Spoonful - November December 2019

The Annual Report Issue

Q Annual Report Issue

Elsen Oils: A Product of Love Recipe Inside: Paleo Brownie Cookie Swirls

Build a Gingerbread House with us! details on pg. 13

NOV | DEC NEWSLETTER 2019

As a local community-owned business, we pride ourselves on the connections we make with our Owners, small business partners, and customers.

One of our favorite times to connect with Owners and potential Owners is at our annual meeting and Ownerfest. The annual meeting is a perfect opportunity to show our thanks to our Owners and our community for supporting not only their local coop but the ideals and principles of co-ops in general.

This year’s Great Ownerfest Cookout welcomed our largest attendance yet - over 900 people! This shows we are continuing to grow our reach in the community and that we are providing a service that our community values. In this season of gratitude, we

wanted to say thank you to all those who attended Ownerfest and shared in our successes. The event would not have been possible without our dedicated Board of Directors, our hardworking staff members, and the local businesses and farmers that joined in the celebration. We look forward to the next Ownerfest celebration in 2020. Get ready for a fiesta!

In this issue, you will find the annual report for last fiscal year (July 2018 – June 2019). In this report, you’ll find some information about store improvements, recycling initiatives, Ownership numbers, and more.

What an amazing year we had!

We wish everyone a happy holiday season full of peace and gratitude.

Bob Thompson, General Manager

Design & Layout - Kayleigh Montgomery, Morganne Klein | Ad Sales & Owner Services - Michael Brown Classes & Education - Sophie Cochran | Contributors - Zoe Brittain, Eating Evolved.com Contact troy@commonmarket.coop with contributions. Contact mb@commonmarket.coop for advertising rates.

The opinions expressed herein are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the Board, management, staff, or consumer-owners of the Common Market. Nutrition and health information are given for informational purposes only and are not meant as a substitute for a consultation with a licensed health or dietary practitioner.

BOARD OF

Megan Schneebaum

DIRECTORS

President

Annie Marshall Vice President

Stephanie Walker Treasurer

Evan Rosenberg Secretary

Melanie Ahern John Beutler John Clarke Sibylle Mangum Robert Wolpert Directors

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Congratulations to our recentlyelected Board members: Megan Schneebaum, John Clarke and Bob Wolpert. Megan was re-elected, and John and Bob are new to our ranks.

We look forward to roping them into lots of meetings and emails and homework - er, I mean we look forward to working with them!

The Board wants to thank all the candidates who ran in this election.

Their dedication and willingness to serve our co-op community are very much appreciated.

In the last issue of Spoonful, Megan, who serves as the President of the Board, gave us a thoughtful reflection on her experience of the Seventh Cooperative Principle: Concern for community. Let’s keep that momentum going with a little Co-op 101.

Here, pulled from the website of the International Cooperative Alliance, are the two broad foundations of our organization: the definition of a co-op, and the Co-op Principles.

The overwhelming majority of cooperatives, of all sizes, in most countries in the world, and across all sectors (rural electric co-ops, credit unions, dairy co-ops, cooperative

schools, etc.) are committed to this definition and these Principles.

Definition of a co-op: A cooperative is an autonomous association of persons united voluntarily to meet their common economic, social, and cultural needs and aspirations through a jointly-owned and democraticallycontrolled enterprise.

Cooperative Principles 1. Voluntary and Open Membership 2. Democratic Member Control 3. Member Economic Participation 4. Autonomy and Independence 5. Education, Training and Information 6. Cooperation among Cooperatives 7. Concern for Community I’m out of space this month, but if you’re as nerdy about stuff like this as I am, stay tuned for more co-op details in future issues!

Yours in cooperation,

Annie Marshall, Vice President, The Common Market Board of Directors

Thank You for Your Board of Directors is required, per the Bylaws, to hold an annual meeting with you, the Owners. Many years ago, we delegated to the wonderful Common Market Staff the task of putting on that meeting. The result is OwnerFest, a giant party in our side parking lot that gets bigger and better every year.

