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OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF THE PARK SLOPE FOOD COOP

Established 1973

Volume EE, Number 7 April 7, 2011 The General Meeting: Attendance Imagining the Perfect Summer Vacation Up But Attention Down Camp Common Ground By Ed Levy By Frank Haberle lanning a family vacation is never easy. Finding a welcoming Pplace that shares your commitment to low environmental impact, diversity and healthy food—while offering fun, excitement and enrichment for the entire family—is harder still. ILLUSTRATION BY DEBORAH TINT ILLUSTRATION BY LYNN BERNSTEIN BY LYNN ttendance at GMs has increased dramatically since the two-credits- per-year policy went into effect, but as many have observed, some

A ILLUSTRATION are paying more attention to their iPads, iPods, cell phones, laptops, Kindles and novels than they are to the meeting. Nestled between the Many families return each Green and Hogback Moun- year to Camp Common Chair Committee member plex issues decided at the GM in ways to crack down. Other tain ranges in Vermont, Camp Ground, making new friends David Moss suggested that that require focus and con- people variously described Common Ground is a 700- in the communal atmosphere this may be due to not just centration, observed one the situation as “disappoint- acre family camp that was and unwinding from busy the size of the meeting but member. She noted that the ing,” “disrespectful,” and launched in 1994 as a non- lives in Brooklyn (many Park the configuration of the effects of people’s inattention “robbing the meeting.” profit by a group of Brooklyn Slope residents are regu- room. Those in the back, sit- could be magnified when Longtime member Steph- transplants. Today at Camp lars)and around the globe. ting on the mats, can’t see, or important issues are decided anie Golden commented that Common Ground, families “We have families from all be seen by those who are run- by a few votes. Already, she this was an inevitable result of can spend a week focusing on over the United States and ning the meeting or speaking felt, there is a problem of offering credit for attending a creative expression, fun, other countries,” reports to a point. Another Chair excessive deference at gener- GM. “General Meetings,” she great food and community. CONTINUED ON PAGE 3 Committee member admit- al meetings—of people sim- said, “can be incredibly ted that before she was on ply waiting to find out what tedious and anyone who Next General Meeting on April 26 the committee “it was really staff members think about an either isn’t passionate about The General Meeting of the Park Slope Food Coop is held on the nice to be able to go back issue in order to make up the issues or doesn’t happen last Tuesday of each month.* The next General Meeting will be there and stretch and get my their own minds. to be one of those people who on Tuesday, April 26, at 7:00 p.m. at the Congregation Beth Elo- shopping list done.” The No one the Gazette spoke to likes meetings could have dif- him Temple House (Garfield Temple), 274 Garfield Place. issue isn’t confined to people was in favor of “policing” the ficulty staying engaged. The agenda is in this Gazette and available as a flyer in the sitting on the mats, however. meetings. One member said When the Coop was small entryway of the Coop. For more information about the GM and While multitasking has he would rather look at ways there was a larger proportion about Coop governance, please see the center of this issue. become a normal part of our to make people more inter- of people who cared about * Exceptions for November and December will be posted. society, there are many com- ested in what’s going on than CONTINUED ON PAGE 2 IN THIS ISSUE Fri, Apr 8 • Blood Drive 11:00–6:00 p.m. Sat, Apr 9 • Blood Drive 11:00–6:00 p.m. Candidates for The Board of Directors ...... 5 Bad Bananas, Puzzle ...... 7 Coop Sun, Apr10 • Wordsprouts: Group Reading at Union Hall 5:00–6:30 p.m, Coop Hours, Coffeehouse ...... 8 Event Tue, Apr 12 • Safe Food Committee Film Night: Coop Calendar, Workslot Needs A Farm in Danger & The Garden 7:00 p.m. Governance Information, Mission Statement...... 9 Fri, Apr 15 • Coffeehouse 8:00 p.m. Letters to the Editor ...... 12 Highlights Beth Terry: The Plastic-Free Woman ...... 14 Look for additional information about these and other events in this issue. Classified Ads ...... 15 From Plow to Plate: The Garden...... 16 11-04-07 pp 01-16_Layout 1 4/6/11 8:41 PM Page 2

2  April 7, 2011 Park Slope Food Coop, Brooklyn, NY

the GM sign-in book, which floats around during the Coop Job Opening: meeting. In fact, that book is itself a source of distraction in the meeting, with mem- Membership Coordinator bers swiveling heads, wav- ing hands, and whispering Description: to find out where it goes The Coop is hiring a Membership Coordinator to fill an after- next, or asking what hap- noon/evening and weekend schedule. Membership Coordinators divide their time between shifts of approximately 6 hours in the pened to the pencil. In an Membership Office, Technical Support shifts of approximately age when the cursor on your 6.5 hours working on the shopping floor, and oversight/coordi- computer can easily be con- nation of the Coop's administrative functions. Applicants must trolled by someone on the have excellent people skills, excellent communication and orga- other side of the world, both nizational skills as well as patience, comfort with computers and computer technology, and the ability to do detailed record keep- sign-in books are seeming ing. Applicants should be able to remain calm in hectic surround- people who more and more archaic. ings, oversee the work of others, teach and explain procedures, are wandering in delegate work, give feedback, pay attention to several things at cyberspace, the mem- Reverse the Hall once and maintain high standards of accuracy. ber noted, but it would The hall, as any GM As a retail business, the Coop's busiest times are during traditional probably send a stronger attendee knows, has a holiday seasons. Applicants must be prepared to work during many of signal that the Coop takes somewhat odd arrange- the holiday periods, particularly in the winter. the workslot credit policy ment. There are people sit- seriously, which might in ting on folding chairs facing Hours: Approx. 39 hours in 5 days/week: Attendance Up Thursday–Monday. Weekday schedule CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 turn affect how seriously the front, and behind them will be afternoon/evening hours (some attendees take it, too. are others, out of sight of shifts until 11:00 p.m.). Saturday and democracy, other political Several people suggested those chairing the meeting, Sunday hours will vary, though shifts are issues, alternative economic that if the sign-in were at the sitting on mats used by between 5 and 8 hours in length. models, and so on—versus beginning, someone could schoolchildren during the Wages: $23.88/hour. people who just wanted be posted downstairs or just week. And not everyone is cheap food. Now it’s so large, inside the auditorium for a sitting. Some are reclining, Benefits: —Health insurance I think there are naturally rel- period of time, for example, or half reclining; others are —Pension plan/401(k) plans atively fewer people who care forty-five minutes, to take in various asanas. The —Vacation–three weeks/year increasing about such issues. Maybe not the names of those attend- atmosphere on the mats can in the 4th, 7th & 10th years paying attention at GMs is an ing for credit. get a little soporific, said —Health and Personal time indicator of a larger issue to one member. This region of do with the Coop’s increase the room could perhaps be How to Apply: in size.” One member said compared to what used to Please provide your résumé along with a cover letter explaining your No one spoke in favor of he would rather be called in Italian history eliminating workslot credit irredenta—land that was his- relevant qualifications, skills and experience. Materials should be look at ways to e-mailed to [email protected]. Please put altogether, a policy that nur- torically part of the nation "Membership Coordinator" in the subject field. Applicants will receive tures and trains members in make people more but needs to be reclaimed. an e-mail acknowledging receipt of their materials. Please do not call Coop democracy, and in the interested in Since it would be inconve- the Office to check on the status of your application. Applications will democratic process itself. what’s going on nient to move the mats, and be reviewed and interviews scheduled on a rolling basis until the position has been filled. If you applied to a previous Coop job offer- But some wondered if the than in ways to many like them for legiti- ing, please re-submit your materials. two credits per year rule crack down. mate reasons that have were making the meetings nothing to do with wanting unwieldy. to check their email, (such as Probation Period: There were a number of childcare, nursing, back There will be a six-month probation period. other practical suggestions After that, people could problems, and so on) a sim- for addressing the problem. still enter the meeting but ple solution would be to Prerequisite: not for credit. Another sug- move the “front” of the meet- Must be a current member of the Park Slope Food Coop for at least six Change the Sign-In gestion called for a card ing to the back and rotate months immediately prior to application. One member suggested scanner set up at the the chairs 180 degrees. This the way that people sign in entrance to scan everyone would put the mat dwellers No Membership Office experience necessary to submit application for credit doesn’t communi- in. The scanner would be in the front, allowing them materials. However, in order to be considered for an interview, appli- cants must have worked at least four shifts in the Membership Office. cate that the meeting linked wirelessly to the to see the speakers instead After submitting your materials, if you wish to schedule shifts in should be taken seriously as Coop’s computers. That of the backs of the people the Office please contact the Coop at hc-membershipcoordinator@ a workshift. People sign an would also create an accu- sitting in the chairs. It would psfc.coop. Please put "Schedule Shifts" in the subject field. attendance book as they exit rate timestamp, which bring them fully into the the meeting. This means would eliminate the possi- meeting, and it would have that people can come late— bility of conflicts over the added benefit of making We are seeking an applicant pool that reflects the as late as they want. You whether someone was really it less comfortable for the diversity of the Coop's membership. could, theoretically, spend late, or the attendance tak- small minority who engage the evening at the Commu- er’s heirloom watch was off in non-meeting-related pur- nity Bookstore or even shop- by a few seconds. suits to do so. seen as the verbal equiva- that displays candid pho- ping at the Coop, stroll over Changing and automating lent of gaveling the meeting tographs of unsuspecting to Garfield Place at 8:30, and the sign-in would also elimi- Improve the Request back to order. A cell phone- Walmart customers, in all sign the book on your way nate some of the confusion Another member suggest- iPod-Kindle paragraph their eccentric glory. Why not, in. Admittedly, this would that now exists between the ed that the chair make the could also be added to the he suggested, take photos of not have much effect on workslot sign-in book and request for attention more new handout, GM 101, which mobile-device obsessed GM explicit, and perhaps make people now take as they attendees, and put them CORRECTION it two or three times in the enter the meeting. online or in the next Gazette? evening. The announcement Just as the Puritans put moral In our story “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” to turn off cell phones could Start a ‘People of offenders in stocks in the printed in the March 24, 2011, issue, we said be expanded to include all Walmart’ Coop Webpage public square, we could Alison Rosa Clark belonged to the Future Con- mobile devices and non- One member offered up a expose those whose atten- sumers Coop in Seattle. In fact, she was part of meeting related materials, fantasy. He referred to what tion wandered from the the Puget Consumers Coop. The Linewaiters’ and coupled with an appeal he called the irresistible, hor- financial report to check their Gazette regrets this error. for people to give the meet- rifying, disrespectful, and Facebook page. But even he ing their full attention. The condescending website, admitted, this punishmant is announcement could be www.peopleofwalmart.com, probably a bridge too far. ■

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Park Slope Food Coop, Brooklyn, NY April 7, 2011  3

