Sept 09 Breeze

Organic Month/Co-op Month Issue • September-October 2009

Holy Cow, We’re Done! Grand Re-Opening October 10th by Dan Gillotte, General Manager

Let’s breathe that in for a minute… Wow. What an incredible thing we have done here at 3101 Guadalupe together! Yep, you get a lot of the credit! Thanks so much for sticking with us through the challenges, setbacks and tough spots of this huge and momentous undertaking. We could not have done it without your patience and your strong continuing support. I also want to acknowledge the incredible work and overall endurance of my staff. They have done a tremendous job in rolling with and thriving through a truly staggering number of changes and difficult conditions. We made it! It seems like everyone that I talk to has something that they love the most about the new store and I won’t try and list them all here, but I will make note of a couple of OUR favorite things. At the beginning of this project and throughout, I had a two- pronged goal that guided our decisions: Making Wheatsville a better place to shop and work. SO in that vein here are the things that I think we did to make Our landscaper, Wheatsville a better Agave Custom place to shop: Designs, planted five Lots more fresh large Chinquapin Oak produce, fresh meat trees around our and seafood, more parking lot. These delicious prepared local trees are fast foods including growing (for oaks) popcorn tofu all the and won’t require a time and a yummy lot of water once food bar, fresh they’re established. baked bread, more Their shade is much grocery, frozen and welcomed! refrigerated items, a counter for eating A scan of the leaves inside and is shown below. improved patio seating! In This Issue: We’ve also succeeded as increasing the ease and safety of We’ve Got Mail 2 working by having all of our work areas on one smooth level. No more going up and down steps to get product and no Community Action Wednesdays / Staff Anniversaries 2 more pushing product up a hill in 100 degree weather, either! Pictures from the End of Construction Party 3 The prepared foods areas finally have a kitchen and work- spaces to be proud of! Dana and Mariah delighted by the New Food Bar 4 Oh yeah, and the bathrooms are incredible! The Food Bar has Arrived / Aloha from Cheese Island 5 I hope to see you in the aisles soon and please save the date for the Grand Re-Opening party on October 10th! Staff Spotlight: Erik Amos / Beth in HR / New in Health 6 Good Value and High Values in Meat 7 Staff Top 10 Picks—Elke Stoeckelmann 7 New Beers in the Singles Cooler / In the Grocery Aisles 8 Fall Owner Gathering New in Bodycare— Shanti Shea & The Cat’s Pajamas 9 OCTOBER 22nd New Book— Growing Good Things to Eat in Texas 9 Bulk on the Move 10 Place and Time will be announced in the Special Election issue of the Breeze in October Staff Top 16 Picks—Erik Amos 11 New Water Machine / NadaMoo, It’s the Coolest 11 Plan to join your Board of Directors and General Crossing Guadalupe: Pedestrians Unite! 12 Manager for a fun and focused brainstorm about World Carfree Day / Newest Invested Owners 13 Wheatsville’s future, why cooperatives matter and how Nature’s Path Buys Organic Farm 14 we can build on our Coop’s success to make a difference Whitehall Co-op Celebrates 60th Anniversary 14 in Austin – and beyond. Meet the Board Candidates 15-19 Inspiration • Community • Hors d’Oeuvres Member Owned Business Directory http://wheatsville.coop/memberbusinessdirectory/mbdir.html We’ve Got Mail! Coffee with the Board Before You Go to ACL Greetings! I’m writing to thank the good community-minded people at Wheatsville for in expanding opportunities for young people on Saturday, October 3 again donating 1% of sales on Wednesdays in to grow through service to their community. Stop by Wheatsville’s Front Porch May. We received your gift of $1098.88, and We are truly grateful. from 9 to 11 in the Morning will surely put it to good use as we continue Russell A. Smith, LMSW for Coffee with Your Board to raise money for our new headquarters Executive Director fund. We are coming close to (finally...really!) Dear Christine, Lots of Co-op Talk, Coffee & Tasty getting an approved site plan, and will begin Treats from our Deli Bakery! spending all that donated money soon to Thank You VERY MUCH for coming through build the new hub of the bicycle commuting for Greenpeace [with the bananas]! Your service community. Keep up the good work as our did a lot for passing out a snack to everyone who favorite local food co-op, and thanks again for came to the picnic. We also made shakes, banana the support! bread, fruit Wheatsville veteran Jennifer Schaffer, Treasurer Austin’s Yellow salad . . . everything Christie Pugh Bike www.austinyellowbike.org showed up to the banana. I party in her 30 year Dear Wheatsville, can speak old relic “Turnups Thank you for the generous $10,000 corpo- for myself Grow Roots at rate sponsorship in support of Youth and say that Wheatsville” t-shirt. Launch’s Urban Roots program. my potassi- Her friend Luis sported a modern Wheatsville’s sponsorship helps make it um up-to-date possible for Urban Roots to expand oppor- intake/supply is all set “Exploding Wheat” tunities for young people to grow through Wheatsville t-shirt. service to their community. for the next Urban Roots empowers young people 10 years!! Thank you for being so friendly and in Austin by not only teaching them organ- also showing so much passion for what you do, ic farming but by teaching them about it radiates off of you. hunger in their community. The youth take Sincerely yours, a hands-on approach to addressing hunger Laura Hernandez, Greenpeace Food Coordinator Speaking of T-shirts, and food access and discover the impor- we have a few limited edition tance of meaningful community service. Thanks for the good work y’all do at Yellow Bike Project, Urban Roots ,and Greenpeace. We’re very “ I Survived the With supporters like you, I have no Wheatsville doubt that we will continue to grow and happy to have helped. Thanks for recognizing what a Renovation” reach more young people each year. On treasure we have in Christine. We enjoy basking in her t-shirts in behalf of everyone at Youth Launch, thank shiny happiness and enthusiastic helpfulness. chocolate brown, you again for your generosity and support Aldia, Breeze editor forest green, and staff-like purple available for only $9.99. Community Action Wednesdays Get ‘em while you can cuz once they’re gone there won’t be any The group selected for more printed.

September is Meals On Wheels & More. Buy now or lurk eBay! The group for October is the Capital Area Food Bank.

Meals on The mission of the Capital Area Wheels and Food Bank is to nourish hungry people More and lead the community in ending hunger.Today more than 15 Volunteers million pounds of food and grocery products are distributed each deliver hot, year. Food and grocery products distributed by CAFB go to Cooperative Values nutritious human & social service agencies.These partner agencies provide • Self-help lunchtime meals hot meals • Self-responsibility to the homes of homebound elderly or disabled people served on- • Democracy who can no longer prepare balanced meals for them- site or gro- • Equality selves. Other services offered include medical trans- ceries to portation, grocery shopping assistance, daily telephone families and • Equity reassurance phone calls, safety-related home improve- individuals • Solidarity ments, and additional groceries free of charge. in need. • Honesty • Openness • Social Responsibility The Wheatsville Breeze The Wheatsville Board of Directors usually is a publication of • Caring for others meets at 6pm the fourth Tuesday of every month at 3105 Guadalupe (building North of store). WHEATSVILLE Check http://wheatsville.coop/pop_bodagenda.html for FOOD CO-OP details Members are encouraged to attend. Something 3101 Guadalupe that you would like discussed at the meeting? Contact Austin, Texas 78705 General Manager Dan Gillotte at 478-2667 or Guess What!! 512-478-2667 gm(at)wheatsville.com ______We have staff anniversaries email aldia(at)wheatsville.coop Wheatsville 2009 Board of Directors website http://wheatsville.coop Rose Marie Klee, president to celebrate! Editor & Production- Aldia Bluewillow Stephanie Johnson Bob Kinney Aldia Bluewillow (art, editor) 26 years as of 10/30 Contributors - Aditya Rustgi Theron Beaudreau Erik Amos, Amy Babich, Ingrid Devilliers Steven Tomlinson Niki Nash (merchandising manager) 1 0 years as of 9/13 Mariah Barrett, Theron Beaudreau, Nancy Bender, Aldia Bluewillow, ______Dennis Hodges (cook) 3 years as of 10/16 Kevin Burns, Bryan Butler, Beth Caudill, The purpose of Wheatsville is to create a self- Greg Flores, Gabriel Gallegos, reliant, self-empowering community of people that will Whitney Mangold (cheese) 2 years as of 9/2 Dan Gillotte, Merilee Kuchon, grow and promote a transformation of society toward Erik Amos (POS) 1 year as of 9/18 Kitty Logan, Justin Merrifield, Niki Nash, cooperation, justice, and nonexploitation. Allen Schroeder, $hane Shelton, The mission of Wheatsville is to serve a broad Greg Flores (cheese) 1 year as of 9/19 Sarah Sires Bentley, Elke Stoeckelmann, range of people by providing them goods and services, Kim Tehan-Barrow, Dana Tomlin, and by using efficient methods which avoid exploitation Bill Sherborne (accounting) 1 year as of 9/29 Steven Tomlinson of the producer and the environment.The focus of this mission is to supply high-quality food and nondoctri- Megan Bonnett (deli) 1 year as of 10/31 Photos: by Aldia Bluewillow, naire information about food to people in Austin,Texas. except where otherwise noted or not known Sam Vaughan (hospitality) 1 year as of 10/27

Page 2 The Wheatsville Breeze, September-October, 2009 END OF CONSTRUCTION PARTY!

We invited our friends to our End of Construction Party and y’all came out and made it a fun day! Thanks owners, customers, vendors, and staff for making it such a great party!

Urban Roots volunteers challenged partygoers to play “Guess the Seed.”

Urban Roots does a fantastic job of providing youths with an opportunity to grow and market produce.

Wheatsville is one of their delighted customers!

Richard’s Rainwater and Sweet Leaf Tea provided welcome hydration in the 100 degree heat.

Yay facepainting! with a fresh fruits and veggies theme!

Niki (left) shows off her vampire bat eggplant. Niki is one of many staffers who love Buffy & Angel.

Sam’s arm (upper right) is adorned by the carrot and crossbones. Arrrr!

Dana (lower left) looks sweet with her cute l’il beet

(below) Art in progress! Nancy and kids get painted. (above) Austin Green Art (of Resolution Gardens and Wheatsville Gro-op fame) started the day with a scene of an empty garden. As the day progressed, they and partygoers painted in a whole crop of growing vegetables. That’s a really fast way to create a garden! The mural will be on display on the patio through September.

Pancakes!

mmmmm... pancakes...

Thanks, Kerbey Lane Cafe!

(above) Singer/songwriter Laura Freeman entertained the kids

Gelato’s provided (below) Partiers relaxed to some cool reggae, some much in the shaded grassy area behind the store. appreciated The deck made a nice stage for the band. chill. (above) About 50 Wheatsville Owners got to tour the entire store, including the back-of-the-house prep areas, coolers, backstock storage, and the kitchen. They got to see that the places where the staff work are just as nice as the visible public areas of the store.

Live Music out back was swinging with The Finer Things (left) and the Don Chani reggae band. (right) Yah mon!

