Co-op News | August 2014 by North Coast Co-op

Co-op News North Coast Co-op 811 I Street Arcata, CA 95521

Presorted Standard U.S. Postage PAID Eureka, CA 95501 Permit No 327

CO-OP NEWS A Publication of the North Coast Co-op â&#x20AC;˘ Aug. 2014

Cooperative Community

CO-OP NEWS Volume 68

Save at the Co-op!

Aug.

CASE ORDERS Place an order for a case of product and receive a 10% discount.*

2014 www.northcoast.coop co-opnews@northcoast.coop Editor Melanie Bettenhausen

Marketing & Membership Director (707) 502-3555 ext. 132

CO-OP SPECIALS

CO-OP SPECIALS From North Coast Co-op in Arcata & Eureka, California • Specials Valid Jul. 29 thru Aug. 18, 2014

Fresh from the North Coast Co-op Deli

We offer specials on local, national and in-house natural and organic products in our bi-weekly sales flyer.

North Coast Co-op Deli Potato Salad featuring these organic ingredients: Yukon gold potatoes, eggs, celery, red onions, herbs, and spices. On sale for $4.49 per lb (reg. $5.49).

limited time specials Mar 4 thru Mar17

CO-OP SPECIALS

Find more Local Specials Inside From North Coast Co-op in Arcata & Eureka, California • Specials Valid Aug. 19 thru Sept. 1, 2014

SAVE MORE with

coupons

Save on local items! Tomaso’s Dressings

mas salsa Salsa

$3.29

Reg. $3.39 15 oz

Uncle Bubbies Blue Cheese, Pesto Ranch, Creamy Caesar

$2.89

10%

Additional savings are available on many specials with the use of in-store Co+op coupons.

coupons

with

Find it stuffed in the Co-op News or online: www.northcoast.coop

Save even more on select specials with Co+op Coupons!

SAVE MORE with

$ 00 OFF

* Discount not valid on case items already on sale.

On sale for $1.19 (Reg. $1.99, 14 oz) from July 29- September 1.

All Flavors

Reg. $3.59 12 oz extra

Save

Look for the local label throughout this sales flyer and in our store aisles to find items grown or produced

within 250 miles. Extra Big Deal

Stock up on Runa Tea for just 19¢ each after use of specials are for everyone, not just Co-op members Co+op coupon now throughCo-op August 31! Try all six flavors of Runa's 14oz bottles. Runa Tea givesPLUS you Dozens moreasdeals inside! as much energy as a cup of coffee and has twice many antioxidents green tea. Coupons valid Aug. 1 - Aug. 31

limited time specials Mar 4 thru Mar17

Coupons valid Aug. 1- Aug. 31 Co-op specials are for everyone, not just Co-op members

coupon

Save more on select sale items with Co+op coupons! extra

extra

Tofurky Tempeh Strips

$3.39

Reg. $3.99 7 oz

$ 00 OFF with

coupon

Larabar Energy Bar

Selected Products

99¢ Reg. $1.69 1.6-1.8 oz

40¢

PLUS

Find dozens of local specials inside!

OFF

with

coupon

melanieb@northcoast.coop

Graphics & Coordination Amy Waldrip Graphic Design Coordinator (707) 502-3555 ext. 120

amywaldrip@northcoast.coop

Jeremy Smith-Danford

Marketing & Graphics Assistant (707) 502-3555 ext. 129

jeremy@northcoast.coop

The Co-op does not officially endorse the services or products of any paid advertiser. All articles, columns and letters are the expressed opinion of the author and not the Co-op News.

ORGANIC PRODUCE SPECIALS

basic goods at basic prices

We offer the largest selection and best quality of fresh, organic produce in Humboldt. Updated each Tuesday, see our weekly organic specials @ www.northcoast.coop or in stores.

We offer lower prices on a select list of staple items in order to save you money every day. Ask for a brochure with the full listing of Co-op Basics items at Customer Service or view the list at www.northcoast.coop.

GROUND BEEF

Arcata Location

811 I St., Arcata • (707) 822-5947 Open daily: 6 am to 9 pm Kevin Waters, Store Manager kevinwaters@northcoast.coop

Purchase 10 lbs. or more of Humboldt Grassfed Beef ground beef and receive a 10% discount.

Eureka Location

25 4th St., Eureka • (707) 443-6027 Open Daily: 6 am to 9 pm Toby Massey, Store Manager tobymassey@northcoast.coop

Save

10%

Cooperative Offices

co opbasics

Community Kitchens Co-op Members receive 20% off of Community Kitchen classes and workshops. See the Cooking Class Schedule in stores or online for class times and registration information. www.northcost.coop

Save

20%

811 I St., Arcata

General Manager Kelli Reese (707) 502-3555 ext. 124 kellireese@nor thcoast.coop

Membership Coordinator Bella Waters (707) 502-3555 ext. 135 bellawaters@nor thcoast.coop

Human Resources Lisa Landry (707) 826-8670 ext. 127 lisalandr y@nor thcoast.coop

Accounting Kelli Costa (707) 502-3555 ext. 138

MEMBER DISCOUNT Our members receive 5% off of one transaction a month on the day of their choice.

Save

MIX AND MATCH WINE Save

SENIOR DISCOUNT Seniors 60 and over receive a 5% discount on Tuesdays.

Wine is discounted 10% for a 6-pack and 15% for a 12-pack.

