THE HEALTHY ALTERNATIVE / SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER

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THE HEALTHY ALTERNATIVE SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER

Palm Done Right THE DEAD ZONE

Close to Home Like a Local The Hummus Lady Christine Salomé Moroccan Lentil Chickpea Stew Distraction Free Dinners

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GM | William Rolfs

315 W. Garden Street Pensacola, Fl 32502 850-438-0402 everman.org facebook.com/EvermanCoop instagram.com/evermancoop

Stephanie Sharp Marketing and Member Services Manager

Jason Marcum Graphic Designer

Rob Thead

Community Outreach Coordinator

Laura Lee Nichols Demo Coordinator

Ever’man Cooperative Grocery & Cafe serves a diverse community. The diversity is reflected in culture, tastes, needs, lifestyles and viewpoints.

It is within the vision of this cooperative to

strive to embrace diversity and to meet as many

Greetings to our Members and Patrons, I hope you are all enjoying your summer here in Pensacola. The weather has been hot but really nice. It has been dry, so you should really stay hydrated when spending time outside. Stop by Ever’man for plenty of healthy options to help keep you hydrated. We have a great selection of bottled waters, teas, sports drinks, Kombucha, coconut water/milk and fruit juice.

We also have many other options for that summer excursion to the beach, nature trail, boat ride or just lazy afternoon around the BBQ grill. We have plenty of snacking options such as train mix, nuts, jerky, fruits and veggies, even chips, cookies and ice-cream for that little craving. Our store staff can help you find everything you might need.

We also carry charcoal, wood chips, marinade, and meat or veggie grill items depending on your preference. Stop in and see our large selection to choose from.

As you probably know, our 9 Mile Store Project is well underway. The project is moving quickly towards a grand opening near mid-December.

We are all very busy, but excited. The architects, engineers, general contractor and our store staff are working hard together as a team to complete this project as efficiently as possible. The general contractor is ahead of schedule currently and continues to impress our team. The building is up with a roof on it. We are now working inside to install the electrical system, plumbing, HAVC, fire suppression, refrigeration system and starting on the interior walls. We are also working on equipment selection and purchasing. We believe this project will be something our members can be very proud of. We look forward to your first visit.

Our board of directors have been busy as well.

They are commissioning a community art project to be displayed at each store. You may have seen details of this in the paper or on the news. A Request for Proposals was sent to the local media, art galleries and college art programs. The board will pick an artist for each or possibly both stores later this year. We hope the art can be ready and installed prior to grand opening of the 9 Mile Road store. If you know a local artist that might be interested, please have then visit everman.org/ endowment or email endowment@everman.org.

In closing, I hope you are having a wonderful summer and get to enjoy our beautiful outdoors.

Our Ever’man team thanks you for your patronage and support. Hope to see you in the store soon.

community needs as possible. Opinions and

viewpoints shared within this publication are neither endorsed nor disregarded. Editorial

content is intended for informational purposes

only and is not intended to diagnose, prescribe, recommend or offer medical advice. Ever’man

reserves the right to review the appropriateness of the placement of advertising. The product

appropriateness is based on Ever’man product philosophy regarding accountability to

healthfulness. If there seems to be potential for

conflict-of-interest issues regarding competition with products sold at Ever’man, the ad may be

rejected. Ads will be sold at the discretion of the Marketing Manager who reserves the right to refuse and edit submissions.

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EVER’MAN ENDS STATEMENT BECAUSE OF EVER’MAN, THE COMMUNITY WILL HAVE:

• • • •

education about health, nutrition, and environmental issues access to healthy, natural food and products at the lowest possible price support for responsible, local agriculture and small business an example of green business practices

IN THIS ISSUE Cover 20 Close to Home Features 5 The Hummus Lady 6 Palm Done Right 8 THE DEAD ZONE 15 Distraction Free Dinners 18 Like A Local Classics 2 GM Letter 4 Board News 10 Recipe: Garnet Yam Burgers 13 Recipe: Moroccan Lentil Chickpea Stew 15 Ask Laura Lee 24 Teacher Feature: Christine Salomé 26 More Than a Store

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20 5 10 18

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Board News October is Co-op Month and a great time to celebrate the Co-op Difference. Why buy from your local co-op store versus a big corporate store such as Publix, Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, etc.? Here are some of my favorite reasons: We have a dedicated staff that honors our Food Policy and works hard behind the scenes to keep our prices quite competitive.

