|
Spring into Action
Maya Bauer, Education Coordinator
Ah! The season of unfurling our wings, packing away our winter coats, planting seeds, springing forth with ideas and ambition! May brings us the start of our Summer Trimester of classes, brimming with a lot of what you asked for including a great line-up of kids cooking classes and cheese making (to name a few)!
What's next in Education? We've been gathering information from our incredible farmers and local producers. To what end? We want you to Know Your Farmers and to Know Your Food. Being able to see the practices of the producers that we work with will help us all know what we are eating and make our own choices about what our hard-earned dollars are actually going towards. Totally cool. Keep an eye out for this information, coming soon.
PLANT SALE!!
SAT MAY 4th 7am-noon
We're busy getting ready for our big annual plant sale to benefit our Food For All program, which strives to make healthy food accessible to
 people of all economic levels. This year, we'll be selling more plants than ever- heirloom tomato and pepper plants, a variety of herbs, greens, vegetables and more! We purchased seeds from the Seed Savers Exchange and Fedco and our friends at Blue Moon Farm and PrairiErth Farm are starting them for us. We'll have all of our starts planted in biodegradable coir fiber pots so you can transplant them right into your garden very easily. All of our plants will be $3 or less. Be sure to get here early to get your pick of varieties! |
|
What's Next? Here's Your GM's Reply!
Jacqueline Hannah, General Manager
In mid-November of 2011, Common Ground was owned by 3299 members of our community.
In mid-November of 2011, your board of directors invited all CGFC owners to take part in a visioning process where we gathered and shared our dreams of what our co-op could become in seven, seventeen, and twenty seven years. Some amazing results came out of that process, and I've been studying the results for your seven year visions ever since, working to map a plan to meet those goals to recommend to your democratically-elected board of directors made up of fellow owners.
But things have changed since that visioning process. They've changed a lot.
That 3299 owners has turned into 4852 owners as of the day I am typing this - a 47% increase in the number of fellow community members that own our Co-op since the day we did our owner visioning process! We've completed our 2012 expansion since then as well, with phenomenal results - we're experiencing sales and customer growth far beyond what we'd projected when we planned this expansion. The more we get the word out to our community about all our Co-op has to offer, the more the enthusiastic response from our community grows.
The 2012 expansion of our Co-op is successfully finished, and the future lays before us. Your board and I have done some careful mapping of the vision you shared for the future of your Co-op back in November, 2011, as well as studied our business and our community carefully. I have made a recommendation to your board of what CGFC's next steps should be to better meet that powerful vision you shared with us, and your board has given me the go ahead to study the feasibility of this next step and share the vision for the next step with you, the owners of our Co-op, for your feedback.
Its rare that a day passes since our expansion grand opening back in February that an owner does not approach me and ask with a gleam in their eye, "what's next?"
The answer will come Sunday, June 2nd, at our annual Owners Financial Meeting. I hope you will come to hear about the 2012 fiscal performance of your cooperative business, and I hope you'll stay for what comes next . . . the big reveal of what comes Next, with a capital "N", for this amazing cooperative we've created with our passion, investment, and belief. See you there.
|
From Your Board of Directors: Let's Go Out and Play!
Martha Mills, Board Member
Wow! What a Winter and early Spring! I don't know about the rest of you but I am ready for fresh, local, produce; time at the swimming pool; picnics with family and friends; and some nice garden dirt under my fingernails. Luckily, Summer is coming!!!
May holds so many fantastic things! Bike to work day is May 1st (today!). The start of the Market at the Square and the annual Co-op plant sale are on Saturday!!! Owner Appreciation Day is the 7th. Mother's Day is the 12th. Memorial Day is the 27th. It's Prom and graduation season! There is just so much to be excited for and to look forward to I can barely contain myself!!!
This is the best time of year, in my opinion. We have more sunshine and warmer temperatures and can enjoy time outdoors after having been cooped up for all those long months.
Menu planning gets a lot easier, too! I think it speaks volumes for
our co-op that we have locally grown and produced products all year long. (That's not the case everywhere.) But this is the time of year when we really shine. Local food is far more available this time of year. We don't have to search in hope; it's just there, waiting for us. It's so easy to make meals full of local produce and proteins right now. And I have the best word in the world for you: Asparagus...
| | Have any thoughts, questions, or comments about this article or for your Board of Directors? Email the Board at board@commonground.coop. |
Local Producer Profile: Urbana's Market at the Square
| |
When and why was the Market at the Square created?
 The farmers market in Urbana was created by a group of farmers in 1978-79. It was created to offer a place for farmers to bring their produce directly to the community. The farmers market in Urbana has existed in or near its current location for over 30 years. During its initial years, it was managed by a variety of entities, including the founding vendors, Lincoln Square staff, and the Urbana Business Alliance (now the Urbana Business Association). Starting in the spring of 1997, the City of Urbana took over management of the Market and the market became known as Urbana's Market at the Square. Since that time, Community Development Services staff have planned, promoted, and operated the Market under the direction of the Mayor, City Council, and as of recently the Urbana's Market at the Square Advisory Board. How many vendors do you work with?
