OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF THE PARK SLOPE FOOD COOP

Established 1973

Volume JJ, Number 3 February 5, 2015 Windsor Terrace Food Coop— A Talk With the Agenda All Set for Take Off Committee By Frank Haberle n March 21, the Windsor OTerrace Food Coop will officially swing its doors open to a community that has wait- ed a long time for fresh pro- duce and healthy food options. After a two-year search for an affordable storefront prop- erty, the new coop’s leader- ship identified and secured a location at 825 Caton Avenue that is easily accessible for neighbors from both sides of

Prospect Expressway and Fort ILLUSTRATION BY DONNA EVANS Hamilton Avenue.

“It was always our intent PHOTO BY ROD MORRISON By Ed Levy write a letter to the Gazette, to focus, first and foremost, Jeremiah Fox (left) and Jack O’Connell inside the yet to be ould you like the Coop ask shoppers for feedback. on securing a property,” renovated store. Wto extend shopping Finally, take your proposal to reports Christine Petro, a hours till 2 a.m.? Ban the sale that gateway to the General longtime PSFC member and years we haven’t lived within many in the community saw an of pistachio nuts because Meeting—the Agenda Com- part of the WTFC leadership easy walking distance and opportunity to develop their you can’t seem to stop eat- mittee. They will diligently team. “Since we started two dreamed of having a nearby own fresh food alternatives. ing them? Set up a juice help you shape it so that it’s years ago, it has been a bit branch of the Coop. Now we Jack O’Connell, a Park bar near the cheese count- succinct and cogent. of a chicken-and-egg sce- will have a food coop nearby, Slope and Windsor Terrace er? Whatever it is, the first Recently, the Gazette nario—do we focus on pro- and my fingers are crossed community member since step to getting your wildest spoke to the members of the viding food first, and start we can make it as good as the the 1970s who serves as the dreams made manifest is to Agenda Committee about with something like a buy- PSFC in every way but size!” WTFC chairman, remembers first do the research. What its policies, practices and ing club? Or do we start by how the idea took shape. happened the last time procedures. establishing a store first? From ‘Green Beans, Not “It was at the first commu- someone tried to ban pis- LWG: What was it like before We set our sights on getting Walgreens,’ to a New nity meeting we held about tachio nuts? You can also the committee existed? the property, and building Coop Walgreens, and there were check with the Coop coor- AC: A long-time commit- from there.” Now, with the WTFC is a healthy by-prod- 300 community members dinators about why there tee member says that the property secured and the uct of the “Green Beans Not there, as well as (Assembly- is currently no juice bar agenda used to be set at the lease signed, a new phase Walgreens” campaign of two man) James Brennan and (three guesses on that one). beginning of the General of work begins—reconfig- years ago that activated local (City Councilmember) Brad You can also chat your idea Meeting, by the members uring the small space, car- community residents when Lander. I remember that there up with fellow members, CONTINUED ON PAGE 3 pentry work, outreach to their Key Food on Prospect was a lot of negative energy food suppliers and getting Avenue was closed, cutting off in the room—the entire argu- Next General Meeting on Tuesday, February 24 the word out. a major source of fresh food ment was focused on not let- The General Meeting of the Park Slope Food Coop is held on There is work to be done in in the neighborhood. The ting them sell Key Food. Then the last Tuesday of each month. The February General Meeting the weeks ahead, but there is Key Food site was purchased one person got up and said, will be on Tuesday, February 24, at 7:00 p.m. at Bishop Ford also growing excitement that by Walgreens, who sought ‘Maybe we should start a food Central Catholic High School, 500 19th St., between 10th Ave. WTFC is finally going to hap- to replace the grocery with a coop of our own!’ It was the and Prospect Park West. pen. Terry Moogan, a WTFC chain pharmacy. Community first positive idea I heard. At The agenda is in this Gazette, on the Coop website at www. Board member and a PSFC activists pressed Walgreens the next meeting we got up foodcoop.com and available as a flier in the entryway of the member of over 30 years, into adding a small grocery and asked anyone who would Coop. For more information about the GM and about Coop gov- says that “for the past 20 market. But from the outset, CONTINUED ON PAGE 2 ernance, please see the center of this issue.

Fri, Feb 6 • Film Night: Occupy Love 7:00 p.m. IN THIS ISSUE Sat, Feb 7 • Valentine’s Day Card-Making Party Puzzle ...... 2 2:00-5:00 p.m. Board of Directors Election Announcement ...... 3 Coop Nationwide GMO Right to Know Update ...... 4 Tue, Feb 10 • Safe Food Committee Film Night: Safe Food Committee Report ...... 5 Event Open Sesame 7:00 p.m. Environmental Committee Report ...... 7 Coop Calendar, Governance Information, Mission Statement ....9 Highlights Fri, Feb 13 • Wordsprouts: Calendar of Events ...... 10 Short Pieces for Long Nights 7:00 p.m. Letters to the Editor...... 13 Look for additional information about these and other events in this issue. Community Calendar ...... 14 Classifieds ...... 15 2 February 5, 2015 Park Slope Food Coop, Brooklyn, NY

Windsor Terrace October, with food from (owner of Juice Box) called. CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Brooklyn Commune and the ‘I just saw a ‘for rent’ sign Juice Box and local musi- on Caton Avenue. Can you be interested in exploring cians performing, energized come see it?’ The prop- starting a coop to meet us in the community, building erty is $1,500 a month and the back of the room. Five or further excitement about a around 700 square feet. So six people joined us, and we local coop. it’s smaller—more like a got started.” At the same time, the bodega than the Park Slope The next step was out- search went on for an Food Coop—but it more reach—first, reaching out affordable storefront space. than meets our needs.” to gain insight from people The group quickly learned who had launched coops about the challenges of the Building A Local before; and secondly, find- current real estate market. Membership ing people in the commu- “We found out quickly that Next came a member- nity who were interested real estate in our commu- ship drive. “We needed to in joining the coop. The nity is really out of reach,” raise $25,000 to secure the WTFC committee reached Christine remembers. “We property, ” Jack remem- out to Joe Holtz and Ann were open to starting out of bers. “We asked for $100 Herpel from PSFC as well someone’s garage, if neces- per member. Within three weeks we had 300 mem- bers signed on. Of these,

100 came from our origi- PHOTOS BY ROD MORRISON nal mailing list and 200 A close-up of the Windsor Terrace Food Coop location. were new to us, signing on when they heard that we a Windsor Terrace resident, of today. Even before the were set on a space.” Final I’m excited to become part Key Food on 11th Avenue steps included engaging an of a new food coopera- closed, there was nowhere architect to design a prac- tive dedicated to the same in this area to get excellent tical configuration of the goals and values. The more produce and dry goods at space; bringing carpenters PSFC- inspired food coops reasonable prices. Living in to take out fixtures in the we can create, the bigger down here on the southwest space (formerly a health the community we can cre- side of the park, with two spa) and complete renova- ate and serve.” small children, makes PSFC tions; and begin searching trips a daunting challenge, for different food provid- “I’ve watched the PSFC and sometimes impossi- ers. The WTFC committee ble, so having another coop is creating a community grow and strengthen. nearby, however small, is a survey to determine what To me, good food and huge asset in terms of con- types of food to offer, with low prices are great, but venience for us. a focus on bringing in fresh building a cooperative “Additionally, as a PSFC produce and healthy prod- community is even better.” member with a background ucts at affordable prices— —Tom Matthews in food, I’ve applied to at Jeremiah Fox and Jack O’Connell discuss the need for a the types of products that least one full time posi- ramp outside the store. have been missing from tion there, as I’ve always the community since the And Jeremiah, who has had an interest in how food as leaders from other sary. Then we got lucky—we Key Food closed. been a PSFC member for coops are established and local coops—Greene Hill, had real estate profession- Tom Matthews, a 20-year over a decade, adds that run. So the opening of and Lefferts Gardens and Bay als involved who helped us member of the PSFC and a “although I’m very excited participation in the WTFC Ridge—all of whom, Jack identify this property, which Gazette reporter, says that about the opening of a has been good for my con- and Christine agreed, is small but affordable, and “I’ve watched the PSFC food coop in Windsor Ter- science as well as a strong offered helpful advice and really well located.” grow and strengthen. To race, I can’t imagine any- show of solidarity in the guidance. Community out- As Jack recalls, “the me, good food and low thing replacing the PSFC. community. reach included posting fly- space came as a direct prices are great, but build- Ninety-five percent of our “It has been an honor and ers in the neighborhood result of the street fair. ing a cooperative commu- groceries are purchased privilege,” Jeremiah adds, and building an e-mail list Everywhere we had been nity is even better. Great there. We’ve also lived in “to be a part of both coops.” based on electronic “word looking, rents were $4-5, leaders encourage people Windsor Terrace for nearly a To learn more about of mouth.” News items in 000 a month, and we still not only to join their cause, decade and watched it grow the Windsor Terrace local blogs helped to build had zero dollars in the but to lead new ventures from an amenities vacuum Food Coop visit www. awareness. A street fair in bank. Then Jeremiah Fox themselves. That’s why, as to the vibrant village vibe windsorterracefoodcoop.com. n Similar

Which carved pumpkin does not look like any other? Purchase a $5 raffle ticket in the Membership Office for a chance to win one of the bikes hanging above the express checkouts. Proceeds will be used to support start-up Coops using our member-labor model through the Fund for New Food Coops.

Raffle winners will be announced at the March 31 General Meeting.

GOOD LUCK! Puz Puzzlezle author:author: LarsLars Roe. W. Roe. For answers, For answe seers, page see 14. page 14.

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1 Park Slope Food Coop, Brooklyn, NY February 5, 2015 3