Vacation ing. We always strive to provide CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 the best quality, local and organic where possible. People Carole Blaine, CCG program love our food. Surprisingly, director and longtime visitor. most of our campers are not “We have families that repre- vegetarians. When we intro- sent varied lifestyles, cul- duced the idea of providing a tures, economic levels, family ‘meat’ option during the brain- configurations. One of our storming session with our slogans is ‘Whoever is family Board and campers at our by you is family by us.’ ” annual meeting, the discus- Veteran Coop member sion lasted several hours and Martha Siegel, a steadfast we came out committed to the CCG camper, supporter and idea that a vegetarian diet is teacher, remembers the ori- BERNSTEIN BY LYNN better for the planet. We gins of Camp Common endeavor to offer alternatives Ground. “Before 1990, all our by example and education to a kids were in childcare together high meat-based diet. Our at the Park Slope Childcare ILLUSTRATION campers really appreciate the Collective. That was the year opportunity to explore new that the founders, Jim in such a short time. Even nature and beauty.“ Beyond the weekly camping patterns of eating at camp that Mendell and Peg Kamens and though I teach full time, here Carole points out that the sessions, CCG hosts several spe- are transferable to home.” their children moved up to in Brooklyn, I’m absolutely kids learn skills too. “There’s cial programs each year: Lost As a nonprofit organization, Burlington and eventually thrilled to teach full time at things like tennis and music. Arts Weekend, designed for Camp Common Ground offers founded Camp Common Camp Common Ground.” But mostly they have the Homeschooling Families; Camp its program at a sliding scale fee Ground. It was their dream to opportunity to be kids, running Kaleidoscope for families with to ensure that families from all start some form of collective Programs for barefoot up and down the hill children on the Autism Spec- walks of life can enjoy the experi- community, which in 1994 Young and Old and over to the giant rock and trum, and a Chinese Cultural ence. CCG raises funds to sup- became a family camp.” At CCG, program offerings dif- onto the recycled playground Weekend for families with adopt- port these opportunities fer from week to week. Examples structure. Many children who ed children of Chinese origin. through an annual phone-a-thon include Watercolors, Massage, have some separation chal- fundraiser, camper donations “There’s things like Guitar, Drumming, Hiking, Glass lenges find it possible to par- Low-Impact and community service oppor- tennis and music. work, Chamber Music, and ticipate in Kidville knowing Programming and High- tunities as part of the program. But mostly they have the Dance. Explaining the program that parents are available if Quality Vegetarian Dining “We work very hard to make it philosophy, Carole, who has need be. This is the beauty of From a new self-sustaining financially feasible for everyone opportunity to be kids, been coming with her husband family camp. The teen group eco-lodge to solar power for to be able to come. Probably running barefoot and growing children for the last year built several theme water and heat, CCG’s grounds over 75% of our families benefit up and down the hill past decade, says, “Camp based putt-putt holes for reflect its investment in creat- by taking advantage of the slid- and over to the giant rock.” Common Ground was always camper use and developed ing a low carbon footprint and ing scale or receiving scholar- envisioned as a place for each leadership skills, team work educating others on ways to be ships,” Carole adds. “Our goal member of the family to skills and construction skills all greener also. “Valuing our is to welcome all.” ■ explore relationships and learn at the same time.” interdependence with the nat- As Martha remembers it, new skills. We pride ourselves “Kids are in heaven at Camp ural environment by maintain- Camp Common Ground will host “For the first year it was in a on offering truly exceptional Common Ground,” Martha adds. ing a low carbon footprint, an Open House on April 16 from pre-existing camp near Rut- adult programs led by profes- “It is a very safe, trusting environ- recycling and repurposing is 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Martha land, Vermont. Then for the sionals (no “arts and crafts” for ment. Everyone looks out for one of our guiding principles,” Siegel’s home, at 296 16th Street next 10 years it was on adults at CCG) meaning that each other’s kids. Friendships Carole says. “The vegetarian (up the steps) Please RSVP at Grand Isle, on Lake Cham- an art class is taught by an form instantly.” component is really interest- 718-965-3916. plain. Finally, Peg and Jim, artist, our glass studio is run by after searching for several a glass artist. Our dance class- years, found its current loca- es are led by a choreograph- What Is That? How Do I Use It? tion in Starksboro, Vermont, er/dancer from New York. We between Bristol and Burling- offer Non Violent Communication ton.” Martha points out that skills and all are constantly work- Food Tours in the Coop Peg and Jim, and the rest of ing on our communication. We Everyone is looking forward The purple crocus to spring — the longer, warmer days spangling the winter grass — the devotees of Common are able to attract this level of the flowers, the fresh start bloom inside you Ground Center, are commit- professionalism because our and all the rest ted to improving the camp teachers bring their families It's a small shift experience each summer. and are committed to our mis- But somewhere, just underneath with big movement “I’ve gone since the first sum- sion. They love camp! Many is a feeling of unease a shift from grasping mer in 1994 at the first loca- have been coming since day a kind of desperation to one of receiving tion, when my kids were one and would never consider that somehow we'll miss it — seven and nine years old. The a summer without camp.” Car- that it will come and pass us by Turn GET only summer I did not go was ole cites Martha’s music classes that we have to seize it Into RECEIVE in 2004, when the cabins were as one exciting example of the and make it our own and you will never miss anything being constructed. But my program’s offerings. “She or we'll be left out still cold Your every day will be a blessing son Russ, now 26 years old, teaches kids and adults to play did go that summer and an instrument in one week! I Here's the trick: The Park Slope Food Coop helped build the cabins.” personally have performed in we see out with our eyes Receiving each day, every day Russ remains very active pro- several of her Chamber Music Instead let the world stream in moting and supporting the Recitals never having touched through our eyes by Myra Klockenbrink camp year-round. a violin and only playing it at Martha returns for two camp. My daughter learned to The purple clouds turning to rose weeks every summer to teach play twinkle-twinkle when she in the new morning — string instruments and cham- was five—in one week—and let them flow into your body Mondays April 11 & 25 ber music to any and all now plays cello at camp with noon to 1:00 p.m. campers who attend camp. Martha. There are a myriad of The crowds at the train station — move into you and 1:30 t0 2:30 p.m. “By the end of each week,” she these stories… people learning not you through them says, “we give a chamber new skills, more about them- You can join in any time during a tour. music concert. It’s truly amaz- selves and others and connect- ing what can be accomplished ing on all levels including to

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4  April 7, 2011 Park Slope Food Coop, Brooklyn, NY

The Diversity and Equality Committee Seeks New Members Attention Coop Squad Leaders! Are you interested in Issues of • Do you want your shift to operate more smoothly? Diversity, Equality and Inclusion? • Are there folks on your squad who seem to irritate one another, The Diversity and Equality Committee is dedicated to and it’s difficult to see what the problem is? improving human relations and communication in When a conflict occurs between shoppers during your shift, all policies and procedures in the Coop. Our goal is to • work toward preventing and eliminating discrimination what can you do to ease the situation on the spot? in the Coop. If you are interested in issues of diversity, Do you know what resources are available equality and inclusion, you can help us to achieve • ours goals by becoming a member of the DEC. for people who want to follow up?

We are currently seeking new members, The Park Slope Food Coop’s Diversity and Equality Committee is holding a series of workshops with experience in conflict resolution and mediation, for Squad Leaders (and other squad reps who are not Squad Leaders). interviewing, and leading and organizing workshops, The goal of the two-hour workshop is to increase awareness and understanding of ideally around diversity. General computer skills and diversity in the Coop. Through interactive discussions we will talk about the values of diversity, editing and writing skills are also helpful. how differences can create both collaboration and conflict and strategies for dealing with issues Requirements: of diversity. We will discuss conflicts that have arisen in the Coop, the findings of the diversity survey and what you can do to make the Coop a more welcoming place for all. • Must be a member for at least one year • Have good attendance record Saturday, May 14 Thursday, May 26 Saturday, June 4 Thursday, June 23 • Attend monthly committee meetings on 10:30 a.m. –12:30 p.m. 7 –9 p.m. 10:30 a.m. –12:30 p.m. 7– 9 p.m. Thursdays from 6:30-8:00 p.m. • Participate in subcommittee work as needed Please call 888-922-COOP (2667) box 89 or send an e-mail to [email protected] (with “SL Training” in the subject line) to confirm your attendance and/or for more information. We seek members who are reflective of the In either case, please tell us your name, Coop member number, contact information and diversity of the Coop membership. the date you are interested in attending. We will reply with a confirmation within a week. If interested, please send an email with your name, PSFC member number, and details of your Diversity and Equality Committee relevant experience to [email protected]. PARK SLOPE FOOD COOP Workslot credit (make-up or FTOP) is available to those who attend. PleaseRaffle put “Diversity and Equality” in the subject line.

to support Chenango Delaware Otsego Gas Drilling Opposition Group PHOTO BY KEVIN RYAN PHOTO Looking for something new? 1st Prize: Schwinn Coffee Cruiser Bike 2nd Prize: $100 VISA Gift Card Check out the Coop’s 3rd Prize: $25 VISA Gift Card products blog. 4th Prize(s): Park Slope Food Coop T-shirt The place to go for the latest information $5.00 tickets on sale in the Membership Office beginning Monday, March 14th. on our current Drawing to be held on Monday, May 2nd. product inventory. Please show your support of the Coop’s campaign to protect New York’s watershed and foodshed and support local farmers. More information about hydraulic fracturing gas drilling (hydrofracking) in New York State You can connect to the blog is available at ecokvetch.blogspot.com. via the Coop’s website Schwinn bike donated by Cliff bars. Gift cards donated by Small Planet Foods (makers of Cascadian Foods, Larabar, and Muir Glen). www.foodcoop.com T-shirts donated by the Park Slope Food Coop.

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Park Slope Food Coop, Brooklyn, NY April 7, 2011  5 Candidates for Board of Directors of the Park Slope Food Coop, Inc. One three-year term is open. To vote you may use a proxy or be present at the Food Coop Annual Meeting on June 28, 2011. Every member will receive a proxy package in the mail in late May. You will have the opportunity to meet the candidates at the Annual Meeting. Candidate Statements (unedited and presented in alphabetical order):

Albert Solomon ware that wouldn’t work for two years. The brutish outcome, I can definitely see a great many members sacking of the Construction Committee and its plans feeling empowered and owning the results, rather Why haven’t more people found dismembered a promising and striking design for our than snoozing over their laptops at general meetings. the deceptive and profoundly new building. The removal of the cheese case was As a Director I would aggressively promote gov- undemocratic government of done without proper notice. It should have been a ref- ernmental change by every means at my disposal. I the Co-Op to be a serious prob- erendum! It seemed that the membership wanted to would exercise Director’s Right of Inspection to lem? In my seventeen years of continue item pricing after the scanners finally started review the functions of the Co-Op and make public advocating for government to work. But Joe Holtz deceptively supported it at two the results. I would develop a set of motions to be reform here I’ve heard and general meetings, then squashed it. It too should have voted down at every BOD meeting, including that thought about many reasons. been a referendum! they should meet outside the general meetings. Such reform would require Over the years, many changes small and large Maybe we should have a Committee to Apply The fundamental change. Therefore might have been different. Today we allow red meat, Sociological Imagination to some of our ridiculous it’s hard to see the consequences without prolonged beer, chemical additives, and simple sugars. With a problems. Long ago Max Weber used the words “rou- and farsighted thinking, which can be demanding. single vote we gave up requiring Management to tinization of charisma” to describe the miasma that has “You’re not the only person who’s told me just a notify the Membership of increases in staff. We have become our Co-Op’s government and morale. The Fam- few people rule the Co-Op, and I’ve gotten the same a professionally boring and top-down Gazette that ily Rule and the Town Meeting were probably appropri- impression from some of my own experiences. How- prints 3,000 copies at untold cost. And a Disciplinary ate and fair to a stable group of less than 300 people. ever the Co-Op seems to run well and it’s very useful Hearing Committee that keeps getting larger and A larger, older group is a totally different organism to me, so I’m not willing to rock the boat.” larger. We still have the oppressive and unnecessary than before. Different people are attracted, and see “I think it’s a good cause but my advocacy time is Family Rule, and of course the alluring but noxious their roles differently. That is how we can have 25% all filled up with other issues at the moment.” town meeting form of government. annual turnover in membership, and a quintessen- My own experience with a new democracy has pro- And what’s so bad about the government? Since tially insensitive response like Jess Robinson’s in l’Af- vided a reality check on what “democracy” can and the Board of Directors has given up its power, there faire Glesta (Letters of January 27th and February cannot do. In many ways, democracy has been sadly are no elected representatives. So the institutional 24th), and hardly anyone seems to notice. The same destructive to The Pacifica Foundation. But the same memory of the Co-Op has been essentially co-opted structure that was a purveyor of community can could be said for the lack of democracy at our Co-Op. by the permanent cadre. become a purveyor of tyranny. “How would the Co-Op be different under a democ- Hence, with our version of the “town-meeting” It is an honor to run for the Board for the ninth ratic regime?” No one can predict the future, but here form of government, management can claim we are time (approximately), and an honor not to have the are a few things that were deceptively or imperiously “democratic” and that “everyone has a say,” when endorsement of the Management. I thank you for rammed through by Management: The pension plan nothing of the sort is really going on. your serious consideration of my candidacy. might be different if they hadn’t frozen out other mem- Under factionalized but fair and transparent man- Albert B. Solomon bers who proposed a different one. Someone might agement by elected delegates, yes, I could see quite a [email protected] have been fired for the retention of the scanning soft- few of these things being different. And whatever the 718-768-9079 ■