A BIG THANK YOU FROM THE BOARD to all the amazing people who, in addition to running our beautiful store, worked so hard to make OwnerFest 2019 a huge success, with 1,000 people in attendance.

thank you to the common market staff Jacob Alexander, Stalanic Anu, Grace Babbitt, Mary Beam, Cherish Beiber, Taylor Bevard, Julia Bienvenida, Chad Biskupiak, Timothy Boyenton, Natalie Brenner, Michael Brown, Michelle Bruszewski, Shana Burkhart, Sara Burns, Mia Campanaro, Kathleen Cawley, Jerrell Cayford, Sophie Cochran, Andrew Conti, Carly Cooper, Margaret D'Amico, Michael Danner, Ruth de la Viez, Jeffrey Dean, Jack Dempster, Rebecca Devilbiss, Victoria Dewey, Kila Donovan, Joseph Eastwood, Stacey Faith, Anthony Fink, James Fisher, Mariah Flynn, Micah Forrest, Josh Foster, Ian Fowler, Timothy Fowler, Richard Fuller, Killian Geeslin, Jonathan Gracias,

The Great

2019

Annamaria Gunnell, Darique Hamm-Anderson, Marly Hardin, James Harrington, Stephanie Hellwig, Joseph Helsing, Natalie House, Philip Humerick, Tara Inniss, Lauren Irving, Tracey JohnsLebaron, Antonio Jones, Jeremy Jones, Diane Keener, Morganne Klein, Conner Knight, Katie Kraus, Sarah Lebherz, Susan Leveille, Michael Leveille, Corey Linton, Amber MacRea, Matteo Marangio, Devin Marcello, Armando Martinez, Joni Mason, Michelle McKay, Brenna Merhi, Victor Mohyla, Kayleigh Montgomery, Roger Moore, Eli Neubauer, Michael Ouderkirk, Kevin Ozag, Hailey Palmer, Jameson Parker, Adam Pierce, Ashley Pilahome, Adrian Pittinger, Briar Plunkard, Roxanne Saloky, Hailey Sauser, Grace Scott, Seamus Scott, Megan Sedon, Troy Sexton, Morgan Simpson, Max Smith, Nick Smith, Chris Spade, Dwight St. John, Samantha Stone, Heidi Stone, Robert Thompson, Micah Tiggett, Isaac Torres, Noah Vaughan, Dale Vinson III, Robert Walburn, Colleen Whelan, Adele Whipps, Adam Wieser, Phyllis Williams, Josha Williams, Daniel Young, Jennifer Young

Yours in Cooperation,

The Common Market Board of Directors

Feed the Hungry

SCAVENGER HUNT

BIKE RIDE FOOD DRIVE

BRINGING HOLIDAY MEALS TO LOCAL FAMILIES IN NEED

Donate at any register during

saturday, RD nov. 23 12:30-4:30 PM

Cranksgiving is a scavenger hunt & food drive on two wheels!

Part bike ride, food drive, and scavenger hunt, Cranksgiving has been held annually and across the nation since 1999.

For the past 4 years and counting, The Common Market has worked to raise money for our local Cranksgiving food drive. All proceeds will be delivered to the Frederick Community Action Agency courtesy of the Bicycle Escape.

Not a bike rider? No problem. The Common Market is raising funds at checkout Nov. 2nd-16th to purchase food for families in need. All food and donations go directly to the Frederick Community Action Agency.

Details at: thebicycleescape.com/rides-events/cranksgiving/

COLLECTING DONATIONS NOVEMBER 2ND - 16TH AT CHECKOUT

HOLIDAY HOURS november

September Co-op Captain

Saturday, November 23: 8am - 11pm Sunday, November 24: 8am - 11pm Monday, November 25: 8am - 11pm Tuesday, November 26: 8am - 11pm Wednesday, November 27: 8am - 11pm Thanksgiving Day Thursday, November 28: 9am - 4pm

december

Monday, December 23: 8am - 11pm Tuesday, December 24: 6am - 6pm Christmas Day Wednesday, December 25: Closed

Kayleigh Montgomery

New Year's Eve Tuesday, December 31: 8am - 6pm

january

Graphic Design Lead - 1.5 years What do you like best about your job?

I get to be creative and work with every department in the store.

New Year's Day Wednesday, January 1: 9am - 6pm

What brought you to the Co-op?

I was a long-time shopper, so when I saw a job opening I jumped at the chance to work here!

How has working at the Co-op affected your life?