In 2012 we had roughly 150 registered vendors. This means that on average, there were about 70 vendors at the Market each weekend. We also have about 27 community groups come to the Market each week. In 2012, there were a total of about 80 community groups registered to attend the Market.
As of mid-April, we've reached a combined total of 150 vendors and community groups. We accept applications throughout the season, space pending. I'm sure we'll receive many more as the Market kicks off.
What kinds of products are sold at the Market?
The Market showcases fresh fruits and vegetables, fresh flowers and plants, meat, dairy products, honey, baked goods, candy, prepared foods designed to be consumed both on- and off-site, and art and craft work such as photography, clothing, woodwork, pottery, furniture, soaps, and more. How many of the products sold at the Market are locally, organically, and/or naturally produced?
The Market is a producer only market - which means that everything at the Market must made or produced by the vendor, locally. The definition of local for Urbana's Market at the Square is anything grown or produced within the state of Illinois. While sourcing food locally lightens the carbon footprint of a community, such sourcing also promotes economic sustainability by providing jobs to residents, supporting local farmers and their enterprises, incubating new businesses, and keeping financial resources in the community.
Many of the products at the market are organic and/or are naturally produced. If a customer would like to know what vendors are certified organic, they can search the Market's new online product search to find more information. Vendors who are certified organic will have an asterisk (*) next to their business name or the word ORGANIC appears in green.
Many other vendors use natural methods for growing and producing their products. The best thing to do is to talk to vendors. Not only will you learn more about then, but you'll learn more about the food you're buying.
What do you enjoy most about managing the Market at the Square?
I love the people at the Market. Whether it's the vendors or the patrons - it's wonderful to see everyone come together on Saturday. I like that we can all meet in a common place to purchase local items and support our community. There's nothing else quite like the Market in our area. Urbana's Market at the Square is one of the largest Markets in our state. We average about 5,000 visitors per weekend for 27 weekends. That's just amazing. I love it.
What are some of the challenges of managing the Market?
My biggest challenge at the Market is space. We have so many wonderful vendors and community groups that want to participate in the Market and we are limited to the parking lot at the corner of Illinois and Vine Streets in downtown Urbana. During peak season, we fill up quickly. However, during the end of the Market, we have large gaps of space because it is the end of the growing season for many vendors. It is a challenge to find a balance but I think that the previous Market directors have set me up with a great system that I hope to only enhance as we move forward. Patrons should check out our new online Market Map to learn more about where vendors will be and when they are scheduled to attend the Market.
What is your philosophy/perspective on locally made goods?
Locally made produce, meats, dairy and food just taste better. Really. My standards for produce, meat and dairy are so much higher after tasting what is sold at the Market. What's great is that many of these vendors continue to sell during the Market's off-season at Common Ground or at the Urbana Business Association's indoor markets: Holiday Market and Middle Market. I also like knowing that my purchases are supporting my neighbors and my community. That means a lot to me as the seventh generation of my family to live in Champaign County.
Is there anything else you'd like Common Ground's customers to know about the Market at the Square?
Be sure to check out our online product search and online Market Map. Also new this year is Market Mail, which patrons can subscribe to and receive weekly emails about what programming will take place, what is in season, and more! Check it all out at www.urbanaillinois.us/market.
I hope to see everyone there this season and be sure to say hello! I'll be the lady with the pony tail running around in a Market Staff t-shirt.
|
|
|
|
| |
CGFC Annual Plant Sale
Saturday, May 4 7am-Noon
Vegetarian Indian Delicacies: Ragda Patties
Led by Shuchi Agrawal
Thursday, May 16th, 6-7:30pm
$20 owners/$25 owners
Kids Cook! Ages 2-4
Led by Renee Ray
Sunday, May 12th, 2-4pm
$15 owners/$20 non-owners
(2nd kid ½ off! Parents are free!)
Cooking Healthy on a Budget:
Pan-Asian Noodle Bowl
Led by Erinn Dady
Monday, May 13th, 6-7:30 pm
Free, but pre-registration is required.
Led by The Bike Project
Monday, May 13, 6:30-8:00pm
$5 for owners / $10 for non-owners
Class Location: The Bike Project (IMC building)
Led by Billy LeGrand, Specialty Dept. Manager
w/ Nat Bjerke-Harvey and Alison Olewnik,
Prairie Fruits Farm
Tuesday May 14, 7-8:30pm
$10 owners/ $15 non-owners
Common Ground Story Time
Led by Staffer and Lover of Tales Ellen
Wednesday, May 15th, 10:30-11am
FREE! No registration required.
Led by Joanne Mierek, Wellness Manager
Wed, May 15, 5:30-6pm
Free, no pre-registration required
Foraging 101
Led by Carey Smith
Sunday, May 19th 2-3pm
$3 owners/$8 non-owners
Introduction to Reiki
Led by Jessica Rasmussen
Monday, May 20th, 6-8pm
$35 owners/42 non-owners
Led by Lindsey Burnett and Miri Kim
Sat May 25th 1-2:30p
$10 owners/ $15 non-owners
Tuesday May 28, 7-8:30pm
$10 owner/$15 non-owner
|
|
Farewell Wine Tasting
with Jessica Stanis from Wines at the Pines
Friday 5-6pm, Flatlander Classroom, FREE |  Jessica Stanis has run the wonderfully conscientious Wines at the Pines for several years while finishing her PhD in Neuroscience at the University of Illinois. She's just graduated and been offered a wonderful post-doc position in Boston and has had to close Wines at the Pines.
