April 2007 Vol. 36, No. 4

559 Carpenter Lane, Philadelphia, PA 19119 phone: 215-843-2350 · fax: 215-843-6945 www.WeaversWay.coop Manager’s What’s Up Down on the Farm Corner BY PHOTO Annual Spring J Keep the Eye on the Mission ONATHAN General Membership Meeting by Glenn Bergman and M C

There are many things that go on at G ORAN Election of Board of Directors the Co-op that are different from a regu- lar food store. While I am here at the Co-op we 5 p.m. Saturday, May 19, 2007 might have expansions, perhaps a boy- Summit Presbyterian Church Auditorium cott, the viewing of Norman’s major role Greene & Westview Streets in a motion picture, an urban farm, etc. It is important that you make sure that we Board Positions to be filled for 2-year terms: stay true to our Co-op Mission and Prod- • 4 At-Large Directors • 1 Staff Director uct Philosophy Principles, and that if you believe we are making a turn away from any of these, you get right up in front of Agenda: our eyes and make sure we have read them over and over and over again. • Meet and greet, with light fare for adults and kids DAVID ZELOV, DOWN ON THE WEAVERS WAY FARMER If you have never read the Weavers • Report from General Manager by David Zelov Way Mission and Product Philosophy • Report from President of the Board By now most of you know that the Co-op has hired a full- statements, go ahead and take a look at • Approval of minutes from previous General them on page 18. Members wrote these time farmer, and you may be thinking to yourself, “Well, what and approved them as our guiding princi- has this guy been doing all winter, there are no fields to plow, Membership Meeting ples of business at WW. I am convinced seeds to sow, tomatoes to pick, etc.” So I thought I’d give you a • By-law changes discussed and voted on that is one of the main reasons for our little update on what’s been happening “down on the farm.” • Breakout sessions for member discussion of co-op continued success. I started here on Jan. 17, hired to take over Emily’s farming values and priorities I know we will not always get it right. duties as well as to head up the expansion of the farm from a quarter acre to three quarters of an acre, and to figure out how • Open sharing and discussion following breakouts (continued on page 18) to make a profit on that. The answer is, we are going to grow a • Announcement of Board of Directors Election Ned Wolf Park lot of high value crops and do successive plantings of different Winners crops in the same growing area throughout the season. For Childcare will be available Needs Our Help (continued on page 8) Experience a “Cultural Moment” at Weavers Way by Jennifer Rellis community. Activism and community in- Culture is the way of life of a particu- bers who have been there since the begin- volvement are core values as well, and the lar society or group. What is a “Cultural ning. We will also learn about Mt. Airy “Cultural Moment” will be a way to in- Moment”? It is a new initiative at Weavers and the surrounding community that form members about the important caus- Way to explore who we are, where we Weavers Way is part of, including historic es community members are campaigning have been, and the values that inspired us houses, churches, schools, and the amaz- to join Weavers Way. ingly creative people who live in this (continued on page 4) Beginning in May, Weavers Way will explore a different culture each month. We will chose both local and internation- The Co-op Culture… Introducing al cultures. Some months our “Cultural Chester’s Community Grocery Co-op Moment” will take us far from Mt. Airy as

by Robin Cannicle BY PHOTO we learn about the Caribbean, Japan, Panama, Portugal and many other pass- I had the pleasure of meeting R

Tina Johnson at our Fall General OBIN BRUCE MURRAY PRUNING TREES AT port destinations through featured prod-

ucts, recipes, and stories from our own Membership Meeting where she C NED WOLF PARK ANNICLE members who are familiar with these re- was a featured speaker. She walked by Bruce P. Murray gions. in the Summit Presbyterian Everyone who passes through the lo- In other months the “Cultural Mo- Church with some members of the cal area knows the open lot at the corner ment” will be a jumping-off point to ex- Chester Co-op’s steering commit- of McCallum and Ellet Streets, but only plore our local community and Co-op. tee with smiles on their faces, filled those living here when it became a city What is our culture? Members join with enthusiasm, shaking hands park might know it has a name: Ned Wolf Weavers Way because they share a core set and introducing themselves. Tina Park. of values including organic, local, envi- shared the vision of Chester’s Co- Ned Wolf served as assistant dstrict at- ronmentally friendly, and just being a op so clearly, and I said to myself, torney and president of West Mt. Airy good neighbor. Exploring our local com- “This idea is cooperation at its Neighbors Association (WMAN) in the munity culture will be a way for us to best ” So I was thrilled to have the early 1970s. He was the first person in learn about these values that bring us to- opportunity to interview Tina and Philadelphia to respond to President John gether. We have over 30 years of Co-op share her vision with all of the TINA JOHNSON OF CHESTER’S COMMUNITY F. Kennedy’s call to provide attorneys to history to explore through our core mem- (continued on page 4) GROCERY CO-OP (continued on page 10)

Weavers Way Cooperative Association Presorted Standard Bylaw Changes? 559 Carpenter Lane · Philadelphia, PA 19119 U.S. Inside: POSTAGE Bylaw Changes? 2 PAID Philadelphia, PA See page 2 to read the Product News 3 Permit No. 2658 bylaw change being Financial Update 23 voted on at the Spring Suggestions 24 Membership Meeting

And of course... scads more PAGE 2 THE SHUTTLE APRIL 2007

Editor’s Note Looks Could Kill Shoppers Guide to Safe Cosmetics by Jonathan McGoran Natural alternatives to on ingredient safety From the Environmental Working Group First it was pesticides, then killer cosmetics — there are a few los- Top 6 Ingredients to Avoid: it was hormones, cloning and ers. Visit the Skin Fragrance by Bonnie Hay, For the Environment Committee genetic modification, and now, we have Deep website to find Alpha and Beta Hydroxy Acids (AHA’s, BHA’s. lactic acid, glycolic acid) news on the increasingly common practice Our skin allows more than sensations out about particular Parabens (methylparaben & propylparaben) of open field farming of crops that have to pass into our bodies. The average adult products using the Triethanolamine been genetically modified to produce ex- in the U.S. slathers nine products on their easy search tool. Iodopropynyl butylcarbamate perimental drugs. Unfortunately, not I hate to be reflexively anti anything, skin each day and some of this cosmetic Triclosan all products and and I can even see the appeal of this – espe- soup is absorbed by the skin. Over 1000 In Addition Avoid: cially when I’m forking over a small for- chemicals banned for cosmetic use by the brands are evaluated Dark, permanent hair dyes tune for prescriptions. Maybe they could European Union (E.U.) are permitted in by Skin Deep. For in- Hydroquinone and sodium nitrate in skin lighteners create ragweed with built in antihista- the U.S. Fortunately, over 500 manufac- stance, Dr. Hauschka’s Lactic acid, Glycolic acid,AHA, & BHA in anti-aging products mines, or garlic with antacids and breath turers have pledged in the Compact for holistic skin care Padimate-O & PABA in sunscreen fresheners. Hey, maybe even lettuce with Global Production of Safe Health & products, which avoid Dihydroxy acetone & Coumarin in sunless tanning products Viagra that never wilts (warning: if you’re Beauty Products to reformulate their artificial ingredients, Dibutyl phthalate, formaldehyde, & toluene in nail polish lettuce stays crisp for four hours, see a doc- products to meet the E.U. standards in are not rated by Skin tor). There could be vegetables to treat con- terms of ingredient safety of their prod- Deep. Refer to the ditions that we don’t even know about yet Kiss My Face Honey and Calendula ucts (see www.safecosmetics.org/compa- sidebar for hints on what ingredients to (restless legume syndrome?). Heck, maybe Moisturizer nies/signers.cfm). avoid, especially in unrated products. Alba Botanica Jasmine and Vitamin E they could even come up with crops with Wallet cards are available on the Environ- drugs built in to cure the diseases caused by And in the absence of federal over- Moisturizing Cream mental Working Group website. the pesticides they spray on them. sight, states are beginning to regulate to Shikai French Vanilla and Cucum- I checked out Weavers Way products Still, a tomato that produces drugs to protect consumers. In January, California ber/Melon Hand and Body Lotions treat high blood pressure might seem like a passed the California Safe Cosmetics Act in the Moisturizer category on the Skin To find out more, visit Skin Deep at good idea. Until it cross pollinates with reg- which requires disclosure of any product Deep website. The moisturizer “winners” www.ewg.org/reports/skindeep/ or go to ular tomatoes, that is. And until those ingredient that is on state or federal lists rating 1.5 or less on a 0(best) to 5(worst) www.safecosmetics.org/action/materials.cfm tomatoes get eaten by someone who maybe of chemicals that may cause cancer or scale in terms of product safety are: This article contains information has low blood pressure. birth defects. Aubrey Organics Rose Mosqueta from “Should you trust your makeup?” And apart from the health implica- Because the over 10,500 ingredients Hand and Body Lotion (New York Times, Feb. 15, 2007) and tions, there are other considerations, as which may be found in cosmetics, sham- Badger Healing Balm “What you should know about chemicals well. poos, perfumes, creams, deodorants, etc. Better Botanicals Aryuvedic Oil Will grocers have to recite disclaimers in your cosmetics” (Consumer Reports are largely unregulated for safety in terms Burts Bees Milk and Honey Body Lotion when recommending the pick of the day? I Winter 2007) of their potential to cause cancer, hor- can see it now: “Hi, Jean, how’s the corn today?” monal effects, or birth defects, it is pru- Co-op Taking Plant Sales Outside “It’s absolutely delicious. In fact, I rec- dent for the purchaser to pay attention to by Emily Neuman grown products. Awbury offered pre-or- ommend you talk to your doctor about ingredients. Ingredient listings are re- corn. Corn may cause drowsiness, fatigue, quired on most cosmetics and skin care In addition to the great prices and se- ders on plants, but we will not. We will, tiredness, sleepiness, dry mouth, frequent products (an exception is “fragrance,” lection on plants you can find every however, offer “post-orders.” Shoppers urination, headaches, ear aches, back aches, which can encompass myriad unlisted spring at Weavers Way, this year the Co- who put in a post-order, can pick up their nose aches, and “stuck-between-the-teeth” proprietary chemicals). op will also be selling plants at two com- orders at the Co-op Thursday-Saturday syndrome. In rare instances corn has been As luck would have it, there are good munity events. following the sale. shown to cause rare but serious side effects watch dog groups, notably the Environ- Dave Zelov, Weavers Way’s farmer, including gas. If you experience these mental Working Group’s Skin Deep and will join me at Wissahickon Charter symptoms discontinue use, open a window the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, that are School’s Earth Day Celebration, April 21, Weavers Way and blame the dog.” disseminating information on potentially 1-5 p.m.. He will be helping kids trans- will be selling Of course, on the most advanced plants at two fringes of agro-science, a technique is being toxic and benign cosmetic ingredients and plant vegetables or flowers into containers posting product ratings in terms of safety. for their front steps or patios. We will events this perfecting to grow crops containing chem- spring: icals that don’t just cure illnesses, they actu- Weavers Way has paid more attention have a variety of environmentally-friend- ally help prevent them: oranges packed to this matter than does the average mar- ly gardening items available, in addition with vitamins, vegetables brimming with ketplace, and carries many cosmetics and to plants grown by Philadelphia farms. Wissahickon nutrients; grapes that contain miraculous skin care products which are rated highly And this year at Mt. Airy Day, Weavers Charter anti-aging chemicals (see page 16). They for safety by Skin Deep (see the accompa- Way will offer geraniums and other bed- School Earth Day even have a name for this technique. nying list). However, just because a prod- ding plants, herbs, vegetable seedlings, Celebration It’s called organic. uct is on WW shelves doesn’t necessarily and perennials – all grown locally in April 21, 1-5 p.m. The Shuttle is published by Weavers Way Co- mean it rates an A+. Even within product Pennsylvania. Awbury Arboretum has run op and is mailed to all members. lines such as Aubrey Organics and Kiss the plant sale in the past. We will offer Mt.Airy Day, May 5 Deadline for the next issue is: My Face — which generally rate very well comparable prices on high-quality, locally April 1, 2007 Statement of Policy Produce News Articles should be under 500 words and can be by Jean MacKenzie, Produce Manager submitted neatly typed, on disk, or e-mailed to Trends in Retail Produce Nana Rondinella’s Bean & Escarole [email protected]. Be sure to include Pesach I just love the industry publications I Soup your name, phone number, and membership num- Passover begins at sundown on Mon- read. Recently, in the monthly magazine ber. Drop them off by the deadline to the Shuttle Produce Merchandising, there was an ar- day, April 2. We will of course have lots of 1 bulb garlic, minced mailbox on the second floor of the Co-op. The pur- ticle – with glossy pictures – about dis- apples and dates for haroset, and will 4 12-oz. cans white kidney beans pose of the Shuttle is to provide members with playing produce in the box it comes in again give away slices of horseradish and 2 large onions, chopped information as well as education about co-ops, Here I thought we were making the best sprigs of parsley for your Seder plate. hot pepper flakes health food practices, and other matters of interest of a tough situation, and it turns out We’ll also carry plenty of parsley and salt and pepper to the members as consumers and citizens of the we’re cutting edge. horseradish to buy, too, in both organic grated parmesan cheese community. Apparently another exciting trend in and conventional form. olive oil Articles express only the views of the writers retail produce is that shoppers like tanger- New In Produce (Sort of) 3 large (or 4 small) heads of ESCA- and not those of the Co-op or the board of direc- ines and various hybrid citrus, and – be tors, unless identified as such. Articles, letters, com- Have you noticed the plantains, dis- ROLE, washed very well and chopped played next to the bananas? I put infor- ready to be shocked – shoppers want a va- ments, criticisms, and suggestions are welcome and riety of apples. Our new motto: “Weavers mation and recipe sheets with the display, In a very large soup pot, saute should be directed to the editor. Space limitations Way Produce – Ahead of the Curve.” and I made the plantain soup. My son minced garlic in olive oil.Add onions require that the editor has the right to edit all arti- Produce from Your Garden cles. nearly ate through the bottom of the and hot pepper flakes to taste. Cover In January, I suggested that if you are Ad rates are available upon request, in the bowl, so I guess it was good. We have or- and “sweat” until transparent – about planting garlic in your garden, plant an advertising mailbox on the second floor, or at ganic red sunchokes, from Wisconsin, 5-10 minutes.Add escarole and some extra row for the Co-op. Yes, I do – very www.weaversway.coop. All ads must be camera- displayed with other root crops, and jica- water; pot will be almost full. Cover and occasionally – buy some produce from ready and submitted with payment. Products or ma is back (high in Vitamin C, sweet, let escarole steam. Stir once or twice members who have a bumper crop of services advertised in this paper should not in any crunchy, eat raw or cooked). to steam evenly.When the escarole is something interesting, unusual or hard to way be construed to be endorsed by Weavers Way Escarole isn’t new, but it sells slowly cooked, add beans with liquid, plus no get. One thing you’ll have to do, though, Co-op. here, and I’m guessing maybe people more than one can extra water is get your soil tested for lead, and give me don’t have enough recipe ideas. See this Add salt and pepper to taste, stir a copy of the results. You can get a soil The Shuttle delicious and easy one from member Pat and simmer on low 45-60 minutes. test kit from the Penn State Agricultural Quigley, or, more precisely, from her Serve with some of that delicious Slow is printed on 100% County Extension Service – even grandmother: Rise bread from the deli, and stand back. recycled paper Philadelphia County has one. APRIL 2007 THE SHUTTLE PAGE 3

Staff Updates Grocery News... by Rick Spalek, Operations Manager BY PHOTO Brand Disloyalty