It has made me more conscious of the foods I eat every day.

What are some of your favorite products at the Co-op?

Ginger molasses cookies and tabbouleh from the salad bar

Specializing in Yoga Therapy Join us!

What is your favorite food to make?

I love baking! Especially making pies from scratch.

Professional yoga teachers & yoga therapists

When you have 30 minutes of free time, how do you pass the time?

Innovative classes & workshops

Take my dog for a walk or take photos

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

Speak another language

What is the one thing that should be taught in school that isn’t already?

Accessible yoga Yoga Therapy groups & private sessions

Basic car maintenance

What would you name the autobiography of your life?

Introvert: A Memoir

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Hangin with my husband and my dog Â

14 West Main Street, Middletown, MD 301-371-YOGA www.mountainspirityoga.com

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Dec 2019

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ANNUAL REPORT 2019

Keeping It Local

Local Sales $4.72 M* 21.5%

At the Common Market, “local” is defined as products from farms or businesses within 150 miles of the co-op.

We partner with sustainable, local farms and businesses to provide our community with the freshest, most nutritious and delicious whole foods in our area.

Total Sales

Local as % of Sales Grocery Perishable

65

LOCAL BUSINESSES

40 LOCAL FARMS

view the full Local List at www.commonmarket.coop/shop/local-starts-here

Frozen

5.2% 19.8% 3.5%

Bulk

10.3%

Bread

36.9%

Cheese Meat Produce

6.6% 42.5% 7.8%

RECYCLING PROGRAMS 177,400 LBS OF CARDBOARD

121

LBS OF PRINTER INK CARTRIDGES

1,146

LBS OF MIXED MATERIALS

6

24,579 LBS OF ELECTRONICS

2,273

LBS OF BATTERIES

photo by www.eendusa.com

1,921 LBS OF CHRISTMAS LIGHTS

Recycling Superstars This April, we collected 24,579 lbs of used electronics at our e-End Electronics Recycling event. That's a 40% increase over last year!

Our Triple Bottom Line

ANNUAL REPORT 2019

The Ends

The Frederick County Consumer Cooperative (FCCC), doing business as the Common Market, is a mission-driven organization that exists to create a difference in its local community by providing a benefit and value on behalf of its owners.

Listed are the ends to which the co-op exists.

The FCCC exists to achieve the following ends in the local region: A prosperous, just, and vibrant local food economy, connecting local consumers with local food sources; An economically successful and growing business operated on the model of cooperative ownership, serving as a practical alternative to corporate, profit-driven, absentee ownership and fostering the expansion of the cooperative model;

The Common Market is a valuesbased business with a triple bottom line: people, planet, profit. This means we take into account our social and environmental impacts in addition to measuring financial success. We strive to give back to the community without depleting the planet’s resources.

A community whose members are educated about food, health, and wellness choices, social and environmental issues in food production, and the value of cooperatives as an alternative business model; and A model for the use of environmental resources that is increasingly sustainable in the products we sell, the business we operate, and the practices we promote and support in the larger community.

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Nov

Dec 2019

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ANNUAL REPORT 2019

Ownership

Owners are the foundation of our cooperative. Meeting our owners’ needs is the reason for the co-op’s existence.

The more owners use the co-op’s services, the stronger the organization becomes.

The stronger the cooperative, the more competitive it can be in the marketplace and impactful it can be to the community.

A look at the numbers from this past fiscal year...

639

$49,370

NEW OWNERS

55.2%

6,838

TOTAL OWNERS at the end of FY '19

The total amount distributed back to our owners in Patronage Rebates

93%

Percentage of sales to owners

Patronage Rebate amount redeemed

383

Owners attended classes held in our Community Room

$

2,190

The total amount donated by owners to Advocates for Homeless Families

Improvements to Staff Wages and Benefits: Increasing our entry-level wage not only helps us to retain good talent, but to attract it.

Every quarter, we choose four non-profits to support through our Bring-a-Bag for Change program. These non-profits represent the categories of Kids, Environment, Animals, and Community. Shoppers raise money for these charities each time they bring a reusable bag for shopping. They receive a 5¢ token for each bag used, and shoppers choose which organization receives the tokens by dropping them in the Donation Station on their way out. Tokens are combined with 1% of sales from a chosen day, and a check is then mailed to each non-profit.

