Mountain View Market Co-op & Kitchen 1300 El Paseo Road – Las Cruces, NM 88001 Open everyday from 8 AM – 9 PM Phone: (575) 523-0436 Fax: (575) 541-0814 Email: mountainviewmarketcoop@gmail.com Mountain View Market Kitchen Downtown 120 S. Water Street – Las Cruces, NM 88005 Monday – Friday: 8 AM – 3 PM Saturday: 8 AM – 2 PM Phone: (575) 556-9856 Email: mountainviewkitchen@gmail.com MVM Farm 2653 Snow Road - Mesilla, NM Volunteer Days Wednesdays & Saturdays: 8:30 - 11:30 AM Phone: (575)520-0534 Email: ocleyf@yahoo.com Mission Statement “The Organ Mountain Cooperative promotes good food, good company, and good health for all.” Staff Mission Statement “We are diverse in our backgrounds, but united in our goal to serve and empower local and global communities and increase the quality of life for all.” The Co-operative Principles 1. Voluntary and Open Membership 2. Democratic Member Control 3. Members’ Economic Participation 4. Autonomy and Independence 5. Education, Training, and Information 6. Cooperation among Cooperatives 7. Concern for Community Board of Directors Shahid Mustafa, General Manager Randy Harris Paul Heiberger, President Danielle Lapiano Claudia Piper, Vice President Siddeeq Shabazz Carolyn Gressitt, Secretary Theresa Westbrock Caitlin Karrenberg Mark Uchanski Our monthly Board meetings are held in the MVM Administrative Offices (just south of the main store), starting at 6 pm on the fourth Wednesday of the month. There will not be a meeting in July. The first portion of each meeting is reserved for a Member Forum, and we welcome visits from our fellow Members to hear your concerns! [MVMBoard@mountainviewmarket.coop]
News that’s Fresh!
By Marissa Coronado, Website Rockstar De Smet Dairy’s Raw Milk & Pampered Cows Last month, we became the second store in the entire state of New Mexico to carry completely raw milk! Raw milk is completely non-pasteurized and non-homogenized. De Smet Dairy, located in Northern New Mexico, is a family-owned business, which was started by Erica and her husband, Michael De Smet. Michael De Smet is a third generation dairy farmer (his grandfather started dairy farming in 1951). The De Smets are proud to be “New Mexico’s only certified-USDA, raw cow’s milk dairy.” They are also a certified creamery, which means that they do all of their bottling on site. For Erica, one of her favorite aspects of being a dairy farmer is “The Cows!” Of course, we know everyone is curious to know more about the cows, their diets, and their happy lives. “We have twenty eight milking cows, and they all have babies, so we have babies everywhere,” Erica exclaimed. Erica believes that caring for cows is like taking care of pets. “Just like a dog, if you treat them good, they are going to live for a long time,” she explained. The lifespan of a cow, feeding on a grass-fed, free-grazing diet can range between 10-12 years. “We have a cow named, Tilly, and she was with us when we were in the dairy business before and she is 22; she has a baby named Erica (since I milked her mother) and she is now 11,” Erica explained. The De Smets take excellent care of their cows, only milking them once a day, since it causes less stress on the cows, and they try to leave the babies with the mom for as long as possible. Each cow produces 5-6 gallons of milk a day. For those of you who are interested in learning more about dairy farming, we encourage you to visit De Smet Dairy, where Erica is happy to lead a tour. For more information or to schedule a tour, contact Erica at www.desmetdairy.com or (505) 916-0475. MountainViewMarketKitchen Updated Downtown Kitchen Hours! Monday-Friday 8AM-3PM. Sunday 8AM-2PM.
Down on the Farm
By Nicole Fuchs, Farmer Extraordinaire Meet the MVM Farm Assistants – Joseph and Erica!