Save

15%

10%

kcosta@nor thcoast.coop

Board of Directors

Kelly Boehms, Kate Lancaster, Fred Moore, Tim Silva, Steve Suttell, Jessica Unmack, John Woolley

INSIDE

2 Plant a Bee-Friendly Garden 3 Yes on Measure P 4 The First Smart Mushroom The Cooperative Principles: 1. Voluntary & Open Membership 5 Bylaws Questions Answered 2. Democratic Member Control 6 Understanding Fair Share Status 3. Member Economic Participation 7 Election Update 4. Autonomy & Independence 5. Education, Training & Information 7 Year-Round Organic Produce 6. Cooperation Among Cooperatives 9 Community Partners 7. Concern for Community board@northcoast.coop

1 Co-op News | August 2014

10 Melon Sorbet 11 Reference Guide 11 Attend the Co-op Art Show! 11 Member Survey Letters to the Editor Letters must include your name, address, member

number, and telephone number (so that we can contact you). Letters should be kept to a maximum of 250 words and may be edited. We regret that we may not be able to publish all letters due to limited space. Email your letters to co-opnews@northcoast.coop or send them to: Co-op News, 811 I Street, Arcata, CA 95521.

Garden Article by Sallie Grover, Arcata Floral Department

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ost bee gardens focus on flower production during the high-activity months from March through October, providing floral resources for expanding and emerging populations of native bees and honeybees; however, some honeybee workers and newly mated bumblebee queens live and continue to forage on a limited basis through the winter months. It’s nice to have a few key plants in bloom when these garden allies can be found cruising the yard on a sunny winter day. A couple of native plants that are beautiful winter-blooming bee magnets are manzanita (Arctostaphylos subspecies) and flowering currant (Ribes). Both mostly bloom in February and March but manzanita can begin as early as December. Another excellent winter performer is Euryops. The most bee-friendly and

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reliable winter-blooming garden plant in our area is rosemary. This must-have is drought tolerant, deer resistant, evergreen and edible! Bee favorites that will bloom late winter and into spring in our area include Ceanothus, California poppy, dicentra, grape hyacinth, Echium ‘Pride of Madeira’, Lenten Rose Hellebores, primroses, and yarrow. Last winter, after our sunny, dry fall, local bee enthusiasts noticed bumblebee daughter activity in January when typically this activity begins in the spring. Once colony building begins, these bees need a lot of pollen and nectar or they don’t survive. Many perennials can be planted in the fall. With increasing calls to reduce water consumption, take advantage of winter rains by planning to plant on prepared ground as soon as the rains start. For an early show of spring wildflow-

ers, prepare and seed the ground in the fall. Most wildflower seeds need open, well-drained, weed-free soil and full sun. Fall blooming plants can extend their bloom into winter depending on the weather. Some of these that are attractive to bees include borage, cerinthe, echinacea, gaillardia, oregano, mint, pincushion flower (Scabiosa), lavender, shrub mallow (Lavatera), New Zealand tea tree (Leptospermum) and some of the salvias. Having a year-round selection of blooming plants provides resources for our overwintering bees and it may also be important for pollinators when weather patterns are unpredictable. Keep these plants in mind for a bee-friendly gardening scheme.

“

Euryops Rosemary Flowering Currant

www.northcoast.coop 2

Food News

Yes on Measure P Supporters Measure P is the proposed ordinance to ban the cultivation of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) in Humboldt County. Take a look at the many supporters who are listed on the Yes on P website: Farms & Ranches A lexandre Family EcoDairy Farms Almand Dahlia Gardens Angora Bunny Lady Bayside Park Farm Bear River Valley Beef Bigfoot Blue Blossom Farm Blue Jay Nursery Briceland Forest Farm Buck and Daisy Camp Grant Ranch Clendenen’s Cider Works Crescendo of Peace Farm Deep Seeded Community Farm Earth N Hands Earthly Edibles Ewe So Dirty Feral Family Farm Fine Feather Ranch Flood Plain Produce Flora Organica Fl ying Blue Dog Farm & Nursery Forest Lakes Nursery Fungaia Farm Garberville Community Farm Green Fire Farms Hillbelly Farm Honey Apple Farms Huckleberry Farms Jacob’s Greens Laughing Mother Farms Leo’s Plants Little River Farm Lost Coast Ranch Luna Farm Moonshadow Farm Mycality Mushrooms Neukom Family Farm New Moon Organics Norton Creek Farm Organic Matters Ranch Paradise Flat Farm Paul Lohse Pierce Family Farms Rain Frog Farm Redwood Roots Farm Ridgetop Gardens River Bees Ranch Rolling River Nursery Ruby Slippers Farms Sarvinski Family Farm Seaside Herbs Shakefork Community Farm Shinn Dairy Small Fruits Sousa Ranches Sweet Pea Gardens Synergy Seeds Tom Rayl Dairy Trident Lightning Farm Tule Fog Farm Two Mule Farm Valley Flower Warren Creek Farm

Volunteers successfully kick off the Yes on P campaign at the Arcata Farmers’ Market on Saturday, July 12. Left to right: Robin Praszker, Isis Austin, Carol Moné, Colin Fiske, Beverly Filip, & Kay Schaser.

Find Yes on P tees in stores in August! For every t-shirt sold in our stores, the Co-op will donate $5 to Yes on P! Wild Rose Farm Willow Creek Farms Wolfsen Farms Yewbear Farms

Vineyards & Breweries Briceland Vineyards Winery Coates Vineyards Frey Vineyards Hu mboldt Regeneration Brewery & Farm Lost Coast Vineyards Monument Mountain Vineyards Robert Goodman Wines Winnett Vineyards

Grocery Stores, Restaurants & Food Businesses

3 Foods Cafe Adriana’s Arcata Scoop Beachcomber Cacao Cocoon Calico’s Cafe Chautauqua Natural Foods Comfort of Home Catering Crush Restaurant & Wine Bar Dean Family Catering Ethiopian International Cafe Eureka Natural Foods Fishing Vessel Rose Marie Folie Douce Henry’s Olives Humboldt Bar & Grill Humboldt Bay Coffee Humboldt Healthy Foods

