Get to Know HPC Board Member Naomi Karstad

—by Kjersti Hanneman

KH: How long have you been a member of Hampden Park Co-op?

NK: Since 2002, and I have been volunteering since then. I live in Midway, and have been shopping at HPC since 1983.

KH: How did you get involved in the co-op?

NK: I was newly divorced and had been shopping here for years. After I got divorced, I needed to be doing something for the community. I needed to be doing something that would be part of the wider world—not just navel gazing.

KH: How long have you been a board member?

NK: Since 2003. I'm on the Finance and Physical Plant committees.

KH: Do you have family in town?

NK: My husband Fred and my daughter Miranda. Fred Stenborg is a co-op member too. We actually met while volunteering at the co-op. We just had such great conversations while we were at the co-op, which led to a friendship. We were friends for two and a half years before we started going out.

KH: What is your occupation?

NK: I'm a singer, but I also work as a legal secretary for a law firm in downtown Minneapolis.

KH: Where did you grow up?

NK: Down by St. Peter, Minnesota, in a small town called Nicollet.

KH: What are your hobbies and interests?

NK: In addition to music, I'm interested in the slow-food movement, sustainable agriculture, and supporting local farms. Growing up on the farm is a big part of why I like knowing where my food comes from.

KH: Are you engaged in other community activities?

NK: I volunteer at Miranda’s school. I’m also involved at the Germanic- American Institute, doing music and events for that organization.

KH: Tell me about your most interesting travels.

NK: I love southwest Wisconsin; it’s so beautiful, and there's a lot of local food. Lately I’ve been exploring southeastern Minnesota along the Mississippi river as well.

KH: What is your favorite thing about the co-op?

NK: That it is small and I don’t have to walk 5 miles to get my food.

KH: What is your favorite experience at the co-op?

NK: My favorite experience is meeting Fred at the co-op.

KH: What is your favorite “treat” from the co-op?

NK: Either the Scharffen Berger 82% cacao chocolate bar or the Ciao Bella passionfruit sorbet.

KH: What is your favorite restaurant in the metro area?

NK: Right now it is a tossup between Muffaleta and The Craftsman.

KH: What is your favorite meal to cook?

NK: Pasta Puttanesca with whole tomatoes, anchovies, capers, garlic, kalamata olives, and basil.

KH: Is there anything else HPC readers should know about you?

NK: I love the co-op, I love the community there, and people need to be involved if they feel the same way. There are some exciting changes happening in our co-op and in our area. Be a part of them. Get involved on the board. It's a great way to meet people and keep our co-op strong!