NOVEMBER 2018
We're flush with activity as the fall comes to an end.
In this month's newsletter:

  • GM's notes on changes around the store and upcoming Thanksgiving events
  • The board welcomes new and returning members
  • Turkey business: pre-orders, sampling events, Thanksgiving in the Deli
  • More store events: First Friday, Art Gallery Reception, December Owner Days
  • New items, including upcoming local wreath pre-orders & deli featured drinks
  • In the media: Chicago Tribune covers PrairiErth Farm & nationwide CSA trends
  • Round Up for the Courage Connection in November

From the GM
Gary Taylor, General Manager
Read the November update from Gary here, featuring the new locations of grab & go drinks, cheese, and sushi in the store as well as details on our Thanksgiving events.

Introducing Our New Board Members
An update from your Board of Directors
This month's update from your Board of Directors welcomes returning members and introduces our three new board members. Read the article here .

Want to know more about what your board does? Come to the next board tabling event in the store on Friday, November 9, 5:30-7:30 pm. And plan to attend the next meeting of the board on Monday, November 12, at 6:15 pm at the Urbana Civic Center.

  • Holiday Turkey Pre-orders by November 16
  • Thanksgiving Samplings, November 9, 13, & 18
  • Thanksgiving in the Deli, November 21
Pre-order a Locally Raised Turkey
By November 16
Cooking for the holidays? Guarantee the best quality for your family and friends by ordering a Triple S Farms turkey through the co-op. Order online or at checkout by 11/16.
Thanksgiving Sampling Events (A Thanksgiving in the Deli preview)
Free events November 9, 13, & 18
Stop by on November 9, 13, & 18 to try some roasted local Triple S Farms turkey, co-op made desserts, local salad recipes, charcuterie platters, stuffings, appetizers, roasted squash, and other store-wide samplings.
Co-op Feast November 21: Thanksgiving in the Deli
Save yourself time cooking or just come for a meal!
Every year, we turn the Salad Bar area into a feast! A cold bar full of co-op made entrees, sides, & desserts. Of course, it's full of your holiday favorites, and no, there's no limit on how many plates you can fill up. Heck, even bring your own container (just weigh it beforehand). Plus, join us for a free Thanksgiving sampling event (dates & times below).
  • First Friday Klose Knit Fashion Show, November 2
  • Art Gallery Reception, November 9
  • Next Owner Days, December 6-9
First Friday: A Klose Knit Fashion Show
Friday, November 2, 5:30-7 pm, mall hallway | $10
Join us for an evening of knitting inspiration! Klose Knit's customers will bring their wonderful hand-knitted garments to display.

Tickets are $10 , which includes a glass of wine, co-op appetizers, and a donation to the Reading Group , a not-for-profit learning center which specializes in serving children and adults who struggle with learning difficulties.
Art Gallery Reception
Friday, November 9, 5-7 pm
Join us in celebration of our two local artists, Kenny Andrews and Brianna Lawrence, currently featured in our Co-op Art Gallery.

Come enjoy wine sampling and food featured from our co-op catering menu . Meet the artists in person! Read their artist statements on our website.

This event is happening during our  Thanksgiving Sampling , so it is a perfect time to stop by and try some delightful foods for the holidays.
Next Owner Days: December 6-9
New Items Around the Store
Local produce, new coffee, and scratch-baked seasonal goodies
Produce
  • We have over 100 local items in produce right now, including a late-season customer favorite: Blue Moon Farm organic carrots!

Grocery

  • Stocked Kitchens Everything on Everything Everything Bagel seasoning blends
  • Several varieties: Original, Sriracha, Furikake, and Ranch blends.
  • Comparable to the Trader Joe's Everything but the Bagel blends.
  • Local Kelley's Gourmet Stoneground Mustard from Manteno, IL.
  • Several-time World Mustard Champion
Goat Notes
  • Our local goat milk supply slows down and even stops over the winter because this is when goats are pregnant, so they will no longer be producing milk. We will have Meyenberg goat milk to replace our local goat milk. Another product that will slow significantly as it gets colder are eggs - we will have difficulty getting some local eggs until it warms up again.
Wellness
  • Andes Gifts & Terra Fair & Direct Trade winter accessories are in! Cold weather is right around the corner.

