Who knew so many people want to learn how to make kombucha?

A packed house filled The Shift Wednesday to learn all about this fermented, good-for-you sweet tea beverage (and other naturally fermented drinks) from the very knowledgable Tamara Mannelly, a health coach and blogger at Oh Lardy. 

We even got to -- gasp -- touch a scoby. Don't know a scoby from Scooby Do, well ... 

There's much behind-the-scenes work happening at Chicago Market. And one of those big steps happened just a couple of days ago at the latest Board meeting, when your Board of Directors selected its officers.

So, without further ado, here are the newly elected Board officers, in their own words:

Happy Earth Day from Chicago Market to you. Your interest in a food co-op is just one way of showing your care and concern for the planet. Supporting local food and local food producers promotes sustainable agriculture.

Curious about kombucha? Scared of SCOBY?

Put aside your hesitation and learn how to make this healthful, fermented drink at a Chicago Market workshop on April 29.

The Good Food Festival is just days away, and we couldn't be more excited about this annual celebration of local farmers and food producers. Few events embody Chicago Market's mission as well as this one, which includes hands-on workshops, educational panels, plenty of opportunities to talk with farmers and food artisans, kids' activities, and, of course, lots of delicious samples.

We'll be there, at the UIC Pavilion, with representatives of the newly created Chicagoland Food Co-op Coalition. As will a long list of Chicago Market Owners who will be sharing their local-food love in a variety of ways. 

Celebrate Valentine's Day with family and friends at an interactive food-trivia dinner with Chicago Market at River Valley Farmer's Table this Sunday (February 15) at 6 p.m. 

This is not your typical romantic candlelit dinner.  Call up a family member or friend (or two or three) and get a team together, or partner with party goers! Let’s have fun and win some prizes! We’re going to prove that playing with your food isn’t just for kids. 

Imagine a 3,000-square-foot community cooking school dedicated to preparing local, sustainable food.

Imagine no more ... It's a reality, in the form of Peterson Garden Project's new Fearless Food Kitchen. Even better, Chicago Market will host a monthly cooking class in this beautiful new space in the historic Broadway Armory Park building. 

And, this Saturday, you're invited to a grand-opening benefit of The Fearless Food Kitchen. All proceeds will go toward Peterson Garden Project's mission of teaching everyone in Chicago how to grow and cook their own food. 

Your new Chicago Market Board of Directors had a great time getting to know one another last night at Uncommon Ground on Clark Street. Our first official Board meeting is later this month, but we toasted our new group with locally brewed Greenstar Brewing beers at this informal meet-and-greet. 

Chicago Market is already looking forward to spring. There are many reasons, but high on the list is the annual Good Food Festival & Conference on March 20-21.

Chicago Market is partner in the Good Food Commons portion of the local-food event. And organizers are currently seeking proposals from YOU for micro-workshops to be presented there.