The management team, comprised of salaried staff J ULIA by Chris Switky, Grocery Manager

and department managers, has just gone through a half B

RADLEY Howdy, folks. I do have a few product changes in day on-site customer service training. It was given by our grocery line to tell you about, but I first want to Beth Margolis, of Train and Grow, who is well experi- write a bit about the “who owns who” question in enced in the retail sector. Although, Beth thought we do a the world of grocery wholesalers. great job treating and relating to our “customerm” we Over the years, many manufacturers of “natural” certainly have areas that need improvement. Most of the and organic grocery items — companies that started small and grew successfully — rest of staff will also be attending one of two half-day have been acquired by large multi-national food corporations. For instance, Stonyfield sessions on customer service, and please let us know if yogurts, as of January 2004, is 80 percent owned by Danone (Dannon yogurts). Other you notice any difference during your shopping experi- examples include Muir Glen and Cascadian Farm brands, makers of many organic ence. foods, owned for the past seven years by General Mills Corporation, a supermarket- Also on the training front, we have sent Jean (produce FINAL SHUTTLE PHOTO OF grade food manufacturer. The story repeats itself again and again in this business; manager), Martha (second floor manager), Joe (shift EMILY NEUMAN. MAYBE. small companies become successful and grow, big food companies manager), and Kristoff (floor staff) to a well-regarded three-day intensive training pro- see them as desirable money-makers and purchase them, either in gram focusing on co-op management called “Rising Stars.”This is our first time sending whole or in part. staff to this program, and we hope to be sending more staff in the future. Over the past month, I’ve had a look at some of the brands that On a sad note, Emily Neuman will be leaving the Co-op at the end of March, as her we carry at Weavers Way, and where our money is going when we husband relocates for his medical residency. Emily has the distinction of being the most support these brands. One change that we’ve made in our frozen photographed staff member in the history of Weavers Way. There was hardly an issue of foods line is replacing Boca breakfast links with Amy’s breakfast the Shuttle that her face did not grace. She is also found on the website, and has ap- patties. The two products are similar (though not identical), but peared in most local papers. We wish her well, and congratulations to Nina DaSilva who the manufacturers are quite different. Boca is owned by Kraft will be taking over the Floral department after Emily’s departure. Foods, which is in turn owned by Philip Morris Inc., a cigarette maker. Amy’s Kitchen is a small (well, smaller) family-owned busi- ness. By buying Amy’s brand, we can support a “little fish” in the Deli News... big pond, and a company that has from the beginning shown an interest in healthy and organic alternative groceries. I’ll be looking Hidden Treasures to make more of these kinds of brand switches in the coming by Margie Felton, Deli Manager months, while (hopefully) still considering Co-op shoppers’ choices and preferences. I welcome your input, via the suggestion book, or e-mail me at christopher@weaver- Shortage of space at Weavers Way sway.coop. not only makes for an intimate and As promised, a bit of product change news. Say goodbye to Sorrell Ridge fruit cozy shopping experience but some- spreads, no longer available from any of our distributors. We’ve used the shelf space to times calls for unusual locations of the saute chicken, tofu, paneer (an Indian expand our offerings of Bionature organic fruit spreads, which products we sell. Sometimes this cheese sold next to the sauces), veggies, or have no added sugar. The new flavors are blackberry, sour cher- arrangement makes no sense to you, and whatever you like, add the sauce, simmer ry, raspberry and Sicilian orange. (Are Sicilian oranges like actually it makes no sense to us, either, and you’re finished. Great and easy ac- Sicilian pizzas, rectangular instead round, therefore easier to beyond that a product physically fits in a companiments include Hampton chut- stack? Jean, can you address this in your produce column? Jean? particular location; therefore you may not neys, and Samosas and side dishes from Hello??) know that a few Indian items are sold in Bhagya’s Kitchen (Chestnut Hill Farmers We’ve also added Pacific brand almond milk to our beverage the deli and prepared foods areas. Market). All available on the same shelf section, in plain and vanilla flavors, brought in due to shoppers’ In the prepared foods case we sell in the prepared foods case. requests. The almond milk replaces Vruit fruit/veg beverage, four delicious Indian simmer sauces by Also sold in the deli area, next to which had been selling rather slowly. It is still available as a pre- Maya Kaimal. These sauces range from the deli meat case, are pappadums (crisp order, case of 12, see Norman or Chris for details. mild to slightly spicy and are the key in- Indian flat breads), Pataks mango chut- That’s it, folks. Thanks for reading, and remember, it’s your gredient to a quick Indian dinner. Just neys and garlic relish and Arora Creations co-op, and it’s more than a food store, it’s often a contact sport. spice mixes. I’ll be running into you....in the grocery aisles. What’s Up Upstairs by Martha Fuller, Second Floor Manager children can love — they are fun for the Luckily, the products we sell seem to Exchange. Their coffees are all Fair Trade Dr. Ken’s Oral Care Products: This kids, gentle and effective for the grown- make a difference for you all One prod- coffees and most are also organically new-to-Weavers Way line of products has ups. This product, sold in 2.5 ounce uct that has a great success rate is grown. We know from your feedback that been met with many positive comments packets, is paraben-free and does not Emergen-C Kids Multi-Vitamin. This these are both important to our mem- from our shoppers. Dr. Ken’s products contain sodium lauryl/laureth sulfate or strawberry-flavored fizzy bers. were developed by a dentist whose mis- mono/di/triethanolamine. Our sales rep drink contains a total of 32 The two Equal Exchange sion was to develop a product line that for Frontier Natural Products, the owner active mineral complexes Coffees that will be on sale focused on natural prod- and distributor of of Aura Cacia, has told along with B Vitamins, in April are Organic French ucts with maximum bene- me that a small amount of Vitamins A, D, E and K, plus Roast and Organic Decaf fits. We carry two Dr. Ken this product is needed for 50 mg of Vitamin C in a Breakfast Blend. The French toothpastes: Wintergreen a child’s bath — you do non-acidic, stomach-friendly Roast is dark and delicious Fluoride Free and not need to use the entire formula. Heart Health is a with full body and a smooth Spearmint Fluoride Free. packet as you might with black cherry-flavored prod- finish. The Decaf Breakfast Both are whitening tooth- some other similar prod- uct that is thought to sup- Blend is a balanced blend of pastes that are not tested ucts. port your heart with plant light and dark roasts and is on animals, are safe for These products con- sterols, lycopene, Vitamin C, also full-bodied with a rich diabetics and contain tain 100 percent pure, folic acid and B Vitamins. flavor and has sweet over- green tea extract with gas chromatography (GC) Bone health is something tones. The French Roast antioxidant properties tested essential oils that that all of us, no matter our usually costs $8.50 per shown to effectively provide true aromathera- age, need to consider. At pound and will have an improve oral health. The toothpaste’s py benefits. There are every age we have different April sale price of $6.99 per ingredients and their benefits are written three foam blends: The Calming Foam needs, and luckily we have pound. The Decaf Breakfast clearly on the packages. We also carry Dr. Bath contains 100 percent pure lavender many things we can do to Blend usually costs $11.05 Ken’s Antibacterial Mouthwash — it’s and citrus essential oils. This soothing support ourselves in our and will cost $10.05 during alcohol-free and is a great tasting prod- and calming blend is a perfect fit for a bone health. We know that a good diet April. uct. The Single Use Dental Floss packets, bedtime routine. Cheering Foaming Bath with adequate nutrition and weight Let me take a moment to thank you made with green tea extract, are conven- is uplifting and refreshing, combining bearing exercises help us. Many of us for: 1) reading Norman’s March Shuttle ient and sanitary and great for a brief- tangerine and sweet orange essential oils. also look to calcium supplements to Suggestion Book column and 2) paying case, purse or suitcase. Clearing Foam Bath helps to cleanse and achieve our need for the proper amount attention to the question and answer Their Breath Strips also travel well – also uplift with the ingredients of 100 of calcium. Emergen-C Bone Health, in regarding the use of our grinders for cof- perfect for the briefcase, handbag, desk percent pure eucalyptus and citrus a Mixed Berry flavor, has added Vitamin fees purchased at other stores or via or suitcase. The strips dissolve easily in essential oils. C, Calcium, and Vitamin D. mail-order from businesses inside or out- your mouth and are considered to be the Emergen-C: We are carrying three April Sales for Equal Exchange side the United States. The grinders we only all natural breath strips. new Emergen-C products, two for adults Coffees: This company rocks — they are have for your use are only for coffees you Aura Cacia Foam Bath Products for and one for children. Our shoppers who an employee-owned and run organiza- buy here. And the bags we have here are Children: Why use these products for are parents and caregivers tell us of the tion, the staff is extraordinary and, in also only for the coffees you purchase children? I’m glad you asked. These are challenges they can face when they give case you did not know, both of our coffee here as well. Please do not ask us or products that parents, caregivers, and their children vitamins and supplements. grinders are on loan to us from Equal expect us to make any exceptions. PAGE 4 THE SHUTTLE APRIL 2007

Tina Johnson moderate income community; another is Market. We have decided to take advan- Many residents don’t have cars and so (continued from page 1) that unlike most U.S. co-ops that were tage of the growing season until we can must shop at corner stores that offer poor started in the late 60’s and 70’s, our focus get into our building. We will be open quality food at high prices. The city has members of Weavers Way. is not on selling solely health food or or- two days a week, Wednesday and Satur- been trying for years to attract supermar- ganics. Our focus is on providing access day, selling fresh, locally grown produce ket operators into the community with WW: Chester’s Co-op is a new mem- to healthy nutritional food at a fair price. (when available) and other great food. We no takers and this is still the case today. ber of the cooperative community. How Healthy means fresh food that still holds a will also have a Family Wellness Fun Day We have an unhealthy community that did you decide that the co-op model was high percentage of its nutritional and on April 14 for the entire community. Ac- cannot wait for someone else to say they the right one for your community? health benefits; starting there is huge for cess to food and learning how to live want to do business in Chester. We have a TJ: A lot of research went into finding our community. Currently in Chester healthy are keys to people living well in a 27 percent obesity rate amongst our the business structure that would best there is no supermarket, which has been thriving community. youth, 40 percent of our adults have stage benefit and serve our community. A tra- the case for 16 years. This has resulted in II diabetes. The health issues go on, many ditional supermarket, although a lot less the members of the community having WW: Where is Chester’s co-op in it’s of them due to lack of access to quality work to develop and to find funding for, their health adversely affected because development process? food. We are in a race against the clock. was not the right model for the purpose they have limited access to quality nutri- TJ: We are in the crucial stages of the It’s time that food stop being held hostage we had in mind for the sort of food store tional foods. We exist for reasons that en- development process. We have a growing from our community and others like it we wanted. We wanted a supermarket compass traditional co-op ideals but in- membership, 155 strong. We have identi- from urban to rural America. So our that would meet specific needs of the corporate a new set of ideals. We are defi- fied a site that is under agreement. And we doors have to open. It truly is a matter of community, be a sustainable business, a nitely a purpose-driven co-op. Chester’s are now in the final stretch of securing fi- life and death. socially responsible business partner with co-op is way more than a supermarket. nancing. It’s important that we have suffi- the community, and that would empower cient funding in order to open our doors. WW: Tina, I am inspired by your ded- the people in the community to be self- WW: What impact will this co-op Many co-ops, and other businesses, fail be- ication to your community. To our com- reliant and foster an economic independ- have on the health of the community? cause they are way under funded. Securing munity…we are all a part of each other. ence. The co-op model was the perfect fit, financing has proven the most difficult be- Kudos to you and to the members of the especially since it was really left up to us TJ: By establishing a grocery store cause of the ownership structure of co- Chester Co-op for taking this on. You all to define our co-op to meet our needs. with the specific needs of the community ops. Traditional banks are unfamiliar with really make a difference We have visited other co-ops and found a in mind and that exists for the purpose of the structure and cannot fit us into a “box” balance between existing co-ops and its membership is the beginning. Educat- that they are comfortable with. Even NCB If you are interested in learning more start-ups. The seven principles of the co- ing our co-op members and the larger (National Cooperative Bank) is hesitant about Chester’s Community Grocery Co- operative community resonated with our community about foods that promote a because we rely on member labor and are a op visit their website www. goals. The very fact that our community better diet is a great start. Having a member-only co-op. In order to build our chestercoop.com or e-mail the Weavers has come together to open its own gro- demonstration kitchen that teaches how equity investment, not only from member Way Membership Department at mem- cery store and decided to lead the way to- to prepare the foods we sell in a manner investment, we have started Chester’s Co- [email protected]. Please put Cultur- wards sustainable economic development that has the greatest health benefits is an- op Loan Program to raise other invest- al Moment in the subject line. that directly impacts our city is wonder- other way that we will make an impact. ment capital. It will be these loans that ful. Cultural Moment However, we know that it is not easy to members and non-members make to our (continued from page 1) change people’s eating habits. Education co-op that will help build our case with WW: What are some characteristics and outreach is a large part of our mis- banking institutions so they will do busi- for and how to get involved. that defines Chester’s co-op? sion. Most people want to live and eat ness with us. Needless to say, we are work- We will make more details about the TJ: Chester’s co-op is a unique co-op healthy and if given the opportunity and ing and thinking outside the box so we can “Cultural Moment” initiative available at model for a lot of reasons; one being that resources to do so, they do it. We are pro- open our doors. the upcoming general membership meet- we are being started in a highly low to viding the impetus. ing in May. Look for our designated bul- WW: How crucial is it to the commu- letin board at Weavers Way starting in Home Delivery WW: Your store is not open yet. So nity that Chester’s co-op open its doors? May as well. We look forward to hearing what has the Co-op done to start things TJ: We formed our steering commit- about the cultures you would like to ex- Available to all members off in the community to promote its mis- tee on March 9, 2006, because we felt that plore with us sion? it was imperative that something be done If you are interested in learning more or contributing to The Cultural Moment Delivering Mon. & Thurs., 12-7 p.m. TJ: We had our first General Member- to change the reality of our community’s ship Business Meeting in February. This lack of access to quality food and to posi- contact the Membership Department by Order by PHONE: 215-843-2350, ext. 309 was a great experience for all of us. It was tively impact the health of our children as phone 215-843-6552, or e-mail mem- E-MAIL: [email protected] democracy at its best. Everyone could see well as adults. Chester is a city of 37,000 [email protected]. Please put Cultur- FAX: 215-843-6945 how their voice and vote matter. On people who do not have a supermarket. al Moment in the subject line. March 31, we will open our Farm Fresh APRIL 2007 THE SHUTTLE PAGE 5