The Wheatsville Breeze, September-October, 2009 Page 3 New Food Bar -Perfect for Me to Plan by Dana Tomlin, Deli Manager

I grew up in the heat of the Rio Grande Valley Since then, I have recreated this combi- popular, Ripe Black Olives with no air conditioning. My mother would nation of experiences for my friends and and Kalamata fit the bill for often say that it was too hot to talk! One of her family. When I make salads I use as many that. And I wanted olives favorite things to fix for our dinner was a huge different bowls as I can and fill them with as that were exciting, like the salad that we could eat whenever we liked for many different choices as the table will hold. Black Gaeta and the days. It required little to no cooking because that I collect bowls-all different sizes, shapes, tex- Alphonso. It wasn’t only would heat up about olives though. the house. This Peppadews seemed worked well since like a perfect addition there were three with their sweet and of us kiddos. She spicy flavor. put black olives, Cornichons and yellow boiled eggs, arti- and red roasted pep- choke hearts, avo- pers belonged for sure. Two things that I’d recommend you cado, mush- try off of the Tiny Brinies Bar would be the Castelvetrano rooms, hearts of olives and the Peppadews. palms all mixed Marinating is a great way to experiment with olives and with Romaine let- really put your own twist on them. You can follow this recipe tuce in a large or use your own combo of spices - it really is that easy. Use a orange bowl with good olive oil and olive for a great experience. a snap-on lid. There were many Marinated Olives more ingredients 16oz green olives, with pits, brined cured to this salad (Basano would be a nice choice) depending on If you don’t want a pit, use pitted Queen olives what we had in the refrigerator. She would make tures & colors. Doing a dinner like this really 5 large cloves garlic, crushed Hidden Valley Ranch dressing using the pow- allows me to showcase my collection of 3 large shallots, sliced thin dered mix, buttermilk, and a mason jar. The bowls! I like for people to be able to pick 1 tsp grated zest from 1 orange hearts of palm and artichokes were pretty fancy exactly what they want for their salad. I 1 tsp fresh thyme, minced for us. No one I knew really cooked with any- have made the Frito pie bar, various salad 1 tsp red pepper flakes thing close to that. bars, cheese and olive spreads. I love it! 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil When I was in high school, to feed a lot of I have made almost an exact replica of 3/4 tsp sea salt teenagers easily, a friend’s mother made us a my mother’s large salad for myself since the Pinch cayenne pepper Frito pie fixin’s bar. She would lay out a huge salad bar has been open. The Peppercorn Drain the olives of brine and rinse. spread of toppings for us. Some were what you Ranch dressing fills my need for homemade Combine all ingredients and toss to combine. Cover and refriger- would expect - cheese, onions, sour cream, toma- ranch dressing and the addition of the hand- ate for 12 hours. Remove from refrigerator at least 30 minutes toes. Others were a complete surprise - sun- cracked pepper really adds an extra touch. I before serving. flower seeds, black olives, pickle relish. I think have eaten a salad for lunch and taken some the Frito pie bar and my mother’s love of large home for dinner to share with my family. As I wrap this up I would like to say THANK YOU! Thanks to salads really implanted itself into my personality. Thanks Mom, for the inspiration! Wheatsville for letting me be a part of this experience. The renova- When it was time to plan the Tiny tion has been such a big project and it has taken so many people’s Brinies Bar, I really had fun. Researching the efforts to make it all happen - staff, customers, vendors. It has olive selection was very time consuming required patience and understanding and people have really risen because I wanted to offer our customers a to the occasion. We were all affected in ways that we never could variety of olives from a variety of countries. have known we would be. Dan did a great job preparing us for I wanted olives that were for cooking, like the fact that we would have to be flexible. Last year I sat in a metal the black oven roasted olives (perfect for building with minimal airflow and my thermometer reading in Puttenesca). I wanted olives that had great high 90s. Now I sit in the air-conditioned office this year saying texture, like the Cerignola and the Thank You! Castelvatrano. I wanted olives that were

Counter Points! by Mariah Barrett, Deli Counter Manager

This is such an exciting time to be a part of Wheatsville. I can’t believe how much our co-op has changed in the last 15 months! I can barely remember what it was like to work in the old, tiny deli and kitchen. It’s funny how I almost feel nostalgic about the old space, now that I have the luxury of the new one. I won’t lie, this renovation has been trying at times and I am so incredibly impressed with our staff and customers for doing such an amazing job rolling with the punches. The last big change for the deli has definitely been the new food bar! As a self admitted salad bar junkie, I am very, very, excited to have one here at Wheatsville. I’m a huge fan of constructing the perfect bite: a little lettuce, some shredded organic carrot, celery, a piece of cucumber and then just the right amount of our cashew tamari dressing-mmmm, cashew tamari... We have over thirty varieties of veggies, proteins, potato and pasta salads, four different Wheatsville made dressings-and all for only $7.99 lb. We also made it super convenient and priced the Hot Food Bar and our Tiny Brinies Bar at the same price, so you can mix and match to your heart’s content. Don’t forget to grab some of the Mexican Chocolate Pudding on your way out, vegan and delicious!

We’ve added some wonderful new breads for your custom made Deli sand- wiches. From renown local bakers at Sweetish Hill Bakery we now offer Sixth Street Sourdough, Focaccia, crusty Ciabatta, 100% Whole Wheat Sandwich Loaf, Hoagie Rolls, Wheat Buns, and New York Rye. Sweetish Hill sourdoughs, ciabattas, and focaccia are based on centuries of European techniques that are beginning to be appreciated by Americans. They have increased flavor and moistness which lasts days due to a slower fermentation process.

Thanks again to all of our wonderful staff and owners for making this renovation (and my super fabulous lunch) possible!

Page 4 The Wheatsville Breeze, September-October, 2009 The Food Bar Has Arrived! by Merilee Kuchon, Kitchen Manager

We are absolutely delighted with our wonder- Castelvetranos – pickled Now that we cooks ful, shiny new Food Bar! With just about every- okra, roasted red and yellow have begun to thing on it ringing up at $7.99 per pound, it’s peppers, tangy peppadews, familiarize our- easy to pile on the goodies and have yourself a spicy green beans, crunchy selves with tending feast! cornichons and so much more the hot bar, look for the menu to rotate more await you! frequently in the near future, with mouth- Pair a selec- watering dishes like Tuna Noodle tion of these Casserole, Cheesy Chicken Pot Pie and treats with Vegetable Curry on the menu! Keep an eye some delicacies from nearby Cheese out and we promise not to disappoint! Island – try Cypress Grove’s lavender and fennel pollen dusted Purple Haze goat cheese, or Cowgirl Creamery’s pungent, ripe Red Hawk! – and you have the beginnings of an unforgettable evening! And of course we have the Hot Bar! Open from 11am to 2pm for lunch service, and again from 4pm to 7pm for din- The cold Salad Bar side features dozens of ner, we are featuring homemade hot dishes and fresh and tasty salad fixins, running the gamut casseroles for vegans and omnivores daily! Get a quick from the standard – mesclun greens, cherry but filling meal like Three-Cheese Lasagna with tomatoes, sliced bell peppers and shredded Florentine Meatballs, or Vegan Broccoli Mac & Cheese carrots – to the extreme – vegan Mexican with Spicy Kale and Garlic Bread – and even add salad chocolate pudding, artichoke hearts, vegan to your container if you like to round out your meal, as bacon bits and edamame – plus some heartier it’s the same $7.99 per pound price! And last but certainly not least on the sides like our classic Eggless Egg Salad, Picnic Food Bar, right next to the hot bar selections, Potato Salad and Picnic Macaroni Salad! are our award-winning Tempeh Available every day from 9am to 9pm, graz- Chili, and our rotating hot soup ing the salad bar makes for a quick and of the day! These items are sold healthy lunch, or fill up a box to take home by volume rather than weight, and share before dinner! In addition to our and are available in small and beloved Cashew-Tamari and Cilantro-Lime large sizes from 11am to 9pm salad dressings, the salad bar also holds two daily. newbies: our homemade Creamy We hope that you are as Peppercorn Ranch and Red Wine excited about our new offerings Vinaigrette! as we are! Keep on coming in and And if the sliced black olives on the salad we will do our best to cook up bar don’t have enough bite for you, be sure to something fabulous for everyone! check out the south corner of the Food Bar for The possibilities are endless! our delicious and diverse “Tiny Brinies”, a selection of mouthwatering cocktail-hour nibbles hand-picked by Wheatsville’s Deli Manager! Also priced at $7.99 per pound and also available 9am to 9pm, you can add all sorts of delightful tidbits to your salad, or make a container to take home and snack on! Tons of different olives – including a new staff favorite, the big, green and buttery

Aloha from Cheese Island with your host Cap’n Greg Flores

I hope everyone is their Pepper Jack, Parmesan enjoying their visit. I (YES, a local Parmesan!!), just want to get Blueberry Havarti, Pecan everyone up Horseradish Cheddar, and to speed on Rosemary Garlic Jack. Coming all the new soon we will have their Sage products we Derby and Southwest have brought in for all of you. We are now carry- Leicester. And last and certainly ing Organic Valley Sliced Mild Cheddar, not least we have Wateroak Reduced Fat Monterey Jack, Muenster, Farms Chevre. Provolone, Organic Valley Shredded Italian Blend Arrrrrrr, Maties! and Reduced Fat Monterey Jack..

Grove Truffle Tremor, Parrano, Cowgirl Creamery’s pungent, ripe Red Hawk, Brie Ahoy Vegans! We now have Galaxy de Meaux, Vermont Shredded Rice Mozzarella and Soy Cheese, Butter Cheddar Slices. We are carrying Teese Marscopone and Mozzarella, Cheddar, Nacho Style Asadero. and Creamy Cheddar Vegan Cheeses. What I am really We also brought in De Mill Baby excited about is the Gouda, Baby Edam and Bay Smoked selection of local Gouda, Fleur de France 8 oz Brie, cheeses that we have President Wee Brie, Cypress Grove’s brought in. From lavender and fennel pollen dusted Brazos Valley Cheese Purple Haze Goat Cheese, Cypress we are now carrying

The Wheatsville Breeze, September-October, 2009 Page 5 Staff Spotlight: Hello Wheatsville! Erik Amos by Beth Caudill, HR Coordinator By Beth Caudill, HR Coordinator I wanted to take a quick moment to intro- BC: What is your Wheatsville history? duce myself. I officially joined the EA: I started one year ago in September as Wheatsville team as the Human Resources the POS Coordinator. For much of this year, Coordinator in June 2009. I could not be my job has involved getting a largely invisible happier as I think of my future with database ready for installation. Now we Wheatsville. have the new register system, and it’s my I moved to Austin in July 2008 from job to make sure it runs smoothly. Kentucky. I grew up in a very VERY small town in Southeastern Kentucky – Harlan BC: Where are you from and when did you get to Austin? County. I graduated in May 2006 from EA: I have lived in several Oregon towns; Olympia, Washington; and Gladstone, Centre College in Danville, Kentucky South Australia. I moved with my wife and daughter to Austin about a year (another small town!) I then went on to receive my Master’s Degree in Industrial / Organizational Psychology from ago. Eastern Kentucky University located in Richmond, Kentucky (you guessed it – another small town). After graduating from EKU, I was ready to get out of BC: What is your favorite product at Wheatsville? Kentucky! EA: Orange Chocolate Cake made by our own Deli staff. I had read about Austin’s Green Initiative, outdoor activities and leashless dog parks and decided that there was no better place to be. BC: What is your favorite thing to do/place to go in Austin? My career passion lies in Human Resources, Training, and Organizational EA: When it’s hot, we’re at Deep Eddy. When it’s not, I like walking around the Development. I am so thrilled to combine this passion with Wheatsville’s social older neighborhoods. and environmental awareness. Some of my responsibilities as your HR Coordinator include: payroll processing, benefits administration, helping with BC: Tell me one thing that most Wheatsvillians don’t know about you (that Passport Training, hiring, keeping all employee files accurate and up-to-date, and you’re willing to share!). handling all HR government compliance issues. If you ever have any questions EA: I greatly prefer analog over digital. or need anything don’t hesitate to stop by my office! As far as personal hobbies go – top favorites are: cooking, gardening (flowers BC: Fill in the blanks: just make me happy), kayaking, and playing with the best dog in the world, Jack. EA: I’ve always wanted to walk across the country. And if I had my way this I want to thank everyone for being so open and welcoming. I look forward to working with you! great nation of ours would not be quite so freeway happy.