Agenda goal is to make the General AC: There are forms on Meetings more productive the tables in the lobby at CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 and engaging—while still the General Meeting, on Board of Directors present. This took up much adhering to democratic the bulletin board in the of the time that should have principles, which allow Coop lobby, and on the Election been focused on the pro- everyone a chance to be website, under Member posals and the discussion heard. Information/Agenda Com- The Board of Directors con- items and was inefficient. LWG: How much do you, mittee. You can submit an The General Meeting & ducts votes at the end of LWG: How has the commit- can you, shape proposals that agenda item in the Coop The Board of Directors every GM whether to accept tee evolved since then? are not ready for prime time, in office. Members can also From our inception in 1973 AC: The most significant your estimation? come to one of our Tuesday to the present, the monthly the advice of the members change is that at some point AC: We want both the sub- evening meetings [every General Meeting has been that night. Members of the in the past decade, the Gen- mitters and the attendees to first Tuesday of the month the decision-making body Board are required to act eral Meeting empowered us have a positive experience. - editor] and present their of the Coop. Since the legally and responsibly. to require most proposals We focus on providing guid- written proposal in person. Coop incorporated in 1977, to be first introduced as dis- ance, as just described. In We ask proposers to pro- we have been legally Openings cussion items before they the end, though, the Coop’s vide both telephone and required to have a Board of There are two openings on can be submitted at a sub- democratic principles pre- e-mail contact information Directors. the Board. Each position is for a term of three years. The Bylaws of the Park Slope Food Coop state: “The portion of the Board Candidate Deadline of Directors meeting that If you wish to place your is devoted to receiving the name into nomination, you advice of the members must declare your candida- shall be known as the cy by submitting a state- General Meeting…. The ment of up to 750 words members who gather to to: gazettesubmissions@ give advice to the direc- psfc.coop. Please include a tors may choose to vote in small photo for publication order to express their sup- in the Linewaiters’ Gazette and port or opposition for any the member proxy mailing. of the issues that have Deadline for candidacy come before the meeting.” submission is Sunday, March 1, 2015. Duties of the Directors Deciding The Board of Direc- And Voting tors is com- Candidates will have the opportunity to ILLUSTRATION BY DONNA EVANS prised of five elected Coop present their platform sequent meeting—I don’t vent us from compelling so that we have a good members and the at the March 31, 2015, believe the original char- someone to take our advice. chance of reaching them senior General General Meeting. ter gave us this authority. LWG: A proposal regard- during our meeting—we Coordinator pres- Every member will Although this invites some ing the Coop’s retirement policy often need to call to see ent. Members receive a proxy pack- redundancy, as items come came to the floor at a meet- if a person is available to serve three- age in the mail in late before the General Meeting ing late last year. Not only present the item at a spe- year terms. Mem- May. Members may twice, it usually results in had that come up before fairly cific GM. If we can’t reach bers of the Board are vote by returning their bal- better proposals, which is recently, but it contained some them right away, we get expected to attend GMs lot by mail or by bringing it an important improvement. language involving the Board that information later and monthly. They receive to the Coop. Members may We also increasingly of Directors in a way that was have it on hand at our next Coop work credit for their also vote at the Annual feel a need to add value not in conformity with Coop meeting. attendance. Meeting on June 30, 2015. to the items people bring bylaws. Why did the committee LWG: Is there a specific pol- to us, not only as a service not feel empowered to let the icy on repeats? That is, a pro- to people making agenda author of that proposal know it posal fails and someone brings for example, to schedule depend on the specifics. submissions, but also out just wasn’t possible as written? it up again? two unrelated but equally LWG: What strictures does of our sense of obligation AC: It would be inappro- AC: There is no written incendiary submissions for the committee operate under in to respect the time of the priate to comment on any rule, but we like to ensure the same meeting. terms of things that must hap- members who attend the individual item or submit- that plenty of time passes LWG: The GM rules state pen within a certain time frame meetings—we want their ter. We try to provide value before an item substan- that “this document can be or at a particular meeting? experience to be as inter- to submitters, but we can- tially similar to one already amended by a simple majority AC: Some items that are esting and useful as pos- not guarantee we cover considered is brought vote at a regularly scheduled fixed for the same month sible. To that end, we have every possible issue— to the floor. We also try General Meeting of the PSFC, every year. For example, become more involved in that’s one of the reasons it to consolidate similar following discussion at a prior the General Meeting voted helping people develop works well to require items items—either by referring GM and publication in the to make us re-vote on boy- their submissions—when to be discussion items the proposers to each other Gazette.” Speaking hypothet- cotts every October—so they are open to the assis- first; that way, all aspects or by scheduling the items ically, for the required discus- any existing boycotts will tance. For example, we try of the issue come out for the same meeting. sion at the prior meeting to take be on that month’s agenda. to work with proposers to before the item appears for LWG: How do you prioritize place, does it first have to go And June is the Annual eliminate or combine rep- a vote. It is not unheard of items within a specific General through your committee to get Meeting. We also have to etitious submissions and for our staff to spend lots Meeting? on the agenda? If it did, would make space for committee clarify and help folks bet- of time giving submitters AC: We do our best to it be privileged by the agenda elections throughout the ter understand the history guidance—but again, if create productive meetings committee? Or could an item year. of the issue they are rais- a member submitting an with the menu of submis- like this be brought up in the LWG: Anything you would ing—that is, whether the item doesn’t choose to fol- sions we have on hand. open forum? like to add. General Meeting has dealt low our recommendations, Among other things, we AC: Yes, an amendment AC: Agenda Committee with the same proposal we can’t refuse to schedule try to make sure a meeting to the GM rules would have members care about the recently; if so, what was that person. won’t be too technical—as to be placed on the agenda. General Meeting, and we’re the outcome; what were LWG: How does one bring that can be boring for those Whether or not we would open to suggestions on some of the issues sur- an idea for an agenda item to attending. Or too volatile— privilege such an item over how we could make them rounding it, and so on. Our the committee? we would be reluctant, other submissions would more compelling. n

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labeling requirements with Nationwide GMO Right to Know Update respect to bioengineered By Alison Rose Levy lars on advertising to defeat Prairie Farm in Bridgewater, mandatory GMO-labeling food.” he Coop’s GMO labeling each measure. (Monsanto Maine, and serves as Pres- in exchange for the govern- Dubbed the “Deny Amer- Tcommittee was farsighted is the chemical company ident of the Maine-based ment’s permission to label icans the Right-to-Know in giving Coop members the that patents and produces Organic Seed Growers and their products as non-GMO. (DARK) Act, ” this bill is ability to know whether genet- genetically modified seeds Trade Association. Accord- Behind the scenes negoti- opposed by prominent ically modified organisms are developed to more readily ing to Gerritsen, deliberate ations are nothing new. In a organic citizens groups, like in food products we buy—in withstand heavy exposure to attempts to mislead the pub- December 19, 2013 article by the OCA. advance of a nationwide grass the company’s agricultural lic are not confined to state Stephanie Strom, the New York Since “giant corporations roots movement to gain that pesticides. Roundup is the votes on labeling. Times obtained a leaked let- like General Mills, Smuck- right to know for everyone. But most widely used.) “The grass roots want man- ter sent by the Grocery Man- er’s, Kellogg, and WhiteWave as the movement evolves, it “GMO manufacturers and datory GMO labeling, but ufacturer’s Association (GMA) have massive investments in becomes clearer that the fight their allies vastly outspent there is currently an effort which urged the Food and organic pioneering brands, for transparency about GMOs their opponents—by about to co-opt the phrase ‘GMO Drug Administration (FDA) to their lobbyists are all over has implications for the integ- $20 million to $8 million in labeling’ and to substitute enact this very strategy: the USDA making sure that rity of organic standards. Oregon, and $16.7 Back in 2012, when food million to $900, advocacy organizations polled 000 in Colorado, consumers, they learned that according to fig- 70% wanted to know whether ures reported in or not the foods they pur- each state. On chased contained GMOs. Maui, companies “It’s simple. People want opposed to the to know, ” says Lisa Stokke, a moratorium were mother of four, who co-founded reported to have Food Democracy Now! (FDN) spent $8 million, www.fooddemocracynow.org, 87 times what a nationwide advocacy orga- advocates of the nization with a powerful ban did, ” reports on-line citizen action pres- Ned Potter in the ence. Nevertheless, getting November 7, 2014 the “right to know” has been issue of Forbes. anything but simple. Where did those Over the last three years, dollars go? a coalition of organizations, “Monsanto and including the Organic Con- its allies (Coca sumers Association, the Cen- Cola, Grocery Man- ter for Food Safety, Just Label ufacturers Associ- It! and FDN have raised money ation, Pepsi Cola for campaigns and worked and Dupont) pro- closely with local advocates. duce commercials, Petitions signed by hundreds that are anywhere of thousands of citizen con- from misleading

sumers have launched state- and deceptive to ILLUSTRATION BY LYNN BERNSTEIN by-state ballot initiatives that bold lies. Once propose mandatory labeling they air, the 70% of people labeling organic foods as non- “Consumers and the food the (agency’s) decisions … (of GMO ingredients). who said they want their foods GMO, ” says Gerritsen. “It’s industry would all benefit favor their preferred indus- There have been some hard labeled, become confused, ” not only being advocated by from uniform legal require- trial model of food produc- won successes, including bills says Stokke. In Oregon, Mon- Monsanto, but by some big ments and the consistent out- tion, ” says Cornucopia’s to label in Connecticut and santo spent $18 million in organic companies.” comes that result from federal Mark Kastel. Maine, (which are dependent television commercials. “A In a December 19, 2013 regulations, rather than state- When the Cornucopia Insti- on the passage of labeling television spot costs 1.2 mil- opinion piece in the Los Ange- by-state dictates through tute filmed dairy operations, it initiatives in other states). In lion dollars, so there was no les Times former U.S. Depart- court decisions or state or found that the largest milk pro- Spring 2014, the state of Ver- way we could counter these ment of Agriculture (USDA) local legislation.” ducers were not in compliance. mont passed a standalone bill misleading ads, ” says Stokke. Secretary Dan Glickman pro- Ronnie Cummins, the head “They should never have been to label. In Hawaii, the island Stokke was on the ground poses this: of the Organic Consumer certified organic to begin with, of Maui passed a moratorium in both referendum states last “Though it may not sat- Association (OCA) writes the ” says Gerritsen. “Where is the on the planting of genetically year. “When I talked to people isfy all GMO-labeling advo- “the industry wants the fed- USDA enforcement? What modified crops. Yet despite who believe in organics, good cates nor be welcomed by all eral government to take away should be the highest credi- massive voter turnout for environmental stewardship, leaders in the biotechnology states’ power to require GMO bility label is being tarnished labeling referendums in Cal- and farm to table, they were industry, allowing a GMO-free labeling.” (www.truth-out.org/ by certain corporations’ unwill- ifornia (in 2012) and Wash- misled, ” she says. “The ads organic label provides more news/item/21064-gmo-and- ingness to meet the spirit and ington (in 2013); and the 2014 said that labeling would harm choice in the marketplace and natural-food-fight-treacher- the letter of authentic organic election in Oregon and Colo- existing food regulations, and responds to the demands of ous-terrain) production.” rado, several of the key refer- to illustrate that point, the millions of American consum- After the state of Vermont Consumer Reports recently endums have been defeated ads would show the organic ers in a practical and common passed GMO labeling, (slated downgraded the value of the by narrow margins—less standards label and the non- sense way.” to take effect in July 2016), organic seal from its high- than1.5% in most cases, says GMO project label. So people This supposed compromise the GMA initiated a lawsuit est rating due to such con- Stokke. In the most recent thought, ‘If I vote to label, I’m does nothing to label gro- to prevent the bill from being cerns: www.cornucopia. 2014 vote in Oregon, the refer- going to be hurting organic cery store or “natural” brands implemented. “Since when org/2014/12/investigation- endum (vote yes on 522) lost standards regulations.’ Of that contain GMO ingredi- can the food industry overturn factory-farms-producing- by a mere 857 votes (out of 1.5 course, that wasn’t true.” ents. Since organic foods are laws voted in by citizens?” massive-quantities-organic- million votes.) The answer is for “peo- already, by definition, GMO- asks FDN’s Stokke. milk-eggs/ If 70% of the public want ple who care about organics free, any additional labeling In Spring 2014, Kansas Gerritsen’s advice? GMO foods labeled, how to to become better informed of organics is superfluous Representative Mark Pompeo “Get informed, and put explain these close votes? across the board about the (although it may be a good introduced the Congressio- your consumer dollars behind According to Stokke, Mon- brands they buy and the com- marketing ploy). Gerritsen is nal Bill H.R.4432-Safe and the companies that work for santo (the pesticide and panies they support.” So says concerned that the biggest Accurate Food Labeling Act of policy changes and withhold agriculture company) and its Jim Gerritsen, a farmer who organic companies could be 2014, which would, if passed, your dollars from those who allies invest millions of dol- grows organic food at World induced to drop the push for “preempt any state and local fake where they stand.” n

