May 2009,Vol. 38, No. 5 Manager’s Corner Andy Lamas: by Glenn Bergman, General Manager Good Neighbor I had the opportunity to spend 10 days in Berkeley, California, visiting family (new Locally & Globally baby additions to the family), babysitting, featured Speaker at Spring visiting food markets and farmers’ markets, General Membership Meeting and spending 90 minutes with Alice Waters PHOTO as she showed me around the Edible COURTESY Schoolyard program at Berkley’s Martin Luther King Junior High School. I left her OF with pictures of our co-op farm education B READ program, the Martin Luther King High & R

School program, and a picture of the MLK OSES

students and WW team with Mayor Nutter. C She loved the CSA Saul School program-- OMMUNITY “Henry Got Crops”--and the idea of kids F working with professionals selling shares in UND an urban farm project. At the Edible School Yard, I saw part (continued on page 6) Shuttle Expands Weavers Way Goes Green at Cliveden Community PHOTO

BY Andy Lamas B Coverage, ONNIE by Chris P. Kaiser H

AY Andy Lamas has been a good neighbor Distribution for many years, not only to Mt. Airy, but to by Jonathan McGoran, Shuttle Editor the entire Philadelphia region as well. He is Starting with the April 2009 issue of a professor at the University of Pennsylva- the Shuttle, we have expanded our coverage nia with a primary appointment in urban of the broader community and also ex- studies, where he focuses on social justice panded our distribution. We have increased and economic democracy in the context of the number of places where the Shuttle is urbanization. He will be the featured speak- available and added a door-to-door delivery er at Weavers Way’s Spring General Mem- in Mt. Airy, as well as other parts of our bership Meeting, 5:30 p.m. Sunday, May 17, service area. As we work to ensure that this at Summit Presbyterian Church, at Greene distribution runs as smoothly as possible, and Westview Streets. we need your help. If you live in a house in (continued on page 17) the 19119 zip code, and you do not receive The Shuttle delivered to your doorstep by the second day of the month, contact us right Enthusiastic away at [email protected] or Response at First (continued on page 4) Participating in Going Green at Cliveden are (clockwise from left) WWCP Chestnut Hill Executive Director Rachel Milenbach, Weavers Way Farmer David Zelov, WHYY’s Mike McGrath, Cliveden Education Director Rick Fink, Weavers Way Community Mtg. Farm Intern Lauren Hill, and Weavers Way Farm Educator David Siller by Jonathan McGoran by Rachel Milenbach Over sixty members of the Chestnut After years of listening to Mike Mc- nections between sustainability, historic Hill community turned out for Weavers Grath on the radio, I finally had the chance structures, climate change, and the relation- Way’s first Chestnut Hill Community Meet- to see and hear him in person. The audi- ship between environment and history. ing, and by the end of the night, Weavers ence was mesmerized as Mike spoke for al- Trays of delicious fruits and vegetables Way had 15 new member households. most one hour, seemingly without stopping were provided by Weavers Way catering Before introducing Weavers Way Gen- to breathe, on how to “achieve a lush, during the lunchtime talk by Dave Zelov, eral Manager Glenn Bergman and board green lawn free of chemicals.” Who knew Weavers Way’s farm production manager, member Stuart Katz, Chestnut Hill resident how fascinating grass could be? Given the and David Siller,Weavers Way Community and Weavers Way member Hillary McAn- alternative, which is grass filled with chemi- Programs’ (WWCP) farm educator.The drews recounted her weekly walks up the cals, Mike’s talk was fantastic. day was completed with a yellow school bus Avenue, and how she misses Reese Phar- This opportunity came on April 4, at ride to Weavers Way Farm at Awbury Ar- macy, Under the Blue Moon, Magarity the 20th Annual Cliveden Institute: Going boretum and the WWCP Seeds of Learn- Ford, Caruso’s, and WaWa. One of over Green: Environmental Stewardship for ing Farm at Martin Luther King High 500 Weavers Way member households in Preservation and Profit. Organized by Co- School. Chestnut Hill and Wyndmoor, Hillary op member Rick Fink, the Education Di- Most people know about Cliveden, ei- rector at Cliveden, the day was packed full (continued on page 7) (continued on page 4) of knowledgeable speakers who wove con-

Weavers Way Cooperative Association Presorted Standard 559 Carpenter Lane, Philadelphia, PA 19119 U.S. www.weaversway.coop POSTAGE PAID Philadelphia, PA Permit No. 2658 PAGE 2 THE SHUTTLE MAY 2009

Editor’s Note Co-op Farms Moving into High Gear by Jonathan McGoran by David Zelov, Weavers Way Farmer PHOTO One interesting item in So many seedlings, so little time.Yes, it shoots, radishes, salad this issue of The Shuttle can must be May—the month during which it mix, sorrel, scallions BY J be found on page 32. The becomes safe to plant anything, tender or and turnips. Some ESSICA N fact that there is a page 32 not, outside.That means we are extremely fresh herbs should AUGLE is interesting enough¸ but what I’m refer- busy getting all of our tomatoes, peppers, also accompany this ring to is the map showing the impact of eggplants, beans, melons, squash, etc. into selection—chives, gar- cooperatives in our area. (It kind of re- the ground. It all seems to happen at once. lic chives, lemon balm, minds me of the game Risk; Let’s open a This year we are trying something a little and mint. Of course store in Kamchatka!) There is a lot of in- different with a couple of those crops— many of these items terest in Co-ops these days, and this is true not planting them all at once.We at the will also be available in for a number of reasons. farm are very familiar with succession the Co-op and, later in First, food co-ops give people what they plantings. Every week or two, we sow or the month, at the want. True, some people just want a food plant a new section of lettuce, radishes, sal- Thursday farmers’ store. But some people want more than ad mix, turnips, beets, carrots, and other market at Greene and that. Co-ops offer more than that. Plus... shorter term crops to ensure a consistent Carpenter. Or, new they are food stores. Pretty crafty, huh? supply throughout the season. But we have this year, you can have Another reason is that so many of the not done this with tomatoes and other sea- access to all of these ideas that have become important to so son-long crops—seems like once you plant items by joining the many people in the past few years—organ- them, they just keep going until frost. How- Henry Got Crops! ics, locally grown, sustainability, etc.—have ever, we have noticed that the quality starts CSA—a partnership to decline after a few months.The other between Weavers Way been important to co-ops for some time. (In Weavers Way Farm Staffers Nicole Sugarman (far right) problem is that when planted all at once, Farm and the Saul fact, one of the lesser known International and Nina Berryman (second from right) join students Cooperative Principles is “I told you so.”) many crops, especially tomatoes and basil, High School of Agri- from Jessica Naugle’s Agroecology class to break ground Of course, being right isn’t much good come on very strong, and all at once, mak- culture. Pick ups will on the Saul High School “Henry Got Crops” CSA Farm. if the proof of it is the demise of the ing it particularly challenging for us farmers take place every week species (e.g., “See? I told you our unsus- (and sometimes Co-op shoppers) to keep at the farm on Henry Avenue from mid tainable culture would lead to the destruc- up with. So this season, we are planting May until mid November.For more CSA More Farm Limericks tion of the planet”). Then again, if the multiple successions of tomatoes and basil, info, visit www.weaversway.coop or e-mail planet is doomed anyway, might as well and perhaps a late planting of eggplant to [email protected] In all, The farm work is quite overwhelming have smug superiority to cling onto. experiment. there will probably be produce available To the Co-op we have begun selling Being ahead of the curve on so many May is also the start of farmers’ market from one of the farms (Awbury, Saul or The crop plan is not done things also gives us the perspective to keep season and we will once again be attending MLK) at one market or another, almost But I want to have fun a level head as we embark on a major ex- a handful of them. Headhouse (Second and every day of the week. MLK farm sells The ideas in my mind are not jelling. pansion during the worst economic tur- Lombard) opening day is Sunday, May 3, right at the school on Stenton Ave., as well moil of the last fifty years. Weavers Way and we plan on being there with plenty of as at Weavers Way Ogontz and most likely It’s April and time to till soil was ahead of the curve on the economy, produce.This means getting everything at the Chestnut Hill farmers’ market at the We rake, we seed, and we toil too; while the rest of the planet was blind- into the ground pretty early to ensure an bottom of the hill. Depending on how The plants must go in sided by a financial crisis partly caused by abundant stand when we show up. If all many CSA shares are sold, produce from If not, it’s a sin poor accounting and a lack of oversight, goes well, we will be offering arugula, baby Saul may be sold at a market in that neck of And our customers’ blood it will boil. we were thinking, “That is so 2002.” bok choy, chard, collards, dandelion greens, the woods. More market details to come The world can take comfort in our ex- kale, kohlrabi, lettuce, mustard greens, pea next month. ample, too: just a few years after teetering on the brink, we’ve produced the accomplish- Help from the Kids Makes Clearing the Land for ments evident on that map, and we continue to grow and succeed. And nothing can Our Farms Possible the Co-op’s Newest Farms PHOTO PHOTO threaten that success. Unless, of course, we BY become hopelessly overextended. Heh-heh... BY D H AVID Shuttle AL The is published by R OSNER S Weavers Way Co-op ILLER Deadlines for each issue are the first of the preceding month. e.g. June 1 for the July issue

For information about advertising, contact [email protected], or call 215-843-2350, ext. 135

Statement of Policy Kids from Stenton Family Manor help clear the Articles should be under 500 words and land for their new farm can be submitted neatly typed, on disk, or e- mailed to [email protected]. by David Siller, Farm Educator Be sure to include your name, phone num- I want to thank all the kids who make our farm(s) possible. Derek McGregor of Schectman Tree Company uses a ber, and membership number. Drop them off by Here is one picture from the collection from the spring that I think stump grinder to remove stumps for the farm at the deadline to the Shuttle mailbox on the sec- illustrate the mood of what’s going on out there lately. I’m pretty Stenton Family Manor . ond floor of the Co-op. The purpose of the sure these kids are really enjoying it! It reminds me of when I was by Hal Rosner Shuttle is to provide members with information young and how much I enjoyed just digging in the dirt and playing as well as education about co-ops, health food An urban vacant lot offers up one sure commodity: potential. outside. Maybe we really are inspiring amateur farmers and when practices, and other matters of interest to the On Monday, April 6, Weavers Way continued their commitment members as consumers and citizens of the they are older like me they will be growing all kinds of crazy fun and vision for developing strategically placed community-spon- community. vegetables?! May is on tap to be a great month as usual at the farm. sored farms, in this case Germantown and East Mt. Airy. Weedy in- Articles express only the views of the writ- We’re hosting several groups at the Weavers Way Farm includ- vasive trees, old stumps and brush piles were felled, chipped, and ers and not those of the Co-op or the board of ing: The Meredith School, Central High School, Crefeld School, ground out. directors, unless identified as such. Articles, let- Powell School, Germantown Friends School, a cub scout group, ters, comments, criticisms, and suggestions are Realizing these would be tough and dangerous jobs for volun- and United Way Global Citizen 365 volunteer group. teers, even seasoned gardeners, Weavers Way staff was pleased (and welcome and should be directed to the editor. More schools are contacting us all the time about our programs, Space limitations require that the editor has the relieved) when Shechtman Tree Care agreed to donate equipment so maybe you or your school will be next to participate! We also have right to edit all articles. Ad rates are available and trained arborists to handle the difficult tasks. Cool early-spring upon request, in the advertising mailbox on the two events coming up that are open to anyone—the Farm Planting temperatures and dull gray skies set the backdrop for what would second floor, or at www.weaversway.coop. All Festival on May 9 and a visit from world-renowned naturalist Frank be a long day for Derrick McGregor and Will Madeira. ads must be submitted electronically, or cam- Cook on May 28. By the end of May, the Co-op shelves should be As the chipper roared to life, the skies opened up with rain and era-ready with prior arrangement, and should packed full of farm produce and you can turn to this picture so you hail. Over the next 10 hours, trucks, chain saws, chippers, and be submitted with payment. Products or servic- can have a picture of how it all started for 2009. (Check out the farm stump grinders produced the expected by-products of woodchips, es advertised in this paper should not in any pages at www.weaversway.coop for more great pictures.) way be construed to be endorsed by Weavers sawdust, and noise. Lots of noise. I also wanted to give a shout out to Shechtman Tree Service Way Co-op. The transformation from vacant lot to a fertile, viable food pro- who most graciously donated their time, hard work and machinery Shuttle ducing parcel does not come easy. Most urban land has had a prior The to our farm project at the Stenton Family Manor.Their wonderful use, residential or industrial, which inevitably means remnant debris is printed on 100% staff arrived with a stump-grinder and chain saw to remove some such as brick, timber, and foundation stone. of the tree stumps and fallen trees that were straddling the farm recycled paper (continued on page 6) there. Thank you Hal, Derek, and Will! MAY 2009 THE SHUTTLE PAGE 3

