Fresh Press
May June 2025
FRESH PRESS
A bimonthly publication of Oryana Community Cooperative
Layout: Ethan Colyer
Proofreaders:
Kirsten Harris
Wendy Walter
Contributors:
Steve Clark
Jacqueline Bishop
Sarah Christensen
Dana Pflughoe
Colleen Valko
Cover photo by Jes Ryan
TART photos by Jes Ryan
OUR STORES
ORYANA TENTH ST.
260 E. Tenth St.
Traverse City MI, 49684
Phone 231.947.0191
Store Hours
8 am - 8 pm daily
ORYANA WEST
3587 Marketplace Circle
Traverse City, MI 49684
Phone 231.486.2491
Store Hours
8 am - 9 pm daily
Michigan Bridge Card Accepted Double Up Foodbucks Location
The purpose of Oryana Community Cooperative is to provide high quality food produced in ecologically sound ways at fair value to members and the community. Oryana members and staff are commi ed to enhancing their community through the practice of cooperative economics and education about the relationship of food to health.
Our Board of Directors
Colleen Valko, President
Kaitlyn Burns, Vice President
Kathy Baylis Monteith, Treasurer
Tricia Phelps, Secretary
Cy Agley, Director
Andrew Dodson , Director
Marty Heller, Director
Samuel Reese, Director
Parker Jones, Director
TABLE of CONTENTS
May - June Events Calendar from the General Manager Board of Directors Report
6 Honoring Heritage Through Flavor
Summer Wellness Essentials
Third Spaces Create Community
Cooperative Principles
May
MAY-JUNE EVENTS CALENDAR
Flower Bouquet Bar with Oak Park Flowers
Saturday, May 10, 12pm-3pm
ORYANA WEST
Make your own flower bouquet…just in time for Mother’s Day! Prices vary depending on bouquet size.
Board of Directors Meeting
Thursday, May 15, 5:15pm
ORYANA WEST Community Room
Our community co-op’s board of directors gathers for their monthly meeting. All are welcome to a end.
Community Night Film Screening: Minari
Wednesday, May 14, doors open at 6pm, film starts at 7pm
STATE THEATRE (downtown Traverse City)
A tender and sweeping story about what roots us, Tickets are $10 and can be bought through the State Theatre’s website.
Groceries for Good: TART Trails
Thursday, May 22, 8am-9pm
BOTH ORYANA STORES
Shoppers can round-up their purchases to the nearest dollar in support of TART. Oryana will also donate 2% of sales for the day.
Smart Commute week
June 2 - 6
A week of events promoting cycling, walking, taking the bus and carpooling. Free daily breakfasts at various locations around town, including a breakfast and awards ceremony at Oryana Tenth St. on June 6 from 7am-9am.
Community Night Film Screening
PARIS IS BURNING
Wednesday, June 18, doors open at 6pm, film starts at 7pm
STATE THEATRE (downtown Traverse City)
A chronicle of New York's drag scene in the 1980s, focusing on balls, voguing and the dreams of those who gave the era its vitality.
Tickets are $10 and can be purchased through the State Theatre’s website.
Board of Directors Meeting
Thursday, June 19, 5:15pm
ORYANA TENTH ST
Our community co-op’s board of directors gathers for their monthly meeting. All are welcome to a end.
Blood Drive with Versiti
Tuesday, June 24
BOTH ORYANA STORES
8am-11am at Oryana Tenth 1pm-4pm at Oryana West
Donating blood takes about an hour and has the potential to save up to three lives.
from the GENERAL MANAGER
Sarah Christensen
2024 was a very successful year at Oryana. We achieved six percent sales growth and improved our gross margin. In a year when US grocery sales growth was reported at less than three percent, our cooperative outpaced industry trends. This success is a testament to the hard work of our team and the unwavering support of our shoppers and owners.
Along with sales growth and gross margin achievement, we kept other expenses under control and, in the end, we had a distributable amount of net profit. We wrapped up projects that started before I got here, like the West solar installation, which will support our long-term sustainability goals. We launched new programs and promotions, like our Fresh Deals flyer, to bring more value to our shoppers. We also expanded Café hours at both stores, creating consistency and reliability for folks.
