By Sara Dahmen

Before winter officially arrives, we still have some delightful fall days ahead, filled with family and food. This month we’re diving into a fiber-rich soup and some elecampane syrup to end the rough coughs and colds sure to come by our indoor mingling with extended family during Thanksgiving (and the exchange of germs that comes with said mingling).

FOUR BEAN CHILI

We eat quite clean in our house (you’ll notice my recipes do not have butter or oils or any animal products – it’s a cancer-staving-off method of living we’ve adopted since we lost my father-in-law two years ago), but you can always modify any recipes with meat and dairy, which I’ll note as well. 

Beans are an excellent source of protein as well as fiber and the more colors you can use of beans, the more nutrient-dense your meal will be. I’ve used what I had in the house, but truly any beans can be used. **If you use dried beans, soak them in water overnight before using.

1 can red kidney beans
1 can white/ great Northern beans
1 can pinto beans
1 can black beans
1 can diced and fire-roasted tomatoes
1 yellow onion, diced
4 cloves garlic, mince
4 cups vegetable broth
1 tsp turmeric
1 tsp garlic salt
2 tsp cumin
2 tsp chili powder
2 tsp dried parsley
* Browned and strained ground beef optional

Pour about ½ cup water into a large pot. Add in the onion and garlic and cook until transparent, stirring often. Add in all other ingredients (including the beef if you are using) and cook together on a low simmer, occasionally gently stirring, for about 20 minutes. 

Garnish with shredded cheese and bacon bits if you wish. 

Serve warm with fresh bread loaves.

ELECAMPANE SYRUP

Elecampane is a field flower that has been well naturalized in Wisconsin. It’s used in herbal medicine quite regularly. I’ve been using it with my children since they were very young since, first and foremost, it is a very effective cough (especially nighttime coughs) suppressant. With most over-the-counter cough medications only OK for children aged 12 and older, I wanted something natural and available for my toddlers. 

You only use the root of the plant. If you forage, take only half the root. If you grow your own, wait two years to harvest part of the root. 

Sometimes I can get in fresh root from the west coast, but it’s much easier to find dried root. I’m enclosing both recipes here. 

Use:
Take up to 6 doses per day for up to 3 days. 
Dose: 2tsp as needed for adults and ½ tsp for children as needed
Do not take while pregnant or breastfeeding.
Not recommended for children under the age of 2. 
If you do have children under 2, replace the honey with maple syrup.


Fresh Root Syrup:
5-6oz fresh elecampane roots, scrubbed and sliced
1 ¼ cup raw honey

Fill a pint jar with the roots, pour in the honey, stir and cover tightly. Label the jar with date and place in a cool dark place. Allow syrup to infuse for at least 4 weeks and up to 3 months. Strain the infused syrup through a fine-mesh sieve and discard the roots. Transfer the syrup to a clean glass jar, cover tightly and label. Store in the refrigerator for up to 1 year.


Dried Root Syrup:
1oz dried elecampane root, sliced or chopped
2 cups water
½ cup raw honey

Combine the elecampane root and water in a pot and bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer uncovered until the liquid has reduced in half.

Allow the decoction to cool slightly then strain through a fine mesh sieve over a bowl, pressing the roots against the sides of the sieve to extract as much medicine as possible. Discard the roots.

Measure the liquid and divide that volume by two to make sure you use the right amount of honey. For example, if you get 1 cup of elecampane liquid, add ½ cup of honey, etc. 

Allow the elecampane decoction/liquid to cool until just warm to the touch and then add your honey and stir to combine. Transfer syrup to clean glass jar and label. Store in the refrigerator for up to 1 year.


NOTE: Elecampane decoction can turn turquoise when exposed to oxygen. If you cool the decoction/liquid completely after boiling before you add the honey, you may see this color change. It is completely harmless and the syrup is still completely fine.

