The “Not So General” Store will provide more than a venue to host a business; it will be the hearth and home for a dream that is better than medicine. As a young girl living in rural New England I was poisoned by the convenience of a modern lifestyle. My parents purchased a modular home instead of building on a family home site inherited by Dad. Shortly after moving into our brand new home I became very, very sick. It was the early 1970s and sick building syndrome was not a known malady. I was poked and prodded by the medical community until I was permanently scarred when they finally (and thankfully) misdiagnosed me with rheumatoid arthritis and condemned me to a wheelchair for the rest of my life. A year and a half later, my family moved and my symptoms lessened. I lived a relatively healthy life, but not without its challenges.

In 2004 I was studying at the Institute of Bau-Biologie when I learned of all the various causes for biological stressors in modern building, decorating and lifestyles and their physical symptoms. To make a long list very short, I had, over my whole life, suffered all of them. Including, but not limited to, severe joint pain which was why I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. I began experimenting with different exposure levels to fabric and furniture shops, new construction, using chemical laden cleaning and hygiene products and then removing them from my life. My findings concluded that I am “allergic” to the modern world and have to take great care with my exposure levels to the toxins that are part of everyday life... this has proved quite challenging. Creating a healthy work environment and lifestyle for myself that will benefit my community is an ongoing dream which I hope to fulfill with the "Not So General Store"

The “Not So General” Store is a 3 part business entity; kitchen, brick and mortar store in a historic 1840's Fossa's General Store building and e-commerce store. All work collectively with one another to create a cohesive business model.  Located on Main St. in downtown Dexter, Maine, The "Not So General" Store will not only be a great place to procure healthy life products and delicous foods but will also be the premier location for local farmers, crafters and artists to network and sell their wares. This will help revitalize the downtown area and develop a stronger, self sustaining community.

I am looking for immediate funding to secure the start up costs while my home is on the market. All of proceeds from the sale of my home, which is 100% equity, will fund the remaining costs. It can be viewed here: http://www.mykeysvacationplace.com .These costs included the purchase of the building, the build out of the upper level into a residence for myself and my two adult children, Rue and Thyme, who will also be investing their time and skills into this family business and moving costs.

Thank you for taking your valuable time and giving our cause your consideration. We truly apprieciate any assistance you can offer.

The "Not So General" Kitchen will prepare, largely from scratch, ready to eat food and beverages including bakery goods, meals, pizza, half-baked foods to take home an finish off, frozen foods, canned goods and anything else that is needed to support and supply our community.

The "Not So General" Store will provide fresh, local (when available), produce, dairy products, meats and canned goods. It will also make available bio-friendly cleaning products, home goods, hand crafted gifts and more. The product focus is predominately on local, Maine made items and goods but will not limit itself to only the area. By having a greater sourcing reach, variety and many levels of price points may be achieved, which will serve all socio-economic markets.

The store’s "Not So General" coffee shop atmosphere will invite folks to sit and relax, catch up with friends, read the paper or surf the internet while enjoying some fresh pressed or cold brewed coffee, tea or a healthy smoothie before they begin their weekly stock up. The indoor and outdoor (weather permitting) dining area will encourage family and friends to share a stone fired pizza, a homemade meal or just hang out in the evening while listening to a local musician.

On the e-commerce site www.notsogeneral.com customers will be able to read interesting articles that are related to products and services which will include suppliers biographies and their specialities production transparency. They may look up the daily specials, schedule catering services or order dinner. For folks that live too far away, the e-commerce site offers the convenience to buy hand crafted gifts, bakery items, home goods and personal hygiene products and have them shipped to their door.

To date, we have secured the brick and mortar location for the "Not So General" Store with a purchase contract for the newly remodeled building in the historic Fossa's General Store building, located at 4 Main St. Dexter, ME. The purchase includes the real estate, all intellectual property of the previous business, all the equipement, furnishings, kitchen gadgets and even some papergoods.

The upper level of the building is accessible through the kitchen which makes it perfect as an office space and as owner's living quarters. This space can also serve as a kinder-care space for employee's children.

All of this was accomplished below market value and has the support of the surrounding community and Main St. business owners. We all have the common goal to revitalize the downtown area, encourage community self-sufficiency and to support our collective health. 

There are three important aspects of our focus at the "Not So General" Store.

1. Our "Honest Food" slogan is a down home kind of way to say, "product transparency".

     This means, NO HIDDEN:

•                         Product sourcing
•                         Growth methods
•                         Production
•                         Ingredients

Each of our farmers, artisans, bakers, cooks and commerical suppliers will be introduced on our website and showcased with their products that are available in the brick and mortar store. This will allow our customers to get to know their suppliers and understand the products available for purchase. Also, a "Not So General Production Affidivit" will be included from each supplier that outlines the values and ideals that go into the production of their goods. As long as there is transparency and all data is presented customers can make an informed decision about their purchases. It's a simple step to keep our food honest.

2. Source smart; local first, state second, country third and beyond as a last resort is the creedo at the "Not So General" Store.

• Source it locally. By reaching out to the numberous regional farmers, crafters, artisans, bakers and cooks a large portion of what is sold at the "Not So General" Store will be local, fresh and will support the ecomonic growth in our community. That's a darn healthy thing to do!
• Maine Made products are second choice. Sourcing products within the state also supports ecomonic growth of the surrounding counties, has low negative environmental impact by keeping delivery distances down and offers a wider variety of products.
•  Made in the U.S.A. is our third sourcing choice. The United States has a rainbow of growing regions which offers a wide range of farm production. The business ingenuity of our citizens and the creative talents of our artisians allows us to procure just about anything we can imagine. Also, by reaching beyond to larger production facilities, we will be able to offer a range of pricing points that may not be available locally.
•  Our final sourcing option would be to import from other countries. This would be a last resort option to supply our customers with their needs and may ultimately not even be necessary.

3. Homemade food, from scratch is our mission. Using the best ingredients, blended with love and served with care, GREAT food becomes medicine and is an act of healing.