269,717

Total bags saved from the landfill in FY '19

$

21,112

Total raised for local non profits in FY '19

$

180,672 Total raised since FY '07

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Wage Increase Model: October 2017 – Entry-level wage was increased from

$11.00/hr to $11.50/hr

April 2018 – Entry-level wage was increased from

$11.50/hr to $12.50/hr January 2019 – Entry-level wage was increased from

$12.50/hr to $13.00/hr The current minimum wage in Maryland is

$10.10/hr.

The livable wage for a one-bedroom apartment in the Frederick County area is

$16.81/hr.

We continue to work towards increasing the average hourly rate to $15.00 plus benefits.

ANNUAL REPORT 2019

Always

Improving

We strive to continually improve the store to create a positive environment and experience for all our customers. We have highlighted a few improvements made over the last year that have helped to enhance customer experience.

A new website featuring online cafĂŠ ordering, online special orders, and online Ownership signup.

T.V. menu displays in the cafĂŠ for easy ordering.

New meat and seafood cases in the meat department to expand specialty offerings.

Additional signage in the wellness department and dairy cases for easier shopping.

Additional, brighter lights throughout the store to improve visibility.

Environmentally conscious packaging in produce, bulk, and meat departments to reduce non-recyclable waste.

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Dec 2019

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What's New at the Market?

Exciting new arrivals at The Common Market

Counter Culture Coffee Since their inception in 1995, Counter Culture Coffee has been dedicated to coffee perfection. From the farmers who grow their beans to the baristas who brew their coffee, they are involved in every step of the process.

They're even teaching some handson brewing classes at the Co-op!

Check out pg. 13 for details.

Bob's Red Mill Oatmeal Cups These instant oatmeal cups offer a wealth of nutritious benefits in a convenient to-to cup! These high-fiber, whole grain cups are available in Classic, Cranberry Orange, and Fruit & Seed.

Veggie Craft Cauliflower Pasta Craft your next pasta night with cauliflower pasta! Available in Penne and Spaghetti varieties, these pastas are made with cauliflower, lentils, and peas.

Califia Farms Drinking Yogurt Califia has created a line of probioticpacked, dairy-free, drinkable yogurts!

Available in Unsweetened Plain, Super Berry, and Strawberry flavors, these yogurts are as delicious as they are good for you.

Nixie Sparkling Water With flavors like Grapefruit, Lime Ginger Tea, and Watermelon Mint, this organic, non GMO sparkling water is sure to satisfy everyone's bubbly-drink craving.

Primal Kitchen Pasta Sauces

We want to know!

All Primal Kitchen products are made without dairy, gluten, grains, refined sugar, and soy, and these new pasta sauces are no exception! Try the Vodka Sauce, No Dairy Alfredo Sauce, or Tomato Basil Marinara Sauce.

Have an item you love, but you can't find it in our store? We work hard to keep our shoppers happy! If you have a suggestion, there's an easy form on our website at:

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https://www.commonmarket.coop/connect/ new-item-suggestion/

CLASSES + EVENTS COOKING Learn more about cooking techniques and experiment with fresh, new ingredients.

ENVIRONMENT Cultivate awareness and engage in the topics of local and global preservation.

BACKYARD AGRICULTURE For the first-time gardener or avid green thumb to explore the potential in one's own backyard.

HEALTH & WELLNESS Obtain the knowledge that can help restore balance to your body & mind.

KIDS Fun, interactive experiences for kids to learn about food and its source.

EVENT Exciting happenings at the co-op and around town.

november Open House & Special Campaign Info Session with The Common Market Sunday, November 3 | 12 - 3PM FREE, EVERYONE WELCOME

You're invited to take a peek at construction of the 7th Street store, view the plan for the site, ask questions, and enjoy refreshments. Arrive anytime!

Maryland Owners can invest in their second store by purchasing C-shares. Not an Owner yet? Stop by the Customer Service Desk to sign up, then ask about investment. You can drop off completed agreements at the open house.

Modern Homesteading

with Ilene Freedman Thursday, November 7 | 6PM - 8PM

$15, 20% off for owners How do I begin to learn the skills it would take to call my household sustainable or self-sufficient? Ilene Freedman of House in the Woods Farm will share her family’s story to inspire your own path to sustainability.