Spring Nature Walks in the Wissahickon Update on Henry Attracting Birds by Denise Larrabee strikingly colorful School Campus to Your Yard In 2005, the entire Fairmount Park that they take your by Brenda Malinics system was recognized by the National breath away if you Park Project can spot them dur- My sure sign of spring each year is Audubon Society as an Audubon by Kaela Farber Pennsylvania Important Bird Area (IBA). ing the few seconds not the opening of the Philadelphia What ever happened to the Henry Philadelphia residents can take advantage they remain still,” he Flower Show but rather the arrival of schoolyard regrading project? A kick-off of this natural resource right outside says. Particularly those birds that leave us each fall in order meeting was held on February 5, 2007. their door this spring. The Friends of the memorable are the to survive in warmer climates. An avid The contractor will finish the tot lot be- Wissahickon (FOW) is sponsoring four colorful warblers, record-keeper, I track when these feath- Spring Bird Walks in April and May, led such as the parula, hind the kindergarten wing before start- ered spring harbingers return each year. by experienced birders: Gary Seagraves magnolia, and BALTIMORE ORIOLE ing on the upper school yard. Heavy The first arrivals back are usually the and Steve Lawrence, from FOW, and American redstart. equipment will enter the site through a brown-headed cowbirds, followed by the Debbie Carr, David Bower, Trish Fries, Three warblers still breed in the new gate on Greene Street. They will large and iridescent grackles, and then and Megan Sgarlat from the Fairmount Wissahickon in significant numbers: the work from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. daily. the wonderful sight and sound of the Park Commission. Louisiana waterthrush; yellow warbler; Morning assembly will be in the lower red-winged blackbirds. “Beginning in mid-April, migrating and common yellowthroat. school yard during the project, because This year, however, the cowbirds birds are arriving from the south to nest During FOW’s bird walks, partici- the upper school yard will be closed. returned Feb. 11, one week earlier than or rest briefly in the Park before moving pants are likely to spot vultures, hawks, Substantial completion, unless spring last year. Further investigation revealed on,” says Steve Lawrence, Co-chair of swallows, and chimney swifts. Along the gets very rainy, will be before school ends. that they have been arriving one week FOW’s Wildlife Committee. “Some 125 stream, the “rattling” call of the kingfish- When finished, the upper schoolyard will earlier than the previous year, for the past er can be heard, while one observes a three years. Soon we may see the colorful species of birds will migrate through or be nearly level for play, and side slopes spotted sandpiper or solitary great blue and vocal warblers—always a joy to see over the Wissahickon Valley, and some will be planted with grass, trees, and heron in its great prehistoric grandeur. and hear. Following the arrival of the will remain to nest in the varied habitats shrubs. The new plantings will need wa- The turkey vulture and red-tailed hawk warblers are the last tiny sky jewels, the available here.” tering by volunteers, using a water con- also make an appearance on almost every hummingbirds. We also will also see our old, reliable, nection at the school. To be part of this permanent residents such as chickadees, walk, while other springtime possibilities My yard is full of feeders dispensing include migrating ospreys and broad- “Horticulture Team,”please contact Greg different types of seeds attractive to dif- titmice, nuthatches, woodpeckers, jays, Moore at: [email protected] . crows, and cardinals. winged hawks, swift flying Cooper’s ferent bird species. I choose to feed By the end of April, wood ducks may hawks, or sharp-shinned hawks. Help the throughout the entire year, despite the already have ducklings in the stream, and Each Spring Bird Walk is free and Philadelphia Parks Alliance presence of summer insects and berries. I summer residents will be seeking nesting lasts for two hours – sometimes longer if do reduce the amount of summer feed- sites. These summer residents include: the day is productive. For additional Support ing, but I never stop entirely. My suet ruby-throated hummingbirds; flickers; information call FOW’s office at 215- holders bring in the woodpeckers and phoebes; peewees and crested flycatchers; 247-0417 or visit www.fow.org. your wrens; a platform feeder attracts the larg- red-eyed vireos; rough-winged swallows; Dates, Times, and Locations: er birds like robins and mourning doves; house wrens; blue-gray gnatcatchers; Sunday, April 29, 9:00 a.m. Meet at Parks! I have peanut hearts for the chickadees, wood thrushes and veeries; an occasional Bell’s Mill Road and Forbidden Drive titmice and nuthatches, and saffron seed Show your scarlet tanager or indigo bunting; and Wednesday, May 9, 8:00 a.m. Meet at for the cardinals. Throughout the winter, support with many melodious and bright-colored Bell’s Mill Road and Forbidden Drive (continued on page 6) these PPA Baltimore orioles. Friday, May 18, 8:00 a.m. Meet near buttons, available at Weavers Way Lawrence says that approximately 35 Carpenters Woods at Wayne Ave. bus species of warblers will come through, stop some of them very rare or occasional, so Tuesday, May 22 6:00 p.m. Meet at only an ardent enthusiast will have a the Andorra Tree House at 5:30 for light chance of seeing them all. “Many war- refreshments before the walk, when we blers are reasonably common and so will look for bluebirds, nesting warblers, orioles, and owls.

6:30 - 8:30 p.m.April 10th - 24th

Save these Dates! Mt.Mt. AiryAiry Kids'Kids' LiteraryLiterary Festival!Festival! Saturday, April 14, & Sunday, April 15, 2007!

Book readings and signings from plenty of great children's authors and illustrators, crafts, activities, storytelling, and more!In collabo- rative venues throughout the Mt. Airy neighborhood. Check www.bigbluemarblebooks.com for festival updates.

HOURS Mon-Wed: 10 a.m.-7p.m. • Thurs: 10 a.m.-8 p.m. • Fri: 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Sat: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. • Sun: 12 p.m.-5 p.m. PAGE 6 THE SHUTTLE APRIL 2007

Attract Birds to Your Yard and joy to myself and the neighborhood strikes kill many songbirds and hawks. fect feeders by fully immersing them in a (continued from page 5) children who stand and stare from the One way to prevent this is to place a 10 percent bleach solution (one part sidewalk at the action in my garden. sticker, sometimes of a predator bird, on household bleach: nine parts water) for I put out bowls of small cat food for the Although watching the birds is joyous, the glass to give the bird a visual warning 2-3 minutes. blue jays and crows, whose large crops their presence is beneficial through their to avoid that area. These stickers are sold Giving the bird’s ample feeder space (stomachs) require a lot of calories and effective ecological control of insects, at bird and nature stores. If a bird does also prevents disease. Several feeders at amounts to fill. weeds and small rodents. Bats, of course, strike a window and is lucky enough not wide intervals will help disperse feath- My bird baths and water bowls are a take care of the insects by night. to break its neck, it will have had (literal- ered visitors. Remember to clean up chore to keep full at this time as more When setting up feeders, one needs to ly) the wind knocked out of it. If it hasn’t waste under the feeders that can mold and more migrants arrive in preparation remember that birds are more comfort- sustained a concussion, it will remain and spread disease. Check your feeders for nesting and breeding. I am privileged able with natural bush nearby to provide stunned on the ground for no more than for sharp edges or splinters. Even small to witness the birds’ territorial claims, cover if predators arrive. Speaking of 10 – 15 minutes. If it doesn’t fly away scratches and cuts will allow bacteria and courtship, nesting and parenting habits. predators, if you do have bird feeders, within 15 minutes, it needs medical viruses to enter otherwise healthy birds. All five of my bird houses were cleaned you may see a song bird snagged by a intervention immediately. Use good food and check the feeder’s in the fall and await this year’s residents. hawk. Coopers and Sharp Shin hawks, It is critically important to prevent contents to make sure that it has not got- There is always a bird eating, drinking or who live throughout our area, survive by disease at your feeders. Salmonellas, tri- ten wet and growing fungus or mold. bathing in my yard bringing color, song eating smaller birds. Although it isn’t comoniasis, pox, aspergillosis, and con- Sick or injured birds, and all native pleasant to see, it is a part of nature and I junctivitis are all diseases that can affect wildlife, can be brought to the Schuylkill DIVERSIFIED SERVICES don’t try to stop it or interfere with a birds that visit backyard bird feeders. You Wildlife Clinic at 304 Port Royal Avenue SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE hawk after it has caught a songbird. If can minimize the spread of disease by (Roxborough) at 215-482-8217. Care is Anything Organized you interrupt a kill, the hawk will only go keeping your feeders clean. At least once free and financial donations and volun- Packing for Moving somewhere else and find food to feed or twice once a month, clean and disin- teers are always needed. Unpacking and Setting Up itself or its offspring. You are then still Party Help left with one injured bird and one hun- Cat-Sitting w/TLC gry hawk. This, of course, does not apply Companion Care Senior Services to our pets that attack wildlife; that references available/25 years experience always requires intervention. Please be mindful of windows, espe- Debbie Ansell cially large ones, near feeders. Window 215-844-2280

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Valley Green Bank Kicks Off a Fantastic Education Committee Film Series Offer for Weavers Way Continues in April by Leslie Seitchik members to bank at Valley Green Bank, by Larry Schofer Valley Green Bank, a locally owned, but also give members an opportunity to The Weavers Way Education Commit- The next showing, Wednesday, April community-focused bank headquartered give back to Weavers Way.“This is a win- tee is introducing a new films series at the 11, at 7 p.m., will be “America Beyond in Mt. Airy, has created an enticing offer win for the bank and the Co-op. The Screening Room of the Video Library Capitalism,” a presentation of Gar Alper- especially for Weavers Way members. more members take advantage of this of- (Germantown Ave. between Durham St. ovitz’s important talk at last April’s Gen- and Mt. Airy Ave.), on a theater-size When a Weavers Way member becomes a fer, the more money the Co-op receives eral Membership Meeting. screen with theater-style seating. The new customer at Valley Green Bank, Val- for its environmental programs. Our goal Gar’s rousing speech to the Weavers films will all relate to issues of interest to ley Green Bank will give that member ei- is to have as many Co-op members as Way members will be replayed, to be fol- Weavers Way members – for example, the ther a $30 gift certificate to be used at possible to be customers at Valley Green. lowed by a discussion of how Weavers environment, good food and agricultural Way members might move forward on Weavers Way or make a $50 donation to The more customers the bank has, the practices, neighborhood issues, coopera- cooperative issues. Come see what all the the Weavers Way Community Programs. more it can promote community devel- tive activity. excitement was about. As you know, the Weavers Way Commu- opment. It’s a perfect fit – Weavers Way members understand the value of local The first film, shown on March 14, Future showings will take place the nity Programs support the school-based was “Independent America: The Two- businesses supporting the neighborhood second Wednesdays of May and June. Ti- Marketplace/Mini-Co-op program oper- Lane Search for Mom and Pop,” an ex- and bolstering the local economy.” tles to be announced. Each film will be ating in five local schools; the recycling citing and humorous documentary that Consumers can count on high-quali- followed by a moderated discussion. program and the Urban Farm Project at featured a husband and wife in search Seating is limited; admission is by ad- ty, convenient, personal service from Val- Awbury Arboretum. See the attached of family-run stores set off on a 6- vance reservation only - $2 per person, to ley Green Bank. These principles are coupon for further details. month road adventure into small-store be paid to a Weavers Way cashier (not what differentiate Valley Green from oth- Like Weavers Way, Valley Green Bank America. through the video library). is a local institution that believes in sup- er banking institutions. The Bank offers a porting the community. Just over a year favorable mix of deposit accounts, includ- There has been a problem with some members not redeeming the cash portion of ing non-interest and interest-bearing old, Valley Green Bank has partnered with their patronage rebate. It was surprising that there were about 200 last year. checking accounts, savings, money mar- numerous organizations to support their Management and the Board are proposing that subsection “g” be added to Article ket and certificate of deposit accounts. It efforts in building a stronger, healthier IX, Section 4 (see bold underlined text). community. The bank has supported also offers customers individual retire- family events for The Friends of the Wis- ment accounts. Proposed Bylaw Amendment on Patronage sahickon, hosted receptions for organiza- Valley Green Bank, a member of tions like West Mt. Airy Neighbors and FDIC, is headquartered at 7226 German- Rebates Spring 2007 Mt. Airy Baseball, sponsored a Mt. Airy town Avenue in Mt. Airy, was formed by Baseball little league team, and held an es- community and business leaders and is Article IX - Disposition of Net Savings say contest for local middle school stu- owned by many local shareholders. Valley 4.Written Notice to Members – An allocation of patronage rebates dents that included a $2500 higher educa- Green Bank is. The Bank is opened Mon- tion scholarship for the winner. day through Friday from 8 a.m. until 6 shall be evidenced by a written notice within eight months and fifteen When designing this unique offer for a.m. and on Saturday from 9 a.m. until 1 days after the end of the fiscal year stating: Weavers Way, Valley Green president and p.m. For questions call 215-242-3550 or a.The amount of net savings assigned to that member’s reserve Co-op member Jay Goldstein wanted visit the website at www.valleygreen- capital account as part of the patronage rebate; bank.com. something that would not only encourage b.The amount of net savings assigned to that member’s regular capital account as part of the patronage rebate; c.The amount of net savings being paid to the member in cash as part of the patronage rebate; d.The total of a, b, and c designated “total patronage rebate”; e.The member’s total reserve capital account; f.The member’s total regular capital account; g.That the cash portion will be assigned to the members’ regular capital account if not redeemed within four months of the date of this notice.

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Down on the Farm like baby carrots, colorful radishes, gold- Association for Sustainable Agriculture Safe at Second (contunued from page 1) en beets, patty pan squash, lemon (PASA) conference, Emily and I have cucumbers, and the like. As it turns out, been working together on a business plan by Mark Goodman instance, in one particular bed, we will many of these specialty items fetch a for the entire operation. Necessary sup- With baseball season upon us, I tune plant carrots in the spring, followed by pretty high price at market, so it’s a good plies for the season have been ordered into the sports stations, eagerly drinking broccoli raab in the summer, followed by match. Our main sales outlet will contin- and are starting to arrive. in news about our stalwart Phillies. How- salad greens in the fall. Basically, we are ue to be the Co-op, but depending on Work on the new half acre is pro- ever, the other day I heard something un- going to crowd a lot of plants into a little how much we can eke out of our sub- gressing nicely. For those of you who expected – and refreshing. Chase Utley, space and never leave any space unplant- acre plot, we may expand our sales to a have worked out at the farm in the past, I the Phillies second baseman, who just ed, not even in the winter. Well, maybe a local restaurant or two and nearby farm- think you will be pleasantly surprised little bit in the winter. The soil, and ers market. when you see all the work that the folks signed a seven-year, $85 million contract, myself, will need to rest at some point. With a good idea of what we were at Awbury Arboretum have done. They spoke eloquently and passionately about With this system in mind, I needed to going to be growing, I hit the seed cata- are very excited to have us take over this the dangers of global warming. figure out exactly which crops we would logs, decided on varieti new piece of land and have been working So what, you say? be growing. Of course, this depends on es and placed the orders. I then got hard to get it cleared so we can grow on Professional athletes traditionally are what people want (a farmer must know out pencil and paper to map out where it this season. The process has sparked a conservative and rarely speak out for lib- his market) and what is profitable. It everything would fit into the field, and at redevelopment of the whole Northwest eral or progressive causes. Part of the rea- wouldn’t make a lot of sense (or cents) what time, keeping crop families in mind Tract of the arboretum, where the farm is son is that they’ve been coddled and intel- for us to grow all feed corn or hay. So I so that related crops don’t follow each located. They are removing invasive vines lectually sheltered for most of their lives met with produce manager Jean other in a particular area. Based on the and trees, putting gravel down on the because of their athletic prowess. Also, MacKenzie to see what types of produce crop plan, I developed a schedule for road and even creating a small parking with their outlandish contracts, they she had difficulty getting, and which planting seeds. lot for the farm. It’s all very exciting identify with the monied classes. When items she didn’t sell in great enough Some crops, like peas and radishes, As the planting season arrives, I look have we heard an athlete – even one who quantity to require large, regular deliver- will be seeded directly into the field, forward to supplying the Co-op member- grew up in poverty – espouse raising the ies from an outside farm or distributor. while others, such as tomatoes and pep- ship again with fresh, local, organically minimum wage? In short, athletes com- The main theme of Jean’s requests was pers, need to be started in a greenhouse. grown (but not certified) produce, as well menting on controversial political or so- “cute.” She wants vegetables that are “But wait, I didn’t think we had one of as working with the farm committee to cial issues is bad for business. small and unique and not commonly those,” you might say. And you would be continue our educational mission in the So to hear Utley speak knowledgeably found in produce departments. Things right; we don’t have one — at least not community. I encourage you all to get in- and forthrightly about an environmental yet. At present, we are renting space in a volved this year. The sign-up for coopera- problem, which many conservatives have greenhouse owned by Wyncote Academy, tor shifts is posted and more slots will pretended doesn’t exist, is as welcome as a a school on Washington Lane, just a cou- open up as the weather warms. Feel free cool breeze on a summer night at the ball ple miles past the farm. We began seed- to contact me if you have any questions at park. ing some of the cool season crops on [email protected] or leave a mes- Play ball Go Phillies Feb. 20. sage at ext. 310 at the store. In between crop planning and seed starting, I developed a budget for antici- pated farm expenses over the next five years, including seeds, equipment, organ- ic fertilizer, irrigation supplies, labor, etc. After attending a seminar on “Strategic Business Planning” at the Pennsylvania