Bill Penner debated and voted on by the Coop membership pre- health remains strong, and I believe as a Board mem- sent. At the end of the Meeting, the Board of Direc- ber it is critical to be committed to helping maintain I am writing to ask for your sup- tors vote on taking the advice of the membership. our financial strength. Our low prices, created as a port for reelection as one of the This is how the Coop combines its corporate struc- result of the Coop’s financial stability and efficiencies, six members of the Board of ture with its town hall style of democracy. enable many people to benefit from fresh wholesome Directors of the Coop. My candi- In my opinion, there is often confusion as to the pri- food while supporting the Coop community and val- dacy has been endorsed by the mary role of the Board of Directors within the Coop’s ues. The amount of money that members save at the Coop’s General Coordinators. decision-making process. I believe an important dis- Coop is substantial; in fact, our members save millions I have been a member of the tinction is that the Board’s role is one of oversight of dollars each year shopping at the Coop! This savings Coop for eleven years. In addi- rather than one of advocacy. Each member of the is true power for people of all economic backgrounds tion to serving on the Board of Board has a responsibility to act to the benefit of the and allows members to make healthy decisions for Directors for the last five years, I have served on both Coop as a whole not to any one constituency or group. themselves and their families while supporting the the receiving committee and on the CHIPS soup Proposals covering many different topics are present- environmental and the social missions of the Coop. kitchen committee preparing meals with food donated ed, debated and voted on by all members at the Gen- I have been honored to have had the opportunity to by the Coop. In my work outside the Coop, I am a prin- eral meeting. However, when the Board of Directors serve the Coop as a member of Board of Directors. I am cipal in an architectural firm that I created nine years vote, I base my decision to the best of my ability on always amazed at the breadth of talent and energy mem- ago in Brooklyn. And prior to receiving a degree in three criteria: 1) Will a proposal ratified by the General bers contribute, and I still believe that each Meeting is architecture, I apprenticed as a chef and cooked pro- Meeting jeopardize the financial health of the Coop? an opportunity to learn something new so that I can be fessionally for 6 years. The Coop is an important part 2) Will the proposal expose the Coop to unnecessary better prepared to play my role in what is truly a unique of my life; it is a place where I connect with my passion legal risk? 3) Does the proposal violate the spirit of the community. The late President of the Board, Israel Fish- for food and realize the significance of food and food Coop’s own by-laws? Historically, it has been extreme- man, used to say that the Coop saved his life—the differ- production in our society as a cultural, environmental, ly rare that the Board votes to overturn a decision ent viewpoints and different people all working together and economic force of incredible importance. made at a General meeting. I believe that this is testa- for a common purpose gave him the perspective and Because the Coop is a corporation, it is required ment to the strength of our democratic process and patience to see beyond himself towards what was really to have a board of directors. Our Board of Directors the commitment both the members and the paid staff important. I am reminded of this cherished thought meets every month in public at the General Meeting. place on contributing to that process. each time I attend a Meeting and when I shop. At the General Meeting, any Coop member can pre- The last 10 years have been a period of incredible Cooperatively Yours, sent an item for discussion or make a proposal to be growth and change at the Coop. The Coop’s financial Bill Penner ■

The Role of the Board members shall be known as the General Meet- The Election Process Members who have a current member- From our inception in 1973 to the present, the ing.... The members who gather to give advice to Each year the Coop must, by law, hold an ship as of Saturday, June 18, 2011, are eli- monthly General Meeting has been the deci- the directors may choose to vote in order to Annual Meeting. This is the only meeting gible to vote in the election of Directors sion-making body of the Coop. Since the express their support or opposition for any of the where proxies can be used. Those members at the Annual Meeting either in person or Coop incorporated in 1977, we have been issues that have come before the meeting.” who cannot attend the Annual Meeting may by proxy. legally required to have a board of Directors. The Board of Directors conducts a vote at be represented, if they wish, by a proxy. Proxy packets are mailed to members in The Bylaws of the Park Slope Food Coop state: the end of every General Meeting on whether If you submit a proxy but come to the mid-May. If you do not receive a packet, “The portion of the Board of Directors meeting to accept the advice of the members as Annual Meeting in person, your proxy will be please call the Membership Office or pick one that is devoted to receiving the advice of the expressed in their vote(s) during the GM. returned to you when you register. up at the entrance door of the Coop. ■

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6  April 7, 2011 Park Slope Food Coop, Brooklyn, NY

VALET BIKE PARKING IS HERE ON SUNDAYS!

Every Sunday through November 20, from 3:30 p.m.–8:00 p.m., Coop members can leave their bikes with our valet parking service, which is like a coat check for bikes. Working members will check in and watch your bike for you.

Just drop off your bike, do your shopping or your shift, and hop back on. No locks, no worries, no theft. Service operates rain or shine. Look for us in front of the yellow wall. (Note: no bike check-in after 7:30 p.m.)

Valet bicycle parking at the Coop is brought to you by the PSFC Shop & Cycle Committee.

Celebrate Earth Day! The Environmental Committee will be tabling outside the Coop along with members of the Safe Food and Recycling Committees and the Genetically Modified Organisms Shelf Labeling Squad. Sunday, April 10 In honor of Earth Day, 9:00 am – 3:00 pm the Northeast Organic Farming Association of New York (NOFA-NY) will be hosting a membership drive Stop by and talk to committee members. outside the Food Coop on Pick up some of our great Sunday, April 10, handouts. from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bring your old batteries— we’ll collect them for recycling By joining NOFA, you help to (spent alkaline batteries create a larger voice for the organic size AAA through D movement, so that we as a body can and nine-volts only). make the most impact in creating a healthy New York State food system.

During the Park Slope membership drive, NOFA is offering a $10 annual membership (75% discount!). Park Slope Food Coop is an active Business Member of NOFA-NY.

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Park Slope Food Coop, Brooklyn, NY April 7, 2011  7 Bad Bananas Boast Coop Labels by Artist on GMO Labeling Committee By Alison Rose Levy alifornia native Jeff Faerber is a Park Slope–based artist whose work Cruns the gamut from paintings to illustrations to books. Jeff has been a member of the Park Slope Food Coop for over ten years, where he serves on the GMO Shelf Labeling Committee creating graphic art work, posters, layouts, designing brochures and the like. Faerber stands in firm book’s illustrations. In fact, from bad to worse, Jeff Faer- opposition to GMO foods. he snuck in labels. ber’s illustrations follow suit. He recognizes that many of “It wasn’t inherent in the When they become a “bad the people he knows want text itself but I brought in influence on other fruit, GMO-containing foods to be non-organic and organic hanging out in pears on cor- labeled. When they aren’t labels to distinguish the Bad ners,” Faerber depicts a labeled, “people don’t recog- Bananas of the book’s title banana with a mean look, nize what they are buying. from good ones,” Faerber sideways baseball cap, and There are just so many con- says. He doesn’t view this as unfair trade sticker, flanked

tradictions.” proselytizing. He regards his by two tough looking pears. MORRISON BY ROD PHOTO Explaining how he got special details, as “a wink All three fruit sport goatees, Jeff Faerber, proud illustrator of the book interested in GMOs, Faerber and a nod to those in the and glower at a trembling Bad Bananas-A Story Cookbook for Kids says, “I have a natural dis- know.” strawberry. trust of what people tell you Bad Bananas is a hybrid. It’s “No longer good for break- out good —“even delicious!” is safe. The more I looked a story, an activity book that fast,” a pair of spotted Bad Bananas contains a into the work of Jeff Smith, parents and children can banana pals, replete with handful of easy recipes that Follow GMO expert and the author read and use together, and it skateboards and chain links, kids can make with parental of Seeds of Deception, the more I also contains recipes using, are snubbed by an aloof help. Even when bananas the saw that we know too little to you guessed it, bananas. orange. have gone bad, they can still be using GMOs so widely, “It didn’t start as a cook- As Faerber next portrays be used in banana muffins, and what we know isn’t book,” says Beckstrand, “but them, they have sticker tat- cookies, smoothies and Food good.” Faerber gives cre- my editor thought it would be toos, pierced peels and wild pancakes. A recipe for dence to the words of the perfect activity book— hair. “If they hang out long on Banana Redemption Bread Coop Michael Pollan, who writes, saving families from those countertops they may uses three to four ripe “Don’t eat anything that has ‘I’m bored’ moments.” Bad become a bad influence on bananas, along with apple- on a big advertising budget.” Bananas –A Story Cookbook for other fruit,” says Beckstrand, sauce, eggs, honey, yogurt, One of Faerber’s prime Kids dramatizes the short “or start turf wars with rival nuts and chocolate chips. objections to GMOs is that (shelf) life of a renegade bunches.” “They’re not only tasty, they are bred to be pesticide bunch—offering great recipes Finally it comes to a point they’re right-carb, low-sugar resistant, which increases kids can use, even when a when a lone derelict banana recipes,” says the book’s the use of herbicides, he banana starts to go “bad.” (complete with piercings and author. says. “It’s easier for farmers We all know how bananas heavy metal) declares, “I’ll Jeff Faerber is currently to use crop dusters, and this go bad in real life, but how clean up my act when I’m preparing for an art show in has doubled and tripled the do the book’s bananas go good and ready.” Berlin. His work can be seen use of herbicides, also made bad? First, the bananas are When one pal performs on his website, www.jefffaer- by Monsanto. They are dou- characters who evolve from some slippery banana peel ber.com, and Bad Bananas is @foodcoop ble-dipping.” goodness, to badness, and action to trip up a senior, his available on Amazon.com. ■ Faerber is concerned finally to redemption. Is Bad trio of banana cohorts col- about the dead zone in the Bananas perchance a morality lapse in gleeful laughter and Gulf, a huge bloom of chemi- tale too? Or is it just a rol- give each other high fives, cals which has killed off all licking romp through bad- when the lady reprimands Sudoku life forms that is approxi- ness that any kid can relish? them, “Bad bananas!” By mately the size of the state of In the book’s portrayal, now, in illustrations, the New Jersey. It’s located where young bananas begin life sneakers have been replaced the runoff from pesticide- innocently enough, green, by cowboy boots. laden agriculture in the Mid- firm, polite, and tight in their “You can throw them in west enters the Mississippi, community. In Faerber’s the cooler, but that just where it flows downstream illustrations, these bananas makes them more off color,” to empty into the Gulf of sport neat red or blue sneak- Beckstrand writes of a rotting Mexico. ers; they are basically con- banana leering at a tomato “It’s hard to feel good formists, the book’s text who tells him to “chill out!” about your country when no admits. But just when they seem one can swim in your rivers As they turn a warm and least redeemable, Beck- because they will get sick.” friendly yellow, it’s time to strand turns their stunts into When children’s book bring them home. In Faer- recipes. In one “scary stunt” a author Karl Beckstrand asked ber’s illustration, golden banana with spiky hair slips Faerber to illustrate his fifth bananas in their prime boast on his skateboard and winds picture book, Bad Bananas –A organic and fair trade labels, up in a blender as Beck- Story Cookbook for Kids, Faerber subtle signs of their health strand helpfully provides an liked the concept immedi- pedigree. But when bananas easy recipe for a Banana ately. He saw the potential mature into banana adoles- Smoothie, which parents and for some lively and fun illus- cence, certain predictable kids can make and enjoy trations of bananas with behaviors flourish. “Soon together. piercings and spiked hair, they start sneaking rides on “In the end, the worst and he also saw an opportu- fruit hats—or taking the fruit bananas get fried or put away nity to work in food aware- bowl out for late night for good.” ness, by sneaking some spins,” Beckstrand writes. As In this charming story, Puzzle author: James Vasile. For answers, see page . surprise details into the banana-ine behavior goes even a bad banana can turn

