MEET YOUR NEW BOARD DIRECTORS, PAGE 7

www.rivermarket.coop December 2017- January 2018 Happy New Year! ome time ago, we were going to you, we completed our remodel over 3 ago, we were about the only natural food through old board materials. Some years ago. I think we did the right thing store in town (except for a very noble S of it was very well organized, some to remodel before the grocery wars picked experiment by Applebaums). We were was not. It was fun and instructive to see up in these parts. Competition will never used to having “quirky food” that shoppers people I’ve known as customers had also go away. The war doesn’t just stop. In the had never seen before. Today a lot of that served on the board of directors before 60’s I bagged groceries at the St. Anthony “quirky food” can be found in almost any I started at River Market. Another fun Village Red Owl store. Right in our shop- retail . That’s different. The tidbit was from old financials: December ping center there was another grocery word “organic” associated with patchouli used to be our biggest sales month while store (Penny’s I think) and oil, bulk foods, and long-haired hippies now that recognition goes to May – the an S. S. Kresge’s. Central Avenue had in the 70’s, is mainstream today. Like our very start of the local season. December many grocery stores – Country Club was Stillwater traffic situation, isn’t it a greater was our 5th slowest month last year. 10 my mother’s favorite. North on Central good if more people eat better food? I years ago, a Cinco de Mayo display didn’t was a Zayre Shopper’s City. My point is, think so. do anything in produce. Not so today! even in a different era, competition was What River Market emphasizes is great Likewise, Super Sunday has turned into always right smack in our face. customer service, great produce, qual- the second biggest food day in the United One of the most delightful local competi- ity perishables, and the fact that we’re States. tive battles was between and locally owned. Much as you might wish People, demographics, cities, and com- Red Owl Country Stores. Cub opened otherwise, we will never win the low- petition continually change. I feel pretty their concrete floor, mark your own price wars. Would you really like wrapped good about the new bridge for example. groceries with a crayon, bare bones store produce that can be efficiently scanned It has not helped our sales yet, customer in Fridley in 1968. Soon after, Red Owl by a cashier to save labor and lower the counts are about the same as before. But I started opening Country Stores around price? That’s what ’s does with their like to think about the thousands of com- the Twin Cities. They did Cub Foods one produce. Unlike Whole Foods’ dramatic muters who have been freed up from long, better with expanded refrigerated, frozen, move to reduce local buying and do more hardly moving lines of traffic for 15 to 20 and perishable departments. Cub took centralized purchasing, River Market buys minutes. Now that’s a greater good! And their stores to the next level and out- over a million dollars a year from local if our customer count is about the same as stored Red Owl. Around that time a Twin it was, then it’s our job to sell a little more Cities newspaper wrote that Cub had the to each customer. best produce in town and Cub began a IMPORTANT DATES tremendous rise in stores, sales, and repu- In fiscal 2019, we’re due for another DECEMBER tation. Red Owl, probably lacking a clear owner survey—let’s see how our demo- Wellness Wednesday...... Dec 6 vision or mission and being owned by a graphic changes. Two surveys ago, “local” Store Closes at 4 pm...... Dec 24 parent company that syphoned cash out was clearly a key word; but that shifted Store Closed...... Dec 25 of the stores, never responded significantly slightly in the last survey with owners Store Closes at 6 pm...... Dec 31 to Cub’s up-dates. preferring organic more than local. What’s next? Who will we be? The competition we see today is status JANUARY quo in our industry. It just happened to Store Closed...... Jan 1 Competitively, look what Hy-Vee has hit the co-ops particularly hard. What’s Wellness Wednesday...... Jan 3 done in our area. Cub is remodeling. Kow- different for grocery co-ops is that 20 years Roundtable Conversation...... Jan 17 alski’s has made some changes. Thanks December 2017- January 2018 2 River Market