3 Co-op News | August 2014

Ino Sauce Juice Jungle Kneeland Glen Farm Stand Kyoto Sushi La Trattoria Lighthouse Grill Luke’s Joint Mario’s Lost Coast Cafe & Bakery McKinleyville Central Market Natural Decadence Nature’s Serving North Coast Co-op Persimmons Garden Gallery Real World Grains Inc. Redwood Meats Reed’s Bees Renata’s Creperie Roger’s Market Rumiano Cheese Company Signature Coffee Sjaak’s Organic Chocolates Springville Steak Sweet Basil Catering The Other Place Tofu Shop Specialty Foods Va nderpool Gourmet Albacore Tuna Vixen Kitchen

Other Businesses

A & L Feed ABC (Alternative Building Center) Alyssa Melody Acupuncture Arise Natural Health Biofeedback Brassworks Music Casad Chiropractic

CastleWare Baby Eden Foods Essential Elements Executive Yoga Inc. Freedom Organics Garden of Beadin Got Respect Store Grow It Right Aquaponics Humboldt Herbals Humboldt Hunnies Day Spa Humboldt Pet Supply Julian Berg Designs Lil Sproutz Local Thrift Lost Foods Mattole River Studios New World Water Northcoast Horticulture Supply Organic Grace Pacific Watershed Associates Plant Repairs RAO Construction Royal Gold Soils Salmon Creek Wood Designs Sequoia Wellness & Apothecary Solutions Sprout Kids Clothing Stray Poodle Media The Garden Gate The Hemp Connection The Stork’s Nest Threadbare Dancewear Two Doors Down Western Botanical Medicine

Organizations & Political Parties

Biosafety Alliance C alifornia Native Plant Society – North Coast Chapter California River Watch Dow’s Prairie Community Grange #505 E nvironmental Protection Information Center (EPIC) F ood Council of the Ojai Valley Green Coalition Freshwater Grange #499 GMO Free San Juan County GMO Free Sonoma County Green Party of Humboldt County H umboldt County Democratic Central Committee H umboldt County Traditional Foods (Weston A. Price chapter) Humboldt Permaculture Guild LabelGMOs.org Locally Delicious, Inc. North Coast Growers Association Northcoast Environmental Center Organic Consumers Association Organic Seed Alliance Oregonians for Safe Farms & Families Southern Humboldt Farmers Market Toronto Non-GMO Coalition Transition Humboldt Contineud on p. 4

Food News Continued from p. 3

Individuals

Sarah Hage Dr. Richard Hansis, PhD Cydney Henderson Bruce Herzbach Joel Hill Dr. Greg Jaso, DDS Bryan & Edie Jessup Bruce Johnson Kevin Johnson Mark S. Jones Judy Kasper Ch ris Kerrigan (Former Member, Eureka City Council) J. S. Killarney Rachel LaMell Gloria Larkin Sharon Larsen Sharon Latour Peggy Leviton Edmund Light PJ Linney M ark Lovelace (Humboldt County Supervisor, Third District) JD Mateja Maureen Mason Nellie McConnell Eileen McGee David McMurray

Hezekiah Allen Ann Anderson Chuni Anello Sharon Barnes Andy Caffrey Monty Caid Dr. Christine Cass, PhD Brian Cole George Cooney Allan Crocket Daedalus D’Alamut Donald R. Davis Natalynne DeLapp Dr. Frank DiBari, DDS Reannon Dortch Anita Emery Rhiannon Ferriday Eric Fidjeland Beverly Filip Colin Fiske Shelby Flint Susan Frisbie Dr. Corinne Frugoni, MD Tom Fulkerson Hank Geving Lisa Golden Xandra Grube

Carol Moné Luke Nemy Dani Nicholson Linda Nowak-Carlson Leslie & Alan Odelberg Karen Orso Linda Owen Marta Peters Ann Pierson Trisha Riel Rosemary Rogers Sutton Roley Dr. John Schaefer, PhD Bill & Kay Schaser Judi Scharnberg Tate Scharnberg Jeanette Schuler Mary Ann Schram Andrew Schwarz Kate Selway

Merrillyn Setterlund Kevin Sharkey Bill Shaw Nicole Spencer Leah Stamper Carol Starkey Susan Stewart, RN Yvette Troyna Frances Webster G eorge Wheeler (Director, McKinleyville Community Services District) Dianne Whiteheair Cecil Wilkerson M ichael Winkler (Vice Mayor, City of Arcata) Rose Ann Witt Beverly Wolfe Michael Woody Kurt Wrede Dr. Dennis Zetter, PharmD

And the list keeps growing! You can add your support to this list by visiting http://yesonp2014.org/endorsements. Of course support can be shown through monetary contributions as well. Donate online or send checks to: Committee for a GMO Free Humboldt – Yes on Measure P, PO Box 5145, Arcata, CA 95518. Whether you donate or not, please Vote Yes on Measure P in November!

A Mushroom to Support a Healthy Mind and Mood Article by Jerry Angelini, National Science Educator for Host Defense

he medical community is bracing for an increase in age-related cognitive decline as the Baby Boomer population ages. Over the past ten years, mortality rates have shifted from causes like cardiovascular issues to cognitive decline. This makes neurological and cognitive self-care hot subjects of research. More Americans in the above-40 age ranges are noticing changes and looking for gentle and natural support for memory, cognition and mental focus. Mushrooms provide a vast array of potential supportive compounds. Many mushrooms, such as portobello, oyster, reishi and maitake are well-known for

The influence of Lion’s Mane on neurological functions may also have other added benefits, including making you feel good. Supporting a healthy mood and balancing stress responses are equally important strategies for a healthy mind. Could Lion’s Mane help maintain your mental acumen as you age? In light of increasing cognitive decline, it definitely deserves more clinical attention. Lion’s Mane is a relatively inexpensive, easilycultivated fungal food that may prove to be therapeutic in ways beyond being tasty.