New in Health! by Nancy Bender, Health Team Coordinator

Recently we brought in a new product line, Nordic Naturals omega oils. We have had numerous requests for this company and are excited to have them on our shelves. At this time we carry eight of their products. First being the Children’s DHA strawberry flavored in soft gels and liquid, which supports memory, mood, learning, and focus for children aged 3+*. This formula is essential for the proper development of the brain, eyes, nervous and immune systems*. We also have a higher dose DHA for teenagers and adults. Next is the Omega 3.6.9 Junior lemon flavored in soft gels, supporting memory, learning, mood, brain and eye development, focus and overall well- being for ages 5+*. It also has important nutrients for nourishing hair, skin and nails. Nordic Berries are a chewable pectin based multivitamin for ages 2+. They provide 100% of the daily value of the most essential nutrients-including zinc and vitamins A, B, C, D3 and E. The Complete Omega 3.6.9 in soft gels supports a healthy immune system and joint flexibility*. It blends EPA and DHA from cold water fish with GLA from borage oil. This omega-rich blend also supports cardiovascular health, brain function, positive mood, hair, skin and nails*. Ultimate Omega lemon flavored in soft gels, support healthy glucose levels, mood, longevity and the body’s natural anti-inflammatory response*. It is a double-strength EPA+DHA for increased omega-3 benefits in fewer soft gels. Last we have a liquid lemon flavored Arctic Cod Liver Oil. It supports heart and brain function and is essential for proper function of the immune and nervous systems*. Nordic Naturals has an extensive product line so we can special order anything you don’t see here. We are also open to suggestions for carrying other items. So please come by the Health aisle to check out our new line of fish oils!

*This statement has not approved by the Food and Drug Administration. The product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. FREE MAMMOGRAMS for Low-Income Women Sign up for the The Community Women’s Wellness Center offers free breast exams and mammograms Wheatsville E-mail List! to low-income women 50 and older, residents of Travis County, with limited or no A few times a month, you’ll get an e-mail from us informing you of upcoming events, new products or changes in the store. So far most folks on the list have been happy with its health insurance. Women receive comprehensive breast examinations, learn how to do frequency and informative nature.We will also begin offering e-mail only deals and other breast self-exam, and get blood pressure & weight checks. special opportunities. Go to http://wheatsville.coop/list to sign up! Call 232-4707 for eligibility and appointments. Project of the University of Texas School of Nursing. We will not sell, lease, lend or otherwise disclose your email address to any other entity.

Page 6 The Wheatsville Breeze, September-October, 2009 Good Value and High Values by Bryan Butler, Meat & Seafood Buyer

We finally are there...the end of construction. One new thing we’re going to focus on is Bryan It seems to me, we are finally ready to begin a value items. We've already lowered prices on our and new chapter of Wheatsville Food Co-op. I’ve selection of frozen items—great deals on Niman Mark never worked at a grocery store with such a Ranch Ground Meat and Boneless Ribeyes. dramatic history. It’s not many stores whose Look for regular deals offered almost monthly start up money was provided by a ZZ Top such as upcoming specials on beef sirloins steaks, concert. Or one that teetered so close to failure pork baby back ribs, Fearless Franks beef hot and yet flourished with such magnitude later. dogs, and much more. We also plan to add spe- We persevered though unsure times in order cial larger “value packs” on items like Buddy’s to have new dreams realized even though leg quarters. some people may miss the old store in its iconic Austin glory. We’ve LOOK FOR had to let go of our over- THESE SPECIALS crowded funkiness to attain THROUGHOUT the visions and long time THE STORE! goals we have dreamed of for years. You can be sure that the new store will just Owners, remember that you no as much of a focal point of longer need to pick up an Thunderheart Bison is all grass-fed, pasture Austin. We’ll have new “Owner Only Coupon.” If you raised and harvested with respect by a true members to welcome, new buy an Owner Special it will Texan, Hugh Fitzsimmons. foods to try, and new histo- automatically ring up at the sale ry to write. price at the register. So all you Richardson When it comes to the need to is look for special signs Farms family meat and seafood, changes or look for one of your butchers tradition of will be incremental. We’ll and ask, “What’s good today?” raising pas- adjust our product mix and tured pork and add a few products here I can’t help but brag on these beef run deep. and there. (Members, please great locally raised meats that we Their animals feel free to use the sugges- carry: are naturally tion forms at the Hospitality raised and fed grains grown right on their Desk to communicate Bastrop Cattle Company. Patty farm. Jim Richardson says, “All animals on directly to the folks who Jacobs naturally raises 100% the farm have a job.” That sentiment express- choose the products that we grass-fed and grass-finished es one of the big differences between corpo- carry at Wheatsville.) The beef, from Bastrop Texas. rate farms and a family farm. Richardson Wheatsville Meat and Patty Jacobs of Bastrop Cattle Company Farm is located in Rockdale Texas. Seafood Market remains cooked and served up tasty morsels of their Loncito’s Lamb is owned by locally raised grassfed beef at our End of committed to supporting all Loncito Cartwright, a man as Construction Party on August 15th. Buddy’s Natural Chicken things local, sustainable, wild as Texas itself. He raises all is a long-time favorite in environmentally-friendly natural grass-fed lamb in western Austin and Wheatsville for and humanely-raised. With south central Texas. more years than I know. two knowledgeable butchers on staff, we’ll be Their founder, Buddy ready to help you plan meals or cook some- Dewberry Hill Farms is owned Lindeman, was among the thing you’ve never tried. If you’re a vegetari- by Jane and Terry Levan near very first in Texas to build a an who has decided to add fresh whole pro- Lexington, Texas. Their special strong business on the ideal teins to your diet, we can help with your con- little chickens are raised specif- of raising natural chickens cerns about what you’re really supporting by ically for Wheatsville— free without confinement. Buddy’s Chicken focus- buying meat. If that’s the case, (and it’s some- roaming, bug eating yard birds. es on a good all-vegetarian diet for their thing I get asked about frequently), please No chicken is fresher anywhere chickens which are lean, healthy, and flavor- come find me, Bryan, or Mark and we will in Austin, period. Want fresher? ful. Chicken brought to you from Gonzales, gladly answer your questions. Raise it in your back yard, maybe! the chicken capital of Texas.

by Elke Stoeckelmann, Staff Top 10 Picks Health Team Clerk

#1 The Merry Hempster’s Vegan Lip Balm Sustainable Hemp, no beeswax, and it works great!

#2 Citrasolv #7 Ayate Washcloth Versatile cleaner, Prevents ingrown goes a long way, and hairs, sluffs off dead wards off insects. skin, improves skin’s #3 Bulk Griffin Remedy circulation and suppleness. Body Lotion #8 VegLife Methyl B-12 Lozenge Simple and clean ingredi- Very absorbable vegan B-12, great for ents. Great for all kinds nerves, energy, and of skin! Owners! well-being. #4 Iced Coffee Help us promote Wheatsville to you friends #9 Alvera Roll-On from the Deli and co-workers. Celebrate the end of the sur- Deodorant Cold-Brewed, easier on Made in Texas. charge, new earlier hours and the renovation the stomach, but the Actually really works! by sharing your Co-op Advantage Flyer with kick is powerful. Simple and natural. friends and co-workers. Let them see the #5 Bulk Spirulina Very alkalizing, high in B-12, iron, and protein, great prices and products that we have and #10 Texas Medicinals makes you feel good! Mental Clarity get them excited in your co-op! Your word of Made in Austin by an #6 Bulk Guayaki Mate mouth is worth a million dollars worth of incredible herbalist. Energy boost more stable than coffee, Improves blood circu- advertising! nutrition-packed, doesn’t keep you up lation in brain. at night.

The Wheatsville Breeze, September-October, 2009 Page 7 New Beers in Our Singles Case by $hane Shelton, Beer & Wine Buyer

Making its triumphant Also relatively new to the beer return to the co-op is cooler in a non-alcoholic beer from Chimay Grand Germany named Clausthaler. Reserve. Chimay is Clausthaler uses a carefully guard- one of only seven true ed, patented process to prevent the Trappist beers, mean- formation of ing it was brewed by fermentable or under control of maltose. Once Trappist monks. Chimay Blue is that’s done, considered to be the “classic” beer yeast Chimay ale, it exhibits a consider- that’s been able depth of fruity, peppery charac- specifically ter and the taste continues to evolve cultured for and develop with a few years of Clausthaler is age. This is one of the best beers in added to the the world and you deserve to try brewing one at least once. process. The Another couple of singles result is a comes from the Steamworks low-alcohol Brewing Company located in beer (around Durango, .45 percent by Colorado. volume) that First up is has all the fla- there flagship vor of a clas- brew Steam sic German Engine Lager, lager. It’s a an American classic noted for crisp and refreshing beer, with a its malt sweetness and hop pleasant bitterness that will have spice with a smooth, dry finish. Beer author Michael Jackson (Ultimate Beer, the World Guide you forgetting that you’re drinking This beer is crisp and refreshing to Beer, the Simon & Schuster Guide to Beer) describes it like an N.A. after a couple sips. The and we have it in single 12 oz this, “An attractive, pale orange color. The aroma reminded crisp flavor of Clausthaler also cans. me of strawberries. Quite restrained though. Seemed to makes this beer a perfect comple- Another great beer from stand still, quiet for a moment, like a singer composing her- ment for summer cookouts. There is Steamworks that we have avail- self before launching herself into a Sondheim score. The something for everyone in our sin- able in handy single 12 oz cans notes are soft and smooth. More flowery and herbaceous, gles selection so why not grab one Third Eye Pale Ale. is less orangey, than most American contemporaries.” today? You deserve it!

In the Grocery Aisles by Justin Merrifield, Grocery Buyer

O.N.E. Coffee Fruit Drink: Breads from Sweetish Hill Bakery This is my new favorite thing. A variety of delicious Sweetish Hill breads are now Brand new at Wheatsville is the available on the Bread aisle including the Sixth Street juice made from the whole coffee Sourdough, Stoneground and 100% Whole Wheat fruit. Coffee may not be so com- Sandwich loaves, the slightly tart and chewy New monly known as an antioxidant York Rye, Nine Grain Loaf, Sunflower & Flaxseed rich superfood, but there is more Wheat, Challah Braids, and crusty French classic to the story than the hot, dark Baguettes. All Sweetish Hill breads are free of preser- beverage we’re used to. Normally, the fruit that surrounds the coffee vatives. They have been baking locally since 1972 and bean is discarded when coffee is processed due are only 2.9 miles from Wheatsville! to its perishable nature. While the coffee we’re familiar with has many benefits, many of the History beneficial nutrients are lost with the fruit. O.N.E. Sweetish Hill was founded in 1975 by has come up with a fruit juice which uses the Patricia Bauer-Slate and Tom Neuhaus whole fruit including the unroasted beans. This who met in Vienna after Tom’s year in juice is mixed with two types of Brazilian cher- France. They decided to bring the splen- ries for an extremely tasty and refreshing bever- dor of the Viennese coffee house and the age for which there is no equal. The first time I French boulangerie traditions to Austin. One of tried O.N.E. Coffee Fruit Drink, I loved the fla- their first baking school students and subsequent employee, Jim Murphy, came back to vor. Not much later I noticed that it made me Sweetish Hill after baking in New York (where he taught the New Yorkers how to make feel absolutely great. There’s no going back . cheesecake the way they still make it in many of the best restaurants and delis) and Paris, where he tasted every different loaf of baguette and made the baking of ‘The Alternative Baking Co. Cookies: Perfect Baguette’ his passion. Visit www.sweetishhill.com to learn more about this fabu- Returning to Wheatsville are the deliciously soft and chewy vegan lous Austin tradition. cookies from Alternative Baking Company. These cookies look and taste like the very best traditionally made cookies - no kidding! — but contain no dairy, no eggs, no trans fats, no hydrogenated oils, no cholesterol, no animal ingredi- ARE YOU OUR ONLINE FRIEND? ents, no artificial ingredients, MySpace — http://myspace.com/wheatsville.coop and no refined sugar. They use organic flour and organic Twitter — http://twitter.com/wheatsville sugar, as well as other premi- Facebook— um, natural ingredients and www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#/profile.php?sid=47835b242b93d make their cookies in small, 424a193ef28b23765f5&id=655349275&hiq=wheatsville&ref=search handmade batches. The result Facebook– The Produce Dept— is a soft and chewy cookie that www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#/pages/Austin-TX/Wheatsville-Food- is both decadently good and Co-op-Produce-Department/171671855654?sid good for you. These cookies =47835b242b93d424a193ef28b23765f5&ref=search have a great taste and texture that is hard to find in any cookie. We Popcorn Tofu Fan Page — www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#/pages/Wheatsville- have Chocolate Chip, Peanut Butter, Oatmeal Raisin and Lemon Popcorn-Tofu/93189827362?sid=47835b242b93d424a193ef28b23765f5&ref=search Poppyseed. These are some great cookies that we’re happy to bring back.