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Evergreen Groundcovers for Shade: Idyllic Summers at Beachcombers Co-op The Big Three by Nini Engel For Weavers Way members, the by Mark Goodman idea of a cooperative swim club I’ve written about ground covers flower beds and sidewalks, and off of should come naturally. Beach- before, but the topic deserves more cov- trees and walls. The danger that ivy poses comber Swim Club was started in the erage because it’s one of the biggest areas for stone walls is real, not just an urban 1950s by a group of people who of concern in Northwest Philadelphia, legend. Ivy will suck out the moisture wanted to create a peaceful place where grass is often hard to grow. from mortar on stone and brick walls, where their families could swim, Instead, many homeowners and garden- causing holes in the wall and weakening play, relax and enjoy the outdoors. ers turn to the Big Three of evergreen the structure. Advice: if you like to see ivy Members cleared underbrush and re- shade groundcovers: pachysandra, ivy, climbing on walls, go down to Penn. and vinca. Let’s review the pros and cons moved the poison ivy. Other mem- Ivy is difficult to rake leaves through bers shared their architectural and of each. because rakes get caught in the vines and engineering expertise in planning needed. Our youngest was shy in the Pachysandra is the most common tear them. In addition, unless the plant is and design. Members still contribute ac- group class, but picked up skills quickly ground cover in the area. It spreads by very old and uncut, ivy will not flower, tively. after two sessions with her favorite life- underground runners, which makes it leaving us with a bed of green for most Beachcomber sits on 17 acres in Blue the easiest ground cover to rake through, of the year. Finally, ivy – particularly on guard. The energetic pool staff are fa- Bell, Pa. From West Mt. Airy, the drive which is important in neighborhoods slopes – is vulnerable to winter-burn mously popular with the children. takes between 20- 25 minutes. For those with many deciduous trees. In addition, from cold winds. The plant usually Our family joined in the early nineties families coming after work, the train sta- it’s the cheapest. A 100-plant flat of recovers, but it can be bare and splotchy and our daughters spent many summers pachysandra costs about 20 percent less for months. tion is within a five-minute drive, making there. Since we’re on an academic sched- than a flat of ivy (100 plants) or vinca Vinca, for many gardeners, is the it easy to collect Center City commuters. ule, we used Beachcomber as a family (24-50 plants). Finally, mature pachysan- prize of the three. Also called periwinkle Since the adults make friends, too, it’s camp. All of us could swim, drop in to dra will bloom white flowers to comple- and myrtle, it sports a beautiful purple common to hear,“Can Jacob stay with cooking classes, arts and crafts, or guitar ment the mass of green. flower in early spring. In addition, you while I go pick up Dan at the train?” jam sessions. Wednesday afternoons were However, pachysandra is the most although it too spreads by sending out or,“Can the girls hang out with you while set in stone, (stoneware actually), since vulnerable to heat and drought, often vines, it is not nearly as invasive as ivy. I pick up the pizzas?” The cooperative the pottery class was always on Wednes- burning out when people neglect the However, vinca is the most expensive spirit spills over into a feeling of extended days in the picnic grove. It’s easy to simple rule of watering twice a week dur- of the three, and it can get a fungus when family. arrange a summer birthday party on the ing dry spells. Furthermore, the plant is planted in poorly drained areas. And, like Over time, Beachcomber has evolved grounds. Guest fees are reasonable and vulnerable to fungus if the soil has poor ivy, it is difficult to rake leaves through. into an unusual summer sanctuary. The half price on Thursdays. drainage and stays too wet. All three choices have the advantage grounds are wooded and extensive, letting Ivy is a close second in popularity. It As the demographics of the club have of eliminating weeds when filled in families set up camp for the day under is by far the hardiest of the three. Because changed in the past few years, Beach- thickly. And for a splash of brightness, their favorite tree. Children swim, play of its deep root system, it will not dry out comber has been actively seeking new you can usually plant daffodils in a basketball, volleyball, miniature golf, or easily in droughts. Moreover, it’s the members. There are significant discounts ground cover bed if there are at least four check out a board game to play on their for first time members, so that you have quickest spreader, covering large areas hours of sun. The ground cover foliage blanket. Adults swim laps, read under the the chance to try the experience for a both horizontally and vertically. And it will help hide the daffodil leaves once trees, play tennis, take painting classes summer. There is an open house sched- will often get reddish highlights when the they begin to wither. and snooze. There are family sleepover uled for Sunday, May 6, from 12 to 3 p.m. weather turns colder. There you have it – three good choic- nights and special events for Fourth of (rain date Saturday, May 12). So how come many people want to es for your shady lawn area, bed, or July, Memorial Day and Labor Day. Young remove ivy from their gardens? First, it’s slope. Weigh the pros and cons, and then The sunlight falling through the trees children make their first independent trip prolificness is also a drawback. Gardeners instead of grass use one of the Big Three. in the early evening, families barbecuing to the snack bar and return grinning with tire of cutting back errant ivy vines from p.s. Happy Earth Day and Arbor Day. and talking in the picnic grove, toddlers the pleasure of their successful purchase showered up and in pajamas for the ride and dripping cherry water ice. At Beach- home – when the day ends at Beach- comber, children can safely have a level of comber, we head home cool, relaxed, and independence that has become increas- renewed. Come join us in 2007 ingly rare. For more information contact Swimming lessons for children are NEW STORE HOURS Michael Kolodner, chairperson, at 215- available at low cost and private lessons 242-5272 or check out Beachcomber’s 2 PAIRS OF GLASSES COMPLETE can be arranged with the lifeguards as website, www.beachcomberswimclub.org Single Vision Lenses Selected Frames $129.99 DINNER• BRUNCH • CATERING • TAKE-OUT

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Oh Yes, I’m a Great Tree Tender! Ned Wolf Park (continued from page 1) by Dave Tukey represent victims of no substitute for a workshop. We are for- The Right Tree in the Right Place. racial segregation. In tunate to have such a training workshop That’s the well-known advice for urban response, Ned Wolf cre- in our area: the Tree Tenders program. street trees. But just how do you go about ated and ran The Since 1993, this program has trained planning to plant a tree along your side- Lawyers Committee for more than 1500 volunteers in 100 walks? What trees are good for our urban Civil Rights Under Law Philadelphia neighborhoods and has re- area? How much area do they need for in 1969, which later be- cently expanded to nearby counties in growth? What about overhead wires and came PILCOP (Public Pennsylvania. other obstacles? What care do young Interest Law Center of The next Philadelphia Green Tree trees need if they are to thrive? What re- Phila), which fought to Tender training series will be held sources are available to help your neigh- get our city, state and Wednesdays, May 16, 23 and 30, from borhood group plant trees on your block? federal governments to 5:45pm-8:45pm, at the Pennsylvania While there are great websites with do right by the public, Horticultural Society (100 North 20th answers to these questions, if you want to especially the most vul- NED WOLF PARK Street). There are also workshops be a serious street tree advocate, there’s nerable citizens, includ- planned for Bucks and Montgomery ing children, people of color, and the dis- dates for both events will be the next day.) Counties this spring, with more work- abled. Ned Wolf died of cancer in 1977 at Your donations and volunteer efforts are shops scheduled for the fall. The series is the age of 39. His widow built and dedi- needed. free of charge and snacks are served, but cated the park in his name in 1979 We are seeking donations of shade- you must register. It’s not uncommon for In November 2006, when the commu- loving perennials that grow 30 inches or the program to be booked to capacity. nity organized in response to the recent less such as ferns, hellabores, lily-of-the- Tree Tender training includes: rash of crime near the Co-op, Ronda valley, forget-me-not, hardy begonia, • Tree Biology Throne-Murray became aware of com- chameleon plant, barrenwort, coral bells, • Urban Stresses on Trees munity concern about the condition of variegated monkey grass, variegated • Tree Identification the local park; she has dedicated herself to brunerra, or blue, yellow or variegated • Basic Tree Pruning and Root Care coordinating rehabilitation efforts now hosta. If you have a roto-tiller, chain saw, • Tree Planting officially called the Ned Wolf Park Pro- stump grinder, or small chipper and are • Community Organizing ject. Ronda has had the help of Laura willing to lend them or operate them on The workshop series is part of the Siena of WMAN and Philadelphia Green, May 19, that would be a big help, too. Tax southeast Pennsylvania “TreeVitalize” ini- a division of the Philadelphia Horticul- deductible financial donations can be tiative of the Commonwealth’s Depart- tural Society that helps neighborhoods sent to WMAN (6703 Germantown Ave, ment of Conservation and Natural Re- and the city’s Dept. of Recreation revital- Ste.# 200, Phila, PA 19119) with Ned Wolf sources and was developed by staff from ize their parks. Ronda has spoken to con- Park in the memo section. PHS and the Penn State Cooperative Ex- tacts in the other city agencies and is ex- The Department of Recreation said tension. ploring what they can accomplish. She they will do their part to schedule mow- For further information, contact ei- wants to do a lot, including removal of ing the grass and collecting trash now ther: Julianne Schieffer (610-489-4315, dangers and eyesores, installation of new that they know the neighborhood is “in- [email protected]) or Mindy Maslin (215- gardens and bushes, repair of the wooden terested.”They are looking into removing 988-8844, [email protected]). To wall, additional lighting and signage con- the rubble, providing benches and repair- register on-line, go to www.pennsylvania- sisting of an official park name sign and a ing the railroad tie wall. A Department of horticulturalsociety.org and choose “Tree plaque about Ned Wolf. Recreation site survey is pending and we Tenders Training.” Ronda initially had high hopes for a will know what they plan to do before our complete rehabilitation in the coming May work day. spring, but the city’s help is more likely to The Weavers Way Environmental come much later in the year. However, the Committee has welcomed an application At This Mt. Airy Day, Buy Germantown! transformation of the park will still get from the Ned Wolf Park Project, and under way this May. Ronda and Syd Car- there may be grant money for new bushes penter will be gathering local gardeners to to be planted as part of the May event, in form the Mt. Airy Garden Club, who will addition to donated plants from you and also become the “Friends of Ned Wolf the Garden Club members. Park.” Together we will work to prepare If you want to join the Garden and plant some new garden beds and Club, donate money or plant divi- plant a number of bushes. A work week- sions, volunteer or offer assistance, Quality T-shirts in White, Gray or Black end will be coordinated on Saturday, May please contact Ronda Throne-Murray 19. (We have also added a soil preparation at [email protected], or call (Male and Female Fit shirts available S to XXL) $15-17 215-848-4222. "License plates" for mantle or vehicle $10 Natural cotton color tote bag $10 day to our agenda on April 28. Heavy rain New! Black apron with three front pockets $15 Free delivery in Call 215-848-1375 to order NW Philly or (Look for license plates on sale at the Co-op) mailed anywhere!.

Chestnut Hill Sales Office Bus: 215-247-3750 x227 Fax: 215-242-3425 14 W. Evergreen Avenue, Phila., PA 19118 E-mail: [email protected] APRIL 2007 THE SHUTTLE PAGE 11

Weavers Way: a Modern Watering Hole Coming Home By Aviva Perlo on, and give someone else a chance to by Mark Goodman Years ago, people walked to the near- draw water with joy on this special street I didn’t want to leave Mt. Airy ten For me, it’s great to be back among fa- est water source to fill up big jugs for wa- corner. “Next shopper?” years ago, but the move to Elkins Park miliar sights and sounds, including ter, cooking, and bathing. We washed our I moved to Mt Airy from the west was best for our family. Now I’m back as a Weavers Way. You don’t know how good clothes in the river and socialized in the coast (Eugene, Oregon), so when I first single parent, and I’m thrilled to be re- it feels to walk into the Co-op and start process. The watering hole brought peo- saw Weavers Way, I felt at home. But then united with my beloved Mt. Airy, where I yakking with old and new friends and ple together. The watering hole became a I noticed a peculiar thing: there were had lived for 27 years. neighbors, ex-students and teachers, and place of community, connection, and meat/animal products for sale in Weavers In some ways, I never left. I kept my customers. I enjoy catching up on the lat- even a place to strike deals and play Way. And even some Kosher ones too. landscaping business in the neighbor- est news about family, jobs, school, and matchmaker. Today, many of us have our Wow, I had belonged to a lot of co-ops hood with two garages and an office, and relationships, or to just chat about books, own washing machines plugged into our and never saw animal products for sale in I shopped at the Co-op whenever I could. gardening, and sports. Some days, when I own homes. Separated by boxes, by con- co-ops before. The East Coast rocks I I wasn’t the only one who felt the pang of see acquaintances from the past, it’s like venience and technological advancement. mused. Soon, I figured out that if I did loss at leaving Mt. Airy. Shortly after being on the old TV show,“This Is Your But in spite of our advancement, we have not have social plans for Friday night moving, I was invited to an “expatriate” Life.” luckily managed to preserve the essence Shabbat dinner, I could go into the Co-op party, attended by former Mt. Airyites So it’s wonderful to return, and as of the water hole, and that sacred place is late on a Friday afternoon (4 p.m.-ish) who identified with their old neighbor- Alex and I wind our way to friends’ hous- called Weavers Way. The Co-op is my and casually run into people with whom I hood the way many people identify with es, Carpenter’s Woods, or the shops, the modern-day watering hole, a place to run could make plans for dinner. Geez, this their country. same message seems to resonate from the into people, say hello, exchange life up- co-op was getting better and better. My 13-year-old son Alex and I are buildings, the trees, and even the streets dates, plug into the latest and greatest Gathering at communal spaces like water- very happy to be on the unit block of and the sidewalks — Welcome Home community project, from community ing holes can enhance your social life. West Durham Street, a brief stroll away gardens to social entrepreneurs to free Who says the Industrial Revolution made from Mt. Airy’s “Golden Block,”German- Alternative Healthcare tickets to music concerts, voter registra- us all individuals? Watch out world, town Ave. between Mt. Pleasant and Mt. tion info, pawning off unwanted furni- we’ve got Weavers Way. Sure, the space is Airy Aves. Restaurants and eateries? Let’s For Women ture, picking up a feng shui consultant, tight, and you say ‘Excuse me’ a hundred see, there’s Chinese, Mexican, Middle sending faxes for my taxes, and finding times. Sure, your conversation lacks pri- Eastern, Italian, Southern home cooking, umpteen powerful remedies for winter vacy and people can hear you in every di- fried chicken, a coffee house, a pizzeria, a ailments. Of course, Weavers Way also rection. But, hey, it’s comfy, communal, night club, and a friendly neighborhood boasts fancy-shmanz organic teas, delec- hip, and downright utilitarian; after all, tavern. There is a video store (with ice table chocolates, and lox bits for my bagel you can always buy something useful in cream and water ice), a Mom n’ Pop store (food stocked according to Mt Airy cul- the Co-op before, during, and after each (more ice cream), barber shop, liquor tures). It really doesn’t get any better than conversation. At home, we tend to gather store, spa, cultural center, pharmacy, and Holistic Gynecology that, except of course, for all the cute in/near the kitchens. In communal space, stores selling African artifacts, art sup- Natural Menopause Options cashiers who ring you up so diligently and why not gather in Weavers Way. After all, plies, and stained glass. And that’s only Fertility/pregnancy Consultations calmly. The staff must have been trained as they say in event planning, it’s better to some of the shops One block more in ei- in “how to be hip” while also recognizing have a small space filled up versus a large ther direction and you have a convenience 14 kinds of zucchini. Just as I ponder room that’s partially filled. Weavers Way store and a super market. Iris S. Wolfson, CNM, CRNP promotes community, health, and togeth- how smooth they are, it’s time to move For an active teenager who eats like a Integrative Counseling & Care erness in more ways than one. locust and likes to have fun, this neigh- borhood is paradise. He’s also closer to his school, Project Learn, and his Hebrew 133 W. Phil-Ellena Street school, Mishkan Shalom in Manayunk, Do you want to create your life? Philadelphia, PA 19119 which is now holding teen classes at Ger- Do you find yourself living in the past or future, (215) 842-1657 mantown Jewish Centre. 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)

All Pepperidge Farm Crackers

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now thru April 30, 2007 PAGE 12 THE SHUTTLE APRIL 2007