Excerpts taken from Paul Stamets’ article from the Huffington Post 8/8/2012 

win

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Photo by Amy Waldrip

saké wine, and then finished with butter to taste. It takes some practice to elicit their full flavor potential. Lion’s Mane may be our first “smart” mushroom. It is a safe, edible fungus that appears to confer cognitive benefits, including mental clarity, focus, and memory support. For those seeking these benefits, Lion’s Mane capsules or liquid extracts provide a convenient and easy way to incorporate into your diet. Beneficial compounds are found in two life stages of Lion’s Mane, including the mycelium (root-like stage), and fruit bodies (what many term the “mushroom”). Look for Certified Organic, Non-GMO Project Verified, sustainably cultivated capsules and liquid extracts for maximum efficacy. [Find Lion’s Mane products in our Wellness departments in either Co-op location.]

it!

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health supporting properties, but the Lion’s Mane mushroom, in particular, has drawn the attention of researchers for its notable neuro-supportive properties. Lion’s Mane mushrooms are not your classic looking cap-and-stem variety. These globular-shaped mushrooms sport cascading teeth-like spines rather than the more common gills. Lion’s Mane mushrooms are increasingly sold by gourmet food chains. [You can purchase these at either Co-op location from our local supplier, Mycality Mushrooms!] This nutritious mushroom is roughly 20% protein, and one of the few that can taste like lobster or shrimp. Lion’s Mane is best when caramelized in olive oil, deglazed with

Prize pack contains supplements to support the immune system, provide energy and reduce stress. Products contain certified organic mushrooms. You’ll also win mushroom playing cards and informational literature.

www.northcoast.coop 4

Co-op Election

Bylaws Questions Answered

s you may have been following in the Co-op News, the Co-op has been hard at work updating its bylaws. Our Board of Directors appointed a committee to review our bylaws and update them in order to: correspond to best practices for food co-ops; gain consistency in compliance with regulations and our securities permit; and stay current with California Cooperative law. Making these changes requires a vote by our membership. We will be asking you to approve the proposed changes in our general election in October. The proposed changes to the bylaws—along with our rationale—have been presented in the last few issues of the Co-op News. We would like to thank those of you who were able to read the draft bylaws and respond with excellent questions and comments (we appreciate your praises for our hard work!). Based on your feedback, we were able to make revisions and identify areas that needed further explanation. Below you will find a pared down version of the bylaws questions and comments we received (there wasn’t room to reprint them in their entirety!), organized by articles and sections, followed by our responses. If articles or sections are not represented, that means no one had comments or issues with those sections. Some questions were more general and not specific to the proposed bylaws changes, and therefore were omitted; however, all who wrote in received individual responses to their questions. Since we do not have space to reprint the bylaws here in full, please refer to previous issues of the Co-op News (March thru June) for the full text of the first draft of the bylaws and find the revised draft on our website or ask for a copy at Customer Service in either store. We will print the final draft in the Special Election section of the Co-op News in October with any changes noted.

Article II • Membership Section 2.01: Qualification of Membership Member Comment: There is no “and” or “or” or other conjunction between subparagraphs (b) and (c), making it somewhat unclear whether all of these conditions must be met for membership, or any one of them. That is, it seems to say that one cannot be a member without being a Fair Share member Response: Great catch! The draft has been amended to clarify that all three requirements must be met. You do not need to be a Fair Share member in order to be a member, but you need to be working toward Fair Share status. Section 2.01(c): Qualification of Membership Member Comment: This section does not specify a time period deadline to reach Fair Share status. Article II Section 2.07— Inactive Status—implies there is a time period deadline to reach Fair Share status, beyond which one becomes delinquent and then inactive. Need to define the time period. Response: The time period to reach Fair Share status will be determined by the Board of Directors and will be found in their Board Policy Manual*. Members will be considered inactive only after they have been delinquent 90 days after the date set by the Board. Please see the article on p. 6 further explaining this section. Section 2.07: Inactive Status Member Comment: I’ve always been under the impression that Fair Share membership is an option for members, rather than a requirement. Are the new bylaws

changing this, and requiring all members to purchase $300 (or some new amount) in B shares in order to maintain active membership? Response: Please see the article on p. 6 explaining this section. Section 2.07: Inactive Status Member Comment: I strongly recommend that each member have full rights until the member is terminated in accordance with relevant bylaw provisions. Inactive status can raise numerous issues, including those related to notice, quorum, patronage and/or capital distributions, and voting rights (especially in certain situations). A non-compliant member should be terminated, or possibly terminated, depending upon the issue involved. Response: The Co-op has a long history of inactive status for members without issue. This status allows the Co-op to suspend the administrative costs of membership for those who are temporarily out of touch or who have experienced communication issues. Terminating memberships is a much more grievous way to handle mistakes and miscommunication. Section 2.08: Death or Dissolution Member Comment: What happens to a deceased members’ B and C shares if there is no other member on the membership? Can a beneficiary be named? Seems inconsistent that Section 2.09 says shares are refunded upon termination but, apparently, upon death shares are simply absorbed by the Co-op. Why no Payable on Death (POD), like at a credit union? Response: If a member includes their Co-op shares in their estate planning, and the Co-op is contacted by the executor, we