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8  April 7, 2011 Park Slope Food Coop, Brooklyn, NY

COOP HOURS Friday A monthly musical fundraising partnership of Office Hours: Apr 15 the Park Slope Monday through Thursday Food Coop and 8:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. 8:00 p.m. the Brooklyn Society Friday & Saturday for Ethical Culture 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Shopping Hours: Monday–Friday 8:00 a.m. to 10:00* p.m. Saturday 6:00 a.m. to 10:00* p.m. Sunday Matt Garrison, bass, keys, vox, pedals, flowgramming, audio manipulation. This 6:00 a.m. to 7:30* p.m. music travels the sonic palette of World, Electronic, Folk, *Shoppers must be on a checkout line 15 minutes after closing time. Improvisational, Structured Jazz. Garrison’s work over the last Childcare Hours: Monday through Sunday 20 years with artists such as Herbie Hancock, Joe Zawinul, 8:00 a.m. to 8:45 p.m. John McLaughlin, John Scofield, Chaka Khan, Joni Mitchell, Telephone: 718-622-0560 Whitney Houston, solidifies his status as one of the leading Web address: www.foodcoop.com torch bearers of modern music expression.

Cynthia Hilts — internationally renowned jazz pianist, vocalist and composer — invites burningly effervescent saxophonist Tina Richers

The Linewaiters’ Gazette is published biweekly by the Park Slope for a set with Hilts’ trio and extended musical family. This is Food Coop, Inc., 782 Union Street, Brooklyn, New York 11215. jazz at its finest — mesmerizing original compositions and Opinions expressed here may be solely the views of the writer. The Gazette will not knowingly publish articles that are racist, sexist, or oth- erwise discriminatory. masterful improvisation by a posse of musical souls with The Gazette welcomes Coop-related articles, and letters from members. sensitivity, fire and a good dose of organic rambunctiousness. SUBMISSION GUIDELINES All submissions must include author’s name and phone number and conform to the following guidelines. Editors will reject letters and 53 Prospect Park West [at 2nd Street] $10 8:00 p.m. [doors open at 7:45] articles that are illegible or too long. Submission deadlines appear • • in the Coop Calendar opposite. Performers are Park Slope Food Coop members and receive Coop workslot credit. Booking: Bev Grant, 718-788-3741 Letters: Maximum 500 words. All letters will be printed if they conform to the guidelines above. The Anonymity and Fairness policies appear on the letters page in most issues. Voluntary Articles: Maximum 750 words. Editors will reject articles This Issue Prepared By: that are essentially just advertisements for member businesses and Monthly on the... Coordinating Editors: Stephanie Golden services. Second Saturday Erik Lewis April 9 R Committee Reports: Maximum 1,000 words. 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. Editors (development): Erik Lewis Editor-Writer Guidelines: Except for letters to the editor, which Joan Minieri are published without editing but are subject to the Gazette let- Third Thursday April 21 ters policy regarding length, anonymity, respect, and fairness, E Reporters: Frank Haberle 7:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m. all submissions to the Linewaiters' Gazette will be reviewed and Alison Rose Levy if necessary edited by the editor. In their review, editors are Last Sunday Ed Levy guided by the Gazette's Fairness and Anonymity policies as April 24 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. C well as standard editorial practices of grammatical review, sep- Art Director (development): Eva Schicker aration of fact from opinion, attribution of factual statements, On the sidewalk in front of the receiving and rudimentary fact checking. Writers are responsible for the area at the Coop. Illustrators: Lynn Bernstein factual content of their stories. Editors must make a reasonable Y Ethan Pettit effort to contact and communicate with writers regarding any Deborah Tint proposed editorial changes. Writers must make a reasonable effort to respond to and be available to editors to confer about Photographer: Rod Morrison their articles. If there is no response after a reasonable effort to PLASTIC S contact the writer, an editor, at her or his discretion, may make What plastics do we accept? Traffic Manager: Barbara Knight editorial changes to a submission without conferring with the Until further notice: Thumbnails: Kristin Lilley writer. • #1 and #6 type non-bottle shaped contain- L Submissions on Paper: Typed or very legibly handwritten and ers, transparent only, labels ok Preproduction: Helena Boskovic placed in the wallpocket labeled "Editor" on the second floor at the • Plastic film and bubble wrap, transparent Photoshop: Terrance Carney base of the ramp. only, no colored or opaque, no labels I Digital Submissions: We welcome digital submissions. Drop Art Director (production): Linda Wheeler • #5 plastic cups, tubs, and specifically disks in the wallpocket described above. The email address for marked caps and lids, very clean and dry Desktop Publishing: Kevin Cashman submissions is [email protected]. Receipt of your Oliver Yourke submissions will be acknowledged on the deadline day. (discard any with paper labels, or cut off) N Gabrielle Napolitano •NOTE: We are no longer accepting Classified & Display Ads: Ads may only be placed by and on behalf #2 #4 of Coop members. Classified ads are prepaid at $15 per insertion, or type plastics. Editor (production): Tioma Allison business card ads at $30. (Ads in the “Merchandise–Non-commercial” PLASTIC MUST BE COMPLETELY CLEAN & DRY G category are free.) All ads must be written on a submission form Puzzle Master: Stuart Marquis We close up promptly. (available in a wallpocket on the first floor near the elevator). Classi- Please arrive 15 minutes prior to the Final Proofreader: Nancy Rosenberg fied ads may be up to 315 characters and spaces. Display ads must collection end time to allow for inspection and be camera-ready and business card size (2"x3.5"). sorting of your plastic. Index: Len Neufeld Printed by: New Media Printing, Bethpage, NY.

Read the Gazette while you’re standing on line OR online at www.foodcoop.com 11-04-07 pp01-16_Layout14/6/118:41PMPage9 the instructionsheetsbysign-upboard. participation intheCoop’s decision-makingprocess. workslot-credit programwascreatedtoincrease decisions andsetCooppolicy. TheGeneral-Meeting-for- General Meeting(GM)membersgathertomake Meeting hasbeenour • BeingAbsentfromtheGM: • SigninginattheMeeting: • AttendtheentireGM: Squadsnoteligible: • Certain • Two attendancecreditsperyear: GM • AdvanceSign-uprequired: do notcalltheMembershipOffice withGMcancellations. you removeyournameifknow cannotattend.Please passed aroundduringthemeeting. Workslot CreditAttendanceSheet. for the because coveringabsentmembersistoodifficult.) and FTOPcommittees.(SomeCommitteesareomitted Processing, Office,Maintenance,Inventory, Construction, workslot-credit programtwotimespercalendaryear. below fordetails. Membership Office. day ofthemeeting,sign-upsheetiskeptin the meetingwhenyouhaveuntil5p.m.tosignup.On ups sheetisavailableallmonthlong,exceptforthedayof name tothesign-upsheetin elevator l Channels: 56(TimeWarner), 69(CableVision). FRIDAYS 2:30p.m.withareplayat10:30 Inside theParkSlopeFoodCoop The CooponCableTV www.foodcoop.com The CoopontheInternet page foranswerstofrequentlyaskedquestions. www.foodcoop.com andlookatthe“JoinCoop” Have questionsaboutOrientation?Pleasevisit 622-0560 duringofficehours. the MembershipOffice.Visit inpersonorcall718- To pre-register, visitwww.foodcoop.com orcontact all ofthefourweeklyNewMemberOrientations. Coop membership.Pre-registrationisrequiredfor Attending anOrientationisthefirststeptoward New MemberOrientations Following isanoutlineoftheprogram. It ispossibletocancelwithout penalty. We doaskthat 2.Please alsosignintheattendancebookthatis 1. AfterthemeetingChairwillprovide In ordertoearnworkslotcredityoumustbepresent Eligible: Shopping,Receiving/Stocking,Food Each membermaytakeadvantageoftheGM-for- Some restrictionstothisprogramdoapply. Pleasesee To beeligibleforworkslotcredit,youmustaddyour Since theCoop’s ince