Do the Dairy Case Shuffle Floral Notes: Happy Spring! by Josh Giblin, Merchandising by Cat Niallon Hey shoppers! By now you may have By now many of you will have started noticed that some things have been moved your gardens, whether they are in your around in the dairy case. Hopefully, you backyard, a community plot, or container have found the new arrangement pleasing pots on your patios and porches. Earlier and relatively easy to use. I say “relatively” this Spring you would have found (I hope ing because we are talking about a retail refrig- you did!) a selection of bedding plants, in- from erator which is not ideal for a store like cluding winter pansies, primroses, ranuncu- Peace Tree ours (or any other for that matter). When lus and, for eating, cabbage and collards, as Farm, who sup- we replaced the old case last year, we tried well as a variety of Dutch bulbs. plied us with wonderfully scented gerani- to emulate the product layout, which was Now and throughout the Spring and ums last year and recently gained USDA or- already a little odd, but it didn’t quite work Summer, you will find sustainably grown ganic certification (owners Lloyd and Can- out. Things got moved around to accom- normally see, like goat yogurt. The unsight- plants from a variety of local growers, in- dy Traven were featured in GMPro March modate the new spaces in the case and we ly, unpredictable yet highly necessary Over- cluding: Anne’s Herbs, owned by Anne 2009; for more information visit got a lot of category “drift.” Merrymead flow section has also been moved to the Denner, a local grower with a strong gmpro.texterity.com/gmpro/200903). milk was spread out all over the case and least visible and most out of the way cor- Weavers Way following; our very own and From Anne’s Herbs, we are once again there were yogurt products in all four quad- ner. much-beloved Weavers Way Farm (farm carrying several lovely basils, chives, rants.There were some compelling reasons When considering the new layout, I updates are on our website!); and George cilantro, lavender, mint, oregano, parsley, to make a change. worked hard to keep products of the same Didden Greenhouses, a Hatfield-based, thyme, marjoram, tarragon, rosemary, sage, With the Co-op being open to non- size together as well, so you’ll see various multi-generational, family-owned-and-oper- and—although they’re not herbs—toma- members, a logical shopping experience is quarts together, half-gallons, cups, etc.I ated wholesaler who grows “greener” every toes (including patio tomatoes, a tomato becoming more crucial to making a good hope that for folks who like to compare year (for more information, visit “bush” which does beautifully in large impression. If people visiting our store prices, this new arrangement will make it www.georgedidden.com/going_green.htm). can’t find the things they like, they’ll go much easier to do so. One more added ben- I also hope to again have at least one show- (continued on page 8) elsewhere. We only get one chance to make efit was the addition of a few new products a first impression, and I would like the Co- you have been asking for. Look for these op to be as inviting and navigable as any three new items: Eggology 100 percent other well-run operation. Egg Whites (think EggBeaters without the Also, from an operations perspective, artificial coloring), Rosenberg’s Reduced the case presented several challenges to Fat Buttermilk in quarts and WholeSoy those restocking the shelves. Cooperators Plain Yogurt in 24 oz. Containers. unfamiliar with the case often have trouble What did it cost us? In moving things locating the correct slots for products and around and squeezing some extra space in, order was hard to maintain. There were log we squeezed out some capacity we had be- jams resulting from fast moving products fore. There was some loss of yogurt cup being trapped behind a working cooperator. space, though our wide variety of flavors The new layout addresses many of (and fat content) remains intact. The flax these challenges.What you’ll notice right oil was moved to the new drinks fridge by away is that all of the milk is located on the the prepared foods case.For the most part, left side of the case.This is the most visible it is all still there. In time, your shopping and accessible area and for the uninitiated, habits will change and I’m sure you’ll begin Beer! Cheese! Beer! Cheese! Beer! seeing milk is a cue to new shoppers about to wonder how you ever got by without this by Margie Felton, Deli Manager what else might be back there. All of the new layout! yogurts have been grouped together in the Let me know how you feel about this March was a big month for beer in that with all the talk about local food, upper right quadrant with the exception of kind of logic being applied here at Weavers Philadelphia. March 6-15 was the second there’s great local beer to drink with it. Seven Stars, which is just one shelf below. Way, and if you would like to see this im- annual Philly beer week. (See Keith Kelle- To continue the beer fest, Weavers Way Not only will this make it easier for shop- plemented in other areas of the store. her’s article in the April Shuttle) The week is hosting its second Beer and Cheese tast- pers and stockers to see the location of Don’t forget to try out the Goat Yogurt— included the fifth annual Brewer’s Plate ing, 6 p.m. Saturday June 5, 2009 at the these similar items, it may even clue shop- it’s fab! fundraiser, which helps support White Dog Weavers Way Farm (See below) pers in to some of the items they didn’t Community Enterprises and Fair Food. Philadelphia and the surrounding coun- The fundraiser took place this year at the ties have seen a huge increase in high quali- University of Pennsylvania Museum. This ty artisanal cheeses and great local brews. Spring Fleas! event pairs locally owned restaurants with Join Weavers Way Deli staff for a tasting of by Cat Niallon, Asst Buyer, Pet Department locally brewed beers. The restaurants pro- local beer and local cheese. vide a food sampling that complements the This fun evening of beer and cheese Along with the beauty of Spring and rectly to your pet’s skin in order to be most beer being served. A few days before the will take place at the Weavers Way farm. warm weather come troublemakers for effective. One way to ensure this is to shave event, I was asked if I would like to scoop Cost is $20.00 for Weavers Way members many pet owners—fleas! Last year at the a small area on your pet; I find that the real- gelato from Capogiro’s and attend the event and $25.00 for nonmembers. Please put the pet store, Kirsten and I heard the woes of ly small, battery-operated mustache/bikini for free. Of course, I said “yes!” I had completed form and a check made out to many who were dealing with these nasty trimmers work well. Small hair clippers about an hour to partake in the samplings Weavers Way in Margie Felton’s mail box pests.This year we are introducing some- would also work. Whatever you choose, re- before spending an hour scooping.The (on the second floor near the fax machine). thing new to help you stay flea-free: Nema- member to use something that won’t nick food and beer were both great and the If you have any questions call Margie at todes! What are they? Nematodes are bene- your pet’s skin. If you have any concerns, event was a lot of fun. It turned out that 215-843-2350 x 2 or 134 for voice mail. ficial microscopic, predatory worms who consider asking your vet or a professional the gelato was not paired with beer but just Reservations will not be held with out pay- feed on 250 different insects, including fun- groomer to do this for you the first time a popular extra treat. It is great to know ment. gus gnats, weevils, cutworms, thrips and and show you how to do it safely. yes, FLEAS! Our nematodes are from Some vets are recommending the use of Down to Earth, a company many of you flea collars in addition to Frontline Plus. We may already know if you shop regularly on carry herbal collars (and sprays) in the pet the Second Floor of the Co-op. Because store. Please remember that some pets may nematodes must be refrigerated, you will be allergic to these collars (just as they may find them not in the Pet Store but in the be allergic to certain sprays, foods, or any produce section of our main store. That’s other environmental or dietary influence), right! Look for the bright blue sponges in so check for any reactions (such as redness) the Down to Earth packages. “Plant” the in your pet. Also, flea collars (like any col- nematodes (see package instructions) every lar, really) are meant to be worn somewhat four to six weeks throughout insect season loosely so that they do not rub against and to keep your plants and pets pest-free. irritate the skin. If you can easily put 2-3 Frontline Plus is still the chemical of fingers between the collar and your pet’s choice according to my and many other neck, then the fit is a good one. One other vets. It is a topical drug for use in dogs and warning: puppies and kittens, just like small cats (there are different formulas for the children, will put ANYTHING in their species, as well as different dosages for mouths as they explore their environments. varying sized dogs, so please choose and Even herbal collars can be toxic if chewed use as directed) and you will find it in the on and potentially deadly if eaten and di- main store. Frontline should be applied di- (continued on page 14) PAGE 4 THE SHUTTLE MAY 2009

Chestnut Hill Community Meeting when the store will be opening (target date (continued from page 1) is November). Those present clapped when they heard of the Weavers Way commit- seemed to express the feeling of the audi- ment to providing good wages and health ence when she talked about how happy she and dental insurance to employees, and was to hear Weavers Way would open in the when they heard that the first hire for the old Caruso’s location. new store is Chestnut Hill resident and Glenn Bergman then discussed Weavers parking foundation employee Tom Walsh. Way’s history and explained the background Two more meetings are scheduled for of Weavers Way’s expansion into Chestnut May 4 and 11. Residents of Chestnut Hill Hill. He also touched on some of the many and non-residents are encouraged to at- benefits Weavers Way will bring to the tend, learn about the new store, and, if Chestnut Hill community, and just a few of they’re not already members, to consider an the many good reasons to join the Co-op. annual $30 membership to show their sup- Next, Stu Katz, former Weavers Way port. For more information about the ex- Board President, talked about the goals and pansion or the member loan program, e- mission of Weavers Way, the importance mail [email protected], visit us value of membership and the member loan on the web at www.weaversway.coop, or fill campaign for the new store. This program out the Member Loan Campaign Pledge allows members to invest in the new store form to the left. with loans from $2,500 to $500,000. Mem- bers select the interest rate (from zero to Expanded Shuttle four percent) and term of loan (five to ten (continued from page 1) years). These loans will help with a healthy 215-843-2350, ext 135, and we can make launch of the Chestnut Hill store and are sure you get your Shuttle, and that your key to quick success. house is not missed again. Because this is- “As are many of the folks here in sue includes a notice of the May General Chestnut Hill, I am thrilled that Weavers Membership Meeting, we are mailing this Way is moving into Caruso’s,” said Chest- issue as well as delivering door to door. nut Hill resident Angela Griffiths. “We’ve This may seem wasteful, but it is the most been talking it up among the neighbors and cost-effective way to get the Shuttle out to there is definitely lots of interest... I look the broader community, while at the some forward to further involvement with the time satisfying the requirement that we mail Co-op.” notice of our membership meeting to all When it came time for questions, atten- members. But if you receive an extra dees were interested to learn about store Shuttle, don’t just throw it away--share it hours (the plan is 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.); amount with a friend. of rehab to be done (down to the studs— Thanks for your understanding and pa- the place needs work!); product selection tience while we make this transition. If you (we are a grocery store with a focus on sup- have any questions, comments or concerns, porting local products, organic options and feel free to e-mail me at editor@weaver- listening to member needs and wants); and sway.coop.

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March Special Membership Meeting Explores Expansion, Member Loan,Work Rules by Ted Barbato Change is rarely easy, as was evident “I didn’t understand that what was stat- PHOTO when the March membership meeting fo- ed in the letter was really not the reality of BY J cused on a triple bill of weighty issues: the the loan program,” said Susan Bloch. “I OHN B expansion into Chestnut Hill, the need to don’t know that it had to be written that ARONE borrow money for that expansion, and a way.” proposal to end the Co-op’s work require- Don McGuire, both a staffer and a ment. member, felt the meeting better clarified About 60 members attended the meet- the need for that approach, but he won- ing on March 17 at Summit Church. On the dered if others in attendance may still be agenda was an update on the plans to ex- confused. “There are people in there who pand into the new Chestnut Hill location, still don’t understand why it was done the an explanation of the second phase of the way it was done.They don’t understand the Member Loan Campaign (and an explana- little dance we have to do with the state and tion of the first phase), and a discussion on federal government before we can do proposed changes to the bylaws to allow something realistic in terms of raising both working and nonworking member- money.” ships. Most left enthusiastic about the ex- Many felt that this sort of clarification pansion, better informed but still uncertain must be made to members who were not in about the loan campaign, and split on the attendance, perhaps with postings in the work rule changes. stores. Co-op General Manager Glenn Bergman addresses the members Generating a generally positive response Bob Simon was enthusiastic about the gathered at the March 17 Special Membership Meeting from the members in attendance was the loan effort, but with a caveat: “I just won- Chestnut Hill expansion. “A brilliant idea,” der, if our economy continues to worsen, make a decent decision about it,” said for me. But I came back.” So she supports said Bob Simon. “It’s long overdue.” people who thought they had $10,000 to Joseph Moselle. Andi Moselle agreed: “All the work rule changes. “I think its an exper- “I live in Chestnut Hill and I’m excit- spare all of a sudden don’t, what happens the other nice community things are nice, iment worth trying. If it doesn’t work, we ed,” added Barbara Bloomfield. “I want to to them when things go south. But that’s but people are going to make the decision can change it again.” get involved in helping it get established the nature of risk.” on balancing their time versus price.” Others at the membership meeting there.” Mira Leysorek also felt it is a good The proposal to eliminate work rule For some, making cooperator hours op- openly wondered if ending the work re- idea, but voiced some concerns.“Are we as- changes prompted varying opinions among tional brought a sigh of relief. Member Bob quirement will change the very essence of sured of having parking back there?” she those at the meeting.Joseph Wilson gave it Simon: “I think one of the things that is a the Co-op. “If we will sell to anybody, and wondered. And the state of the economy a tentative thumbs-up. “I think it’s probably very active feature of the landscape is peo- raise the prices on the shelf to do so, where gives her pause. “It’s a scary time to be do- a good idea, because we want to get more ple dodging their work requirement, or did the Co-op go?” said Don McGuire. ing it.” members in.” A lot of people, he argues, buying the labor from someone else to do “We’re not going to be the Weavers Way But the effort to raise money for the can’t commit to even six hours of work per it. It’s very common, and its not really Co-op of 15 years ago when I joined, or of move clearly vexed members. Most were year. talked about in a very obvious way. This 25 years ago. It’s growth and change.” surprised to learn that the initial letter, re- Others were skeptical, in part because gives an opportunity to recognize reality.” Joseph Wilson, though, said changing questing loans from all members, was never there’s no decision yet on the actual cash Barbara Bloomfield knows about that the nature of the Co-op is not necessarily a intended to be successful, and was simply a discount that would be available to those technique first hand. “About ten years ago I bad thing. “Growth is good, and this will necessary precursor to a loan application to members who continue to work. “It needs went through a phase where, sort of under- help the Co-op grow.” the state. to get a lot more specific for people to handedly, I paid a couple of people to work PAGE 6 THE SHUTTLE MAY 2009

Clearing the Land Manager’s Corner Siller would run at our farm. Everyone said Bike Co-op Holds (continued from page 2) (continued from page 1) hello to Alice and on we went to look at the wood-burning pizza oven built by volun- Preparing the ground means a whole- of the parking lot of the school had been First Meeting, teers so the kids can make their own wood- sale change in what many might consider torn up. Planted behind a fence was a beau- fired pizzas ...well, of course.Then to the soil. Lousy soil, low in organic matter and tiful garden that went for what appeared to Schedules Clinics back of the garden to look at the chickens, high in clay, mortar, and nameable crud, be about 1/3 of an acre. As we did our fast by Nicole Sugerman the compost area, and the tool sheds. will not grow the green leafy things that are tour (I plan to go back again) I saw a The Bicycle Cooperative had a stand- Alice said, “You must get the artists in- envisioned. The critical next step for realiz- portable “double-wide” that had been fin- ing-room only first meeting on April 1, volved! You must get older people around ing site potential was evidenced by the large ished in a nice color.We went in and what I where participants discussed their experi- who have skills that can be volunteered to heaps of rich mushroom soil (manure with saw was the bustling of 20-30 middle ences with biking and visioned their goals the gardens!” One retired welder and ex- a past life) and a topsoil blend also high in school kids working with an educator, of a new bike cooperative. hibit maker from the Exploratorium had organic matter. teachers, and volunteer parents at three or Consensus was met around the ideas made great metal racks on wheels that han- Lousy compacted soil will grow tough four different stove areas (clearly the stoves that, initially, the cooperative will provide a dled all of the garden equipment for the tenacious weeds of all classifications, in- had been lowered for their use). There were space and guidance for basic bicycle repair, kids so they could transport them around cluding annuals (dandelion, spotted spurge) tables in the middle for eating together and act as a center for enthusiasts to ride to- the farm. A few artists had made the pizza biennials (burdock, Canadian thistle) and clearly lots of kids enjoying a cooking class gether and gather around bicycle related oven and the sheds along with other volun- woody perennials (poison ivy, staghorn that followed their history lesson on Egypt. events, and offer clinics to the community teers. sumac.). It is the latter group that poses the The kids were cooking lentils and other about bike repair and skills.We are still ac- So here we were on a beautiful East Bay most difficulty for farm development, for dishes that might have been eaten in Egypt cepting donations to get this space up and California morning at 10 a.m., not a cloud this group includes the larger woody plants during the great pharaoh period. running! If you have any old bicycle gear in the sky, and over 70 children were having that include red mulberry, black locust, and I was introduced to a number of teach- not getting much use, please donate it to a ball learning how to cook, farm, and com- tree of heaven. ers and students, all whom were energetic the Co-op, where the whole community post material--and all of it around a history Reminiscent (in a very vague way) of and engaged in the work at hand. No one will have access to it. lesson. I could see this at every middle and the land clearing carried out by Pennsylva- knew we were coming and it took a few The bike cooperative is holding two high school in Philadelphia. She agreed! nia settlers a few hundred years ago, both minutes for people to realize that Alice was seminars 7 p.m., May 16 at the Weavers The Edible School Yard would wel- sites offered up a bounty of stumps, brush in the room. Way Garage, 542 Carpenter Lane.These come our staff and other educators to piles, and logs.With the sites cleared, pro- Then we went through the gardens and seminars are FREE and open to everyone! come out to Berkeley to visit for a day. I gression toward a bountiful fall harvest will came across a class in a circle with a farm Bike-Buying Clinic Looking to buy a plan to make that happen; what better way now continue. instructor and I wish I had had a camera. bike? The choices can be many and over- to tie together learning, food, and a new life The class reminded me of one that David whelming. Do you really know what you for Philadelphia. want or need? Learn about the equipment and how to be prepared when you are ready to buy a bike. Spring Bike Check-up How to check your bike for ride readiness and ride confi- dence; How to look for potential problems. Bring your bike for this interactive session. E-mail [email protected] and let us know if you plan to attend one of these workshops.You can visit the Mt. Airy Bike Coop online at http://groups.google.com/group/mtairy- bicyclecoop?hl=en

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Why I Love Living & Shopping in Mt.Airy by Kim Miller, President, Mt. Airy Business Association After turning 40 I realized that my arms must have taken them off and dropped were no longer long enough to allow me to them in the woods somewhere. For sure, read the fine, or even not-so-fine print. For they were gone and I was back to the old years, I carted around dollar store readers lady readers. and they drove me crazy. Never could I Of course, next time Catalina saw me find them when I needed them. I finally she asked, “Where are your glasses?” gave in and started wearing those groovy I had to tell her they were lost. beaded glass holders around my neck. I started collecting DecemberFest gift Friends told me I looked like an old lady, certificates with the thought of purchasing but I’d say, I’d rather be able to see than to another pair, but they weren’t going to be look good. those titanium Silhouettes, that’s for sure. A couple of years ago, Catalina Bautista Just last week, Catalina called me and asked of Mr.Peeper’s Optical suggested that I me to stop by. I happened to be driving buy a real pair of glasses. “But, I don’t need down Germantown Avenue and was there them other than to read,” I said. “Neither in a flash. do I,” she said. “But I wear my progressives “Guess What! I have your glasses,” she all of the time, so that I don’t need to go said! looking for my glasses every time I need to “What?” I could not believe it. “How? see.” She convinced me, and I purchased a Who?” beautiful pair of no rim, titanium Silhou- “Well, PJ McMenamin was in here a ettes. My niece told me that now I look like few minutes ago and he brought a small a rich lady instead of an old lady and that brown bag full of glasses that people leave made me happy. I loved my new glasses. at his place. He does that from time to time Loved being able to see whenever I needed and tells me to donate them to the needy. to and loved looking like a rich person. Usually they are the dollar store versions So for two years, I walked around hap- that people don’t sweat losing. But I was pily seeing whatever and whenever I need- pretty sure, when I saw those titanium rim- ed. Back in October 2008, I woke up one less ones, they had to be yours!” morning and couldn’t find my glasses.The For all the many reasons to shop local, evening before I was walking my dog, this is the number one best. The shop own- Sweetie, in the Wissahickon and figured I ers know you and love you! Co-op Goes Green at Cliveden Summer Camp for 7-12 year olds, the week (continued from page 1) of July 13-July 17. ther from its annual reenactment of the For more information on Cliveden ac- Battle of Germantown, or more recently as tivities, call 215-848-1777, or contact Rick the host of Mt. Airy Day. Cliveden also Fink at [email protected], or visit their hosts educational programs for youth, in- website at http://cliveden1767.word- cluding the Que Vive! Young Writers Pro- press.com. ject, the History Hunters Youth Reporter For more information on Weavers Way program, and amazing educational and his- Farm, contact Dave Zelov at torical resources. [email protected] more infor- If you are looking for a summer camp mation on farm education opportunities, experience for the young historian in your contact David Siller at educator@weaver- family, Cliveden offers the Building Bridges sway.coop. PAGE 8 THE SHUTTLE MAY 2009