Time to Put the Kettle On by Peter Samuel Back when I was a kid, my Dad had us It was there I learned first hand how like superoxide dis- all convinced that he had written the infa- the processing of the tiny tea leaves deter- mutase (SOD), its lack mous song “Tea for Two.”Whether that mines what kind of tea they end up with. of caffeine, and its was because it was just about the only The least amount of ‘oxidation’ results in very low tannin levels. song he knew (besides his college football green tea, a little more and they get Oo- It is only grown in one song “If you wanna be a Badger”) or long, and the most fermentation and oxi- province in South whatever the reason, he often broke into dation, turns the tea leaves ‘black’ and Africa and is a mem- the chorus near the end of dinner. It was thus they call it black tea. There is also ber of the legume usually when he thought he wasn’t getting white tea, which is not oxidized and is family. enough attention, or he was avoiding made from immature leaves. But from the Yerbe Mate is a some other topic. At any rate, I have only start, they are all made from the same tea-like beverage con- recently found out that the song was writ- plant. sumed mainly in Ar- ten by Youmans and Caesar and became Flavored teas are made by adding in- gentina, Uruguay, pounds of loose tea per month, or more. famous when sung in the 1925 musical, gredients during processing. Tossing jas- Paraguay and southern Brazil, but also Right now there are 18 kinds of loose tea “No, No Nanette.”Sorry, Dad. mine flowers with either black or green available at the Co-op of course. It is upstairs (all but two are organic) as well I bet you didn’t know I was leading up tea makes the delicious scented Jasmine brewed from the dried leaves and stemlets as boxed teas from Traditional Medici- to talking about the importance of tea in tea. Earl Grey is mainly the combination of the perennial tree Ilex paraguarensis. It nals, Bija and Yogi Tea. Traditional Medic- our lives. And when I say ‘our,’I mean of bergamot oil and a strong black tea. is thought to boost immunity, cleanse and inals are really herbal ‘infusions’ and each everyone on the planet. That is because English Breakfast tea is a combination of detoxify the blood, tone the nervous sys- is geared to helping with health issues tea in all of its various forms is the second different black tea leaves from India and tem, restore youthful hair color, retard ag- such as digestion or nerves or menstrual most consumed drink after water, and in Sri Lanka. ing, combat fatigue, and a whole list of cramps. our country it is the fourth most popular Different countries have different tast- other things. If you never get upstairs you won’t – that is after water, soft drinks and cof- ing teas – Ceylon tea from Sri Lanka, For- Chai tea, which has become super find those really fresh loose teas, but you fee. The average American drinks 155 mosa tea from Taiwan, Assam tea from popular in the last ten years, actually could discover on the shelves above the cups a year, and that number is steadily India. And then there are blends of all refers to ‘massala chai,’originally an Indi- onions an explosion of boxed and canned increasing. I personally gulp close to these. Affecting the thousands of varieties an drink made from black tea mixed with tea options. The most prolific is Republic 1,000 cups a year so I know I am doing of tea are variables such as soil, altitude a combination of spices like cardamom, of Tea with 23 and Celestial Seasons with my part statistically. and weather. Some teas crave high moun- cinnamon, black pepper, ginger root, and 22 types. Then there are entries from Real tea comes from the plant Camel- tains and cool mist, while others grow star anise and usually brewed with milk Choice, Eden, Twinings, Goodearth, Yogi, lia sinensis, which is a perennial evergreen better in lower terrain. The foremost tea and some sugar. My sister referred to this Tazo and Tetley. In 1953, Tetley launched shrub that grows mostly between the regions are in China, Japan, Taiwan, India as “tilk.”Chai is just another name for tea, the tea bag in the U.K. and it was an im- tropics of Cancer and Capricorn. Most and Sri Lanka.. and in many countries they use the word mediate success. The convenience of the tea is produced in Asia or Africa. Last In the tea industry, beverages made chai instead of “tea.” tea bag revolutionized how Britons drank year, I took a tour of a tea plantation in with herbs or flower parts instead of Many of you have been up to the sec- their tea and now the traditional tea pot South Carolina on an island near Camellia sinensis are often referred to as ond floor of the Co-op in the last few (even there) has given way to making tea Charleston. It is the only one in the Unit- tisanes (pronounced tee-zahn or TEE-san months to see the new display of loose in a cup using a tea bag. ed States and was started by Lipton in the or tih ZAHNS or tee-sahn, depending on teas. They are arrayed in hand-carved, Being one of those people who rarely 1960s when they were afraid that the in- which website you go to), or herbal infu- gravity-fed bins with see through doors. makes tea in a pot, I was saddened to find stability of the world markets would dev- sions. That covers a pretty wide category. Martha Fuller, the Co-op’s second-floor that the the tea used in tea bags has an in- astate tea prices. Now it is owned by Rooibos (universally pronounced roy- manager, told me that the teas and the dustry name — it is called “fannings” or Bigelow and their output is quite small, boss) is becoming more popular with Co- fancy bins are from Frontier Natural “dust” and is the waste product produced but at least they can claim the only truly op shoppers probably because they have Products. Frontier is a cooperative tea and from the sorting of higher quality loose American tea. heard about its high level of antioxidants herb wholesaler out of Iowa. They claim they are the industry leader in natural leaf tea. Tea aficionados say that this and organic packaged goods. The herbs method provides an inferior taste and ex- downstairs are also purchased from Fron- perience. Humph Also, Orange Pekoe, as tier. Most of their product is organic and I’m sure most of you know, has nothing many of them are Fair Trade items. to do with oranges. It is actually a catego- Martha says the Co-op sells about 30 (continued on page 13) OLD BOOKS WANTED HIGHEST PRICES PAID BOOKBOY.COM seeking quality books, entire collections or CO-OP MEMBER individual titles E-MAIL [email protected] OR CALL 215-848-6533 APRIL 2007 THE SHUTTLE PAGE 13

Put the Kettle On between 12 and 15 months to make pas- Step It Up, Philly! (continued from page12) sage from ports in the East to those in ry in the grading of tea leaves – just two London. Cut Carbon Emissions 80% by 2050! steps above the “fannings.” There have been a lot of claims lately by Meenal Raval about the health benefits of tea, especially After dinner at our house we often all As individuals, there's a lot we can do words of that it is a great source of anti-oxidants, have tea (except for Colin, age 9). The ad- around the homestead to reduce energy NASA's and that it may help in the prevention of vantage of tea bags is that everyone can consumption - and therefore the carbon Jim heart disease and cancer. Even Coca-Cola have something different. Sleepy Time emissions that cause global warming. In Hansen, we came out with “Enviga” which is a tea- from Celestial Seasons seems to be popu- addition, we can also ask our government will face a 'totally different planet,' one based drink they claim helps people lose lar with a few of the kids. It has a lot of to help us do the right thing with appro- infinitely sadder and less flourishing." You weight. According to the latest health let- chamomile in it, which is supposed to re- priate legislation, incentives and subsidies. can read more from McKibben at ter from the Center for Science in the lax you – always good for active teenage Author Bill McKibben and students www.stepitup07.org. Public Interest, none of these claims has girls from Middlebury College in Vermont Philly-area residents have stepped up been proven or can be. While an extract If you are thirsty for tea when you en- made such a request last Labor Day week- as well to rally at Independence Mall that called Teaflavin was found to lower ‘bad’ ter the Co-op, you should get a cold bot- end. They asked all their candidates for day from noon till 2 p.m. So, come by cholesterol levels in humans, it did so at tled tea from the cooler over by the walk- Federal office to support cutting carbon train... Come by bicycle... Come on levels equivalent of drinking 35 cups of in. There are two choices, Honest Tea and emissions by 80 percent by 2050, based on foot...Just come to the Mall with family, tea a day. Tazo; both come in three flavors and are the Jeffords-Waxman legislation. They friends and neighbors. Come with signs If you are looking for a new way to organic. If you have a minute, go to Tazo’s began a five-day walk from Middlebury and banners. start your day and would like to reduce web site, it is very cool (and refreshing). to Burlington, staying overnight with Come for the performances by Bill your caffeine intake, you should consider We won’t even talk about the commercial friends. By the time they reached Burling- Mettler of Quiet Riot. either black tea, with half the caffeine of brands of iced tea and iced tea mix – talk ton, their group had swelled to over 1,000 Hear the Global Warming Expert coffee, or green tea which has half that of about inferior Lots of those are mostly people In Burlington, each of the candi- from the Center for Global Negotiations black tea. Or check out the many selections corn syrup and flavoring. Not much real dates, one by one, stepped up to support as well as Mayoral candidates & celebri- of loose tea ‘tisanes’ upstairs in the Co-op. tea involved, and if there is, it’s definitely them. Thus ended the first ever march for ties. In the back of my mind, I can still tea dust. global warming by raising the bar for our See exhibits and resources for person- hear my dad’s out-of-pitch warbling of According to legend, tea was discov- demands as well. al action. ‘Tea for Two’ and it once again makes me ered in China over 5,000 years ago when Now, McKibben and students are the Sign postcards asking Congress to: want to put the kettle on. an Emperor who liked to boil water be- command center of a nation-wide action Step It Up Cut Carbon Emissions by 80 fore he drank it accidentally sipped water called Step It Up, slated for Saturday, Percent by 2050. into which some leaves had fallen. The in- Advertise in the April 14. Almost 800 cities across our na- For general inquiries and offers to vol- quisitive and curious monarch was pleas- tion have heeded their call and are rally- unteer, contact Cat Nemen at catdande- antly surprised by the brews flavour and Shuttle! ing to say: "Step It Up Congress Cut Car- lion @ gmail.com. If your organization its restorative properties. What, you think you’re the only bon Emissions by 80 percent by 2050" on wants to promote the event, contact China then enjoyed tea for centuries this National Day of Climate Action. Meenal Raval at meenal @ mtairygreen- before it was introduced to the outside one who reads it? McKibben says: "The best science tells ing.net. Please direct media inquiries to world through trade. It is believed that us we have ten years to fundamentally Pamela Tudor at [email protected] or the Turkish Empire was the first to trade Call 215-843-2350, ext. 111 transform our economy and lead the our hotline number 267-709-3415. More for tea, and then it eventually made its e-mail world in the same direction or else, in the at www.stepitupphilly.org. way to Europe via the Portuguese outpost [email protected] in Macau. Until the mid- 1800’s, cargo or visit www.weaversway.coop and ships and those carrying tea, usually took click “advertise”

Look where Children Become... writers, mathematicians, readers, confident speakers, budding scientists, potters, poets, kind people, critical thinkers and more... Parent Open House: Sunday,April 15th, 2-4 p.m. Art History Presentation and Alumni Panel

Cresheim Valley Psych Associates

Psychotherapy and Play Therapy for People of All Ages

Child/Teen/Adult/Couple/Family

A collaborative approach to growth and change using a variety of methods including Sandtray therapy and Parent/Child (Filial) therapy. We use imagination, creativity and humor as an integral part of our work.

KAREN E. PERNET, LCSW, RPT-S WENDY A. CAPLIN, Ph.D., RPT-S 6445 Greene Street 436 E. Durham St. Philadelphia, PA 19119 Philadelphia, PA 19119 (215) 843-2992 (215) 248-9446

Gestalt and Registered Play Therapists PAGE 14 THE SHUTTLE APRIL 2007

The Simplicity Dividend The Perfect Gift by Betsy Teutsch Up until Kristallnacht his childhood had to California. Eric was quite tick- My late father-in-law, Eric, was in all been a happy one, and reminders of that led, and I was pleased that there matters methodical and measured; no time and place pleased him. His favorite was something we could actually send detail was too small for precision and treat was lebkuchen, a crumbly him that he was guaranteed to enjoy. Christmas ginger and citron cookie with Last summer, on one of our many consistency. This is typical of Germany, This a paper-thin sugar wafer crust. Nurnberg visits during his last months, we remi- from which he fled as a young refugee. As was unthinkable. But, is the heart of lebkuchen country, and nisced about his surprise at receiving a 20-year-old immigrant bereft of par- oh, so much enjoyed. On our next visit a each year Cousin Friedel from Nurnberg lebkuchen again. He allowed as that he ents and lacking education, he brought few weeks later, he was still rationing it would send a gift tin of these treats. The had really enjoyed them, but they were this attention to detail to his new life, out at each lunch and savoring each bite. tins themselves, embossed with scenes of not the best brand — the ultimate gradually working himself up from ware- When the subject came up, he said, with Medieval Germany, are beautiful works lebkuchen being Haeberlein-Metzger. My house hand to bookkeeper to manager. alarm: “Don’t send any more ” And then of art, making the lebkuchen-eating ritu- husband duly jotted this down. A few When it was time for wife-shopping, he he told us this second batch was even al even more delectable. He would enjoy months later we had the opportunity to looked back to his home community and fresher and better than the first. The a morsel of lebkuchen each day, daintily send Eric the very best, and despite a married a fellow refugee from the same whole concept of a second shipment of rewrapping the goodies and soberly seal- decreased appetite, he still relished them. city, now also a new American. The two lebkuchen was very unsettling for a ing them up, stretching out the experi- By then his world had become very steadfastly set forth to succeed. Victory methodical, measured man, but there ence for as many weeks as possible. Once small. Hospice nurses visited once or would be reinstating the family’s status was glee under his disapproval of our I baked lebkuchen from a recipe I twice weekly; he stopped driving because stolen from them by the Nazis. And suc- excess. tracked down, thinking it would warm of frailty and medications; his cronies ceed my in-laws did. He stretched his lebkuchen out for his heart. He was polite about it, but let had passed on. Each day there were four Early on in our married life, my three more weeks, each day weaker and me know there was really no relationship phone calls: each son, his brother, and his mother-in-law – ever practical and not in more pain. On Jan. 22, he ate the last between my offering and the genuine sister-in-law. Our daily conversations the slightest bit sentimental – suggested of the lebkuchen, and the following article. now included a lebkuchen report and we forgo material gifts for the usual occa- morning he awoke unable to move and Time passed, and Eric retired, aged, how much he had enjoyed his daily por- sions. We happily agreed, and a highly in unbearable pain. He was transferred to and mellowed. A move to a Continuing tion. I never recall giving a gift with such regulated system was set in place. There the nursing facility, tended to by devoted Care Community coincided with a can- staying power. were checks for us for birthdays and hospice staff, and died a week later. He cer diagnosis. For three years, he carefully A few weeks later we learned the anniversaries, a phone call from them died satisfied he had done the best he followed a regimen of surgery, radiation, lebkuchen were finished. My father-in- every Saturday evening, and in our salad possibly could, at age 87. As Eric himself and chemo, but it was clearly a down- law was clearly not going to be around days, a “mitbring,” a check left behind would have said: “Not bad.” ward spiral. Friedel aged, too, and the next winter, so – what the hell. I brought when they visited us to cover any extra Betsy blogs at www.money- lebkuchen stopped coming, a very sad up the website and shipped off another expenses we might have incurred on changesthings.blogspot.com their behalf. For big birthdays and state of affairs for my father-in-law. two tins. A second batch of lebkuchen anniversaries, we did give gifts, like their When we heard about this, it occurred to first computer, or a token hostess gift me that in the 21st century, it should be when visiting. But by and large, it was a possible to buy Nurnberger lebkuchen on no-gift universe. the net. Ten minutes later I had located Eric’s one indulgence was sweets, par- them not in Germany, but from the ticularly Bavarian treats from his youth. Texas German Deli, and sent two tins off Sheri Fay, LMFT LPC Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist

Individual, Child, Play, and Family Therapy Mt. Airy Counseling Center 267-872-5033 www.childandfamilywellness.com

Sunday Worship: 10:00 a.m. - Learning Hour: 9:40 a.m. Lunch for anyone over 60 every Tuesday at noon.

