October 2019
Featuring The 2019 Co-op Election Results, Oktoberfest at the Co-op, & Harry Potter Trivia Night
In this month's newsletter:

  • A Word from the General Manager
  • A Word from Your Board
  • Gift Card Migration Reminder
  • Oktoberfest at the Co-op
  • "Prost" - A Bit About Oktoberfest
  • Top Ten in Produce - A list of Produce Favorites
  • Harry Potter Trivia Night
  • Tour of Coil Farm
  • October Featured Drink
  • Pre-order Your Local Turkey
  • What's coming and going in Meat and Cheese
  • What's New in Grocery
  • September Roundup Update
  • October Roundup for Good Recipient
  • The 2020 Elected Round Up Organizations
From the GM
Gary Taylor, General Manager
Read Gary's reflection on this year's Meeting of Owners & our newly elected Board directors.
Meet the New Board Directors
Karen Carney wants you to meet our newly elected Board Directors
Late last month, Common Ground owners elected three individuals to the Board of Directors for the 2019-2021 term.

Colin Dodson is IT Coordinator at Common Ground, and is the Board’s first-ever elected board director who is also an employee. (The election of employee directors was approved by owner vote last fall.) Colin was appointed earlier this year to fill a board vacancy and has served as a member of the board’s Policy Committee. A strong proponent of the cooperative movement, Colin hopes to see Common Ground “forge ever stronger connections with other cooperatives in our region, across the country, and around the world.” Colin is also a member of the board of directors of the Urbana-Champaign Independent Media Center, and has been actively involved in political and community organizing for several years.

J P Goguen is an Urbana resident with an academic background in visual arts and information science, and interests in community organizing, often involving local foods. His Tour de Fruit took participants on a three-part foraging bike ride; he is also the founder of the Wild Food Club, which meets at Common Ground and serves to create community and deepen awareness of locally found foods. As a member of a local housing collective that used formal consensus in decision-making, J P saw firsthand that “sharing equity and governance in a project requires increased listening and compromise on everyone’s part.” He looks forward to learning more about effective leadership in a cooperative structure.

Evelyne Tardy completed a one-year term on the board before her election last month. She says that “one year allows just a glimpse of what can be done,” and is eager to do more for Common Ground. Over the past twelve months, Evelyne has served as chair of the board’s Owner Outreach committee, working closely with staff, owners, and community members to plan events such as the Financial Meeting of Owners (FinMOO) and the fall Meeting of Owners (MOO). She has also served on other boards in the community, including the UP Center, Greater Community Aids Project, and the Illinois Art Education Association. 

Please join us in welcoming these individuals as they begin their terms as board directors. And if you think you might like to join the board yourself, we still have several one-year seats available and are accepting applications for appointment through October 4.

The next meeting of the Board of Directors is Monday, October 14th, from 6:15 to 8:15 pm at First United Methodist Church of Urbana located on Race Street near the west entrance to Lincoln Square. Owners are welcome and encouraged to attend. Please use the entrance with the maroon awning, on the east side of the church.
Gift Card Migration Reminder
An Update from our IT Coordinator about the switch to new processors this month
We're still moving steadily forward on the gift card conversion process, but we still do not have definite dates for conversion. Based on where we are right now, my best estimation is that we'll be converting gift cards in mid to late October and that a blackout period will occur around that time. As we know more, information that will impact our shoppers will be posted at the registers. Thank you for your patience as we navigate challenges like these, and have a wonderful fall!
Oktoberfest at the Co-op
This event will take place on October 4th
Celebrate the beginning of autumn at Common Ground's first Oktoberfest ! You can enjoy authentic German brats from the local Triple S Farms of Stewardson, IL or a vegan brat for a non-meat option. Each meal includes a side of sauerkraut and pretzel sticks from local Central Illinois Bakehouse . All for just $5! Also available for purchase is authentic German beer from Riggs Brewery. You won't want to miss this party! Come out to enjoy delicious food, popular Riggs beer, and live music! See you all there!
Prost!
Here's a bit on Oktoberfest from our Beer and Wine Buyer, Lisa!
Given the name, one would think that it would also be a chance to celebrate the great month of October. And it is. What’s shocking, though, is that this festival’s namesake month barely gets to take part in the festivities.

That’s right—the majority of Oktoberfest takes place in September, which makes Oktoberfest seem like one of the biggest misnomers we use all the time. The entire festival runs 16-18 days, depending on the year, and most of them are in September. For example, the 2019 dates are September 21–October 6. However, when Oktoberfest began in 1810, it did take place entirely in October, from the 12th to the 17th.
The first Oktoberfest was a celebration of the marriage between Bavarian Crown Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen. It lasted five days, during which the citizens of Munich were invited to eat and drink to their hearts’ content while listening to live music and watching parades. The party ended with a horse race at the edge of town.