You’re probably familiar with the hero’s journey as a storytelling/literary form. There’s a sequence and method to write a story with a protagonist hero. Brands and marketing executives have adopted this concept to sell products. For a good, long time, brands were the hero of the story in ads and commercials. In the last twenty years or so that has changed and consumers have become heroes. Before it was, “Tide saves the day and gets the stain out,”, and now it’s more like "the busy parent saves the day by using Tide." It’s meant to be more subtle. Rather than saying, “I want that brand to solve my problems,” they want you to want to be the hero that buys the brand. Anyway, I was thinking about all of this as I sat down to write Oryana’s annual report. Who is the hero in the Oryana story? And what I realized, and it’s something that I love about co-ops, something I find inspiring and, if I had to bet it’s likely one of the reasons I’ve stayed in this work as long as I have, is that our story is made up of many heroes. We don’t have just one. And we don’t just have one metric for success either. Our success is not just about numbers and winning the great game of grocery, though I do love the game because it’s relentless and challenging and rewarding all at once; our success is also about community and impact and people.
Of course, the staff are the everyday heroes of the Oryana story. I will challenge you to a dance ba le in the streets if you try to say otherwise. They are here day in and day out, providing great service, caring for products, and supporting each other. They navigate the fast pace of retail with skill and patience, keeping our shelves stocked, preparing fresh food, and ensuring that every willing customer has a positive experience. Beyond that, they’re constantly learning – about food safety, cooperative principles, and how to create a welcoming environment for the entire community of shoppers that we see. Their dedication is what makes Oryana a truly special place to shop and work.
The farmers and other local food producers are also heroes of Oryana’s story. Farming and entrepreneurship are not for the faint of heart. Every season brings new challenges, unpredictable weather, rising costs, labor shortages, yet they continue to do the work because they believe in nourishing our community. They wake up early, work long days, and pour their passion into producing high-quality food for the rest of us. Their commitment to organic and sustainable agriculture strengthens our region’s economy. And as we were reminded of during COVID and climate catastrophes, national supply chains have vulnerabilities. We need local food producers as much as they need us, if not more. Without them, Oryana wouldn’t be Oryana.
The Oryana Board of Directors are heroes of this story as well. We have such a smart and dedicated group of individuals who volunteer their time and talents to ensure that Oryana stays true to its mission. They help shape long-term strategies, making sure that decisions align with our cooperative values and Ends policies. They navigate financial oversight, governance, and member engagement, all while keeping the big picture in mind, ensuring Oryana remains strong and sustainable for generations to come. Their work may not always be visible, but it’s crucial to the continued success of our co-op.
And finally, you! You are most definitely a hero in this story. That’s right, you, a single Oryana member. Your commitment to our shared adventure has helped us become one of the largest co-ops in the country. With every purchase, you’re not just buying groceries, you’re investing in our local food system, supporting ethical business practices, and strengthening the cooperative movement. Your participation, whether through voting in elections, a ending events, or simply choosing Oryana for your shopping, helps shape the future of this organization. Your voice ma ers, and your support makes all the difference. Let’s keep cooperating and collaborating on this shared hero story in 2025 and beyond!
Sincerely,
CEO Sarah Christensen
BOARD OF DIRECTORS REPORT
Colleen Valko, Board President
In April, we hosted our annual General Ownership Meeting which is an important moment each year to reflect, reconnect, and share updates with our fellow owners. For those who couldn’t make it, I wanted to take a moment to recap a few highlights and share what’s ahead for your board.
Over the past few years, the board has taken a deep dive into the foundational work of governance. We reviewed and updated all of our board process policies this past year, and our bylaws the year before. While this might not make headlines, it’s essential work that ensures we’re operating with clarity, integrity, and alignment with our cooperative values.
One of our key focus areas this past term was onboarding our new General Manager, Sarah Christensen, who joined us in January 2024. She hit the ground running, diving straight into monitoring reports and engaging with the board’s expectations and our governance model. We’re grateful for her energy and leadership, and now, with her first full year behind her, we’re excited to shi our focus toward reviewing our Ends policies. These are the guiding policies that reflect the long-term impact Oryana aims to have in our community and it’s time to re-engage with them and, by extension, with all of you, our owners.