When you shop the co-op, you are supporting a local business that is based in our community. This helps to stimulate the local economy and support the growth of our city.

Ever‘man employees receive great benefits and work together in a cooperative environment.

BOARD PRESIDENT DAVE DEBLANDER

We prioritize community involvement and education. Our Educational Center has classes and events that enrich our community. Check out our list of classes and programs, there is probably something there you would enjoy. Additionally, we have staff members who are out and about in the community raising awareness of healthy living and a sustainable lifestyle.

At Ever’man, members rule! Our members get to select the Board of Directors who then make policy and determine the direction of the store. Instead of shareholders wanting to make a profit on their investment, our democratically elected directors listen to the members and then act in the members’ best interest.

Pensacola’s best interest runs the store, instead of a long-distance corporate headquarters. That’s a pretty big difference, in my opinion.

As the cooler fall air begins to roll in (yeah!) and our routines begin to change, why not begin that healthy diet you’ve been contemplating? It’s not so blazing hot, so we can start thinking about soups and other delicious hot meals that have been on the back burner. Our store is full of great recipes, whether they be in this magazine or on our display racks, in our cooking classes or demo displays. Check out our great lineup of cooking classes and sign up for one now. They are getting more and more popular so don’t wait too long as they could be full up and you miss out.

Finally, we are getting closer and closer to opening our new store. A December opening is anticipated, and we can’t wait. The construction has gone on without a hitch and the walls are going up, equipment is being installed and before you know it, we will be having the grand opening. With two beautiful stores, the coop’s impact on the community will increase dramatically and that is a good thing.

Ever’man is run by members and looking out for our community, so get ready for all the fun and excitement. It won’t be long.

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An interview Kelly Peraino Tell us about the origins of The Hummus Lady.

I was new to Pensacola and met the original Hummus Lady through a local mom’s group. She was selling organic hummus on a small scale at a few local Farmers Markets, but her family was relocating so she asked if I wanted to take over the business!

I have always loved food and cooking but did not think owning a small business was in the cards for me. She believed in me and my husband was on board so I said “yes!” After researching authentic ways of preparing hummus, I created my own recipe for a light and creamy lemony dream that WOWED everyone who tasted it. Fresh is best!

What does a typical “day in the life” look like for you as a business owner? Do you have any daily or weekly non-negotiables that help you stay motivated and successful?

My husband and I are both small business owners and we have a 6-year-old daughter, so we are constantly on the go and trying to slow it down, all at the same time. I am working in my kitchen space every weekday boiling giant pots of chickpeas, juicing cases of lemons, and roasting fruits and vegetables in an effort to blend up a minimum of 15 gallons of hummus each week! My weekly spot at Palafox Market has been a great way to introduce myself and my brand by adding the personal touch of fresh, to-order toppings, and connecting with customers. The weekly positive feedback, affirmation, and connections are what keeps me going week after week.

Your hummus is lovingly referred to as “garbanzo gold.” With hummus becoming especially trendy over the past few years, what makes your hummus unique?

My hummus is blended fresh every week with organic ingredients. The light and creamy texture and citrus zing are unlike anything you will find at a traditional grocery store.

People typically experience hummus as a heavy and grainy, bland-tasting dip rather than a gourmet taste explosion. I care very much about the flavor profile of my product and strive to produce something unique and out-of-this-world delicious. I love combining salty and sweet flavors as well as crunchy and smooth toppings for a multi-layered taste. Grapes and jalapeños!

Citrus juice and dates! Roasted vegetables with smoked sea salt!

You will not be bored.

What are you most excited about, when it comes to your business and the local foodie scene, coming up in the next year?

I have been lovingly supported and inspired by local businesses as Pensacola’s food scene continues to grow. These creative collaborations have allowed my hummus to be shared with local influencers and those with an appreciation for delicious food.

I look forward to seeing my hummus on restaurant menus and for my bold and memorable branding to be synonymous with incredible flavor and vintage flair. A hummus food truck? A hummus bar at your next event? The possibilities are endless.

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By: Stephanie Sharp

If you’ve heard the news about conventional palm oil lately, you’ve seen the devastating effects “business as usual” has on the planet, animals and people. While many people are passing on palm oil because of this tragic reality, the truth is there is a brighter future for ecosystems, cultures and consumers. We can choose Palm Done Right.