Ilene will share her family’s tips, challenges, and lessons learned along the way. We will end with plenty of Q&A and an opportunity to network with others in our community who are working toward similar skillbuilding goals.

Tapping for Health & Well Being with Dr. Mimi McLaughlin Saturday, November 9 | 10 - 11AM $12, 20% off for owners

Do you sometimes feel stuck and are having a difficult time getting through pain, discomfort, or a bad habit?

Learn what tapping is and how it serves as a healing tool for physical, emotional, and performance issues.

In this class you will learn how to perform EFT tapping (Emotional Freedom Techniques) on yourself or on loved ones to help restore calm and well-being. This class will provide another means to create healthier individuals without harmful drugs, while enhancing and empowering the mind and body.

Natural Immune Boosters for Cold & Flu: Hands-on Elderberry Syrup Making

with Dr. Cristine Ehly Sunday, November 10 | 1 - 2:30PM

$20, 20% off for owners Let's start the season out right! This class will provide the audience with an introduction to the immune system and how to boost it to prevent and treat infections.

Solutions will include dietary and lifestyle habits, as well as medicinal herbs and nutritional supplements. Get a chance to smell, taste, and learn about the benefits and uses of some of these wonderful herbs like elderberry, astragalus, and echinacea. Each attendee will take home their own elderberry syrup that will be made in class!

Brewing Coffee at Home

with Counter Culture Coffee Sunday, November 10 | 3:30 - 5:30PM

$30, 20% off for owners Ready to make cafe-quality coffee at home? This two-hour hands-on class gives you the tools you need to perfect your coffee routine. A guided coffee tasting will provide context for your flavor preferences, which you’ll then use to explore the fundamentals of brewing. Finally, you’ll practice brewing pour overs of your preferred coffee using some of our favorite home brewing wares. Each participant will take home their own bag of Counter Culture Coffee to enjoy at home using the skills acquired in this class.

Hands-on Sauerkraut Making

with Sweet Farm Wednesday, November 13 | 6PM - 8PM

$30, 20% off for owners You've asked for it; now here it is! Join Rachel Armistead of The Sweet Farm as she demonstrates how to make raw, probiotic sauerkraut, step-by-step. Participants will learn about the basic history and benefits of fermentation, and then will chop, salt, and mix their very own batches of kraut to take home. Space is limited, sign up today!

Conquering Holiday Stress

with Dr. Mimi McLaughlin Saturday, November 16 | 10 - 11AM $12, 20% off for owners

Got an idea for a class?

We want to hear from you!

Email your suggestions to scochran@commonmarket.coop

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Is the thought of the holidays getting you stressed?

Do you feel that all you must do is interrupting the spirit of the season? In this class you will learn different strategies that will help you remain calm amidst the energy of the holidays. Come and learn how to develop a preventative plan for seasonal stress and how to confidently bring joy and peace to your home this holiday season.

Natural Immune Boosters for Cold & Flu: Hands-on Elderberry Syrup Making with Dr. Cristine Ehly Saturday, November 16 | 1 - 2:30PM

$20, 20% off for owners Let's start the season out right! This class will provide the audience with an introduction to the immune system and how to boost it to prevent and treat infections.

Solutions will include dietary and lifestyle habits, as well as medicinal herbs and nutritional supplements. Get a chance to smell, taste, and learn about the benefits and uses of some of these wonderful herbs like elderberry, astragalus, and echinacea. Each attendee will take home their own elderberry syrup that will be made in class!

Green Burials and Home Funerals in Maryland

with Michael Judd and Rose Ma Sincevich Wednesday, November 20 | 6:30 - 8PM

$5 for all participants Are you curious about Home Funeral and Green Burial practices/options in Maryland? Caring for loved ones in the dying time at home, even a generation ago, was the way families traditionally made their farewells. This age-old wisdom is available to us today. The recognition that families may care for their loved ones at their time of transition offers great comfort and solace.