​

​About the Author
Sara Dahmen is a coppersmith, award-winning author and novelist, and entrepreneur. Her expertise is of vintage and modern cookware; she manufactures pure metal kitchenware in her Port Washington, Wisconsin garage for her company, House Copper & Cookware. All of her current designs are based on American traditions and wares and are sourced in the USA. When unable to recreate traditional elements, she uses only small family owned and operated makers or Armed Forces veterans to help with the production of her cookware pieces. Her work also includes refurbishing and restoring old and damaged copper using vintage tools.  Learn more about Sara at: https://www.saradahmen.com/​  ​Order Sara's book! Full color, hard-cover COPPER IRON AND CLAY (Morrow/HarperCollins)

*Edited from 2017

​By Mary Boyle

The conventional method of holiday shopping is so ingrained in us, it's easy to overlook the many treasures we have right in our own community.  Supporting local businesses and organizations is the gift that keeps on giving; the money you spend at these places not only stays in our community, but oftentimes helps to support important organizations that make Ozaukee and the greater Ozaukee area so wonderful.  Read on, and find the perfect gifts for everyone on your list!

For the Kids (and Kids at Heart)

Hands down, my favorite place to buy toys in Ozaukee County is the Cedarburg Toy Co.  Owners, Zach and Natasha Loos, will not only assist you in finding the right gift, they'll wrap it for you.  They are also experts at covert operations, if you happen to actually have your children with you and need to shop.  Wink, nudge, or pass them a note, and they'll have all the presents wrapped and ready for later pick up,  or whatever other crazy antics you can think of.  CTC truly has gifts for all ages, from blocks and rattles to puzzles and books, and things you didn't even know existed!  Don't miss this magical little store in the heart of downtown Cedarburg.

For the Foodies

Oz is home to some really great restaurants, and a special dinner out could be a lovely gift.  Try Fork & Tap, The Steerage, Plier's Full Circle Pub & Restaurant, or Twisted Willow in Port; Cedarburg has Brandywine, The Stilt House, The Anvil Pub or The Farmstead.  Messina's in Saukville is a good bet, or try No No's in Newburg.  A CSA Subscription is another great idea!

For the Nature Lovers

Oz is home to two amazing nature preserves:  Riveredge in Newburg in the north and Mequon Nature Preserve in the south.  Memberships to both offer access to trails and programming, but also help support environmental restoration and education in Oz.  Besides memberships, Riveredge has a Visitor's Center full of great gifts for the Outdoorsy person in your life, including the syrup they make onsite each spring.

For the Art Lovers

The art community is strong in Oz, and there are a variety of places where original artwork of all kinds can be purchased.  In Cedarburg, try the Cedarburg Art Museum, Cedarburg Cultural Center,  or the Wisconsin Museum of Quilts & Fiber Arts gift shops, but memberships to these organizations also make great gifts. In downtown Cedarburg, you can find local art in many of the gift shops, including Bohemia, the Pink Llama Gallery, and within the Shops of Cedar Creek Settlement.  In Grafton, look no further than the NSAA Arts Mill, where a wide variety of treasures await.  

For the Coffee Lovers

If there is one thing the Land of Oz has aplenty, it's good coffee shops.  Gift Certificates are great, of course, but most also offer t-shirts, mugs, and other fun items to show your coffee shop pride.  In Port, there's Java Dock Cafe (and keep an eye out for Banjo's Brews Coffee which will be opening inside of Lakeside Music & Naturals soon!); in Grafton, we have AM Coffee, NSeven, and Colectivo (also in Mequon); in Cedarburg, there's the Cedarburg Coffee Roastery and Java House.  You can find a Fiddleheads in Cedarburg, Grafton, Thiensville, and Mequon.  There is no lack of caffeine in Oz, people.

For the Pet Lovers (and pets!!)

Oz is home to a bounty of wonderful, independent and local places to shop for the pet or pet lover in your life!  In Port Washington, check out One Wag on the corner of Franklin and Jackson St. downtown, which specializes in natural food and nutritional support for your pets.  In Saukville, there's Dawgs In Motion, which has day camp, training classes, a pool, a shop, grooming and more, or Pet Supply Port, which has been in Oz for over 25 years.  In Mequon, try the Feed Bag, which also offers a pool and grooming, as well as a selection for pets beyond dogs and cats.  In Cedarburg, try Landmark Supply, which has been serving the critters of Oz for over 150 years!

For the Beer & Wine Lovers 

Oz is home to a number of breweries, and there are a few winery options, as well.  In Cedarburg, of course, there is the award-winning Cedar Creek Winery and Chiselled Grape Winery, but Cedarburg has two breweries, as well: Rebellion Brewing and The Fermentorium.  In Port Washington, try Inventors Brewpub or Vines to Cellar.  In Grafton, Sahale Ale Works is a recent arrival, while Foxtown Brewing in Mequon is also fairly new.