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Palm Done Right (PDR) PDR is a mission-based educational platform on a mission to show the world that there is a sustainable solution to palm oil. Palm done right means oil palm cultivation that is 100% organic, deforestation-free, wildlife friendly, fair and social.

Unlike conventional palm oil cultivation making headlines for wreaking havoc in places like Malaysia and Indonesia, PDR farms promotes biodiversity through organic farming practices. Many PDR palms are grown in small plots, surrounded by complementary crops and plenty of space for native plants and animals to thrive in their natural habitats.

Doing palm right means doing right by farmers.

In addition to Fair Trade certifications and practices, PDR palm oil promotes education, cooperation and economic development so that farmers are lifted into a partnership role, instead of undermined by a system seeking profit at any cost.

The best habitats for palm oil cultivation are also some of the poorest communities in the world. While financial and material donations are a great start, PDR is committed to building partnerships and investing in relationships to directly address the needs of the communities that make PDR possible.

Rather than exploit the land and destroy the environment, organic and sustainable farming practices combine the powerful knowledge of indigenous communities and professional agronomists. As stewards of the land, PDR farmers use techniques like multicropping, compositing and cultivating non-commercial crops to attract beneficial insects.

Palm oil is versatile.

Here’s how it works: Red palm oil starts out as fresh fruit bunches on the African oil palm, Elaesis Guineensis. Oil from the kernel of the palm fruit is used to create soaps, cleaning products and cosmetics. Pressing the pulp of the palm fruit results in “unrefined� red palm oil, which is great for cooking because of its nutty flavor and high smoke point.

A better way.

Palm oil is the highest-yielding vegetable oil on the planet. One hectare of land annually produces 3.8 tons annually.

We look at movements like Palm Done Right as a reminder that there are organizations out there that are working hard to create a better way forward. Not only are they giving consumers and retailers a conscious choice over conventional palm, but they are supporting businesses who are making the future brighter for the planet, animals and people.

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FIELD NOTES WITH PROFESSOR ROB

THE DEAD ZONE By: Rob Thead

The 2019 dead zone forecast anticipates a near-record size in the Gulf of Mexico.

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These dead zones, also known as hypoxia, are caused by lower-than-usual levels of oxygen in a body of water. It is, according to the U.S. National Ocean Service, “often associated with the overgrowth of certain species of algae, which can lead to oxygen depletion when they die, sink to the bottom, and decompose.” Dead zones are naturally occurring, as imbalances in the amount of oxygen in the water can produce effects like those seen in the somewhat sporadic, although annually recurring, Mobile Bay jubilee.

However, the dead zones that have cropped up in the Gulf of Mexico are increasing in size and severity, and have been closely monitored by the National Ocean Service since 1985. The unnatural causes of these problematic dead zones are a direct result of human activity, namely agriculture runoff and the treatment and release of wastewater into waterways (as a result of increased urbanization), specifically the Mississippi River as it makes its way into the Gulf. Regarding agriculture runoff, the primary culprits are increased levels of nitrogen and phosphorus, two of the most common nutrients used in large-scale, conventional farming practices.

Intensification of large agriculture has steadily increased since the latter half of the twentieth century, relying on increased use of often synthetic fertilizers to increase farm output and productivity, which has allowed us to close large gaps in food insecurity, but at an environmental cost. The increased nutrients work the same with algae as they do crops: the plant is fertilized, causing increased growth and correlated oxygen consumption to the point where native marine life is cannot be sustained. For 2019, the size of the dead zone is forecast to be close to 8,800 square miles—nearly matching the record size set in 2017.

For reference, this is about the size of the state of Massachusetts.

But, these forecasts are based on models that have not taken into account the historic amount of flooding that has (and is still) taken place in the Midwestern region of the country, where much of our agricultural activity is located.

This year’s severe flooding has delayed planting of commodity crops this spring and summer—corn, soybeans, for example—but the “total system flood” conditions seen in 2019 will only exacerbate the causes associated with an increase Gulf dead zone.

The increased volume of water will also bring with it additional agriculture runoff and damage any sort of

Images courtesy of NASA / Earth Observatory and Expedition Team 59

soil erosion protection created through conservation practices like no-till farming and increased use of cover crops.

These conditions can and will affect our local beaches.

The increase in algae blooms—sometimes referred to locally as “red tide”—can make beach-going conditions less than ideal, not to mention the impact on marine life. According to Visit Pensacola, more than forty percent of Escambia County taxes are generated through tourism.

