Are You Board Material? Help Lead the Co-op During the Most Exciting Stage of Development

As the terms of the Board of Directors are staggered, this summer we will once again have an opportunity for Co-op members to run for election to the Board. Every year 3 seats are open, and each term is 3 years. Full details about how to become a candidate for the Board of Directors are on the Co-op’s website. The deadline to submit an application for candidacy is September 9.

 

I invite you to consider joining in this effort. It is demanding, but extremely rewarding work. As we get closer to opening our doors, you be part of the leadership that oversees the transition from our development stage to an actual, physical grocery store. That’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!

Join Us for the Fourth Annual Fall Food Fest

Tuesday, September 26

6:00-7:30pm

Cedar Falls Community Center

 

Door prizes, live music, and hands-on activities for kids. Plus tasty food. And new this year will be two food trucks. The Fall Food Fest keeps growing each you – you won’t want to miss it!

 

We’ll have food demonstrations, and free food samples from local growers, live music from Fuzzy Logic, and other goodies. Learn about the Co-op, purchase a T-shirt, and for all members, pick up your NEW founding member tote bag! See you at the Fest!

Board Happenings: August 2017

Take a minute to see what your Board has been up to lately!

– We now have over 650 member-owners! This has been an amazing summer, and we wouldn’t have been able to do it without our amazing volunteers.
– If you’re interested in serving on the Board, you still have time to turn in your application. Mailed packets need to be postmarked by September 7th, and those that are emailed need to arrive before midnight on September 9th.
– Be sure to join us for the Fall Food Fest on September 26th. This will be our fourth (!!) year hosting this event, and it’s a great chance to sample foods from vendors that we hope to have at the co-op. See you there!

Member Spotlight: Sue Hummel

Sue Hummel and her husband Dan, share their home with their dog Lily, and two cats, Midge and Mr. Pumpkin.  She was born and raised in Waterloo and has lived in Cedar Falls for 28 years. She graduated from Iowa State University and worked at a couple of advertising agencies as a graphic artist. Her heart was with animal care though, so she switched careers and worked as a veterinary assistant for eight years. During that time she started a pet sitting business, which she sold many years later, but she continued to work as an independent contractor for Dusk to Dawn Professional Petsitters. She is also involved in animal rescue, rehabilitation, and foster care.

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From the Outreach Coordinator: Local businesses are key to the success of our Co-op!

Concern for community, cooperative principle 7, is something we live as a co-op daily. This is embodied through our numerous connections with local businesses. While we often tout the over 60 different businesses who are providing discounts to card-carrying Co-op member-owners, their support goes well beyond this perk. In my time with the Co-op, I have been overwhelmed with the generosity of our local business community.

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Whole Grain Cottage Cheese Pancakes

Now that the kids are back to school and summer is winding down, weekend family breakfast is an excellent way to spend some time together. Let the kids help make some pancakes, yeah! Kids and pancakes, now that’s fun and delicious. 

 

Fresh blueberries are fabulous right now, and this recipe is delicious and nutritious. Blueberries are full of fiber, potassium, folate, vitamin C, vitamin B6 and phytonutrient content. The cottage cheese in the recipe adds protein. Pick some up at Hansen’s Dairy, where you can also find fresh farm eggs, buttermilk, and maple syrup. You can also find eggs, maple syrup, and other great items at the Cedar Falls Farmers Markets.

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Drive Home the Savings (and don’t forget the take-out)

Foodies rejoice! Join us in welcoming two new locally owned restaurants to our Business Partners.  But that’s not all! Car aficionados will appreciate discounts at a local repair shop. Read on….

If you haven’t had a chance to check out Urban Pie yet, now’s your chance! Co-op member-owners will receive 15% off of their dine in order. Fresh to the downtown foodie scene (since February 2017) Urban Pie’s pizzas are a fresh take on an old staple. Urban Pie is a “fast casual, family-friendly restaurant. We create high quality Neapolitan-inspired pizza in an on-the-go setting. Eat in or take out, it’s all good with us.” They offer a fast-fired pizza, cooked in a high temperature open flame oven. Their menu includes several great pizza topping combinations, all fully customizable to your taste. Wings, breadsticks, and dessert pizza are also featured. If you’re thirsty, you may order any of eight beers on tap! Check them out here: http://www.urbanpiecf.com/ . Continue reading→

From the Board President: Membership vs. Ownership – Even We Mix ‘Em Up

 

I’m a card-carrying member of an elite group, a membership-based organization that rarely makes national or local news. I joined in the late 1980’s, and I still proudly have the card. One thing that I’m proud of is that it’s so secret. In fact, it’s so obscure; I’ve never met another member. Yes, in full confession, I’m a member of the Oingo Boingo Secret Society.

Over the years, I’ve been a member of many other organizations – museums, gyms, even the PPFA. I’ve known others who are members of Boy Scouts, AARP, the Sierra Club, and the NRA, although probably not all at once. What organizations are you a member of?

Right now in my wallet, I have a membership card issued by the Cedar Falls Food Co-op. But is it really correct to call it a “membership?” The newer cards say “Member-Owner” on them. What’s the difference, and why does it matter?Continue reading→

More Sweet Deals for Cedar Falls Food Co-op Member-Owners!

Chotto House is a membership based business, but their store, cafe, and classes are open to the public.  They specialize in bubble teas, coffee, smoothies, crepes, pastries, and classes! What kind of classes do they offer, you ask? So far, they have taught a cake decorating class, with more to come including lessons on Thai cuisine and kid’s activities! If you’re in the mood for shopping, Chotto House can help you there as well, as they offer items that would make a perfect gift. Chotto House knows the value of supporting local businesses, so they signed up right away to be a business partner! Co-op member-owners can become automatic members (show your Co-op membership card) of Chotto House and receive one free class per month, plus one free bubble tea, smoothie, or crepe per month.  Also, if you bring a friend, they will receive 1/3 off the price of a class! Sweet deal, right! Check them out on Facebook and online: https://www.chottohouse.com/about.

Don’t forget to take advantage of all the co-op member discounts you are eligible for. Check on who all our business partners are here: https://rootedcarrot.coop/business-partner-specials/.  The savings really add up!

Member Spotlight: Betsy Brandt

Betsy Brandt and her husband Lynn have lived in Cedar Falls for 35 years. They have two grown daughters and two grandchildren. Betsy is a retired teacher.  
She enjoys living in Cedar Falls because it is a small enough community to feel a part of things and big enough including Waterloo and UNI that there are always interesting things to see and do. Betsy is very fond of the library and The World’s Window.  She also loves Stam, the chocolate shop, Cottonwood Canyon, and the Kitchen Essentials store. 

Betsy is looking forward to having the Co-op in the downtown area so that she can walk there and get good fresh vegetables. She would also be interested in any classes on nutrition and food preparation at the Co-op. She likes the idea of a deli in the store and having another gathering place down town.

Betsy likes to read, write, garden, travel, and be out in nature. She volunteers at the Book Nook, Arboretum, and The World’s window.  
Betsy says it’s hard to say what her favorite foods are because she loves lots of different things like fish, fresh fruits, and vegetables.  Her favorite things lately are asparagus, hummus, and avocados.  She likes trying foods from various ethnicities, especially Mexican and Indian.
Her favorite season is summer with late spring as a close second.  
Betsy is thankful that the Co-op works to help members get to know one another.  She says that is another attraction to being a part of the Co-op!