Call for Candidates

We Want You to Be a Director!

Spoonful editors recently talked to The Common Market Board of Directors about making a cooperative difference and igniting Owner’s passion for a thriving local economy as they gear up for an election in the fall…here’s the takeaway:

Who is on the Board of Directors, and can other Owners run?

The Board consists of nine members with staggered three-year terms. The Board helps direct the future success and growth of the Co-op. Any current Owner in good standing who loves the Co-op business model and can work cooperatively and collaboratively is invited to run for a Board seat.

What does a Board Member's job look like?

Board Members attend each monthly Board Meeting

– usually 3 hours on the 4th Thursday of the month. In addition, there may be other ad hoc meetings during the month, as well as the opportunity to volunteer at store events such as Loco for Local, participate in committees such as the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee, and join round tables like Lunch with Leadership. Some Board Members even travel to meetings or attend trainings with the CCMA –Consumer Cooperative Management Association.

What will we be voting on in the 2023 election?

In addition to filling 3 Board seats, Owners will be voting on By Law revisions during this election cycle. Information sessions will be held during the summer so Owners can preview proposed updates.

When and how will the election take place?

The election will take place in September 2023 and voting will be online. Candidate information packets will be available soon, with candidate information sessions to follow throughout the summer.

I’m not ready to join the Board, what are other ways to support the Co-op?

• Participate! Vote in the election, attend a Board meeting, keep the cooperative business model strong!

• Shop regularly! That one extra shop or additional item in your cart makes a big difference in our ability to bring unique products and healthy food to our community!

• Attend an event or class! Join like-minded individuals who love to be educated about sustainability, health & wellness, and diversity, equity, & inclusion.

• Introduce your friends! We are stronger together! Keep an eye on our Board of Directors page for updates!

Meet your Board of Directors

What do you like best about your job? I love the community this job has introduced me to, especially my coworkers!

What is your favorite food to make? I love a good, classic mac & cheese.

When you have 30 minutes of free time, what do you do?

I watch bad reality TV.

If you were a fruit or vegetable, what would you be and why?

If I were a fruit I'd be a raspberry. Sometimes sweet, sometimes sour, but overall pretty good!

What's your biggest splurge ingredient? Green onions. I love putting them on everything I possibly can. Anything from eggs, pasta and rice to soup and sauce.

What is your favorite clean-out-the-fridge meal? An everything omelette! I love just chopping up what's left in the fridge and throwing it in a pan with some eggs! It makes for some unique flavor combinations.

What do you like best about your job? The people I work with and the customers. Everyone is so kind and helpful!

What is your favorite meal to make? I honestly don't enjoy cooking. I guess my favorite would be throwing things in a crock pot. Thankfully, my partner loves cooking. My favorite is his bolognese with papardelle.

When you have 30 minutes of free time, what do you do?

Anything that involves music. Music is my therapy.

If you could learn to do anything, what would it be? I would learn to sing.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years? Healthy, happy, and stable.

What's the best meal you've ever eaten? Crab Dip at Firestone's! Sooooo good!

What's your biggest splurge ingredient? Seafood, especially crab.

What's something that's always in your pantry/fridge? Cheese. Nothing fancy, but I definitely eat a lot of it.

What's your food philosophy in 20 words or less? I think food is a huge part of the energy you put out. Energy is everything!

Unique Café Server

What brought you to the Co-op? It seemed like a great job.

What do you like best about your job? It's easy to do.

What is your favorite food to make? Mac & Cheese

When you have 30 minutes of free time, what do you do? Watch T.V.

If you were a fruit or vegetable, what would you be and why?

An apple because it's the best fruit.

If you could learn to do anything, what would it be? Learn how to play the piano.

What's the best meal you've ever eaten?

Shrimp pasta primavera.

What's something that's always in your pantry or fridge?

BBQ sauce.

What is your favorite clean-out-the-fridge meal? Chicken Alfredo.

Fill out an advertising request form here or visit www.commonmarket.coop/ connect/advertising-request-form. Contact Susan Schulman at 301-663-416 ext. 105 or email sschulman@commonmarket.coop/ ADVERTISE WITH US! May June 2023 7