Page 8 The Wheatsville Breeze, September-October, 2009 New In Bodycare! Shanti Shea and The Cat’s Pajamas Soap!

Shanti Shea Cobi is a jack-of- The Cat’s Pajamas By 2005 I was back in Texas and all-trades and a free living in Austin. Although I hadn’t fig- by Sarah Sires Bentley spirit. He is a certi- by Kevin Burns, Lamar Soap Company ured out the meaning of life in Santa fied Sheng Zhen Cruz, many seeds were planted. Many The idea for Shanti Shea Qigong teacher, Shortly after I graduated from univer- of the values I packed in my suitcase to was born after Cobi Bentley licensed massage sity in 2002 I moved from Texas to California didn’t make the return trip, had a little too much fun in therapist, landscaper, Santa Cruz, CA because I had no idea but you can bet that there was plenty the hot sun at Jazz Fest in handyman, painter, what life was about but thought of soap in their stead! I remember the New Orleans one year, and jewelry designer, maybe I could figure it all out in a somewhat shocked faces of my rela- his skin was a tad pink. cook, baker, and yes, coastal paradise. tives as I handed out bars of soap for One of the African traders candlestick Before living in Santa Cruz the them at Christmas. I explained why I in Congo square turned maker.He has closest experience I had to being in a picked each one for each confused him on to shea butter which always worked with local grocery store was H-E-B. I was family member. (They are great has been used for centuries his hands, growing instantly amazed by the array of prod- sports.) in Africa. Cobi slathered it up doing landscap- ucts I’d never before seen and the Shortly after my return to Texas I on his tender skin. To his amazement, ing for his mother’s business, and focus on harmonious, healthy lifestyles began making my own soap as a goal- the next day the burn was gone, and moving into the construction trade and organic, locally minded hobby of he had a base tan for the rest of the after studying German in college (not produced goods in creating some- summer! After doing some more much money in German tutoring!) stores such as New thing better and research on the history and amazing After a few years of wear and tear on Leaf, Staff of Life and more suited to me properties of this traditional African his body, he decided to reverse the Aptos Natural. than I’d been able healing moisturizer, he decided to mix trend and go into the healing arts, I was especially to find in all of some up and share it with friends and which better suited his loving, spiritu- surprised by the myri- my soap-seeking family. They all loved it too! “This stuff al nature. He has been a massage ther- ad of soaps and body- quests. is great, why don’t you sell it?” some- apist and healing bodyworker for the care products which My goal was one suggested. Always wanting to last ten years. Doing massage also smelled great, yet alto- to make a simple, share a good thing, Cobi did some takes a toll on the body, so since 2002 gether different than vegetable-based, more research and found the best qual- he has been studying and teaching the overly perfumey all-natural soap ity fair trade and organic ingredients Sheng Zhen Qigong. Caress bars which that smells strong he could, and started a business. The Shanti Shea is an Austin-born were my unwavering and clean, keeps name Shanti Shea reflects Cobi and his small business, catering to the health- standard. Out of skin smooth and wife Sarah’s dedication to their spiritu- conscious and socially responsible excitement and curios- moisturized, has al lives, and is also in memory of their consumer. Their body butters com- ity I purchased bars of a great lather, is late dog Shanti, to honor her enthusi- bine wild-crafted shea butter with Sappo Hill Oatmeal cruelty-free, asm for life and loving nature. organic coconut oil, natural preserva- Soap (the smell is affordable and Shanti can be translated as inner tives and healing essential oils. Shea tasty!), Skin Trip Soap, doesn’t run away down the drain after peace, with butter has protective and emollient Chandrika Ayurvedic Soap, Dr. one use. I feel this goal has been enough properties that are valued in skin care Bronner’s Magic Soap (rose scent) and achieved in a manner worthy of being knowledge for protecting against climate (UV), a bar of L’Epi de Provence. called The Cat’s Pajamas. and under- soothing chapped skin, and prevent- Since I was a freelance movie critic The expression “the cat’s pajamas” standing to ing wrinkles. for Good Times Santa Cruz at the time, I comes from an era of time often keep oneself Shea butter enhances cell regener- had no trouble scoring these wonder- thought of nostalgically as simple. For strong in the ation and capillary circulation. The ful soaps against each other. The Sappo the nutrition culture this might mean face of stress. protective, anti-aging and moisturiz- Hill smelled great (maybe too much before pesticides, preservatives, mys- Many spiritual ing properties of shea butter come like breakfast!) and I really liked the tery ingredients and unnecessarily or religious from its high natural vitamin A and E lather. I think the shape was difficult complex chemical compounds. people believe content and its unique fatty acid pro- for me to use and the embedded oat- What better way to express “The that it is only file. Uses for shea butter include meal felt unnecessary for a bathing Cat’s Pajamas” graphically than to use truly possible to achieve inner peace reduction and prevention of: wrinkles, soap. The Skin Trip’s smell reminded a rather literal depiction in an old-fash- with divine intervention of some form dry skin, eczema, stretch marks, me of my favorite snow cone flavor as ioned style? I couldn’t be happier with or another. In some cultures, inner burns, small wounds, arthritis, a child: coconut. It also has a fantastic the way the logo turned out. After all peace is considered a state of con- chapped lips, sun damage, cracked lather. However, it left my skin dry and of the time I’ve put into product devel- sciousness or enlightenment that may and dry skin, diaper rash, muscle cracked. The Chandrika also left my opment my beautiful friend Ricky be cultivated by various forms of train- fatigue and tension, insect bites and skin dry and was ultimately too small Cole blew it all away in a couple of ing, such as prayer, meditation, Tai stings. Shea butter is also used by and too cologne-like for my tastes. The hours with his design. I often confide Chi, qigong or yoga, for example. massage therapists around the world Dr. Bronner’s was an an all-star type in him that I hope my soap can be as Many spiritual practices refer to this for its natural lubricating and healing soap. It’s good in all areas but doesn’t good as his wrapper. peace as an experience of knowing properties. All this, and it’s fair trade! really excel in any one area. It also His artwork has masterfully con- oneself. (adapted from Wikipedia). seemed a little harsh on tributed to the final product and, in my my skin. The L’Epi de mind completed The Cat’s Pajamas Provence, well, it’s reputa- which is so very meaningful on a per- tion speaks for itself. It is Wheatsville is pleased to offer the new book: sonal level since he is my best friend. very classy and very milky At the end of the day I hope the Growing Good Things to Eat in Texas: and great for skin but the products of Lamar Soap Company can Profiles of Organic Farmers Across the State price is a little too steep. have a positive impact on the planet Over the next few and the people it serves. Lamar Soap by Pamela Walker years I tried many differ- Company has goals to reduce its car- ent types of soap but could bon footprint, respect human rights As more and more people seek never settle on just one. and equality and not rely on methods locally grown food, independent, or processes which damage animal or family owned and operated agricul- “Pamela Walker shows that good food comes from good human life. ture has expanded, creating local people who are willing to work together to build a Lastly, I sincerely want to thank networks for selling and buying pro- viable, grassroots alternative to industrialized, corpora- you for buying my soap and support- duce, meat, and dairy products and tized, globalized ‘food.’”—Jim Hightower reviving local agricultural economies ing it! throughout the United States. In Growing Good Things to Eat in Texas, author Pamela Walker and pho- tographer Linda Walsh portray eleven farming and ranching families who are part of this food revival in Texas. With biographical essays and photographs, Walker and Walsh illuminate the work these food producers do, why they do it, and the difference it makes in their lives and in their communities. Several farms that are fea- tured in the publication are long-term Wheatsville vendors, such as Pure Luck Goat Farm and Dairy, Full Quiver Goat Farm and Dairy, Tecolote Farm, Sun Tex Farm and friends of Wheatsville Boggy Creek Farm. Pick up a signed copy of this Author Pamela Walker was in the store signing thoughtful new book at your co-op from now copies of her book at the End of Construction Party through Christmas.

The Wheatsville Breeze, September-October, 2009 Page 9 Bulk on the Move by Allen Schroeder, Bulk Buyer

I’ve personally come a I love the placement of the department in the long way dealing with whole scheme of the store. You now move from bulk foods. Back in the fresh produce department straight into the 1982 I volunteered bulk foods area—wonderful. with a very small food The new bulk—Wow!!—I love the feel of it. co-op working out of a It’s roomy and easy to shop. No more being shed in someone’s squeezed next to the freezers. The color tones are back yard in Bryan, just right. I love that our wall is made of bricks TX. It was comprised of 20 or so members. Since I salvaged and reused from the old north wall of had a little pickup truck, I volunteered to drive to the store. I, as the bulk foods buyer, am confident Austin to pick up bulk food from Yellow Rose that we can better handle the tremendous Cooperative Warehouse and White Mountain Foods. increase in the bulk foods business and as they Niki puts the finishing touches on the first rack while Norman Oh the potlucks we had! And now I’m working in a say, take it to the next level. installs the hardware for the second section super-nice bulk food marketplace.

Niki stays one rack ahead of shoppers. It was really cool how matter of factly our customers took to shopping in a bulk department in transition

Penultimate position of our peripatetic bulk. Susan purveys products to the ultimate area.

Norman and Sam cooperate on the heavy lifting

As you may have already noticed the bulk foods department didn’t increase the numbers of bins in the course of the remodel. I think this is just fine. There’s a measure of efficiency that comes with focusing on the current number of bulk choic- Trae slides another bin home es. And that number currently is 339. I hope everyone enjoyed the fact, as I did, that Bulk in particular didn’t Riley lined up the bins that were waiting for installation. suffer much of a “moving crisis” as other departments experienced temporarily. With lots of cooperation and high spirits, we moved the whole department in the course of an afternoon. With calm aplomb, our customers continued their bulk shopping even as we moved the department. It was a little crazy for a short while when part of the bins were in the new spot and part were in the old spot and some bins were in transit. Kudos to our bulk stocker Riley who stepped up the customer service to help everyone find what they needed during the move. All during construction we’ve been Theron disassembles the old racks keeping track of your requests and in the near Kids in Bulk future, we’ll begin stocking some of the most I love little kids. I used to be one. And I’m about to be a requested items. I hope grandpa in a couple months too. I must say, I am that by the time you read impressed with those little ones, some as small as tod- this, we will have dlers, that know how to use our scoops. I (and other received the last 4 foot shoppers) really appreciate it when kids are taught to section of acrylic bins for use the scoops in the bulk bins instead of their fingers. the beans and acrylic May I suggest that if your youngster is adventurous and drawers for the pastas would like to choose a favorite, I or any staffer will be (yeah, way cool). The happy to give them samples. If you’re shopping with a candy will go in the bins grumpy little person, nothing quiets them faster than that were holding the when an organic animal cookie or an organic mango pastas and beans. slice comes into sight. It’s especially cute when a little The Bulk Department is one comes up to me and says, “Hey mister, can I have a finally in its new home. sample?” And yes, grownups can ask for a sample, too.