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SAFE FOOD COMMITTEE REPORT

once derided and laughed at, Plow-to-Plate Movie Series Presents: but ultimately successful. Every seed tells a story. Peo- Open Sesame: The Story of Seeds ple mail their family’s heirloom By Adam Rabiner their marvel and awe: the five Open Sesame is not all doom and seeds to sanctuaries, accompa- pen Sesame is the title of Park elements coming together, sun- gloom. The plaintiffs receive nied by letters describing their OSlope Food Coop member shine, water, the desire to expe- some measure of support in origins. Open Sesame’s story is and Plow-to-Plate curator Sean rience life, and love, care, and their risky “bet the farm” law- distressing but hopeful. The Kaminsky’s 2014 documentary clearly magic. suit against Monsanto. The thieves’ den may seem formida- about threats to seed diversi- Some of these farmers are judge ruled that if less than 1% bly sealed, impossible to pen- ty. It’s the magical phrase that filing a class action suit against of their crops were cross-polli- etrate. But two magical words, allowed Ali Baba to enter the Monsanto. They are not seek- nated they could not be sued “open sesame,” allowed a poor thieves’ den and it’s also a call ing money, all they want is not (but left open the possibility woodcutter to step right in. n to action in support of “open to be sued for patent infringe- if greater than 1% were). And pollinated” seeds—those that ment if Monsanto’s GMO crops seed banks, organic farmers, Open Sesame: The Story of can reproduce. cross-pollinate theirs. Others consumer demand and the Seeds will show on Tuesday, February For thousands of years, are operating seed schools, alternative food movement seed. Open pollination is com- 10, 7 p.m. Park Slope Food Coop, 782 farmers saved the hardiest seed libraries, and conservation have brought back from near pared to the open source soft- Union St., 2nd floor. Free and open to open pollinated seeds for the and education organizations in extinction several varieties of ware operating system Linux: the public. Refreshments will be served. following year’s planting sea- Tucson, Arizona, and Accord, son. In the early part of the 20th New York, dedicated to preserv- century innovative hybrid seeds ing biodiversity and local seeds. Did you ever wonder exactly what those humane claims on were introduced that prom- Seeds, like animals and indige- product labels at the Coop mean? Or want to confirm which items ised to increase yields. How- nous languages, are threatened we carry are not tested on animals? ever, hybrid seeds are unable to with mass extinction. Ninety reproduce, so there’s no point percent of what grew 100 years The Animal Welfare Committee in saving them. Hybrid seeds ago is now gone. Of the 307 happen in nature and are not varieties of sweet corn we once provides transparent animal welfare the same as the genetically had, we are now down to 12. modified organisms that were These farmers choose to link information about the Coop’s products. the focus of recent films of this to the past rather than break series. By becoming the intro- the link. duction point for high intensity, Open Sesame: The Story of industrial, monoculture agri- Seeds is ultimately not about culture, hybrid seeds laid the seeds but about us. It is a very groundwork for GMOs. humane movie dealing with Seeds are a wonder not just human beings, our passions, We work with staff, the Coop’s vendors and external research resources to to Ali Baba, but to all the farm- connections, dependencies provide species- and issue-specific information for YOU, the Coop member. ers and activists interviewed and interdependencies. Seeds You can find us online at our blog and twitter account and you can find our in this film. When asked what create the abundance upon guides all around the Coop, next to their relevant products! makes a seed grow, they pause which we rely and their extinc- in thought, their answers and tion is potentially ours. facial expressions reflecting Despite its dire warnings, Find us here! Blog: www.psfcanimals.blogspot.com ARE YOU A Twitter: @psfcanimals Current Guides: BROOKLYN-BASED Eggs (next to egg case) Milk (next to milk case) FILMMAKER? Animal Testing Would you like to (aisle 5,closest to the back of the aisle) screen your work at the Coop?

Then submit your film Looking to help new coops form in Brooklyn for possible inclusion while getting a tax deduction? in the Coop’s Support the Fund for New Coops—a project of the Park Slope Food Coop. Friday Film Night Screening Series. The Fund for New Coops will make low-interest loans to start-up coops that use the full-member labor model like ours. Loans will be extended If you’re a Coop member you’ll receive one FTOP to qualified start-ups to address problems and credit for screening and offering a Q+A with your maximize the chances that start-ups will flourish. film. If you’re not a member, it’s still a chance to spread the word about your work and build your fan How can you donate? base by screening for a local audience. Use the scannable Fund for New Coops donation cards • available on the shopping floor We accept documentary and fiction, both features Donate directly from the Coop’s website, foodcoop.com. Follow the link for and shorts (we program shorts as a group). • the Fund for New Coops and select the DONATE button PleasePlease e-mail e-mail Faye LedermanGabrielfor Rhodes details at Mail a check—made out to the Fund for New Food Coops—to: [email protected] detailsor at mail your DVD to: • FJC, 520 Eighth Ave., 20th Flr., New York, NY 10018 [email protected]. Lederman, 2000 Linwood Ave, #9E Fort Lee, NJ 07024 Help nascent coops that want to use our model: Contribute today!

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MEMBER SUBMISSION

renewables, the industry’s Starve the Beast: Moving Money Out of Fossil Fuels volatility will only increase By Mimi Bluestone ing that stability. Here in New hotter summers. beyond human endurance. as demand for fossil fuels ood and climate are insep- York State, warmer tempera- Fossil fuels are the villains And these companies keep shrinks. There’s talk about a Farable. People first learned tures and unreliable rainfall of the climate saga. Despite looking for more. carbon bubble of fossil fuel to cultivate food crops and imperil key crops. If tempera- gains in solar and wind, It’s time to starve the reserves that won’t ever critters 11,000 years ago, a tures rise as predicted, farm- the fossil fuel monster isn’t beast. Fossil Free is an inter- be burned, partly because discovery that, together with ers won’t be able to grow dying fast enough. Fossil fuel national network set up by of renewables and partly remarkably stable climate crisp, juicy Macintosh apples, companies’ current assets 350.org to get institutions because of increasing patterns, made civilization cows will produce less milk, include in-the-ground energy and governments to shed international regulation. possible. and kale, cabbage and pota- reserves that, if burned, will their investments in fossil These reserves will become Climate change is upend- toes will struggle to survive raise global temperatures fuel companies. (350 refers “stranded assets,” inventory to the need to reduce atmo- that can’t be sold. Every spheric carbon dioxide con- agreement to restrict fossil centration to 350 parts per fuels, every new solar panel Are you a lighting designer? million.) or windmill puts another The logic here is that the puncture in the carbon Do you know a lighting designer? fossil fuel industry is the bubble. main obstacle to countering We saw what happened Do you know someone who knows a lighting designer? climate change. Institutions to people caught with real Do you know someone who knows someone who knows a lighting designer? that serve the public good estate investments during should not profit from invest- the housing bubble. The pop- The Coop is looking for a member who is a lighting designer or an architect with lighting experience to ments in planetary disaster. ping of the carbon bubble work with the Energy Efficiency Committee to help improve the quality and energy efficiency of the Fossil fuel companies should could be even more disrup- lighting in the Coop. not be rewarded for pushing a tive. Seems like the best idea If interested, or if you know someone who’s interested, please contact the committee by going to product that, based on over- is to divest before the prices the Contact Us page on foodcoop.com — http://www.foodcoop.com/?page=contact — and select whelming scientific evidence, go down any further! “Workslot Needs” from the “Person to Contact” dropdown menu. can’t be used without endan- Respect for the environ- FTOP work credit will be given. gering us all. ment and support for sustain- Nearly 200 organizations able agriculture are key Food January 15, 2015 have committed to selling Coop tenets. Many Coop off some or all of their fos- members showed up for the Coop Job Opening: sil fuel holdings, including 400,000-strong People’s Cli- universities, local govern- mate March in September; ments, religious institutions many now wonder what else General Coordinator: and charitable foundations. they can do to confront cli- Even the Rockefeller Broth- mate change. Purchasing/Receiving Supervisor ers Fund, built on the fami- We can all push key insti- ly’s Standard Oil fortune, has tutions to sell off their fos- Description: promised to sell off its fossil sil fuel investments. All of us The General Coordinating (GC) team is the Park Slope Food Coop’s top level of management. The GC team provides long-term planning, financial stewardship, management of Coop daily operations includ- fuel assets. are connected to institutions ing the member-labor system, and supervision of paid staff. Fossil Free urges institu- with fossil fuel investments. We are seeking a qualified applicant to join the GC team with specific responsibility for supervising the tions with fossil fuel invest- New Yorkers who aren’t pub- Coop’s purchasing, receiving, storing and displaying of merchandise. The qualified candidate will be a ments—such as the pension lic employees still pay taxes self-starter and critical thinker who is able to provide leadership in strategic planning and in project im- fund for my union, the United that contribute to govern- plementation. He/she will also have excellent oral and written communication skills, good organizational Federation of Teachers—to ment workers’ pensions. skills, and be open to working in a cooperative, collaborative environment. The Park Slope Food Coop is a 16,000 working member-only organization started in 1973 in Park Slope, Brook- immediately freeze any new Some of us are members of lyn, NY, with annual sales of $49 million in 6,000 square feet of selling space and 70+ paid employee-members. investment in fossil fuel religious groups with finan- Specific responsibilities include but are not limited to: companies and, within five cial holdings; others are stu- • Oversight and coordination of our product selection, purchasing, receiving, merchandising and years, to move out of the top dents or graduates of private storage of goods 200 fossil fuel public equi- colleges with endowments. • Shared supervision of 40+ Receiving Coordinators ties and corporate bonds. Many Coop members are • Enhancement, formalization and implementation of the Coop’s long-term purchasing guidelines with That list of companies comes enrolled in public employee ongoing education of both staff and members of guidelines and practices • High level management of our retail operations including deliveries, storage, purchasing, inventory from Carbon Underground, pension funds. and product selection which ranks public compa- Here are two local events Desired skills/experience: nies based on their holdings’ Coop members can partici- • Retail experience in the grocery industry with knowledge of natural, organic, fair trade and local carbon content. (To see insti- pate in: foods, producer cooperatives and industry trends tutions that have committed Global Divestment Day: • Purchasing experience, including broker relationships and negotiations to fossil fuel disinvestment, Friday, February 13, orga- • Strong analytic skills and facility with numbers relating to margins, pricing, turnover, volume buying see www.gofossilfree.org/ nized by Fossil Free. There • Demonstrated leadership, supervisory, and team-building skills with the ability to formulate workplace commitments/) will be events all over the policies and training programs • Ability to contribute to and utilize the PSFC’s evolving IT and proprietary inventory systems To me the choice is sim- world (www.gofossilfree.org/ • Interest in and knowledge of environmental impact and sustainability of farming, food production, ple. How can I enjoy my pen- divestment-day/). Here in packaging and transport as well as food safety issues and practices sion if my city is underwater, New York, 350NYC is organiz- • Experience managing multiple priorities, working under pressure, and meeting tight deadlines if I know that my own children ing a rally in lower Manhat- • Experience in a cooperative or collective organization and the students I’ve taught tan at 12:30; location to be • High energy with capability to move between three floors, lift, stand and work outside will suffer even more dras- announced (www.act.350.org/ Hours: Average work week of 45-50 hours, including availability for evening and weekend work when needed. tic climate change? There’s a event/gdd/9921). moral imperative to sell off Fossil Fuel Forum: Friday, Wages: The General Coordinator salary is $88,700. these stocks. Equally import- March 13, 7 p.m., Park Slope Benefits: Generous benefits package including health, dental, and a defined benefit pension plan. ant: investing in technologies Methodist Church. Learn more that will transform our energy about the movement to get out How to Apply: infrastructure. of fossil fuel divestments. Please send a cover letter, resumé, and three professional references to [email protected] and go to http://goo.gl/0Xx2j9 to complete a short questionnaire. No phone calls please. Applicants will receive an But there are also strong No one should profit from e-mail acknowledging receipt of their materials. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and will financial arguments for planetary calamity. It’s time continue until the position has been filled. moving institutions out of to pull the financial plug on The Park Slope Food Coop is an equal opportunity employer. volatile fossil fuel invest- companies standing in the ments. With the rise of way of climate solutions. n

Read the Gazette while you’re standing on line OR online at www.foodcoop.com Park Slope Food Coop, Brooklyn, NY February 5, 2015 7

ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE REPORT

• The vast majority of Tobacco relied on to bury ical,” Blake noted. The Plastic in Our Food plastics currently used for the truth about smoking.” Much of what Blake By Regina Weiss ing campaigns. However, food packaging contain Additional findings from reported came to light as n December a large, well- other than children’s prod- BPA-like chemicals that Blake’s report include: evidence in a lawsuit. You Iregarded study published A neuroscientist at the can read Amy Goodman’s in Hypertension, a journal of University of Texas and interview with Blake on the the American Heart Asso- a Georgetown Univer- Democracy Now website. ciation, concluded that sity professor launched The Environmental bisphenol A (BPA) a chem- an independent lab and Committee has worked ical commonly found in tested hundreds of com- for almost two decades food and beverage cans, mercially available plas- to reduce the presence of plastic bottles and plas- tics, finding that virtually plastic in the Coop. Com- tic food packaging, causes all of them have estro- mittee educational cam- people’s blood pressure to genic activity.Since pub- paigns convinced Coop rise rapidly. lishing the results of their members to vote to end As New York Times science research in Environmental the use of plastic shop- writer Anahad O’Connor Health Perspectives, a jour- ping bags and the sale of put it, “People who regu- nal of the National Insti- water in disposable plas- larly drink from cans and tutes of Health, they have tic bottles. The commit- plastic bottles may want to been subjected to a smear tee is currently working reconsider.” The BPA used campaign by the plastics toward ridding the Coop in these containers seeps industry, including being of the hundreds of thou- into the beverages consum- called “shady” and “mad sands of disposable plastic ers drink. The study O’Con- scientists.” roll bags we use each year nor was reporting on found The federal Food and and continues to educate that within two hours of Drug administration has our fellow members about drinking from one of these used tactics similar to the shopping with less plastic. containers both BPA levels plastics industry to justify Plastic has been an ongo- in people’s urine and their its refusal to ban BPA more ing concern for the Environ- blood pressure rose dra- widely. mental Committee because matically. Considering that Very few of the 80,000 plastic products generally 30 percent of Americans chemicals in circulation don’t biodegrade. They end have high blood pressure, in the United States have up in landfills and oceans, ILLUSTRATION BY ETHAN PETTIT ILLUSTRATION this is cause for concern. been tested for safety; it’s a where they pollute soil and largely unregulated realm. water, harming wildlife and Years of Study Show “So, when a chemical like humans alike. Additional Health Risks ucts, the FDA refused to have estrogenic effects on BPA is removed from a pro- environmental downsides In addition to the widely ban the chemical from brain and organ develop- duction line, the industry of plastic include its pro- recognized environmen- bottles, cans or other food ment and that have repeat- will substitute another duction, which pollutes the tal destruction caused by packaging, despite associ- edly been associated with chemical that is untested, air, wastes huge quantities plastic in all its forms—air, ated risks including heart a long list of diseases, and we really, in many of water and relies on car- water and soil pollution to disease and cancer. including breast cancer cases, just don’t know the bon-producing fossil fuels name just the most obvi- As Democracy Now’s Amy and developmental prob- health effects of that chem- and other toxic chemicals. n ous—the health risks asso- Goodman noted last year, lems in children. ciated with plastics have “BPA is still widely used • Many of the chemi- long been known, but have in everything from the lin- cals that have been used received far less attention ing of soup cans to printed to replace BPA in plas- from media and govern- receipts, even though . . . a tic products have similar ment. Probably the most [2014] study estimated the estrogenic effects. In one highly publicized risks to use of BPA in food and bev- analysis of children’s sippy date have been those asso- erage containers is respon- cups purchased from Wal- ciated with BPA. sible for some $3 billion a Mart and Toys’R’Us, a third Back in 2008, results of year in healthcare costs.” were found to be made the cumulative research with chemicals with estro- on BPA—which had been The Plastic Conspiracy genic effects. going on for years—did Last spring Goodman • The plastics industry receive significant atten- interviewed investiga- has engaged in a years-long tion in the news, with the tive reporter Mariah Blake campaign to cast doubt on information that exposure about a story she wrote the scientific evidence link- to the chemical is linked indicating that virtually all ing the chemicals in their to increased anxiety, plastics, including those products to human health Are you a writer? aggression, depression, advertised as BPA-free, problems. This has included hyperactivity and behav- release synthetic estrogen biased industry-funded Do you want FTOP credit? ioral problems in chil- into the food and drinks studies published in jour- dren. Longstanding animal they contain. Blake also nals that, in many cases, studies had also shown found that the chemicals had links to the tobacco Wordsprouts, the Food Coop’s that BPA alters brain func- used to replace BPA were industry. The plastics indus- tion, disrupts hormones, as or more dangerous to try used the same scientists reading series, is looking for you, and increases anxiety and human health and, most who, in many cases, helped for its monthly events in the hyperactivity. damning, she described to discredit the scientific After a lot of nega- “how the plastics indus- links between smoking and second-floor meeting room. tive press over four years, try has used a ‘Big Tobac- disease. in 2012 the federal Food co-style campaign’ to bury As Blake put it, the plas- and Drug Administration the disturbing scientific tics industry “didn’t only Please contact the organizers at banned the use of BPA in evidence about the prod- borrow strategies and tactics baby bottles and cups, ucts [we] use every day.” from Big Tobacco; they are [email protected]. leading to many new “BPA- Blake’s key findings actually relying on the same free” products and market- include: cadre of experts that Big

Read the Gazette while you’re standing on line OR online at www.foodcoop.com 8 February 5, 2015 Park Slope Food Coop, Brooklyn, NY

COOP HOURS Friday, February 20, 8:00 p.m. Office Hours: Monday through Thursday 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Friday & Saturday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Shopping Hours: Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 10:00* p.m. Saturday 6:00 a.m. to 10:00* p.m. Sunday 6:00 a.m. to 7:30* p.m. *Shoppers must be on a checkout line 15 minutes after closing time. Childcare Hours: Monday through Sunday Harmonic Insurgence has been singing 8:00 a.m. to 8:45 p.m. about peace, freedom, justice, and social change since 2003. With the rich harmonies Telephone: and intricate rhythms of director Gene 718-622-0560 Glickman’s arrangements, the singers— Web address: Laurie Bennett, Ellen Davidson, Lupe Family, www.foodcoop.com Mara Goodman, Nancy Hoch, Mark Karwowski, Jenny Knight, Dennis Marshall, and Marie Robinson—present folk, reggae, blues, labor and love songs. Tonight their songs address current challenges in the struggle for social justice, including government spying, protecting the environment, police brutality and racism. Come get out of the cold and rekindle your conviction that another world is possible.

RASHMI. Hailing from Dallas, RASHMI, now a Brooklyn resident and proud Food Coop member, has performed her original music in Austin, Dallas, The Linewaiters’ Gazette is published biweekly by the Park Slope Toronto, Philadelphia and Los Angeles. In New York, she plays at Rockwood Food Coop, Inc., 782 Union Street, Brooklyn, New York 11215. Music Hall, The Rock Shop and The Way Station. Her songs have been commis- Opinions expressed here may be solely the views of the writer. The sioned for film and dance/theatre. Her melodic country-rock sound is unique, Gazette will not knowingly publish articles that are racist, sexist or with her varied and diverse influences, and sound great acoustic or with a otherwise discriminatory. band. Get her album, Rainstorm, available on www.cdbaby.com and on www.rashmisingh.com. Follow her on www.facebook.com/everythingrashmi The Gazette welcomes Coop-related articles and letters from members. to hear about her upcoming album. SUBMISSION GUIDELINES All submissions must include author’s name and phone number and www.facebook.com/ProspectConcerts conform to the following guidelines. Editors will reject letters and articles that are illegible or too long. Submission deadlines appear 53 Prospect Park West [at 2nd Street] • $10 • 8pm [doors open at 7:45] in the Coop Calendar opposite. Performers are Park Slope Food Coop members and receive Coop workslot credit. Booking: Bev Grant, 718-788-3741 Letters: Maximum 500 words. All letters will be printed if they conform to the guidelines above. The Anonymity and Fairness PARK SLOPE FOOD COOP 782 Union St., Brooklyn, NY 11215 (btwn 6th & 7th Av.) • (718) 622-0560 policies appear on the letters page in most issues. Voluntary Articles: Maximum 750 words. Editors will reject articles This Issue Prepared By: that are essentially just advertisements for member businesses and services. Coordinating Editors: Erik Lewis RETURN POLICY Joan Minieri Committee Reports: Maximum 1,000 words. The Coop strives to REQUIRED FOR ANY RETURN Editors (development): Erik Lewis keep prices low for our Editor-Writer Guidelines: Except for letters to the editor, which 1. The Paid-In-Full receipt MUST m embership. Mini- Carey Meyers are published without editing but are subject to the Gazette letters be presented. mizing the amount of 2. Returns must be handled policy regarding length, anonymity, respect and fairness, all returned merchandise Reporters: Frank Haberle within 30 days of purchase. submissions to the Linewaiters’ Gazette will be reviewed and, if is one way we do this. Ed Levy necessary, edited by the editor. In their review, editors are guid- If you need to make a Alison Rose Levy ed by the Gazette’s Fairness and Anonymity policies as well as return, please go to the CAN I EXCHANGE MY ITEM? standard editorial practices of grammatical review, separation 2nd Floor Service Desk. No, we do not “exchange” items. Art Director (development): Eva Schicker of fact from opinion, attribution of factual statements, and rudi- You must return the merchandise mentary fact checking. Writers are responsible for the factual and re-purchase what you need. Illustrators: Lynn Bernstein content of their stories. Editors must make a reasonable effort to Donna Evans contact and communicate with writers regarding any proposed Ethan Pettit editorial changes. Writers must make a reasonable effort to CAN I RETURN MY ITEM? respond to and be available to editors to confer about their arti- Photographer: Rod Morrison cles. If there is no response after a reasonable effort to contact Produce* Bulk* (incl. Coop-bagged bulk) Cheese* Seasonal Holiday Items Thumbnails: Kristin Lilley the writer, an editor, at her or his discretion, may make editorial Books Special Orders changes to a submission without conferring with the writer. NEVER Calendars Refrigerated Supplements RETURNABLE Preproduction: Helena Boskovic Juicers & Oils Submissions on Paper: Typed or very legibly handwritten and Sushi *A buyer is available during the week- Photoshop: Terrance Carney placed in the wallpocket labeled “Editor” on the second floor at the days to discuss your concerns. base of the ramp. Art Director (production): Dilhan Kushan RETURNABLE Digital Submissions: We welcome digital submissions. The Refrigerated Goods (not listed above) ONLY IF SPOILED Desktop Publishing: Kevin Cashman e-mail address for submissions is [email protected]. Frozen Goods BEFORE Mike Walters Drop disks in the wallpocket described above. Receipt of your sub- Meat & Fish EXPIRATION DATE missions will be acknowledged on the deadline day. Bread Packaging/label Oliver Yourke must be present- Classified & Display Ads: Ads may only be placed by and on behalf ed for refund. Editor (production): Lynn Goodman of Coop members. Classified ads are prepaid at $15 per insertion, Items not listed above that are unopened RETURNABLE Puzzle Master: Lars Roe business card ads at $30. (Ads in the “Merchandise–Non-commercial” and unused in re-sellable condition category are free.) All ads must be written on a submission form Final Proofreader: Nancy Rosenberg (available in a wallpocket on the first floor near the elevator). Classi- The Coop reserves the right to refuse returns on a fied ads may be up to 315 characters and spaces. Display ads must case-by-case basis. If you have questions, please contact Index: Len Neufeld be camera-ready and business card size (2”x3.5”). a staff member in the Membership Office. Advertising: Mary Robb Printed by: Tri-Star Offset, Maspeth, NY.

Read the Gazette while you’re standing on line OR online at www.foodcoop.com Park Slope Food Coop, Brooklyn, NY February 5, 2015 9

WELCOME! A warm welcome to these new Coop members who have joined us in the last two weeks. We’re glad you’ve decided to be a part of our community.

