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| | THE MUSHROOM MESSENGER KCG Monthly Newsletter: October 2026 |
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| Bringing you the monthly news of Kennett Community Grocer, your community-owned grocery store in the making, committed to local products, community, and culture. |
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| Hello Member-Owners and Friends!
In this issue: |
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| | | | Things are really starting to take shape inside KCG! Over the past few weeks, our construction team has been busy with electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and drywall work. We’re happy to report that the recent inspection with Mobac and the building inspector went well, allowing work to continue moving forward. The electrical and plumbing rough-ins are now complete, and drywall installation is underway. As of George’s latest update, about half of the drywall was already up, with the rest expected to be hung and finished by the end of the week. There’s plenty more happening behind the scenes, too. The remaining plumbing trenches will be filled with concrete so the matching tile can be installed. Electrical service and the generator are expected to be completed next week, and the new front window and automatic door have arrived and are being installed. Once those are in place, we’ll be able to add the window and door decals. HVAC installation is also scheduled to begin next week. With each step, the space is looking more and more like the KCG we’ve been working toward. We’re getting closer! 
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| | | The KCG Board of Directors meets virtually on the second Monday of each month from 7:00–8:00 PM. Member-owners are welcome and encouraged to attend Board meetings and stay involved in the decisions shaping our cooperative. At the September meeting, the Board received updates on construction, staffing, and training plans. The 2026–2027 KCG budget was also presented and will be voted on at the October meeting. The next Board meeting is Monday, October 12, 2026, from 7:00–8:00 PM. JOIN THE NEXT BOARD MEETING |
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| | | KCG FARM TOUROur September Farm Tour at StellaLou Farm & Succession Fermentory in Cochranville was an incredible afternoon! We explored the beautiful grounds at StellaLou Farm, with a lovely view of the apiary as we learned about beekeeping, pollinators, and honey production. We wandered through the orchard and gardens, visited the woodlot and mushroom logs, and learned more about the work that goes into caring for this special place. We also enjoyed a tasting of farmhouse brews from Succession Fermentory, followed by a delicious lunch from Oso Sweet Cafe and plenty of time to relax and enjoy the afternoon together. It was a wonderful day, and we’re so grateful to Michaelann, Jerome, and Keith for sharing StellaLou Farm and Succession Fermentory with us! Stay tuned for an announcement about our next Farm Tour! 
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| | | STAY TUNED! With construction moving along and opening day getting closer, we're starting to think about how we'll celebrate this exciting milestone with our member-owners, neighbors, producers, and the entire community. We've decided to take a break from the Chili Contest this year and put our energy into planning a Grand Opening celebration for KCG instead. We're also looking forward to continuing Dine & Donate events with local businesses and hosting smaller events in the KCG café once we're open. We'll have more details about our Grand Opening celebration soon, so keep an eye on our newsletter, emails, and social media! That feels different from September because September announced the decision, while October talks about what's coming next. |
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| | | your support makes a difference |
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| We currently have 536 member-owners who have made Kennett Community Grocer possible. As we get closer to opening, we’d love to see that number continue to grow. If you’ve been thinking about becoming a member-owner, now is a great time to join. Your membership gives you a voice in the cooperative, including the ability to vote on co-op governance, access to member-benefit partners, and an ownership stake in KCG. Help us grow our community of member-owners before we open our doors! |
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| | | There’s still time to help us get the store ready for opening! A number of equipment purchases are still available for sponsorship, giving our community another way to support KCG. |
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| | | MEMBER-owner loans provide sustainability |
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| We’re thrilled to be renovating our space, preparing to hire staff, and getting ready to stock the store for you. As we move closer to opening, our focus is also shifting toward making KCG a financially sustainable operation and fully funding our first year of operating expenses. One way member-owners can help is by investing in the store through a member-owner loan. This type of investment has helped food co-ops across the country open with a sustainable financial foundation. All loans carry risk, but we've been intentional about developing our member-loan program with experienced legal consultants at Dorsey + Whitney LLP, who have developed member-loan programs for a number of food co-op start-ups. Member-owner loans start at $1,000. Depending on the size of the loan, you may elect to receive interest at a rate between 0% and 4.5%. The loan term is 12 years, with interest payments beginning one year after the store opens. Simple interest is paid annually on the principal balance outstanding during each year of the loan term. As community members and member-owners, providing a loan is one way to help ensure the long-term sustainability of KCG and lay a strong foundation for success. Interested in learning more? Contact KCG Board Vice President Stu Mundth at info@kennettcommunitygrocer.coop, or click the button below to contact us through our online form. |
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| | | | Monthly updates from your Store Manager, Rachel Sanchez
MEET GAIGE!
I’m really excited to introduce you to Gaige Lenhard, who will be joining the KCG team as our Produce Manager! Gaige has spent the past 10 years at Harvest Market in Hockessin, DE, where he has gained a broad understanding of grocery operations and experience working across different departments. He has also spent years training new staff and working alongside different teams throughout the store. That experience gives him a great understanding of what it takes to keep a small, independent grocery store running and, just as importantly, how all of those pieces come together to create a great experience for customers. What makes Gaige such a great fit for KCG goes beyond his grocery experience. He really cares about where food comes from and the communities that produce it. He is passionate about local food and agriculture, and he understands the importance of supporting local farmers and businesses. Keeping our food dollars in our own communities is a big part of what we're trying to accomplish at KCG, and it's something I know he genuinely believes in. Gaige also has a love of history and a particular connection to this region. He volunteers with local historical organizations and has interests in native plants, foodways, historic preservation, and traditional cooking. He doesn't just appreciate local food. He appreciates the land, history, and stories behind the place we call home.
Gaige understands what we’re trying to build and the kind of store we hope to be. We are really happy to have Gaige joining the KCG team, and I’m excited to see what he does with our produce department! |
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| | | Want to help bring Kennett Community Grocer to life?There are many ways to support our community-owned grocery store, and every contribution helps us build KCG together. |
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