Unitarian Society of Germantown A Unitarian Universalist Church 6511 Lincoln Drive, Philadelphia, PA • (215) 844-1157 • www.usguu.org Rev. Kent Matthies, minister Jude Henzy, religious education director SUNDAY SERVICES and RELIGIOUS EXPLORATION FOR CHILDREN 11:00 infant and toddler care available • parking in rear off Johnson Street Join others of a liberal faith in a diverse, welcoming religious community.

for more information call 215-248-0919 APRIL 2007 THE SHUTTLE PAGE 15

Body Unbound:The Arts to Bloom in April at Springboard Studio HT BY PHOTO by Caroline Peterson dents, include Glen Benge, Karen Free- man, Liz Greenwood, Gina Gruenberg, Springboard Studio, 530 Carpenter B ILL

Lane, across the street from Weavers Way, Anne Johnson, Marcia Jones, Emme Mc- H ANSON will have its first seasonal art show of Dermott, Caroline Peterson, Bob Pistillo, 2007 with an opening on Friday, April 19, Linda Thompson, Jo Viviani and David from 5:30-9:00 p.m. The exhibit Body Young. Unbound will continue on Saturday and Springboard Studio will offer its first Sunday, April 20 and 21, from 12-7 p.m. arts-based programming with an Experi- Body Unbound is the first exhibit of ential Painting Workshop to be held on the works of artists and art teachers who Thursday evenings throughout the have been gathering for a live model fig- month of April from 6:30-9:30 p.m. Ex- ure drawing and painting group for close periential painting is the opportunity to CARPENTER LANE FIGURE DRAWING GROUP, (SEATED L-R) ANNE JOHNSON, to a decade at the art studio of Bill Han- move from the creative unknown place son and Liz Greenwood in the 500 block inside all of us. In a safe, non-judgmental EMME MCDERMOTT, JO VIVIANI (STANDING, L-R) CAROLINE PETERSON, DAVID of Carpenter Lane. Though there have atmosphere, painting instructions will YOUNG, MARCIA JONES, GLEN BENGE, LIZ GREENWOOD, BOB PISTILLO, LINDA been changing members over time, a core help participants feel their way through THOMPSON, KAREN FREEMAN (NOT SHOWN GINA GRUENBERG) the process and orient each participant group has persisted, at times moving RISD, Rhode Island College and the Springboard Studio, a space for mind- towards moment-to-moment creative ex- away and back to the group, through the Worcester Center for Crafts. She currently fulness, creativity and well-being, opened pression. Come play, explore and invent natural rhythms of their lives. The group teaches in the Art Department at the in December 2006 with a winter art ex- with the energy and curiosity that came has benefited from the rich resource in Baldwin School in Bryn Mawr, Pa. The fee hibit and since January 2007 has been of- so easily as a young child. Each class be- the Philadelphia region of artists’ models, for the four-week session is $135 or $35 fering an ongoing free program of mind- gins with a short discussion. All materials, some of whom are artists themselves. The for an individual class. Pre-registration is fulness meditation throughout the week. including brushes, will be supplied. Carpenter Lane drawing group is less for- required and space is limited. To register For more information, call 215-528-2138. The workshop is led by Aileen Gittle- mal than a traditional art school group, call 215-805-1648, or contact alinegittle- The studio website is expected to open man, who is deeply devoted to nurturing with community oriented dialogue as [email protected]. Springboard Studio soon at springboardstudio.net. the creative process and has been a dedi- part of the Sunday afternoon and some- is located at 530 Carpenter Lane. times Thursday evening sessions. Body cated student and painter of the Point Unbound is an exhibit of two and three- Zero Painting Process since 2003. She dimensional figuratively related art works holds a BFA from Washington University by 11 artists currently participating in the and an MFA from the Rhode Island figure-drawing group. Artists exhibiting School of Design (RISD). Ms. Gittleman in the show, many of them Mt. Airy resi- has taught Jewelry, Art History, Design at Suffering from Disc Pain? Thinking About Surgery? Spinal Decompression may be the answer you are searching for! · Non-surgical, drug-free treatment with 86% success rate · FDA-approved device is safe and affordable with virtually no side effects Why continue to suffer? There are other options!! To find out more, call the 24 hr. recorded message at 215-509-6661 for a FREE Report

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Resveratrol: Perhaps the World’s First Anti-Aging Medication by Josh Mitteldorf amount of alcohol each day protects the mechanism of action, and to ask whether Resveratrol in humans? Animals that eat less live longer. arteries? That turned out not to be true. life can actually be extended with resvera- Just this January, an editorial in the They’re healthier, too, and more active. Five years ago, it was discovered that the trol. The first animals to be tested were Journal of Molecular and Cellular Cardi- It’s not a stretch to say that eating less active agent in red wine providing cardio- short-lived flies and worms. Resveratrol ology recommended that it may not be slows down the aging process. vascular protection was resveratrol. showed promise, extending life span too early for doctors to recommend But eating is such a pleasurable and It was David Sinclair (now at Har- about 30 percent in both species. resveratrol to their patients as a general socially conditioned part of our lives that vard) who made the discovery. As a stu- Animal studies with resveratrol preventative. This judgment wasn’t based we all have trouble subjecting it to strict dent, he had been working on the mouse An enterprising Italian grad student on a thorough knowledge, but a feeling controls. Most of us would be very happy gene called SIR2 under the direction of was working with aging in a short-lived that the potential benefits are so large that to see science develop a pill that offers the Leonard Guarente at MIT. Yeast cells may species of African fish, and saw an oppor- they might warrant taking a risk with side benefits of the hungry lifestyle without seem a funny place to study aging – what tunity to try resveratrol for the first time effects that have not yet been delineated. the hunger. does it mean for a single cell to age? – but with a vertebrate species. The plan There are no red flags at present, but Scientists refer to the low calorie regi- it turns out that not only do these cells worked swimmingly, and the resveratrol- research is still at such an early stage that men as “Caloric Restriction”,or CR, and experience aging, but some of the mecha- eaters lived 60 percent longer than their it is difficult to know if there will be a se- the technical name for a chemical that nisms of aging in yeast are closely analo- brother and sister fish. rious down side to resveratrol. Rats in a produces the effect of CR in a fully fed gous to aging in flies and worms...and Mice are short-lived mammals, but an toxicity study experienced kidney damage animal is “CR Mimetic”. you and me. Yeast responds to food experiment on mouse lifespan still re- only after they’d received doses equivalent Resveratrol is the first solid candidate scarcity the same way that higher animals quires four years. These experiments are to half a pound a day in a human scale. for a CR mimetic. It’s still early in the ex- do, slowing the pace of aging. And yeasts in progress, but early results are already The mice in the French experiment were perimental cycle, and data is thin, just be- use a hormone very close to insulin in coming out, and they are promising. In given a human-equivalent dose of about cause these experiments take time. But structure to regulate their sugar use, and an article last fall in the British journal an ounce a day, or several hundred cap- results are so positive that scientists and insulin seems related to the rate of aging Nature, Dr Sinclair and company report- sules. A colleague of mine, experimenting even some medical people are saying it in living things from yeast on up. ed that fat mice on resveratrol had meta- on himself, reports diarrhea with 3000 may not be too early to recommend SIR stands for ‘Silent Information bolic characteristics of thin mice. They mg/day (30 capsules of 100 mg each). resveratrol as a general anti-aging tonic. Regulator.’ The gene contains instruc- were healthier by a broad range of meas- Optimal dosage is still a big question A brief history tions for a protein that wraps itself ures, and we might expect that they are mark. Wine varies widely in its resvera- The story of resveratrol’s discovery around DNA, preventing some areas of aging more slowly as well. Around the (continued on page17) begins in the 1990s, when stories first the DNA from making their own pro- same time, a French research group re- came out about the French paradox: Why teins. Apparently these proteins cause an ported that feeding jumbo doses of is it that with such a rich diet, full of satu- animal (or a cell) to age, because silencing resveratrol to lab mice gave them phe- rated fats, the French have a lower rate of them has an anti-aging effect. The analog nomenal athletic endurance – twice that cardiovascular disease than Britain or of SIR2 in humans is called SIR-T1, and it of untreated mice. The boost was traced America? The answer was traced to the also plays a roll in transmitting the signal to a huge increase in the number of mito- French habit of drinking wine with the that tells the cell to slow down the rate of chondria in muscle cells. Mitochondria evening meal, and it was established that aging in response to food shortage. are tiny organelles, thousands in a typical something in red wine has a protective ef- In 2002, Sinclair discovered that cell, which burn sugar to create electro- fect on the heart. resveratrol stimulates SIR2 (and SIR-T1) chemical energy, in a form the cell can The first speculation was, maybe it’s in much the same way that a low-calorie use. the alcohol. Could it be that a small diet does. The race was on to discover the

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Resveratrol fact, aging is part of nature’s developmen- BY PHOTO (continued from page 16) tal program. We are ‘designed’ to degrade J and lose functionality with age. We are ONATHAN trol content, so that it may take anywhere programmed to die. from two to 50 glasses of wine to obtain 1 M

The aging program is flexible in some C G mg of resveratrol. There is a glaring gap diabolical ways. We are programmed to ORAN between the tiny doses from wine that age more quickly when life is comfort- still seem to provide some benefit and the able, when we are fat and happy and huge doses – thousands of times bigger sedentary. Recommended weight on a when scaled for body weight – that make doctor’s chart is unattainable for many of mice into super athletes. Until some us, and I would argue that truly ideal long-term studies have been done in hu- weight is lower yet. mans, people who experiment on them- It is to tap into the flexibility in na- selves will be flying blind. ture’s aging program that I recommend The first (expensive) pills sold a few ‘unnatural’ interventions. Natural foods years ago contained 40 mg, but the com- are for health maintenance; but to com- pany has recently announced 100 mg cap- bat aging, we require un-natural treat- sules at the same price. 250 mg capsules ments and supplements. are also available mail order via the Web. My page of suggestions (and refer- Up until last year there was just one sup- ences) for a long and healthy life: plier and prices were high; recently, sever- http://AgingAdvice.org al other companies joined the fray, and resveratrol prices have dropped sharply. But is it natural? FILM STUDENTS FROM COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF PHILADELPHIA RECENTLY CHOSE Many WW members eat organic food, WEAVERS WAY AS THE SUBJECT FOR THEIR FILM CLASS. DIRECTING WAS MARIA pursue a ‘natural’ lifestyle, and shun pills. PAOLA PARDO (C), WHO WAS HELPED BY KIRK FAKETE (R), AND LAURA GAYLORD I’m sympathetic. (L). WHEN THE FILM IS FINISHED, YOU WIL BE ABLE TO LINK TO IT FROM THE But I also believe that there is one gi- ant limitation to this health strategy, and CO-OP’S WEBSITE. that is aging. Natural foods are a way to help our bodies do what they were de- signed by nature to do. But our bodies were never designed to resist aging; in Mt. Airy’s newest restaurant is looking for staff servers cook chef Timothy M. Martin experience necessary Associate Agent Dorsey Financial Group Nationwide Insurance and Financial Services e-mail resume to [email protected] 6705 Germantown Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19119 Tel: 215-713-2886 Fax: 215-713-0267 Cell: 267-240-4403 [email protected] Janet Ames Realtor®, ABR, ALHS [email protected] Prudential Fox & Roach Realtors Chestnut Hill Sales Office 14 W. Evergreen Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19118 Direct 215-248-6558 Fax 215-248-9876 Cell 610-308-0802

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Manager’s Corner Lancaster, and we have a farm that I hope Weavers Way Mission Statement (continued from page 1) will supply some of these products. But It is the mission of Weavers Way Cooperative Association (WW) to operate a we can purchase the same product from I know we will stray without knowing it, grocery-based consumer organization that is owned and governed by its members; local farms even in the winter. Why we do or that one member will interpret the and to build community, both within its membership and in the Northwest Philadel- not, I can not answer at this time, but mission or product statements differently, phia area. here is an area that we must keep an eye and that is good; but we must keep our on for the future and our Mission State- eye on the mission at all times. I bring We do things cooperatively.We encourage each member to contribute to and ment and Product Philosophy Statement this up after reading an article by Marian participate in all activities we undertake as a cooperative.We follow and promote the of Principles makes it very clear that we Burros in the New York Times International Cooperative Principles, support other co-ops and cooperative efforts, have to watch this even more and find al- (2/28/2007, F5),“Is Whole Foods Straying and educate our members and our community about consumer issues and the coop- ternative sources. From Its Roots?” (next to this article was erative movement. (The article also observes that Whole a great item about Tom Michaels, a plant Foods’ prices are set at a premium price pathologist who has successfully grown We’re committed to each other as members.We maintain a welcoming store structure — over 40 percent margin, black truffles in a hazelnut orchard in which operates in an atmosphere of trust and respect.We provide an equitable and compared to our 34 percent — and that eastern Tennessee; I couldn’t keep my eyes rewarding workplace for our member-employees.We offer products and services, while the store quality is expected to off of that one while reading about Whole which reflect our members’ needs, and which balance quality and cost. match that level of pricing, not all of their Foods). I thought the article spoke to us stores are maintaining that quality.) as members of WW concerned not only We’re committed to the community.We support local businesses, wholesalers, So, as an owner, you are empowered about good food, but also about support- community groups and institutions in ways that strengthen our community and bene- to pull something from produce, bakery, ing local sustainable business, supporting fit our members.We embrace the diversity of Mt.Airy, and seek to reflect that diversi- etc and go to a store manager or depart- the environment, and many other ideals. ty in our membership. ment manager and say,“You know, I do “There is a segment of shoppers who not think this is the right quality level for have moved ahead of Whole Foods,”the We’re committed to the environment.We work to sustain a healthy planet, pro- us,”or “Is there any way to purchase this article states.“They think it is important mote environmentally sound products and practices, encourage and support local and locally, and at what price?” Stay on top of to have a smaller carbon footprint and to organic farming, and try to act with environmental consciousness in all our endeavors. us and keep us on track. Remind us to want to help small farmers… Whole keep our eye on the “mission ” Foods is lagging behind.” Weavers Way's Product Philosophy Statement The article refers to Michael Pollan’s Weavers Way Co-op strives to uphold a variety of principles in making decisions recent book, The Omnivores Dilemma about what products to purchase for resale to our members. Because we are owned (reviewed in the March 2007 Shuttle), and operated by consumer-members, our product philosophy reflects the diversity of and points out that Pollan blasts Whole our membership.The philosophy which underlies our buying decisions might best be Foods for purchasing from Earthbound described as one of healthy eclecticism.While we strive to appeal to the broadest de- and Cal-Organic, while marketing organ- mographic base, our decisions about which products to purchase are also informed ic and sustainable values. Yikes We buy and guided by our responsibility to maintain a fiscally sound operation.When and from these places, too, while at the same where possible, the following guidelines support our buying decisions at Weavers Way: time talking about sustainable and organ- ic. Now, to be fair, we usually only buy We are committed to providing products for which we have full nutrition and from them in the winter. Whenever possi- source information and to providing this information to our members. ble, like in the summer, we purchase from We purchase products which are cooperatively or collectively produced. We buy products which are locally and/or regionally produced and which support the local economy. We buy products from independent suppliers and producers and from small busi- ness owners. We are committed to buying the freshest products available. We offer products at cost savings to members. We provide choices for our members and offer product alternatives (e.g., organic vs. nonorganic, gourmet/specialty vs. value-priced, bulk vs. packaged/processed). We purchase eco-friendly products which do not adversely affect the environ- ment; we avoid purchasing products which have been proven detrimental to human health or the environment. We attempt to buy products from businesses which support conditions of shared wealth and which do not exploit workers. APRIL 2007 THE SHUTTLE PAGE 19