Page 10 The Wheatsville Breeze, September-October, 2009 Remember that squicky Staff Top 16 Picks old water machine out by Erik Amos, POS Coordinator on the front sidewalk? Cut to the present. Standing before you is our new high-tech fil- tered water dispenser. With a rising and lower- ing dispenser spout, this reverse osmosis and multiple carbon filtra- 16. Hellman’s 8 oz. Real Mayo - tion unit will dispense These jars are perfect for 7. Katz Bat City the number of gallons refilling with our bulk spices. you need. Only 35¢ a Blend – The best gallon! And with the 15. Double Espresso from our deli dark roast in town. water sales being credit- – It’s about time! Goes well with ed to the bulk foods Munchees Lunchbox brownies. 6. Greek Gods Fig department, I have a Yogurt – It’s new saying, “Drink up! 14. Munchees Lunchbox almost like having everyone, drink up!” Espresso Brownie – Best dessert for breakfast. Delicious! Bring your own contain- mid-afternoon snack I’ve ers from home to refill tried. Goes well with our 5. Hop Devil – It pushes the hop or buy one of the non- espresso. envelope without breaking anything. BPA water containers that we’ll have on hand. 13. Herban Cowboy Shave 4. Weetabix – Why aren’t more They are available in 1, Soap – An efficient source of cereals pressed into bricks? A childhood 2, 3, and 5 gallon sizes lather. favorite. for your water toting pleasure.—Allen 12. Hatch Chiles – Introduced to 3. Coho Salmon – Recipe: Olive Oil, Lemon me by surface dwellers. Best Juice, Shoyu, Brown Sugar and Pepper. when charred.

11. DII Set of 6 Napkins – Brightly NadaMoo! —It’s the Coolest! colored, absorbent and afford- by Kitty Logan, NadaMoo! Enthusiast able!

10. San-J Organic Shoyu – Flavorful without overwhelming The hottest summer on record has your food. been good for one local business – with events featuring everything from 2. Pere Joseph Cheese – Made by monks! 9. Sushi Rice – Yum! Don’t forget cocktails to cupcakes, and venues I was converted immediately. Try with the shoyu. ranging from camps to concerts with pears. crowds in the thousands on their cal- 8. Margarita’s Raw White Tortillas endar in recent months, NadaMoo! 1. Sungold Tomatoes – Perfect by them- – The best tortillas. Sprinkle with has been helping Austin keep cool. selves. The company Vermont White Cheddar. They were a huge hit with hot has its roots in Amy’s love of sharing Partyers at our End of Construction healthy food and doing good right Party on August 15th! here at home. NadaMoo! donates to HAAM, Girl’s Rock Camp, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Groundwork Music Project, and local school fundraisers. And you’ll see NadaMoo! supporting local artists, musicians, fashion designers, film makers, and family organizations, too. Now, thanks to Chuck at Mellow Johnny’s Bike Shop, NadaMoo! has a new ride to help them spread their message of good fun and good health around town. Keep your eyes open for the With six delectable flavors for cheerful NadaMoosters riding the one everyone to enjoy, this local company and only NadaMoo! tricycle to some of is on a mission to make a happier, Austin’s favorite healthier world one places, like Barton scoop at a time. Springs, giving Amy Ramm, out free cups of NadaMoo!’s founder non-dairy heaven. and “Mistress of Follow Delicious,” recalls a NadaMoo! on time when Austinites Facebook, Twitter, hungry for healthy and the alternatives had few NadaMoo! Blog, good options on the “The Inside ice cream aisle. Scoop” - or drop Founded in 2004, them a line at wecare(at)nadamoo.com to NadaMoo! was born of part determi- invite them to your upcoming event or nation and part inspiration. Amy’s sis- fundraiser. Wheatsville was one of the ter, Katy struggled with seasonal aller- first NadaMoo! retailers back in 2005, gies for most of her life before learning and we’re proud to support this great to manage them by changing her diet local business. You’ll find all six and eliminating trigger foods. Like yummy NadaMoo! flavors in our any good sister and curious cook, frozen aisle: mint chocolate chip, Amy saw an opportunity to make her chocolate, maple pecan, vanilla, sister’s road to health a little more creamy coconut, and java crunch. Non- enjoyable, learning how to make Dairy, Organic, Gluten-Free & Kosher, great-tasting, lower calorie desserts as well as lower in calories, carbs and without dairy, eggs, soy, wheat or fats than the competition, NadaMoo! sugar. With NadaMoo!, Amy and her has it all! all-star team of natural foods champi- Grab a pint & a friend and dig in! ons are giving ice cream a new name.

The Wheatsville Breeze, September-October, 2009 Page 11 Crossing Guadalupe: Pedestrians Unite! by Steven Tomlinson, Board Member

Walking to City Traffic Engineer Alan Hughes, who Here’s my drill. I stand on the sidewalk. I look left, Wheatsville Co-op is installed and subsequently restriped and resigned waiting until the nearest oncoming cars are further as green as shopping our crosswalk, says “It’s hard to tell what it might than six or seven car-lengths away. Then I step one foot gets. However, for take to make people off the side- owners who live west feel safer crossing walk and onto of Guadalupe Street, it Guadalupe.” He the crosswalk can entail some haz- points out that all the and attempt to ardous extreme-sports adventure. improvements at 13th make eye con- Sure, we’ve got a crosswalk. Thanks to the efforts and Lavaca— over- tact with the of Heritage Neighborhood Association (HNA, just head flashing yellow drivers. I west of Guadalupe) a wide-striped path with wheel- signals, in-pavement extend my chair ramps connects the sidewalk on 31st Street with lights, huge signs— right hand as the sidewalk on the west side of the store. Even with haven’t guaranteed if I were hail- Day-Glo yellow signs, however, cars don’t typically pedestrians a safe ing a cab. stop for pedestrians. crossing. It’s not clear Sometimes I At last month’s meeting, Wheatsville’s Board of whether any of those wave a bright- Directors heard from representatives of HNA (and investments have ly-colored North University Neighborhood, NUNA, east of made a measurable hanky while Guadalupe) who want the Co-op to help them lobby difference. pointing at the the City of Austin to improve safety at the crosswalk. Hughes is an “State Law” The board is very concerned about the safety of our ardent advocate for pedestrians and has worked sign. Eventually the drivers see me and start slowing shoppers and employees crossing Guadalupe and closely with HNA to make our crosswalk easier for down. Seeing them decelerate, I step into the cross- continues to investigate what can be done and how cars to see. HNA officers have worked tirelessly on walk and move briskly to the middle of the street. I we can help, either through direct Board action or by behalf of the crosswalk, studying best practices turn to the right and extend my left arm, waving until I helping owners nationally and recently secur- make eye contact with drivers coming from the other organize their own ing a grant from the National direction. And in moments, I’ve crossed Guadalupe lobbying. The real Highway Traffic Safety with an adrenal rush— all the fun of civil disobedi- question is: What Administration to fund fur- ence, with the ironic twist that I’m actually enforcing would it take to make ther improvements. the law. crossing Guadalupe At HNA’s request, I try to ignore frustrated looks on drivers’ faces. In safe? Hughes’ office studied the fairness, they hadn’t counted on stopping for a pedes- It’s easy to get Guadalupe crosswalk this trian. Let that go: It’s not about that. Sometimes drivers worked up when summer and counted fewer actually smile— perhaps I’ve empowered their inner oblivious drivers and than twenty pedestrian cross- pedestrians. lax enforcement make ings per hour— that is below Don’t get me wrong: I’m not encouraging careless a crosswalk unsafe. the City’s threshold for further disregard for your safety. You must be careful. Make After all, as the sign investment in a crosswalk. Of sure drivers see you. Watch for cars speeding blindly says— and as Austin course, Wheatsville shoppers around those that slow down. Use common sense. Just Police Department might argue that more people don’t let the interpersonal dynamics put you off of (APD) confirmed— would cross if the situation exercising your rights as a pedestrian. cars are obligated to were safer. Build it and we If you’re not sure you’re up for a solo crossing, stop anytime a pedes- will come. Hughes acknowl- bring friends. Bring lots of hankies and homemade trian steps onto the edges the Catch-22 and is crossing signs. Stage your own little Critical Mass. crosswalk. It’s State working with the neighbor- If you’re alone and just can’t get cars to stop, call Law. As pedestrians, hoods on other ways to gauge Austin 3-1-1 to report your situation. With luck, they’ll however, we’re loathe “incipient demand.” They transfer you to APD’s non-emergency line, dispatch a to exercise our rights plan to make another count patrol car, and give you the satisfaction of seeing when we can’t be sure this fall when UT is back in scofflaws brought to justice. Enough of these calls may that an oncoming session. persuade the City that they’ve underestimated the driver knows the In the end, City action is demand for pedestrian safety near the Co-op. rules— or can even see us, given the speed at which more likely if we screw up our courage, dust off our Wishing you safe crossings! they’re driving. A constant stream of faceless traffic crossing skills, and start using what’s there now. So powering through your legally protected space can I’ve started using the crosswalk almost every day— Steven Tomlinson serves on the Wheatsville Board of leave you feeling understandably disempowered. Is which has added no small measure of excitement to Directors and the North University Neighborhood Planning there no law but Newton’s? my shopping trips. Team.

They protect critical habitat for the endangered Golden-cheeked Warbler at their 690 acre Baker Sanctuary. Their ten acre Chaetura Canyon Sanctuary is home to more than 30 nesting avian species and is world renowned for research and conservation of Chimney Swifts. TAS continues to spearhead conservation programs locally and support them abroad. They lead diverse and interesting field trips and bird walks nearly every weekend of the year and on weekdays, both at local birding hotspots and exotic getaways. They offer an exciting array of monthly Travis Audubon Society pro- speakers, workshops, youth birding camp, the annual Birdathon, and seasonal as well as monthly bird motes the enjoyment, under- counts and surveys. standing, and conservation of TAS offers year round classes from the basics of birding to advanced classes for the identification of native birds and their habitats. sparrows, raptors, gulls, butterflies and dragonflies, and even grasses. Their outreach programs strive to educate the community about the vital connection between conservation and sustainable, healthy human habitats. Visit their website at www.travisaudubon.org /fieldtrips.html for more details. Ellen Feldman Massage Therapy * Swedish * Reiki * Polarity * Shiatsu * Aromatherapy by appointment 451-5045

Page 12 The Wheatsville Breeze, September-October, 2009 Human Power-World Carfree Day by Amy Babich