vendors, small vendors and farmers in the St. Croix Valley. We believe that’s good for Employees by Age our community and for us. We offer opportunities not always available in other workplaces. A majority of our staff 16% 30-39 are women. Six of nine department manag- 25% 20-29 ers are women. Five of nine owners on our www.rivermarket.coop 14% board are women. 40-49 16% Finally, the age distribution of our employ- 16% 60-69 Currents ees is surprisingly even. 20 to 29 year olds 16-19 Mead Stone 13% represent about a quarter of our staff, but 50-59 General Manager 30-39 and 60-69 are both at 16% of our [email protected] staff. Andre Bessette Marketing and Membership [email protected] For change of address or to inquire What are the responses to previous Cur- discuss the holiday food ideas you gave me about membership call 651439-0366. rents questions? Great customer service! to consider carrying this holiday season. (Thank you!) “No” to the bathroom – not River Market Community Co-op We’ve had a couple of interesting round-ta- a good business decision for the co-op. The 221 N. Main St. ble discussions and will be picking them up Stillwater, MN 55082 low-income program is about two to one in again in January, after the holidays. Is there For employment opportunities favor of a program, but this is not as over- a topic you would be interested in discuss- visit our website or check in whelming as I expected, so we’ll need to ing? What’s one item you would really like the in-store posting give the program a little more thought. At the co-op to consider carrying for you that All River Market Members are welcome our managers meetings, we have started to to attend monthly board meetings. you have to go elsewhere to buy? Meetings are generally held the second Tuesday of each month from 6:30–8:30 p.m. in the River Market Loft space across Main Street. Mead Stone wants your opinion The Board of Directors welcome members at the meetings. I’d like your response to either (or both) of the following questions: River Market Board of Directors 1. What would you like to see as a round table discussion topic? Alison Komarek, President 2. What’s one item we don’t carry that you’d really like us to consider [email protected] having on the shelf? Chris Jensen, Vice President Write your comments in the box below and feel free to add a separate piece of 612-735-3681 [email protected] paper. Give this feedback to any cashier and get a dollar off your order. Sara Morrison, Secretary We look forward to hearing from you! And I’ll continue questions like these with 651-983-1300 each future Currents issue. [email protected] Nate Hart, Treasurer 651-307-0299 [email protected] Elissa Cottle Brock Ehnert Matt Ludt April Rust Kellie Seth For general board questions email [email protected] $ Give to any cashier for 1 off your order. PLU 222 River Market 3 December 2017- January 2018

Rounding Up Recipient for December: The St. Croix River Association Celebrating 50 Years of Our Wild and Scenic River Film, Book, Art to Mark St. Croix Anniversary