Floral Notes warms, they will be from local growers as (continued from page 3) well! Now through mid-May, we have Van State VIPs Tour Co-op’s Farms Dyke tulips, grown in New Jersey and deliv- pots). The farm boys, David and David, ered to us (via Zieger and Sons, a third-gen- like to surprise me, but keep your eyes out eration Mt. Airy wholesaler) fresh from PHOTO for bright yellow tags on vegetable plants, cutting (usually on Mondays). You may BY S which will likely include baby bok choy, have seen our local daffodils, cherry blos- OL L broccoli, cabbage, chard, cucumber, col- soms, and forsythia. As Spring progresses EVY lards, eggplant, kohlrabi, let- and Summer begins, you tuce, and dandelion greens. will find zinnias, dahlias, Diddens will provide our and more (from Philadel- largest selection of bedding phia-based Pennock Com- plants—flowers, fruits, veg- pany) and an even larger etables, and herbs (keep variety of Weavers Way your kitty happy with catnip Farm flowers (look for the and yourself happy with yellow stickers) than we had chocolate mint), as well as a last year. And remember, beautiful variety of hanging the non-local flowers we baskets and larger potted plants. purchase are sustainably grown, with certi- Forgot to compost last year? We carry fications such as “Fair Trade” and Organic Mechanics potting soil, a local “FlorVerde” and “VeriFlora”. The roses, (West Chester), premium, peat-free organic which arrive every Friday throughout the potting soil. Want to start composting or year (except in August), are certified Or- learn more about it? Visit our second floor ganic. One shopper, Andrea Alexanian, for ceramic kitchen countertop composters sent me a photo of still gorgeous roses that On April 17, 2009 members of the Pennsylvania Agriculture and Rural or larger, recycled plastic composters, as were a month old! Great for her, but what Affairs Committee took a Northwest Philadelphia tour that included well as the guide Home Composting Made does that do to my sales when she and oth- Weavers Way Farm at Awbury Arboretum, the WWCP farms at Martin Easy.We also carry a variety of other books ers like her don’t have to replenish their cut Luther King High School and Stenton Family Manor, and the Weavers Way geared toward the city gardener, including flowers every week? Co-op Ogontz store. Pictured above, Farmer David Zelov explains our The City Gardener’s Handbook, Pots in the farming operations to our guests. State Rep. Dwight Evans, Chairman, Mt. Airy Day Reminder! Appropriations Committee, hosted the tour, which included State Rep. Garden, Green Roof Plants, and Natural The 39th Annual Mt. Airy Day will be Michael K. Hanna, Chairman, Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee; Gardening in Small Spaces, as well as held on May 2 (rain date May 3) from 11 State Rep. David R. Kessler, Vice-Chairman, Agriculture and Rural Affairs guides for safe and natural control of bugs, a.m. to 5 p.m. on the grounds of Cliveden Committee; State Rep. John Myers, Member, Agriculture and Rural Affairs weeds and plant diseases.We also carry a of the National Trust at 6400 Germantown Committee; Russell Redding, Executive Deputy Secretary, PA Dept. of wide variety of gardening tools and acces- Ave. Weavers Way will once again be partic- Agriculture; Jean Lonie, Executive Assistant to the Executive Deputy sories, from Fiskars pruners and floral ipating in and helping to support Mt. Airy Secretary, PA Dept. of Agriculture; Fran Coleman, Budget Analyst, House snips to Kotobuki cast iron wind chimes. Day with our on-site plant sale.We will Appropriations Committee; and Denise Holloway, Legislative Assistant, We also carry all sorts of lovely smelling, have plants (flowers and food) from Anne’s Rep. Evans’ Office; as well as Jack Kitchen, President & CEO, Ogontz lovely working sunscreens and lotions Herbs, Diddens, and Weavers Way Farm Avenue Revitalization Corporation; and staff from Jon Meyers’ office. Also (thanks, Martha) for hard-working (or even with special Mt. Airy Day pricing (at Clive- pictured are Marketplace Coordinator Carly Chelder and Awbury just hard-playing) gardeners. Dreaded sea- den only). You’ll also be able to meet with Arboretum Executive Director Gerry Kaufman. sonal allergies keeping you out of the gar- Weavers Way Floral, Farm, Membership, den, park, or playground? Well, we also and Community Programs staff (that’s have some fantastic homeopathic and natu- right! We’ll all be in the same place, sharing ral remedies (thanks again, Martha) that will space and cooperating!). help keep you from sneezing a lung out. So come to Cliveden, buy some plants, Don’t want to grow your own fruits, get lots of great information from various herbs or veggies? Thank Jean we have a community organizations (in addition to fabulous produce department so you don’t our own Weavers Way Community Pro- have to! grams), eat good food from local vendors, Don’t want to grow your own flowers? and listen to good music from local per- Or don’t want to cut the flowers you’ve formers. Support Mt. Airy Day! grown? We will continue to carry beautiful, fresh-cut flowers and, as the weather

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Urban Sustainability Forum: How Can We Feed Philadelphia? Gardening by Dennis Burton Workshop at Saul A new awareness and closer scrutiny of the mid 20th century, about 10 percent of Forum will present “How Can We Feed large-scale, industrialized methods of food the nation’s workforce supplied food for Philadelphia?” This forum on Urban Agri- High School, May 14 production have given rise to a renewed in- the other 90 percent, who had left the hard culture will feature Ben Reynolds, from A free intensive hands-on gardening terest in smaller scale food production life of farming along with their personal Sustain London; Marcia Caton Campbell, workshop open to all will be held at Saul throughout the country. Investigation into connections to the land. Much of the land from the Center for Resilient Cities in Mil- High School on May 14 from 11 a.m. to 1 the dynamics and impacts of the food pro- once used for market gardening (especially waukee; and Laurie Actman, from the May- p.m. duced on these large-scale farms has raised in the eastern United State), was rapidly or’s Office of Sustainability here in How to get the most food from your serious questions about its safety and envi- subsumed by residential and commercial Philadelphia, who will share examples of garden using season extenders, raised beds, ronmental sustainability. As a result, people development. their successful initiatives and policy mod- wide rows, succession planting, soil build- want to know where their food comes Fortunately for Philadelphia, a serious els that promote urban agriculture. ing and composting. Students from Saul's from, make choices about what they eat, community of savvy urban farmers has set- Domenic Vitiello, assistant professor of AgroEcology Class will be on hand to and control their food costs. tled in with the hope of transforming our city planning at the University of Pennsyl- demonstrate and answer questions about Urban Agriculture, or market garden- vacant lots and available green space into vania, will moderate the forum. The event their growing techniques. ing, as a means to feed urban residents, is market gardens. Armed with the call of is free and open to the public. Workshop will be held on the farm side not a new concept, but is rapidly gaining Buy Fresh, Buy Local, and a lot of research To RSVP visit: http://feedingphiladel- of Henry Avenue (opposite side from appeal as a way for residents to ensure and and literature, with Michael Pollan’s “Omni- phia.eventbrite.com/. school). Wear gardening clothes and sturdy secure their food supply for their future. vore’s Dilemma” leading the way, a new In addition to the Thursday evening fo- shoes. (Route 27 bus stops at Cinnaminson One historical precedent for this activity is generation of farmer has begun migrating rum, there will be a series of hands-on Street. Parking available on farm side of found in the 19th century market garden: a to urban areas: they have come full circle workshops, including: Henry Avenue.) family run plot that provided food as well from their parents’ and grandparents’ desire • Seed Saving with George Devault of To register, contact Sally McCabe at as income from surplus produce sold at to leave the farm and see the world (recall Seed Saver’s Exchange; 215-988-8846 or market. Those gardens were able to sup- the World War One song: “How You • Hoophouse Construction with Bill La- [email protected]. port a high turnover of a variety of vegeta- Gonna Keep ‘Em Down on the Farm After mont, Penn State Horticulture Depart- bles and fruits, assuring a continuous sup- They’ve Seen Paree” [Paris]). Today’s mar- ment; ply of fresh fruits and vegetables at home ket gardener will typically work full time on • Small Space Farming with Dave Zelov, Yard and market. Gardens typically emerged on one and a half to two acres and grow 20 or Weavers Way Farmer. the outskirts of cities so that fruits and veg- more different crops through the season. etables could be harvested and delivered However, this new generation of farmer Register for the workshops at Sale easily, ensuring their freshness. In fact, in wants to see Paree and be a farmer, as well. https://growingthegrange.ticketleap.com/ the early 20th century, many acres of Up- The urban agriculture movement in For directions, visit www.schuylkillcen- Saturday, May 9, 2009 per Roxborough around the Schuylkill Cen- Philadelphia already has a cutting edge rep- ter.org. 9:30-1:00 ter supported market gardens, which sup- utation in other cities: farmers are already “Growing the Grange” is sponsored by plied Philadelphia with produce. producing food and, at least on a small City Parks Association of Philadelphia; The Cecilian Center for Earth, As nations industrialized, workers left scale, enhancing economic growth. Now it Schuylkill Center for Environmental Edu- Arts and Spirit the farm for factory jobs, leaving a void in is time to focus the momentum by growing cation; and Penn State Extension. It is also the agricultural work force and in the na- the grange and increase the potential for supported with funding from the Claneil 100 Carpenter Lane tion’s food production. With industrializa- these new farmers who are anxious to feed Foundation. 215-849-3364 tion, however, came improved storage sys- us. On May 21, at 6:30 p.m., the Academy tems and refrigeration, which allowed for of Natural Science’s Urban Sustainability the growth of industrialized agriculture. By Summit Children’s Program

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Janet Ames Realtor®, ABR, ALHS [email protected] Prudential Fox & Roach Realtors Chestnut Hill Sales Office 14 W. Evergreen Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19118 Office: 215-247-3750 Direct 215-248-6558 Fax 215-248-9876 Cell 610-308-0802 PAGE 10 THE SHUTTLE MAY 2009

The Neighborhood Gardener Change and How We Can Manage It The May Garden by David Woo, Board of Directors by Mark Goodman, The Neighborhood Gardener We’ve all heard about and experienced mean to me and my membership in this co- Okay, no more excuses. It’s May and recent change here at Weavers Way in the op? warmer, and the April nippiness has passed. last year or so.Those of you here about It isn’t a cliché to say that we have come It’s time to get out in the garden and plant. five years ago remember the turbulence we a long way from the Summit Church base- In early May, you can plant seeds for passed through when our own financial ment in the 1970’s; there are members now string beans and soy beans, cucumbers, crises hit. Almost a precursor to the sad who weren’t even born until years after the squash, zucchini, and—if you have the state our larger economy currently inhabits founding of Weavers Way. Change is in- space—corn. Another early May choice is as ill-fitting as a donated suit of clothes. evitable and we are in the business of man- New England spinach. Why New England We made it through that adventure and aging it and keeping up with it, or we can spinach and not the regular spinach? Be- consolidated our position in the local econ- simply concede and let things just happen. cause the “regular” spinach—like lettuce - omy and thought, well, no need to worry planting impatiens before the frost-free Can we just let things happen and risk will not grow well in hot weather.The about anything like that again. We can go date, but if you want to play it safe, don’t be hoping it turns out well, or use our collec- plants will “bolt” - that is, send up a stalk back to working our six hours per house- impatient with your impatiens. tive power to influence our place and posi- that will flower and go into seed produc- hold member a year, stocking shelves, run- Once you plant your May vegetables tion? I can only imagine that if the cooper- tion. This makes the leaves bitter. New ning tofu, washing aprons, packing fish, fil- and flowers, wait a couple weeks before you ative structure imagined and implemented England spinach, on the other hand, will ing cards, mopping floors and the like. Do- mulch. Why? Because the soil heats up by those pioneers in Rochdale, England had tolerate heat, will not bolt, and will produce ing the things that make Weavers Way the slowly after the winter and early spring, and grown and been more influential and a tasty leaves throughout the summer. co-op we all know and love, like a family if you mulch too early in the season, the in- stronger economic model, the current soci- The frost-free date for our climate is member, a known entity, solid, static, un- sulating qualities of mulch will keep the soil etal correction we are facing probably May 15. Usually though, by about May 10, changing, we can go back to being and cool, and your plants won’t grow as quickly wouldn’t be as severe as we are seeing it you can plant lima bean seeds and pieces of knowing, “comfortable.” as unmulched plants. After a few weeks, now. sweet potato. In addition, you can set out Only now to be presented with a grow- when the ground feels warmer, you can It’s our time to build on the cooperative the following plants: tomato, pepper, and ing urban farm operation that has over mulch. model, grow the influence and give people eggplant. Watch the weather reports, and if many years come into its own, a satellite Plant of the month. If you want a outside of the Co-op a chance to see a the forecast on or around May 10 is for store in Ogontz, a 501(c)3 non-profit, the hardy perennial ground cover that flowers democratic cooperative in operation and some cold nights, hold off planting for a implementation of curbside recycling and for a good part of the late spring and sum- shine a little light into the dark corners of couple days. the cancellation of our Environmental mer, try perennial geraniums. Note the our economy. This is the reason to keep up Unlike most herbs, which are hardy Committee’s recycling program, a Chestnut word “perennial.”These are not the annu- with change, to build this model and bene- perennials or biennials, basil is a “tender an- Hill store expansion, the new office space als (pelargoniums) that we see in flower fit more that just our membership.We have nual,” which means it should be planted at 555, a garage, and the proposal to change boxes and pots all summer.Perennial gera- the opportunity to maybe give our neigh- around the frost-free date. a mandatory work requirement into an op- niums grow lower, spread, and flower pink, bors a look at why we are members and do Flower lovers are happy to see mid-May tion. This isn’t the Weavers Way I joined in white, magenta, purple, and blue. In addi- the work, contribute the time, and tout our because they can now plant such tender an- 1990; it’s different and older, wiser and bet- tion, the leaves of many varieties will turn services as a cooperative entity in our com- nuals as zinnias, asters, caladiums, and im- ter-prepared for an uncertain future. reddish as fall approaches.They like a sun- munity. patiens. But, you say, impatiens have been So much change and growth that it is ny spot, but will grow in some shade.They Imagine that Weavers Way can help oth- on sale in nurseries and garden centers sometimes a chore to keep up with it (I’m are perfect for the front of a perennial gar- er groups form their own coop enterprises, since mid-April. That’s because impatiens sure especially for the hard-working staff den, in rock gardens, or at the top of a wall. are by far the most popular annuals in our who live it everyday). What does this all (continued on page 16) Two popular varieties for this area are War- area due to their vibrant colors and slug re- grave Pink and Johnson’s Blue, although sistance.Their popularity causes people to many other varieties also do well ignore the warnings at the plant stores that If you have any questions on May say that April is too early to plant impatiens. planting, contact The Neighborhood Gar- This is similar to the warnings on cigarette dener at [email protected] or at 215- packs; people read them but often ignore 248-1676. them. Sometimes you can get away with

Jan Le Suer REALTOR® 1511 Bethlehem Pike Flourtown, PA 19031

Office: 215-233-3434 Ext. 525 Cell: 610-952-6805 Fax: 215-233-0903 Website: www.PhiladelphiaMoves.com MAY 2009 THE SHUTTLE PAGE 11

World Water Week Ethical Electronics Recycling in by Dory Loder

PHOTO Chestnut Hill May 9 & 10 Many people of all by Steven Kretzmann (aka “Stevik”) PHOTO

ages attended the Women’s BY D The March issue of The Shuttle BY International League for ORIE S included an article about Christopher TEVEN Peace and Freedom’s “Par- L ODER

