Co-op Community Room
Upcoming Events

In our Community Room we have a photo retrospective of the Common Market's history.

The fifth Cooperative Principle:
Education, Training and Information: Cooperatives educate and train their members, elected representatives, managers, and employees so they can help with the development of their cooperative. They also inform the general public about the nature and benefits of cooperation.

Local farmer, Rick Hood, leads participants as they learn to build their own water-saving rain barrels.

The Common Market has designated a space in our new store to help us fulfill the fifth Co-op Principle. We call this space our Co-op Community Room. All events in the Community Room will be educational with a primary focus on cooperatives, health and sustainability.

To request an event posting please contact zoe@commonmarket.coop

What’s up with the new fees for the Community Room events?

In 2006 when we moved to the new store, we opened our Co-op Community Room doors to the community for classes and meeting space. The first year we spent a lot of time recruiting instructors and coming up with a few guidelines to ensure the community room was in line with the Co-op’s mission and was a space that could be seen as a community resource. The second year we experimented with classes and brought in a full-time Education and Outreach Coordinator to oversee the community room and to make sure the classes were packed full of valuable info. So after two years of trial and error we feel we have a line up of classes that exceed most attendees’ expectations. We have added a small fee per class to cover the administrative costs of planning and organizing as well as any material or food related costs and lastly to cover the cost of the instructor fees. The class fees just cover the necessary expenses of keeping the Community Room classes up and running. We are very excited about this year’s line up of classes and we think you will be too! Please read the Fine Print at the end of the class listing to learn more about our class fees and cancellation policy.

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Event Descriptions

Surviving Spring Allergies
Liz Bartlett
Tuesday, April 28
6:30-7:30pm
$12, $8 for Common Market Owners
Pre-register at our Co-op Services Desk or email zoe@commonmarket.coop

Sneezing? Runny nose? Red, itchy eyes? Feeling miserable with spring allergies? Come and learn ways to support your health and feel better with herbs, supplements, and nutrition. We'll talk about various herbs and supplements that can support the respiratory and immune systems, nutrition suggestions that will help build immune health and reduce allergy symptoms, as well as some lifestyle suggestions. Learn which herbs are good in steams, tinctures, teas, and more. The suffering is optional!

Mother’s Day Special
Veggie Annie’s Chocolate Tasting
Veggie Annie
Saturday, May 9
9:30-11:30 am
$12, $9 for Common Market Owners
Pre-register at our Co-op Services Desk or email zoe@commonmarket.coop

It’s your mom’s favorite indulgence! (In addition to time spent with you, of course.) Register together for this entertaining class - it’s a very cool Mother’s Day idea. Come and taste a variety of dark chocolates, and discover the intriguing differences among them. Cleanse your palate between chocolates, and fully experience the unique characteristics which define each one. Make notes on the tasting sheets about your discoveries, and take home a record of your impressions and preferences.
In between tasting chocolate, Veggie Annie will talk about the fascinating history, manufacturing process and mythical status of the Food of the Gods. Together, we’ll create an approximation of an ancient Aztec chocolate drink (without the human sacrifices, though), as well as a few glorious Chocolate Truffles to take home. Of course your children are welcome; however this class appeals more to an adult palate and interests. Look for a kids’ chocolate class in the fall.
Veggie Annie has been an organic caterer, personal chef and cooking teacher for over a decade and a half. She’s a “vegetable evangelist” - spreading the word of the fabulousness of veggies, local goods, organics and seasonal cooking and eating wherever she goes. Note that registering yourself and someone you love for a Veggie Annie cooking class is a great way to give a gift without adding more STUFF to anyone’s life. A shared experience is a personal, thoughtful (and green) present. www.veggieannie.com

Better Eating For Life: Portion Control & Dining Out Defensively
Linda Pruce
Sunday, May 17
2:00-3:00 pm
$12, $8 for Common Market Owners
Pre-register at our Co-op Services Desk or email zoe@commonmarket.coop

You’ve been making healthy choices since January. Don’t let oversized portions knock you out of the game. BEFFL facilitator, Linda Pruce will teach you about proper serving size for when you’re eating in as well as strategies to battle outrageous, oversized portions when eating out. Learn tips to pre-plan a satisfying yet healthy dinner out as well as key words to avoid when reading a menu and for fun, she’ll challenge you with “the five minute chocolate experience.”
Pick up the latest BEFFL guides at our Co-op Services Desk and attend this workshop for more helpful tips on engaging the program.

Growing & Harvesting Herbs for Health and Cooking
Liz Bartlett
Tuesday, May 19
6:00-7:30pm
$15, $10 for Common Market Owners
Pre-register at our Co-op Services Desk or email zoe@commonmarket.coop

Experience the beauty of herbs in your own backyard. Come & learn about various herbs, including how to grow and harvest for personal use in cooking and for teas. One of life’s joys is going to your garden (even if it’s only in a pot on your porch) and snipping some fresh herbs to blend in freshly baked goods, or brew in tea to soothe frayed nerves. See, smell, and taste various herbs and be inspired to plant a patch of earth of your own.
Liz Bartlett is an herbalist and wellness counselor with Joy of Herbs, LLC in New Market, MD. Liz holds a Masters of Science in Herbal Medicine from Tai Sophia Institute and a BS in Human Nutrition and Foods. She partners with clients on a variety of health issues. Liz enjoys supporting her clients’ health and teaching about herbs and wholesome, vital eating throughout Frederick County and beyond. www. joyofherbs.net

Stretch Your Shopping Dollar
The Magic of the Co-op’s Bulk Department
Veggie Annie
Wednesday, May 13 and Wednesday, May 27
6:00-8:00pm
$25, $20 for Common Market Owners
Pre-register at our Co-op Services Desk or email zoe@commonmarket.coop