There are a couple new faces on the MVM Farm, Joseph Goulbourne and Erica Perras. Joseph and Erica both joined the Farm within the past couple of months as Farm Assistants. MVM Farm Assistants have smoothly transitioned and embraced organic and sustainable growing practices like Aquaponics and Hugelkultur. Joseph’s experience with large scale vermiculture and vegetable production perfectly compliment Erica’s experience with animal care and gardening. Joseph has lived in Southern New Mexico for nearly 2 years. He came to the area as a transplant from his home state of Florida. Joseph maintains a couple of acres south of Las Cruces where he is currently growing corn, tomatoes, squash, watermelon, and cabbage. He also keeps some animals as pets and microworkers: a couple of rabbits, chickens, and a goat named Manny, Jr. Joseph feels it’s important to produce your own food if you have the opportunity, and he is equally invested in growing fresh herbs and vegetables for community members.
During her childhood, Erica lived on a homestead in California, where she first learned about growing your own food and living off the land. Erica has a passion for animals and has experience working for a private zoo where she prepared meals and took care of fish, birds, and other animals. She has recently been able to fulfill her dream of having a large garden with a wide variety of vegetables. Just a few things Erica is currently growing on her “urban farm” (she also has chickens) include cantaloupe, hot peppers, pumpkins, pole beans, kohlrabi, and various fruits and nuts.
Erica and Joseph spend their days on the Farm mindfully weeding, planting, harvesting, and packaging, only stopping to document the Farm’s progress and challenges. Both Farm Assistants have been critical in the maintenance of the Farm; Joseph spending time tilling the soil and preparing the beds, and Erica helping solidify a summer growing plan. The Farm Assistants whole heartedly agree that the key to successful farming is the soil - taking time to nurture and amend the soil so the vegetables grown at the MVM Farm reflect the careful consideration and love that have gone into the process.
MountainViewMarketFarm MVMFarm
BODy + Soul By Claudia Piper, Board Vice President At least once a year the MVM Board of Directors conducts a member survey, as required by our Bylaws. Most importantly, results help determine long and short-term goals based on input from the Member/Owners of our cooperatively owned business. The charts below summarize responses to four questions on the survey.The first chart indicates that people who become owners join because MVM provides healthy, local, organic food in a cooperative alternative to grocery chain stores.
The second question asks what we do well, and the largest number of respondents praised our knowledgeable and friendly staff as well as our selection of organic products. “Outreach” lagged behind, and some members suggested that we become GMO-free; until labeling becomes mandatory, this isn’t possible, but the Co-op strives to educate customers. For example, unless corn, soy, and canola are labeled as organic, products containing them probably have been genetically engineered.
We also asked what we could do better and a majority of respondents wanted lower prices and more member benefits. Although the Co-op often has swinging deals, we probably are seldom the cheapest place in town. Management and staff think about “price vs. purpose” and regard community control and ownership imperative tools for reducing poverty and income disparity. As Buckminster Fuller said, “To change something, build
a new model that makes the existing model obsolete.� All suggestions and requests have been conveyed to General Manager Shahid Mustafa for review and possible implementation.
For the past three years, members have noted the need for a bigger or second store, and we are beginning a store expansion to incorporate the additional services and variety requested by Member/Owners. Planning for bigger and better takes a long time, and so we asked that question again:
The MVM Board is planning a much larger customer survey, so if your opinions are not expressed here, you’ll have another chance this Fall!
July Events @ MVM CO+OP All events are free, open to the public, and located in the MVM Co-op Community Room unless noted otherwise.Want to host an event in the Co-op Community Room? Just contact Jennifer at outreach@mountainviewmarket.coop or call (575)523-0436.