Swain’s ethical electronics recycling K ty With a Purpose,” a ben- RETZMANN efit for three outstanding program. It featured a March collec- international organizations tion event held in Wyncote. On Satur- assisting in countries with day, May 9 and Sunday, May 10 the water emergencies: Chestnut Hill Friends Meeting will be UNICEF, International hosting another electronics drive in Action, and Traveling collaboration with Swain. The collec- Mercies. Almost $5,000 tion will be from noon to 3 p.m. on was raised on their behalf both days. for their special kinds of Called TOXTOUR, Swain’s ethi- machines, scanners, laptops, stereo equip- aid in a time of water cal electronics recycling project guarantees ment, speakers, CD and DVD players, tele- shortages that will only in- EATHER HAFTER IRIAM RAWFORD LLEN that nothing collected will end up in a land- H S , M C , E phones, iPods, MP3 players, remote con- crease with the years of fill, incinerated or dumped in developing MIADES, MEMBERS OF BOTH THE CO-OP AND WILPF trols,VCRs, projectors, digital cameras, global warming ahead. countries. A dollar-per-pound fee ensures PDAs, radios, answering machines, cam- Held at the beautiful Fairmount Water Afghanistan—we hear it in the news con- that all items collected are processed by corders, electric typewriters, video game Works Interpretive Center with all its fasci- sistently, and then water gets privatized by signers of the Electronic Recycler’s Pledge systems, pagers, microwaves, toasters, ink nating and computerized educational ex- corporations that buy up the sources and of True Stewardship. Collection sites that cartridges, USB media, and magnetic media hibits, this was an educational evening to resell the product at exorbitant prices. take electronics at no cost may dump into such as zip disks, audio tapes and floppy bring more awareness to the growing in- Global warming means ever more water landfills or send the products to countries diskettes. Cell phones will be accepted at no evitability of less water for more people will be needed in the huge agricultural ar- where the health of workers and the envi- charge. worldwide in the near future. One-third of eas.The Colorado River is diminishing, no ronment are endangered by the many toxics The dollar-per-pound fee is a tax-de- the world’s population today has to travel longer extending into the Gulf of Mexico, contained in electronics.For information ductible charitable donation. Receipts will distances to search daily for the water need and the farmlands of central California are and documentation about this ethical recy- be issued on site. Any net proceeds will so basic to life for their families. In just 15 already experiencing drought conditions. cling program, visit www.toxtour.org. support peace and social justice programs years that number will double to two-thirds. We are fortunate in PA to have our own Items accepted at the ethical recycling of the Chestnut Hill Friends Meeting.For Even in the U.S., because of global Co-op farm with fresh produce nearby and collection are: televisions, computers, mon- more information please contact Stevik at warming, less snow from warmer winters the foods from Lancaster County farms, itors, keyboards, drives, cables, cords, pe- [email protected] or 215-242-4419. means less of the snow melt-off that pro- too, not yet dying of thirst. But with an eye ripherals, copiers, printers, cartridges, fax vides a gradual source of water to meet the to the future, let’s remember to buy local, needs of communities below—such as in and conserve fuel and water wherever and the Northwest Cascade mountains , long a however we can—every drop and every source of abundance for Seattle and Port- day, and teach our children conservation land. Same fate in the Andes for instance, habits now! to villages and cities below, as in Be Green

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Surfin’ the Age Wave Community Caring Task Force Forming by Lynne Iser, MPH At Neighborhood Interfaith Movement self, How can I use my years of life expe- I’ve noticed that when I walk into the by Jeanne Allen, member, Community Caring Network Task Force. Co-op many people look just like me— rience to improve this world? What is people in their 40’s, 50’s and 60’s—peo- yearning to come forth from within me? The rich quality of life available in our formalized database of people offering and ple who are growing older. Contrary to Along with our skills and experience Northwest community, and tough econom- requesting services.For example, someone the media and the doom-and-gloom we have our precious time.We are a ic times are just two reasons a growing de- we know might be able to help with hang- ing a window shade, or there might be a di- folks, I find this very reassuring because treasure chest of volunteer hours. And, mographic of adults, 55 and older, are con- sidering how they can “age in place” as they rectory of volunteers who are willing to I believe that the coming age wave is a not just as “envelope stuffers” but as move through the next stages of their help with simple projects. great opportunity, rather than the demo- people who can run organizations and lives. NIM’s Resources for Older Adult Liv- graphic disaster that it is generally por- programs, do public speaking, lobbying, Linda Brunn, director of adult pro- ing (ROAL) program (funded by a grant trayed as. writing or fundraising.We are also expe- grams at Neighborhood Interfaith Move- from Green Tree Health Foundation) pro- So what is the “Age Wave?” It is the rienced caregivers, wise about how to ment (NIM), is forming a task force to en- vides a beginning point for building both care for, love, teach and guide children. greatest demographic change in the his- vision and foster an intentional Community the formal and informal networks. ROAL is There are two important tasks for us tory of humanity.Throughout most of Caring Network, to make new connections currently seeking people willing to provide recorded history, only 1 in 10 people to be doing at this time in our lives: and support amongst all residents in NW to older adults living in the community could expect to live to age 65. Now, near- REFLECTION to consider who we Philadelphia. We all need to see ourselves as such small services as driving, help with in- ly 80 percent of Americans will live past are and what we want to do with the pre- resources for each other and to work out come tax returns, running errands, and that age. The most rapid increase will cious hours of our lives; and, new ways of supporting one another in home repair and yard projects. take place between 2011 and 2030, when ENGAGEMENT in the world—by practical and personal ways. The CCN task force aims to involve as those who are 65 years and older will ex- meaningful work, pursuing creative inter- The task force is exploring how we can many key organizations and individuals as pand from 13 percent of our population ests, volunteering, mentoring, loving and build upon the strong community groups possible in the planning and fostering of to 22 percent of our population. caring for others; such as Weavers Way, WMAN, EMAN, community caring networks.There will be a So, “older people”—whether they are As older people, we have the possibil- MAUSA, babysitting cooperatives, commu- table at Mt. Airy Day with materials and us, our parents, colleagues, neighbors or ity to address the enormous global issues nity gardens, and others that have already help to encourage people to convene neigh- friends—are becoming a major segment of sustainability, social justice, and, of created a strong culture of cooperation. bors who live in close proximity for block of the population. What are we going to creating a more peaceful world. Weavers Way already offers home delivery parties or other social gatherings to further do with all these people? Inspire yourself and learn what oth- of food for those who need that service. the opportunity of learning more about From my perspective we, us “older ers are doing. Check out the website for The group is exploring what other commu- each other. people,” are assets.We have talents, the PurposePrize.org, or look at the local nities have developed such as time banks, Groups and individuals who are inter- skills, concerns, and resources that are website of Coming of Age (philadel- central listings of skills and services people ested in participation or more information critically needed in our contemporary phia.comingofage.org) are able to offer, and cross generational are encouraged to connect with the CCN task force through Linda Brunn at NIM, world. Let’s encourage ourselves to live In future columns, I plan to discuss programs. The task force envisions both a further- [email protected], 215-843-5600, our lives fully and recognize that this age options to “55+ housing”, community ing of conscious informal networks and a x127. wave is an opportunity! building, generativity, and other topics. So how can we do that? What is dif- This is our time. Let’s invite our co- ferent as we live the second half of life? workers, neighbors, family and friends, Traditional Acupuncture There is an inherent concern that and use this age wave to change the Susan Bloch, M.Ac., R.N. arises as we consider our legacies. How course of our world. Board Certified in Acupuncture will I leave this planet? What has my con- Lynne Iser, MPH, is an advocate, fa- tribution been to my community? As I cilitator, and teacher whose passion is Now in 2 Locations! come closer to my own 60th birthday, I creating elder communities designed to 548 W. Sedgwick St., Mt. Airy feel the strong pull of these questions, add value to our lives. She can be reached 750 South 15th St., Center City and struggle for my answers. at [email protected] I naturally move towards asking my- 215-844-7675 [email protected] MAY 2009 THE SHUTTLE PAGE 13

Back By Popular Demand: Bridge Workshop at 555 by Aron Goldschneider

When I arrived at 555 Carpenter Lane PHOTO for its complexity (duplicate bridge, played in mid-March to report on an evening of at the tournament level, largely eliminates BY

free bridge instruction, I found five A the element of luck by having anywhere RON Weavers Way members seated around a from two to hundreds of tables of players G table, analyzing face-up cards and soaking OLDSCHNEIDER playing the same deals). up with a quiet intensity the guidance of If there is demand for another intro- volunteer teachers Alison Shoemaker and ductory class on bridge, Burton and Alison Burton McHugh. Something quite special have generously expressed their willingness was happening here—the passing on of a to make time for it. Please contact Annette traditional and artful game much beloved Aloe, Administrative Assistant to Glenn and treasured around the world. Words Bergman, if you have questions about this commonplace in law and business —con- or other events at 555 Carpenter Lane, or tract, auction, bid, declaration, partnership, would like to inquire about your own passive player, finesse—sounded more ex- group’s use of the clean, comfortably reno- otic in this context . .. vated room. “555” has already provided a Nonetheless, I declined an invitation to meeting place for Friends of Carpenter be the eighth player, instead peeling Burton Woods, Northwest Green, and others (be- away for a couple of minutes to chat about sides serving as the Co-op’s regular site the event. Burton said that this was the sec- now for board, staff, and department meet- ond bridge workshop that he and Alison ings). I ran into Glenn outside the building, had taught, and that this year’s class was Alison Shoemaker (center) and Burton McHugh (right) share a laugh with and he told me that a new bike rack, new their bridge students for a night at the March 12 Bridge Workshop at better attended than last year’s, which was exterior lights, and new awnings are in the Weavers Way’s new meeting space at 555 Carpenter Lane likely dampened by snow. works. And, believe it or not, 555 already He explained that the workshop was an houses a quite impressive member-donated Philadelphia Inter-City Team that goes up in most variants of the game played, there introduction to the basic elements of massage chair that can soothe away all your against New York and Boston in the is an awful lot of strategy and deduction in- bridge—bidding, play of the hands, and cares while you solve the world’s problems. Griscom cup, but that bridge was her “win- volved and it is often compared to chess scoring.When I asked him about his con- ter passion” when she wasn’t playing golf. nection to the game, he said that he had It’s easy to understand why bridge be- learned as a child from his grandparents comes a passion for many who like cards, and had been playing ever since, but that it numbers, and a true mental challenge. Al- Summit Presbyterian Church was Alison who was the more expert, avid though bridge is a mixture of luck and skill Greene and Westview Streets player. He told me that Alison was an excel- lent golfer as well, this year making the A welcoming spiritual community dedicated to learning from diversity. Sunday Worship: 10:00 a.m. - Learning Hour: 9:00 a.m. Lunch for anyone over 60 every Tuesday at noon.

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What’s Killing Our Birds? Spring Fleas (continued from page 3) by Sandra Folzer gested (“natural” does not mean “com- Recently, I was dismayed to learn that Mass produced coffee is grown in open pletely safe”—think of rattlesnakes, for in- according to the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Ser- fields which are sprayed with enormous stance). So be aware of all of your small vice, the U.S. Geological Survey, the Ameri- amounts of pesticides and fertilizers. Or- ones’ habits and always use all products can Bird Conservancy, the Audubon Soci- ganic fair-trade coffee needs no pesticides ety, and the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, or fertilizers and the shade trees give shelter only as directed (either on the label or by one third of U.S. bird species are endan- to the birds. your veterinarian). Also, please remember gered. Not only would we lose the delight- We should buy only organic bananas that these types of products repel but do ful songs we hear, but we would lose an im- because growing bananas uses the most not kill fleas. portant natural insect killer. So what are we pesticides. “Each year, as we continue to Flea combs are always safe, and comb- to do? demand out-of-season fruits and vegeta- ing your pet regularly is a great way to Some suggestions are to drink shade- bles, we ensure that fewer and fewer song- spend time with him or her. It’s relaxing for grown coffee because shade trees preserve birds will return.” (www.nytimes.com both you and your pet and allows you to the winter habitat of many of our migrat- /2008/03/30/opinion/30stutchbury.html) the cats healthier, less susceptible to cars keep tabs on your pet’s health. If you dip ing birds, reduce pesticide use since pesti- Aside from our shopping habits, anoth- and parasites. At a minimum some recom- your flea comb into a shampoo/water mix, cides are toxic to birds as well as people, er action we might consider is preventing mend keeping cats indoors at night during removing and leaving the removed pet hair the spring and summer to avoid bird kills. and keep pet cats indoors since they kill so our cats from killing birds.This is a tough in the solution, you can drown the fleas Collars with bells have been shown to be many birds. one. I know friends who adore their cats easily and make your pet smell fresh. A gar- useless. Also, being well fed does not deter There are certainly many other factors who roam outdoors. But given the amount den or shower hose may or may not rinse a cat from hunting. which harm birds, such as glass windows, of birds killed, it is worth a serious try. off all of the fleas, and if any remain We cannot use the argument that cats cars and trucks, electric lines, and wind- There are various statistics on how they’re possibly not dead (I swear the little are just part of nature since they were only mills. However, I believe we would be wise many birds cats kill. We do know there are buggers practice holding their breath). to focus on these dangers over which we over 40 million “outdoor” pet cats in our introduced from Europe into North Amer- ican about 300 years ago. Here they have Regular vacuuming to remove fleas have the most control. country, not counting indoor cats. If each from bedding, carpets and other areas is New York Times cat only kills one bird a year, that is 40 mil- no predators, so the number of feral cats In a article, “Did Your also a good idea. Borax or diatomaceous Shopping List Kill a Songbird?” the author lion birds.These numbers don’t include fer- grows. (www.ctaudubon.org/conserv/na- earth can be sprinkled in corners and by claims that “The imported fruits and veg- al cats. A controlled study in Kansas found ture/cats.htm) wallboards; these both kill fleas by dehy- etables found in our shopping carts in win- the average cat studied killed at least 4 birds I have a dilemma since there are two drating them. Also, fleas LOVE heat and ter and early spring are grown with types each. If we can generalize from that, our cats who sleep in our yard. I believe they humidity, so running your AC during the and amounts of pesticides that would often estimate of birds killed rises to over 240 are feral since they run away whenever I ap- summer not only will keep you and your be illegal in the United States.” million every year. Another study in Wis- proach. Since we have an indoor cat, it is Migratory birds like bobolinks winter in consin found cats killed an estimated 39 unfair that other cats are killing our birds.I pets cooler, but will help dissuade fleas Latin America where pesticide use is five million birds each year in that state alone. If am considering trapping them with my from visiting and staying. times greater than it was in 1980. As a re- we multiply that number by all the states, Havaheart trap. I need to inform my neigh- Well, I hope you find these ideas useful. sult Bobolink numbers have decreased by the number is staggering. (www.geoci- bors first, just in case one of these cats is And yes, preventing fleas IS a lot of work, 50 percent. ties.com/the_srco/Fluffy_article.html) theirs. It isn’t easy trying to do the right but it’s a lot less work than dealing with a What we buy does make a difference. 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Vultures—Are You Seeing A Lot Around Lately? by Brenda Malinics Have you noticed an increase in the it came North is still a mystery but some evaporating liquid cools the legs, the cooler sionally kill small birds or living prey that is number of large dark birds that either soar say that it followed the battles of the Civil blood is pumped to the rest of the body. In on the verge of death. The Black Vulture is fly rather ominously low? These are vul- War, and fed hardily on the fields. However, order to prevent the build up of solid more aggressive than the Turkey Vulture tures—there are two species around records indicate that the Black Vulture was wastes on the legs, the birds bathe frequent- and it is taking over much of its territory. Philadelphia, the Turkey Vulture and the first sighted at Hawk Mountain in 1969. ly and will bathe daily if provided with wa- Adult vultures have few predators, al- Black Vulture. There populations are on the Since then its population has multiplied. ter. though black bears and golden eagles have increase, to the delight or some, and the The Turkey Vulture (known by birders Preferring to lay their eggs directly on been known to take vultures.The primary distain of others. Whatever side you take, as a “TV”) is a common sight, especially the ground or on cliff ledges, vultures build threat is to the incubating eggs and young these vultures are extremely unique and fas- over open country and areas where it can no nests. Both parents incubate.The hatch- hatchlings which are a favorite to the com- cinating in many of their habits and behav- catch a thermal. The characteristic mark of lings are semi-altricial, or born without mon crow. iors. a vulture is its “slight dihedral” or bent feathers and quite vulnerable, and they are By virtue of their diet, vultures have Vultures are the only birds with a well- wings while it soars. Vultures also love to fed regurgitated carrion by both parents. highly developed immune systems that developed sense of smell. Yes, contrary to “rock” in open skies and seems to be hav- Vultures are extremely intelligent, high- make them resistant to most microbial tox- what our parents told us about mother ing fun in the sky as they soar along our ly social and tend to roost in large numbers, ins.They are, however, susceptible to birds abandoning their young if we touch roads, fields and turnpikes. which has brought them a lot of negative chemical poisons which might have killed them, that was not accurate information. Both vultures are extremely large birds press lately, especially in New Hope, where their food sources. Most of the injuries to Except for vultures, birds do not have a and average 6 foot wingspans, are 30 inches they have taken a liking to the roofs of lo- vultures are from impact with automobiles sense of smell. long and weigh approximately 5 pounds. cal businesses.Their roosts are usually in while feeding on roadkill. Almost every facet of vultures is fasci- From below, the Turkey Vulture’s wings ap- trees or sometimes on the ground. Their Vultures are fascinating creatures that nating.What I find most interesting is their pear two-toned with brown and white nests however, are on steep cliffs, hollow serve a valuable purpose in nature. Like method of defense.While most wild ani- feathers. Its head is reddish, its legs are pale, stumps or logs, in dense thickets or in bats that are the vacuum cleaners of the mals bite, scratch, and claw to scare away and its tail is much longer than the Black caves. night sky, vultures are our roadside clean up predators, vultures simply vomit. Yes, vom- Vulture. The distinctive field marks of the They nest in February through June and crews that make roadkill disappear.Vul- it. If you think a skunk’s smell is rancid, Black Vulture are its white primary feathers, usually bear two eggs.The turkey vulture’s tures definitely stand out from other birds, you have never smelled vulture vomit. In with an all-black underside, its short eggs are creamy white with patches of pale and some have even labeled them as ugly. short order, it can evacuate a city block. squared tail and its whitish/gray head. Both and bright brown, 2.75” x 1.75”; the black Next time you encounter a vulture, decide Think about a vulture’s diet—dead rotting vultures have featherless heads. Nature vulture’s eggs are grayish-green, or bluish- for yourself whether it is ugly or simply dif- flesh mixed with strong gastric juices de- adapted these birds without head feathers white, if not speckled brown. The Black ferent. But as you do, please appreciate that signed to break down week old carrion. to allow them to remain (relatively) clean Vulture has been known to “decorate” all of its adaptations serve a purpose to Now you get a sense of what vulture food after sticking their heads into carcasses around their nest with brightly colored bits help nature and mankind. might smell like on the way back out of its while they dine. of trash. Both parents incubate the eggs for If you have an injured animal, call the stomach. If I haven’t grossed you out yet, Vultures and storks are the only birds to 38-41 days.They fledge at 12 weeks. Breed- Schuylkill Center Wildlife Rehabilitation read on for more interesting vulture charac- practice the unique method of thermoregu- ing occurs at two years of age. Vultures Clinic at 304 Port Royal Avenue at 215-482- teristics. lation known as urohidrosis.They deliber- breed across most of the U.S., winter along 8217. Care is free and financial donations Of the two types of vultures you might ately void their own excretory waste on the east coast and Southern U.S. into Mexi- are always needed, along with volunteers. see locally, the Black Vulture is less com- their legs to keep cool. The legs are well co, and Central and South America. Their mon and is known as a Southern bird. Why supplied with blood vessels, and as the natural diet is carrion, but they will occa-