Sustainable Holiday Smoothies and Store Tour with Judy Goffi MS, RD, LDN, CDE Saturday, November 30 | 9 - 11:30AM $30, 20% off for owners

Crunched for time and feeling fatigued? Learn how to meet your macro’s and micro’s and make a healthy, sustainable meal choice using ingredients that are shelf stable and affordable. Easy to prepare “smoothie jars” can be tossed in a blender, made into overnight oats, or thrown on a salad. In this class you will learn about nutrition and dietary needs and have an opportunity to make and take home your own smoothie jar mix using seasonal and cost-effective ingredients. Following the hands-on workshop, attendees will take a Common Market store tour on sustainable shopping and receive a 7-week menu to use for any snack or meal with nutritional information included.

december Gingerbread House Making [Sessions 1 & 2] with The Common Market Saturday, December 7 | 9 - 10:30AM Saturday, December 7 | 12 - 1:30PM $30, 20% off for owners

Who doesn’t love building a gingerbread house?

Come build your very own without having to clean up the mess! We will lead kids through the construction of a Dancing Deer Gingerbread Cookie House Kit. We provide all the fixings for gingerbread house décor.

Kids will create, decorate, and take home their own house!

Class cost covers ONE gingerbread house building kit per paid participant.

Winter Mocktails

with Dr. Cristine Ehly Sunday, December 8 | 1 - 3PM $25, 20% off for owners

Add a little Mocktail Magic to your Holidays! Join Dr. Cristine Ehly in making some delicious cocktail alternatives for the Winter Season. You'll get to make, taste, and learn about the medicinal benefits of each mocktail.

Healthy Living to 100

with Dr. Mimi McLaughlin Wednesday, December 11 | 7 - 8PM

$10, 20% off for owners In this interactive workshop we address the leading causes of death, so you can recognize where they originate, and learn how to live a vibrant, healthy life.

Research shows we’re living longer, and many are living a lesser quality of life. We’ll discuss how we got here, and what we can do to improve. We will share how to move, eat, think, and instill positive ideas to empower your life naturally. You will gain an understanding of how our daily actions have become habits and develop the ability to help you eat better, move more, and think well.

Gingerbread House Making [Session 3] with The Common Market Saturday, December 14 | 9:30 - 11:00AM

$30, 20% off for owners Who doesn’t love building a gingerbread house?

Come build your very own without having to clean up the mess! We will lead kids through the construction of a Dancing Deer Gingerbread Cookie House Kit. We provide all the fixings for gingerbread house décor.

Kids will create, decorate, and take home their own house!

Class cost covers ONE gingerbread house building kit per paid participant.

Parents are required to be present with their children for the duration of the class.

Brewing Coffee at Home

with Counter Culture Coffee Saturday, December 14 | 12 - 2PM $30, 20% off for owners

Ready to make cafe-quality coffee at home? This two-hour hands-on class gives you the tools you need to perfect your coffee routine. A guided coffee tasting will provide context for your flavor preferences, which you’ll then use to explore the fundamentals of brewing. Finally, you’ll practice brewing pour overs of your preferred coffee using some of our favorite home brewing wares. Each participant will take home their own bag of Counter Culture Coffee to enjoy at home using the skills acquired in this class.

MORE CLASSES

Parents are required to be present with their children for the duration of the class.

Nov

Dec 2019 13

Gin Making 101: Botanicals and Flavors* [OFFSITE]

with McClintock Distilling Wednesday, December 18 | 6 - 8PM $20, 20% off for owners

Students will learn about the history and production process of making gin at the historic McClintock Distilling production facility. Afterwards, students will get a chance to sample and smell individual botanicals and learn about taste profiles of different styles of gins.

Finally, students will be able to make their own custom gin blend of botanicals to take home and make their own compound gin.

COMMUNITY PARTNER

Spotlight!

Tastes Better Than Yours

*Must be 21 years old or older to participate

Sustainable Holiday Smoothies and Store Tour with Judy Goffi MS, RD, LDN, CDE Thursday, December 19 | 6 - 8:30PM $30, 20% off for owners

Crunched for time and feeling fatigued? Learn how to meet your macro’s and micro’s and make a healthy, sustainable meal choice using ingredients that are shelf stable and affordable. Easy to prepare “smoothie jars” can be tossed in a blender, made into overnight oats, or thrown on a salad. In this class you will learn about nutrition and dietary needs and have an opportunity to make and take home your own smoothie jar mix using seasonal and cost-effective ingredients. Following the hands-on workshop, attendees will take a Common Market store tour on sustainable shopping and receive a 7-week menu to use for any snack or meal with nutritional information included.