COOP CALENDAR WORKSLOT NEEDS and ReceiveWork Credit entire [email protected]. receive FTOPworkcredit,pleasecontact ming skillstohelpmaketheCoopbetterand ing technologies: some experiencewithallorofthefollow- for memberswhoprograminJavaandhave next generationapplications.We arelooking The Coopislookingforhelpdevelopingour Java Developers FTOP workers IT Departmentseeks meeting. If youareinterestedinusingyourprogram- • JasperReports/iReports • JDBC • JFC/Swing • Eclipse Attend aGM decision-making ption in 1973, the For fulldetails,see obby. Thesign- body. the At General Read the CLASSIFIED ADSDEADLINE: LETTERS &VOLUNTARY ARTICLES: Gazette Deadlines General Meeting. Submissions willbeconsideredfortheMay24 AGENDA SUBMISSIONS:8:00p.m. TUE, MAY 3 GENERAL MEETING:7:00p.m. TUE, APR26 General MeetingInfo a su:7:00p.m.,Wed, Apr27 7:00p.m., Wed, Apr13 May 5issue: Apr 21issue: 7:00p.m.,Mon,Apr25 7:00p.m.,Mon,Apr11 May 5issue: Apr 21issue: Gazette ions, needs and concerns of every member.ions, needsandconcernsof every accessible toallandrespect theopin- strive tomaketheCoop welcoming and oppose discriminationin anyform.We mitted todiversityand equality. tion andtheenvironment. others abouthealthandnutrition,coopera- lead byexample,educatingourselvesand friendly producers.We We recycle. to try tions. We prefertobuyfromlocal,earth- share withotherspeciesandfuturegenera- impact ofourlifestylesontheworldwe the environment. toxic, sustainableagriculture. exploitation ofothers.We supportnon- avoid productsthatdependonthe cessed andhealthfulfoods. emphasis onorganic,minimallypro- We offeradiversityofproductswithan of andsupportthecooperativemovement. selling agentforanyindustry. We areapart buying agentforourmembersandnota ethical employerandneighbor. We area equally. We strivetobearesponsibleand we shareresponsibilitiesandbenefits principles. Onlymembersmayshop,and ble withinthecontextofourvaluesand enables ustokeeppricesaslowpossi- through cooperationandteamwork labor: workingtogetherbuildstrust business. Asmembers,wecontributeour alternative tocommercialprofit-oriented ber-owned andoperatedfoodstore— The Park SlopeFood Coopisamem- Park SlopeFood Coop Mission Statement akSoeFo op roln YApril7,2011 Park SlopeFood Coop,Brooklyn, NY receive FTOPworkcredit,pleasecontact improve ourworkstationadministrationand printers hard drives,cleaninginternals,etc.) Python, etc.) technologies willbeuseful: addition toadminexperience,thefollowing You do nothavetobeafull-timeadmin.In experience administeringMacOSXsystems. workstations. We needmembersthathave streamlining theadministrationofourMAC The Coopislookingforhelpmaintainingand Mac SysAdmins while you’restanding onlineORonlineatwww.foodcoop.com If youareinterestedinhelpingtheITgroup • Experiencerepairingandmaintaining • Experienceinstallingmemory, changing • Scripting(Applescript,Bashshellscript, • ExperienceonMacOSX10.6+ We strivetoreducethe We arecom- We respect We seekto We an vote •Announcements,etc. the meeting)•Meetingevaluation •BoardofDirectors Agenda CommitteeasanitemforafutureGM. an itemismorethanbrief,itcanbesubmittedtothe members tobringbriefitemstheGeneralMeeting. If • Exploremeetingliterature • EnjoysomeCoopsnacksSubmitOpenForumitems Wrap Up(9:30-9:45) and mayalsoappearelsewhere inthisissue. The agendaispostedattheCoopCommunityCorner Agenda (8:00p.m.) (7:30 p.m.) Reports Open Forum (7:15 p.m.) Warm Up(7:00p.m.) Meeting Format call AnnHerpelatthecoop. last Tuesday ofthemonth.Ifyouhaveaquestion,please of eachmonthtoplantheagendaforGMheldon form. TheAgendaCommitteemeetsonthefirstTuesday on howtosubmitanitemappearthesubmission General Meetings.Instructionsandhelpfulinformation the CoopCommunityCornerbulletinboardandat Agenda Committee.Formsareavailableintheracknear Meeting, pleasecompleteasubmissionformforthe If youhavesomethingyou’dlikediscussedataGeneral on theAgenda How toPlaceanItem (Garfield Temple), 274GarfieldPlace. The Temple HouseofCongregationBethElohim Location month. The GeneralMeetingisheldonthelastTuesday ofeach April 26,7:00p.m. Next Meeting:Tuesday, every GeneralMeeting. are availableattheCoopCommunityCornerand the AnnualMeetinginJune.CopiesofCoop’s bylaws every GeneralMeeting.Boardmembersareelectedat almost everyGeneralMeetingdecisionattheendof required toactlegallyandresponsibly, hasapproved General Meetings.TheBoardofDirectors,whichis meetings andtoreceivetheadviceofmembersat General MeetingsbyrequiringtheBoardtohaveopen Board ofDirectors.TheCoopcontinuedthetradition porated in1977,wehavebeenlegallyrequiredtoa Coop’s decision-makingprocess.SincetheCoopincor- monthly GeneralMeetingshavebeenatthecenterof From ourinceptionin1973tothepresent,open Our GoverningStructure Report •CommitteeReports General Meeting All Aboutthe your workcommitment. if youseethisasalong-termmeansoffulfilling ing youon-boardtheseprojects,soonlyapply staff membersneedtospendtheirtimebring- attendance record.PleaserealizethatCoopIT ber foratleastsixmonthsandhaveagood [email protected]. Workslot isopentomemberswhohavebeen so agoodattendancehistoryisrequired. its, amust.You willbeworkingindependently, and legiblehandwriting,particularlywritingdig- to checkspaysomeoftheCoopbills.Neat You will transferinformationfromvoucherson Wednesdays, 6:00to8:45p.m. Check-Writing To beconsidered,youmustaCoopmem- • FinancialReportCoordinators’ (unless thereisavotetoextend • MeettheCoordinators Open Forumisatimefor CONTINUED ONPAGE13  9 11-04-07 pp 01-16_Layout 1 4/6/11 8:41 PM Page 10

10  April 7, 2011 Park Slope Food Coop, Brooklyn, NY

apr 8-9 apr 16 fri-sat 11 am–6 pm Blood Drive sat 1–3:30 pm Ancient Foods, Ancient Wisdom Fact: Less than 3% of the population donates blood, and 90% will use blood some Discuss what traditional foods are (enzyme-enriched foods, mineral-rich bone broths, time in their life. Presented in cooperation with New York Methodist Hospital. For fur- animal fats, properly prepared whole grains) and why they are so essential to our health ther information about blood donation, call 718-780-3644. and well-being, as well as for pregnancy and growing children. Learn about the pioneer- ing work of Dr. Weston A. Price, his study of healthy traditional communities, and the underlying factors in a variety of traditional diets. Coop member Angela Davis, M.Ed, apr 10 HHC, is a holistic nutrition coach with an emphasis on women’s wellness, digestive sun 12 pm Babywearing 101 health and healing diets. She is co-leader of the Brooklyn chapter of the Weston A. Price Foundation and co-founder of Wise Ways Cooking School. Learn about the five basic types of carriers (wraps, ring slings, pouches, mei tais and soft- structured carriers). We will focus on safe and comfortable carrying for newborns through tod- dlers. We will bring demonstration carriers, and parents are encouraged to bring the carriers they already have to get help with fit and positioning. The workshop will be taught by two Transforming Anxiety experienced babywearing parents: Lisa Brundage, Coop member for 10 years and Brooklyn apr 16 co-leader of Slings in the City for three years. Amy Takemoto is a babywearing mom of two sat 4–6 pm With Core Energetics children and has been Brooklyn co-leader of Slings in the City for four and a half years. Learn to identify unconscious blocks to feeling more relaxed and happier with Core Energetics, a body-centered therapy. Core Energetics goes beyond traditional talk thera- apr 10 py by bringing in breath, the voice and movement to help you feel calmer, more energy Wordsprouts: and vitality. Coop member Susan Pollack, L.C.S.W, Core Energetics Practitioner, is a sun 5–6:30 pm Group Reading psychotherapist with offices in Manhattan and Park Slope. A group reading of Coop authors at The Union Hall, 702 Union St., 718-638-4400. Authors will include Tom Angotti, Michele Carlo, Louise Crawford, Vincent Collazo, Grace F. Edwards, Ellen Freudenheim, Fran Hawthorne, Daniel Levin, James Luke, Torrey apr 23 Maldonado, Donna Minkowitz, Matt Mitler and Thomas Rayfiel. Co-curator Paula Bernstein sun 12 pm Finances for Freelancers is the co-author of Identical Strangers: A Memoir of Twins Separated and Reunited (Random House, 2007). Co-curator Paola Corso’s most recent book of fiction is Catina’s Haircut: A For freelancers, financial issues can be overwhelming, but there is help available. Novel in Stories, included on Library Journal’s notable list of first novels last fall. This workshop will take you through the issues we need to deal with and identify Event takes place at The Union Hall, 702 Union St., 718-638-4400. strategies and recourses that will help. Julia Fitzgerald is a long-time Coop mem- To book a Wordsprouts, contact P.J. Corso, [email protected]. ber with a love of number-crunching. This love and her professional background in nonprofit management has led to her current work, providing accounting and financial management services to nonprofits and freelancers. Coop member Arthur apr 12 Safe Food Committee Film Night: Goodman is an accountant who helps freelancers and individuals organize and plan their finances. tue 7 pm A Farm in Danger & The Garden A Farm in Danger, a short film by Dulce Fernandes, tells the story of Bed Stuy Farm, a garden on the site of a former apr 26 garbage dump that has become a community gathering space PSFC APRIL General Meeting and a classroom, to teach neighborhood youth about food tue 7 pm growing and community service. The short will be followed by Items will be taken up in the order given. Times in parentheses the feature documentary, The Garden, which chronicles a community’s epic battle to are suggestions. More information on each item may be avail- save its urban garden. With special guests and locally-grown snacks! able on the entrance table at the meeting. We ask members to please read the materials available between 7 and 7:15 p.m. Meeting location: Congregation Beth Elohim Social Hall (Garfield Temple), apr 15 Matt Garrison and 274 Garfield Place at Eighth Avenue. fri 8 pm Cynthia Hilts & Tina Richers Item #1: (30 minutes) Discussion: “Presentation by candidates for the Board of Directors followed by ques- Matt Garrison, bass, keys, vox, pedals, tions for the candidates.” —mandated by General Meeting flowgramming, audio manipulation. This music travels the sonic palette of World, Item #2: Formation of a Subcommittee on Climate Change (30 minutes) Electronic, Folk, Improvisational, Discussion: “To form a Committee for Climate Protection dedicated to providing infor- Structured Jazz. Garrison’s work over the last 20 years with artists mation to PSFC members regarding issues related to climate change.” such as Herbie Hancock, Joe Zawinul, John McLaughlin, John —submitted by Maggie Sweeney and Claudia Friedetzky Scofield, Chaka Khan, Joni Mitchell, Whitney Houston, solidifies his status as one of the leading torch bearers of modern music Item #3: Changes to the Point of Sale System that Enable Enforcement of Coop Rules expression. Cynthia Hilts — internationally renowned jazz pianist, Pertaining to Shopping Status (30 minutes) vocalist and composer — invites burningly effervescent saxophon- Discussion: “Discuss the planned activation of a feature of the point of sale (POS) sys- ist Tina Richers for a set with Hilts’ trio and extended musical tem that will enforce the Coop’s member status-shopping rules. The planned change is: family. This is jazz at its finest — mesmerizing original composi- Suspended members, who attempt to checkout beyond their 10-day grace period, will tions and masterful improvisation by a posse of musical souls with sensitivity, fire and a be prevented by the POS system. The proposed date for implementation is September good dose of organic rambunctiousness. 12, 2011.” —submitted by the General Coordinators Concert takes place at the Brooklyn Society for Ethical Culture, 53 Prospect Park West (at 2nd St.), $10, doors open at 7:45. The Very Good Coffeehouse is a monthly musical For information on how to place an item on the Agenda, please see the center pages of fundraising partnership of the Coop and the Brooklyn Society for Ethical Culture. the Linewaiters’ Gazette. The Agenda Committee minutes and the status of pending To book a Coffeehouse event, contact Bev Grant, 718-788-3741. agenda items are available in the Coop office. For more information on these and other events, visit the Coop’s website: foodcoop.com All events take place at the Park Slope Food Coop unless otherwise noted. Nonmembers are welcome to attend workshops. Views expressed by the presenter do not necessarily represent the Park Slope Food Coop.