5 Co-op News | August 2014

will work with them to close out the investment with the Co-op. If the Co-op is not contacted by anyone regarding a deceased member’s investment, yes, those shares are eventually absorbed by the Co-op. With our membership as large as it is, we are no longer in a position to manage PODs and must rely on our members to take care of their wishes through an agency other than the Co-op. Section 2.09: Termination Member Comment: 2.09(b) Termination for cause — more detail on the procedure. Can a membership be reinstated under some circumstances? Response: The procedure for termination will be determined by the Board of Directors. There is nothing in the bylaws that prevents a membership from being reinstated, but each case will need to be reviewed separately by the Board of Directors. Article III • Membership Shares Section 3.08: Repurchase Member Comment: What is “a reasonable administrative fee”? $50? 25% of share value? Perhaps this should be better defined. Response: The current administrative fee is $5 and is based on the cost of printing membership cards, forms and postage. Since the actual dollar value is based on operational costs and is subject to change over time, it is not included in the bylaws. Article IV • Membership Meetings and Voting Section 4.09: Action by Written Ballotwithout Meeting and Member Initiatives Member Comment: An election held entirely by “electronic transmission” will exclude the members who do not have, or choose not to share, their email address. Response: We would like electronic transmission to be an option, but do not intend to hold elections solely by electronic transmission. This comment brought attention to the fact that Section 4.09 was confusing and we have amended the draft to split section 4.09 into two sections: 4.09 Action by Written Ballot Without Meeting; and 4.10 Member Initiatives. Article V • Board of Directors Section 5.01: Composition and Qualifications Member Comment: Why did you add that employee directors must be full-time employees? I feel that a person who can only or chooses only to work part-time should still be able to serve on the Board. I find this an unfair bias, as I believe a part-time employee can be equally capable and qualified to serve in this capacity. Response: We agree! The draft has been amended to remove the full-time requirement.

Section 5.03: Nominations and Elections Committee Member Comment: Define “reasonable means” of nominating persons for elections. Response: “Reasonable means” will be included in the Board Policy Manual. Section 5.09: Open Meetings Member Comment: If the intention of this section is to prevent the Board from excluding the membership in order to avoid conflict on controversial topics, the phrase “matters of a confidential or sensitive nature” is not specific enough to ensure that goal. Perhaps looking at the phrasing in the Brown Act would be helpful. Response: Confidential meetings are necessary when it comes to personnel issues and other matters that may come up which we would not be able to account for in detail in the bylaws. The Board is required to report on any action taken during confidential meetings. Section 5.11: Vacancies Member Comment: Should the word “within” be included here, “If an election is scheduled to be held four months after the vacancy…” so that it reads “if an election is scheduled to be held within four months after the vacancy occurs...”? Response: Great catch! The draft has been amended to say “within”. Section 5.14: Removal of Directors Member Comment: 5.14(b) says a director may be removed for “actions that are damaging to the North Coast Co-op”, and includes a couple of specific violations. That might be seen broadly and could lead to some debate if it is left open to interpretation. Response: You’re right. This section was intentionally written in general terms so as to cover issues that we may not anticipate at this time. If the Board or the membership ever felt that a director should be removed, clear argument would need to be made and supported by a majority of the Board of Directors, or a vote of the membership (details covered in Article IV). Section 5.16: Compensation Member Comment: The term “reasonable” is not very clear. Some guidelines would be helpful. Pay equivalent to the General Manager’s? Or a beginning charier? Or $100 a meeting, subject to occasional updating? Adding the provision for member approval is a good change. Response: Adding the provision for member approval should ensure that compensation is reasonable. Article VI • Officers and Committees Section 6.06: Committees Member Comment: Do you want to

Co-op Election add anything about criteria for ad hoc committees — i.e. chair, stated purpose, time frame, accountability? Response: Criteria for ad hoc committees will be covered in the Board Policy Manual. Article VII • Patronage Distributions Section 7.01: Distribution of Net Savings Member Comment: “In determining net savings, the Co-op shall use a single allocation unit except that, subsequent to the adoption of these bylaws, it shall operate stores at two or more locations.” The Co-op already operates at two locations—the purpose of the above statement is not clear. What is the rationale for calculating each store and business line differently? If I mainly shop the Arcata store, do I get a different percent rebate than if I shop mostly the Eureka store? Doesn’t seem right. Response: The single allocation unit means that each member has one account for allocation of patronage. Members would only have a second account if the Co-op had a separate, subsidiary organization with distinct memberships. Section 7.01: Distribution of Net Savings Member Comment: I don’t think the Co-op should necessarily be compelled to

allocate patronage distributions by store locations or lines of business. This could cause unnecessary complications in the future. Why not use the word “may” instead of “shall”? Response: Great catch! The draft has been amended to say “may”. Section 7.02: Exceptions Member Comment: Reserves will only increase the taxable income of the Co-op and are not really needed since the Co-op has a lot of flexibility in how much cash it distributes (and when such distributions are made) related to patronage dividends (i.e., only 20% is required for a 100% tax deduction for qualified distributions). Members should not be able to “waive” patronage dividends; such waivers would almost certainly be inconsistent with the requirements of Subchapter T of the Internal Revenue Code and related Treasury Regulations, assuming the Co-op wants to distribute tax-deductible “qualified” patronage dividends. Response: We were not able to address this concern before going to print. Our findings will be shared in the final draft of the bylaws in the Special Election Section in October. Section 7.03: Distribution and Notice Member Comment: There should be a reference to the fact that the non-cash por-

tion of the patronage dividends is distributed through share issuance. Response: Great catch! The draft has been amended to include in Section 7.01, “Net savings may be distributed or allocated to members in cash or shares”. Section 7.05: Retained Amount Member Comment: This section makes no reference to the shares used to accomplish non-cash distributions. And why not just repurchase shares when a member wants to cash them out, assuming that each member is required by the bylaws to maintain some minimum share amount until she or he terminates membership? Response: We were not able to answer this question before going to print, but our findings will be shared in the final draft of the bylaws in the Special Election Section in October. Section 7.06: Allocation of Net Losses Member Comment: “Net operating losses” should be kept at the corporate level so that they may be carried back or forward to reduce taxable income in other years. Response: Once again, we were not able to address this concern before going to print. Our new language on the subject will be in the final draft of the bylaws, included in the Special Election Section in October.