We’re also continuing to strengthen board perpetuation. The ongoing work of preparing for thoughtful leadership transitions and ensuring a diverse, skilled, and values-aligned board. This year, we welcomed Andrew Dodson, newly elected by our ownership, and I’m honored to have been re-elected alongside Tricia Phelps for another 3-year term. Thank you for your continued trust and support.
At the same time, we said a heartfelt goodbye to Chuck Mueller, who stepped down a er an incredible 10 years of board service. Chuck has brought warmth, compassion, and deep care to every conversation. He always reminded us to slow down, connect, and listen. His passion for member engagement and cooperative values has le a lasting mark on our board, and we’re so thankful for everything he’s contributed.
We’re excited to start the work ahead and eager to stay engaged with our ownership. Thank you for being a part of Oryana. We are honored to serve you!
Summer Wellness Essentials
Beat the Heat with these Hot Finds!
The days are ge ing longer, the sun feels a li le warmer, and everything’s starting to bloom again. It’s the perfect time to shake off winter and ease into the season with a few wellness favorites made for spring adventures and summer on the horizon. These are the go-to products we’re reaching for right now.
Sun & Skin Protection
Badger SPF 30 Mineral Face Sunscreen
Lightweight and non-greasy, this daily mineral sunscreen protects and nourishes your face without any white cast.
Thinksport All Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Spray SPF 50
Spray-and-go sun protection that’s water-resistant and reef-friendly.
Badger Organic Aloe Vera Gel
Cool down fast with this organic aloe gel, perfect a er long sun-soaked a ernoons.
Stay Hydrated
Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier
Outdoor Defense
Nantucket Spider Summer Camp Bug Repellent for Kids
Kid-safe and effective, this natural bug spray keeps mosquitos away during campouts and backyard play.
Nantucket Spider Natural Bug Repellent for Dogs
Protect your pup with this gentle bug spray made specifically for dogs, using natural essential oils.
Get a hydration boost with electrolytes and essential vitamins.
Ultima Replenisher Electrolyte Mix
No sugar, just full-on hydration. This fruity blend supports your summer activities without the crash.
Nuun Sport + Caffeine Tablets
Stay energized and hydrated with these fizzing electrolyte tablets, perfect for hiking, biking, or gym days.
Body &
Recovery
Arnicare Roll-On
Soothe sore muscles and bumps with this mess-free arnica roll-on, great to stash in your bag post-adventure.
Life-Flo Magnesium Oil Sport Spray
Ease muscle tension naturally with this magnesium-rich spray. Simply mist on a er exercise or long hikes.
Eden’s Glow Tallow Balm
Ultra-rich and nourishing, this balm made from grass-fed tallow deeply moisturizes sun-exposed or dry skin.
Booda Bu er – Tub of Love
This whipped body bu er melts into skin for all-over so ness, plus it smells like a dream and comes in family size.
Face Refresh
Wild Carrot Herbals Essential Mist
Facial Toner
Hydrate and refresh on hot days with this misty botanical toner, perfect for a mid-day skin pick-me-up.
Sip Sustainably
Klean Kanteen 36oz Rise Tumbler with Straw & Handle
Keep drinks cool (or hot!) for hours in this stylish, super-sized tumbler, great for road trips or beach
Third Spaces Create Community
By Dana Pflughoe
Third spaces create what we think of as community. They are o en the underlying reason we choose to stay. If home is our first space, work our second, then third spaces are the shared, special places where we seek enjoyment, connection, and enrichment. Uniquely, third spaces are not limited to just one, we can and should cultivate many spaces to enrich different aspects of our lives. Libraries, public parks and trails, beaches, and yes, grocery stores are great examples. Ray Oldenburg, an urban sociologist, defined third spaces as places that "host the regular, voluntary, informal, and happily anticipated gatherings of individuals beyond the realms of home and work." He goes on to explain that a world without third spaces would feel less communal, less connected, and frankly much more expensive. We have a plethora of clubs, associations, and teams that require payment for entry or a certain badge. The best third spaces, by design, welcome all and do not have a price
point for entry. They encourage sharing, conversation, and cooperation, and remind us what it means to be in community with one another.