Pharmaceutical Food Crops (In a Field Near You?) by Karen Perry Stillerman, reprinted from the Puget poses a serious threat to consumers, tical and industrial substances. Never in- the regulatory system governing GE Sound Cooperative Sound Consumer farmers, food producers and exporters in tended for general public consumption, crops. Ask the people around you if they Washington and elsewhere. these chemicals may be harmful if acci- Mirroring previous food contamina- think genetically engineered (GE) food The USDA has released a draft envi- dentally ingested in food. tion accidents, the contamination of rice crops that produce experimental drugs ronmental assessment of SemBioSys’s “The drugs, hormones, and other with an unapproved GE variety has seri- should be grown in Washington and plans to grow drug-producing safflower chemicals in these crops are not intended ously impacted the commercial rice in- chances are they’ll say no. Then tell them in Washington, and is seeking public for consumption by the general public, dustry. Import markets in Japan and Eu- a Canadian biotech company has applied comment. and their effects on human health are un- rope are deeply suspicious of U.S. long for a permit to grow more than 1,000 Tell the USDA to say “no” to pharma- known,”said J. David Heywood, M.D., of grain rice, and analysts predict market acres of drug-producing safflower in east- ceutical safflower Washington losses may reach $150 million. ern Washington this spring. and that you In the last 16 years, 235 applications for Physicians for Producing drugs and chemicals in don’t want drug- Social Responsi- food crops is a bad idea from a food safe- Production on this scale wouldn’t be “Field Test Release Permits” have been allowed in the company’s home country, producing food bility.“Insulin, ty perspective. The National Academy of but it is here in the United States. In fact, crops grown filed in Pennsylvania, 211 in New Jersey blood thinners Sciences, a nongovernmental body of sci- the U.S. Department of Agriculture outdoors in and 217 in Delaware. Of those 663 and other phar- entists and professionals, has warned in (USDA) is seeking public comments on Washington or applications, only 47 have been denied ma crop com- two reports that it’s virtually impossible its assessment of the pending permit. anywhere else. or withdrawn.The remaining 616 have pounds have the to keep pharma compounds out of the Your input is important. More infor- either been issued or are pending. potential to pro- food supply if food crops are used. It’s Most of the safflower would be engi- mation and sam- voke allergic re- likely that contamination of the food sys- ple comments actions or other tem already has occurred, and there’s no neered with a gene for carp growth hor- For more information visit www.isb.vt.edu and click on: adverse health mone to produce a drug for farmed that you can per- “Databases of US and International Field Tests of GMOs.” reason to believe it won’t continue, espe- shrimp. The company also has applied to sonalize and effects, and we cially as the acreage planted with pharma plant an acre of safflower engineered with submit online lack scientific crops increases. a human gene to produce experimental are available at evidence documenting their safety.” A 2005 report from the USDA’s own insulin for treating diabetes. www.ucsusa.org/food_and_environ- Yet pharma and industrial crops easily auditor sharply criticized the depart- If the USDA approves the 1,000-acre ment/genetic_engineering/ large-scale- can infiltrate our food supply when seeds ment’s oversight of pharma and other GE request, it would make Washington home pharma.html. are mixed accidentally or when crops crops. The Office of the Inspector General to the biggest planting of pharmaceutical You also can sign a petition calling for cross-pollinate. In 2002, a company called (OIG) found the USDA has failed to in- food crops ever allowed in the United a nationwide ban on growing pharma ProdiGene experimented with small plots spect pharma crop fields as promised and States.* food crops outdoors at www.ProtectOur- of pharma corn (containing a vaccine for to document inspections properly. The The company, SemBioSys Genetics, Food.org. Biopharming with food crops is pig diarrhea), and allowed the corn to OIG also found the USDA didn’t even Inc., claims its products will enhance risky For more than a decade, the USDA mix with half-a-million bushels of soy- know where some pharma crops were shrimp farming worldwide and lower the has allowed pharmaceutical (or “phar- beans headed for the food supply. planted or where the harvests were stored. cost of insulin. The jury is still out on ma”) and industrial crops to be grown ProdiGene’s pharma corn also may The report concluded: “... current reg- whether these benefits actually will mate- outdoors in 35 states. Food crops such as have cross-pollinated with feed corn in ulations, policies and procedures do not rialize. corn, soybeans, rice, peas, barley and saf- Iowa that year. In both cases, contamina- go far enough to ensure the safe introduc- In any case, producing drugs such as flower have been engineered to produce tion of the food supply was narrowly tion of agricultural biotechnology.”If insulin and other hormones in food crops human and veterinary drugs, hormones, averted, at a cost of nearly $3 million to companies and the USDA are so lax with — especially in crops grown outdoors — plastics, detergents and other pharmaceu- purchase and destroy the tainted crops. small plots of pharma crops, how will Similarly, last fall an unapproved they manage the large-scale production strain of GE rice was found to have wide- proposed for Washington? ly contaminated the nation’s rice crop. Al- Economic boon or liability? The Sem- though the rice was not a pharma crop, BioSys safflower is not the first pharma the incident revealed continuing gaps in (continued on page 20) Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine Acupuncture Chinese Herbology Asian Bodywork

IAN A. CYRUS, MS, R.Ac, Dipl.Ac, ABT, CH Practitioner American Association of Oriental Medicine 610.664.1348 President Emeritus 215.955.2923 200 Monument Rd. Ste 10 Thomas Jefferson Univ. Hosp. BalaCynwyd, PA 19004 Center for Integrative Medicine Center city Philadelphia PAGE 20 THE SHUTTLE APRIL 2007

Pharmaceutical Crops bacco, that the biotech company would be pharma rice in that state. dustry that crowds too many shrimp too (continued from page 19) the primary beneficiary. Consumers In addition, since most of Washing- close together, inviting disease and creat- crop to be planted in Washington. Since would benefit comparatively little and to- ton’s commercial safflower crop (about ing other environmental problems. 2001, the state’s land-grant university, bacco farmers not much at all. 1,500 acres annually) is destined for the The risks of contamination from us- Washington State University (WSU), has Pharma crops, in fact, could prove to wild bird seed market, contamination ing food crops such as safflower to grow been experimenting with barley, injecting be a liability for Washington’s farm econ- also could pose a hazard to bird popula- drugs simply outweigh the hypothetical human genes to produce a variety of sub- omy. Safflower sometimes is planted in tions. benefits. Approval of large-scale produc- stances. (See the September 2004 issue of rotation with wheat. If pharma safflower Benefits unsubstantiated tion, such as the 1,000 acres proposed by Sound Consumer.) WSU’s ongoing experi- seeds wound up in Washington wheat Aside from the risks, there’s little evi- SemBioSys, would set a precedent, mak- ments have been much smaller than the fields — a result of human error during dence that the pharma crops proposed for ing it easier for companies to plant more proposed safflower production by Sem- handling, storms that blow seeds where Washington will be of great value to any- and more acres of drug-producing food BioSys; this year, WSU has applied to plant they don’t belong, transport by birds, or one but their corporate creators. Like crops, increasing the chances of a tainted 0.2 acres of its drug-producing barley. rotation with contaminated safflower — most pharma crop companies, SemBioSys food supply. Economics are important in debates one of the state’s most valuable crops makes expansive claims about the benefits The USDA should reject these pro- over pharma crops and, in Washington, could be compromised. of its new technology, saying in a recent posals and implement a nationwide ban biotechnology and agribusiness figure (Indeed, the latter scenario spawned press release that its GE safflower-based on outdoor pharma food crops to ensure prominently in Governor Gregoire’s 10- the 2002 ProdiGene incident in Nebraska: insulin could reduce product costs by 40 that our food supply — in Washington year “business plan” for the state. The A rotation of soybeans was contaminated percent and production costs by 70 per- and across the country — remains safe pharma crop industry touts its technolo- by pharma corn “volunteers” seeded from cent. The company offers no economic and free of contamination. gy as a boon to farmers and hard-hit rural the previous year’s crop.) Detection of a analysis to support its assertions. If biotech companies want to produce communities. shrimp drug or human insulin in Wash- Meanwhile, the governors of 11 states plant-based drugs, they should follow the Yet a 2005 report,“The Economics of ington wheat could be a disaster for with high insulin costs reportedly are urg- lead of Dow AgroSciences, which won ap- Pharmaceutical Crops,”authored by an wheat growers, jeopardizing exports and ing the U.S. Food and Drug Administra- proval of a chicken vaccine produced by Iowa State University agricultural econo- perhaps leaving them liable for costly tion (FDA) to approve generic insulin tobacco cells contained in a steel tank. mist, struck a blow at the notion that cleanups and potential lawsuits. manufactured the traditional way — in Cell cultures are a proven way to generate farmers will benefit much. The analysis “I take pride in growing high-quality confined tanks. This move alone would pharmaceuticals under controlled condi- concluded that the claims of pharma crop wheat for customers around the world,” likely spur competition and drive down tions — without the risk of introducing proponents are inflated and that farmers said Eric Zakarison, who raises wheat on the cost of insulin. It appears that tradi- drugs into our food. and rural communities are unlikely to be 600 acres near Pullman.“The government tional drug companies are ready to meet Karen Perry Stillerman is a senior an- major beneficiaries. shouldn’t take chances with the safety of the growing demand for cheaper generic alyst with the Food & Environment Pro- “Proponents of pharmaceutical crops my product and the livelihood of small insulin, given FDA approval. gram at the Union of Concerned Scien- have inflated the rewards and downplayed farmers like me.” As for the drug intended for farmed tists. the risks,”said Dr. Jane Rissler, senior sci- Although safflower is not a major shrimp, this product would serve only to * A request from another company to entist at the Union of Concerned Scien- crop in Washington, there are some grow- prop up an unsustainable aquaculture in- grow 3,000 acres of drug-producing rice tists, which commissioned the study. ers and brokers in the state whose liveli- in Kansas is pending. “State officials, farmers and rural hoods also could be threatened if buyers communities should be wary of rosy, op- worry that any safflower moved through timistic claims.” the state might be contaminated. In Mis- An economic analysis from Virginia souri in 2005, rice growers faced the Polytechnic Institute and State University threat of a boycott when a major rice buy- similarly found, in the case of pharma to- er became skittish over proposals to grow

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Hazardous Waste Recycling Schedule Japanese Cherry Blossom Celebration at Morris Arboretum 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Rain or Shine by Christine Pape

www.phila.gov/streets/hazardous_waste.html OF COURTESY PHOTO This April, the Morris Arboretum, 100 North- May 5 (Saturday): Streets Department Training Center @ State western Avenue in Chest- Road & Ashburner, 1.3 miles north of Cottman Ave and south of nut Hill, will once again M

Linden Ave. host an annual Japanese ORRIS Cherry Blossom Celebra- A June 9 (Saturday): Northwest Transfer Station. Domino Lane & tion, as part of the Sub- RBORETUM Umbria St in the Roxborough section of the city. aru Cherry Blossom Fes- July 19 (Thursday): Streets Department Training Center @ State tival of Greater Philadel- phia. The Subaru Cherry Road & Ashburner, 1.3 miles north of Cottman Ave and south of Blossom Festival is a Linden Ave. project of the Japan August 25 (Saturday): Streets Department 3rd district Highway America Society of Greater Philadelphia and Yard, 22nd & York St. is an initiative to encourage a better un- Japanese Tea Ceremony, 11 a.m. on Sun- derstanding of the cultural, social, and day, April 21. October 6 (Saturday): Streets Department Facility, Southwest Japanese-inspired classes for kids in- Philadelphia. 3033 South 63rd St., northwest of Passyunk Ave. educational customs of Japan in the Unit- ed States. clude: Creating an Asian Dragon, Sun- November 3 (Saturday): Northeast Sanitation Facility. Delaware In the early 20th century, John and day, April 1, 1 p.m.; Avenue between Castor Avenue and Lewis Street in the Bridesburg Lydia Morris established one of the finest Making Japanese Paper Figures on Sunday, April 22 at 1 p.m. ; and Painting section of the City (near the Allegheny Exit of I-95). collections of Japanese plants and gardens in the region at their home, Compton, The Bamboo Forest on Saturday, April 28 which would later become the Morris Ar- from 1-2:30 p.m. Additional information Bring your oil-based paint, solvents, pesticides, lead-acid batteries, boretum. To commemorate this heritage, regarding classes, including cost informa- Rechargeable batteries, oven, drain and bathroom cleaners, flamma- the Arboretum has a variety of activities tion and registration, is available by call- ble liquids such as gasoline, kerosene or oil-gas mixtures, chemical planned for adults and children during ing (215) 247-5777 ext. 125 or by visiting fertilizers, pesticides, and lead fishing weights. Computers and elec- the month of April. The activities will cel- www.morrisarboretum.org. tronic equipment are accepted at all events. ebrate the gardens, art and culture in- spired by the 35 varieties of cherry trees Mt.Airy Kids' that grace the Arboretum with their blos- Literary Festival soms each April. The highlight of the cel- ebration will be a visit by the newly- On Saturday, April 14, and Sunday, crowned Cherry Blossom Queen from April 15, join Big Blue Marble for the Mt. Tokyo, Japan on April 16 at 10:00 a.m. Airy Kids Literary Festival. There will be Weekends in April will offer an array book readings and signings from plenty of events designed to celebrate this of great children's authors and illustra- unique aspect of the Arboretum’s history, tors, crafts, activities, storytelling, and including tours of Japanese Garden Ele- more, at Big Blue Marble and in collabo- ments each Saturday at 2:30 p.m. Other rative venues throughout the Mt. Airy events include: Origami for Kids, 11 a.m. neighborhood. Check www.bigbluemar- on Saturday, April 14; Swarthmore Taiko blebooks.com for festival updates. Drummers, 1 p.m. on April 14; and the Sponsored in part by Weavers Way. PAGE 22 THE SHUTTLE APRIL 2007

L•E•T•T•E•R•S•&•R•E•S•P•O•N•S•E•S Environment General Manager Glenn Bergman to review the locations with me and to as- that might not match our market profile Committee responds to a letter from Member sist us with a decision. They all said,“Do a as well, but one that we can handle in size Accepting Grant Paul Glover in last month’s issue market study first ” So, I followed their and sales with the successes of the other advice and hired Pete Davis. Sure we all two stores. Applications Last month member Paul Glover have a gut reaction as to what we should Paul goes on to speak about product by Sandy Folzer, Environment Committee Chair wrote a letter to the Shuttle concerning do and can do and perhaps should do, but lines expanding and that we are going to expansion plans and the findings of the I needed some facts. sell out to the large corporations, etc. No Local community groups are invited consultant we hired to assist us with di- His report stated that we should re- Not on my watch. And not on yours, either. to submit grant applications to the rection in our expansion. Last year, I main in the Northwest area of Philadel- We have eliminated more of these large Weavers Way Environment Committee. hired Pete Davis, consultant to many co- phia first and that we should open close corporate organic suppliers than we have The Environment Committee receives in- ops interested in expansion or relocation, enough to the present store to take away added. We eliminated Dean from our daily centive funds through the Philadelphia to assist me with trying to find a direction business from the current store, and that milk supplier last year and gave the entire Partnership Recycling Program as a result for our co-op. these sales that are taken from the present supply to a local dairy. We continue to pur- of our recycling efforts. These grants are I had thought about expanding next store will assist the new store to get started. chase more and more local yogurt, too. used for public purposes, resulting in a door to 555; one day we will, but for now Paul says that the consultant stated We have expanded our farm and hired a tangible improvement in the community. the parking and cost of construction for that we should move “where everyone can farmer so we can expand our supply of lo- Funds may be used for planting trees and retail space did not make sense. I decided see it, in a whiter neighborhood.” No, cal high end product ALL year round. other vegetation, gardens, and supplies to to save our funds for an expansion with a that is not what he said. He did say we Well, I could go on, but I ask that support gardens. Also, environmental loading dock, some parking (not too should do a number of things; not all of members attend the General Membership training programs and after-school pro- much), and space for a membership desk them we will follow. He did say that he Meeting and that they read and ask ques- grams are some of the ways in which on the floor to answer questions and help would like to see us relocate the present tion as often as possible. We will not stray youth and the public may learn about members. None of the space arrange- store to Germantown Ave, after we open from our mission, from our product phi- caring for the environment. ments would have added any of these to our second store. I do not think that is a losophy, nor from our Ends set by our Anyone requesting a grant will learn our present store and expansion plans. plan that I would like to see, nor will I Board. We can work harder now to pur- within a month of the deadline if they Then we were part of an expansion propose it to the Board or members. chase local productsand to make sure that have been selected. We anticipate giving plan with a developer at the Rivage site in Our plan, at this point, is first to find a we merchandise and promote these prod- grants ranging from $100 to $1000, de- East Falls, an area that I am still very much location in a part of the Northwest com- ucts. Our Merchandising Manager has pending on the available funds from recy- interested in looking at in the near future. munity that fits our demographic profile been empowered to start up the Mer- cling. Grantees are then obliged to submit The site did not come through at first, but for a natural food store buyer so we have chandising Committee again to assist a report with receipts describing exactly plans were underway to work with the a 90 percent chance of being successful. with keeping prices in line against com- how the money was spent. new developer and architect (a member of Then, once that store is up and running, petition and to help with promoting local Those wishing to submit a grant WW). I invited General Managers from and making a profit with good cash flow, products. should pick up an application and guide- four other co-ops to visit Philadelphia and we will look for a third store in an area I want to thank Paul for writing this lines from the Environment Committee important letter, but not to worry too box (Sandra Folzer) on the second floor much – we will try not repeat what took of the Co-op. Applications are due April place in his previous co-op after their ex- 25, and should be returned to the same pansion. box by that date. ~ Glenn Bergman Grant applications and guidelines are also available at www.weaversway.coop.