Article VIII • Fiscal and Miscellaneous Matters Section 8.04: Dissolution Member Comment: Needs a concrete idea of a minimum vote that can dissolve the Co-op, like a percentage of members. Just because 10 members in attendance at one meeting vote to dissolve, should not be sufficient. Need a single vote, maybe 2/3 - 3/4 minimum of all current members. Response: Dissolution is determined by the Corporations Code of the state of California. In order to keep our bylaws in compliance, it is best not to cite the current code, rather refer to it for the most up to date information. Section 8.06: Bylaws Amendment Member Comment: Needs to specify (advance time period) for members’ ability to review. Response: The time period is defined in Article IV Membership Meetings and Voting, Section 4.07 Ballots, which is no less than 30 days before the annual meeting. * The Board Policy Manual is a living document that constitutes the official policies and procedures for the governance of the North Coast Co-op. Members have access to the Board Policy Manual by contacting the Board Assistant at board@northcoast.coop or calling (707) 382-3109.

Understanding Fair Share Membership

Kelli Reese General Manager

Each co-op has its own level of investment as required by their bylaws and ours is no different. Our current bylaws state that there is a Fair Share investment; the amount of which, and terms, are set by the Board of Directors. While the amount is yet to be determined by the Board per the proposed bylaws, there is more to understand about Fair Share. For years our investment level was $200 (20 shares at $10 each). Our archived newsletters begin discussing this in 1977, but at that time investment was referred to as purchasing sustaining shares (B shares) rather than working toward Fair Share status. Members began purchasing them after

the initial purchase of a $10 A share. Unless a member decided to terminate membership, they would be able to “cash in” their sustaining shares only to the extent that they would still have 20 of them (or $200) invested in the Co-op. In the October 1977 newsletter, an article discussed the purchase of B (sustaining) shares and the goal to have all members invest $200 in the Co-op as a permanent investment. A member could plan to purchase one share per month at $10 a piece or purchase $200 all at once — the first structure of a payment plan. In the years that followed, members were encouraged to reach the Fair Share investment level as a way to support the Co-op; different payment structures were explored and offered. In September 1984, the Board was considering making Fair Share a requirement since relying on voluntary investment had not been very successful and they felt it was time to change for the health of the Co-op. In January 1985, the Board unanimously passed a motion to ensure all new Co-op members purchased one B Share in addition to the A share

making the total initial investment $25, and members were required to be working toward Fair Share status. The membership approved it in November of that same year. In December 1985, any members that were not already Fair Share were on a payment plan to reach the Fair Share investment level. The payment plan was $3/month and a $2 fee was charged to manage the payment plan. The new equity program raised $12,000 in five months, a 290% increase. By December 1989, total B share investment was at an all-time high of $363,000 at an average investment of $56.35 per member. In December 1995, the board voted to increase the A share from $10 to $25, noting that it was a modest increase when looking at inflation-adjusted figures dating back to 1973 (which would actually put the increase up to $35). Memberships purchased before January 2, 1996 were grandfathered in at the $10 A share amount. The increase was approved by the membership. In January 1996, a new equity structure was introduced, the first time in a decade that the structure had been modified. Board and staff spent time researching many Co-

A Fair Share investment is the only sustainable and responsible way to structure the Co-op’s membership system for current and long-term needs.

op structures asking what worked and what didn’t, what were low entry fees, what were simple ways to build toward Fair Share level with lots of importance placed on the equity and the amount it takes to run a store. At the time, members received a 2% discount on purchases; however, the 2% was automatically invested in B shares until Fair Share status was reached. Right after the Arcata remodel in 2001, the board voted to raise the Fair Share level to $300 — the first time in the history of the Co-op that it was increased—and the membership voted to approve it in the election that same year. At the time, there were options given for how to reach Fair Share level. All members at the $200 Fair Share level needed to reach $300 as well. This is the current Fair Share investment level today. Why Fair Share? A Co-op needs basic equity, and the base capital for a co-op comes from member investments. Without member investment, the Co-op could have problems in terms of borrowing to finance on-going capital improvements and replacements for aging equipment, or even minor internal expansions (e.g. adding refrigerated bulk dispensers for better product quality). There are only three sources of capital for a co-op: profits, loans/financing (vendors or banks/credit unions), and member investment.

Continued on p. 7

www.northcoast.coop 6

Cooperative Community

Understanding Fair Share Status, Continued from p. 6 Member investment is a critical way for co-ops to be financed because: It reduces dependency on outside financing groups, especially banks or lending institutions. It provides an interest-free and non-taxable source of base capital. It emphasizes consumer-ownership and a key point of differentiation for co-ops. This also increases loyalty—when you understand that you own the Co-op (along with thousands of your friends and neighbors), you have a better chance of understanding that it makes more sense to shop at your own Co-op than at a competitor, where possible. It doesn’t take a major investment by any of the co-op’s shoppers to produce a very adequate capital base from which the Co-op can operate. Members get their investment back when they leave or no longer wish to be part of the Co-op. Member investment provides co-ops with the means to operate sustainably – as membership grows, their capital base will grow. A Fair Share investment is the only sustainable and responsible way to structure the Coop’s membership system for current and longterm needs. Our Co-op has known this almost since its inception, but our current bylaws are not clear that the intention is for all members to be working towards Fair Share status. We’re proposing new language in the bylaws that clarifies this. In order to ensure this is not a financial hardship on anyone, we have created workable payment plans to make it easy to reach the Fair Share investment level:

1. Purchase the $25 A share and then purchase $10 in B shares annually until Fair Share is reached. It would take approximately 30 years under this plan. 2. Purchase the $25 A share and then purchase $20 in B shares every six months (or $40 a year) until Fair Share is reached. It would take approximately 7 ½ years under this plan. 3. Purchase the $25 A share and the $300 in B shares all at once. With option 1 or 2, a member’s patronage refund will still go toward B shares (the same as it is now) so members would actually reach Fair Share status somewhat faster than the proposed structure above. Remember, members get their investment back when they leave or no longer wish to be part of the Co-op. Members do not need to be at Fair Share status in order to use their discount or to vote. Knowing the history of our Co-op’s investment structure and the payment plans to help members achieve Fair Share status, we hope you will vote yes on the proposed bylaws in this upcoming, important election. If you have questions, please don’t hesitate to ask. In addition I’d like to give a shout out to the members of the bylaws committee who have spent close to two years working on an update to the Co-op’s bylaws. In addition to me, the committee includes: Bella Waters (Membership Coordinator), Kelli Costa (CFO), Melanie Bettenhausen (Marketing and Membership Director), Fred Moore (Board President), Karen Zimbelman (longtime Co-op member and former Membership Director for North Coast Co-op).