he St. Croix River Association Cities Public Television in June, and a quality, land protection, invasive spe- (SCRA) is thrilled to be partnering new photo book from acclaimed photogra- cies, and education and outreach, SCRA T with River Market Community Co- pher Craig Blacklock. The book, entitled aims to ensure a healthy future for the op for December. The St. Croix National Scenic Riverway: St. Croix River and its watershed. SCRA The Enduring Gift, includes a foreword by staff, along with 21 Board members, many Did you know there is a National Park in Vice President Walter F. Mondale. Mon- volunteers, partners and interns, conduct the Co-op’s backyard? dale and then-fellow Senator Gaylord activities to: 1968 marked the passage of the federal Nelson were instrumental in passing the • Keep the St. Croix River clean for Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, and with Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. recreation including boating, swimming it the creation of the St. Croix National Next year, SCRA will also partner with and fishing Scenic Riverway. The Riverway includes The Phipps Center for the Arts in Hud- both the St. Croix and its tributary, the • Protect the wild and scenic beauty of son, WI, for a month-long exhibit featur- Namekagon, and was among the eight Riverway ing a nationwide juried show and works by original rivers designated as wild and Blacklock and by Northern Clay Center • Ensure the plant and animal biodiver- scenic by the 1968 act, and the first to be alumni. The exhibit opens September 14, sity of the area is preserved named a national park. 2018. Other special activities include a • Foster the next generation of leaders The St. Croix River Association is honor- research report, numerous outdoor adven- to protect this well-preserved national ing this milestone with a special multi- tures, speaking engagements, and an an- treasure faceted initiative. niversary celebration on October 2, 2018, The vision of the St. Croix River As- SCRA’s mission is to protect, restore, fifty years after Lyndon Johnson signed the sociation is a thriving watershed, forever and celebrate the St. Croix River and its landmark legislation. accessible, scenic, and wild. The support watershed. It is also the Friends group for Through these initiatives, SCRA seeks to of communities and partners along the St. the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway honor the Park’s unique history, celebrate Croix and throughout the watershed en- and collaborates with them to protect and the Riverway as a thriving wilderness-like sures that we can give back to the River, enhance this national park, offering qual- park amidst a growing metropolitan re- which gives us so much. ity experiences and access for its visitors. gion, and excite new generations of river Visit us online at stcroixriverassociation. SCRA’s special initiatives feature a docu- enthusiasts to swim, fish, boat, camp, or org to learn more about the exciting mentary by noted filmmakers John Kaul just enjoy nature. events and initiatives planned for 2018 and Tom Reiter, set to debut on Twin Through wide-ranging programs in water and beyond. December 2017- January 2018 4 River Market Classes at River Market Importance of Protein in Your Weight Loss make the biggest impact. UPCOMING CLASSES David Haeg, who works with Diet Monday, January 15 AT THE RIVER MARKET communities to promote smarter Tuesday, December 19 Classes are held at the Loft, unless 6-7pm energy use, has designed programs otherwise specified. The Loft is 6 - 7pm In this lecture with a demo, you to promote energy efficiency and located at 218 North Main Street, will learn how to burst train which renewable energy at Elevate Energy on the second floor above Images Your muscles, organs, hair, nails, of the Past and Present, directly and immune system are made up is performing a series of "surges" in and SolarMatch, partnering with across Main St. from River Market. mostly of protein and your body your workout followed by the same energy utilities, startups, nonprofits, period of rest. Burst Training is high and environmental organizations. Entrance is located on the south uses it to build, repair, and replace side of the building. The Loft has tissues. Presented by Jackie A. intensity, short duration exercise The class is free for any co-op a room capacity of 21 people. Mart, Holistic Nutritionist and Life that causes the body to respond owners but registration is required. Parking is not allowed in the space Coach. Learn about the top natural with increased hormones and next to the building; please use sources of protein and how much to physiology needed to burn fat and A Natural Approach to Animal street parking or the River Market consume each day. The class is $10 produce muscle even after you’ve Allergies parking lot. completed your workout. Presented for any co-op owners and $15 for Thursday, January 18 Please pre-register in-store at River non-owners. by Jackie A. Mart, Holistic Market, phone (651) 439-0366 or Nutritionist and Life Coach. The 6-7:30pm email Ola Schmelig at education@ class is $10 for any co-op owners Are you tired of dealing with dog rivermarket.coop. Sign up early to Holistic Healthy Eating and reserve a seat and help ensure the Weight Loss and $15 for non-owners. or cat allergy symptoms? Feel like you're not getting anywhere with class is held. Monday, January 8 Smarter Energy Use at Home the treatments you have tried? Join Payment due at registration. We accept all major credit cards. 6-7pm Tuesday, January 16 us in this fun and interactive class People try all the “fad diets” and to learn new methods of thinking If you need to cancel, please notify 6-7pm about and dealing with canine and us at least 3 days in advance for a either give up or gain all the weight full refund. back. Weight loss is about eating We'd all like to have lower bills and feline allergies. Relief is possible whole, unprocessed foods and protect the environment, but it can with natural therapies. Note: River Market does not be hard to know where to begin. Presented by Dr. Jessica Levy, DVM. necessarily agree with the ideas, committing to a healthy lifestyle. opinions or materials given during Most “diet foods” are loaded with This presentation will focus on the The class is free for any co-op the above presentations and chemicals, additives, are devoid simplest and most affordable ways to owners and $5 for non-owners. classes. of nutrients, and actually make New instructors and class ideas you gain more weight. Jackie A. for upcoming classes are always Mart, Holistic Nutritionist and Life appreciated. Coach, will go over the 3 Powerful Holiday hours If you’re interested in teaching Principles of Nutrition and you a class, email Ola Schmelig at will learn to feed your body what it Christmas Eve: [email protected] needs to look great on the outside 9 am – 4 pm and promote healing on the inside. The class is $10 for any co-op Christmas Day: owners and $15 for non-owners. Closed Basics of Winter Wellness Intro to Fire Cider New Year’s Eve: Saturday, January 13 9 a m – 6 pm Saturday, December 9 10-11am 10-11am Staying healthy and cold free New Year’s Day: Fire Cider, a tasty vinegar infusion, during the winter months is not Closed is a popular herbal folk remedy that difficult if you remember used mainly to boost your immune about some basic steps to boost system, stimulate digestion, your immunity throughout the strengthen and protect your season. In this class presented by cardiovascular system. Keegan Keegan Hartwick from Wellness Hartwick from our Wellness Department you will learn about Department will talk about the the healthy lifestyle components history and traditional use of fire as well as which supplements are cider, its benefits and will also show especially important to take during how to make your own tonic with the winter months. recipe ideas. The class is free for any co-op The class is free for any co-op owners but registration is required. owners but registration is required. Burst Training for Fitness and River Market 5 December 2017- January 2018