Sometimes life in central Texas can seem pretty bleak. Late summer, with its car sales. London, Paris, Rome, Beijing, Montréal, and relentless blue skies and high temperatures, is one of those recurring times. This Bogotá are just a few of the hundreds of cities that will year, the heat and drought are especially bad. celebrate World Carfree Day this year. But unless Mayor The end of August also marks the beginning of the school term. At the Bloomberg decides to back a celebration in New York hottest time of year, thousands of new people flock into Austin to study, teach, or City, I doubt that the New York Times will mention the do other work at the University of Texas, a few blocks from Wheatsville. I’m sure event. that many of the new people are quite horrified to meet their new daily weather. World Carfree Day is not a holiday. Whenever Cheer up, new people! Someday things will be better—around November, per- September 22 falls on a weekday, World Carfree Day is a regular workday. That’s the haps. Try not to get too hopeful too soon—that way lies disappointment and point. It would be easy to do without cars on a holiday, when people don’t really premature embitterment. have to go anywhere. This year, World Carfree Day falls on a Tuesday. The idea is to The hottest time of year is a good time to get used to walking and bicycling. see how our cities could be different, if they weren’t simply buried in cars. For one thing, it lets you out of sitting in a car in Austin’s traffic jams. I don’t use Austin would be much nicer if it weren’t drowning in cars and car exhaust. We cars myself, but those who do report that it is frustrating. Walking and bicycling could walk for miles in any direction, without being stopped by uncrossable roads. in the heat can also be frustrating, but at least there is a good physical struggle to The air would be cleaner and much quieter. Austin would still have a drought/flood absorb one’s irritation. Irritation without physical exertion is really frustrating. cycle, but it would be less extreme. Old people and children could walk around. We Another great advantage of walking and bicycling for transportation dur- wouldn’t have parking lots. The daytime temperature would be at least 2° cooler. ing the late summer (August through October) is that, sooner or later, the weath- People would be much less irritable. The pace of life would be slower, as befits a city er will actually get cooler. When this happens, suddenly you’ll feel as if you had in a hot climate. Why must we be so hectic and hurried? It doesn’t make us happier. superpowers. One day this year in late July, some clouds and breezes floated Austin has great natural advantages for human powered transportation. The into town. All morning, the temperature was below 90 degrees. Much of the weather is suitable for bicycling and walking year round. (Some people say it is too morning I was riding my cargo-laden bicycle uphill. It was great. I felt so strong hot to walk or bike here in the summer. But heat is much less of an obstacle to walk- and healthy. Everything was easy, for a change. ing or bicycling than severe cold. And cold cities such as Minneapolis and Montréal One has to look on the cheery side of our hot, dry, bright summer weather, spend much more money on bicycling and walking infrastructure than Austin does. simply because there is so much summer weather. If we dwell too much on Montréal just opened the largest bike-share program in North America, even though what we dislike about it, then, alas, there is plenty to dislike. I dislike tempera- it will have to be dismantled every winter.) Unfortunately, we don’t make the most of tures about 100 degrees, and I dislike cars. And Austin has a great deal of both. our natural advantages. The main reason for this is just habit—the habit of driving September 22, 2009, will be the date of the next autumnal equinox—what is cars, and thinking always in terms of cars. Car madness and car blindness are the jokingly called “the first day of fall.” Tuesday, September 22, will also be World worst enemies of a green and pleasant Austin. Celebrating World Carfree Day could Carfree Day. Most people in the United States have never heard of this widely do a lot for Austin. celebrated international non-holiday. France and Colombia were the nations that Our local newspapers, city leaders, and even ordinary people often say that started the event, but now almost every large nation except ours celebrates Austin’s main problem is traffic congestion, that what we really need is a way to World Carfree Day. The United States is isolated from the rest of the world. We move cars around faster and more smoothly. This is a mistake. Austin’s main prob- are often left out of things. We don’t have national health care, or a good national lem is that nearly everyone regards their own car as necessary and indispensable. train system, and we are far behind other nations in addressing pollution and cli- Most people in Austin don’t try at all to drive cars less. They don’t even consider it. mate change. We also don’t celebrate World Carfree Day, or even mention it. On People in Austin are used to thinking of cars as natural. So people consider it natural and around September 22, try to notice whether World Carfree Day is men- and inevitable that our streets should be smelly, noisy, and violent, that cars and tioned by major US newspapers. So far, it has seldom received mention. Major parking lots should be everywhere, and that we should all see more cars than people US newspapers have an aversion to reporting news that might adversely affect when we look around outdoors. People think it’s normal to drive a car, but abnormal to walk or bicycle for transportation. These attitudes keep Austin overrun by cars. Try celebrating World Carfree Day by imagining that Austin isn’t buried in cars, that the streets are places for people, that most children walk or bicycle to school and most adults to work. Imagine Austin without a plethora of parking lots and high- ways. Austin can be that way. There’s a choice: we can have a city for people, or we can have cars everywhere. There really isn’t room for both. So far, Austin consistently chooses cars above people. Let’s help our city make a better decision.

Be part of history and change thousands of lives! The Inaugural Texas Mamma Jamma Ride on October 1 will help Texans with breast cancer get services to save and improve lives. Routes for every level-1, 25, 45, 65 and even 1 miles! Our routes all start and end at the beautiful and fun Reunion Ranch. Check route information at www.mammajammaride.org to see which distance is best for you.

Congratulations to Our Newest Invested Owners 6/12/09—8/10/09 (184)

MENG KE ETHAN LOVE REID CAMPBELL VALERIE KANAK LAUREN TRAVIS KATHRYN MAJCHER DEBORAH INGRAHAM ADEMILOLA MOJIMINIYI ADRIENNE MCCULLOUGH NICK HURT DEB SEELEY DANIEL SHANKS VANESSA BARR LESLY PATERSON ANDREW OTOOLE DOUGLAS ARMSTRONG NELSON HUTCHINSON CATHERINE HERRINGTON CHRIS DIAL NICK YBARRA DEBBIE POWER BOB MARSHALL LINDA TOMASELLO KERRY MCCORMICK ELIZABETH CAMPBELL MARGARET KUYKENDALL MAUREEN CHRIS HOWELL RUTH ROY RACHEL LANE DOUG BRADLEY BRADLEY WILSON LINDSEY WILSON TRACY BRADSHAW STEPHEN GUTKNECHT SALVADOR E ENRIQUEZ EILEEN MURPHY LIEDEKER SEAN HALE LINDA HUYNH ELLEN EPSTEIN BRANDY MARTIN LIZZY NEWTON TREVOR BARTON ALEJANDRA MIRELES CAROLYN GREMMINGER BRIAN WITT LORRI HADEN EUGENE VOCE CHAD BISSINGER LOUIE DEBLANC RANDOLPH LEWIS ROBERTO ESPINOSA KATHRYN JO KOTRLA MD JEFF SEALS LOTTE VEHKO GALEN KRALIK CHRIS LEFEVE MARCIE PALMER MARCUS CARDWELL KEN PARIS MAX CLAREY GOLDEN POWELL CLAIRE MEADOWS MARIANNE CHUBB MARGARET STEELE ERYN MORIS JENNY BOOTH GREG ALDRICH CLINTON TEDIN MARK BLITZER CAMERON LOCKLEY DOGGONE IT! WHERE DID YOU GO? KEVIN LAUX LESLIE RAMOS HOLLY MOORE CLOYD DOWLING MARK HOOPER EVELYN SEELINGER Members- if you’ve moved and you’re not getting the Breeze in LAURA ROSS MEGAN KEATE IREK BANACZYK CRAIG MATTHEWS MARY BUCHANAN KRISTIN NARCOWICH the mail, please take a minute to update your address. DAVID COLE DAVID CRAMER ISAAC BARCHAS CRYSTAL DIETRICH MARY MARSHALL MICHAEL WARRINER KEVIN TAIT DAVID JONES JACOB WEISBERG JWAHIR DAWSON MARY ANN AUSTIN FELICE CHILDRESS UPDATE ME! KIM COFFIN DAVID NGUYEN JACULEEN DANO KAREN SEROUSSI MELINDA BRINKLEY ELIZABETH DONIHOO YES! SUSAN DAVIS DAVID POWER JAMES O’BRIEN KARLA PALMILLA MICHELLE CUTRER GRANT RUTHERFORD SUSIE JONES DAWN CARRICO JAN HEIMLICH KARY AYCOCK MICHELLE PRINCE DANNY VILLANUEVA Member Number TERRY IRWIN JESSE LANDES KATE AMERSON MIKE DEBELLIS CHUCK HERNANDEZ DAWN HOOPER Name DIANE IRWIN DAWN LINDSEY JOAN PETERS KATHRYN ALLEN MINDY COOPER LAURYN RAYMOND CHRIS CROW ANDY CROUCH JOHN BURRIS KATHRYN NICHOL BARBARA RENFRO JORGE CAMPUZANO Address ADAM MEYER REN LEVALLY JOHN SLINKMAN KELLY DILWORTH BETSY GERDEMAN ROBERT CAMPBELL KEVIN BURNS RILEY MOORE JOSEPH BEAN KELLY HARAGAN VERONICA GOREN LAWRENCE COLLINS City State Zip MIKE EWING JOSEPH E BRUCE KERRY MEATH WADE CHILDRESS PAUL J STRECKFUS ROSS CARTER Phone WENDY KUO SALLY AMEN JUD NEWCOMB KRISTIN MITCHELL SEAN THOMPSON RACHEL JACOBSON RICK NALLE SARAH J WIMER JULIA GETCHELL LARISSA MUELLER SPIKE GILLESPIE ALEXANDER BLUNT Email LEE BLANEY SCOTT STEVES THERESE ELLIS LAURA DUNNIGAN STEVE OLDROYD MARLENE FRUITTRELL Mail to Wheatsville Address Update, Attn. Gabriel, 3101Guadalupe, Austin LEILA CADAG BARBARA NAGEL THOMAS BLOM LAUREN APTER ADRIENNE BEALL MARY GRACE TAYLOR TX 78705 or drop in the box at the Member Center or email changes to mem- DARIN KLEIN BARBARA OPYT TOM KNUTSEN LAUREN BUTLER JASON FIALKOFF JOHN HUNTSBERGER bership(at)wheatsville.coop DAN SOUTAS NANCY PALMA ZANE ANDREWS LAUREN MARTIN JEANINE ADINARO SUSAN KAY GRATTER

The Wheatsville Breeze, September-October, 2009 Page 13 Whitehall Co-op, Texas’ Oldest Independent Housing Cooperative, Turned 60 in August!

Located at the Walden corner of 25th Swanson and Nueces, (recently Whitehall has inducted into survived the the national many booms Cooperative and busts of the Hall of Fame) West Campus and others Neighborhood. ran It is believed to Community Whitehall residents past and present are now be the oldest Consulting planning a reunion in the cooler weather of Fall. If continually oper- Group from you know of a past Whitehall resident or are a cur- ating independ- there and rent one, please send along an email address to: ent housing co- hosted a Whitehall Co-op 60th Anniversary Committee at op in Texas. national jimedia(at)grandecom.net housing Whitehall is Long Live Whitehall! also an original co-op member of Wheatsville—since March 16, 1976. Yay! confer- Cooperation among co-ops! ence. At Jim Ellinger’s 30th birthday The white two-story frame house is believed to party at Whitehall, he announced his have been originally built for a Colorado Riverboat intention to start a new radio station pilot. “You are supposed to be able to hear his steam in Austin, which evolved into whistle on a warm still nights,” says one old KOOP radio. Whitehaller. Nice story in any case… In August of 1989, Over the decades, many Austin co-ops and com- Whitehall’s 40th Anniversary was munity and political groups held their first meetings marked by a cover story in the in Whitehall’s big living room, including the Wind Austin Chronicle, “Snapshots Through the Pines Credit Union, (whose entire From A Movement,” which gave “banking operation” was a table inside Wheatsville an overview of the history of and later was merged into UFCU.) housing co-ops in Austin.

Great news in the Organic Food Industry! from Niki Nash Merchandising Mgr.