ELECTION TIMELINE 2014

August 10 Deadline to submit questions for the candidates. Email board@northcoast.coop or turn questions in to Customer Service in either store to Attn: Bella. August 15 Deadline for candidates to meet with Co-op videographer to film video statement. These will be posted to the Co-op’s website during the election. August 21 Candidate Forum, 7-8pm in our Ten Pin warehouse. Opportunity for members to meet the candidates and listen to their responses from questions submitted by members. Please note: members can submit questions before the forum – we want to hear your questions – but they must be submitted by Aug. 10. September 27 Election kick-off party at the Morris Graves Art Museum in Eureka, 2:30-4:30pm. Details in the September Co-op News. September 27-October 15 Candidate campaigning, if desired, and election time—please vote! October 18 Annual Membership Meeting, Wharfinger Building in Eureka, 2-5pm. Election results announced.

Small Organic Farms in Other Countries Provide Us with Fresh Produce Year-Round

Brenda Harper Consumer Education Coordinator

popular saying goes: “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.” Apples are a healthy food and people want to eat them throughout the year. It’s the same

with pears. In the United States apples For a food to be sold as certified orand pears are harvested in the fall and ganic in the United States — whether some are stored in large produce ware- grown in the United States, in Mexico, or house coolers called controlled atmosphere anywhere else in the world — it must meet rooms. These air-tight storage rooms al- all the requirements of the U.S. Department of Agriculture low many variet(USDA) National ies to be stored The rise of organic food Organic Program. into the winter, spring and even production in Mexico has been It must be produced without the use summer months. a very healthy development toxic synthetic When the supfor farmers and the people of of pesticides, artificial ply is gone, they must be brought Mexico’s farming communities. fertilizers, sewage sludge, genetically in from other modified organisms (GMOs), or irradiacountries. Nearly two-thirds of the fruits and tion. The National Organic Program (NOP) vegetables eaten in the United States are has been enforced since October 2002, imported from other countries. Freshly when the United States implemented the picked fruits and vegetables have maxi- Organic Food Production Act. Mexico is estimated to have more than mum nutrition, but not all areas of the U.S. have the luxury of eating locally grown 110,000 organic farmers. More than 90 produce all year long. Therefore, out-of- percent of these growers farm on less than season fruits and vegetables are often im- nine acres and sell their products collecported from other countries, especially tively. The majority of Mexico’s organic farmers grow for the export market, with Mexico, Chile and Argentina.

7 Co-op News | August 2014

90 percent of the organic food grown in Mexico being raised for export. By importing food from Mexican growers who receive a living wage, particularly those who sell products recognized as Fair Trade, we are allowing farmers to remain in their own communities rather than leave home to find employment. If they did not have the opportunity to export their crops to the U.S., and therefore make a living wage, many of these farmers would likely leave Mexico to become part of the migrant labor force in order to provide for themselves and their families. The rise of organic food production in Mexico has been a very healthy development for farmers and the people of Mexico’s farming communities. Fresh, organic produce grown in Mexico and other countries makes it possible for us to have our favorite fruits and vegetables year-round. Because of organic standards and small family farms around the world, we are able to have an apple a day to keep the doctor away.

Cook & Save

COOK & SAVE

By Brenda Harper, Consumer Education Coordinator & Lauren Fawcett, Outreach Coordinator

Summer Kidney Bean Salad

he North Coast Co-op’s Cook & Save Club hosts free monthly meetings to develop recipes that include items from our sales flyer. This month we are featuring kidney beans. Kidney beans are reddish brown legumes named after their kidney shape. This wholesome and nutritious bean is used to make chili, soups and rice dishes as well as delicious salads. Kidney beans are not typically found fresh but are available dried in bulk and in cans. They contain important minerals such as iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, copper, molybdenum, and vitamins A, B1, C and folate. They are also high in fiber, protein and are naturally low in sodium. Dried kidney beans can be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry and dark place, where they will keep for up to 12 months. Cooked kidney beans will keep fresh in the refrigerator for about three days if placed in a covered container. Photo by Amy Waldrip

Salad ingredients

(Makes approximately 4 servings)

1 ½ cups cooked kidney beans 1 cup fresh corn, the kernels from one large ear of corn 1 cucumber, diced 1 red pepper, diced 3 green onions, thinly sliced (white and green parts) 4 Tablespoons fresh cilantro, roughly chopped

Dressing ingredients Zest from 2 limes 3 Tablespoons fresh lime juice (1 ½ - 2 limes) 2 Tablespoons olive oil 1 Tablespoon apple cider vinegar ¼ teaspoon salt, or to taste ¼ teaspoon black pepper, or to taste

Directions 1. Before rinsing the beans in a strainer, check for and remove stones and damaged beans by spreading them out on a light colored plate or cooking surface. 2. To shorten their cooking time and make them easier to digest, kidney beans should be presoaked. There are two basic methods for presoaking. For each, start by placing the beans in a saucepan with two to three cups of water per cup of beans. The first method is to boil the beans for two minutes, remove pan from heat, cover and allow to stand for two hours. The alternative method is to simply soak the beans in water for eight hours or overnight, placing the pan in the refrigerator, so the beans will not ferment. 3. Before cooking the beans, regardless of presoak-