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Park Slope Food Coop, Brooklyn, NY April 7, 2011  11

apr 26 Philosophical Counseling: may 3 Agenda Committee Meeting tue 7:30 pm The Art of Living Well tue 8 pm The Committee reviews pending agenda items and creates the Philosophical counseling is a form of rational inquiry whose aim is to help us sort agenda for this month’s General Meeting. Drop by and talk with things out. But what sorts of things? Everything from everyday problems that committee members face-to-face between 8 and 8:15 p.m. cause us anxiety to existential crises that lead us to despair. Traditionally, philos- Before submitting an item, read “How to Develop an Agenda ophy has helped people examine courses of action, weigh various approaches to Item for the General Meeting” and fill out the General Meeting Agenda Item Submission their problems, adopt useful outlooks on life and achieve mental clarity. Coop Form, both available from the Membership Office. The next General Meeting will be member Andrew Taggart is an ethicist, educational consultant and philosophical held on Tuesday, May 31, 7 p.m., at Congregation Beth Elohim Social Hall (Garfield counselor living in Brooklyn. Temple), 274 Garfield Place at Eighth Avenue.

may 5 Food Class: Cinco de Mayo: apr 29 Acupuncture for thu 7:30 pm The Flavors of Mexico fri 7 pm Seasonal Allergies Celebrate quick, delicious and easily replicated at-home recipes. Learn what factors contribute to seasonal allergies according to the energetic principles We will create two different vegetarian quesadillas with dips and of Oriental medicine AND what you can do to reduce symptoms. Workshop will include classic guacamole. Tricia Brown is a chef, culinary instructor and Qi Gung exercises and acupressure to promote health. Participation limited. Please Susan Baldassano, Coordinator food and wine blogger. Her culinary focus is flavorful, health-sup- RSVP by e-mail: [email protected]. Presented by licensed acupuncturist and Coop portive cuisine utilizing local ingredients. She teaches private and public cooking classes at member Annie Reibel-Coyne. numerous locations. She is a graduate of the Natural Gourmet Institute for Health and Culinary Arts and holds an advanced certification from the International Wine Institute. She shares this passion for all things food and wine on her culinary tours to Santa Fe, Sonoma and her hometown in Brooklyn. Menu includes asparagus and red onion quesadillas with apr 29 lime crema; smoky black bean, roasted red pepper and jalapeño quesadillas with salsa rojo; fri 8 pm Band Nite and guacamole with chips. Materials fee: $4. Bands scheduled to perform at the Coop’s second-annual Band Nite include: Mixed Nuts; Sounds of Greg D; Angel Band; Mappa Mundi; may 6 Film Night: The Mystery Keys; and Didge Project. Show starts at 8:00 p.m. fri 7 pm Admission is $5. For more info and directions, check out the FUN The Mad Cow Investigator Committee blog: psfcfun.wordpress.com. Out of concern for her mother who may have been exposed by eat- Event takes place at Jalopy Theatre, 315 Columbia St., between Hamilton ing meat tainted with mad cow disease, Janet Skarbek, a wife, Ave. and Woodhull St., (718) 395-3214, www.jalopy.biz. mother and accountant, takes on an unlikely new role as “Mad Cow Investigator.” As she independently researches deaths in her area, she finds a disease cluster and uncovers alarming information apr 30 about meat production and government policy. As she dedicates sat 2–4 pm Forgiveness herself further to this new cause, her personal life begins to fall apart. This film is Nancye Good’s first independent project. She honed her sense of story development producing pro- Holding on to feelings of hurt, guilt, blame, and anger binds up your own energy and keeps grams for Japanese Network television. Several projects she collaborated on have gone on to you locked in the past, instead of being fully present. Learn to forgive yourself and others; air on National Geographic and the Discovery Channel here in the U.S. She envisions this pro- experience unconditional love; align your head and your heart; use the energy of love to ject as part of a series of profiles of citizens who take action to improve food quality. relieve stress; and participate in an unconditional love meditation. Moraima Suarez is a Coop To book a Film Night, contact Faye Lederman, [email protected]. member, certified Holoenergetic® Healing practitioner, certified Bowenwork therapist, Reiki Level II practitioner, and certified hypnotherapist. may 7 Zero Balancing apr 30 sat 1:30 pm sat 5–7 pm Knit and Sip Series Zero Balancing is a deep and profound healing modality that balances and integrates one’s structural and energy bodies. In this workshop, you will do exercises to experience: Come and learn how to spin ray fiber — such as cotton and wool — into yarn, by using your physical structure, your energy body, your whole self, different ways to run your own a simple spindle. Coop member Jillan Louis is a knitter, crocheter and spinner and all- energy, and types of contact which create consciousness and ease. This is a time to around fiber fanatic. Her passion is spinning raw fibers into yarn. Coop member become more aware of your body and how it relates to healthy life choices. Athena has Naeemah Senghor is a knitter, crocheter and raw-foodist who loves to organize swaps been a Coop member for 10 years. She’s had a healing-arts practice in Brooklyn for 15 and community events. years, where she accesses Biodynamic Cranial Sacral Therapy, Hypnosis, Massage Materials fee: $15 (spindle, yarn and light refreshment). Therapy, Klein Technique Movement Therapy, Reiki and Zero Balancing.

may 7–8 Food Drive to Benefit CHIPS Soup Kitchen may 20 The Very Good Coffeehouse Coop Concert Series

may 10 Safe Food Committee Film Night may 20 Harmonize Your Body

may 13 Wordsprouts may 22 Weight Loss

may 14 Sugar Imbalances may 29 Food Intolerances

may 15 The Living Matrix Film may 31 PSFC MAY General Meeting

Read the Gazette while you’re standing on line OR online at www.foodcoop.com 11-04-07 pp 01-16_Layout 1 4/6/11 8:41 PM Page 12

12  April 7, 2011 Park Slope Food Coop, Brooklyn, NY

MARCH FOR AGAINST This “rule by a few,” or oligarchy, Mazor had referred to Liz THE WARS AND FOR was and is facilitated by the follow- Roberts’ February 24th letter (“More FUNDING HUMAN NEEDS ing factors: On Israel/Palestine”) as being “Big- COOP AND BDS ON APRIL 9TH WITH Management has no obligation to oted, Dishonest, and anti-Semitic” BROOKLYN FOR PEACE set policy such as a five-year plan or a and “lies and distortions designed” TO THE EDITOR: one-year plan, because they claim [emphasis added] to slander Israel. When people’s eyes are opened to that the General Meeting does this. In other words, while Mazor states the facts, they see that BDS (the boy- TO EDITOR: The Board of Directors, still legally that Roberts’ letter is anti-semitic cott Israel movement) is hypocritical Brooklyn For Peace (BFP) has in power, ever since its inception has by design, the Coordinating Editors and anti-peace. They see it when BDS endorsed the mass mobilization informally but effectively given up any feel that that’s materially different calls for Israel to open Gaza, but Against War and For Funding Human real oversight. than saying Roberts herself is anti- doesn’t call upon Hamas to release Needs scheduled for April 9th. This Since, without the Board of Direc- semitic. Gilad Shalit, to cease firing rockets rally and march is one action among tors, there are no elected representa- Another letter in that March 24th into Israel, or to end its opposition to many along the road towards Peace tives, the institutional memory of the issue from Sheldon Jacobson (“The the existence of a Jewish State. They and Social Justice. If Wisconsin can Co-Op has been essentially co-opted Trashing of Israel Has to Stop”) see it when BDS demands Israel ends do it, so can we. If Egypt can do it, by the permanent cadre. referred to the many letters in support the occupation of the West Bank, but it we can too. A list of the many labor, Hence, with our version of the of the Coop joining the BDS move- doesn’t criticize Fatah for refusing to student, community and faith “town-meeting” form of government, ment targeting Israeli products as negotiate. They see it when BDS con- groups participating can be found management can claim that our gov- “letters of hate” and “hate mail,” and demns the security fence and the on the website of the United Nation- ernment is “democratic” and that to the writers as “people who need to check points, but doesn’t acknowledge al Anti-War Committee (UNAC). “everyone has a say,” when nothing of somehow point to the Jews as the evil the very real threat of terror attacks, Our plan is to meet at 11 a.m. on the sort is really going on. aggressors.” Again, no factual exam- and never suggests an alternative for the Joralemon St side of Boro Hall I would be much happier if Manage- ples were provided—an obvious Israel to protect its population. and travel in to the rally at Union ment would be honest enough to pre- breech of Fairness. It too was printed. That is why BDS was unable to Square on the subway together. After sent this chimera to us as a “debating This hollow technicality, i.e. that enlist the support of the Davis Food hearing the speeches there, we will society” or an “encounter group” calling a letter intentionally anti- Coop, Port Townshend Food Coop, march down Broadway to a second (which, by the way, it is—and a good semitic is substantially different Sacramento Food Coop, Berkeley, rally at Foley Square. Drums, whistles, one!). Not as any kind of democracy. than calling the author anti-semitic, Princeton, and the State of California, instruments of all kinds will be wel- Now I’ve antagonized everybody, looks like circling the wagons—an to name just a few. The Coop’s policy comed. Signs, banners, chants too— even Glesta I bet! But only to get your unwillingness to own up and do on boycotts is to join only those with like Every Bomb is a School’s Budget. attention. Maybe we should have a better. No! rather than allowing an “effective” movement. BDS has BFP offers many opportunities to Committee to Apply The Sociological “greater latitude,” the editors are been rejected time and time again. help end the wars. Announcements Imagination to some of our ridiculous simply not doing their job. And We should follow the example of are also on BFP website. Here are a problems. Long ago Max Weber used they’re allowing the dialogue to these other fine institutions. few: Leaflet on April 15th, tax day, to the words “routinization of charisma” degenerate unnecessarily. BDS is inappropriate for our Coop cut military spending and fund public to describe the miasm that has With volatile subjects like Israel because: 1) Other food coops have services by a unionized workforce. become our Co-Op’s government and and BDS, the editors should invoke rejected it 2) boycotts takes away BFP Peace Fair on Saturday, May 7th morale. The Family Rule and the Town the guidelines even more doggedly freedom of choice 3) it forces associa- at Brooklyn College. And meetings of Meeting were probably appropriate when writers resort to “accusations tion with a political position upon all each of the BFP committees. and fair to a stable group of less than that are not specific or are not sub- the Coop members whether they Your support and your participation are 300 people. stantiated by factual assertions.” They agree with it or not. 4) it would sow needed and welcomed, A larger, older group is a totally dif- should return those letters so that seeds of enmity and tear up our Coop Susan Metz ferent organism than before. Different their authors can put them into com- 5) it conflicts with the general princi- people are attracted, and see their pliance with Gazette guidelines, i.e. ples of the international co-op move- ON OLIGARCHY AND THE roles differently. That is how we can give factual examples to illustrate ment and most of all; 6) it is immoral. have a quintessentially insensitive their claims. Good editing helps writ- Nevertheless, a small band of L’AFFAIRE GLESTA response like Jess’, and hardly anyone ers make their points more effective- Coop members are blindly commit- seems to notice. The same structure ly—rather than either rejecting their ted to pursuing BDS at our Coop. We TO THE EDITOR: that was a purveyor of community can work altogether or allowing complete need to organize to oppose their Now that the dust has settled on become a purveyor of tyranny. license. effort. To join the anti-BDS effort or l’Affaire Glesta (Letter of January Albert Solomon Postscript: Sheldon Jacobson also learn more, check out blog, 27th), I find Coordinator Jess’ Febru- 718-768-9079 mentioned “conflicts between Jews stopbdsparkslope.blogspot.com, or ary 24th response singularly insensi- and Arabs” as ongoing for over 2000 send an email to stopBDSparkslope@ tive. First, she diverts the issue by ABOUT ISRAEL AND BDS, years” Actually, until modern times, gmail.com. lamenting that staff are not allowed Jews and Arabs coexisted tolerably Rhudi Andreolli to see letters before published. IS IT “GREATER well. Historically, ethnic minorities LATITUDE” OR Then—whatever else she says—she frequently have problems within ISRAEL, PALESTINE AND offers no sympathy or understanding “COMPLETE LICENSE”? majority populations, but the true whatsoever for the extremely har- history of anti-semitism is a decidedly THE COOP rowing circumstances of the case! TO THE EDITOR: European affair, marked by the Inqui- Her own statement that “address My March 24th letter (“In Letter on sition, pogroms and culminating in DEAR EDITORIAL PEOPLE, proof…does not require the appear- Israel, Gazette Editors Did Not Pay the Holocaust. According to Mark In the February 24, 2011, Linewait- ance of the absent spouse” would Attention”) stated that the Linewaiters’ Cohen, Professor of Near Eastern ers’ Gazette, Lisa Roberts laments the seem to require an apology, since Gazette’s editors ignored the Fairness Studies at Princeton University, treatment of the Palestinian people Ms. Glesta was told her husband had Doctrine in printing Barbara Mazor’s “Unlike the Christian West...Jews were by Israel. It is part of a matrix of let- to join, which clearly requires atten- March 10th letter (“It Is Time to Stop well integrated into the economic life ters on the subject—both sides. It dance in person! Printing “BDS” Letters”) which con- of [Muslim] society at large.” (“People the Gazette the best place for this Haven’t written here in long time tained multiple violations. The of the Book: Muslim-Jewish relations kind of thing? but some have urged me consistently. Gazette’s Coordinating Editors in the Middle Ages” from Medieval Jew- It seems that even at the Food Let me reintroduce myself. Really appended an explanatory note saying ish Civilization: An Encyclopedia) Coop, the battle goes on. It is no only write about one thing, so here’s that “in these matters of political Only after the advent of Zionism, longer a debate, but two distant the history à la Albert: opinion and slant we must allow which for Muslims and Arabs has polar positions; the banner and In about 1993 the Co-Op instituted greater latitude and err on the side of meant European colonialism, have bane of conservatives and liberals a permanent and retroactive pension allowing people a platform to dissem- tensions and violence heightened. alike. On the one side is tiny Israel— benefit for all senior staff like Jess, inate their ideas and political opin- It doesn’t hurt to consider the per- alone and surviving an onslaught of thus further consolidating the perma- ions. If Mazor had called Roberts spective of those one views as terrorist butchers. On the other we nency of rule by the already anti-semitic, that would have come adversaries. have the Palestinian people, their entrenched cadre. under Fairness.” David Barouh land occupied, their lives made mis- Read the Gazette while you’re standing on line OR online at www.foodcoop.com 11-04-07 pp 01-16_Layout 1 4/6/11 8:41 PM Page 13