Member Investment Informational Meetings in July Wednesday, July 2nd at 6-7pm Saturday, July 12th at 10-11am Tuesday, July 15th at 12-1pm Saturday, July 26th at 12-1pm Tuesday, July 29th at 6-7 pm Our Member Loan Informational Meetings will take place in the Co-op Community Room. Investment Packets are available for pick up at the Courtesy Desk or for download from our website. Members of the Board of Directors will be available at this meeting to answer questions about this investment opportunity for current Co-op members, accept investment payments, and sign Promissory Notes. Additional Informational Meetings are scheduled in August. Download an Investment Packet here: http://mountainviewmarket.coop/content/member-investment-initiative [INFO: mo.valko@mountainviewmarket.coop] Wednesdays, Thursdays, & Fridays in July – 8 am to 1 pm The Sidewalk Nursery: Robledo Vista Nursery specializes in low water use native and adapted plants, as well as select fruit trees, herbs, and vegetables. Visit RobledoVista.com for current availability and call ahead if you would like to purchase a specific plant. Please note that days and hours are subject to weather conditions. The Sidewalk Nursery is located in front of Mountain View Market. Call Jimmy for more info. [INFO: 915.203.4385] Wednesdays & Saturdays in July – 8:30 to 11:30 am MVM Farm Volunteer Days: Interested in organic farming and local food production? Want to find out more about composting, vermiculture, aquaponics, laying hens, and crop planning for our region? Come and volunteer at the MVM Farm located at 2653 Snow Road in Mesilla. Contact the Nicole for details and directions. [INFO: 575.520.0534 or ocleyf@yahoo.com] Wednesdays & Fridays in July – 12 to 1 pm Lunchtime Yoga: Calling everyone, beginners or experienced alike, who would like to make the most of their lunch hour with a tailored and exclusive 45 minute yoga class, followed by a lunch from the MVM Downtown Kitchen. $12 cash or check for yoga and express lunch from Mountain View Market Kitchen, or $6 just for the yoga class. No pre-registration necessary: Just show up to Downtown Desert Yoga (303 S. Alameda Blvd), fill out your lunch order, and your lunch will be ready for pickup at the Downtown Kitchen after your yoga class. [YOGA INFO: 575.647.9642 or www.downtowndesertyoga.com] [MVM KITCHEN INFO: 575.556.9856 or www.mountainviewmarket.coop]
Saturday, July 5th – 9 to 11 am Homemade and Organic Fertilizer Workshop: Looking to fertilize your crops without the use of harmful synthetic chemicals? Come to this workshop to learn the many ways an organic grower can help their plants thrive. The workshop will be held at the MVM Farm in Mesilla (2653 Snow Road). Cost is $15 for members/$20 for non-members and space is limited. You must register online, over the phone, or in-store before attending the workshop at the farm. [INFO: 575.523.0436, www.mountainviewmarket.coop, or outreach@mountainviewmarket.coop] Wednesday, July 9th – 5 to 6:30 pm Ortho-Bionomy: When Nothing Else Helps Your Pain: Clients typically seek out Ortho-Bionomy for the gentle relief of both acute and chronic pain arising from old injuries, trauma and stress, and for reconnecting body, mind, and spirit. Client and practitioner work together as a team to discover and utilize the best techniques to address the client’s situation both in the session and through home self-care practices. By learning to work with the nervous system the practitioner tunes to the client’s comfort and the self-corrective reflexes. As a result, change can happen from the inside out. Each Ortho-Bionomy session is unique, creative, and in concert with the body’s individual corrective patterns. Techniques will be demonstrated by Patricia Gray. [INFO: 575.636.3456 or ptngray@aol.com] Saturday, July 12th – 12 to 4 pm Milk and Cookies Party!: Join us for our next delicious sampling event! We’ll be featuring our new De Smet Dairy raw cow’s milk, Straus family farms cow’s milk, Meyenberg goat’s milk, and non-dairy alternatives. You’ll be able to pair it with a variety of our favorite cookies, including gluten-free and vegan options. We hope to see you there! [INFO: 575.523.0436, www.mountainviewmarket.coop, or outreach@mountainviewmarket.coop] Sunday, July 