Don't worry! Common Ground will now be carrying many of the wonderful wines that WATP was known for. Stop by and join us Friday 5-6pm in the Flatlander Classroom to say goodbye to Jessica, wish her well, and taste some of her carefully selected favorites now for sale at Common Ground! |
| Bike Project Shop Manager Positions | 
| Our friends over at the Bike Project have started the hiring process again! There are 2 positions open! Read about the position, qualifications, and more on their website.
|
|
|
| May Sales! |  | Check out our current sales here!
|
| Correction to Common Ground's 2013 Arts Grant Award | |
Unfortunately, we have been informed that our art grant funding from the Urbana Arts Grant was incorrect. Due to an administrative error by the City of Urbana, it was wrongly announced that Common Ground would be awarded $5,000 to make our Gallery space (in the Flatlander Classroom) a reality; but in actuality, the Public Arts Commission approved a grant of $3,000. Common Ground was asked to resign an agreement for the correct amount, and the City said they will be making a public statement regarding their error.
Common Ground will still be going forward with the full Gallery season for 2013-2014 since we have already advertised and accepted applications from many amazing artists (selected artists announced soon!). |
MAY ROUND UP FOR GOOD
| Champaign County Health Care Consumers
The Champaign County Health Care Consumers is a citizen action organization, founded on the premise of participatory democracy and the belief that meaningful reforms in the heath care system will come only with the active involvement of consumers.
CCHCC carries out its mission through consumer education, advocacy, and community organizing.
Read more about Round Up for Good here!
|
 | COMMON GROUND GIVES BACK
As part of our mission to BUILD COMMUNITY.....
Collectively we raised
OVER $450
for the Times Center!
Thanks to everyone who participated in our monthly Round Up for Good! |
| 2013 Sustainable Food Scholar | 
| Congratulations to Josh Evans our 2013 Sustainable Food Scholar! Josh attends the University of Illinois right here in CU studying Agriculture Education. He hopes to go on to be an Agriculture Educator to teach future generations about sustainability and where their food comes from on both a large and small scale.
A big thank you to all of our outstanding applicants and to our Scholarship Judging Panel consisting of a member from Common Ground Staff, Mel Farrell; a dedicated community member, Carol Inskeep; and an Academic from the University, Steve Ayers. All applications were judged with the names redacted to ensure impartiality.
|
|
Know Your Produce:
Fava Beans
 | | |
Fava beans are one of the oldest known crops, with archeological remains in Israel dating back as early as the Neolithic period (6800-6500 BCE). Today you can find fava beans in over 50 countries! Fava beans are tender and sweet, with a mild grassy taste that reflects its spring growing time. Their texture can range from starchy to creamy depending on when they are grown. While the pods of fava beans are considered inedible, there are endless possibilities for the beans inside. These beans can be blanched, braised, dried, canned, frozen, pureed into a spread, or prepared with other spring grown items like asparagus, peas, and morel mushrooms.
|
|
NEW PRODUCT
Pink Madagascar Rice | | |
Here at Common Ground, we want our customers to be informed about their food. We heard your concerns about arsenic levels in rice and went to work. Now available in the bulk section is Pink Madagascar rice with the lowest inorganic arsenic concentration of any rice available. Grown in an aerobic environment using More Crop Per Drop Methods (system of rice intensification), this delicious organic rice can calm your worries while the FDA concludes research on arsenic levels in rice nationwide.
|
|
Deli News
 | | Made-to-Order Pizza Now Available! |
| | |
We are now selling whole and half pizzas made to order. Come to the Deli Counter any time between 10:30 am & 7 pm to order one of our popular pizzas or design your own favorite from our list of ingredients. Full pizzas are cut into 6 slices; half pizzas into 3 slices.
New York style crust or Gluten-free crust? Local mozzarella from Ludwig or Daiya Mozzarella Style Shreds? Local Italian sausage or organic veggies? The choices are yours!
If you're a fan of our slices, don't fret. You'll still be able to pick up a slice or more from 11-2 and 4-7 daily.
Coming Soon: special Deli Counter hours for Farmers' Market Saturdays!
|
|
Fun in The Sun!
|  | Want to know the latest on sunscreen? Last June, the FDA issued new requirements for labeling on sunscreen and SPF-containing skin care products. You'll see the 'broad spectrum' designation only on products that pass tests for both UVB (sunburn) and UVA (skin cancer and aging) protection.
There isn't enough data to support SPF (Sun Protection Factor) over 50 or for the terms 'sunblock' and 'waterproof', so you won't be seeing those designations on product labels. And as always, limit sun exposure, especially between 10 AM and 2 PM, cover up with lightweight clothing, and wear a hat. |
|
|