Angela Amico Bertie Cheng Steven Fowler Nicole Hoschuetzky Mia Lundberg Ethan S. Ospovat John Sherman Alexandre Vaz Kaavya Asoka Karen Cherkington Kerry Garcia David Hotson Kaylon Marshall David Overcamp Pamela Sherrid Christian Vuojarvi Juan Astasio Soriano Marie Cisse Sal Gentile Christina Hu Marta Martinez- Brian Pahk Nil Marie Silva-Soto Katherine Walsh Terri Danielle Ayers Papa Salif Cisse Natalie Golbuff Manman Huang Martinez Debbie Palaguachi Michaela Skloven Wangler Roul Bacchus Katy Clements Jessica Gordon Jason Hudspeth Christopher McQuale Luke Piefer Corinna Snyder Heather Weneck Amir Benjamin Lynn Cooper Theodore Gusek Joseph Huneke Julia Meeks Davida Pitts Emma Stanislawski Aisha Williams Cassidy Bernstein Katie Craiger Greg Hardes Sophia Hwang Cristian Mejia Frances Polanco- Annie Stephens Shannon Williams Jon Bignelli Frank Cullen Kristian Harrington- Jackie Jennings Jonathan Mergele Delgado Shelby Stilwell Michael Wiseman Kyle Black James Davis Colón Jesper Kaalund Julia Middleton Eliza Proctor Gareth Sweeney Susan Yi Simon Bordwin Anthony Dedoousis Sarah Harvey Tziporah Kay Jennifer Miller Claudia Reis John Tanios Edward Brito Matthew Detemple Zachary Henson Alli Kobrick Rebecca Miller Amy Richards Jennifer Tenenbaum Chris Butterick Ilona Dobbs Talya Hernandez- Caroline Kolb Sukhlal Moses Avery Robinson Andrew Thal Roxanne Cassehgari Peter Dobbs Ritter Andrea Korb Sheina Myers Thomas Roemischer Juan Thompson Julie Chamberlain Oksana Dobrolerhina Hannah Hetzer Tanya Kuhn Rachel Nackman Kate Selden Pauline Treacy CC Chang Mollie Flannery Kay Hickman Anna Lemler Rae Nathanson Lisa Shapiro Dominique Turner

ALL ABOUT THE GENERAL COOP CALENDAR MEETING New Member Orientations General Meeting Info Our Governing Structure Attending an Orientation is the first step toward Coop TUE, FEBRUARY 24 membership. Pre-registration is required for all of the GENERAL MEETING: 7:00 p.m. From our inception in 1973 to the present, the open three weekly New Member Orientations. To pre-reg- monthly General Meetings have been at the center of ister, visit foodcoop.com or contact the Membership the Coop’s decision-making process. Since the Coop Office. Visit in person or call 718-622-0560 during TUE, MARCH 3 incorporated in 1977, we have been legally required office hours. AGENDA SUBMISSIONS: 8:00 p.m. to have a Board of Directors. The Coop continued the Have questions about Orientation? Please visit Submissions will be considered for the March 31 tradition of General Meetings by requiring the Board www.foodcoop.com and look at the “Join the Coop” General Meeting. to have open meetings and to receive the advice of the page for answers to frequently asked questions. members at General Meetings. The Board of Directors, The Coop on the Internet Gazette Deadlines which is required to act legally and responsibly, has www.foodcoop.com approved almost every General Meeting decision at LETTERS & VOLUNTARY ARTICLES: the end of every General Meeting. Board members are Feb. 19 issue: 12:00 p.m., Mon, February 9 elected at the Annual Meeting in June. Copies of the The Coop on Cable TV Mar. 5 issue: 12:00 p.m., Mon, February 23 Inside the Park Slope Food Coop Coop’s bylaws are available at the Coop Community FRIDAYS 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. Channels: 56 (Time- Corner and at every General Meeting. Warner), 69 (CableVision), 84 (RCN), 44 (Verizon), and CLASSIFIED ADS DEADLINE: live streaming on the Web: www.bricartsmedia.org/ Feb. 19 issue: 7:00 p.m., Wed, February 11 community-media/bcat-tv-network. Mar. 5 issue: 7:00 p.m., Wed, February 25 Next Meeting: Tuesday, February 24, 7:00 p.m. The General Meeting is held on the last Tuesday of each Attend a GM and Receive Park Slope Food Coop month. Work Credit Mission Statement Location Since the Coop’s inception in 1973, the General Meeting The Park Slope Food Coop is a mem- Bishop Ford Central Catholic High School, 500 19th St., has been our decision-making body. At the General between 10th Avenue and Prospect Park West. Meeting (GM) members gather to make decisions and ber-owned and operated food set Coop policy. The General-Meeting-for-workslot-credit store—an alternative to commercial prof- program was created to increase participation in the it-oriented business. As members, we con- How to Place an Item on the Coop’s decision-making process. tribute our labor: working together builds Following is an outline of the program. For full details, see trust through cooperation and teamwork Agenda the instruction sheets by the sign-up board. and enables us to keep prices as low as If you have something you’d like discussed at a General • Advance Sign-up required: possible within the context of our values Meeting, please complete a submission form for the To be eligible for workslot credit, you must add your and principles. Only members may shop, Agenda Committee. Forms are available in the rack name to the sign-up sheet in the elevator lobby. The and we share responsibilities and bene- near the Coop Community Corner bulletin board and sign-ups sheet is available all month long, except for the fits equally. We strive to be a responsible at General Meetings. Instructions and helpful informa- day of the meeting when you have until 5 p.m. to sign up. and ethical employer and neighbor. We tion on how to submit an item appear on the submis- On the day of the meeting, the sign-up sheet is kept in the are a buying agent for our members and sion form. The Agenda Committee meets on the first Membership Office. not a selling agent for any industry. We Tuesday of each month to plan the agenda for the GM Some restrictions to this program do apply. Please are a part of and support the coopera- see below for details. held on the last Tuesday of the month. If you have a tive movement. We offer a diversity of question, please call Ann Herpel at the coop. • Two GM attendance credits per year: products with an emphasis on organ- Each member may take advantage of the GM-for- ic, minimally pro-cessed and healthful workslot-credit program two times per calendar year. foods. We seek to avoid products that Meeting Format • Certain Squads not eligible: depend on the exploitation of others. We Warm Up (7:00 p.m.) • Meet the Coordinators • Eligible: Shopping, Receiving/Stocking, Food support non-toxic, sustainable agriculture. Processing, Office, Maintenance, Inventory, Construction, Enjoy some Coop snacks • Submit Open Forum items • We respect the environment. We strive Explore meeting literature and FTOP committees. (Some Committees are omitted to reduce the impact of our lifestyles on because covering absent members is too difficult.) Open Forum (7:15 p.m.) Open Forum is a time for the world we share with other species and members to bring brief items to the General Meeting. • Attend the entire GM: future generations. We prefer to buy from If an item is more than brief, it can be submitted to the In order to earn workslot credit you must be present local, earth-friendly producers. We recy- for the entire meeting. Agenda Committee as an item for a future GM. cle. We try to lead by example, educating • Financial Report • Coordinators’ • Signing in at the Meeting: ourselves and others about health and Reports (7:30 p.m.) 1. After the meeting the Chair will provide the nutrition, cooperation and the environ- Report • Committee Reports Workslot Credit Attendance Sheet. ment. We are committed to diversity Agenda (8:00 p.m.) The agenda is posted at the Coop 2.Please also sign in the attendance book that is and equality. We oppose discrimination Community Corner and may also appear elsewhere in passed around during the meeting. in any form. We strive to make the Coop this issue. • Being Absent from the GM: welcoming and accessible to all and to Wrap Up (9:30-9:45) (unless there is a vote to extend It is possible to cancel without penalty. We do ask that respect the opinions, needs and concerns the meeting) • Meeting evaluation • Board of Directors you remove your name if you know cannot attend. Please of every member. do not call the Membership Office with GM cancellations. vote • Announcements, etc.

Read the Gazette while you’re standing on line OR online at www.foodcoop.com 10 February 5, 2015 Park Slope Food Coop, Brooklyn, NY

Safe Food Committee Film Night: feb 5 Food Class: Vegan Umami feb 10 thu 7:30 pm tue 7 pm Open Sesame Discovered in the late 19th century, and frequently Open Sesame: The Story of Seeds is a film by Coop classified as the fifth taste, umami lends an earthy, member Sean Kaminsky. Most people don’t know savory note to modern cuisine. Learn to discover and that one of the world’s most precious resources is at enhance umami flavors in your dishes as Chef Olivia risk. Seeds provide the basis for everything from Roszkowski discusses which plant-based sources are fabric, to food, to fuels. Seeds are as essential to naturally high in these glutamine-rich flavor molecules. She will also demon- life as the air we breathe or water we drink. Over the past 100 years, strate how cooking techniques such as pickling, searing and smoking physical- seeds have steadily shifted from being common heritage to sovereign ly allow the proteins to undergo a molecular change, enabling you to unlock property. Large corporations are stealing seed varieties from under us by umami flavors in your very own home kitchen. Chef Olivia graduated from slowly patenting them. Corporate-owned seeds now account for 82% of Columbia University with a degree in Neuroscience and Behavior. After com- the worldwide market. This groundbreaking film will help others learn pleting the Chef Training Program at the Natural Gourmet Institute, she what is at stake and what can be done. worked as a line cook at Jean Georges’ (The) Mercer Kitchen, David Chang’s Momofuku Ssam Bar, as well as Danny Meyer’s Union Square Events. She cur- rently works as a Chef Instructor at the Natural Gourmet Institute and as a pri- vate chef. Follow her latest happenings at oliviathechef.com. Menu includes: sundried tomato pesto on homemade multi-seed crackers; grilled Caesar salad with shiitake “bacon”; seared king trumpet mushroom “scallops” with chile-in- fused oil; smoked maple-glazed tempeh with dijon dipping sauce and pickled Wordsprouts: root vegetables; cashew ricotta, date and preserved lemon crostini. feb 13 ASL interpreter may be available upon advance request. If you would like to fri 7 pm Short Pieces for Long Nights request an ASL interpreter, please contact Ginger Jung in the Membership On the eve of Valentine’s Day, enjoy an entertain- Office by January 22. ing evening of short pieces by Coop members Tom Materials fee: $4. Food classes are coordinated by Coop member Susan Baldassano. Rayfiel and Susan O’Neill. Rayfiel will be reading WORDSPROUTS his The Three Penny Review “Table Talk” pieces, Celebrate Father’s Day and meet Brian Gresko, super-short essays on varying subjects, mostly liter- ary,the editor akin of the just-published to The anthology New on Yorker’s “Talk of the Town” department. The Three feb 6 Pennyfatherhood Review When I First Held recently You published a best-of collection of its “Table Talk” Film Night: Occupy Love department, featuring contributions by Leonard Michaels, Philip Levine, fri 7 pm When I First Held You: 22 Critically Acclaimed Writers Talk About the and others.Triumphs, Challenges, and Transformative Rayfiel Experience of Fatherhood. is the author of “In Pinelight,” called, in 2013 by Occupy Love explores the growing realization that the BookforumBecoming a father can be one of the, most profoundly“One exhilarating, terrifying, of this year’s hidden gems.” Genius, his seventh life-changing occasions in a man’s life. In this incomparable collection of dominant system of power is failing to provide us with novel,thought-provoking will essays, 22 of today’sbe masterful writerspublished get straight to the heart of in 2016. When not writing, he works in the modern fatherhood. From making that ultimate decision to having a kid to making it health, happiness or meaning. The old paradigm that dairy throughcooler. the birth, to tangling with a toddler mid-tantrum,O’Neill and eventually letting a teen will present her short, mostly funny essays, from concentrates wealth, founded on the greed of the few, Callingloose in the world,New these fathers explore every Delhifacet of for Free. They loosely deal with the way technology fatherhood and show how being a father changed Friday, June 13 is causing economic and ecological collapse. The screwsthe way they withsaw the world—and themselves. our7:00 p.m.heads, at the Coop covering everything from an attempt to get a FREE resulting crisis has become the catalyst for a profound StarbucksBrian Gresko is the editor of thebarista anthology When I to leave the lid off her coffee, to being threatened Non members Welcome awakening: millions of people are deciding that enough is enough—the time First Held You: 22 Critically Acclaimed Writers Talk with evictionAbout the Triumphs, Challenges, and Transformative fromExperience of Fatherhood. His worka Russian train, to say nothing of visiting an all-you- has come to create a new world, a world that works for all life. The film con- can-eathas appeared in Poetsrestaurant & Writers Magazine, Glimmer Train Stories, and The Brooklyn Railin, the Midwest and spending a lot of money to go to and online at The Huffington Post, Salon, TheAtlantic.com, The Los Angeles Review of nects the dots in this era of rapidly evolving social change, featuring capti- Obama’sBooks, and many other sites.second inauguration and not see the President. O’Neill is the