​

​For those who love to wander through Gift Shops and be inspired...

Sometimes, you just want to wander around and see what might jump out at you, or have someone in the know who has the time to help you find the perfect gift.  If that's you, you could just start at one end of downtown Cedarburg and finish at the other, but Cedarburg isn't your only game!  In Port Washington, try Pear & Simple, Eclectic Avenue, Lakeside Music & Naturals (which has all types of goodies for the musicians in your life, too), The Shoppes of Port Washington, and Locally Inspired.

For the Jewelry Lover

Armbruster Jewelers in Cedarburg has been around since 1884, so you really can't go wrong, there; however, if you're lakeside, check out Sharbuno Jewelers in Port Washington, another family business that has been serving Oz since 1950.  Mequon's East Towne Jewelers boasts over 30 years of business, which is certainly an accomplishment, as well.  Cedarburg has several more unique and boutique shops that may also serve you well, such as Pagoda Fine Jewelry, Wyndrose Fine Jewelry or Jewelry Works.

For the Outdoor Sports Enthusiast

Snowboarding, skiing, cycling, kayaking, skateboarding and more!  Check out ZuZu Pedals or Sherper's in Port Washington, Cedar Creek Outdoors or Phase II Skate Shop in Cedarburg, Extreme Ski & Bike in Thiensville, or ERIK'S in Grafton.  Surfing on Lake Michigan?  You bet!  Try the Board Shack in Port.

Candy for St. Nick's & Gifts 

On the lookout for candy, the perfect chocolate Santa, or maybe just something to satisfy your holiday sweet tooth?  Oz has you covered!  In Port Washington, you must visit The Chocolate Chisel for some of the best hot chocolate and ice cream in Oz, as well as amazing chocolates.  In Grafton, Sweettrio is the place to go for candy, chocolates or caramel apples.  In Cedarburg, you have your choice of Amy's Candy Kitchen, which is known for their caramel apples, or Ashley's Confectionery, which is a great place to find vintage candy and M&M's by the color, as well as chocolates.  In Mequon, you must visit the Cocoa Tree Confectionery (and, if you have a great sense of humor and aren't easily offended, follow them on Facebook for some weekly laughs;)! 

​The important thing to remember about gift giving, especially this time of year, is not to buy stuff just to buy stuff.  Slow down, really be present with people, and when you do want to give something, consider giving a gift that gives back to our community.  Happy Holidays, everyone.

By Mary Boyle

Last year, many of our holiday traditions were undone by the pandemic, which makes the return of them this season all the more sweet.  From beloved holiday theatre opportunities to tree lightings and parades, we've got the line up in Oz and beyond!