Environmental concerns aside, for an economy so dependent on tourism, it’s also in our interest that dead zones and their causes are addressed in the long-term. While we cannot have a direct, immediate say in the farming practices in the Midwest and other states whose waters feed into the Mississippi River, by purchasing organically-grown food we can further stimulate the market for these products, which are grown without the synthetic nutrients that play such a large role in causing these dead zones. As more conventional farmers are encouraged to enter the organic market, this can result in a net decrease in the amount of fertilizers used that eventually find their way into the Gulf of Mexico.

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Garnet Yam Burgers Sweet potatoes, chickpeas, millet and spices team up for a fabulous burger.

Preparation

Bring the vegetable broth to a boil in a medium soup pot. Add the yams and simmer for about 8 minutes, just until the yams are getting tender. Add the onion, garlic, chickpeas and millet, cover the pot and simmer for another 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. The millet should be tender and the liquid should be entirely absorbed when done.

Remove from heat and stir in the cumin, chili powder, Worcestershire, a pinch of salt and half of the bread crumbs. Stir well and form into 6 even burgers.

Put the beaten egg in a small dish and the remaining bread crumbs in another small dish or plate. Gently dip each burger in the egg, and then coat well in bread crumbs. Place the burgers on a sheet pan or plate and refrigerate for about 30 minutes.

Heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Add the yam burgers to the pan and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until browned well on one side. Gently flip the burgers and cook another 4 to 5 minutes.

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups vegetable broth 1 cup peeled and diced garnet yams or sweet potatoes 1/4 cup diced yellow onion 2 cloves garlic, minced 1/2 cup canned chickpeas, rinsed, drained and smashed 1/2 cup millet 1 teaspoon cumin 1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder 2 teaspoons vegetarian Worcestershire Salt 1 cup bread crumbs, divided 1 egg, beaten 1 to 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Serving Suggestion

Serve on a toasted whole-wheat bun with Sriracha mayonnaise, sliced pickled jalapeĂąos and crispy lettuce, or sweet pickles, ketchup and mustard if you prefer. Or make this a main course option for vegetarian holiday guests!

Nutritional Information

190 calories, 2.5 g. fat, 0 mg. cholesterol, 230 mg. sodium, 35 g. carbohydrate, 4 g. fiber, 5 g. protein

Reprinted by permission from StrongerTogether.coop. Find more recipes and information about your food and where it comes from, recipes and a whole lot more at www.strongertogether.coop.

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Ingredients 1 cup lentils 1 medium onion, chopped 2 cups water

l C i t hic n e L k p n a

a e

w e t S

2 cups beef stock 2 medium carrots, chopped 1 medium zucchini, quartered and sliced 2 cloves garlic, chopped 1 1/2 cups cooked garbanzo beans, drained (canned or cooked from dried beans) 1 1/2 teaspoons paprika 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon coriander 1/4 teaspoon turmeric 1/4 teaspoon cayenne 2 tablespoons tomato paste 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 cup cilantro leaves, whole

Mo r o c c Preparation

Sort and rinse lentils, then put in a big pot on the stove and add the onion, water and stock. Over high heat, bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for 30 minutes, with a lid on it set slightly ajar. Stir every ten minutes and check to see if you need more water (if the lentils have absorbed most of the water). Add the carrots, zucchini, garlic, cooked chickpeas and spices and continue cooking until the lentils are tender, about 20 minutes. Stir in the tomato paste and salt and adjust the water. Continue cooking until the lentils are soft and starting to fall apart. Serve garnished with cilantro leaves.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 209, Fat: 0 g, Cholesterol: 387 mg, Sodium: 36 mg, Carbohydrate: 12 g, Dietary Fiber: 7 g, Protein: 14 g Reprinted by permission from StrongerTogether.coop. Find more recipes and information about your food and where it comes from, recipes and a whole lot more at www.strongertogether.coop.

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5

Bean Salad

Eden Foods procures the cream of the U.S.A. organic bean crop from its dedicated network of family farms that have been farming organically for decades.

All EDEN beans are soaked overnight, a rare step in the canning industry, and packed in custom made steel cans lined with a baked on oleoresinous c-enamel that does not contain the endocrine disrupters bisphenol-A (BPA) or bisphenol-S (BPS), or any polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

Eden Foods is a principled natural food manufacturer of organic, traditional, pure food for the pantry.

More information and many free recipes are at www.edenfoods.com.