vating insider scenes from the Egyptian Revolution, the Indignado uprising in author Refreshmentsof Don’t will be served. Mean Nothing, a collection of short stories based loosely Spain, Occupy Wall Street in New York, Indigenous activists at the Alberta on herAll Wordsprout hitch participants are Coopas members. an army nurse in Vietnam. She has edited Vestal Review Tar Sands, the climate justice movement, and beyond. Woven throughout the (www.vestalreview.net),Bookings: John Donohue, [email protected] an e-zine/print literary journal for flash fiction, action-oriented backbone of the film is a deep exploration of public love, and sinceViews expressed by the itpresenters began do not necessarily represent the13 Park Slope Food years Coop. ago. compelling stories of an emerging new paradigm. It features some of the world’s key visionaries on alternative systems of economics, sustainability, and empathy, including Naomi Klein, Bill McKibben, Jeremy Rifkin, bell hooks and Charles Eisenstein. Director Velcrow Ripper and producer Nova Ami will be in attendance after the screening for a Q&A. Ripper is a Canadian Academy Award (Genie) winning filmmaker, writer, sound designer and public speaker. To book a Film Night, contact Gabriel Rhodes, [email protected]. feb 20 fri 6:30 pm Environmental Impact of TPP Please join us for the first Public Education Forum on International Trade. The Forum will shed light on potential environmental repercussions of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP). The TPP is a trade agreement among 12 feb 7 Valentine’s Day countries, including the U.S., that is currently being negotiated behind sat 2–5 pm Card-Making Party closed doors. President Obama plans to fast track the TPP through Congress later this year. Given the lack of coverage by the mainstream media, the Bring family and friends of all ages to a Valentine’s Day Card- Forum intends to educate the public on this shadowy agreement. The first in Making party in the Coop’s Meeting Room. We’ll supply glue, a series of educational forums on international trade agreements, this event markers, and paper and some fun art-making tips. Bring any will focus on environmental impact. Guest speakers will be in attendance to other special art materials you would like to use. Hot cocoa and answer your questions. This forum is presented by the International Trade chocolatey treats will be available to purchase. Education Squad.

For more information on these and other events, visit the Coop’s website: foodcoop.com All events take place at the Park Slope Food Coop unless otherwise noted. Nonmembers are welcome to attend workshops. Views expressed by the presenter do not necessarily represent the Park Slope Food Coop.

Read the Gazette while you’re standing on line OR online at www.foodcoop.com Park Slope Food Coop, Brooklyn, NY February 5, 2015  11

at fixation in the mind. Can we better deal with stress and anxiety by feb 20 Harmonic Insurgence, living less up in our head? By utilizing both the Alexander Technique fri 8 pm and meditation, you can develop a set of skills for examining and trans- Friday, Oct 19, 8:00 p.m. RASHMI forming stuck patterns in your life. This workshop will consist of expe- Harmonic Insurgence has been riential exercises, brief discussion, and optional hands-on guidance. singing about peace, freedom, Coop member Dan Cayer is a nationally certified Alexander Technique justice, and social change since PSFCteacher MARCH working GENERAL M EETINGin the field of pain, injury, and stress. After a serious Tuesday,injury March left 31, 7:00 him p.m. unable to work, or even carry out household tasks like 2003. With the rich harmonies • Items will be taken up in the order given. Park Slope local singer and guitarist Mamie Minch sounds • Times in parentheses are suggestions. something like a well-eshed-out 78-rpm record. She’s • More information on each item may be available at the entrance table known around town for her Piedmont-style
ngerpicking cleaning dishes, he began studying the Alexander Technique. His return chops, her big deep voice and her self-penned antique- and intricate rhythms of director at the meeting. We ask members to please read the materials avail- sounding songs. She’s played music all over the world and able between Brooklyn, with all kinds of excellent people, including Dayna 7:00 & 7:15 p.m. Kurtz, the Roulette Sisters, Jimbo Mathis and CW Stoneking. to health, as well as his experience with the physical, mental, and emo- Gene Glickman’s arrangements, the singers—Laurie • Meeting Location: Congregation Beth Elohim Social Hall (Garfield Temple) Bennett, Ellen Davidson, Lupe Family, Mara Goodman, tional274 Garfield Pl. at 8thaspects Ave. of pain, inspired him to help others. Wool & Grant. Two veteran singer/songwriters AGENDA: with a mutual passion for songs, stories, harmonies and guitars. Bev Grant and Ina May Item #1: Annual Disciplinary Committee Election NancyWool create Hoch, a musical alchemy of
reMark and Karwowski, Jenny Knight, Dennis (35 minutes) feistiness, wisdom and wit, rocking clear-eyed Election: The committee will present four members to be re- political songs along with a window on to their elected.—submitted by the Disciplinary Committee Marshall,travels—on the road andand around the heart. Marie Robinson—present folk, reggae,

www.ProspectConcerts.tumblr.com Item #2: Board of Directors Candidates’ Presentations blues,53 Prospect Parklabor West [at 2nd Street] and• $10 • 8pm [doors love open at 7:45] songs. Tonight their songs address Performers are Park Slope Food Coop members and receive Coop workslot credit. 45 minutes) Booking: Bev Grant, 718-788-3741 Discussion: “Presentation by candidates for the Board of Directors currentPARK SLOPE FOOD COOP 782 Unionchallenges St., Brooklyn, NY 11215 (btwn 6th & 7th Av.) • in(718) 622-0560 the struggle for social justice, followed by questions for the candidates” Future Agenda Information:feb 24 For information on how to place an item on the Agenda, please seePSFC FEB General Meeting including government spying, protecting the environ- the center pages of the Linewaiters' Gazette. The Agenda Committeetue minutes 7 and pm the satatus of pending ment, police brutality and racism. Come get out of the agenda items are available in the office and at all GMs. cold and rekindle your conviction that another world is Items will be taken up in the order given. Times in paren- possible. Hailing from Dallas, RASHMI, now a Brooklyn theses are suggestions. More information on each item resident and proud Food Coop member, has performed may be available on the entrance table at the meeting. her original music in Austin, Dallas, Toronto, Philadelphia and Los Angeles. In We ask members to please read the materials available New York, she plays at Rockwood Music Hall, The Rock Shop and The Way between 7 and 7:15 p.m. Station. Her songs have been commissioned for film and dance/theatre. Her Meeting location: MS 51, 350 Fifth Ave., between Fourth and Fifth Sts. melodic country-rock sound is unique, with her varied and diverse influences, Enter on Fourth St. cul-de-sac. Fourth St. entrance is handicap-accessible. and sound great acoustic or with a band. Get her album, Rainstorm, available I. Member Arrival and Meeting Warm-Up on www.cdbaby.com and on www.rashmisingh.com. Follow her on www.face- II. Open Forum book.com/everythingrashmi to hear about her upcoming album. III. Coordinator and Committee Reports Concert takes place at the Brooklyn Society for Ethical Culture, 53 Prospect Park IV. Meeting Agenda West (at 2nd St.), $10, doors open at 7:45. Prospect Concerts is a monthly musical Item 1: Partnership with Terra Cycle Recycling (30 minutes) fundraising partnership of the Coop and the Brooklyn Society for Ethical Culture. Discussion: Provide members an opportunity to recycle waste from certain items sold at the Coop not currently recycled by NYC waste management. —submitted by the Environmental Committee Item 2: Branch Location Study Committee (30 minutes) Discussion: To form a committee of members to study the feasibility of open- feb 21 ing a new branch of the Coop in addition to our existing location. sat 12 pm It’s Your Funeral —submitted by Jonathan Farber Item 3: Proposal to Remove Plastic Roll Bags from the Shopping Floor (30 minutes) Planning for your own death now (as opposed to later) is a practice that can Discussion: The Environmental Committee proposes to permanently remove enable you to live in the moment, face your own mortality with courage—and the plastic roll bags from the shopping floor eight weeks from the date of the create an end-of-life service that reflects your values. Join Coop member GM vote. —submitted by the Environmental Committee Amy Cunningham, former journalist and graduate of the American Academy V. Board of Directors Meeting McAllister Institute of Funeral Service, in a conversation about fascinating VI. Wrap-Up. Includes member sign-in for workslot credit. advancements within the funeral business. The talk will cover how to plan a For information on how to place an item on the Agenda, please see the center low-cost, back-to-basics funeral or memorial service, as well as offer informa- pages of the Linewaiters’ Gazette. The Agenda Committee minutes and the tion on green cemeteries near New York City, cremation pros and cons, biode- status of pending agenda items are available in the Coop office. gradable caskets and urns, blended-faith/alternative ceremonies, and more. You’ll get a glimmer of what funerals of the future might look like—and leave with planning literature for yourself or for someone you love. Cunningham is a licensed funeral director at Greenwood Heights Funeral & Cremation Services, mar 3 Inc., a full-service funeral home on Fourth Avenue in Brooklyn. tue 8 pm Agenda Committee Meeting

The Committee reviews pending agenda items and cre-

Mindfulness & the ates the agenda for future General Meetings. Drop by feb 22 and talk with committee members face-to-face sun 12 pm Alexander Technique between 8:00 and 8:15 p.m. Before submitting an item, read “How to Develop an Agenda Item for the You will be exposed to two powerful methods for working with stuck pat- General Meeting” and fill out the General Meeting Agenda Item Submission terns of physical tension and stress. Through the Alexander Technique, Form, both available from the Membership Office or at foodcoop.com. we will explore fixation in the body, which could be manifesting as pain The next General Meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 31, 7 p.m., or stiffness. Through a simple meditation practice, we will take a look at MS 51, 350 Fifth Ave., between Fourth and Fifth Sts. still to come mar 5 Food Class mar 13 Wordsprouts

mar 6 Film Night mar 15 And When I Die: The Musical

mar 7 Coop Kids’ Variety Show @ Old First Church mar 20 Reality, Truth and Conscious Light

mar 10 Safe Food Committee Film Night mar 20 Prospect Concerts

Read the Gazette while you’re standing on line OR online at www.foodcoop.com 12 February 5, 2015 Park Slope Food Coop, Brooklyn, NY

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

LETTERS POLICY

We will be producing videos for the new Park Slope Food Coop Web site. We welcome letters from members. sive, factual coverage: In line with the mission of the new Web site, the videos will offer more information to members and Submission deadlines appear in the 1. The Gazette will not publish educate the public about the Coop. We are looking for members who currently work professionally as: Coop Calendar. All letters will be print- hearsay—that is, allegations not • Video shooters (who have their own equipment that they can use for the Coop videos) ed if they conform to the published based on the author’s first-hand • Sound recorders (who have their own equipment they can use) guidelines. We will not knowingly observation. • Producers • Directors • Editors • Composers • Sound mixers publish articles which are racist, sex- 2. Nor will we publish accusations ist or otherwise discriminatory that are not specific or are not sub- If you are interested in FTOP earning work credit by sharing your expertise to help produce The maximum length for letters is stantiated by factual assertions. awesome videos for the Coop’s new Web site, please send an e-mail with a brief statement 500 words. Letters must include your 3. Copies of submissions that name and phone number and be typed make substantive accusations against describing your qualifications or a CV to: or very legibly handwritten. Editors specific individuals will be given to [email protected] will reject letters that are illegible or those persons to enable them to write too long. a response, and both submissions You may submit on paper, typed or and response will be published simul- very legibly handwritten, or via email taneously. This means that the original to [email protected] or submission may not appear until the on disk. issue after the one for which it was submitted. Anonymity The above applies to both arti- Unattributed letters will not be pub- cles and letters. The only exceptions lished unless the Gazette knows the will be articles by Gazette reporters identity of the writer, and therefore which will be required to include the must be signed when submitted (giv- response within the article itself. ing phone number). Such letters will be published only where a reason is Respect given to the editor as to why public Letters must not be personally We need a few networking experts to help the Coop evaluate our current identification of the writer would derogatory or insulting, even when network and plan for upcoming network changes. This is not a paid position, impose an unfair burden of embar- strongly criticizing an individual mem- rassment or difficulty. Such letters ber’s actions. Letter writers must refer but it will satisfy your work requirement through the FTOP program, must relate to Coop issues and avoid to other people with respect, refrain and your effort will be very much appreciated by the Coop. any non-constructive, non-coopera- from calling someone by a nickname tive language. that the person never uses himself or herself, and refrain from comparing If you are interested, please contact us via e-mail at [email protected]. Fairness other people to odious figures like In order to provide fair, comprehen- Hitler or Idi Amin.