Join us here at the Co-op for a one day celebration featuring Triple S Farms brats, sauerkraut from The Brinery, pretzel sticks from local Central Illinois Bakehouse, & Riggs Beer Company’s very own version of Oktoberfest 2019 Brew! Prost!
Top Ten in Produce
Top ten list of favorite produce products of our Produce Manager Wyatt
  1. Avocados - They're a must have for guacamole.
  2. Blueberries - These berries are great as a snack or with yogurt.
  3. Kiwiberries - Imagine a mini kiwi without a furry skin that you can eat whole.
  4. Local tomatoes - We have many varieties of heirloom, red and cherry tomatoes, all produced within 100 miles.
  5.  Local collard greens - These go great with cornbread!
  6. Blue Moon Farm Poblano peppers - These are awesome as stuffed peppers.
  7. Local apples - We currently have 8 different varieties.
  8. Green Pantry Nursery herbs - They're great for all your cooking needs.
  9. Local watermelons - We get them in 3 varieties. They've been great for cookouts.
  10. Local caramel apples - With peanuts or without, they have been a kids favorite!
Harry Potter Trivia Night
Rep your house!
Harry Potter Trivia Night at Common Ground is happening Wednesday night, October 30th from 6-8pm in our Mall Hallway!

$5 per witch/wizard, maximum of 5 per team! Each ticket comes with your choice of drink and dessert straight from Hogsmead. There will be a Hogwarts Bakesale including Butterbeer, Pumpkin Juice, Three Broomsticks Pumpkin Cake, Deatheater By Chocolate Cake, Chocolate Frog Vegan Mousse. Book only trivia. Bonus points for teams who wear costumes.

We await your owl, RSVP through Eventbrite to reserve your tickets or purchase in store.
Tour of Coil Farm
Providing us with freshly laid chicken eggs from Mansfield, Illinois for nearly seven years
Claudia and Guy Coil are the supportive farmers of several hundred laying chickens on their wooded farm in Mansfield, IL about 20 miles from Common Ground. Their freshly laid chicken eggs have graced the Co-op shelves for almost seven years and we are proud to have been their very first outlet to sell their dozens. Some of our staff stopped over at their farm the other day for a visit, some coffee, and were lucky to hold some chickens and tour the various wooded pastures where the chickens dwell during the day. Underneath apple trees, grapes, and other shade-making trees, the hens and a couple roosters get to roam around the farm pecking, scratching, and foraging for other plants and insects outside.

The friendly chickens were curious of the new visitors, clucking contentedly and showing off their healthy and fluffy plumage. Claudia and Guy work hard each day collecting hundreds of eggs, filling chicken feed, washing eggs, providing protected areas for them to roam, and making sure all the chickens are tucked in safely in their roosting houses at night. We’re lucky to have such caring local farmers who cherish their relationship with the hens. These fresh eggs you can find in our dairy refrigerator section every day. 
October Cafe Feature
The month of October features the Common Ground Apple Chaider
$4.99
$1 off on Fridays
Made with OG chai tea syrup & apple cider from Shady Crest Farm Market (41 miles away)
About Shady Crest Apple Cider: Most ciders are made with the same combinations of apples for a consistent flavor, but not this stuff. This is made with the apples that are available throughout the season, so its character changes.
Pre-order Your Local Turkey
Heritage Breed, Broad Breasted Bronze, & Humanely Raised by Triple S Farms
Need some inspiration for your fall holiday eats? We are hosting two holiday sample nights, starring the Triple S Farm heritage breed turkey available for pre-order! This is the perfect opportunity to try this delicious bird before pre-ordering, alongside a variety of classic holiday side dishes. Join us on Friday, October 25th from 5-7pm and for November's First Friday event on Friday, November 1st from 5-7pm for this storewide sampling event.
Here is Meat & Cheese's Word on the Street
What's new? What's leaving? Find out here.
Returning:
MT. Sterling
  • Goat Mozzarella
  • Raw Goat Mild Cheddar
Expanding Selection
LaQuercia
  • Spicy Salami sticks
  • Smoky Salami Sticks
Items being discontinued
1-The Piggery-Deli ham
2-The Piggery-Bacon Jam
3-Central Coast Creamery-Goat Gouda
4-St. Albray
What's New In Grocery?
We've got some exciting products for you
Navitas Latte Mixes - Turmeric, Matcha, & Cacao flavors. 
  • $1.99 for a single serve packet.
  • Organic, Plant-based, Keto, Paleo. 
  • Super creamy, easy & delicious.
Kevita Sparkling Probiotic Drinks are back with some old standards & new flavors.
  • $2.99. 
  • Watermelon Rose is really nice. 
  • These are a super refreshing alternative to kombucha.
Bulk Plantain Chips from Inka Crops  -These have been super popular in packaged form for years. Now you can save the plastic and a little money by shopping them in bulk! $8.69/lb.
Harmless Harvest Dairy-free Drinkable Yogurts - Harmless Harvest has been making the tastiest, fresh coconut water for years. 
  •  $3.19
  • Their new drinkable yogurt is clean, crisp, and creamy.