“Buying bulk”, in Co-op terms, means that you can buy as little or as much as you like of whatever you find in this wonderful department. Need a tablespoon of rice? And three pounds of hazelnuts? Our Bulk Department has got you covered. Come to one or both of the classes (but we recommend both) to find out how to use the most economical section of The Common Market to save money and create fantastic new tastes for your table.
At the beginning of the first class, we’ll take a quick tour of the beans, grains, nuts, dried fruit, chocolate chips, sweets, honey, tamari and all the other goodies. Then we’ll cook and taste different yummy dishes in each class. Look for Homemade Nutty Granola with Dried Cherries and Blueberries (not your average granola), Classic Red Beans and Rice, Rosemary Cocktail Walnuts, Wheatberry Salad with Pine Nuts, the Enigmatic Quinoa grain, and Vegan Dark Chocolate Cake with Chocolate Glaze.
Generous tastings in class and take-home recipes. Come prepared for lots of discussion, tips and news about making the most of this sometimes-overlooked treasure trove in our store.

Co-op 101 for Everyone
What exactly is a Co-op anyway?
Thursday, May 14 and Thursday, June 11
6:00-7:30pm
$5, $3 for Common Market Owners
Pre-register at our Co-op Services Desk or email zoe@commonmarket.coop

Being a part of The Common Market is more than just having an Owner card or getting great deals on your groceries. Find out what distinguishes the Co-op from other grocery or natural foods stores. Learn about our 35-year history and the origins of the cooperative movement. Find out what the Seven Cooperative Principles are and how they guide the mission of The Common Market. This is a fun and engaging way to uncover the mystery of “the Co-op.” This class is designed for all – Owners and non-Owners alike - and all are welcome!

Sensational Skin Care Workshop
Donna Acree, N.D
Saturday, May 30
9:30-11:00 am
$35, $30 for Common Market Owners
Pre-register at our Co-op Services Desk or email zoe@commonmarket.coop

Give your skin a healthy glow and join us for a fun, fruity, and fabulous hands-on experience. Save money by learning to make non-toxic organic facial products at home. Ingredients and most materials supplied. We will be applying freshly made products during the workshop (a “spur-of-the-moment spa!”) and samples will be available to take home. All the products are safe and healthy for ages 12 and older.
Dr. Donna will be demonstrating how to make:

• Milk and Honey Scrub
• Banana and Avocado Mask
• Japanese Green Tea Toner

Detox Program
Donna Acree, N.D.
Saturday, June 6
10:00-11:30am
$25, $20 for Common Market Owners
Pre-register at our Co-op Services Desk or email zoe@commonmarket.coop

Demystify detoxification with this workshop. Dr. Donna will provide you with all the information, meal/recipe ideas and lifestyle recommendations to assist in the removal of toxins. Professional grade supplements will be available at this workshop.
Dr. Donna will discuss:

• How and where detoxification occurs in the body.
• How to recognize sources of toxicity exposure.
• Foods that assist in toxin removal.
• Instructions for a 2-week dietary and lifestyle detox home program.

Better Eating and Fitness for Life
Whole Person Wellness
Cindy Donoghue
Wednesday, June 10
9:30-10:30am
$12, $8 for Common Market Owners
Pre-register at our Co-op Services Desk or email zoe@commonmarket.coop

The desire for optimal health as we age -- to be functionally-able for as long as possible -- has people embracing the concepts of wellness as a leading model of health management. The wellness model promotes self-responsibility for health and well-being within all areas of a person’s life. This model incorporates a holistic perspective: The whole is greater than the sum of the parts.
Not surprisingly, seniors participating in regular physical exercise and activities experienced better overall health than their contemporaries who did not. The process for increasing physical exercise and improving function will be demonstrated. We will do some simple movement of traditional exercise for seniors and also discuss alternative types of exercise & activities.
For those following the Better Eating and Fitness for Life program, this is the sixth class in the series.

Raw Made Easy: A Day in the life of a Raw Vegan
Ruchelle Williams
Saturday, June 13
12:00am - 2:00pm
$25, $20 for Common Market Owners
Pre-register at our Co-op Services Desk or email zoe@commonmarket.coop

Hostess Chelly, a culinary instructor & raw food advocate, will pamper your taste buds with all natural all raw cuisine. Discover how to make healthy, raw, and very delicious meals in just minutes. The raw lifestyle may help you lose weight, lower cholesterol, decrease blood pressure, cure digestive tract disorders and many other ailments. Come discover the benefits of eating in the “Raw” and see for yourself just how easy it is. We will make a very filling green smoothie, an apple-granola treat and Thai coleslaw. This class will provide you with recipes and techniques for quick meals for a full day: including a breakfast, lunch and dinner.

THE FINE PRINT…READ ME PLEASE!
You must pre-register, as space is limited. Prepayment of your class is required to reserve your spot. Classes and lectures must have a minimum of 6 students signed up 48 hours in advance for the class to take place. If there are less than 6 students registered, each student will be called and informed of the cancellation. They may then either put their pre-paid money toward another class taking place within the next three months or they may receive a full refund. If a student cancels prior to 48 hours before the class, the refund will be applied to a future class or a full monetary refund will be given. No refunds will be given for cancellations received after the 48-hour deadline or for no-shows. Please be on time! Late arrivals are disruptive to the instructor and other students. The classroom is open at least 15 minutes before each class. Anyone arriving more than 10 minutes late will, unfortunately, be counted as a no-show. If you have any questions, please contact Zoe Brittain at 301.663.3416 or zoe@commonmarket.coop

Disclaimer: These seminars are provided as an educational opportunity for our community. The ideas expressed do not necessarily reflect those of The Common Market, our owners or employees.

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