ADDITIONAL NEW POLICIES ON LETTERS AND MEMBER SUBMISSIONS

In the interest of promoting civil discourse and upholding the main purpose of letter and member submissions to the Linewaiters’ Gazette, the Editorial Board of the Gazette has created additional policies for “Letters to the Editor” and member submissions: Letters and member submissions cannot contain gratuitous personalization—that is, needlessly identifying a Coop member and directing the substance of the letter/article to him or her, as in a polemical debate. Letters and articles should deal mainly with ideas and not persons. Letter/article writers will be asked to reword their submissions in accordance with this guideline. Letters and member submissions must be mainly (that is 75% or more) original writ- ing, and the opinion of the writer. Submissions that are essentially cut-and-paste, pass- along writing from other publications will be rejected, and the writer asked to re-submit with original writing.

As part of Principle 6, Cooperation Among Cooperatives, Punctuation and Formatting Disclaimer: the Food Coop is supporting the burgeoning Cooperative Because of typesetting-software limitations and the compressed schedule of producing Economics Alliance of NYC (CEANYC) to build and expand the each Linewaiters’ Gazette issue, there is no guarantee that special formatting, including solidarity and cooperative economy in the five boroughs. boldface, italics and underlining, will be reproduced accurately. —The Editors, Linewaiters’ Gazette Coop members with the following skills can receive FTOP credit for filling the following recurring roles: • web and graphic design • website development • outreach and community organizing • project management and meeting facilitation • secretary and treasurer duties We are seeking members who reflect the diversity of the Coop. E-mail [email protected] with a resume or portfolio and why you would like to support cooperation in NYC.

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CRITICAL THINKING real experts (unlike Mr. small number of so-called MEMBERS, Smith) who might present “homeopathic remedies” I noticed that Jeffrey rigorous scientific data that even though all the credi- Smith’s film, Genetic Rou- might shed more light on ble scientific evidence indi- lette, was shown at the Coop the subject than the knee- cates that they are no more last night [Plow-to-Plate jerk hysteria that seems to effective than placebos. Movie Series, January 13]. be the primary response of Both of these issues require Perhaps the membership of our members when asked a stiff dose of critical think- our organization might be about this issue. Similarly, ing and I really hope our better served by a balanced I would like to see a serious organization is equipped to discussion of the GMO discussion of homeopathy, provide it. issue, which would include since the Coop still sells a Paul Contursi

In the initial lawsuit decision, Feb- writer were able to have a letter, let’s hosts the largest population of Arab BDS/MIDDLE EAST ruary 2012, a Washington state judge say, in seven out of every 12 issues immigrants and the third largest agreed with the Coop board mem- of the Linewaiters’ Gazette. No one else population of Jews, steadily declin- bers that the lawsuit was a SLAPP gets to have their letter to the editor ing as they exit the dangers. OLYMPIA FOOD COOP and ordered the anti-boycott plain- in every issue, to my knowledge. And from the Hamas Covenant BACK IN COURT OVER tiffs to pay $160,000 in damages to The letter writer should have their of 1988, here is a statement that 2010 DECISION TO members of the Olympia Food Coop opinion, such as it is, heard. The let- perhaps adds a little complexity to BOYCOTT ISRAELI board plus legal fees. The ruling was ter writer should not monopolize the the issue: “The Islamic Resistance later upheld by an appeals court. page that, for some reason, you ded- Movement aspires to the realiza- GOODS In the current case before the icate to BDS every issue. tion of Allah’s promise, no matter MEMBERS: Washington Supreme Court, three By the way, is it the Boycott, Divest, how long that should take. The The Olympia Food Coop, with two organizations filed a “friend of the Sanctions of Israel Committee, or is Prophet, Allah bless him and grant stores, 22,000 members in Olympia, court brief.” Jewish Voice for Peace it supposed to be something else? him salvation, has said: ‘The day of Washington, was the “the first gro- provided data from a 2011 posting Aren’t there other countries, such as judgment will not come until Mos- cery store” in the U.S. to support the on the website of StandWithUs, an North Korea, Saudi Arabia, and Syria lims fight the Jews (killing the Jews), BDS movement against Israeli prod- anti-Palestinian advocacy group that worthy of the attention of the BDS when the Jews will hide behind ucts. In 2010, the board of directors works closely with Israel. It described committee? stones and trees. The stones and voted not to be complicit in Israel’s the 2011 lawsuit against Olympia Sincerely, trees will say ‘O Moslims, O Abdul- human rights violations. This bold Food Coop as the project between Dan Schorr la, there is a Jew behind me, come stand encouraged economic and StandWithUs and the Israeli Minis- and kill him.’” (www.avalon.law. social justice for Palestinians. try of Foreign Affairs, spearheaded yale.edu/20th_century/hamas.asp). The PSFC’s mission statement by Israeli Deputy Foreign Minister RESPONSE TO LETTER More locally, in a typical act of says: “We seek to avoid products that Danny Ayalon. The American Civil TO THE EDITORS, disrespect, in protest against a plan depend on the exploitation of oth- Liberties Union’s Washington affil- A recent letter claims that the for fifteen City Council members ers.” De-shelving SodaStream and its iate focused criticism on Washing- Israeli/Palestinian conflict is not to visit Israel, a coalition including products, manufactured in Ma’aleh ton’s anti-SLAPP law and did not at all complicated but is rather Jewish Voices for Peace and Queers Adumim, an illegal Israeli settlement relate the law to the Olympia Food “appallingly simple.” Using the same Against Israeli Apartheid disrupted a built on stolen Palestinian land in Coop case. The Lawfare Project appallingly simplistic thinking, with Council meeting by unfurling a Pal- the West Bank, adheres to this prin- (an anti-BDS organization funded no evidence whatsoever, the writer estinian flag and yelling at the Coun- ciple. Likewise, this would be a bold by pro-Israel sources) focused on sums up this conflict as Israeli “car- cil members as a vote was taken to decision for the PSFC to support. the unconstitutionality of the anti- nage” and “genocide” and, with the commemorate the 70th anniversary On January 20, 2015, the Washing- SLAPP law, that it limits access to customary hyperbolic demonization, of the liberation of the concentration ton State Supreme Court heard oral the courts. refers to “loonies in high places” who camp in Auschwitz. arguments about the sixteen current According to the Center of Con- call for “the massacre of babies” and Upon no authority but their and former members of the Olym- stitutional Rights, it is unclear when “the mass rape of every Palestinian own, independent of any demo- pia Food Coop board of directors. this “closely watched decision” by woman.” No sources, no citations, cratic process, Coop leadership The lawyers for five plaintiffs (former the Washington Supreme Court will no civility. The implication that this has bestowed a permanent blog in members of the Coop) argued against be made. sums up the entirety of Jewish and the Gazette upon an extremist group (1) the 2010 decision of the Olympia Source: Charlotte Silver’s article Israeli sentiment toward Palestin- that calls for the elimination of the Food Coop to boycott Israeli goods, (www.electronicintifada.net) ians is beyond outrageous. only Jewish state, ignoring their and (2) a Washington State law that Mary Buchwald Meanwhile Islamist and Palestin- Duty of Care by allowing identi- saw their previous attempts to stop BrooklynForPeace.org ian terrorists continue their murder- ty-targeting hate speech and group the boycott defeated in lower courts. PSFC members for BDS ous anti-Semitic campaign against defamation perceived as odious by The Center for Constitutional Rights www.psfcbds.wordpress.com Jewish and Israeli civilians: The many Jewish and Israeli members. (CCR) representing the board mem- recent massacre in a Parisian Kosher In a morally bankrupt inversion of bers, immediately requested to have market; the stabbings last week of a our status as a “cooperative corpo- the case dismissed as a SLAPP—Stra- LETTER IN EVERY dozen Israelis on a Tel Aviv bus; the ration,” leadership clearly sees only tegic Litigation Against Public Partic- ISSUE? November massacre in a Jerusalem the “corporation” as the defining ipation. Under Washington state law, Synagogue using guns and axes to aspect, ignoring the “cooperative” a SLAPP is an abusive lawsuit whose TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN, murder five Israelis at prayer; the part of a truly inclusive Community. purpose is to prevent or deter people I disagree with everything, or kidnap and murder of three Israeli This is the Coop’s idea of a “wel- from exercising their constitutional almost everything, a pro-BDS letter teenagers last June; and of course coming” community that respects rights by dragging them into expen- writer says, but I would die, or at least the recent Hamas-instigated war “the opinions, needs and concerns sive litigation. CCR argued that the put myself at risk, to defend their against Israel, notable for target- of every member.” As always, all lawsuit was an effort to silence the right to say it. Let that be known. ing Israeli civilian locations. This is groups at the Coop are created Coop’s principled stand expressed Why, though, does this letter writ- matched by growing anti-Semitic equal, just some groups are less through BDS against Israel’s human er get to have a letter in every issue? violence throughout Europe, espe- equal than others. rights violations. I would feel less violated if the letter cially but not only in France, which Sylvia Lowenthal

Read the Gazette while you’re standing on line OR online at www.foodcoop.com 14 February 5, 2015 Park Slope Food Coop, Brooklyn, NY

WHAT'S BEING COLLECTED: NOW YOU CAN

1) Plastic sandwich bags RECYCLE MORE! and small plastic bulk bags (NOT large roll or shopping bags) The Environmental Committee is promoting WHEN: 2) Baby food pouches & a new partnership between the PSFC and January 24th caps (any brand) TerraCycle, an innovative recycling 2pm - 4pm company that transforms hard to recycle 3) Cereal bag liners waste into new products- keeping more (plastic liners from cereal, February 28th crackers, bulk cereal bags, and waste out of landfills. 2pm - 4pm similar liners) We will be presenting a proposal for 4) Energy bar wrappers discussion at the January General Meeting WHERE: (any brand) and holding preliminary collections in In front of the Coop January and February. 5) Toothpaste tubes & caps or inside if the (any brand) Save up your eligible waste for upcoming weather is frigid. collection dates. 6) Brita water filters & components QUESTIONS: [email protected]

NOTE: No need to clean, LEARN MORE: www.terracycle.com Park Slope Food Coop environmental rinse, or remove stickers. committee

COMMUNITY CALENDAR Community calendar listings are free. Please submit your event listing in 50 words or less to [email protected]. Submission deadlines are the same as for classified ads. Please refer to the Coop Calendar in the center of this issue.