Base Culture Almond Butters  
  • Tasty flavors
  • Woman-owned and operated
  • Clean ingredients
  • Decadent butters.

Darista Dips Gooey Chocolate Espresso Hummus - Super decadent chocolate hummus celebrates and brings together several women-owned operations.

Evo Hemp Hemp Bars  
  • $2.99
  • Delicious, plant-based, organic protein bars
  • Great company, great mission, great bars.

Annie’s Grassfed Organic Mac & Cheese - Annie’s is doing lots of work on the Regenerative Agriculture front These are top of the line!

Goodie Girl Cookies  
  • $4.75
  • Lots of new delicious flavors 
  • These cookies make you happy to be gluten-free

Bulk Garden Veggie Chips  
  • Sweet Potato, Taro, Squash, Carrots, & Green Beans 
  • Super crisp, thick cut, veggies!
September Round Up: Planned Parenthood Champaign Health Center
An update on the September Round Up
In September, together we raised over $5000 for Planned Parenthood Champaign Health Center and contributed towards its efforts to give a ccess to and awareness of healthy food for all.

Its mission is to provide food, and develop awareness of and creative solutions for food insecurity.

Thank you for helping us support such a great organization!

Round Up For Good is a call-to-action inspired program, which began in February 2010 when Common Ground owners expressed a desire to help fund the relief of the earthquake in Haiti. Since then, the program has transformed into a community-focused ongoing effort to help fund local organizations that are selected democratically by store owners during September.

October Round Up: Black Lives Matter CU
Introducing the October Round Up For Good Recipient
Black Lives Matter Champaign-Urbana is committed to working vigorously for the freedom, justice, and dignity of Black people, and by extension all people. As we forge our path, we intentionally build and nurture a community that is bonded together through a restorative struggle. As a chapter of the Black Lives Matter Network, we will engage in collective action against anti-Black racism in Champaign-Urbana and organize movement assemblies.

Goals:
  • To engage with (Black) youth in our community through involvement in schools and community organizations and activities, specifically targeting issues like the school to prison pipeline;
  • To bring awareness and open discourse to issues related to the mental health of Black people, provide educational materials, and partner with mental health services;
  • To promote and initiate activities around environmental justice including food justice and economic justice;
  • To advocate for, initiate activities with, and seek to provide empowerment tools for Black marginalized communities including: Black poor, Black queer, Black single mothers, Black immigrants, and Black folks with disabilities; 
  • To hear from general members of our community (namely non-academics) through testimonials, focus groups, interviews, and surveys."
The 2020 Elected Round Up Organizations
Round Up organizations and their assigned month for 2020
Thank you to everyone who participated in our 2019 Co-op Election! Your voice truly makes an impact through your votes for the Board of Directors and our Round Up for Good organizations! Below are the recipients for the 2020 Round Up:
See what else is new for the month of October in our current classes email .

You can always sign up online or in store and classes are listed on the class calendar.
Sat, Oct 5, 2019 2:00 PM CST
Local Apples Three Ways
Common Ground Food Co-operative, Urbana
Thu, Oct 10, 2019 6:00 PM CST
Stuffed Pumpkin
Common Ground Food Co-operative, Urbana
Sat, Oct 12, 2019 2:00 PM CST
Ethiopian Berbere Salmon
Common Ground Food Co-operative, Urbana
Thu, Oct 17, 2019 6:00 PM CST
Soapmaking for Beginners
Common Ground Food Co-operative, Urbana
Enjoy $2 off your next purchase of $15 or more
Just bring in this slip or show it on your device. Valid through the end of October. May not be reused or used for sale items, Co-op Basics, or alcohol.
Common Ground Food Co-op
217-352-3347
www.commonground.coop
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