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The Common Market Board of Directors consists of 9 Board members who each serve a 3-year term. Get to know your Board members by reading their bios below.
If you could learn one thing, what would it be?
Right now, it’s American Sign Language. Languages, in general, are a long-term interest of mine, but living here I’d really like to learn how to communicate better with Frederick’s deaf community.
What is your must-have item at the Co-op?
The house-made falafel hummus!!!!!!! You can’t get better hummus than that.
If you were a fruit or vegetable, what kind would you be, and why?
This might sound weird, but the first thing that comes to mind is a soybean. I love how they help regenerate the soil when they’re grown, that they are adaptable to a lot of different flavor profiles in food, and that they are well-rounded in what they can give our bodies: fiber, phytonutrients, and protein. That’s a level of usefulness that I aspire to attain.
What are some of your interests and hobbies outside of the Co-op?
First and foremost, there is my work. I love coaching clients toward better health and well-being, and also teaching them about healthy cooking. Public speaking is another interest. In my downtime, I love playing with food in the kitchen, group exercise, live performances of all types, reading good books, and spending time with my family and dog. I’m also a New York Times puzzle fanatic.
If you could learn one thing, what would it be?
How to properly identify all the plants in our region!
What is your must-have item at the Co-op?
I’ll have to agree with John B., Michele’s Granola is a must, but I prefer the Almond Butter flavor.
If you were a fruit or vegetable, what kind would you be, and why?
This is a surprisingly tough question. I’d say a local Honeycrisp apple because it’s something I look forward to each year. A somewhat tough, crunchy exterior, but once you bite into it–just as sweet as can be.
What are some of your interests and hobbies outside of the Co-op?
Making fresh tea from the garden, learning about the fascinating, nutritive uses of herbs and edible plants, playing games (my favorite is Egyptian Rat Screw), and going for walks outside with my family.
If you could learn one thing, what would it be?
I would love to learn how to play the guitar. Small enough to carry with me anywhere. No electricity required.
What is your must-have item at the Co-op?
Every time I go to the Common Market, I purchase berries. In season, or not, they are my go-to breakfast food.
If you were a fruit or vegetable, what kind would you be, and why?
Kale. It is one of the most versatile and healthy foods I eat daily. It is a great support vegetable. It is usually the base or added texture in a recipe. Rarely the main ingredient. Perfectly content in its supportive strength role.
What are some of your interests and hobbies outside of the Co-op?
When I am not working as an architect or teaching yoga, I spend my weekends tending my garden, or in my camper on the Chesapeake Bay, making pottery.
If you could learn one thing, what would it be?
How to make fancy vegan pastries and baked goods!
What is your must-have item at the Co-op?
Definitely the bulk packs of tofu. I appreciate its availability and that it’s high quality, versatile, and cost effective.
If you were a fruit or vegetable, what kind would you be, and why?
A strawberry- their temporality and all-around sensory delightfulness are a reminder to be present, which is something I try to embody for myself and for others.
What are some of your interests and hobbies outside of the Co-op?
Cooking creative meals, spending time in nature, and doting on my cats endlessly.
How long have you been shopping at the Co-op?
We’ve been patronizing the Common Market for more than 20 years.
What is your must-have item at the Co-op?
If I have to pick a “must-have” item it would be Lingonberry Preserves.
If you were a fruit or vegetable, what kind would you be, and why?
If I were a fruit or vegetable, I would be a Paw Paw, because they are still the way nature made them, they’re native around here, and mostly harvested in the wild.
What are some of your interests and hobbies outside of the Co-op?
My interests and hobbies outside the Co-op include environmental and climate activism, exploring nature, photography, reading and writing.
If you could learn one thing, what would it be?
The one thing I would love to learn how to write stand-up comedy!
What is your must-have item at the Co-op?
My must have from the market is Oatly Barista Blend.
If you were a fruit or vegetable, what kind would you be, and why?
I already identify as a fruit so if I were a vegetable I would without a doubt be some kind of potato because they are a crowd favorite.
What are some of your interests and hobbies outside of the Co-op?
When I’m not contributing to the market you can usually find me at home watching movies with my partner Corey, our cat Hamual Sesame Seed Bun Borger, and the ghost that haunts our house. I also collects mugs and vinyl.
If you could learn one thing, what would it be?
Wow. What a big question! I would learn how to get people to find common ground between them.
What is your must-have item at the Co-op?
Whole bean coffee from local roasters. Mmmmm.
If you were a fruit or vegetable, what kind would you be, and why?
I’d be broccoli! Strong, healthy, green.
What are some of your interests and hobbies outside of the Co-op?
I love to travel using public transportation. You can catch me on my bike or the bus, traveling to a train station to take an adventure.
If you could learn one thing, what would it be?
If I could learn one thing, it would be Capoeira, the martial art of Brazil. I am fascinated by its history; the call-and-response style of the songs; the sounds of the percussion instruments; and the playful nature of the Capoeiristas as well as their grace, and power. Coming in a close second would be parkour (a.k.a. free running). Remember that opening scene from Casino Royale? Well, I was a parkour fan before then, but that seven minutes of pure beauty in motion sealed the deal for me.
What is your must-have item at the Co-op?
My must-have item at the Co-op is SugarBee apples. However, they are seasonal. So, first runner-up is the Co-op’s cornbread!
If you were a fruit or vegetable, what kind would you be, and why?
If I were a fruit, I would be a banana – all sorts of goodness nicely wrapped up, and so versatile! If I were a vegetable, I would be baby sweet broccoli – hanging out with ramen whenever I could!
What are some of your interests and hobbies outside of the Co-op?
Outside of the Co-op and other work and family responsibilities, I live on my yoga mat. When I am in a good mood, I also enjoy cooking and baking. However, my favorite thing to do is to have a warm bath late at night or early in the morning when everyone else is fast sleep, and it is absolutely quiet.
If you could learn one thing, what would it be?
How to parallel park flawlessly-
What is your must-have item at the Co-op?
Preserved lemons; they brighten up any dish to make it a little more special!
If you were a fruit or vegetable, what kind would you be, and why?
A water chestnut: it’s got great texture, you’re happier when you see it in the dish, and it’s a great addition to any medley.
What are some of your interests and hobbies outside of the Co-op?
Outside of the Co-op I spend time with my husband and our pets. I garden and landscape in the spring and do lots of pottery during the colder months. In the future, I am making it a mission to travel internationally!