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How to Eat Healthy and Stay Fat,Vol. 3 Change and How We Manage It (continued from page 10) by Adam Lippe Ever see that episode of South Park with only two in it). The red peppers mum. You’re going to leave it cooking for that we expand our farm operations, that where Cartman gets “accidentally” should be in small pieces, but don’t go to 20 minutes, and you’ll need to stir every we’ve given back to the community... wait a swapped with a poor boy from Africa, lit- too much effort, lest you accidentally five. At the 17-18 minute mark, put a few minute, we’ve already done those things. erally out of one of those Sally Struthers burn calories. slices of the pepper jack in the pot and We’ve tilled additional acreage, expanded “for the price of a cup of coffee…” ads? Get some tin foil and one of the stir it in. You’ll know it is done when the the school Marketplace program, initiated a Remember how Cartman is amongst these sausages, and before wrapping it up (no contents of the pot are fairly thick, and CSA, advised the communities of Chester amazingly frail and skinny people, and air should leak out, but it only needs one the liquid almost eliminated. Turn the and Elkins Park in forming their own coop- they look at him with shock and aghast, layer of foil), put a few of the pieces of heat off and let the risotto solidify. eratives, continued the film and educational with no idea how he got so big? Well, in red peppers in with it. Repeat this step for Since you’ll have so much time to just programs, maintained an environmental that scenario I’m Cartman and all the oth- each of the sausages you choose to make. wait around, while the sausage and risotto impact and many more successes because er people who can’t eat gluten are the Set your timer for half an hour and put are cooking, get the cucumber and sour of our membership support of these pro- starving kids. How does someone like my- the sausages in the oven in a small baking cream. For every three sausages, you’ll grams. self, who has acid reflux and has to eat pan. If the pan is too thick, you might un- need half a cucumber, with the pieces cut Do we stop and rest on our laurels? No, gluten-free, get to stay so plump, despite dercook the sausages. into thirds. Put a few dollops of sour I say we can make the changes to appeal to the fact that food should be doing the 110 While cooking, the red peppers may cream in a small bowl and put the cucum- more of the community to join us and Meter Hurdles right through me? Luck. develop a little bit of pepper juice within bers pieces on top. Mix it up a little.This learn about how this model works. A model This luck has also reliably given me the tin foil. If you like that flavor, pour it is your sausage dipping sauce, so make ad- that is more fair, more equitable, and more opportunities to explore new recipes over the sausages as you serve, or you can justments according to your preference needed now than in the past. This is why without any worry about storing body eat the sausage with just the pepper alone. and intended level of spiciness. we need our membership to be open, and heat for the winter. One of the simplest A few minutes after the sausages have All three elements of the meal can creative in your own contributions to reach and tastiest dishes is the spicy sausage and gone into the oven, open the box of risot- easily be timed to be done at the same our ends and to develop new ends and ob- risotto combination. to, removing the package of powder mix time, but your choice of desserts and jectives to keep Weavers Way relevant and a At Weavers Way, you can find either and the plastic package with the risotto in drink are up to you. What goes best is ap- positive for our community and society. the spicy lamb or chicken sausage next to it. Get a smallish pot and cover the bot- ple cider and some organic strawberries. I ask that you seek out some of the the steaks and fish. The risotto you tom of the pot with olive oil. Next, put If you desire a creamier desert (because committees and sit in on a meeting, attend should try, which is next to the gluten-free the risotto in and turn the burner about the sour cream wasn’t enough), buy some the general membership meetings, vote in macaroni cheese, is the creamy parmesan halfway. chocolate pudding, which is located at the the next elections, come to our board meet- flavor, made by Lundberg. You’ll also Within 30 seconds to a minute, the bottom of the cheese fridge. ings and observe your representatives, voice need some red peppers, cucumbers, pep- risotto should be ready for the instruc- After you’re done eating, you should- your ideas and opinions. Let us know how per jack cheese, and sour cream. tions on the back of the box. Turn the n’t feel guilty because of the bounty of we are doing and offer your help. Once you’re at home and have these burner down and put 2 and a half cups of healthy food you’ve just devoured. How- Change is inevitable, we could still be in items, turn on the oven to 400 degrees. water and the powder mix (or “seasoning ever, if you want to feel better, figure out the basement of Summit Church in 2009 Cut the sausages apart (they are tied to- pouch,” per the box) and stir it thorough- what a cup of coffee costs, turn on the but this co-op has more to offer and is gether) and wash the red peppers. You’ll ly. Cover the pot and heat to a boil. Stir TV and wait till you see Sally Struthers or needed by our society more at this time need about three quarters of a large red every so often. one of her cohorts. than at any other time in our history. Dare I pepper, one quarter for each of the three Once the pot is at a boil, remove the say that it’s our destiny to make more of a sausages (or half if you bought a pack cover and turn the heat down to the mini- difference than just being the store to buy cheap cheese on Carpenter Lane. MAY 2009 THE SHUTTLE PAGE 17

Andy Lamas one course per year—at Masterman High The Simplicity Dividend (continued from page 1) School. The most recent courses are “How to Think Like a Radical: Critical Theories Your Sustainable Stimulus Lamas has served for many years on the of Race, Gender, and Sexuality; and Social board of directors of the Allens Lane Art by Betsy Teutsch they will shade your home in summer and and Economic Democracy.” At Penn, he Center and the Miquon School. In 1999, Experts tell us that consumer spending let the sun shine into your home in winter. also teaches courses for students pursuing the West Mt. Airy Neighbors selected him needs to be robust to keep our economic Double green: adding carbon sinks and degrees and careers in social work, commu- as one of “40 Good Neighbors.” Two system from collapse. Can we be appropri- paying for the trees and the labor.That nity development, NGO/non-profit leader- decades ago, Lamas, his wife and a friend ately patriotic, while holding true to sensi- would help both earth and economy. ship and related fields, and he is affiliated started Wild Things Girls Softball—an al- ble values like sustainability and fiscal re- OK, so you’ll skip that plasma TV. But how with women’s studies, the Alice Paul Cen- ternative, cooperative, feminist league for sponsibility? We are in uncharted territory, about springing for a capacitor? This small ter, and the Lesbian Gay Bisexual Trans- girls (pre-school to teens). Last season, and many of us—even if gainfully em- appliance (like the Kvar, which our electri- gender Center more than 160 girls participated. ployed—have reverted to our natural im- cian recommended), when attached to your He currently serves on the board of the “Wild Things emphasizes skill develop- pulses to reign in spending. But yes, there electrical junction box, improves efficiency. Bread & Roses Community Fund, which ment and having fun in a cooperative set- are ways to make an economic “contribu- They run around $500 and quickly pay for has distributed more than $6 million to ting.We all wear the same uniforms, we tion” without purchasing made-in-China themselves with a 10-30 percent drop in groups in the Philadelphia area working for practice together, and then we split up into plasma TV’s, daily lattes at Starbucks, or a electric usage. Now is a good time to re- access to health care; economic justice; a teams much like in sandlot games,” Lamas new car—to name a few of the free-falling place old energy guzzlers like dehumidifiers clean, safe environment; civil and human said. “We switch positions in every inning. purchasing categories. and refrigerators. Our twenty-year-old de- rights; and peace.For ten years, he served We have lots of fun, but we also talk about Not all spending is equal. The point is humidifier was not only sporting mold as managing director of PACE of Philadel- what we are doing and use it to help reflect to keep dollars circulating, not necessarily colonies, but was so inefficient that the phia, one of the nation’s leading providers on their lives as well.” to produce more stuff. Spending money on modern model repaid its cost in one sea- of technical assistance to employee-owned For several years at Penn, Lamas has services keeps people earning dollars, and son. Maybe this is the season to start bik- enterprises and community-based business- been teaching a course on finance and ac- you get the benefits. Since construction is ing? Gearing up with the bike, helmet, es. In 2007, with support from the counting for graduate students from the down, it’s a great time to do upgrades on a gloves, bike lock, and spandex shorts will provost’s undergraduate research mentor- U.S. and abroad who are interested in be- house, especially ones which enhance your definitely nurse the economy, while you ex- ing program at Penn, he launched a re- coming leaders of third-sector organiza- home’s efficiency and conservation. This ercise, improve your health, and take a car search project on alternative currency in tions such as non-profits, cooperatives, and keeps people working, but they’re essential- off congested roads.Win-win-win. communities across the globe. community development financial institu- ly investments that pay back. Insulate, re- How about supporting crafts people and Please join us and Andy Lamas at the tions. “For the past two years, we have used place windows and doors, hire people to artists? The Co-op has great choices of May General Membership Meeting, which Weavers Way as a case study,” he said. caulk, and a painter to throw on a few coats handmade items on the second floor, or should shed some light on the importance “These sessions have been co-taught with of insulating paint—and you can even get check out www.Esty.com, a website where of having an entity like Weavers Way in the Bruce Boylston, CPA, and Alex Moss, for- tax breaks. artists post and sell their wares at very rea- community, and the importance of having mer board president of Weavers Way.” Mt. Airy is very rich in personal care and sonable prices. Like fresh waffles? Buy a active, involved members. Lamas has also volunteered to teach— healing practitioners. Take some yoga, treat waffle iron, and keep batter in your re- yourself to a massage, acupuncture, Reiki, fridge. Way cheaper than buying frozen or go to a spa for a stress-relieving day. waffles, and man, it will smell great every Hire an organizer and take the time to go morning. Love those lattes? Buy an espres- through your surplus. Soon, gardening so machine! kicks off; there are loads of talented land- Keep those dollars moving, wisely. scapers around. This is a great time to plant Betsy’s blog is at Money- a few trees, especially in strategic areas, so ChangesThings.blogspot.com

Vernon House a resident owned and operated Cooperative Community in Mt. Airy is now accepting applications. Please contact Chuck Staples at Winder Real Estate 7208 Germantown Ave., Phila PA 19119 phone: 215-247-8000 ext. 203 or fax 215-247-4140

Ruth Feldman Realtor®, e-Pro Your Neighborhood Residential and Investment Specialist 6901 Germantown Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19119 office: 215-843-1414 ext. 231 Cell: 215-720-5710 E-mail: [email protected]

Dental Arts of Chestnut Hill, LLC

8625 Germantown Ave. Tel. 215-242-6630 Philadelphia, PA 19118 Fax 215-242-6633

Axel Ramke, D.M.D., D.D.S., Ph.D. General Dentistry

www.DentalArtsofChestnutHill.com PAGE 18 THE SHUTTLE MAY 2009

Equal Exchange Joins Critique Of Fair Trade Plantations Tea estate workers voice skepticism over ethical claims. by Rodney North A recent article in The London Times nature of plantations is antithetical to the ganizations just as they have in the coffee two organizations could not join forces. (www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/arti- goals of Fair Trade, namely: and cocoa industries. Contrary to other Fair When they finally did merge in 1997 Trans- cle5429888.ece) states that “Tea workers • to strengthen the autonomy of small Trade importers they currently purchase fair’s vision of a Fair Trade system, which still waiting to reap Fairtrade benefits” re- farmer organizations; “small farmer tea” from groups in India, Sri included virtually all models of farm pro- veals the contradictions the Fair Trade sys- • build a sense of ownership and con- Lanka and South Africa. duction, won out and tea plantations were tem has brought upon itself by embracing trol over one’s business; Equal Exchange believes that planta- allowed into the system. large scale plantations into a structure origi- • encourage entrepreneurial attitudes tions, unlike small farmer organizations, do Equal Exchange and others believe that nally created to benefit small scale farmers and a risk-taking culture; not need help to gain market access. In the no matter how “benevolent” a plantation in the developing world. In the Times arti- • strengthen and build community; U.S. 98 percent of the tea that is sold as owner is, a joint labor-management council cle, tea workers in Kenya claim to have • and practice and strengthen debate Fair Trade comes from plantations. Planta- and social premiums cannot in and of been denied the promised benefits of fair and participatory decision-making. tion owners have networks within the themselves correct the huge imbalance of trade and “suspect that the scheme is being The company believes that “Fair banking, government and export sectors of power that exists on a plantation. They do used to make estates appear socially re- Trade” needs to mean “small farmer,” and their countries. One could argue that there not believe the deep, structural goals orient- sponsible as demand increases in the West that the standards which apply to Fair is almost no additional economic or social ed to change the playing field for small for Fairtrade-labelled goods.” Trade coffee can and should be the sole benefit deriving from Fair Trade plantation farmers can be achieved in a plantation set- “We are not surprised to hear of these standard in tea as well as coffee. products. ting. shortcomings and abuses occurring on Fair Fair Trade has achieved dramatic results Further, plantations or “estates” as they A pioneer and U.S. market leader in Fair Trade plantations,” said Rink Dickinson, in building market access for small-scale are often called, have been accused for Trade since 1986, Equal Exchange is a full President and co-founder of Equal Ex- farmers who would otherwise not have the decades of exploiting workers. Having service provider of high quality, organic change. “In fact,” he added, “the findings means to invest in their business and take changed little in a century, they tend to be coffee, tea, chocolate and healthy snacks to presented in this article only serve to reaf- the necessary risks to establish markets in run as small kingdoms.For these and other retailers and food service establishments. firm our belief that plantations do not be- their own countries--let alone in the global reasons, the role of tea plantations in Fair Major customers include Shaw’s, Whole long in the Fair Trade system in the first arena. This preferential market access has Trade has been controversial from the first Foods, Hannaford, Ten Thousand Villages, place.” been very powerful in building a link be- days of the Fair Trade movement. Histori- hundreds of natural food stores, restau- Equal Exchange does not debate tween consumers in the North and margin- cally, the first two Fair Trade certifying rants, and thousands of places of worship whether “good” plantations exist, for ex- alized small farmers in the Global South. agencies, Max Havelaar (of the Nether- nationwide. 100 percent of Equal Ex- ample, those where workers receive better- The multiplier effect of this market access lands) and Transfair (Germany) were change products are fairly traded, benefit- than-average treatment, nor whether estate and network of Fair Traders has had huge locked in fundamental battle about whether ing more than 40 small farmer co-opera- workers deserve to enjoy better working impact on small farmer communities. plantation tea could ever really be “Fair tives in 22 countries around the world. conditions.They do. Equal Exchange is committed to build- Trade.” This was the core reason that the Since its founding in 1986, Equal Ex- ing market access for small farmer tea or- change has held to the belief that the very Do you have difficulty creating and sustaining YOUR LOCAL ONE-STOP SHOP FOR ALL YOUR BEVERAGE NEEDS intimate relationships? Craft Beers Do you find it difficult to express your anger directly? Health Drinks Belgians Seltzers Imports Or do you express only your anger? Juices Ciders Would you like to learn how to assert yourself and express H2O Lambics your needs and wants? Teas Organics Sodas Sorghums Organics Gluten-Frees Ginger Beers 7401 Germ. Ave (215) 242-3110 mybrewersoutlet.com