INGREDIENTS Marinade

1/4 cup EDEN Red Wine Vinegar 1/3 cup EDEN Extra Virgin Olive Oil 1 1/2 Tbsp EDEN Barley Malt Syrup 1 1/2 Tbsp organic maple syrup 2 Tbsp EDEN Shoyu Soy Sauce, or to taste 2 tsp dried oregano 2 tsp dried basil

Salad

15 ounces EDEN Pinto Beans, drained 15 ounces EDEN Black Eyed Peas, drained 15 ounces EDEN Garbanzo Beans, drained 15 ounces EDEN Kidney Beans, drained 15 ounces EDEN Black Soybeans, drained 1 large cucumber, quartered and sliced 1/3 cup celery, diced 1/2 cup red radishes, halved and sliced 1/2 cup green onions, chopped 1 medium green bell pepper, diced 1/2 cup fresh parsley, minced

DIRECTIONS

Prepare the marinade of vinegar, olive oil, barley malt, maple syrup, shoyu, and herbs by pouring into a jar, and shaking vigorously or mixing in a blender.

Place beans and vegetables in a mixing bowl.

Pour the marinade over, and mix. Marinate in the refrigerator for 4 hours or so. Drain, if desired, and serve.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION

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Per serving - 344 calories, 13 g fat (33% calories from fat), 18 g protein, 43 g carbohydrate, 14 g fiber, 0 mg cholesterol, 317 mg sodium

Distraction Free Dinners by: Sherry Brubaker

Dinner engages all five senses; it is deserving of 20 distraction free minutes. You are deserving of that time as well.

Distractions are all around us. While we remain connected to the world wide web, we are disconnecting from the physical world around us and all the networks it provides.

There is so much information flooding our lives via our screens—videos, memes, and everything in between—it has become overwhelming and downright disrupting.

Connections made through the art of conversation are deteriorating, even within our families.

Dinners have always been the highlight of my day. It’s a time for me to step away from the day’s chaos, put away the worries and the work, and relax. Eating is comforting but eating with loved ones is even better.

Over the years, as my family has grown and reached milestones, I have learned a few tricks to keep dinners family focused. Engagement is the centerpiece on the table. First, the television is turned off. Some quiet music might play in the background, but conversation of utmost importance.

While I am busy preparing dinner in my kitchen, I begin to set the tone. I include my family in the whole process of making dinner happen. I ask, “Who wants to chop these carrots? Who wants to set the table?” Simple

questions like these help everyone get involved.

While my family is in the close quarters of the kitchen, there is no room for excuses or distractions—conversation happens. Decisions are discussed, plans are made, and dreams are built. Questions are asked- why did I grate the onion rather than chop it? My kids learn valuable cooking skills, nutrition, and socialization just by inviting them into my daily routine.

After dinner is displayed across the table, mouths are busy and the room is quiet. This noise detox is nothing short of soothing and well needed. As a mother of three, a glimpse of stillness is so welcomed. It’s a time to regroup, to give your body a moment to catch up.

We experience dinner as a family to keep connected. We put the electronics away, shut the music off, and enjoy the meal and people in front of us. Without distractions, the food tastes better, the conversation flows easier, and everything is intentional.

Dinner engages all five senses; it is deserving of 20 distraction free minutes. You are deserving of that time as well. By the intentional decision of a distraction-free meal, you are regaining a piece of your day. It is here, around the dinner table, those memories are made, connections are built, and love is gathered.

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ask Laura Lee What are some of your favorite must haves from Ever’man?

My current favorites from around the co-op include: Kevita Lemon Cayenne. This sparkling pro-biotic drink just makes my day better! It’s my treat. I’m truly addicted—I drink two a day. Keep an eye out for deals and coupons. I first fell in love with Kevita a few years ago. I was sick at work and had a gig with my band later that night. I decided to give Kevita Lemon Cayenne a try. Within an hour of drinking it, I felt better and was able to rock out at my gig!

Food for Life Ezekiel Pita Pockets. You can stuff these guys with eggs (like scrambled eggs for breakfast or egg salad for lunch) or make sandwiches. I just toast till they get a little crisp. I love them because when you use a pita pocket, nothing falls out of your sandwich! Eat them hot or cold, the stuffing possibilities are endless.

Cellfood Essential Silica Formula. You can find this supplement in a liquid form in our Wellness department.