13th – 12 to 1 pm DIY Household Cleaners: In this do-it-yourself class, we’ll teach you how to make your own safe household cleaners – a general-purpose spray, bathtub scrub, and more! This class is $3 for members/$5 for non-members. Sign up in store, over the phone, or online. [INFO: 575.523.0436, www.mountainviewmarket.coop, or outreach@mountainviewmarket.coop] Wednesday, July 16th – 5 to 6:30 pm Ortho-Bionomy: When Nothing Else Helps Your Pain: Clients typically seek out Ortho-Bionomy for the gentle relief of both acute and chronic pain arising from old injuries, trauma and stress, and for reconnecting body, mind, and spirit. Client and practitioner work together as a team to discover and utilize the best techniques to address the client’s situation both in the session and through home self-care practices. By learning to work with the nervous system the practitioner tunes to the client’s comfort and the self-corrective reflexes. As a result, change can happen from the inside out. Each Ortho-Bionomy session is unique, creative, and in concert with the body’s individual corrective patterns. Techniques will be demonstrated by Patricia Gray. [INFO: 575.636.3456 or ptngray@aol.com]
July Events Continued... Thursday, July 17th – 5 to 6 pm Eat Smart Live Well – Good Mood Wellness Class: Karla and Trish of our Wellness department will lead a class detailing the ways you can boost your mood this summer. We’ll cover general tips, foods, herbs, and lifestyle choices that promote a sunny disposition. Classes are free for members and $3 for non-members. Sign up in-store, over the phone, or online. Don’t forget about the corresponding Cooking Class the following Thursday. [INFO: 575.523.0436, www.mountainviewmarket.coop, or outreach@mountainviewmarket.coop] Thursday, July 17th – 7 to 8 pm Vegan Support Group: This is open to Vegans and those who are curious about the Vegan lifestyle. The discussion will be informal and will focus on information and practical applications shared by those in attendance. Learn about the aspects and advantages of eating vegan, as well as the difference between eating a vegetarian diet and a vegan diet. Bring your questions. Share your story. Meetings take place the third Thursday of each month. [INFO: 575.523.0436] Saturday, July 19th – 10 am to 12 pm Desert Baby-wearers: Learn about safe and comfortable baby-wearing, practice new methods, try different carriers and meet other baby-wearers at this monthly meeting. This monthly event meets every third Saturday. [INFO: 575.312.1974 or leslieh1206@yahoo.com] Wednesday, July 23rd – NO MEETING MVM Board of Directors Meeting: The MVM Board of Directors will not be meeting in July. Meetings are usually held in the MVM Administrative Offices (just south of the main store). The first portion of the meeting is reserved for a Member Forum, and we welcome visits from our fellow Member/Owners to hear your concerns! The monthly Board of Directors will resume in August. Please see our upcoming August events list for more information. [INFO: 575-523-0436 or MVMBoard@mountainviewmarket.coop] Thoughts, questions, comments? We want to hear from you, so please let us know how we're doing! Fill out a Customer Comment Card at the Courtesy Desk and drop it off in the Customer Comment box by the front door of the Co-op. If you leave your email or phone number, we’ll be able to respond to you!
Thursday, July 24th – 5 to 6 pm Eat Smart Live Well – Good Mood Cooking Class: Robyn and Mo will lead a cooking class featuring easy and delicious ways to boost your mood this summer. Don’t forget to attend the corresponding Wellness Class the Thursday prior. Classes are free for members and $3 for non-members. Sign up in-store at the Courtesy Desk, over the phone, or online. [INFO: 575-523-0436, www.mountainviewmarket. coop, or outreach@mountainviewmarket.coop] Saturday, July 26th – 12 to 4 pm Wine and Cheese Pairings: Join us for another complimentary wine and cheese sampling event! We’ll pair our traditional and specialty cheeses with local wine from Amaro Winery. Our specialty cheese department features authentic parmigiano reggiano, aged gruyere and gouda, brie and triple-creams, fresh local goat cheese, a variety of