10 for Co-op owners and $20 for others
Empower your middle school or high school aged kids to prepare easy, delicious, healthy foods in this fun cooking series.  In this hands-on series, they’ll learn basic cooking skills, delicious recipes, and actionable tips to help them lead happy healthy lives!  The more involved kids are in learning about and preparing healthy foods, the more likely they are to like them. Taught by Heather Quintana, Certified Health Coach and Director of Happy Healthy Cooks.

Basic Cheesemaking
Thursday February 9, 2012
5:30 p.m.
$5 for Co-op owners and $10 for others
Join local cheese vendor Michael Curtin of Curtin’s Dairy as he teaches and shares information on how to make your own cheese. Class members will get to sample the cheese made in class. Space is very limited so sign up soon!

Herbal Medicine Making
Saturday February 11, 2012
10:00 a.m.
$5 for Co-op owners and $10 for others
Master herbalist, certified health coach and yoga instructor Danielle Eavenson will instruct you how to make your own syrups, tinctures, infusions, decoctions, salves and more.

Series: Heart Healthy Cooking
Tuesdays February 21 & 28, 2012
6:00 p.m.
$10 for Co-op owners and $20 for others
Whether you have heart disease or are looking to maintain a healthy heart, this hands-on, fun two class series will help you learn simple easy delicious heart healthy recipes and tips for breakfasts, lunches, snacks, and dinners. You will learn lots of new ideas to help you get out of the rut of eating the same things over and over! Taught by Heather Quintana, Certified Health Coach and Director of Happy Healthy Cooks.

Seasonal Recipes: Bread Making
Thursday February 23, 2012
5:45 p.m.
$5 for Co-op owners and $10 for others
Great seasonal recipes don’t have to be difficult. Learn easy recipes that will impress your guests without exhausting you. Taught by Judy Price.

Understanding and Healing Candida
Tuesday March 20, 2012
6:00 p.m.
$5 for Co-op owners and $10 for others
Master herbalist, certified health coach and yoga instructor Danielle Eavenson will teach you diet and lifestyle choices to heal candida as well as recipes and natural ferments to heal this invasive yeast.

We look forward to learning with you at the Co-op.
Please call 540-343-5652 to reserve a seat for any of the classes above. You can also email info@roanokenaturalfoods.coop.

The Alchemy of Dreams Workshop
When: Wednesday evenings from 6-8 pm –  February 29, 2012 - April 18, 2012
Where: Roanoke Natural Foods Co-op, 1319 Grandin Road, Roanoke, VA

* Gain personal inspiration and insight from your dreams.
* Learn how to recall and record your dreams.
* Deepen your understanding of the language of symbolism.
* Develop a friendship with your dreams as a spiritual mentor.
* Utilize the wisdom of your dreams for problem solving.
* Learn how to incubate a dream on a specific concern.
* Learn how to start your own dream group.
* Experience how your dreams can provide definitive evidence that life is purposeful and the Divine is readily available and responsive to all.
* Workshop will utilize concepts pioneered by Dr. Carl Jung as well as the inspiration found in the Edgar Cayce readings and other sources.

Wes Wyatt has been utilizing the wisdom of his own dreams for over 35 years and is in the process of finishing a series of three books on dreams and dreaming.
He has worked extensively with his own dreams as well as others in small and large groups.
For Information or To Register Call:
PH: (540) 380-5992.
Cost of the 8 week workshop is $125
*Class size is limited to 12. Please register early by phone or email to reserve your spot.

The class will meet in the Roanoke Natural Foods Co-op in the Community Room from 6-8 pm on Wednesday Evenings from Feb. 29 – April 18th.

Certified Nutritionist, Jeanie Redick, is back with her very popular Talk and Tour series.

All Talks are from 1-2pm on Saturdays in the Co-op’s Community Room.

Space is limited.  Please sign up at Customer Service if you’d like to attend any of these great talks.

MARCH 20: Anti-Cancer: A New Way of Life
APRIL 17: Got Greens?: The importance of eating those spring greens!
MAY 15: Enjoying Virginia’s finest harvest: Local, Fresh, Organic