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Omnia De Arbore Vitae (215) 848-7260 MAY 2009 THE SHUTTLE PAGE 19

Weavers Way Film Series Botanical Math and the Ned Wolf Full House for Film on Farmer John Park Plant Sale, Saturday May 16 by Eric Sternfels

by Larry Schofer PHOTO If I say “Trig” and Farmer John is a real farmer with real moving footage of John with his very sup- your first thought is BY

portive mother, while at the same time it R

dirt on him. A full house at the April film ONDA not about Sarah Palin’s showing by the education committee does not neglect the tremendous capital in- T

baby, you might be an HRONE watched The Real Dirt on Farmer John, fo- vestment in equipment needed to make a old-school Mt. Airyite cusing on the transformation of an all- modern farm thrive. -M

who remembers that URRAY American farm boy to a hippie fellow trav- David Zelov, Weavers Way farmer, pro- before Ned Wolf Park eler—though he always kept milking the vided some very interesting post-film com- existed, there was an cows and feeding the pigs—to bankrupt mentary and some information on the up- ARCO gas station at farmer, Midwest social outcast, and finally coming Weavers Way-Saul High School the southern corner of back to organic farming.The culmination CSA venture. In the film, Farmer John ex- W. Ellet and McCal- of the film shows his work with a Chicago pressed his amazement that people he met lum Streets. Heck, that area CSA (community supported agricul- in college had never handled a pitchfork. station was there long ture) of 1,200 families, some of whom When Dave asked the audience who had before even the idea have now chipped in to buy more land to handled a pitchfork, we all conformed to for Weavers Way was help the original farm grow. the college audience who astounded born! The pumps and The film is the story of real-life John Farmer John back in the 1960s—no pitch- station building may Peterson and his love for the land. It isn’t forks in our past. be gone, but the bro- easy being a farmer, and John’s moving in Next month the education committee Susie Block (r) helps a customer at a ken and uneven side- and out of successful farming makes him will show New Cops, a well regarded docu- previous Ned Wolf Park Plant Sale walk, trench drain, and more of a success story than some of the mentary that takes us inside the Philadel- curious curb cuts from neighbors who snubbed his counter-cultur- phia Police Academy for the training of the about square roots.] Ned Wolf Park volun- the ARCO era remain. Therefore, in order al life style. In the end, most of the local men and women in blue around us— teers would love to have you contact us if to improve the safety, appearance, and farmers in down-state Illinois fell under Wednesday, May 13, 7 pm, at the Video Li- you can donate your remainders for our maintenance of our continually improving their mountains of debt, to be replaced by brary, Germantown Ave. near Mt. Airy Ave. sale. And, if your garden is in need of a few neighborhood park, the Friends of Ned tract homes.The film includes some very additions, you should be able to find some- Wolf Park hopes to raise new funds to do thing unique at our sale for a fraction of Saul High School Country Fair On May 9 some concrete repairs. These are certainly what you’d pay at a garden center. repairs that the City of Philadelphia is not Ask any of your neighbors who may by Mark Goodman in a position to do. have attended last year’s Ned Wolf Park How would you like to pet a ferret, nary are the programs in large and small an- As part of the equation to solve this plant sale, and they’ll tell you that we’ve sample homemade chili and barbecue imal science (including a pre-veterinary funding problem, the Friends of Ned Wolf managed to cull a wide array of great plants sauce, feed some pigs, observe a fully oper- unit), food science, floriculture/greenhouse Park will hold their Third Annual Plant Sale offered with friendly assistance by several ating greenhouse, and watch garden plant- management, landscaping, and environ- on Saturday, May 16 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. of our neighborhood’s most talented gar- ing and cow-milking demonstrations? mental science. (Rain Date is Sunday, May 17). Scheduled in deners. We’ll do our best to have a little If these activities sound appealing, then As you read in the March issue of the previous years for June, we’ve calculated something for both serious garden gurus come to the annual Country Fair at W. B. Shuttle, Saul and Weavers Way will work to- that the exponential surge in gardening en- (we’ve got some hellacious hellebores this Saul High School of Agricultural Sciences gether on the Roxborough campus to oper- thusiasm that follows Mother’s Day should year), but also for those who’ve never in Upper Roxborough. You know, the ate a Community Supported Agriculture help bolster both plant donations as well as whipped out a trowel. And, speaking of school with the horses and cows on Henry (CSA) farm called “Henry Got Crops!” sales, so that we may raise the funds needed your equipment, we have some new and Avenue. Amazingly, Saul is part of the Philadel- to achieve our goals and complete these gently used garden tools that we will be On Saturday, May 9, from 11 a. m. until phia Public School System. My son Alex is needed repairs this Summer. selling as well. So, mark the date on your 4 p.m., you and your family and friends can a freshman at Saul, and you know some- So, we’re already well into Spring. By calendar! If you have any questions, or if see the achievements of the students and thing special is going on when your teenag- now, I hope you’ve examined your own gar- you wish to support our efforts with plant faculty of this unique urban high school er tells you, “This school is better than I dens to see what has multiplied. Perhaps donations, your volunteer time and energy, that functions like a rural farm school. thought it was going to be.” your perennial plants need to be divided. If or a tax-deductible contribution, then Situated on 140+ acres, Saul offers a Saul is located at 7100 Henry Ave. things look overgrown, maybe it’s time for please contact Plant Sale Coordinators Eric full range of traditional academic subjects. (19128), at Cinnaminson Avenue.For more some subtraction. [Tip: use a spade rather Sternfels at 215-248-5533 or Susan Bloch at However, what makes the school extraordi- information, call 215-487-4467. than a shovel and you won’t have to worry 215-844-7675.

HOURS

Office Space Available For Professional (Psychotherapist, Accountant, Lawyer, Coach, Body/energy-worker, etc.)

Chestnut Hill - two rooms, waiting room, kitchen, yard Available 2-4 days per week or 4 half-days, etc.

Contact Gloria Rohlfs: 215.248.6287 or [email protected] PAGE 20 THE SHUTTLE MAY 2009

Maplewood Music Benefit Concert Mt.Airy Scavenger Hunt, May 1- June 5 by Kim Miller, Mt. Airy Business Association President FILE in Memory of Debbie Szydek PHOTO by Rachel Eakin, Maplewood Music Studio faculty member The hunt is on! In what has become an

PHOTO annual tradition, you can join your neigh- Just the other weekend, in the well- bors for some good ole Mt. Airy-style fun. worn Yarnall auditorium at Germantown COURTESY Find the clues inside Mt. Airy’s shops and Friends School, an unassuming children’s restaurants.For each clue you answer, win a recital took place that frankly brought the OF

R chance at one of three grand prize baskets house down. Maplewood Music Studio of ICHARD valued at over $1,000! Germantown and Chestnut Hill hosted it’s R

UDIN The Fifth Annual Mt. Airy Scavenger annual recital for children ages 12 and un- Hunt starts with your morning coffee on der, which featured a little something more May’s First Friday, May 1, 2009. Spend the than complacent family attendance and day or the month following a trail of clues Sunday attire. For example, drummer that will lead you to your chance at the Joshua Adens pulled off an improvisational grand prize baskets, loaded with goodies drum solo that would have had Tony Rich Rudin and Debbie Szydek from dozens of Mt. Airy’s favorite busi- Williams grooving. Pianist Nico Garcia, demonstrate the spectrum of musical style, nesses and restaurants (see below). Look who has been taking lessons for just shy of humor, and depth that Maplewood is proud for the Scavenger Hunt shopping bags in a year, beautifully attacked a Bach musette. to represent and promote. It is our hope the windows of participiating local retailers. Jeremy Johnson, accompanied by his that you feel personally invited to share Prizes will be awarded at 8 p.m. on June teacher, brought the audience to its feet with us this very special occasion and to First Friday, June 5, in front of the Sedg- Herb Rothe III from Rothe Florists with his rendition of “Take the ‘A’ Train,” bring an experience of music into your life. wick Theater, 7141 Germantown Avenue. and Cicely Peterson-Mangum show which had three other Maplewood teachers off a prize basket from a recent Mt. The concert, featuring Maplewood Mu- The Mt. Airy Scavenger Hunt is a great literally hopping down from their seats to Airy Scavanger Hunt. This year’s sic Studio faculty, will be on Sunday, May way to support the businesses that help join him on stage. In short, these kids have hunt will feature three Grand Prize 17 at 5 p.m. at the Cunningham Piano make Mt. Airy so special, and also learn got attitude to escort their skills.The only baskets, each valued at over $1,000. Company, 5427 Germantown Ave. A re- about some of the new busineeses you thing missing from this exceptional assem- For more information, visit ception will follow. There is no fixed price might not even be aware of yet. For full de- bly was the irreplaceable figure of Debbie www.mtairyphilly.com/mash for tickets. Maplewood simply encourages tails, visit www.mtairyphilly.com/mash. Szydek, Maplewood’s office manager since you to join the audience and give generous- 2001. Debbie died on February 8 after a ly, in advance of the concert, if possible, Mt.Airy Scavenger Hunt Participating Retailers difficult but brief battle with ovarian can- and to let us know how many of your fami- cer. ly members, friends, and neighbors will be Artista Mt.Airy Contemporary (Art Gallery) The growth of Maplewood Music Stu- able to join us. Checks may be addressed to Andrew Hood Photography High Point Café dio was tempered by Debbie in all the right “Debbie Syzdek Scholarship Fund,” and Avenue Art Framing Au Revoir Travel ways.This woman’s delicate influence on donations can also be made by phone or at Blackbone Gallery Bold Urge Culture Hair Salon Butler Prestige Photography the always-evolving performing art school the concert. All funds raised will be Earth, Bread + Brewery Pathfinders Travel Magazine for People of has been a true example of how communi- matched by the founder and director of cating in the language of music will contin- Golden Crust Color Maplewood Music Studio, Rich Rudin. For InFusion,A Coffee & Tea Gallery Big Blue Marble ue with the investment of the hearts that more information please e-mail Maplewood Jean-Jacques Gallery Environmental Home Store love it. The petite, solid mother of two at [email protected] or call Lucian Crump Art Gallery Brewer’s Outlet found herself dedicated to a community 215-848-8353. Majekis Divinity Spa that in turn needed her balance and unbro- Mr Peepers Optical Empirical Point Acupuncture ken, lifelong devotion to the art of music. Referral Network Mt.Airy Video Library Geechee Girl Rice Café In Debbie’s honor, Maplewood is launching Mt Airy Psychiatric Services Past & Present Therapy for the Debbie Syzdek Memorial Scholarship ONE Salon North by Northwest all ages Owens Antiques Cliveden of the National Trust Fund, in the hope that young, potential mu- Rhino Chiropractic Walk a Crooked Mile Bookstore sicians will not be denied a musical educa- Family and Play Therapy Center, Inc. Throwing Light Photography Rose’s Attic tion due to financial restraints.To kick off Dottie Higgins Klein, LMFT, RPT-S Trolley Car Diner Jenny’s Boutique the memorial, Maplewood has gathered 15 therapist locations Valley Green Bank MABA at Mt.Airy Day Table musicians involved with the studio, past within 40 miles of Philadelphia and present, for an unprecedented concert (215) 844-4321, ext. 2 in May. The performance will no doubt www.fptcenter.com

JEWELRY WEARABLE ART CONTEMPORARY CRAFTS

Weds., Thurs., & Sat. 12 to 6 Friday 12 to 7!! 7151 Germantown Ave./215-248-2450 Best of the www.artistagallery.info Sunglass Sale Northwest 10% off non-Rx ‘04, ‘05, ‘06, ‘07 20% off Rx MAY 2009 THE SHUTTLE PAGE 21

Brown Bear Festival 2009 for the Monoshone Creek by Inga Kimberly Brown, chairperson of The Brown Bear Festival Brown Bear is a non-profit organization tenhouseTown and exends up to Allens tary system causing flooding, are all possi- stream of PWD outfall locations.Their created to bring awareness to environmen- Lane, including Germantown west of ble sources of the contamination. testing indicates that even before Mono- tal and humanitarian causes.This year Greene Street, and Mt. Airy west of Ger- The problem persists because no single shone water reaches the first outfall loca- Brown Bear will host an Arts and Music mantown Avenue. Lincoln Drive traces the city department is clearly in charge of tion, the stream is polluted. festival at Vernon Park in Germantown on very center.The first stormwater outfall cleaning up the creek and preventing the The mission of the Brown Bear festival May 9, 12 to 8 p.m. Brown Bear is commit- along the Monoshone Creek occurs near problem from continuing. PWD has no re- is to bring the community together around ted to increasing public awareness about Lincoln Drive between Johnson Street and sponsibility to clean up polluted springs, this most important issue. It will be a day ongoing pollution in the Monoshone creek Wissahickon Avenue. Upstream are the streams or culverts.The department is only filled with information and ways that you and how important our local creek is to the springs and headwaters and assorted catch- responsibile for the discharges at city facili- can help. Highlights of the festival will in- health and welfare of the community. As ments for rain that eventually find their way ties and at all stormwater outfalls. In fact clude an arts, and craft fair, live music, heal- you know, the Monoshone Creek runs into the creeks and/or the PWD-managed the Water Department builds, repairs and ing arts and representation from local through Mt. Airy and is bounded by Wis- system. maintains an infrastructure of pipes which restaurants and food vendors. To partici- sahickon and Germantown Avenues, from It has been an environmental headache transport wastewater and rainwater.Waste- pate and/or sponsor the festival, contact Allens Lane to School House lane.The for local activists like Chris Robinson of water goes to processing plants while rain- Inga at [email protected] or Monoshone is the creek that runs along Northwest Green since the mid-1990s, water from storm drains outfall into local call 267-266-6648. Find out about sponsor- Lincoln Drive. The watershed begins at Rit- when tests revealed that portions of the creeks. Of course, the PWD also supplies ship benefits and space rentals. creek contained high levels of sewage. The us with drinking water. If there is a “cross- Brown Bear invites you to become a source of pollution was a storm-water out- over” and dirty water leaks through a sponsor of the festival and help it succeed fall on the Monoshone at Morris Street, cracked pipe into a storm drain, the PWD in bringing needed and ongoing attention which spewed raw sewage into the creek. must investigate and supervise repairs—of- to this worthwhile cause. CHESTNUT HILL Normally, a separate sewage system ten, though not always, shouldering the Organizers of The Brown Bear festival should have been carrying household waste cost. Who is in charge here? Ultimately, the include the following committee members: APARTMENT to city sewage treatment plants. However, PA Department of Environmental Protec- Inga Kimberly Brown, L. J. R, Kristin cross connection in private properties, tion. Haskins-Simms, Chris Robinson, Margaret FOR RENT cracked lateral pipes within the sewage sys- The Senior Environmental Corps has Motheral, Tanya Murphy-Dodd, Bernadette tem, or even stormwater entering the sani- been testing sites all along the Monoshone, Soltis, Danielle Victor, Lydia Giordano. 2 bedroom including sites both upstream and down- 1 bath. Jim Morton $1200/mo, inc. oil heat Home 215-844-1200 Repair available immediately 267-432-3550 All our painters are licensed and insured.