I see one of my third spaces manifest on the Boardman Lake Loop Trail, a trail that hosts more than 350,000 visitors every year. In the midst of all these trail users, I run into my former neighbors nearly every time where we stop and share life updates. I meet new friends, cross paths with old teammates, and share a trail with perfect strangers. As part of my job at TART Trails, I also get to distribute trail user surveys, visiting with walkers, runners, bikers, birders, and rollers where I ask people to share their experiences, a crucial feedback tool for a community-informed trail. Each suggestion and request represents a more perfect third space, the future third space that we all want to see
Another third space occurs clearly in the aisles of Oryana as I run into familiar faces of friends, farmers, and acquaintances on a Tuesday evening, each of us hoping and waiting for some dinner inspiration. I let the Fresh Deals do the deciding on most Tuesdays. I scan my co-op membership, receive my patronage and the glorious five and ten percent discounts, and vote in the board elections. I provide my suggestions through the comment cards and learn about community happenings on the Event Bulletin board. The more time I linger at Oryana, the more I learn about this region I love, the people who support the food system I enjoy, and the more fresh produce I eat in a week. Feels like a win, win, win to me.
Trails and 50-year-old co-ops don’t take shape easily. They are the result of long, o en arduous efforts—living, breathing places that require ongoing care and a ention. They reflect the best kind of third spaces for me, created by and for the local community, where all can feel welcome and can find comfort. These third spaces emerged from intentional planning and the dedication of engaged community members. These organic hubs are not static; they grow and adapt, strengthening our sense of belonging. Third spaces, like the Loop and Oryana, offer the perfect se ing to practice being a good neighbor, a respectful trail user, and an engaged co-op member, and remind us that we stay in this place not just for a home or a job, but for the community itself.
Dana Pflughoe is the Community Engagement Coordinator at TART Trails, where she promotes trails as a powerful tool for sustainability through signage, interpretation panels, sustainability initiatives, and communications. She holds an MS in Environmental Communications and Policy from the University of Michigan’s School for Environment and Sustainability. Outside of work, Dana enjoys road biking, nordic skiing, celebrating local food, and exploring Northern Michigan’s trails.
Cooperative Principles
Cooperatives are based on the values of self-help, self-responsibility, democracy, equality, equity and solidarity. In the tradition of their founders, cooperative members and owners believe in the ethical values of honesty, openness, social responsibility and caring for others. The cooperative principles are guidelines by which cooperatives put their values into practice. The International Cooperative Alliance recognizes Seven Cooperative Principles. In December 2024, the Oryana Board passed a resolution to recognize and adopt the Eighth Cooperative Principle: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
1.Voluntary and open membership: Cooperatives are voluntary organizations, open to all persons able to use their services and willing to accept the responsibilities of membership, without gender, social, racial, political or religious discrimination.
2.Democratic Member Control through the elected Board of Directors: Cooperatives are democratic organizations controlled by their members, who actively participate in se ing their policies and making decisions. People serving as elected representatives are accountable to the membership. In primary cooperatives members have equal voting rights (one member, one vote) and cooperatives at other levels are also organized in a democratic manner.
3. Member Economic Participation: Members contribute equitably to, and democratically control, the capital of their cooperative. At least part of that capital is usually the common property of the cooperative. Members usually receive limited compensation, if any, on capital subscribed as a condition of membership. Members allocate surpluses for any or all of the following purposes: developing their cooperative, possibly by se ing up reserves, part of which at least would be indivisible; benefiting members in proportion to their transactions with the cooperative; and supporting other activities approved by the membership.
4.Autonomy and Independence: Cooperatives are autonomous, self-help organizations controlled by their members. If they enter into agreements with other organizations, including governments, or raise capital from external sources, they do so on terms that ensure democratic control by their members and maintain their cooperative autonomy.
5.Education, Training and Information: Cooperatives provide education and training for their members, elected representatives, managers, and employees so they can contribute effectively to the development of their co-operatives. They inform the general public – particularly young people and opinion leaders – about the nature and benefits of co-operation.
6.Cooperation Among Cooperatives: Cooperatives serve their members most effectively and strengthen the cooperative movement by working together through local, national, regional and international structures.
7.Concern for Community: Cooperatives work for the sustainable development of their communities through policies approved by their members.
8.Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: Cooperatives believe we are stronger when a proactive effort is put forth to engage everyone in governance, management and representation.