Nature’s Path Buys 2,240 Acres of Organic Farmland, Partners with Organic Farmer- Efforts Help Increase Organic Cropland and Maintain Sustainable Family Farms

June 5, 2009-Richmond, BC – The organic food indus- “This approach strengthens our support Nature’s Path’s Values: try has seen an explosion in consumer demand over the of, and connection with, the organic farmers • We are fiercely independent: Arran and Ratana past few years, rising more than 20 percent and making in our supply chain, a group we are committed to,” said Dag Falck, Organic Program Stephens built this family company from the fertile, up three percent of the overall food market. And though the amount of organic farmland is also growing, it is at Manager at Nature’s Path. “It not only helps organic ground up. We haven’t “sold out”—and we a much slower rate – only a half percent. of all farmland to ensure the transition of more organic farm- don’t intend to. in North America is dedicated to organic crops. land, but allows us to aid in the revitalization • We make organic food because we believe To help ensure there is organic farmland for future of rural communities and family farms. We deeply in sustainability: Arran grew up hearing his generations of both consumers and farmers, along with are excited to refine this model throughout the father say these words often “Always leave the soil a growing supply of organic grains, Nature’s Path, coming year and expand it to other areas in better than you found it.” It’s become one of our North America’s number one organic cereal brand, has the future, including the U.S.” guiding principles, and it affects every element of begun to work with farmers to help increase organic This model helps to increase the amount acreage. Nature’s Path has partnered with two commit- of organic farmland and goods quickly and our business today. ted, organic farmers-both located on separate farms in effectively under the care of dedicated organic • We are creative and a little quirky: We belly Western Saskatchewan, Canada to expand their farms farmers. The alternative option, transitioning dance at work. We spend break time digging in the and grow more organic crops. non-organic farmers into the organic manage- corporate garden. We sing in meetings. A lot. “We have the utmost respect for organic farmers ment system, takes longer. However Nature’s • We believe in humanity: We believe if you treat and are truly dedicated to assisting them,” said Arran Path is also working to encourage this transi- people well, they will treat you well in return. So Stephens, Founder and CEO of Nature’s Path. “So tion though education, support and consulta- that’s how we lead our lives and run our business. rather than purchasing and farming our own land and tion. Falck works with industry groups such Our people seem pretty happy with that. competing with these great farmers, we decided to team as the Canadian Organic Growers and the up with them to achieve a win- Organic Trade Association on transition assis- • We really, really love food: seriously. We bake in win for everyone: the farmers, tance programs and regularly speaks to our spare time. We spend our winters dreaming up Nature’s Path and the organic organic and non-organic farmers to offer all the wonderful recipes we’re going to cook up consumer.” resources and expertise. with our summer gardens. We like to stop by the Through the partnership, test kitchen—often. And we Nature’s Path has selected two ABOUT NATURES PATH can’t stop snacking on cereal experienced organic farmers Founded in 1985, Nature’s Path Organic and granola bars and toaster and purchased 7 quarter sec- Foods is headquartered in Richmond, British tions (1,120 acres) adjacent to Columbia. A privately held and family owned pastries around here. You’re each of their farms, adding size company, they employ over 350 people at welcome to come by and try to the family farms and allow- their four facilities in Canada and the U.S. some. ing them to remain sustainable Wheatsville is happy to offer Nature’s Path®, through the partnership. Flax Plus®, Hemp Plus®, EnviroKidz®, and 1% or Nature’s Path There is no financial outlay for the farmer – Optimum® organic cereals, toaster pastries, EnviroKidz sales are donated to Nature’s Path owns the land and a portion of the value granola bars and frozen waffles. Read some species and habitat conservation of the crop. The farmer purchases the seeds, farms the great stories about food, farming, and their or education programs for kids. land and owns the majority of the value of the crop. commitment to the future of organic foods on Nature’s Path is able to utilize the crops grown on their the Nature’s Path website: land if they are used in their products. http://www.naturespath.com

Page 14 The Wheatsville Breeze, September-October, 2009 Meet the Candidates for the Board Merry Bateman Self Employed Marketing and Communications Consultant

Master of Arts in Journalism; Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies

How many years have you lived in Austin? 2

(1) Why is it worth it to be an owner of Wheatsville? Being a Wheatsville owner opens the door to becoming part of a very special community in Austin. Owners come from diverse backgrounds but they share something powerful in common: values and vision to live their best life and leave a positive mark. Shopping is certainly one privilege of Wheatsville ownership. Every day owners get access to quality products that are healthy, Doug Addison green and sustainable— all presented in a welcoming, new space. By being a proud, card carrying Self Employed Web Producer owner, I can proclaim with satisfaction that I am part of a business that has integrity and fosters honest, responsible business practices. I appreciate and value its efforts toward social responsibility by sup- Masters degree, journalism, porting local, organic farms, creating fair dealings with small business owners, buying fair trade prod- Northwestern University ucts and providing outreach to community programs. As a co-op, we have the opportunity to serve others while serving ourselves for our highest good. And best of all, being part of the co-operative movement opens new possibilities for owners to be change agents in these challenging times. How many years have you lived in Austin? 14 (2) Why are you interested in serving on the Board of Directors of the cooperative? “What have you done today to make the world a better place?” (1) Why is it worth it to be an owner of A favorite high school teacher of mine posed this question every day, to every class she taught. I’ve Wheatsville? never forgotten it. Few experiences have taught me more about who I am and what I value. My involvement as a co-owner of the Wheatsville To set out to make the world a better place is inspirational. I believe the most important thing any cooperative these last several years has been an adult can do for a child, any leader can do for his or her people, any product can do for its owner, any ongoing source of personal pride. I am a strong event can do for its audience, is to inspire them. believer in two ideas that Wheatsville promotes to Wheatsville inspires on all levels. It has taken its inspiration to fulfill needs and foster innovation in the Austin community: That there is almost noth- Austin. It makes inspiration create action to transform lives. Wheatsville is helping owners and cus- ing more important than the choices we make tomers navigate through these crazy, wonderful, upside-down-times to inspire their lives. It truly makes about what to put in our bodies; and, spending the world a better place. our dollars at local businesses nurtures and I want to build on this inspiration and contribute my business experience to benefit the Wheatsville strengthens our community. Wheatsville reflects Board of Directors. I would like nothing better than to serve owners and to give back. I welcome the back to me the values that I believe are worth opportunity to help make the world a better place. upholding. (3) Tell us about a time you were on a successful team. (2) Why are you interested in serving on the What happens when 11 people are brought together to become a special new business team? They Board of Directors of the cooperative? form a baseball team, assign positions and get ready to play ball. As a sole proprietor of a small service-oriented That’s exactly what happened when I was one of the 11 people selected at a large New York ad business in Austin, I have developed a range of agency to pitch a $30 million advertising account for a multinational client. talents that I want to share with the Board for the Instead of coming together in the typical way to answer the prospective client’s brief, we benefit of the Wheatsville cooperative. My work approached our work a little differently. Each of us asked how we could take what is typically a stress- requires careful listening to clients’ needs, acting ful, fast paced effort and build some fun into it. on those needs while carefully managing expecta- The result was the Saatchi and Saatchi All Stars, a baseball team that plays well together and tions, and making informed choices in the face of knows how to score big. We created a team uniform, determined positions and even player nicknames. limited time, money and resources. As a long-time While we remained highly professional with our ultimate presentation demonstrating what we had member of the Austin community and Wheatsville to contribute to the client’s business goals and bottom line, we showed that we could be creative and owner, I believe a time has come in my life to try have a good time doing it. All of our communication to the client used the baseball metaphor. We even to give back to the Wheatsville community and the created baseball cards featuring each member of the team. An involvement device during the four Austin community at large through service to an week pitch process was getting the client to know the team better by collecting all 11 player cards and organization that complements my personal inter- winning a prize. ests in food, cooking, and sustainability. The day of the pitch, we staged a baseball stadium environment in the conference room. We served peanuts, popcorn, and hot dogs. We had stadium sound effects. We wore our uniforms. In a city (3) Tell us about a time you were on a suc- where there is baseball frenzy over the Mets and Yankees, this was all appreciated and enjoyed. cessful team. Putting fun aside, we did get down to business with each member of the team presenting the very seri- I have served on the science fair committee at my ous side of the pitch. We unveiled our team efforts in the form of a well orchestrated presentation with a daughters’ elementary school for the last few marketing plan, research, creative concepts and more. Each person represented a specific discipline of years as both a judge and planner. A science fair the agency and had an assigned part to highlight. might be an afterthought at other schools, but I The team pulled off a homerun win. We won the new business and brought in a $30 million have strived with the other science fair team account to the ad agency. It was a real team effort. Each person brought experience, commitment, members to make it an enjoyable learning experi- focus, enthusiasm and a positive attitude. This was a great reminder to me that teamwork is what you ence for everyone. Through presentations to par- make it. It’s all about working hard— and having fun, too! ents, hands-on workshops with students, and brainstorming sessions with other science fair (4) Give us an example of a situation when you learned something and then taught others. committee members, I have helped create a suc- Some 12 years into my marketing career, a New York ad agency sent me to Thailand to work with its cessful annual school event that involves a large local ad agency to start a new direct marketing division. It was during this time that a middle class was percentage of the students. emerging who was eager to use its disposable income for new products and services. My job was to bring my business knowledge and direct marketing experience to teach this new dis- (4) As a member of the board you would repre- cipline to local staff while getting work produced for anchor client, American Express. It was a challeng- sent the owners, yet they are a diverse group. ing undertaking and an experience that I wouldn’t trade for anything. How do you plan to represent the diverse voic- My role was to teach so that ultimately the local staff would take over without expatriate support on es of owners? the ground. Sharing my knowledge and building marketing skill sets was really the easy part. Teaching I think my best strategy for representing the came from daily hands on work. Imparting the information well so it would work within a unique cultural diverse voices of Wheatsville’s owners would be environment filled with so many nuances was the hard part. That’s where I realized that I had to through listening and availing myself of the many embrace my expectations in new ways and not to become attached to the outcome. ways the board already has to access owner I achieved my goal to teach useful marketing skills and build a highly competent team. In the feedback. As a Wheatsville board member, I won’t process, I came away a far better person. I learned a few valuable rules of business that can easily be pretend to be able to automatically speak for the applied to life: 1. Everything is possible. 2. Nothing is easy. 3. Western business logic doesn’t always diverse members. I will be mindful of my own par- apply in a third world country. 4. You must persist when barriers appear; things will come your way ticular opinions and viewpoints, and take time to eventually. 5. Patience is the essence of success. 6. When you are optimistic, think about rule #2.7. hear and understand those of others. When you are discouraged, think about rule #1.