PAGE 24 THE SHUTTLE MAY 2009

Ebenezer Maxwell Mansion Hosts Germantown Community Connection Antiques Appraisal Day, Saturday May 30 Seeks to Unite Community Around by Diane Richardson Common Goals PHOTO As part of it Sesqui- by Nancy E. Muth

centennial Celebration, COURTESY Germantown Community Connection, Avenue) on the second Thursday night of the Ebenezer Maxwell Inc. is a new organization that seeks to each month at 7 p.m. Our work groups Mansion in West Central OF bring together the many organizations,

M meet at the same location on the fourth

Germantown, will host its AXWELL community groups and institutions of Ger- Thursday nights of the month. first Antiques Appraisal

M mantown. Our website address is Germantown Community Connection,

Day Saturday May 30 ANSION www.germantowncc.org Inc. sees itself in two distinct, compatible from 1 to 5 p.m. featuring Our mission is “to investigate, manage, ways: professional appraisers create and build capacity for charitable, ed- First, as a bridge that connects all of from Freeman’s, Ameri- ucational, cultural, scientific and communi- Germantown’s community groups in con- ca’s oldest auction house ty development planning and activities that versation and action around the common as part of Ebenezer will impact Germantown.” issues, concerns and priorities of impor- Maxwell Mansion’s year- Our vision is “to create an inclusive, di- tance to us all; and long Sesquicentennial verse, self-sufficient, thriving and environ- Second, as a voice that speaks the col- Celebration. mentally friendly Germantown that wel- lective will of Germantown’s people, as ex- The Freeman’s spe- comes people of all racial, ethnic and cul- pressed through their organizations, to the cialists will appraise fami- tural backgrounds to a safe, visually pleas- “powers that be.” ly heirlooms and attic dis- ing and well-coordinated community for For more information regarding GCC coveries including paint- shopping, eating, living and cultural enrich- you may contact Betty Turner at ings, works on paper, jew- ment.” [email protected] or 215-843- elry, silver, glassware, pot- We meet at The First Presbyterian 1457. tery, clocks, tools, and Church in Germantown (35 West Chelten other treasures. All types of items both large and Leadership Void Continues in YMCA Crisis small are welcomed ex- by Conni Bille cept stamps, coins, Maxwell Mansion weapons, toys, and dolls. The YMCA of Germantown remains According to one of the few remaining Freeman’s Auctioneers closed to the public.The Membership of staff at the Y, Board Members were recent- are donating the time of their appraisers Finishing off the Sesquicentennial Year the YMCA of Germantown met on March ly summoned to a meeting in Boston to dis- and all of the proceeds from the event will is the annual Murder Mystery event in Oc- 17 to begin the process of nominating new cuss its status in regard to the national or- benefit the Mansion. Admission of $20 tober as well as the annual Dickens Christ- members to its Board of Directors, and ganization. ($30 for two people) covers refreshments, mas Party in December. Sprinkled through- met again on April 2 to meet the nominees According to the Germantown YMCA self tour of the Mansion and garden, and out the year are Victorian Stitchery Work- and formally submit a dozen names for By-Laws, one-third of the Board is elected appraisal of two items. Additional ap- shops on Sunday afternoons where expert membership on a reconstitued Board. by the Members each year; however the praisals may be purchased for an additional instructors will teach guests to create crazy However, the current Board, now reputed current Board has not called a meeting to $5 per item. Photos may be taken of items quilt stitches and silk ribbon embroidery to be led by Marion Taylor as acting presi- hold an election in three years. As reported that are too large to carry to the event and projects just as Mrs. Maxwell may have dent after the resignation of Gary Miller, at a Germantown Neighborhood Networks approximate appraisals will be made on the done 150 years ago. has not yet met with the Membership as of meeting on April 7, Taylor was quoted as basis of the photographs. The Ebenezer Maxwell Mansion is a re- April 17, and has not reported back to the saying “I don’t think we need any new Other events include the second annual stored historic house museum located at Members on the status of the organization members on the Board at this time.” Old Fashioned Picnic, Saturday, June 13 200 West Tulpehocken Street in West Cen- as a member organization of the Y-USA. from noon to 4 p.m. Participants will be tral Germantown that appears on the Na- able to play a Victorian game of croquet or tional Register of Historic Places.The ring toss, enjoy a juggler, have photographs Eclectic Revival stone “country villa” is lo- taken in Victorian apparel and enjoy root cated in the Tulpehocken Station Historic beer and hot dogs – both foods popular- District, one of America’s first railroad sub- ized during the Victorian Era. The highlight urbs that was built following the extension of the celebration is Thank You Ebenezer.. of the Reading Railroad to the area in the .A Celebration of 150 Years, on Saturday, mid-nineteenth century. For more info, September 12 from 6 to 9 p.m. This soiree contact executive director Diane Richard- features a visit from Queen Victoria, musi- son at 215-438-1861 or vie a-mail at cal entertainment as well as a silent auction. [email protected]. Hors d’oeuvres and wine are on the menu.

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An Original Eric Carle On Stage At Oak Lane Day School Animal Talk with by Carol L. Finer Veggie Dinner in

Brown Bear, Brown Bear,The Very PHOTO Hungry Caterpillar,The Mixed up Chestnut Hill COURTESY P

Chameleon, The Tiger and the Puppy, all HOTO are books by noted children’s author and il- BY OF B O lustrator Eric Carle.Wait a minute,The RAD AK S

Tiger and the Puppy? This story was actual- L HAPIRO ANE ly written and performed by the kinder- D AY

garten class at Oak Lane Day School, after S CHOOL a lengthy study of Eric Carle.The journey of joyful exploration, discovery and creativ- ity these children took from the first Eric Carle story they heard led to a culminating production of their own play. This is an ex- Pictured here is Barb’s dog, Simba, ample of the kind of authentic learning on the left, with his date, Bridget that regularly takes place at Oak Lane. Marie Rose of Ambler. Both were Kindergarten teacher Rochelle Krauss adopted through the Delaware began an author study of Eric Carle by Valley Golden Retriever Rescue. reading many of his books to her students, and having them think about the characters, by Barbara Sherf settings and “big ideas” in the various sto- Eat, Move, Live: What Our Furry ries, as well as observe Carle’s artwork. The Friends Teach Us About Diet, Exercise and children then began to experiment with pa- Life, will be the topic of the next Smart per making and imitating Carle’s collages by Supper on Sunday, May 3rd at 5 p.m. at the Oak Lane Day School kindergarteners Sydney Kang of Chalfont, Rytha Bhatty painting on tissue paper and construction Seventh Day Adventist Church, 8700 Ger- of Philadelphia, Andrew Romano of Lansdale, and Cella Reese and Lucas paper with brushes, popsicle sticks and mantown Avenue (at the corner of Rex Av- sponges.They used the paper they made to Johnston-Peck, both from Philadelphia, performing their play, The Tiger and the Puppy, which they wrote following an in-depth study of noted children’s enue) in Chestnut Hill. Motivational speak- design their own collages, which were re- author, Eric Carle. er Barbara Sherf of Flourtown will deliver markably “Carlesque!” In addition, the the talk following the 5 p.m. vegetarian din- kindergarteners began telling stories about compromise.The kindergarteners also learning rich, meaningful, and joyful. As ner. the animals in their collages. In discussing helped music teacher Marlis Kraft-Zemel Kraft-Zemel notes, “I value colleagues who The cost is $12 adults and $7 for chil- Carle’s books, the class noticed that his compose an original song about Eric Carle, can follow the excitement of their students dren and pre-registration is strongly en- characters are usually animals, he often re- which they sang at the beginning and end and make the study of an author so su- couraged by e-mailing peats phrases, and the stories are frequently of the play. Finally, production day arrived, perbly rich that these children not only will [email protected] or by about friendship and connection. Building and the entire school and many parents never forget Eric Carle, but might one day, calling 215-247-7022. on these ideas, and using the stories they watched in awe and admiration as the when sharing one of his books with their were already telling, the children started kindergarten class joyfully presented the re- own children, tell them the story of making writing their play. This process required sults of their wondrous efforts. up characters who came to life in a play of much thought, discussion, listening to each Teachers at Oak Lane Day School their very own.” other’s ideas, collaboration, negotiation and strive, in many different ways, to make Alternative Healthcare For Women

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Friends of the Wissahickon Celebrates 85th Anniversary FOW Offers by Densie Larrabee PHOTO Lecture on The Friends of the Wissahickon (FOW) is celebrating its 85th anniversary this year. COURTESY Global Warming FOW was founded in 1924 and got its start during an economic crisis similar to the one OF by Denise Larrabee F we find ourselves struggling with today. Fi- RIENDS Friends of the Wissahickon (FOW) is nancial support for Fairmount Park had de- OF offering a free lecture on reducing global creased resulting in neglect of the natural THE warming at the Chestnut Hill Library this W forest of the Wissahickon Valley Park. ISSAHICKON spring.This lecture is offered through Overuse by park visitors, invasive plant FOW’s Protect Our Watershed program, growth, extensive browsing by animals, launched in 2006 to resolve erosion prob- storms, and tree diseases were threatening lems in the Wissahickon by identifying this urban wilderness, and the City did not sources of storm water runoff, developing have the financial resources to preserve it. educational programs for property owners, When a storm in the winter of 1923 de- and providing conservation easements. stroyed over 200 trees, a small group of On May 27, Julie Lalo will present Do- landowners along the edge of the Wis- ing Nothing Doesn’t Do Anything! Lalo is sahickon met the following year at Drum Mid-Atlantic Regional Representative of Moir, the home of the prominent business- the National Wildlife Federation and works man Samuel F. Houston (1867-1952), to be- with affiliates and partners across the re- gin working to preserve the park. By 1930, gion to restore and protect the diverse habi- this group of men and women from Chest- tats of the Mid-Atlantic. In 2007, she was nut Hill, Germantown, and Mt. Airy had one of 1,000 volunteers trained by Al Gore grown from 50 to 500 and had raised to present a version of the slide show fea- $9,000 to purchase and plant 14,000 native tured in the Academy Award-winning film trees (hemlock, birch, beech, oak, maple, The Boy Scouts in this 1940s photo are removing tent caterpillar nests from An Inconvenient Truth. and dogwood), as well as shrubs and wild- plants n the Wissahickon. Throughout its history, FOW has led groups of vol- “Scientists have told us that we must re- flowers. unteers, including children, in park stewardship activities. Photo from the duce global warming pollution by 80 per- On Saturday, May 30, FOW will cele- collections of Chestnut Hill Historical Society cent by 2050 to avoid the worst impacts of brate its 85th anniversary with public global warming,” says Lalo. “They have set events in Wissahickon Valley Park. A Day Trails in the Wissahickon a physically and tional children $10). Full event tickets (day- the goal, now we have to set the pace. And in the Park—Dance in the Dark will be a socially sustainable system that works for all time and evening events) are $125 per adult each of us has a pace we can set for our- full day of activities, including: a five-mile park users. The project is being organized (evening events are for adults only). selves.” run/walk; a mountain bike trail ride; an by the Friends of the Wissahickon in part- For more information, contact FOW at The lecture will take place at the Chest- equestrian event; nature walks; scavenger nership with the Fairmount Park Commis- 215-247-0417 or [email protected]. Business- nut Hill Library (8711 Germantown Ave.) hunt for children; fly fishing demonstra- sion and project consultants from IMBA’s es wishing to sponsor A Day in the Park— at 7:30 p.m. For more information on tions; family volunteer projects; and casual, Trail Solutions. Dance in the Dark should contact FOW’s FOW or the Protect Our Watershed pro- fun dinner-dance party in the evening. Pro- Tickets for daytime events are $30 for Development Office at 215-247-0417 or gram, visit www.fow.org or call 215-247- ceeds will benefit FOW’s Sustainable Trails adults, $15 for children, and $75 for fami- [email protected]. 0417. Initiative. lies of four (two adults, two children, addi- “We hope everyone will join us for this spectacular event,” says FOW Executive Director Maura McCarthy. “The Friends look forward to celebrating our history with the community as we raise awareness and funds for the Sustainable Trails Initia- tive.” The Sustainable Trails Initiative is a three-phased, multi-year project that will make the 57 miles of National Recreation

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FOW Trail Ambassadors Lead Walks in 88th Annual Wissahickon Day Parade PHOTO the Wissahickon by Barbara Sherf BY PHOTO

The annual Wissahickon B by Densie Larrabee ARBARA

COURTESY Day Parade (WDP) of horses

The Friends of the Wissahickon (FOW) S will be held Sunday, May 3, in HERF are offering free nature walks in Wissahick- OF Fairmount Park. The parade is on Valley Park this spring led by FOW Trail F RIENDS the oldest annual equine parade Ambassadors. The Trail Ambassador pro-

OF in the US and is sponsored by gram was launched in 2008 in partnership THE the Wissahickon Valley Riding with the Fairmount Park Commission. W

ISSAHICKON and Driving Association (WVR- These volunteers share their knowledge of DA). the Wissahickon with park users after com- The WDP has a rich history; pleting an eight-week training course which tradition dictates that only riders covers Wissahickon history, watersheds, and carriage drivers participate; FLOURTOWN RESIDENT DR. THOMAS A. FITZPATRICK current park projects, wildlife, geology, Trail Ambassador Shelley Brick no one walks.This tradition re- (FAR SIDE) WITH HIS GROOM, PATRICK BERKERY OF plants, park rules and regulations, and first lates to the purpose of the origi- ROXBOROUGH, WILL AGAIN BE PARTICIPATING IN THE aid/CPR. Their primary role is to provide nal 1921 parade, which was Meet at the gate at the end of the 88TH ANNUAL WISSAHICKON DAY PARADE. information to park visitors about Wis- staged to protest the proposal to Kitchen’s Lane Parking lot. Please bring sahickon Valley Park and report any prob- open the main Fairmount Park path or Costume, Stable Group and Carriages. Reg- your own water and snacks to the guided lems they see to Fairmount Park Rangers. Wissahickon Boulevard to automobiles.A istration for both the Show and the Parade walks. Open to ages six and up.Walk will Trail Ambassador Walks Schedule: “Save the Wissahickon” campaign rallied starts at 9AM. last one and a half to two hours. Pace will hundreds of equestrians and thousand of Spectators can watch the horse show Saturday, May 9, 10 a.m. be set by the group. Contact Shelly at spectators. Forbidden Drive got its name from the bleachers in front of the ring in [email protected]. Join Sarah West for a two-hour hike from the proposal’s defeat, hence cars are Harper’s Meadow, and Parade viewing is Founded in 1924, the Friends of the along the east side of the creek as far north ‘forbidden’ on the drive. available anywhere along Forbidden Drive. Wissahickon is a non-profit partner of the as the Magargee Dam and then South to- A host of carriages and dozens of indi- The judging area in front of Valley Green Fairmount Park Commission, dedicated to ward Devil’s Pool to look at interesting vidual riders are expected this year, includ- Inn is the most popular Parade viewing site. maintaining Wissahickon Valley Park. FOW rock formations and discuss the possible ing Devon Horse Show Champion Dr. Picnic areas are available throughout the restores historical structures throughout geological history of the Wissahickon. Donald Rosato with his four-in-hand car- park. Food and beverages are available at the park, eliminates invasive plant species, Meet at Valley Green Inn. This hike with riage along with Devon winners Dr.Tom Valley Green Inn (reservations are recom- partners with multiple local organizations “rock-talk” is suitable for children ten and Fitzpatrick and George Fitzpatrick. mended). to monitor watershed management issues, over when accompanied by an adult. Heavy The Parade will start at approximately Northwestern Ave. will be closed to and is working on a multi-year plan to re- rain cancels. Contact Sarah at 11:30 a.m., departing from Harper’s Mead- traffic and parking to accommodate horse store trails throughout the park system. [email protected]. ow and continuing along Forbidden Drive trailers and carriages.Parking will be avail- Their work protects the Wissahickon water- to the judging area at Valley Green Inn able in the upper lots at Valley Green. Saturday, June 6, 3 p.m. shed and preserves the natural and histori- around noon. For more information, sponsorship op- cal features of this spectacular urban Join Shelly Brick for “Meanderings in A Horseshow will precede the parade at portunities, or to secure a registration form wilderness for future generations.For more the Wissahickon.” Come to enjoy our park 10 a.m. Classes include English, Western, see our website, www.wissahickonday.org. and talk stories. On our hike we will try not information, visit www.fow.org or call 215- to retrace our footsteps! 247-0417.

