Member Spotlight: Mark and Theresa Westbrock

Mark and Theresa Westbrock (rhymes with “rock”) moved to Iowa in August, 2017 from Las Cruces, New Mexico. Theresa is a librarian, and received her degree in library science from Wayne State University in Detroit. Mark received his undergrad degree in biology at UCSB, and his masters from Wake Forest. The two met while Mark was doing some teaching at the University of Michigan Biology Station where Theresa was the librarian, a position she held for six years.

Mark spent a great deal of time during his masters education living and studying at the Galapagos Islands. Mark lived in a tent for about a year and a half on the Galapagos while studying seabirds. Theresa’s work as a librarian took her from Michigan to New Mexico State University in 2006, where she worked until 2017.

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Board Happenings: June 2018

Take a minute to see what your Board has been up to!
– Did you make it to any one of our many events in June?! We had an excellent campaign and we’re so excited to be building the future with so many amazing members!
– Board elections are coming up soon! If you’re interested in running, keep an eye on our website at https://rootedcarrot.coop/become-a-board-member/
– The Fall Food Fest will be here before you know it! If you’re interested in being a vendor, contact us at info@cedarfallsfood.coop

New Business Partners: June 2018

Kickin Grass Lawn Care

This Cedar Falls business provides custom mowing, spring and fall cleanup, tree and brush trimming, power washing, painting, minor carpentry, trash removal, cleaning, recycling, gutter cleaning, and more. Owner Eric Myszka reports that they have flexible scheduling, and considers Kickin Grass to be a “boutique” lawn care company, built around an “on demand” business model. He is offering our member-owners 25% off of their first 2 mows! Thanks Eric!!

https://www.facebook.com/Kickin-Grass-Lawn-Care-298688276935457/

1938 Tremont Street, Cedar Falls
319-553-1181

 

Ananda Holistic Movement Studio

This local business is aimed at providing “mind-body practices to move you”. Ananda offers a wide array of classes to choose from, including yoga, meditation, singing/chanting/drum circle, and Aya dancing. “We are Ananda, and our mission is simple: we want to help you feel better.” This is demonstrated by the name, Ananda, which means “joy, happiness, perfect bliss”. Ananda is offering 10% off all yoga, meditation & Aya classes to our lucky member-owners! Get feeling better today!

www.anandawaterloo.com

316 W. 3rd St., Waterloo, IA, 50701
319.360.5965

From the Board President: Finding a Home for the Cedar Falls Food Co-op

“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, you need a team.” – John Wooden

 

Last month, at an event I attended for my nonprofit day job, I was approached by someone who told me that he heard where the Cedar Falls Food Co-op will be located. “That’s news to me!” I exclaimed. Perhaps you’ve heard a rumor (or two?) as well.

 

Over the years, the Cedar Falls Food Co-op’s board has worked diligently, guiding our development towards the opening of a store much like this one. At each step in the Co-op’s growth, we’ve wrestled with countless issues and have made significant decisions including the name of the Co-op, the amount of a membership, and the qualifications we’ll require from potential general managers.

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July 2018 Co-op Events

Co-op Connections and Kayak Drawing

Thursday, July 12; 5 – 6:45 p.m. at Second State Brewing Co. (Cedar Falls)

Which member-owner will win the kayak from our June campaign? Find out by joining us at this casual event where the drawing will take place. Join the Co-op outreach coordinator and others to hear about Co-op updates, get your questions answered, and just enjoy the community vibe. Second State Brewing offers a discount to co-op member-owners, so bring your card. Not yet a member-owner? Join there. Questions? Contact outreach@cedarfallsfood.coop.

 

Co-op Book Club

Monday, July 23; 4:45 p.m. at Overman Park 

Our popular book club continues. This month, the book is Killers of the Flower Moon by David Grann. Check it out and come join the lively discussion! Questions? Contact info@cedarfallsfood.coop.

Co-op Potluck and Kickball

Tuesday, July 31; 6 – 8:30 p.m. at Washington Park

We’re combining our potluck with some kickball fun. Co-op members, bring a friend who would enjoy learning more about our efforts to bring a full-service grocery to Cedar Falls. This event is family-friendly and all are welcome. Bring a dish to share and your own tableware if possible so we can reduce landfill waste. We’ll have water and iced tea for everyone, but feel free to bring your own beverage if you prefer. Let’s finish the month together with some friendly competition and delicious food!

 

 

 

From the Coordinator: July 2018

Wow! This community really wants a food co-op. Here are just some of the ways we worked together for another record-breaking June, getting us closer to opening the doors…

 

 

There was a virtual revolving door at 250 State Street at a co-op party hosted by member-owners Jim and LeAnne Sprau. The buzz over the future food co-op around downtown Cedar Falls was electric. “Sign me up!” became the mantra that evening, which ended with 9 new member-owners! Huge thanks to Jim and LeAnne as well as other house-party hosts in June: Dianna LaPole Geiger, Glenn Keith and Michelle Jungers, and Ethan Wiechmann. More member-hosted gatherings, which are a great way to introduce new people to the Co-op, are in the works – let me know if you have an event planned or want help planning one.

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Watermelon, Cucumber & Feta Salad

Nothing says summer like a fresh cut watermelon. It’s fun to try new recipes and perfect when you find one and have all the ingredients on hand. So, the new tasty side dish was a yummy mixture of flavors and textures– sweet watermelon, juicy cucumbers, crisp red onions, salty feta cheese, raw honey, and tart lime juice. The blend of characters danced on the tongue after each bite of the sweet-savory salad. This dish is sure to be a hit at your next gathering. Find the recipe at https://www.cinnamonspiceandeverythingnice.com/watermelon-cucumber-feta-salad/. The photo is of the actual dish made using this recipe. It was delicious! Continue reading