Owners receive 10% off for every minimum order of 4 bottles purchased online. **Owners only code** Use promo code TBTYCM at checkout.

Why we stand by TBTY: TBTY offers pre-made West African stews based out of Bowie, MD. They work with local co-packers that support their small-batches goal of not including artificial preservatives in their stews. The founder of TBTY is a biomedical engineer by profession and credits some of her success to scholarships that afforded her to opportunity to attend good colleges. As TBTY continues to grow, they plan to offer scholarships to minority females going into the STEM field in college

Register for our classes from the comfort of your own home!

We aim to provide an educational and inspiring environment in which to explore with our community natural approaches to health and sustainability.

www.commonmarket.coop/classes-events

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http://www.tastesbetterthanyours.com Our Community Partners Program continues to grow, offering our owners many options to save and support local business! Visit our website to see all our Community Partners.

Our FOCUS

Let’s face it.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

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Quality

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We source only the best raw materials from the world’s most reputable suppliers. But we go one step further by using advanced analytical methods such as high-performance liquid chromatography and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry to verify purity as well as potency.

While commercial brands often emphasize lower cost by using sub-optimal doses and less-than-premium quality ingredients, we never choose our ingredients based on cost — so you know you’re getting the most nutritional potency for your dollar. What’s more, 99% of all our products are manufactured right here in the United States.

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7/22/15 3:28 PM

Brownie Cookie Swirls PALEO | GLUTEN-FREE | DAIRY-FREE | RECIPE FROM EATINGEVOLVED.COM Cookie Ingredients⁣: 1/2 cup creamy nut butter 1/2 cup coconut sugar⁣ 1 egg⁣ 1 tsp vanilla⁣ 3/4 tsp sea salt⁣ ½ tsp baking soda⁣ ½ tsp baking powder⁣ 3/4 cup cassava flour (can sub for 5 tbsp coconut flour⁣) ½ cup chopped dark chocolate

Brownie Ingredients: 3 tbsp coconut oil 1/4 cup melted chocolate 1 egg 1/3 cup coconut sugar 1 tbsp coconut flour 1 tbsp cocoa powder

INSTRUCTIONS

3. From one end, roll into a tight log.

Cookie Instructions:

4. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

1. In a stand mixer, beat together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.⁣

5. Wrap this with more plastic wrap and set in freezer for at least 30 minutes.

2. Scrape down sides and add egg, vanilla, and salt.⁣

6. Pull out of freezer, and slice the log into 10 “hockey puck” like shapes.

3. In a separate bowl, mix together dry ingredients.⁣ 4. Slowly incorporate dry ingredients into butter/ sugar/egg mixture.

5. Add in chopped chocolate, wrap ball of dough in plastic wrap and ⁣refrigerate while preparing the brownie filling.

Brownie Instructions: 1. In a large bowl, mix oil, chocolate, sugar, and egg.⁣⁣ 2. Add flour and cocoa powder.⁣⁣ 3. Set aside on counter.

ASSEMBLY 1. Roll out cookie dough layer into an 8”x 9” rectangle; using extra flour to make sure it doesn’t stick.

2. Evenly spread the brownie batter over the sheet of cookie dough.

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7. Place the circles on a baking sheet, and bake for 13 minutes.

8. Let cool and enjoy!

Paleo Power!

Evolved Chocolate is made to fit within the paleo/primal lifestyle and is made with gluten-free, dairyfree, and soy-free ingredients. Their website and social media accounts are packed with delicious recipes!

Visit www.eatingevolved.com for more. You can find lots of their products in our store.

ORGAN I C

HANDCRAFTED, SMALL BATCHES OF DELICIOUS

NUTS SEEDS DRIED FRUIT

CHOCOLATE

GRANOLA COFFEE

Keepin’ It Real www.TierraFarm.com

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earl

Natural Fabrics

FLAX Cut Loose & more

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by Zoe Brittain

Elsen Oils is a product of love.

The company was created by the wife and husband team of Elsabeth and Ansen Elvis in 2012 out of concern for their children. Here is how they tell their story: "A few years ago we became very frustrated with the skin and hair care products available for our four children.