FRI, FEB 6 Macomber, violin; Michael Kan- FRI, FEB 20 8-11 p.m. SWING DANCE NIGHT‚ nen, cello; Marija Stroke, piano 7-9:30 p.m. Book Sale - Preview Park Slope - JITTERBUG JAM with at the Dr. S. Stevan Dweck Center Sale: $5 admission. See 2/19/15 Flying Home and Arturo Perez. for Contemporary Culture Cen- date for more info. Dance lessons with Arturo Perez tral Library. 10 Grand Army Plaza, followed by live ’30s and ’40s BKLYN. Admission Free. swing music from Flying Home SAT, FEB 21 with guest singers. First Friday 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Book Sale of every month! BSEC, 53 Pros- SAT, FEB 14 Free admission. Tens of thou- pect Park West. More Info: www. 8 p.m. Peoples’ Voice Cafe: Wom- sands of new and used books, brooklynswingdance.com. en’s Voices for Love & Freedom: DVDs, CDs and records. Terrific Alice Farrell; Robbie Wedeen; Children’s Room! Also Sunday MaryNell Morgan. At The Com- 2/22/15 12:30 to 5 p.m. (Details SAT, FEB 7 munity Church of NY Unitarian at www.parkslopeumc.org.) 10 a.m.-3 p.m.10th Annual SEED Universalist, 40 E. 35th St. For CELEBRATION & SWAP! at the info call 212-787-3903 or see 6:30 p.m. World Social Justice Old Stone House in Washing- www.peoplesvoicecafe.org. Sug- Day, at the farm-to-table wom- ton Park (Fifth Ave. and Third St. gested donation $18, member $10. en-owned restaurant Wild in BKLYN). FREE. Hands-on demon- Williamsburg, an evening cele- strations, sales, educational brating Sustainable Sisterhood. materials, books to browse, seed THU, FEB 19 We are doers and movers, who transplanting, compost tutorials. 7-9:30 p.m. Book Sale - Premi- believe that collaborating, sup- Similar Answer Zach Pickens of Rooftop Ready um Preview Sale - $20 admis- porting, and investing in each Seeds will talk at 10 a.m. For more sion. Tens of thousands of new other is A Feminist Act. At Wild info: permaculture-exchange.org. and used books, DVDs, CDs and Brooklyn on 340 Bedford Ave. records. Most books priced at $1 For more info: www.sustainable- or $2. Park Slope United Method- sisterhood.splashthat.com/ . SUN, FEB 8 ist Church, Sixth Ave. at Eighth St. 4 p.m. BPL Chamber Players (Book donations welcome; details Solution: Top row, third from left present: The Apollo Trio Curtis at www.parkslopeumc.org.)

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2 Park Slope Food Coop, Brooklyn, NY February 5, 2015 15

CLASSIFIEDS To Submit Classified or Display Ads:

BED & BREAKFAST EXPRESS MOVES. One flat price a really good haircut at a decent Ads may be placed on behalf of Coop members only. Clas- HOUSE ON 3RD ST. B+B. Par- for the entire move! No deceptive price, please call Maggie at 718- sified ads are prepaid at $15 per insertion, display ads at lor floor thru apt. Sleeps 4. Wi-fi, hourly estimates! Careful, expe- 783-2154. I charge $60. $30. (Classified ads in the “Merchandise–Non-commercial” kitchenette, deck, 12’ ceilings, rienced mover. Everything quilt category are free.) All ads must be written on a submission private bath. Visit our website, padded. No extra charge for ward- form. Classified ads may be up to 315 characters and spaces. houseon3st.com, or call us, 718- robes and packing tape. Specialist SERVICES-HEALTH Display ads must be camera-ready and business card size (2” 788-7171. Enjoy modern comfort in in walkups. Thousands of satisfied Teens and Self-esteem group x 3.5” horizontal). true Park Slope style. Grandparents customers. Great Coop references. forming. Teenage girls and boys Submission forms are available in a wallpocket near the are our specialty! 718-670-7071. frequently have lots of self-es- elevator in the entrance lobby. teem issues. Pressures on them Large sunny room with en suite NEED AN ELECTRICIAN Call Art seem to be larger than in pre- bath, in home with old-fashioned Cabrera of Horizon, Est. 1983, vious generations. Issues with charm and modern amenities. original coop member #225 and appearance, weight, academic near Q, B, 3 trains. Call Margaret electrician. Residential special- and social problems are very com- at 718-622-2897. ist. Rewiring, new circuitry. Add a mon and groups can be a great switch or rewire your whole home. way for them to meet and talk Troubleshooting specialist, fans, and address these issues. Call SERVICES low voltage, bells and rewiring light G. Ness, LCSW, 718-789-6739. AVAILABLE fixtures. Call 718-965-0327 or call ATTORNEY—Personal Injury 646-239-5197. Emphasis—36 years experi- VACATION ence in all aspects of injury law. HAIRCUTS, HAIRCUTS, HAIRCUTS. RENTALS Individual attention provided Color, highlights, lowlights, perms, Amazing, totally private, light filled for entire case. Free phone or hot oil treatments. In the conve- country house on 16 acres by Berk- office consultations. Prompt, nience of your home or mine. Kids shires. Near skiing, hiking, restaurants. courteous communications. cut $20-25. Adults $35-40. Leonora Sleeps 9. All amenities, wifi, w/d, d/w. 24-year Park Slope Food Coop 718-857-2215. To see pix go to vrbo.com/263517. member; Park Slope resident; Spec. for President’s wk $1525 instead downtown Brooklyn office. Tom MADISON AVENUE HAIRCUTTER of $1725. E-mail Deirdre for more info Guccione, 718-596-4184, also at is right around the corner from the [email protected]. Avail www.tguccionelaw.com. Food Coop, so if you would like other dates as well.

BLIZZARD AT THE FOOD COOP he Park Slope Food Coop cleaned its sidewalk by 8 a.m. on Tuesday, January 27, after the nighttime blizzard. TGeneral Coordinator Janet Schumacher took some photos.

EXPERIENCED REPORTERS Please Apply Workslot Description We have four distinct Linewaiters’ Gazette teams—each producing an issue every eight weeks. You will develop and produce an article about the Coop in cooperation with your team’s editor every eight weeks.

For More Information If you would like to speak to an editor or another reporter to learn more about the job, please contact Annette Laskaris in the Membership Office or e-mail her at [email protected].

To Apply Please send a letter of application and two writing samples at least 800 words long (one sample must be a reported interview, not a Q&A) to [email protected]. Your letter should state your qualifications, your Coop history, relevant experience and why you would like to report for the Coop. Your application will be acknowledged and forwarded to the coordinating editors, Joan Minieri and Erik Lewis.

Seeking Diversity on the Gazette Staff The Gazette is looking for qualified reporters. We are interested in using this opportunity to diversify our staff. We believe that we can enrich the quality of the Gazette and serve the membership better with a reporting and editing staff that more closely resembles the mix of Coop members.

Classified advertising in the Linewaiters’ Gazette is available only to Coop members. Publication does not imply endorsement by the Coop.

Read the Gazette while you’re standing on line OR online at www.foodcoop.com 16 February 5, 2015 Park Slope Food Coop, Brooklyn, NY

EXCITING WORKSLOT OPPORTUNITIES

RECEIVING PRODUCE Entrance worker scheduled at this time of day. Monday-Friday, 5 to 7:30 a.m. Paid Membership Coordinators will be present The Coop is looking for members to work in the to train you on your first (and second) shift, produce area. Responsibilities include: lifting and then to support you and answer questions boxes, unloading deliveries, stacking boxes in going forward. the basement. You should be willing to get or have wet hands while you are working. Boxes BATHROOM CLEANING usually weigh between 2-20 lbs., a few may weigh Friday, 12 to 2 p.m. up to 50 lbs. Work with a partner to deep clean the Coop’s bathrooms. Tasks include scrub- OFFICE SET-UP bing floor tiles, cleaning toilets, mopping Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, floors and stocking the bathrooms. You 6 to 8:30 a.m. will work with only natural cleaning prod- Need an early riser with lots of energy to do a ucts. This job is perfect for members who variety of physical tasks including: setting up like to clean and are conscientious about tables and chairs, buying food and supplies, doing a thorough job. labeling and putting away food and supplies, recycling, washing dishes and making coffee. LAUNDRY AND Sound like your dream come true? This job might TOY CLEANING be for you. Please speak to Adriana or Cynthia Wednesday, Friday, in the Membership Office for more information. 8:30 to 10:30 p.m. This workslot has two responsibilities. STORE EQUIPMENT You will load laundry into dryer, fold it CLEANING and redistribute it around the Coop. While Monday, Wednesday, 6 to 8 a.m. the laundry is washing/drying, you will The Coop is looking for members to clean clean toys in the childcare room. You will the checkout area of the store. It entails be working with a partner on these tasks. cleaning the scales at each checkout and Please contact Annette or Jana in the Mem- vacuuming around the base of the check- bership Office for further information. out station as well as sweeping and occa- sionally mopping. You will work under the CHECK OFFICE SUPPLIES supervision of a staff person. Thursday, 8:30 to 11 p.m. This workslot is responsible for restock- ENTRANCE DESK ing supplies at desks in all offices on the Wednesday, Friday 5:45 to 8 a.m. Coop’s second floor, at checkout lanes, Supervised by Membership Coordinators, you entrance desks and the cashier stations. will be staffing the Entrance desk in hours of Some light maintenance, such as light the weekday before the Coop is open to shop- cleaning of desktops and phones, is anoth- pers. Primarily you will be checking in working er task. This is a task and detailed-oriented members, informing them of their member and job, ideal for someone who likes working household status, and handing out entrance independently and is pro-active. Please desk slips to members who need them. speak to Alex in the Membership Office or Entrance workers provide an essential member contact him at [email protected] if service and must be welcoming, polite, able to you are interested. read and interpret information on the entrance desk screen, able to clearly convey information GENERAL MEETING SET-UP about member status directly to members. Tuesday, 5:30 p.m. Entrance workers also provide a key security Adaptable, physically energetic, team function, and must remain alert throughout the workers with excellent attendance needed shift, which may have slow periods. Therefore to help set up and break down the space reading, writing, talking on the phone, texting, where the General Meeting is held. Contact etc. is not allowed. Punctuality and good atten- Adriana Becerra, Membership Coordinator, dance will be essential, as you will be the only [email protected].

THANK YOU!

Thank you to the following members for referring friends who joined the Coop in the last four weeks.

Erin Aliperti Brian Chavez Rebecca Lynn Daniel Kramer Chris Pennock Petra Tanos Sarra Alpert Maggie Cheney Greenberg Kimberly Kreider Rosa Perr Catherine Toren Dija Amer Adam Cherrington Molly Griffard Ajit Kumar Michael Prall Joshua Trinidad Liz Asch Sara Clark Martha Guenther Noemie LaFrance Lisa Quintela Gladys Nahal Sarah Clark Yaye Gueye Gelan Lambert Akela R. Tupacyupanqui Batmanghelidj Nicole Colbert Benjamin Haber Arnold Lee Dana Raviv Erika Van Gundy Koa Beck Brea Collier Michael Hancock Bill Lee Erica Rosen Jason Vance Cyril Bennouna Lindsay Comstock Kali Handelman Susan Kaplan Lee Sary Rottenberg Anne Vick Lauren Bentley Nicole Crook Mary Beth Holman Emily Levitt Randall Rubinstein Preston Vineyard Meghan Bernhardt Alexander Ebin Alex Hoogland Tse Levy Ev Ruch Arianne Wack Kim Blake Matt Eckstein Richard Hsieh Annukka Lilja Stephanie Russell- Miriam Weiskind Laurent Bouaziz Lindsay Elliott Mimi Huang Colleen Lynch Kraft Sarah Wellington Nefer Bovea Nellie Fleischner Peter Jacobs Celena Mayo Sophia Sallas- Neville Williams Joseph Brook Amara Foster Erin Johnson Caitlyn McKenna Brookwell Taylor Wishneff Michael Brusic The Gallaghers Kimberly Johnson Douglas Meyer David Saltzman Daniel Wolkowitz Elena Callahan Jane Geary Emma Judkins Logan Moseley Sara Shaw Yuko Yamamoto Maialen Carbajo Julia Glazer Ervin Kohila Caitlin Naramore Lauren Smith Conor Yates M’Lou Caring Esther Gottesman Sally Kohn Annie Olinick Abigail Snyder Rachel Youens

Read the Gazette while you’re standing on line OR online at www.foodcoop.com