Rounding Up Recipient for January: Farmaste

armaste Animal Sanctuary is a non- profit, 501(c)(3) organization fully F funded by donations. We rescue farmed animals from cruelty situations and bring them to live out their lives on our farm in Lindstrom, MN. We offer oppor- tunities for people to come and interact with these animals through public tours, camps and other events. Our hope is that people will get to see their personalities, and understand that they aren’t any differ- ent than our dogs and cats.

December January OWNER COUPON 5% Off OWNER COUPON

One coupon per owner number per month Monthly One coupon per owner number per month 5% DISCOUNT Owner 5% DISCOUNT Owner number______Valid 12/1/17 Discount Owner number______Valid 1/1/18 Date used______to 12/31/17 Date used______to 1/31/18 Cashier’s Initials ______PLU 85 Cashier’s Initials ______PLU 85 December 2017- January 2018 6 River Market Wrestling with Food Trends: Radical or Real? by Cheryl Johnson, River Market Owner

If you’re reading this, you probably care a lot about food. I do, own good health, but too, and I’m eager to read the latest research and food advice. as a vote against a food I But an search this morning yielded more than 2,200 causing a form of addic- diet and nutrition books published in just the last 90 days. A tion especially harmful to person can’t keep up, or even know which authors to trust if you children. could. It was clear as I finished So I picked a few I’ve heard people talking about, and read them each one that I should be during a week of vacation. And, as I expected, each one gave eating a completely differ- its own clear—and sometimes radical—advice. In The Plant ent dinner that night. “Eat Paradox, I learned about the gluten-sensitivity-type inflamma- only white rice.” “Eat only tion caused by the lectin proteins in some vegetables and fruits. I Indian white basmati rice.” should eat nutrient-dense foods like sweet “Eat only wild rice.” “Never potatoes, but avoid all nightshades, eat rice.” At some point, and meat. Head Strong was a more I need to eat something technical explanation of how without excessive worrying food impacts health at the about what’s causing prema- cellular level. So I should ture aging or chronic disease. feed my mitochondria high As I consider this new information, my own polyphenol foods, like cof- common sense and experience bring me back to Michael fee and dark chocolate, and Pollan’s advice: Don’t eat anything your great-grandmother the meats and fish that make wouldn’t recognize as food. As River Market shoppers, we can neurotransmitters. The Wise Tradi- trust the distilled wisdom of our community—the staff and own- tions advice is based on Westin A. Price’s studies of “popula- ers we know and trust—and a clear product selection philosophy: tions untouched by western civilization,” which suggest I should a preference for the kind of “real” food that comes from fair, eat unprocessed foods, and include nutrient-rich fats (such as humane, and sustainable business practices. lard and expeller-pressed oils) among my choices. I was further challenged by the social impact of food in The Case Against So will these books radically change how I eat? No. I’m already Sugar. Perhaps I should avoid all refined sugars not only for my choosing among plenty of good options.