Park Slope Food Coop, Brooklyn, NY April 7, 2011  13

LETTERS POLICY

erable by the so-called Israeli that well-meaning people can be We welcome letters from members. 2. Nor will we publish accusations oppressor. While this oversimplifies deceived by BDS. Submission deadlines appear in the that are not specific or are not sub- the framing of the issue, it points to Also in the Jan. 13 letter, I carefully Coop Calendar. All letters will be stantiated by factual assertions. something far more difficult. identified examples of Bigotry, Dis- printed if they conform to the pub- 3. Copies of submissions that make The Israeli/Palestinian situation is honesty and anti-Semitism that lished guidelines. We will not know- substantive accusations against spe- a paradigm of how to cast an issue so appeared in an earlier Gazette letter. ingly publish articles which are racist, cific individuals will be given to those no progress can be made. It is a The writer of the Mar 24 letter com- sexist or otherwise discriminatory persons to enable them to write a primer on how thoughtful people, plained that I did not identify any “lies The maximum length for letters is response, and both submissions and both conservative and liberal, can fall or distortions” in the Feb. 24 letter. It 500 words. Letters must include your response will be published simultane- into the fallacy of extremes—both did not seem necessary to me. Any name and phone number and be ously. This means that the original sides proclaiming a kind of moral member of the reality-based commu- typed or very legibly handwritten. Edi- submission may not appear until the ascendency, while chiding—some- nity would understand, for example, tors will reject letters that are illegible issue after the one for which it was times dehumanizing the opposition. that calling Operation Cast Lead or too long. submitted. It is the sign of the times where hard- “state-sponsored terrorism” is demo- You may submit on paper, typed or The above applies to both articles ened positions and sloganeering nizing, delegitimizing and applying a very legibly handwritten, or via email and letters. The only exceptions will replace sensibility and respect. I’m double standard. This can be dis- to [email protected] or be articles by Gazette reporters which not sure that this little magazine is cussed in more detail at stopbdspark- on disk. will be required to include the the place for yet another rehashing of slope.blogspot.com. response within the article itself. the dilemma. Let’s be clear. BDS is part of a Anonymity The Coop has a great mission and broader campaign with the goal of Unattributed letters will not be Respect is doing a pretty good job. From the eliminating the Jewish State. The published unless the Gazette knows Letters must not be personally little I have learned since joining and Palestinian Authority rejected ending the identity of the writer, and there- derogatory or insulting, even when from the people I have met, there is a the occupation in 2000, 2001 and fore must be signed when submitted strongly criticizing an individual sense of something approaching an 2008, because it is unwilling to live (giving phone number). Such letters member's actions. Letter writers must ideal. Doing my work requirement and side-by-side with a Jewish State. Sup- will be published only where a reason refer to other people with respect, walking the isles, I can see it and feel port of BDS is not about the ending is given to the editor as to why public refrain from calling someone by a it. The Coop works because we labor the occupation; it is about ending the identification of the writer would nickname that the person never uses together to make it work. Jewish State. If you need to know impose an unfair burden of embar- himself or herself, and refrain from We cannot ignore the world around more, then come to stopbdsparks- rassment or difficulty. Such letters comparing other people to odious fig- us, but can we focus on the harvest lope.blogspot.com. must relate to Coop issues and avoid ures like Hitler or Idi Amin. bounty and the all the pleasure that Barbara Mazor any non-constructive, non-coopera- great food can bring. Can we leave the tive language. hand wringing over the great READY FOR THE BIG CITY tragedies of the world to other publi- Fairness cations that do it better? Frankly, I’d Just off the airport bus at Grand In order to provide fair, comprehen- appreciate it if Linewaiters’ abandoned Central, sive, factual coverage: discussions on the commotions of the A family of four 1. The Gazette will not publish world and stayed with the Coop’s Puts down their bags while Mom hearsay—that is, allegations not prime directive—healthy food, great seeks info based on the author's first-hand ways to prepare it, fair prices formed On subways at a store. observation. by the labor of those who believe in “It’s this way,” she tells her kids and taking a direct hand in making it that Dad, WORKSLOT NEEDS way and the neighborhood. “A train called the Shuttle goes Maybe if there were more of what To our hotel where we can all CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9 the Coop was about, there would be Unpack and change our clothes.” less contention about the world. If The couple and their solemn daugh- it’s neighborhood stuff we can do ters, members for at least six months, After starting the first load of laun- something about; fine. But running Who look about seven and ten, and a six-month commitment to the dry you’ll complete the balance of the world’s weeping, won’t help us Walk down the ramp in the direction workslot is required. Please speak to the shift with miscellaneous clean- understand. Of subway-card selling men. Renee St. Furcy through the ing tasks. Instructions and checklists Rodger Parsons And Mom reaches into a fabric bag Membership Office or email her at will be provided. If you are interest- For helmets she knew to prepare: [email protected]. ed, contact the Membership Office. MORE ON BDS AND THE “Now girls, let’s tie these tightly on— It could be rough down there.” Plastics Recycling GMO Shelf Labeling MIDDLE EAST Leon Freilich Saturdays or Sundays, mornings Join in the Coop’s effort to be a bet- Committee TO THE EDITOR: ter environmental citizen. Work out- The GMO Shelf Labeling Committee A Gazette letter does not provide side in front of the Coop with other is readying to deliver a report to the sufficient space for discussing the members of the Recycling Squad General Meeting early next year in complexities of the Middle East con- accepting returned plastic contain- which a process to label products flicts, nor do I believe the Gazette is ers, making sure they are clean and on Coop shelves for genetically the proper venue. For this reason, I meet the Recycling Squad criteria. modified ingredients will be pro- and others have created a blog to Stack and pack plastic for recycling. posed. We seek a few new members discuss and inform on this issue. Must be reliable and willing to work with a passion for food labeling and stopbdsparkslope.blogspot.com. outdoors in all kinds of weather. skills in videography or database Nevertheless, I feel compelled to Contact the Membership Office for management. Knowledge of answer a letter in the Mar. 24 Gazette more information. Filemaker Pro is a plus. If you want criticizing my identification of the to know what’s in the food on Coop content of letters to the Gazette pro- Laundry Prep and shelves—and help fellow members moting the boycott of Israel (BDS) as know—then this committee is for Bigoted, Dishonest and anti-Semitic. Miscellaneous Cleaning you. You must have at least one Fridays, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. This was a well thought out evalua- year of active membership in the tion. I purposefully criticized the con- The Coop is looking for members to Coop and an interest in genetically tent of the letters, as I do not pretend collect the laundry from around the modified food. To find out more, to know what is in people’s hearts. I building and prepare it for washing. email to [email protected]. even mentioned in my Jan. 13 letter Read the Gazette while you’re standing on line OR online at www.foodcoop.com 11-04-07 pp 01-16_Layout 1 4/6/11 8:41 PM Page 14

14  April 7, 2011 Park Slope Food Coop, Brooklyn, NY

ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE REPORT The Connection Was Made An Interview with Beth Terry, the Plastic-Free Woman

By Eric Daniel Metzgar scary, but they were invisible filled with plastic pieces, and I to put their apples and stores that provide foods like n 2007 Beth Terry read a and no worse in my mind than was utterly stunned. Here was cucumbers and broccoli in beans, nuts, grains, flour, Inews article titled "Our other unhealthy habits I might tangible evidence of direct the same bag "naked." I'd ask pasta, dried fruit, cereal, etc. Oceans Are Turning Into Plas- have had, like eating too much harm. The connection was them to think about the irony in bulk bins. Then, I shop the tic...Are We?" She had encoun- fattening food or not getting made. My actions had a direct of putting healthy foods, perimeter of the store and tered this sort of gloomy enough exercise. And as far as impact on creatures thou- fruits and vegetables into a rely less on the processed information before, but this foods in the aisles. I buy pro- article had an unprecedented duce "naked" instead of using effect. After reading it, she any kind of bag. For bulk decided to stop buying new foods, I bring my own bags plastic. That was three years and containers and first have ago. Since then, she has been them weighed at the cus- on a mission to live a plastic- tomer service desk so that free life and to educate others the weight of the container (without preaching, she can be deducted from the hopes) about the ills of plastic total weight at checkout. I consumption. choose dairy products in Beth was gracious enough returnable glass jars and bot- to grant us an interview. tles when possible, bread in Q: Beth, we are overwhelmed paper bags or my own bags with information about environ- for loose breads like bagels (I mental problems. You had encoun- also shop a local bakery tered depressing facts, photos and where I can have whole statistics about plastic before read- loaves put in my own cloth ing the article that changed your bags) and ask to have meat life. What was it about this piece of and cheeses cut and put into information that triggered action? my own stainless steel con- BT: More than the article, it tainers. For the few was the photo that changed processed foods I do buy my life. Prior to that evening, (spaghetti sauce, for exam- I'd heard that there were ple) I choose glass jars and chemicals in plastic that could reuse them to store all kinds leach into your food. I knew of food in the pantry, refriger-