Holiday Events
Friday, November 26
Festive Friday in Cedarburg
Illuminate Ozaukee in Cedarburg
Kapco's Kids2Kids Christmas Wonderland in Grafton, through November 28
​An Enchanted Christmas at the Cedarburg Art Museum
Saturday, November 27
Shop Hop Event in Port Washington
​41st Annual Grafton Christmas Parade
Illuminate Ozaukee in Cedarburg
Tree Lighting in Fredonia
Monday, November 29
Tree Lighting in Cedarburg
Tuesday, November 30
24" Fresh Hand-Tied Wreath Class at Kletzein Garden Center in Port Washington
Wednesday, December 1
Kapco's Kids2Kids Christmas Wonderland in Grafton, through December 5
Thursday, December 2
Illuminate Ozaukee in Cedarburg, through December 4th
Friday, December 3
Festive Friday in Cedarburg
An Enchanted Christmas at the Cedarburg Art Museum
Holiday Art Fair in Cedarburg, through December 5
Tree Lighting in Thiensville
Saturday, December 4
Christmas at the Legion in Saukville, through December 5
CJWC's Breakfast with Santa in Cedarburg
Christmas Cookie Walk at St. John's Lutheran in Port Washington
The Polar Express in Port Washington
Christkindlmarkt in Port Washington
​Christmas on the Corner in Port Washington
Sunday, December 5
​European Christmas Parade, Festival and Chili CookOff in Belgium
Tree Lighting in Saukville
Monday, December 6
Evergreen Porch Gnome Class at Kletzein Garden Center in Port Washington
Wednesday, December 8
Kapco's Kids2Kids Christmas Wonderland in Grafton, through December 12
Thursday, December 9
Illuminate Ozaukee in Cedarburg, through December 11
Fresh Hanging Kissing Ball Class at Kletzein Garden Center in Port Washington
Friday, December 10
An English Manor Christmas Tour with the CCC, through December 11
Holiday Bough Trimming - Make a Holiday Wreath at Riveredge
Festive Friday in Cedarburg
An Enchanted Christmas at the Cedarburg Art Museum
A Night of Holiday Music to benefit Advocates of Ozaukee
Saturday, December 11
Santa's Dash Away 5K Fun Run/Walk in Cedarburg
Kid's Ornament Workshop at Buechler Farms in Belgium
Winter Market at the Foxtown Annex in Mequon
Piano Brew All Request Holiday Show at the CCC
Sunday, December 12
Gingerbread House Day at the Mequon Public Market
Wednesday, December 15
Kapco's Kids2Kids Christmas Wonderland in Grafton, through December 23 
Evergreen Porch Gnome Class at Kletzein Garden Center in Port Washington
Thursday, December 16
Illuminate Ozaukee in Cedarburg, through December 18
Jonathan Clark's Kitchen: Shortbread Cookies for Christmas in Mequon
Friday, December 17
Festive Friday in Cedarburg
​An Enchanted Christmas at the Cedarburg Art Museum
An Olde English Christmas with Peter Noone at the CPAC
​Meet Santa in a Snow Globe in Port Washington
Saturday, December 18
Christmas Bird Count at Riveredge
Kid's Ornament Workshop at Buechler Farms in Belgium
Fresh Hand-Tied Wreath Class at Kletzein Garden Center in Port Washington
Meet Santa in a Snow Globe in Port Washington
Tuesday, December 21
Fresh Festive Centerpiece Class at Kletzein Garden Center in Port Washington
Thursday, December 23
Illuminate Ozaukee in Cedarburg
Sunday, December 26
​Final Kapco's Kids2Kids Christmas Wonderland in Grafton



Holiday Theatre
November 20-December 26 A Charlie Brown Christmas with First Stage
November 30-December 24 A Christmas Carol with The Rep
December 3-5 Elf the Musical with Sheboygan Theatre Company
December 3-5 A Christmas Carol with West Bend Theatre Company
December 9-12 Another Night Before Christmas at the Kettle Moraine Playhouse
​December 10-12 A Christmas Carol with West Bend Theatre Company
​December 10-26 The Nutcracker with The Milwaukee Ballet

Overview
This competition is for the Wisconsin artist who has a true passion for the Ozaukee County Fair. Artists are asked to submit a color design celebrating the Ozaukee County Fair. Be a part of this fun competition and submit your most creative idea that showcases the fun side of the Ozaukee County Fair. Artists have the chance to win a grand prize if their piece is selected. All entrants will receive a complimentary daily parking pass for each entry, to the 2022 Ozaukee County Fair, August 3-7. 

Eligibility 
The Poster Art Competition is open to Wisconsin residents only, age 18 & older. 

Style 
Artwork should reflect a celebration of the Ozaukee County Fair, with a dominant fair element as the focal point (i.e. animals, rides, music, competitive exhibits, food, etc.). A specific medium or artistic style is not required however, we are not looking for a collage. Submissions are encouraged to be a celebration of the Ozaukee County Fair and should be created as an advertisement. All posters submitted to the state contest will become the property of the Ozaukee County Fair, and may be used for promotional purposes.

Submission Requirements 
All submissions must include the following: 
1. A completed entry form 
2. Resume (maximum of two pages) 
3. Color design depicting fun at the Ozaukee County Fair 
4. Brief description of submitted sketch and intended medium 
5. 3-4 color copies of previous work
6. Do not use objects raised from the surface.
7. Do not use well-known or copyright characters
8.  All digitally created files must also be submitted via .eps, .ai, or .psd and .pdf format.
9. All materials must be submitted in hard copy form on an 11x17 sheet of paper with artist’s name on the back of each sheet. 
Submission materials will not be returned. Artwork must be two-dimensional and use traditional media in the final piece. Concepts may be rendered using computer software but the final piece must use traditional media. The final size of the grand prize artwork must be able to transfer to an 11 x 17-inch horizontal or vertical poster. The submission must be postmarked by Tuesday, November 30, 2021. See Submitting Entries below for mailing and drop-off addresses. 