Join us Monday, August 18th, 6-7:30pm in Arcata for the next free meeting of our Cook & Save Club Please register online, just as you would a cooking class at www.northcoast.coop. Choose Cooking Classes from the dropdown menu and click on register. Or call Lauren Fawcett at (707) 443-6027 ext. 120.

ing method, drain the soaking liquid and rinse the beans with water. Add enough fresh water to cover the beans by one extra inch. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to a simmer and cook until they are fork tender. Kidney beans generally take about 1-1 ½ hours to become tender. For this recipe, use ¼ pound of dried beans (about ½ cup of beans), which yields 1½ cups of cooked beans. 4. Put all of the salad ingredients into a medium size bowl and toss together. 5. In a separate bowl, whisk all of the dressing ingredients together and then slowly add to the salad bowl contents. Toss everything together until combined. Serve immediately or keep in the refrigerator until serving.

Sale Ingredients Valid Aug.19 through Sept. 1, 2014 BULK Organic Kidney Beans

California Olive Ranch Olive Oil

Reg. $2.89 per lb

Reg. $11.99 16.9 oz

$1.99/lb

$8.99

www.northcoast.coop 8

Community Partners

our members giveaway

Enter to win an all organic Co-op Basics Breakfast Giveaway, featuring these items from our Co-op Basics program: • Co-op 40th Anniversary Coffee • Flax Seeds • Choice Earl Grey Tea • Nature’s Path Heritage Flakes Cereal • Co-op Apple Juice • So Delicious Original Coconut Milk • So Delicious Vanilla Coconut Milk • So Delicious Unsweetened Coconut Milk • Bananas Enter in either store at Customer Service by Sept. 1.

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Farmers Markets that accept CalFresh/EBT:

North Coast Growers Assn. Markets: (707) 441-9999 Arcata: • Plaza (April-Nov): Sat. 9-2 • Plaza (Dec-Mar): Sat. 10-2 • Wildberries: Tues. 3:30-6:30 Eureka: • Old Town: Tues. 10-1 • Henderson Center: Thurs. 10-1

Fortuna Farmers Market: (707) 499-2150 Fortuna: • 10th & Main: Tues. 3-6 Souther Humboldt Farmers Markets: (707) 498-4089 Garberville: • Town Square: Fri. 11-3

Mckinleyville • Safeway Lot: Thurs. 3:30-6:30

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9 Co-op News | August 2014

Local Recipe By Brenda Harper, Consumer Education Coordinator & Lauren Fawcett, Outreach Coordinator | Photos by Amy Waldrip

Featuring Galia Melon and Yellow Watermelon from Willow Creek Farms & Honeydew Melon from Neukom Family Farm

elons are large, hard-skinned fruits in the gourd family with abundant sweet, juicy flesh and large seeds. These fruits have been enjoyed for thousands of years and grow best in warm weather places. Inland Humboldt County has the perfect summer weather for producing super delicious melons. There are two broad categories of melons: muskmelons and watermelons. Muskmelons have thick walls and hollow centers with loose seeds and fiber. Watermelons have a solid, almost uniform flesh all the way through with seeds embedded in the flesh. Some varieties are even seedless. Melons come in a wide range of sizes, shapes and colors, providing a multitude of options for summertime fare. Choose your favorite melons for this melon sorbet which requires only one ingredient and no ice cream maker!

Local and in Season Melons [note: Melons listed are not necessarily available in stores currently. For a current list of available local melons and all other produce, view the weekly What’s Local listing on our website or in the produce department at either store.]

• • • • • • • • •

Ambrosia Annana Cantaloupe Charantais Crane Galia Ha Ogen Honeydew Honeydew, orange flesh • Honeydew, yellow flesh

• Swan Lake • Toad Skin • Watermelon, Crimson Sweet • Watermelon, Orange Orchid • Watermelon, Seeded • Watermelon, Sugar Baby • Watermelon, Yellow

Ingredients • 4 pounds melon, peeled, seeded and cut into approximately 1 ½ inch chunks

Directions 1. Spread the melon chunks on a sheet pan and put in freezer until firm (about 2 hours). At this point you can either make sorbet or move them to a freezer safe container. 2. When ready to make sorbet, place the frozen melon in a food processor and puree until the chunks are broken up and fairly smooth. Turn off the food processor and stir with a spoon to get any melon chunks that are stuck to the sides or bottom. Turn on the processor and blend a little more. Don’t over blend or it will turn in to a slushie. If the consistency seems too thick, you can add two tablespoons of water at a time until the right consistency is reached. 3. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to two weeks.

Far right: Saige, Ninabell, and Lelo mix the sorbet during the Kid’s Summer Produce class. Bottom right: Lulu serves sorbet into cups. Below: Ninabell and Saige cheers during the class (below)

www.northcoast.coop 10

DEADLINE TO ENTER: SEPT. 1

Own It!

WIN A $25 GIFT CARD

Member Survey Do you plan to vote Yes on the bylaws revisions in the upcoming election? Why or why not?

Art Show

by Employees of the North coast co-op Detach this entry form & return it to the Member Survey box located near Customer Service at either store location. Be sure to include your name, contact information, and member number so that we can contact you if your entry is drawn. You can also send your ideas to co-opnews@northcoast.coop with “Member Survey” in the subject line. Must be a member to enter. Co-op employees and their families are not eligible to win.

Member Name: Phone #:

Member #:

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Find them in stores and online | www.northcoast.coop

Co-op News Reference Guide

Do you let them choose their own food items, including their snacks? What do they choose? What is their favorite thing about shopping at the Co-op? We love to see kids at the Co-op and we want to hear your story! Contact Brenda Harper at (707) 382-3103 by August 15 or email brendaharper@northcoast.coop