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Sign up at www.rivermarket.coop and click the orange box ‘Receive Updates Via Email River Market 7 December 2017- January 2018 Meet Your New, But Familiar Directors!

Alison Komarek, Chris Jensen and Nate Hart. seafood are a favorite. I recently traveled to Haiti and was so surprised at some of the delicious meals I was served. I tend to What is your favorite thing about the Co-op? shy away from any organ meats. Alison: This question asks for a singular item but I have to go How do you spend a snow day? bigger on this one. My favorite things about the Co-op are the people and the food. By “people” I am referring to both the River Alison: Skiing, sledding, or fat-tire biking with my family. We Market staff and the owners. The people make the Co-op a truly love winter in the Komarek household! Freshly fallen snow is a special experience. Another favorite for me is the quality of the huge draw outside for all of us. food. I originally found the Co-op looking for the food but I Chris: Probably shoveling, listening to music and reading. became an owner because of the people. Nate: My family purchased season passes to Trollhaugen, so Chris: The overall atmosphere. The people, the food and that hopefully it will be skiing! good co-op smell. Where would you go if you could visit anywhere and why? Nate: I love the smell when you first walk through the doors. It has a very earthy-freshness to it that tells me ‘good things are Alison: I would go to Europe to do a tour of my numerous ances- here’. tral countries. What is your favorite food or dish? Chris: I’d like to take a guided but off the path trip through the South American rainforests. I’d like to travel somewhere that Alison: Another difficult question to answer in singular fashion. few if any humans have ever set foot. At this moment I am going to say anything related to tacos… tacos themselves, taco salad, taco soup, etc. Nate: It would be the International Space Station. To be able to travel to space and look down upon our little blue dot we call Chris: The one food that I could eat every day and not get sick home and then turn around to look at the billions of stars of our of is pizza (unfortunately). universe would be a life-long dream come true. Nate: I have an experimental palate. The usual suspects like burgers, steak, pizza or pastas are in the top ten. Most types of

Round Table Conversations

Recently an owner asked through one of our newsletter surveys There is a strengthened sense of community from these conver- “What is the round table?”. As a community-owned business, sations and shared learning, especially in regard to individual we constantly look for ways to engage with our owners. A co-op values and how those aggregate into our cooperative grocery thrives not only from owners utilizing the products and services store. their co-op offers, but also from the democratic input and control Next Round Table: you can exercise. An owner (once again through a newsletter survey) recently On a Tuesday evening in August and a Saturday afternoon in asked: “What is the leadership doing to foster a sense of commu- September, we invited any interested owners to come together nity at the coop?” for a casual conversation around a topic based on a question or suggestion from an owner. Three owners attended the first ses- Join us on Wednesday, January 17 at 6 pm to talk about how sion, two came to the second and both times the conversation River Market does and could further foster a sense of community, was stimulating and informative. and any and all topics related to it! What is a sense of commu- nity, and why is it desirable? Are there obvious ways to cultivate The topic in August, ‘working to understand the price points this that are often overlooked? Perhaps you’ve seen efforts at an- and mission of the co-op, began by trying to grasp more fully the other cooperative you wish River Market would emulate. Email question itself and led to various conversations. In September [email protected] to reserve a seat, space is limited. we talked about product selection at River Market, which types of products we ought to carry or not, while remaining mindful of the diverse values and priorities of our over 5,000 owners. PRESORTED STANDARD U.S. Postage PAID Permit #1961 Twin Cities, MN

221 North Main Street, Stillwater, MN 55082 e-mail: [email protected] 651-439-0366 Open daily 8:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m.

Owner Survey Ask Us Anything! Or, what topics would you be interested in talking about in a round-table session starting back up in January?

Please return this survey to any River Market cashier with your member number and receive $1 off your order. Expires 1/31/2018; limit one survey for each member number. PLU: 222 Owner Number:______