I get the version with silica, which is good for joints, hair, skin and nails. I have a knee problem, so I have to baby it a lot. I love turmeric and everything, but I noticed a big improvement in my stubborn knee problems in a week with this product. I’m finally feeling good enough to register for some races this season!

Meyer Lemon Emergen-C. Great for Electrolytes to help beat the heat and humidity, whether you’re working in the

yard or just trying to jazz up your water on the go. I’ve tried all of the flavors of Emergen-C but the Meyer Lemon flavor is out of sight! It’s a year round boost to your wellness routine, plus so convenient.

Ever’man Cafe Salsa and Mango Salsa. Personally, I consider salsa to be a food group. When I lived in Colorado, I was the salsa queen. But until I can grow my own tomatoes and tomatillos in my garden again, the salsas in the cafe are my go-to. They are delicious on their own, but they are the perfect salsa when you mix them together!

What are some of the tools and tricks to find all the creative recipes you make for Ever’man?

I always go to the website of product I am going to sample.

I search for simple, clean ingredients that will give the flavor profile, nutrition and colors I am looking for.

For example, Wild Planet has an amazing recipe section on their website. I found the recipe with tuna mixed with hummus and then stuffed in mini bell peppers . I couldn’t believe I hadn’t thought of that before!

So my suggestion is to go to the websites of the brands and products you love to get ideas!

My other go to for easy, seasonal and budget-friendly recipes is strongertogether.coop/food-recipes.

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LIKE A LOCAL By: Stephanie Sharp

In a world full of self-checkouts and curbside pickup, it seems that the trend is convenience over community. At Ever’man, we go against the grain by investing in our amazing community. We continue to live our legacy of cooperative values even as we grow into the bright future of our upcoming 9 Mile Road location. To celebrate this year’s Co-op Month, we wanted to share some of our favorite things about being a part of this one-of-a-kind in this vibrant, healthy community.

Palafox

This open-air farmer and maker market is a great Saturday tradition to experience the flavors and talent of Pensacola.

Belmont-Devilliers

This influential community played such an important role in the history of Blues music that it was awarded a stop on the Mississippi Blues Trail.

First City Arts Center

The arts thrive in Pensacola! Whether visual art, theater, music or dance, our community is full of creative people chasing after their passions.

Downtown Neighborhoods

The many phases of architecture and culture are preserved throughout the historic neighborhoods of Downtown Pensacola.

Downtown Dining

From legendary breakfast joints, to elevated modern cuisine and cocktails, to the addictive fare of food trucks--if you can dream it, you can eat in Pensacola.

Joe Patti

Joe Patti’s seafood market is an experience of our unique hometown food culture. From the signage to the docks, this spot is an unforgettable landmark.

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Port of Pensacola

Something about seeing ships move across the water makes a Pensacola local feel at home. With the recent addition of the ferry service and the revitalization of Plaza de Luna, our community can truly enjoy a spot that has long been integral to our city’s function.

Seville Historic District

From breweries to tea rooms, concerts to weddings, ghost tours to yoga classes, there is more to this district than meets the eye.

Bayview Park

This hidden gem is a wonderful oasis on the water, tucked away in a quiet neighborhood. Perfect for staying active and enjoying our unique access to different bodies of water, you can make a whole day of activities at this public park. Bring your pup to the dog beach or your tennis partner to the courts, just get ready to play!

From the Ground Up

We are lucky to have so many local groups who fight for our local environment and food systems. From the Ground Up Community Garden is a great example of how neighbors and businesses can come together to build resiliency through cultivating conscious community. The multi-use nature of this garden is particularly inspiring!

Enjoy the beautiful fall weather and explore our community by taking a photo scavenger hunt! Share photos of your favorite local spots by tagging @ evermancoop and #evermanlovespensacola on Instagram through October 31 for a chance to win a swag bag full of Ever’man goodies! (Accounts must be public to be entered to win. For full rules and details, visit everman.org/community.)

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Close to Home By: Stephanie Sharp

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The appeal of homesteading is hard to deny. As more and more people question where their food is coming from, how they are providing for their families and what we will do in the face of an uncertain or unpredictable environmental future, what is currently more of a curiosity is bound to swell into a lifestyle trend.

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As inspiring as stories of families relocating to a remote plot of land or individuals and couples going off grid to pursue a more environmentally conscious lifestyle can be, following along through books or media can make the transition look easy. Buy some land, plant your produce, round up a few farm animals and start living the dream--right?