that plastic wasn't biodegrad- BY ETHAN PETTIT ILLUSTRATION ator, and even the freezer. It able and was filling up land- plastic waste, once the sands of miles away that I had- material whose manufacture should go without saying fills somewhere. But these garbage truck came, it was out n't previously known existed, is so toxic to the planet and that I don't buy bottled water weren't problems that carried of sight, out of mind. and not just in a theoretical which may contain toxic and that I carry all my pur- real urgency for me. Toxic Then, I saw a photo of a way. My reaction was visceral. I chemicals that can leach chases home in a reusable chemicals might have been dead albatross chick carcass knew I had to change. right back into their healthy grocery bag or my backpack Q: How did it feel to begin mak- foods. And then I'd challenge or purse. ing the changes in your life? them to make their purchas- Q: What allows you to main- DO YOU LIKE DESIGNING FLYERS? HOW ARE YOU AT BT: At first, it felt like an es without plastic, just that tain your commitment? adventure. I took field trips to one time and see how it went. BT: Seeing how my blog is MARKETING? DO YOU LIKE SOCIAL NETWORKING? stores and recycling centers Stridence doesn't work. helping to inspire and moti- WEB DEVELOPER PHP to learn as much as I could Trying to make people feel vate others. Many people are ARE YOU A ? CAN YOU WRITE ? about plastic and plastic-free guilty only turns them off. participating in the Show DO YOU KNOW HOW TO USE WORDPRESS? DO YOU LIKE alternatives. I was solving What works is assuming that Your Plastic Trash Challenge real-life puzzles. And it was people are doing the best and learning about their own TABLING AT EVENTS? DO YOU LIKE RESEARCHING gratifying to see my plastic they can for their current plastic footprint and what waste drop as I changed my level of awareness and they can do to reduce it. FOOD? DO YOU NEED FTOP CREDIT? DO YOU LIKE habits and learned how to encouraging them to chal- When you use your own life COMMUNITY GOOD FOOD FUN live without it. Instead of lenge their assumptions and as an example for others, you , EATING , AND ? COME feeling guilty or ashamed try to see the possibilities for really can't backtrack. HANG OUT WITH THE BUSHWICK FOOD COOP about my plastic waste, I living in a different way. What's more, the picture posted my results on the blog of that dead albatross has AND GET WORK CREDIT! and looked at it methodically, never left my consciousness. A BUYING CLUB AND CSA as a scientist would. Then, I saw a photo It's always there when I have Q: Let's say you walk into a choices to make about buy- ARE SATIATING US WHILE of a dead albatross chick grocery store and head to the pro- carcass filled with ing plastic. WE WORK TOWARDS duce section. There you find a More about Beth Terry MAKING THE DREAM horde of busy people stuffing their plastic pieces, and I was and her plastic-free life can OF HAVING OUR fruits and veggies and bulk goods utterly stunned. be found at http://myplas- OWN STOREFRONT A into plastic bags. If for a moment Here was tangible evidence ticfreelife.com, including they all stopped and gave you of direct harm. her inspiring blog and many REALITY. WE ARE their full attention, what would tips for reducing our plastic REALLY INVESTED IN you say to them? consumption. OUR COLLECTIVE GOAL BT: I'd ask them to stop The PSFC Environmental OF BRINGING AFFORDABLE, and look at the plastic in Q: Our shoppers can look on Committee is currently work- LOCAL AND ORGANIC FOOD TO their hands and ask them- your website for all sorts of practi- ing on a proposal to limit selves why it was necessary. cal information and tips, but in a disposable plastic at PSFC THE NEIGHBORHOOD OF BUSHWICK. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO HELP, I'd remind them that fruits nutshell, could you describe your and we welcome suggestions PLEASE EMAIL US AT [email protected]. and vegetables grow in the 'plastic-free' shopping process? and questions at our blog: dirt, and that it's really okay BT: I choose to shop at ecokvetch.blogspot.com. ■

Read the Gazette while you’re standing on line OR online at www.foodcoop.com 11-04-07 pp 01-16_Layout 1 4/6/11 8:41 PM Page 15

Park Slope Food Coop, Brooklyn, NY April 7, 2011  15

CLASSIFIEDS

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Classified advertising in the Linewaiters’ Gazette is available only to Coop members. Publication does not imply endorsement by the Coop. Read the Gazette while you’re standing on line OR online at www.foodcoop.com 11-04-07 pp 01-16_Layout 1 4/6/11 8:41 PM Page 16

16  April 7, 2011 Park Slope Food Coop, Brooklyn, NY

SAFE FOOD COMMITTEE COMMUNITY CALENDAR REPORT Community calendar listings are free. Please submit your event listing in 50 words or less to [email protected]. Submission deadlines are the same as for classified From Plow to Plate: ads. Please refer to the Coop Calendar in the center of this issue. An asterisk (*) denotes a Coop member. The Garden FRI, APR 8 www.times-up.org (free event). Korona Band. 8-10:30 p.m., By Adam Rabiner Community Church of New Getting the Love You Want: Com- Rally and March to end US mili- York, 40 E. 35th St. (between he Garden is a raw film which it was originally munication skills workshop for tary interventions and bring the Madison & Park). For info call T about the struggle to pre- purchased. Horowitz now couples. 7–9 p.m., the Old Stone money home to fund public ser- 212-787-3903 or peoplesvoice- serve a huge fourteen-acre intends to build a warehouse House, Park Slope. An introduc- vices by a unionized workforce. cafe.org. Suggested donation: urban farm in South Central with a pitiful dirt soccer field tion to the “Imago Intentional Dia- Meet at 11 a.m. at Jeroleman St. $15 general/$10 member/more Los Angeles. Seen from the as a community give-back. He logue.” Come away with practical side of Boro Hall to go in to the if you choose, less if you sky, the South Central Farm is wants the farmers out imme- skills to use at home; enhance rally at Union Square together. can’t/no one turned away. enormous and bears no diately. The resistance, by var- your emotional connection & help More info at the website of resemblance to New York ious means, of the justifiably to transform conflict into growth. Brooklyn For Peace. Questions SAT, APR 23 City’s small, compacted furious South Central Farm- $25 per couple. Tix: www.brownpa- to [email protected]. community gardens. Approx- ers forms the bulk of this cap- pertickets.com/event/160318. Info: Green Edge NYC and botanist imately 372 people, collec- tivating documentary. Joan P Zimmerman, M.Ed., LCSW Peoples’ Voice Cafe: Joanne Leda Meredith* invite you to tively known as the South The Garden is full of sus- at [email protected]. Shenandoah. 8-10:30 p.m., Com- sign up for urban foraging in Central Farmers, work this pense as the clock winds munity Church of New York, 40 E. Prospect Park. Leda will teach urban oasis growing corn, down to eviction day, a law- Brooklyn Players Community 35th St. (between Madison & Park). participants to identify edibles peas, papaya, bananas, suit winds its way through Musical Theater presents URINE- For info call 212-787-3903 or peo- in the urban terrain. Event runs guava, apples, avocado, the courts, and money is TOWN: THE MUSICAL!: Friday, plesvoicecafe.org. Suggested from 9:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and cilantro, zucchini, lettuce, raised to save the farm. Pro- April 8, at 8 p.m.; Saturday, April donation: $15 general/$10 mem- requires $20 contribution. Kids radish, and more. Most are ducer/Director Scott Hamil- 9, at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.; and Sun- ber/more if you choose, less if you free with a paying adult! poor Latin American immi- ton Kennedy arrives on the day, April 10, at 2 p.m. aAt Spoke can’t/no one turned away. www.greenedgenyc.org/events/u grants feeding their families, scene just as the battle the Hub’s Third Floor Perfor- rban-foraging-with-leda. though one of the more stri- starts to unfold and cap- mance Space at the Gowanus FRI, APR 15 dent protesters is a former tures the views of both Arts Building at 295 Douglass St. SAT, APR 30 Black Panther. They have sides but it is clear that his btw Third & Fourth Aves. Tickets Women’s Open Poetry and Per- formed a tight-knit communi- sympathies lie with the $15-$18 at brooklynplayersurine- formance Event. Women and The David Bindman Ensemble ty, akin to a large, extended South Central Farmers. He town.eventbrite.com. trans folk only. At The Com- performs at Bay Ridge Library family, with its own rules and lets the twisting and turn- mons, 388 Atlantic Avenue, Saturday, 1:30 p.m. Featuring mores. ing story, which is essen- SAT, APR 9 Brooklyn. 7-9 p.m. Donations Richard Harper, trombone; The film begins in late tially about power, and the $10 - $20. Refreshments provid- Frank London, trumpet; Art 2003, just prior to their evic- characters, speak for them- Join Time’s Up for a family- ed. Benefit for the Scott Sisters. Hirahara, piano; Wes Brown, tion notice. The South Central selves. As the film reaches friendly bicycle ride through For information and to sign up contrabass; royal hartigan, Farmers have been using the its dénouement you have Prospect Park as we discover the for childcare, call Resistance in drums; David Bindman*, saxo- land, formerly a vast vacant witnessed politics in action, park at night. Meet at Grand Brooklyn 718-783-8141. phones. Original compositions lot, since just after the 1992 the specter of corruption, Army Plaza Saturday at 9 p.m. incorporate elements from jazz L.A. riots when it was loaned the interplay of race, class, (the second Saturday of every SAT, APR 16 & world music traditions. For to them by the city as mitiga- and community, and how month all year round). See our people of all ages. FREE. tion for the destruction to difficult the fight for justice website for details about the Peoples’ Voice Cafe: Ray www.davidbindman.com. their community. However, can sometimes be. without consulting the farm- The Garden will show Tues- ers, the City, in a back room day, April 12, second floor WELCOME! deal, re-sells the land to meeting room of the Coop, its former owner, Ralph 7:00 p.m. Refreshments will A warm welcome to these new Coop members who have joined us in the last two weeks. Horowitz, for the price at be served. ■ We’re glad you’ve decided to be a part of our community. L. Autumn Allen Martin Mackenzie Field David Laidig Amy Reiff Christopher Balchin Dwight Frank Aviva Laurenti Rodrigo Ribeiro Margaret Barthelme Alexandra Freidus Justin Lennon Nicholas Richard Benjamin Beardsley Justine Gardner Tracey Lennon Rio Richard Michael Beattie Crystal Gayle Tiffany Lewis Jason Roberts Ebone Bishop Danielle Givens David Lillis Joel Rodriguez Daniel Bloomberg James Givens Kate Livo Felipe Saint-Martin Elizabeth Boyle Lisa Gleeson Alexander Low Andrew Sandley Sheria Butler Haben Goitom Charla Ruby Malamed Molly L. Sandley Kathleen Casanova Ted Gordon Chris Martin Federica Sasso Dwight Collins Simon Gottesman Anthony Mauromatis Christopher Smithka John Cosmas Kristine Greenblatt Brandan Mayer-Blackwell Mark Summers Cristina Cretara Tony Hale Giovanna Melchiorre Maggie Veateh Kelsey Crew Sharif Hassan Michelle Mercaldo Jason Vollen Kyra Cuadrado Shaina Hecht Martin Molina Lottie Walker Xavier Cuandrado Paul Heckler Christopher Moran Antoinette Wannebo Crystal Cun Gary Holtan Igor Mukhin Willy Washington Eva D’Andrea Gina Im Jenna Musnicki Rachel Wasserman Terry Daniels Scott Jardine Stacey Neuhaus Laurel Welton Joshua Diamant Marlene Johnson Sam Nosratian Marissa Wiley Alyssa Diaz Drew Johnson-Skinner Ryan O’Hara Theisen Jessica Wilkinson Flora Diaz Rachel Jones Kris Orr Eric Wu Stephanie Diebold Rivka Karasik Miguel Pakalns Eliot Yaxley Sandra DiPillo Robert Keeley Kim Palumbarit Lisa Yokoyama Colin Doyle Lily Kit Erin Pope Paige Young Dani Doyle Teo Keng Kit Jennifer Preston Tommy Scott Young Pascal Duijf Wan Kit Felice Quinonez Joseph Zemaitis Acacia Dupierre Brian Kocher Victor Quinonez Katie Zemaitis Hannah Eisler Burnett Alyssa Koloms Vincent Raniolo Samantha Ellman Olivia Kraus Ryan M. Reich

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