Selection Criteria 
Judges will be looking for the following in each of the submissions: 
• Artwork should be fun and a celebration of the Ozaukee County Fair with a dominant Fair element (not a collage) 
• Passion for the Ozaukee County Fair 
• Appeal to a broad audience 
• Must include “Ozaukee County Fair” and year (2022) in artwork; Fair dates are optional (August 3-7)
Failure to adhere to these standards will result in disqualification. 

Selection Process 
There will be three parts to the selection process: 
1. A panel of judges will review all submissions and select their top three submissions. 
2. The artists of the top three submissions will be invited to the Ozaukee County Fair to further explain their concept. Then, each finalist will create a more detailed draft of his/her concept. Each of the finalists will be given a $____ stipend and six (6) complimentary Grand Stand admission tickets upon the timely completion of the second draft, as outlined by an artist’s agreement. 
3. The panel of judges will review the finalists’ concepts and will select the artwork. 
4. After the Grand Champion Artist has been selected, the artist will meet with the judges to discuss why their piece was chosen and the next steps. 
5. The top artist will receive a grand prize of $100 after final artwork is delivered to the Ozaukee County Fair 

Terms and Conditions for Grand Champion Artist 
A complete agreement will be presented at the time of artist selection. The artist will retain the copyright, but full ownership of the finished selection will be transferred to the Ozaukee County Fair. The Ozaukee County Fair will also have the right to reproduce the original artwork for use in advertising and promotion of the Ozaukee County Fair. The artist of the final selection agrees to publicity to promote their artwork upon request. In addition to the Grand Prize of_____ for being the Grand Champion Artist, the artist will receive 25 posters The Ozaukee County Agricultural Society, sponsors of the Ozaukee County Fair established in 1859, is a 501c3 non-profit corporation.

Schedule of Events 
Competition opens: October 31, 2021 
Entry deadline: November 30, 2021 
Judges review artwork & selections made: December 7, 2021 
Grand Prize Winner informed: December 8, 2021
Grand Prize Winner signing of releases: December 10, 2021 

Submitting Entries 
Materials must be postmarked by November 30, 2021 to: 
Ozaukee County Fair Poster Art Competition P.O. Box 173 Cedarburg, WI 53012
​
Questions? 
Any questions about the competition should be directed to Jamie Nevins @ advertising@ozaukeecountyfair.com ​

By Mary Boyle
​
Once upon a time, most of the fresh food available for purchase at the grocery store or market was produced locally; the systems simply did not exist to transport fresh food economically, so fresh produce was mainly limited to what could be grown nearby. In Wisconsin, with our long, cold winters, this meant that farmers had to know how to extend the growing season, as well as how to store produce properly so that it could be utilized until spring finally arrived. What couldn’t survive fresh was preserved in a variety of ways, either by individuals, the farmers or, as time went on, companies that specialized in canning food. This was why, when my mother was a child in the 1950’s, getting an orange in the toe of your stocking on St. Nick’s at the beginning of a Wisconsin winter was a treasured treat. Were we able to beam ourselves back fifty years to a local grocery store, most of us would be shocked at how little choices were available for fresh produce, especially in the dead of winter.

The availability of cheap oil gradually changed our local food systems into a global one. More vehicles needed good roads, which went on to replace the trains that were once the only way for food to travel long distances (and only food that could survive the trip). Eventually, even airplanes became an economical option and, with speed like that, we can now find fresh raspberries and tomatoes grown in Mexico or South America in vast produce aisles in the middle of February in Wisconsin. The convenience and availability are so commonplace, we are no longer aware of what a luxury it is…or what the real costs are, not just in the quality of the food, which is often picked long before ripeness, so it travels well (or is even bred to be sturdier for travel), nor in the environmental cost caused by more vehicles on the roads and planes in the air burning more fossil fuels, but also in the gradual loss of local food systems.

The need for redeveloping a year-round market for local food has become more obvious as we witness the disruption in the supply chain caused by the pandemic: the farther our food and other products must travel, the more likely it is that the supply will be disrupted; a community that solely relies on food produced outside its borders will not fare well should those outside systems be disturbed, be it from a pandemic, natural disaster or some other event we haven’t happened upon, yet.  Furthermore, we have already seen how the price of oil affects the cost of goods that must travel long distances to reach us; this isn’t really an issue when the product isn’t something we actually require, such as the latest smart phone or a particular brand of shoes, but it is not impossible to imagine a time when food that must be transported could become too costly for a part of the population.  