The hair products made the children’s hair rough, dry, and difficult to manage; the lotions, and creams seemed to wear off quickly, leaving their skin dry and unattractive.

We decided to find skin and hair care products that were free of chemicals, petrolatum, and mineral oil. As we searched, unsuccessfully, for these products, we came across more and more information on natural oils and the benefits that these oils provided to skin and hair.

We decided to try these oils in their pure form.

The change in the children’s skin and hair was amazing! Today their skin maintains its moisture and softness, and their hair is soft, free of tangles, easy to manage, and has a natural shine.

Our love for our children inspired us to find a solution; our love for people inspired us to start Elsen Oils!"

Elsen Oils products are 100% natural. They choose natural ingredients because of the

vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids (EFAs) necessary for nourishing hair, face, and skin, and allow our bodies to metabolize (put to use) these vitamins, minerals, and EFAs. The primary ingredient found in the majority of their products is Avocado Oil/Butter. The avocado is one of the most nutrient-rich natural resources found on our planet; it is loaded with naturally occurring vitamins, minerals, and EFAs.

" Our love for our children inspired us to find a solution; our love for people inspired us to start Elsen Oils!"

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Oncologist-Approved Skin Care

In February 2015, the Anne Arundel Medical Center in Annapolis, MD approved Elsen Oils coconut

& avocado oil, body butter, lip balm, hair cream, golden avocado hair butter, mud, cuticle oil, and bar soap for use by oncology patients receiving radiation therapy.

During such treatment, the radiation may damage skin cells, causing patients to experience extremely dry and irritated skin. However, some synthetic ingredients found in many over-the-counter moisturizers react poorly to the therapy.

Because of Elsen Oils' all-natural ingredients, patients can

nourish and moisturize their hair, face, and skin without having to worry about poor interactions. People who are receiving, have received, or know someone who has received radiation therapy can feel confident that Elsen Oils products are safe to use during radiation therapy.

Elsen Oils' rich, nourishing products are ideal for all bodies in need of an extra dose of nature and love!

Empowering Lives...

One Spine at a Time!

8701 Antietam Dr Walkersville MD 21793 Dr. Mimi and her sta are fantastic! I am happy to report that my migraines/ headaches have decreased in both severity and intensity -Bethany Stockdale Kirby

Call today for a complimentary consultation!

M-W-Th: 9-12:30, 3-6:30 Tues: 4-6 • Sat: by appt.

WWW.DR-MIMI.COM | 301.898.8005

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Chocolate for good

by Morganne Klein

We all love chocolate. But most of us don't think about what's behind our favorite chocolate bar when we take one off the shelf.

The cocoa industry has it's share of problems. Most of the world's cocoa comes from West African farms, and the quality of life for farmers is suffering.

Cocoa farmers aren't being paid fairly, meaning they live well below the poverty line. Children are being put into hazardous labor conditions. Our planet's temperatures are rising, meaning cocoa production could decrease, leading to no income or work for cocoa farmers. Deforestation is on the rise.

We as consumers can help the cocoa industry and farmers thrive buy purchasing products from companies that directly support the cause.

It's important to look for Fair Trade Certified chocolate, as the companies sporting that certification pay premiums for the cocoa in their products so that cocoa farmers can make a living. But it's even more than that. Here are some brands of Fair Trade chocolate that the Common Market carries, and what they do for the industry.

Equal Exchange aims to build trade partnerships that are economically just and environmentally sound, supporting small farmers.

Learn more at equalexchange.coop

Theo's mission is to make their own chocolate to ensure that everyone in the bean to bar process can thrive.

Learn more at theochocolate.com

Alter Eco takes on a full circle approach, sourcing from farmer-owned coops that practice sustainable agriculture.

They even use compostable packaging!

Learn more at alterecofoods.com

Divine Chocolate is farmer-owned, giving them a share of the wealth they help create.

Learn more at divinechocolate.com

Tony's Chocolonely is fighting for safe and fair working conditions and to end poverty of cocoa farmers.

Learn more at tonyschocolonely.com

To find out more information about what it means to be Fair Trade and what is being done to support it and other issues, visit fairworldproject.org.

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