Not so fast.

Making a successful transition to a homesteading lifestyle can take years of work and a significant investment in the process of becoming self-sufficient.

The blossoming trend also ignores the many types of privilege that are inherent in pursuing the dream of homesteading, discouraging some people and excluding others entirely.

Yet, the appeal remains.

A helpful way to approach dreams in a practical but motivating way is to examine the factors that attract you to a new job, environment or lifestyle. Homesteading is an exercise in self-sufficiency, requiring a broad range of skills and disciplines that our current modern lifestyles don’t ask of us.

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Cultivating a large garden or even a small farming operation can also address some of our most personal concerns about the food system and individual impacts on the environment. Removing ourselves and our families from the normal routines of shopping, traffic and stress that fuel our modern lives could safeguard our resources and reclaim our futures.

While there are plenty of days when we all grow weary of our neighbors, there is a special kind of community that is showcased by people who choose to live in smaller areas. Families can rely on each other more directly within their own homes and with their close neighbors.

Knowing that the roots of this lifestyle run deep in meaningful values can help us to examine how our own lives are currently out of alignment with our long-term goals and personal priorities. Evaluating lifestyles for elements that we can emulate gives us important tools to create more joy in our lives.

There are plenty of ways you can incorporate the values of a homesteading lifestyle into your daily life. Whether you dream of a smaller footprint by transforming your home in the city limits into an oasis or hope to make a big move to your own plot of land, you can start with a few manageable projects to build momentum towards your unique dream.

Here are a few ideas you can try this fall: Make a wish list of books and documentaries that cover the topics of small-scale farming, self-sufficiency, environmentalism and living off the land. Bonus points if you can find memoirs and documentaries that showcase the more intimate, behind-the-scenes moments of real people’s lives.

self-sufficiency, but you can ease into the mindset of ecoconscious consumption by adjusting your default routines.

Instead of heading to the internet or a big box store for something on your must-have list, spend a morning in thrift or antique stores with your list in hand and eyes peeled for staples like a cast iron skillet or sturdy tools.

Set some goals and create a vision board. Use the SMART (specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and time-bound) method to move you closer to your homesteading dreams. Vision boards are a fun and easy tool to help you stay focused on your goals. Whether you pull photos from magazines, print them from the internet or make a virtual vision board on a site like Pinterest, you’ll be glad to have a visual reminder of what you’re working towards.

Research your next steps. Once you’ve tried these practices and have an idea of what’s possible for you and your family, dig in to the resources available for starting an urban homestead or buying land for your dream farm.

Work with financial professionals, municipal authorities and personal connections who can help you make your fantasy a reality with practical advice and guidance.

Cultivate a gardening practice. You can start with a simple countertop compost bucket and a container garden on your porch, or build a few raised beds and invest in a backyard compost system or rainwater collection barrels. Work with the resources you have available now and build up your confidence incrementally.

Shift your shopping habits. The “zero-waste” concept and subsequent lifestyle trends are a great example of

Embrace the mindset. Thinking back to the values that are inherent in a life lived outside of our modern status quo, how can you plant the seeds of personal growth you’ll need to enjoy a different way of being successful?

Developing a gratitude practice, embracing both success and failure as lessons learned, being disciplined and consistent in the season you’re in--these are all important internal steps to take towards being your best self, no matter where or how you live.

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Christine Salomé “The meaning of a life: dare to love and to love ourselves to become the best of oneself.” ~ Jacques Salome (father in-law) French national Christine Salomé spent much of her career as a French language educator in Switzerland. She currently lives in Navarre and is very active in the local arts: painting, drawing, sculpture, photography, writing and performing with an acapella group, PENSACAPPELLA. Christine has committed herself to using her experience as an instructor to share her passion for personal health and wellness.

She has shared her favorite Healthy French Cooking recipes and tips as a part of the Ever’man Cooks! program and will transition this fall to a new class style. We asked Christine about her personal journey as a teacher and her vision for her new class, which she shares in her own words.

AMERICA CALLING

Luck or calling? I feel it was a calling.

“Le sens d’une vie: Oser aimer et s’aimer Pour devenir le meilleur de soi”

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My great-great uncle immigrated by himself to Chicago in the 1930s. He was a chef in a renowned restaurant in Chicago and also in Niagara Falls. We used to call him “Le Tonton d’Amérique.” “The Uncle of America” came often in vacation in Scionzier, Haute-Savoie region – a little village of 500 inhabitants back then – in the valley of the Arve river, in the French Alps, where my brother and I grew up.