Ozaukee and the surrounding area is blessed to have a number of long-running and popular outdoor Farmers Markets between June and October, offering the opportunity to purchase food and other goods straight from the producer, which benefits the consumer because they’re able to know exactly where and how the food is produced, and benefits the producer because it allows them to get more profit for their goods than they can by selling it wholesale to grocery stores, restaurants or other wholesale buyers outside of the community the food is grown in.  The end of October has, in the past, meant the end of the local food season; but now, as demand for local food grows, indoor Farmers Market opportunities have also grown which, in turn, encourages producers to use methods to extend their season and goods, such as using cold frames and hoop houses, or preserving their harvest by freezing, canning, or dehydrating.

For several years, PortFish, Ltd., a local aquaponics outfit in Port Washington, ran the indoor Port Washington Winter Market out of the local Congregational Church, which was then taken over by Jennifer Sapiro and went on to be sponsored by Port Washington Main Street in 2018. During the 2017/18 season, they began to alternate the market between the American Legion/Inventors Brewpub and the church and quickly learned that the new venue was a huge hit; the Winter Market has been happening there ever since, though it has been outdoors when possible, or order online and purchase pickup when it wasn’t, over the pandemic. Finally, the Winter Market will return in person on Saturday, November 6th from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and continue for two Saturdays every month through March.

The Winter Market is no longer the only local food game in Port, however; the DreamPort Harvest Market, a new venture by Dream Apple Farm (read the story here), will be open every Saturday from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. through December 18th, then they plan to open as a retail store in April, giving even more opportunities to purchase local food throughout the entire season.

There are also several options for buying direct from the farmer on the farm in Ozaukee County. In Cedarburg, Witte’s Vegetable Farm Store will remain open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday until the Saturday before Thanksgiving, while Appleland Farm Market in Fredonia will be open daily through November and Friday through Sunday for the first two weekends of December. Barthel’s Fruit Farm in Mequon will be open daily from 9-5 through Thanksgiving, with their bakery open Friday through Sunday and November 24th (you can order your pies for Thanksgiving directly from them!).

Another local food option that became available thanks to the pandemic is the Ozaukee Area REKO Ring.  Founded by Venessa Quiñones in April of 2020, the REKO Ring allows local food producers to put their offerings into Facebook posts on the group's site where members can then place their orders.  Pick ups are on Thursdays from 6-7 p.m. in Grafton in the former Shopko parking lot and the final pick up for the year is December 16th. 

Now is also a great time to consider buying a CSA share (or, consider giving one as a gift for Christmas!).  CSA stands for Community Supported Agriculture, which is when a person buys a share of the harvest before it is grown or produced so that the farmer has the funds upfront to begin planting, as well as a guaranteed customer. Appleland Farm Market and Willoway Farm (which also offers a fresh flower CSA) in Fredonia, Winterspring Farm (formerly Wellspring) in Newburg and Rare Earth Farm in Belgium are all excellent places to support.

Convenience and availability are hard to ignore, of course, so we are extremely lucky to have two dedicated, year-round grocery stores that are committed to local food in Oz, which is the next best thing to buying direct from the farmer: the cooperative Outpost Natural Foods in Mequon and Slow Pokes Local Foods in Grafton. Kathleen McGlone, who opened Slow Pokes in 2006, has been dedicated to not only supporting local food systems, but to helping people with food intolerances, particularly gluten sensitivities. After 15 years in business, Kathleen is looking for the right person to take over her venture; if you’re interested in being Ozaukee’s next local food champion, get in touch with Kathleen.
​
Ozaukee Living Local was born out of the local food movement in Ozaukee County to promote local growers and to connect the community with them; we continue to take this part of our mission very seriously. Did we miss someone? Let us know! Most importantly, please commit to buying as much local food as possible, as well as buying other products that are locally made. The money you spend on local food and goods stays local and contributes to the building and strengthening of our local economy – a process called relocalization – which makes our community more resilient, more connected, and less susceptible to the highs and lows of the global market. This is a mission we can all get behind.