Anita Lam REALTOR®

7112 Germantown Ave. Philadelphia, PA 19119

215-247-3600 Ext. 245 / Fax 215-242-52692 [email protected] / www.elfantwissahickon.com

LET OUR TEAM BE YOUR TEAM!

Are you thinking of buying or selling? Keep this information handy... We are the neighborhood professionals!

We offer an in-depth market analysis to help you correctly price your prop- erty. We invite you to call us now for Denise Chapline & Larry DiFranco a free, no obligation consultation. Info at: www.LarryDiFrancoTeam.com Ask for Larry or Denise at 215-247-3600 ext. 240 or 223, or call direct at 215-681-6940 APRIL 2007 THE SHUTTLE PAGE 23

Financial Update Financial Statement for Six Months Ending Decmber 31, 2006 Ups and Downs in Second Quarter Balance Sheet Dec. 31, 2006 % Dec. 31, 2005 % by Lou Dobkin, Finance Manager The quarter that ended Dec. 31 was a very mixed bag of good and so-so news. Net income for the quarter was $77,352 on sales of $1,759,396. This compares with $89,193 on sales of $1,650,571 for the same quarter last year. Year to date, we have a net income of $138,477 on sales of $3,333,185, compared to $106,342 on $3,073,985 of sales last year. This represents 6.6% increase in sales for the quarter and 8.4% for the year to date over last year’s sales and 0.7% over budget for the quarter and 2.0% over budget year to date. The labor numbers continue to be an improvement over last year, with labor as a percentage of sales at 23.47% vs 24.44% last year. Personnel costs continue to come in under budget by 4.38% through the year to date. We do not see this as a continuing trend, as we added the new positions of full time farmer, part time outreach coordina- tor (for the marketplace program) and part time merchandiser. All of these positions are unbudgeted; further, some additional efforts that had been in the budget took some time to implement. Margins were a little disappointing, 2 basis points (0.02%) below last year and 44 basis points (0.44%) below budget. We have identified areas that we believe may have caused this and we feel confident that we can make some improvement. I always look forward to the explanation of “Other Income,” as it is always an entertaining if not unique story. This quarter is no exception. The Other Income line includes Interest income (which exceeds budget by $4,063 or Income Statment Dec. 31, 2006 % Dec. 31, 2005 % 40%), Weavers Way Community Program reimbursements, rental income, vis- itor fees, and — for your reading pleasure — the National Cooperative Gro- cers Association (NCGA) volume rebate of $20,315. The NCGA volume discount is basically a signing bonus for the national buying agreement we have signed with our largest supplier, United Natural Foods. The agree- ment provides for lower prices to the NCGA members and has other benefits, but it is a little tough on our cash position. The payments will be received over a three-year peri- od, though the income is recognized at the signing in December. In addition, the agree- ment reduces our terms from 30 days to 21 days, starting in January. The agreement is very strident about tardiness of payments. As a direct result of the agreement, our cash position was reduced in January by about $45,000. From a cash point of view, Ryan Howard may have gotten a better deal. Together with a $46,500 payment for the new walk-in refrigerator in the basement and the payments for inventory in the holiday season (all that great product shoppers bought here during the holidays), our cash position decreased by about $100,000 in the month of January. Administrative expenses took a dramatic upswing primarily as a result of payments for professional fees for the website, the expansion market study, and tenant-related legal fees.

CO-OP INFORMATION STORE HOURS Board of Directors Managers/Department Heads Monday-Friday 9-8 President Saturday-Sunday 9-6 General Manager Stu Katz (06-08) [email protected] Glenn Bergman, ext. 123 [email protected] Vice President Purchasing Manager Shuttle Staff Nancy Weinman (06-08) [email protected] Norman Weiss, ext. 119 [email protected] Editor & Advertising Manager: Secretary Operations Manager Dorothy Guy (05-07) Rick Spalek, ext. 101 [email protected] Jonathan McGoran Treasurer Finance Manager Advertising Billing: Susan Beetle (05-07) [email protected] Lou Dobkin, ext. 110 [email protected] Lou Dobkin Immediate Past President Fresh Foods Manager Bob Noble (06-07) [email protected] Dale Kinley, ext. 104 [email protected] Advertising Assistant: At-large Director Prepared Foods Manager Angela Allen Jim Peightel (06-08) [email protected] Bonnie Shuman, ext. 102 [email protected] Proofreaders/Editors: At-large Director Second Floor Manager Chris Hill (06-08) [email protected] Martha Fuller, ext. 114 [email protected] Al Erlick, Kaela Farber, At-large Director Human Resources Manager Gail Kotel, Karen McGoran, Rick Sauer (06-08) [email protected] Dave Tukey, ext. 121 [email protected] At-large Director Deli Manager Margie Felton, ext. 112 [email protected] Contributors: Afshin Kaighobady (06-07) [email protected] Staff Director Cashier Dept. Manager Glenn Bergman, Robin Cannicle, Lou Dobkin (06-08) [email protected] Susan McLaughlin,ext. 311 just call her Kaela Farber, Margie Felton, Staff Director Communications Director Josh Giblin (06-07) [email protected] Jonathan McGoran,ext. 111 [email protected] Sandy Folzer, Martha Fuller, Flowers Mark Goodman, Bonnie Hay, Committee Chairs Nina DaSilva [email protected] Membership Manager Denise Larrabee, Jean Mackenzie, Diversity & Outreach Laura Holbert Robin Cannicle, ext 303 [email protected] Brenda Malinics, Jonathan McGoran, Education Larry Schofer Board Coordinator Environment: Sandra Folzer Josh Mitteldorf, Bruce P. Murray, Karly Whitaker [email protected] Finance Susan Beetle Emily Neuman, Christine Pape, Grocery Manager Farm Norma Brooks Chris Switky [email protected] Aviva Perlo, Karen Perry Stillerman, Leadership Bob Noble Produce Manager Caroline Peterson, Meenal Raval, Membership Sylvia Carter Jean Mackenzie [email protected] Merchandising Support: open Jennifer Rellis, Scott Robinson, I.T. Operations Support David Baskin Tanya Rotenberg, ext. 195 [email protected] Brian Rudnick,Peter Samuel, Farm Manager Leslie Seitchik, Larry Schofer, Board members and committee chairs have mailboxes on the second floor of 559 Carpenter Lane David Zelov [email protected] Rick Spalek, Chris Switky, Betsy Teutsch, Norman Weiss, Co-op Meetings Weavers Way David Zelov Board: 1st Tues., 7:00 p.m. • Education: 3rd Wed., 7:30 p.m. Recycling Photographers: Environment: 1st Wed., 7:30 p.m. • Finance: 3rd Thurs., 7:30 p.m New Courtland Elder Service Diversity:3rd Tues., 7:15 p.m. Julia Bradley, Robin Cannicle, 6959 Germantown Ave. Operations, Membership, Merchandising,and Leadership Committees meet as need- Bill Hanson, Jonathan McGoran, (Enter from Carpenter Lane) ed. All meeting schedules are subject to change. Meetings are held at 610 and 559 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m., Brian Rudnick, Carpenter Lane and at members’ homes. For more information about committee meet- 3rd Sat./month. ings, e-mail [email protected] or call the store. PAGE 24 THE SHUTTLE APRIL 2007

ar, and of course rolled oats (which if you you. I’m really fun company, and I could gram they’re in to be paid a livable wage lightly bake and add some nuts will be pick up a few things at Whole Foods... for their work. This is a social conscious- unsweetened granola). Are there other ness decision that we made, hoping Co- types or brands you have in mind. s: “As a new member, I found your op shoppers would support it. orientation really amazing and I was real- s: “1) Biodegradable produce bags. 2) ly impressed with Robin, the Membership s: “Bring back Boca Meatless Sausages Fewer small yogurt selections — the dairy Coordinator.” The Amy’s meatless patties aren’t as good. case is crazy. 3) Vegan mac & cheese.” r: (Jon) We were thinking it was about They’re too grainy.” r: (Chris) 1) We’re actually looking time Robin’s mom joined the Co-op; Wel- r: (Chris) We dropped Boca Links, into this at present, still in “research” come aboard (Chris) We’re glad you and brought in the Amy’s patties, because phase. 2) ?. 3) We did have “Road’s End” liked the orientation. Robin is impressive, Boca is owned by Kraft Foods, which is Why don’t vegan mac & cheese mix a few years ago, more and more as time goes on. Stick owned by a cigarette manufacturer, Philip discontinued it due to slow sales. around Morris Inc. Instead of our shopping dol- we carry... lars going to Philiip Morris, we can sup- s: “Thought you were gonna get Met- s: “It would be great if we could carry port Amy’s Foods, a smaller, independent ropolitan Bread – Levain — whole wheat cooking sherry and/or marsala cooking natural foods maker. When we made the Suggestions sourdough, big loaf, their best and (al- wine. Lots of recipes call for it.” switch, I was hoping that the two prod- by Norman Weiss most) least expensive bread. At least that’s r: (Chris) We do carry sherry cooking ucts were similar and equally tasty. I’ll Greetings and thanks for writing. As what you said back in the summer. And wine, as well as burgundy, on the bottom wait for more comments from shoppers... usual, suggestions and responses may you’re waiting for...what? Just do it — it’ll right of the oils and vinegars shelf. Our have been edited for brevity, clarity, sell and we’ll all be happy.” distributors don’t seem to carry any Orione Simonian- and/or comedy. Once upon a time I used r: (Nancy) Thanks for reminding me. marsala wine. (Norman) It is strongly to use this article to discuss what I We are selling out often and could use an- recommended when cooking, to avoid us- Taylor Likes Being thought was my destiny of becoming a other bread variety. ing recipes. They are constantly in the movie star. Surprise, surprise, it never way, have too many steps, and are too 3.5 years old happened, and now I’ve given up. I’m of- s: “As someone who has done floor bossy — “mix this, combine that, bake at clean-up a few times recently, I have to some random temperature for x minutes,

ficially abandoning the movie star thing, Q although I still don’t think I’m going to be wonder if it’s possible to raise money to etc.”Here’s a basic recipe I’ve used for BY PHOTO AND UESTION at the Co-op another 28 years. I’m still replace the incredibly dingy tile floors (on preparing many a dish that can replace convinced showbiz is in my future, al- the first floor of the building). It would most other recipes: 1) Put food in pot. 2) though at my usual rate of progress it make a huge visual impact and give a Heat until ready to eat. You can now toss may be playing piano during social hour much cleaner impression as opposed to all your cookbooks. Warning: do not try the current grandma’s-basement-look. to claim this recipe as your own; by being when I get to living in a nursing home. B Then I will send the Shuttle a letter saying Modest display cases, boxes w/racks printed in the Shuttle I now own the RIAN

would look brighter with an even neutral copyright. However, we might be able to R my prediction finally came true. UDNICK colored floor. It’s just a bummer to keep work out a licensing deal. suggestions and responses: vacuuming and sweeping and never feel like it’s actually clean. Bake sale anyone?” s: “You used to carry a less sweet vari- r: (Steve) You’re right, the store would ety of Ghirardelli hot cocoa mix than s: “We used to carry a Muir Glen look better. I’ve included a line item in what’s here now. I think this version is too product of “Fire Roasted” tomatoes. I next year’s capital budget for floor re- sweet and it would be great to bring back don’t recall if they were whole or crushed, placement. Replacement would be costly the old one. Thanks.” but they were delicious Do they still and would probably require that we close r: (Chris) We replaced the Ghirardelli make them? Can we get them at least the store for a few days. We’ll review all unsweetened cocoa with Rapunzel brand, sometimes? I know the shelf is crowded the potential projects for the upcoming which is also unsweetened, as well as or- “WHAT DO YOU LIKE BEST ABOUT over there. Thanks ” year, but this one might wait until we’ve ganic and fair trade, harvested by farmers SHOPPING AT THE COOP?” r: (Norman) We can no longer carry got that swing space (yes, the Co-op does (in the Caribbean & South America) who any fire roasted products. Turns out that “I’m three and a half years old.” have line item veto). adhere to sustainable farming practices, fire flames are actually the mechanism by ~ Orione Simonian-Taylor and are guaranteed by the Fair Trade pro- which the devil releases evil spirits into s: “Please consider carrying a small the world. Naturally we don’t want to sourdough loaf. I have noticed that the support this activity. We will consider small country white loaf is always the last Welcome to Weavers Way Cooperative Association sun-roasted tomatoes, roasted by boy to sell out — if it does sell out. I’d buy Dear Neighbor, scouts with reflective cookers earning that loaf if it were a sourdough.” If you are not already a member of Weavers Way Co-op, you are invited to their cooking merit badge. This is the r: (Nancy) We’ve added both Slow join. Weavers Way is a member-owned, not-for-profit cooperative. Our bylaws kind of product we can feel good about. Rise and Mindy’s small sourdough loaves require that in becoming a member, someone from your household attend an (Chris) A number of shoppers have men- recently — their loaves are becoming very orientation meeting, where details of membership will be explained. Meetings tioned “Fire-Roasteds,”but space is tight. popular and we keep increasing their are held at the Germantown Jewish Center (GJC), Lincoln Drive and Ellet I’ll try to find room. Consider a preorder products. Slow Rise is in Lancaster Coun- Street, and at Church of the Annunciation (CA), Carpenter Lane and Lincoln of a case of 12 cans for $27.40, crushed, ty and uses organic flour. Mindy’s comes Drive. Upcoming Orientation Meetings are on the following dates: diced or whole tomatoes (28 oz cans). from Greenberg bakery in Glenside. DAY DATE TIME LOCATION s: “Sugar free cereals? Or if you have Wednesday Apr. 11, 2007 6:45 p.m. GJC s: “Requesting DanActive yogurt if them, more choices?” Saturday May 2, 2007 10:30 a.m. CA possible (I know space is limited). I make r: (Norman) We currently stock 1: Wednesday Jun. 6, 2007 6:45 p.m. GJC trips to Whole Foods for this alone. Kashi Puffs. Two others just have barley Thanks ” Meetings start promptly and last about 1 hours. Latecomers cannot be malt and one gram or less per serving: ¼ r: (Chris) Sorry, no room at this time admitted. Written reservations are required, so please fill out the tear-off Uncle Sam and Erewhon Crispy Brown to add DanActive. You can preorder a case sheet below and return it to the store. At the close of the orientation meeting, Rice. Familia Swiss Muesli has no added of six 4-paks for $1.84. I’m sorry to hear you will be expected to pay your initial $30 annual investment (check or sugar but contains dried fruit. There are cash). We look forward to seeing you and welcoming you into the Co-op. you have to make trips to Whole Foods also a number of hot cereals with no sug- alone. Next time, call me, and I’ll go with Robin Cannicle, Membership Manager+ Equal Exchange Coffees of the Month PLEASE RETURN THIS PORTION TO WEAVERS WAY Organic French Roast $6.99/lb. Someone from my household will attend the orientation meeting on Dark and Delicious with full body Reg. $8.50/lb and a smooth finish Name (please print) Organic Decaf .05 $10 /lb. Phone Number Breakfast Blend Reg. $11.05/lb

The Decaf Breakfast Blend is a balanced Address (including zip code) blend of light and dark roasts and is also full bodied with a rich flavor and has sweet overtones.