olives, cured sausages, and more! Bottles of Amaro Wine will be available for purchase at this event. [INFO: 575.523.0436, www.mountainviewmarket.coop, or outreach@mountainviewmarket.coop] Tuesday, July 31st – 5 to 6:30 pm Homemade Vegan Nut Cheeses: Learn how to make vegan cheese out of cashews, almonds, brazil nuts, and more! Valarie and Robyn will be sharing their favorite recipes, sampling vegan cheeses, and discussing their experiences experimenting with non-dairy cheeses. Recipes will include soft and hard cheeses (like a parmesan sprinkle), an alfredo sauce, mac and cheese, and cheese dips. This class is $3 for members and $5 for non-members. To reserve a seat, please sign up over the phone, on our website, or at the Courtesy Desk. [INFO: 575.523.0436, www.mountainviewmarket.coop, or outreach@mountainviewmarket.coop] Saturday, August 2nd – 9 to 11 am Composting & Hugelkultur Workshop: This workshop will demonstrate how you can use free or low cost resources to supply your soil with more nutrition, beneficial microbiology, water holding capacity, and organic matter. Hugelkultur is a permaculture technique that uses large organic matter, such as logs and sticks, which breaks down over time and provides your plants with long-term nutrients. You’ll learn how to build and maintain a compost heap and Hugelkultur raised bed the right way to reap the many benefits of on-site composting! The workshop will be held at the MVM Farm in Mesilla (2653 Snow Road). Cost is $15 for members/ $20 for non-members and space is limited. You must register online, over the phone, or in-store before attending the workshop at the farm. [INFO: 575.523.0436, www.mountainviewmarket. coop, or outreach@mountainviewmarket.coop]
We Co-operate! These Local Businesses Offer Special Discounts to CO+OP Members! Just show your current Mountain View Market Co-op Membership card at the time of purchase. +Acupuncture Crossroads Community Acupuncture 312-6569 +American Sign Language Sandi Zielinski MA, LPC 202-4076 +Animal Care & Services Anthony Animal Clinic (915)886-4558 The Agile Animal 649-3193 +Art Galleries The Potteries 524-0538 +Auto Repair German Auto Repair 382-9705 +Bakery Let them Eat Cake 649-8965 +Chiropractor Chiwawa Chiropractic LLC 520-2318 Hawkins Chiropractic Care 520-6002 +Clothing & Textiles A Perfect Fit Clothing Alterations 523-2565 +Computer Services Advanced Computer Repair 523-2565 +DJ’s & Entertainment Hubbard Family DJs (617)733-3466 +Fitness Services Gold Medal Taekwondo 526-4429 Pi Pilates 526-0977 Tai Chi 382-8978 Tranquility Fitness Studio 571-8446 +Gardening & Landscaping Natura LLC 805-6559 Picacho Peak Trees 571-0195 +Health Products/Services Alpha Center for R&R 621-3195 A Next Step 382-8771 Be Nourished 650-6264 Beyond Envisioning LLC 571-1345 Delia Z. Gaskins 233-2534 From the Ground Up 523-2652 Full Circle Health Center 525-3700 Kari Hinojosa, Weight Management 525-1384, Radiant Lights Polarity Therapy 522-1199, Ruth Romo, Family Nurse Practitioner 525-3700 Tesoro Integrative Health Center 541-5660 Sound Healing Therapy 520-4477 Transformational Light Designs 233-1108 +Counseling/ Hypnotherapy Integrity Counseling 373-1163 Jane Grider 526-5620 Phoenix Transformational Services 382-2078 +Homeopathy Katherine Hannan 647-3744 Wendy Robin Weir 650-7543 +Jewelry Elkin Studio Jewelers 568-6828 Healing Crystal Jewelry 520-4477 Riffraff Jewelry (850)559-3476 +Massage Therapists Let It Go Massage Therapy 640-1591 Marie Mathewson, PhD 915-2155 Patricia Gray, Body Synergy 636-3456 Pecan Valley Massage, Sue Styer 647-4468 Vincent J. Ortega 642-3157 Well-Being Massage Therapy 312-9294 +Midwives All Natural Birth 636-4627 Heather Rische 743-0439 +Solar Power Consolidated Solar Technologies (505)792-6359 Positive Energy Solar 524-2030 Sunspot Solar Energy Systems 541-3533 +Tarot Reading Linda Marlena Carr 312-3040 +Self Defense Innovative Defense Strategies 405-4917 Las Cruces Self Defense 621-0230 +Yoga Downtown Desert Yoga 647-9642 Yin Yoga (805)559-3476 Please visit our website to view the co-op member discounts offered by these participating local businesses: http://mountainviewmarket.coop/content/we-co-operate
co·op·er·a·tion - noun
1.the process of working together to the same end.