I remember very well when my parents, my brother, my uncle and I witnessed the opening of the Mont-Blanc Tunnel, “Autoroute Blanche” (White Highway.) I was eight years old and my brother was five. I remember my uncle was always so well dressed up and looked like an American gentlemen, with his beautiful hat, costume, gilet, tie and was smoking thin cigars in a cigar-holder.

Since hearing my uncle’s stories and learning about his life abroad, I began dreaming of America and its people.

My very first pop LP record was “Breakfast in America”

by Supertramp. I would look at the cover of a diner and sing out loud all the songs nonstop, to the frustration of my mom, even though she liked music very much and was singing all the time as well. But I couldn’t stop listening to it at high volume.

Had I known I would follow his steps to America and be a “chef ” as well, such a beautiful fidelity to him, he would have been so proud of me and so happy.

I have been the happy winner of the Green Card. One out of 50,000 were generously offered by the American Government for all Europe residents.

To me, it was meant to be.

My husband was learning how to become an airplane pilot in Fort-Worth, Texas, and later a helicopter pilot in Jeanerette, Louisiana, as well as an airplane instructor.

Eventually, he got an offer for a job at the Pensacola airport and in Gulf Breeze with the Studer Group. That is how we had the pleasure to reside in the Panhandle.

As we are taking care of our body and our environment, it is essential to take care of our relationships: the very link between two persons where the good and bad is circulating like in a pipe. Unfortunately, it has never been taught to take care of this link, to respect ourselves and others.

I am very happy to share these wonderful tools that I have been using for 30 years now and to help anyone in their intra and interpersonal relationships Join Christine and learn more about her amazing story be attending a class at the Ever’man Educational Center.

Visit everman.org/events and look for Relational Communication with the ESPERE Method on the class calendar.`

HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS

I love this moto you have at the cooperative: “stronger together.” It is exactly what I used to say.

Human relations are a passion of mine and I think this pedagogic method I have been taught is revolutionary.

It helps me on a daily basis to grow. It is not a solution to a problem but rather a possible evolution, generating energy within myself and towards others, in a calm, responsible, respectful, autonomous and healthy way.

Since I have been using these tools – like a relational gardener – I really feel stronger together within myself and with others. I learned how to dare speak for myself thanks to this relational grammar that this method teaches us. I can’t wait to share it with the community.

I was thinking, dreaming that Pensacola would use the ESPERE Method and we would be stronger than ever together, a beautiful example to inspire our great country.

Together, we can create a “relational oasis” where relational communication would be taught and put in practice, with tools, hygiene relational rules and principles, helping us to be a better companion for ourselves and for others.

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MORE THAN A STORE SAVE THE DATE

Ever’man Member Appreciation Party October 12, 2019 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Our annual gathering of co-op community happens October 12, 2019 from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. in the Ever’man Greenspace.

There will be fun outdoor activities for kids and adults, vendor demonstrations and samples, live music, giveaways, delicious food and beverages.

A picnic style lunch will be served, giving every member the opportunity to mingle with their Ever’man fellows and get to know the co-op community better. Vegan and vegetarian options will be available. Our Board of Directors will be in attendance, as well as our store team, so that we can thank you in person for the support you continue to give to this Pensacola legacy of cooperation and good food.

Make plans to join us for this wonderful tradition!

SPECIAL ORDERS EVOLUTION

Updates to Process Coming This Fall As our co-op grows and prepares for our second location, there will be some necessary adjustments made in the process and discount structure of the special order program.

For more details, visit everman.org/membership or call 850-438-0402.

BAG CHARITIES

Bring your own bag, give back.

Since 2015, each reusable bag used by shoppers at the register has resulted in a five cent donation to a local nonprofit.

September / October United Way of West Florida www.uwwf.org Florida Certified Organic Growers and Consumers, Inc. (FOG) foginfo.org Be Ready Alliance Coordinating f​or Emergencies​​​​​ (BRACE) https://bereadyalliance.org

NOW HIRING

Want to join the team? We are accepting applications for both the Garden Street and 9 Mile Road locations of the co-op.

To learn more, visit everman.org/careers.

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everman.org

Hey, members!

Want more deals?

Update or add your email address to your member account to get exclusive member rewards, coming soon to your email inbox.

For more information, visit everman.org/membership.

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