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Memorial Day:Then and Now “Fabulous First Fridays” on Wadsworth by Mark Goodman Avenue a Hit Despite the Rainy Start! Growing up in East Germantown at cle Fred, who served in the Navy in WWI 68th and Ogontz meant that friends and I at—of all places—Million Dollar Pier in by Patrice Edwards, Business District Manager Mount Airy Revitalization Corporation could walk to the National Cemetery at Atlantic City.There he kept watch for Ger- On Friday, April 3, MARC kicked off beef sandwiches and The Fruit Basket, Limekiln Pike and Haines Street on Memo- man boats or submarines. Uncles Leon and the first in a series of Fabulous First Fri- which provided bags of fresh apples to rial Day to watch the ceremonies. In the Benny returned unscathed from the Pacific days on Wadsworth Avenue. Despite a poor their customers. Other businesses that par- 1950’s, veterans groups would end their pa- of WWII and Korea. My father served weather forecast and the rain that followed, ticipated by offering discounts on food and stateside in WWII at Fort Livingston in rade in the cemetery and line up in front of the afternoon proved to be sunny and merchandise, or provided promotional for the grave stones, which are impeccably Louisiana, where I was born. His camp warm with MARC distributing over 150 the Wadsworth Shopping Bags were: Big arranged in neat, long rows. guarded German and Japanese POW’s, and large reusable eco-friendly shopping bags Daddy’s Barbecue, Blu Hawk Uniforms, After some words of praise and re- to my father’s recollection, none were tor- with the Wadsworth Avenue logo to shop- Future One Mortgage, The Hummingbird membrance, the color guards would shoot tured. Cousin Richard joined the Coast pers. The first 50 bags were filled with give- Diner, Kim’s Wigs, Kim’s Variety, Metro their rifles over the white headstones to Guard in the late 1950’s, too late for Korea aways, promotional items, menus, and PCS, Nickens Agency, NY Chicken & honor the dead soldiers. For us kids, it was and too early for Viet Nam. coupons provided by many of the mer- Seafood, Papa John’s Pizza, Pat’s Caribbean great to find one of the spent shells to keep So Memorial Day means something in chants.The bags were a big hit and were Market, Sovereign Bank, State Rep. as a souvenir. If a boy ran to get a shell my family. Last Veterans Day, I took my definitely utilized as we noticed shoppers Cherelle Parker, State Sen. Leanna Wash- while the guards were still firing (in viola- son Alex to the National Cemetery on filling them with items they had purchased. ington, Villa, United Bank of Philadelphia, tion of the leader’s warnings), he would get Haines Street to lay ornamental grasses One cheerful customer commented that and The Wadsworth Library. cuffed on the back of his head. In those from our garden on the soldiers’ graves. she lived in the area and walked to the Av- The next Fabulous First Friday will be days, adults could swat kids without getting We’ll do the same on Memorial Day. The enue regularly to shop; however, now that on May 1st. Look for MARC’s tent in sued. saddest part was seeing the dates on the she has a big bag to carry, she can buy more Wadsworth Plaza, in front of Villa between But the ceremony meant more than tombstones of soldiers who died in their things now that it’s easier to carry them! 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. and pick up your free, souvenirs to us. In the 1940s and 1950s, late teens and early 20s. MARC’s gazebo was set up this time in reusable shopping bag, discount coupons many families lost sons, fathers, and hus- When Alex and I visit the cemetery, the 1500 Block of Wadsworth, in front of and enjoy the joyful sounds of Eva Don- bands in WWII and the Korean War. I re- we’ll give our thanks to the ones who Sam’s Meats, which gave away free roast aldson’s School of Music!! Contact MARC member the little girl across the street fought and died, brave and/or scared, for (215-548-5950) for more information. telling of the angels she saw around her fa- us. And in an age where it takes more ther’s casket. My friend Joel grew up father- courage to stop or prevent a war than to less. start one, we’ll ask that more leaders Luckily, none of my relatives got killed emerge with the strength to say, “We will or wounded in the wars. That included Un- not go so quickly to war.” MAY 2009 THE SHUTTLE PAGE 29

Arts in the Park, June 7 at High School Park Spring Classes at PHOTO by Amy Steffen cappella groups, and a variety of bands. Morris Arboretum PHOTO Just around the corner from the site of Delicious food will be available, includ- COURTESY the future Creekside Coop in Elkins Park, ing Dwight’s Barbeque,Kosher burgers and COURTESY is a very special place, High School Park, dogs, Pizza, Vietnamese food, fruit OF F RIENDS

dedicated to native plant restoration. Each smoothies, fresh lemonade, a bake sale, and OF M year, the Friends of High School Park more. OF ORRIS sponsor a first-rate, juried arts festival. A native plant sale will include “Ask the HIGH A S RBORETUM This year’s Arts in the Park will take place Expert” sessions with well-known garden- CHOOL on Sunday, June 7, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at ing authority, George Petropoulis.Write P High School Park in Elkins Park, PA. Visit down your questions and bring them with Arts in the Park ARK www.highschoolpark.org for train and driv- you! Master Plan for the park and have clear ing directions.This art show started as a The Children’s Crafts tent will engage plans for meadow, woodland, and stream- small fundraiser for the Friends of High youngsters in several art projects involving Yoga Around the Garden: Nine bank restoration (the Tookany Creek runs School Park in 1995 and has evolved into a recycled materials. A Native Plant Scav- Evenings, June 2- August 4 through the park). Currently, the Friends major community event featuring 50 juried enger Hunt will let kids match pictures of are designing a native plant demonstration by Susan Crane artisans, local musicians, children’s activi- native plants to the real thing located garden near the entrance to the park, to ed- Did you know that an average toad can ties, and a native plant sale. around the park. ucate and encourage people to include na- eat enough insects in one summer to fill a Highlights of the 14th annual Arts in Additional kid’s activities include face tive plants in their home landscapes. trash can? Are you familiar with the the Park include: painting, a moon bounce, and hay ride. Similar to Mt. Airy, Elkins Park is a di- methodology used to design a packed paral- 50 jury-selected artisans selling hand- There is a $3 suggested donation for verse neighborhood with high community lel pave arrangement? Do you know the blown glass, jewelry, clothing and fiber arts, adults. Proceeds from Arts in the Park ben- involvement. Local residents have led the peak season of song bird migration? painting, ceramics, and more. Half of the efit the Friends of High School Park and creation and restoration of High School At the Morris Arboretum, these ques- artists exhibiting this year are new to Arts fund improvements to the park, assuring Park. Since 1995, they have transformed a tions and lots more are answered as topics in the Park, making it the most diverse and that the space remains a vibrant showcase derelict abandoned school grounds into a are further explored in courses entitled: exciting collection yet! of native plant restoration. The Friends place of natural beauty with the help of • Toadally Amazing Toads Selected musicians will perform and Cheltenham Township have just com- hundreds of volunteers and the support of • Schools of Floral Design: Parallelism throughout the day. Expect to hear jazz, a pleted a 10-year Ecological Restoration Cheltenham Township. Now neighborhood • Spring Bird Count involvement has led to another exciting de- Sign up for one of these classes or pick velopment in Elkins Park, CreekSide Co- another course of your choosing from op.The new full-service food co-op, sched- more than 50 offered this spring covering uled to open before the end of the year, topics in horticultural, arts and crafts, kid promises to serve as a community gather- fun, landscape design, floral design and ing point that will lead to more foot traffic trips that take you behind the scenes with at High School Park. experts.With the wide range of subjects High School Park is located at High offered, everyone is sure to find a class that School Road and Montgomery Avenue in interests them and will come away with a Elkins Park, PA one block from Church new-found knowledge of nature. Times Road. The SEPTA Elkins Park station is and costs vary, so check the website, also one block from the park. For more in- www.morrisarboretum.org or call 215-247- formation visit www.highschoolpark.org. 5777 for more information.

Do you want to create your life? Do you find yourself living in the past or future, wishing you could embrace the present? Cindy Shapiro MSW, LCSW Over 15 years experience and training in traditional and wholistic therapies assisting others in creating lasting change (215) 886-8616 (V/TTY) PAGE 30 THE SHUTTLE MAY 2009

Relax, It’s Spring! Valley Green Bank Offers Chair Massages for May First Thursday by Lesley Seitchik Is all that gardening making you sore? circulation. We hope lots of people come PHOTO

What about keeping up with your kids and to the bank to get a massage.” BY R baseball practice? Stressed out with exams Dr. Brett Cardonick, a chiropractor in ACHEL

and graduations? Valley Green Bank has the Chestnut Hill/Mt. Airy area since 1993, M the perfect remedy: Cardonick Chiropractic specializes in musculoskeletal pain and ILENBACH will be giving free chair massages as part of headaches as well as many other injuries. First Thursdays at Valley Green Bank. He takes a holistic approach in helping pa- On Thursday, May 7, Susan Brown, a li- tients achieve optimal health, utilizing both censed massage therapist and member of hands-on and non- force techniques. Care Dr.Cardonick’s staff, will be at the Chestnut plans for patients are designed with an em- Hill branch at 23 W. Highland Avenue from phasis on correction, prevention and well- 10:30 to 12:30 and from 1 to 3 p.m. she will ness care. Additional therapies include nu- be at the Mt Airy branch at 7226 German- trition counseling, massage therapy, stress town Avenue. In addition to giving sooth- management, psychological counseling, ing and comforting massages, Susan will be personal/life coaching, as well as other providing information on health and well- complementary health modalities provided ness. “This is a good opportunity for peo- by licensed and certified practitioners. ple to better understand the benefits of Valley Green Bank is a locally-owned massage for managing both physical and and operated Pennsylvania commercial stress issues.” said Dr. Brett Cardonick, the bank. The Bank was formed by community owner of Cardonick Chiropractic located at and business leaders who make customer At Valley Green Banks’s April First Thursday Event, Weavers Way Farmers 23 E. Durham Street. service a priority.The Bank offers a tradi- Dave Zelov and Nicole Sugarman set up “Farm stands” in both the bank’s Mt. Valley Green Bank hosts special events tional mix of deposit accounts, including Airy and Chestnut Hill lobbies and farmers and gave out farm-grown in their lobbies on the First Thursday of non-interest and interest-bearing checking seedlings to eager gardeners. Pictured here are (l to r) bank customers Mary each month to spotlight the vitality of the accounts, savings, money market and cer- Lunney and Rina Fesnak; Chestnut Hill branch manager Michele Ferraro, Mt. Airy and Chestnut Hill communities. tificate of deposit accounts. It also offers Zelov, bank staffers Sheraye Hall and Sylvia McNally, and assistant branch “We appreciate Dr. Brett Cardonick partici- customers individual retirement accounts. manager Kathi Vanttouten. pation in First Thursdays,” commented Jay Valley Green Bank is a member of FDIC. Goldstein, President and CEO of Valley Join Valley Green Bank for June’s First Green Bank. “Chair massage is a valuable Thursday, June 4, when Trolley Car Diner Elementary, therapy specially designed to allow access will be grilling their famous burgers at the to the muscles for relaxation and improving banks! Don’t miss out. Middle & High School

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Look for our monthly specials! MAY 2009 THE SHUTTLE PAGE 31

Don’t Forget to Vote! ü Weavers Way members will elect eight new members of the board of directors at the May 17 General Membership Meeting.We encourage every member household to attend the meeting and to vote, but those who can’t attend can still vote, using the ballot to the right. Just fill out the ballot, one vote per household, and place it in one of the ballot boxes located at both the Mt.Airy and Ogontz stores. Statements from each of the candidates appeared in the April issue of the Shuttle, and are now posted both in the store and on our website, www.weaversway.coop.

Suggestions rodents are not the “pests” of yore, as be- (continued from back page) fore we allow them into the Co-op, they must first attend an orientation meeting, wood brand 100 percent of the time, when- where they commit to only eat their fair ever possible. share, clean up when finished, and con- tribute work hours. The work hours thing s: “The last couple of times I’ve been here, has been a bit of a struggle for them lately we haven’t had Republic of Tea Earl Grey- though; so few bugs and rodents have in- er. It’s by far the best Earl Grey tea around. ternet access. Maybe if “Wireless Philadel- I hope we haven’t stopped carrying it.” phia” ever succeeds this under-served pop- r: (Chris) This flavor was out-of-stock last ulation will be addressed. time we ordered Republic of Tea. I’ll try to get it back by mid-April. s: “Parking cards for greater than $20. I have a $50 one that I love.” s: “Please bring back the bagged peanuts in r: (Norman) Good suggestion, we’ll try shells.We love them.” some $50 cards next time we order.The r: (Chris) We had only one distributor who cards are really for parking though, not love had this item, and their decision to drop objects. I suggest a puppy, they reciprocate them means that now we have no source. emotionally more than parking cards. But I’ll keep looking... whatever. s: “The natural food industry has come a s: “Something like PAM cooking spray, only long way. However, before industrialization, more Weavers Way-friendly. I have come all food was “natural.” If our goal is to here three times looking for it.” have food like it was then, we not only need r: (Norman) No plan to add a PAM type organic, non-GMO, nothing artificial, etc., product right now, any more requests? We we should also be engaged in an ongoing do sell two kinds of fill it yourself oil spray battle with bugs and rodents in our food. bottles upstairs, one plastic and one stain- Please leave the doors open at night so less steel. This is less expensive, and you bugs and rodents have access to our storage can choose the oil, and results in less trash. areas, so we can truly have “natural” food. Also, you avoid the “propellant” in PAM, Thanks.” whatever it is (although it’s probably harm- r: “(Norman)” In cooperative fashion, we less carbon dioxide). Another approach I’ve allow bugs and rodents in each night to eat read about is to use a basting brush dipped their fair share. However, these bugs and in oil, or a flour and oil mixture. PAGE 32 THE SHUTTLE MAY 2009

writing that starts in middle and reads out Suggestions and Responses: yoga mats upstairs- but use pieces of it for in both directions at once. Maybe nouns under slippery throw rugs!!! I do—save and adjectives go left and verbs and ad- s: “As a longtime vegetarian who is now yourself a bad fall!” verbs go right. Books and newspapers interested in beginning to eat some meat, I r: (Martha) Fabulous idea! would be harder to lay out, and reading was shocked to discover you have no meat would be harder, but the benefits would be that is certified organic!! Is there a way to s: “Chestnut Hill store suggestion: bulk de- huge, include fostering eye independence order it? I am interested in: pasture raised, tergent/cleaning products. Sun & Earth and brain function. Plus, we’d all have to organic, veggie-fed, local chicken. Surpris- does this...” go back to school for awhile, so education ing that Weavers Way doesn’t already have r: (Norman) We are hoping to have an ex- funding would get a boost. If only global some- or support this industry. Animal tensive bulk section in Chestnut Hill, and warming had such simple solutions. rights/human health is extremely impor- maybe at some point at Carpenter Lane Why don’t New product I heard about this month: tant.” too. aromatherapy shower tablets.Fear not that r: (Dale) Natural Acres also has organic we carry... our economy is collapsing, with entrepre- beef. I can order anything you want. Natur- s: “I’m glad to see Lakewood Pina Colada neurs thinking up new products like aro- al Acres is all pasture and grass fed. We to- Pineapple/Coconut Juice in stock. It’s so matherapy shower tablets, (focusing on tally support this industry. Please call me, much better than Knudsen’s organic—no Suggestions life’s essentials), we should be out of “hot extension 104. water (just juice) and it tastes so much bet- by Norman Weiss, purchasing manager water” in a jiffy, and smelling good too. ter.” Greetings and thanks for writing. As Plug for Henry Got Crops CSA: If you s: “One percent milk.” r: (Chris) Thanks for your positive com- usual, suggestions and responses may have don’t know about the Community Sup- r: (Chris) We do carry one percent milk, ments.We had the Knudsen brand as a been edited for clarity, brevity, and/or ported Agriculture our farmers are starting both half gallon cartons that are organic, temporary substitute item recently, when comedy. with Saul High School, check out our web and Merrymead one percent gallons. See the Lakewood juice was out-of-stock at the For some reason, when I started writ- site (www.weaversway.coop). This is a dairy case, bottom right. distributors. We intend to carry the Lake- ing this month’s article, I found myself chance to get truly local produce at a pretty (continued inside on page 31) thinking about how we English-speakers good price and have your money directly s: “A good idea: buy the “Hugger Mugger” (and many others) write left to right. He- support our community in terms of food brew (and a few others) goes right to left. security, education, environmental health, Equal Exchange Fair Trade Mongoloian and Nushu go down and then economic health, etc. Plus if you eat all left or right. One language, Boustrophe- that grows, you will be supporting your May Coffees of the Month don, switches direction with each line, back own personal health too. Organic French Roast and forth. I was thinking of a new way of $7.99/lb. Chestnut Hill Reg. $10.01/lb. Organic Co-op Blend Community Meetings $9.01/lb. Mondays, May 4 & 11, 7 to 8 p.m. Packaged Coffee Special Reg. $10.01/lb. Chestnut Hill Library, 8711 Germantown Avenue Tanzanian Jubilee .43 Drip grind, full city roast. Rich, syrupy lb. $6 Reg. $7.93/lb./ Weavers Way Co-op is hosting a series of community meetings body with intense flavor. to discuss Weavers Way’s expansion into Chestnut Hill. For more information, e-mail us at [email protected]

DAY DATE TIME LOCATION Saturday May 2, 2009 10:30 a.m. CA Saturday May 16, 2009 10:30 a.m. GU Wednesday June 3, 2009 6:45 p.m. GJC Saturday June 20, 2009 10:30 a.m. GU Wednesday July 1, 2009 6:45 p.m. GJC Saturday July 18, 2009 10:30 a.m. GU Wednesday Aug. 5, 2009 6:45 p.m. GJC