It's Pie Time
  • Have you checked out our from scratch seasonal pies yet?! We have wholes, halves and slices available now! Come by and try a slice to see if it's right for your holiday feast. We have options for guests with dietary restrictions!

  • Cran-Key Lime Pie: $16.99 (wheat-free) A seasonal twist on our ever so popular Key Lime pie. *contains: milk, eggs
  • Harvest Pie: $16.99 (Vegan) A blend of apples, pears, cherries & cranberries seasoned with a cardamom & vanilla spice blend all topped with oatmeal crumbs. *contains: soy, wheat
  • Peanut Butter Pie: $16.99 (wheat-free) Rich peanut butter filling topped with a tasty chocolate ganache... Basically a giant peanut butter cup. *contains: peanuts, milk
  • Apple Pie: $16.99 (Vegan) Tart apples, vegan crust with a streusel top. Simple perfection. *contains: soy, wheat
  • Vegan & Wheat-free Pumpkin Pie: Only $9.99! (7inch) (Vegan/wheat-free) This unique crust-less pumpkin pie is great for those who are vegan, soy-free or wheat-free. *contains: tree nuts
  • Traditional Pumpkin Pie: $16.99 Made with organic pumpkin and fresh ginger on a butter crust. Sometimes you just can't beat the traditional. *contains: wheat, milk, eggs
Keep Your Eyes Peeled for Delight Holiday Wreath Pre-orders
Handmade with local flair
Delight Flower Farm wreaths will be available for pre-order this year! Each wreath is unique, handmade with locally-grown fresh evergreen, dried flowers, and bows. They're freshest when displayed outdoors, but can be used inside.

We'll offer two sizes:
  • $30 for a 12" frame (more like 20" diameter when finished)
  • $40 for an 18" frame (more like 25-30" diameter when finished)

Ordering begins 11/12 . Stay tuned for more information on ordering and pick-up times.
October Deli Features
This month, our featured drinks are:
  • Pumpkin Spice Latte, with co-op made real pumpkin syrup, hot or iced
  • Shady Crest Farms Hot Apple Cider
  • Chaider, with Shady Crest cider & co-op made chai syrup
Strawesome news! We now offer paper straws in the Deli, by request! Get an earth-friendly, compostable straw with your next drink.
Chicago Tribune Features Pr airiErth Farm: "Fewer consumers opting for that weekly box of veggies, so local farmers are struggling to survive"
Below is an excerpt - you can read the full article here.

"Once the province of hippy co-ops and farmers markets, organic produce can be purchased at any Walmart, Jewel-Osco or Aldi — or home-delivered via Amazon and other online retailers.

This rush of competition has hurt revenue at many small farms in Illinois — particularly those that rely on sales through what’s known as community supported agriculture programs, or CSAs. Some farms have scaled back operations or closed altogether. Others, like PrairiErth, have changed their business models to survive."
Together we raised $4,195.52 for the Independent Media Center in October!
November Recipient: Courage Connection

The mission of Courage Connection is to provide a continuum of services so that individuals and families can achieve safety, stability, and self-sufficiency.

Courage Connection provides housing and supportive services to individuals and families who are victims of domestic violence. They believe in the right of every person to safety and the potential of every person for success. Visit their website to learn more.
November Classes & Events
See what's new for the month of September in our classes email. You can always sign up online or in-store and classes are listed on the class calendar.
Enjoy $2 off your next purchase of $15 or more
Just bring in this slip, show it on your device, or mention the word "purple" to your cashier. Valid through end of November. May not be reused or used for sale items, Co-op Basics, or alcohol.