The Wheatsville Breeze, September-October, 2009 Page 15 Meet the Candidates for the Board Theron Lee Blaney

Beaudreau University of Texas at Austin Wheatsville PhD Candidate Stocking Supervisor (Environmental Engineering)

How many years have you B.S. / M.S. Environmental lived in Austin? 4 Engineering (Lehigh University)

(1) Why is it worth it to be an How many years have you owner of Wheatsville? The value of my share in this coop- lived in Austin? 2 erative goes far beyond material worth. Wheatsville is a place of community, experience and (1) Why is it worth it to be an owner of Wheatsville? expression that is representative of the power of individuals working In August, 2007, I moved from Philadelphia into the House of Commons hous- together for something greater than personal wealth. Our collective ing cooperative at 26th and Rio Grande. The next day, I was tasked with five impact on the greater Austin community cannot wholly be measured. hours of labor (ah, the joys of cooperative living!); three of those hours consti- Sure, it would be easy to calculate the savings my membership to the co- tuted dinner cook. When I asked my cooking partner where we should shop, he op has garnered… owner specials, owner appreciation days, patronage said “Wheatsville!” After that first shopping experience, I was blown away by rebate checks and the like, when added up, make Wheatsville perhaps Wheatsville – the high quality (organic/local) of food, the outstanding variety of one of the cheapest places in town. But these things hardly scratch the vegan options, the friendliness of the staff, and the bulk wasabi peas! surface of the benefits to being a Wheatsville owner. Wheatsville’s com- Being an owner of Wheatsville allows me to continuously experience those mitment to the community, the local economy and a healthy environment aspects of our community, but it also lends me the privilege of adding my voice all stand out as values I can put my energy behind. Most importantly, to our mission to “promote a transformation of society toward cooperation, jus- these are not just values spun out of a faceless PR firm hoping to gain tice, and non-exploitation.” We are trying to open the black box of food produc- some edge over the competition; these are values woven out of the fabric tion/consumption to ensure better health for ourselves and better conditions for of our very community – You, me and everyone who believes that, those who make our food. This ability to stand together and strive for a better through cooperation, this world can be a much more honest, trustworthy, world is why I am an owner of Wheatsville. vibrant, healthy, friendly, educated and peaceful place! It’s something that is truly unquantifiable and often times enigmatic – it’s the strength we (2) Why are you interested in serving on the Board of Directors of the share through our unity and friendship – it is cooperation! cooperative? Serving on the Board would allow me to contribute to strengthening the heart of (2) Why are you interested in serving on the board of directors of the our organization and to help shape our cooperative’s future. I have a lot of posi- cooperative? tive energy and a strong work ethic that will be put to good use on our Board. Serving on the Wheatsville Board of directors this past year and a half Hearing your ideas and opinions provides a unique and rewarding learning has been both challenging and inspirational in all the right ways. I feel opportunity for me; additionally, the organizational skills, planning strategies, that I have grown tremendously as a person and hope that I have had the and leadership training I gain by being a director of our Board will be extremely same positive effect on the coop as the coop has had on me during this useful in my personal life and at my housing cooperative. short time. I’ve found my connection with the community through the Co- For the past 33 years, Wheatsville has grown tremendously. With the op has not only had an incredibly profound impact on my life but has recent expansion project nearing completion, we need to begin thinking about changed the very fundamentals of how I relate to the world around me. I our future growth. How can we continue to make Wheatsville more than just the finally feel that I can have my ethics and eat them too. By that I mean, I neighborhood grocery store? What form(s) should Wheatsville’s future growth don’t have to compromise my ethics to make a living and, perhaps more take? How can we better engage the Austin community and, particularly, the importantly, my ethics are understood, cherished and, for the most part, underrepresented and minority populations of the Austin community? What shared by the community that surrounds me. Obviously, a community is impact has the economic downturn had on Wheatsville and how can we turn made up of many different people with an array of divergent backgrounds that around to promote cooperative economics? These questions are important and interests, however, it’s the values that we have in common that bring to me, and I would like the chance to address them with you. us together under one roof, and, should they not divide us, it’s those differences that help us to learn and grow. I hope that I can continue to grow (3) Tell us about a time you were on a successful team. with you as we look forward into the future of our efforts in cooperation. While working on my M.S., I had the privilege to be involved with a project dealing with removing arsenic from drinking water in West Bengal, India. We built (3) As a member of the board you would represent the owners, yet treatment units in peri-urban villages, where people could come and collect they are a diverse group. How do you plan to represent the diverse arsenic-free water from the existing well. The most important aspect was the voices of owners? social sustainability of the unit – if the community did not maintain it properly, it Representing a broad range of individuals is challenging to say the least. would eventually become useless. Therefore, each village votes in a board to I think the first and most important thing I can do as a representative of oversee the use and maintenance of the unit. I like to think of the system as a the Wheatsville owners is to listen. The advantage of being a staff repre- “safe-water co-op.” sentative is the opportunity we have to directly connect with and engage In November 2006, I traveled to several villages in West Bengal to interview our fellow owners on a daily basis. This provides ample opportunity to lis- patients, help install units, and demonstrate safe disposal of the arsenic-laden ten and discuss the concerns, issues and pleasantries of being a waste. Seeing people in such a desperate situation build and sustain treatment Wheatsville owner with other owners. It’s never going to be possible for units to ensure clean drinking water for themselves and their children was one one person to represent the ideals of 10,000 individual owners but of the most inspiring and motivating experiences of my life. That experience through an unbiased ear we can begin to shape what our collective future also taught me that every problem is multi-faceted (technical, social, economic) might look like and from there work to empower each other toward the and can only be sustainably resolved through cooperation. Currently, over realization of that future! 150,000 people are benefitting from our arsenic treatment units.

(4) Tell us about a time when you compromised for the benefit of a (4) Give us an example of a situation when you learned something and group. then taught others. Life is all about compromise. Yet, it is when we compromise for the bene- When I attended Lehigh University, I was a member of a group called Break the fit of others, I believe, that we are closest to the height of our peak poten- Silence. The group’s mission is to address issues of sexual violence and tial has human beings. It’s odd, but I feel that compromising for the bene- assault on the college campus. To join the group, I completed 40 hours of train- fit of others is really not a compromise at all. On the surface, it may feel ing, during which time I learned so much about sexual assault. As a member of as though I have suffered a great loss through a personal compromise. Break the Silence, I learned even more. The most fruitful aspect was sharing However, working in service of others has taught me that true benefits what I learned with the Lehigh community. My friend Ben and I would go to fra- are almost always reciprocal. What benefits another always seems to find ternities, sit down with them, and talk about sexual assault – its definition, fre- it’s way back around to me. And, in return I can then share that benefit quency, myths, and culture in addition to the opportunities individuals and with someone else. groups possess to impact positive change. By reminding the community that A great Tibetan master once said, “Take all loss and defeat upon sexual assault is both a men’s and women’s issue, we were trying to inspire yourself; give all profit and gain to others – this is the way to enlighten- more men to take a stand against sexual violence. The impact of sexual assault ment.” In this day and age such sentiments may sound counter intuitive on our community is huge; therefore, I am still trying to instigate discussion on yet I feel strongly that this is the type of compassionate ‘compromise’ that this topic. Hence this response.. the world needs now more then ever.

Page 16 The Wheatsville Breeze, September-October, 2009 Meet the Candidates for the Board Kitten Martha E. Jones in current job offer negotiations Holloway Past titles have been VP or Semi-retired/temp work as Director level in consulting needed on special projects BA – General Business / Indiana University Masters in Public Health (MPH) How many years have you lived in Austin? 1 fabulous year How many years have you lived in Austin? Since (1) Why is it worth it to be an owner of Wheatsville? 1970; 35+ worked out of As an owner, I feel I have a stake in the state at 2 separate times game (no pun intended) to see my babies succeed and to be well taken care of – (1) Why is it worth it to be an owner of Wheatsville? whether it be a home I’ve owned, dogs I’ve loved, or cooperatives I’ve joined in Ownership both fosters and allows input from multiple perspectives which the past. This means that what Wheatsville does represents me and vice versa. serves to enhance the very nature of Wheatsville’s business operations. It So I want my name connected with quality products from fair trade partners and gives owners the opportunity to be heard on issues of importance to them local farmers and small collectives and the effort made to provide back to the and to obtain expert assistance regarding individual special needs. As an community. Every time I come into the store, I see people making the patio their owner, I feel I have a vested interest in the continued success of the place to hang, and I’m greeted warmly by the folks at the info desk, and I find the Cooperative; and a responsibility to contribute to that success. best ever grapefruit, and fabulous ice creams among other things that make me feel at home and appreciate the first rate offerings. As such, I want to see these (2) Why are you interested in serving on the Board of Directors of good offerings expand and be supported and appreciated by others shopping or the cooperative? just hanging out with a great cuppa. Like a proud Mama, I want to be there for my My first job was working in a family grocery store after school and on store and have others enjoy the same great things available to my children (who weekends. I continued working in the grocery business off and on to pay are both members) and me. Thanks. my way through Jr. College. As a result, I have a particular fondness for the environment and people who are part of the grocery business. This is (2) Why are you interested in serving on the Board of Directors of the coop- in addition to having made trips every two weeks to our neighborhood erative? Weingarten’s with my Mother to load multiple grocery carts to feed a fami- I’ve embraced Austin as my adopted hometown and Wheatsville as my local, ly of ten! It is also important to me to choose environments in which to high-quality, neighborhood place to shop and enjoy the freshest and best. When I spend my time, that are closely aligned with my personal values and have been given as much as Wheatsville gives to me, I feel the duty to give back philosophies. Wheatsville’s ‘Cooperative Principles and Values’ meet that - so with my experience in strategy consulting, communications, PR, marketing, criteria for me. As important, Board Membership is an opportunity to ‘give and team leadership and development, I see an opportunity for me to take my back’ to part of our greater Austin Community. Professionally, I have man- skills and return the gift to Wheatsville. I’ve learned how to support a team of cre- aged non-profit organizations serving members of Boards governing ative thinkers and help continue to drive quality, care, and growth with an eye health and human services programs. I have an understanding of the toward retaining the flavor of what made the institution great in the first place. divergent roles of Board Members and Management; and bring to the Let’s don’t get too big to be what/who Wheatsville started out to be – but let’s get table a working knowledge of strategic planning. In addition, it is a joy and big enough to allow others to appreciate and benefit from the success. That’s pleasure to interact with the people at Wheatsville each time I shop for my what I believe my experience will allow me to contribute as a Board of Director for groceries! this great cooperative. And, I have to admit, I’d welcome the chance to meet and work with cool people with diverse backgrounds who love this place, too! Thank (3) Tell us about a time you were on a successful team. you. I have held various team roles on a professional basis, that ranged from Team Lead to participant as a Subject Matter Expert. In all of these situa- (3) Tell us about a time you were on a successful team. tions, multiple stakeholders were involved; and processes, goals and key I’ve had the great opportunity to work with strong and committed global teams to outcomes were established at the initiation of the Team. HIV Prevention pull off some intricate and challenging work for large corporations in their need for Community Planning is one the examples of a team for which I provided HR consulting services. What has made these teams successful was the ability to leadership; and guided a group of community co-chairs to the develop- communicate both the good and the bad news as soon as it was available and to ment of prevention intervention plans in each of their communities. Of a know that there was total and unconditional support whatever the situation. personal nature, recently, my siblings (there are eight of us), have been Teams that are comfortable knowing that leaders ‘have their back’ are willing to involved in settling my parent’s estate. As with many stakeholders, we are take risks to get things done in a creative and quality manner; taking pride in their eight different personalities with varying family situations. We agreed that work is essential to success. My last opportunity to work with such a team was on my brother, as Executor, would serve as Team Lead on the project that lay a large account that required laying off over 285 workers after outsourcing their ahead of us, to ‘distribute my parent’s possessions’ in the house in which positions offshore. My team was highly discouraged by having to shift this work we all grew up. We set a target date, defined a manageable outcome, until they took an idea tossed out by a junior team member and created a jobs agreed on the ground rules and a process (with a lot of negotiation), com- training program and jobs board for the soon-to-be displaced workers. The team municated regularly, left room for flexibility, and completed the project. willingly shared tips and tricks about some new technologies and services that The most important outcome was achieved. Even though we laughed, allowed many of the other workers to see that they could re-fashion some of their cried, and agitated each other, in the end, we successfully managed the skills and perhaps land not only on their feet but with a spring in their step. The conflict (we are all still talking to one another); we forged a stronger bond team benefitted by sharing this gift; the workers benefitted by having some confi- as siblings; and after a couple of weeks, we will be ready to see each dence and hope restored, and the client benefitted by having a project end on other again for one of our usual get-togethers! It truly was a successful time and with cooperative teams both on the offshore and client projects; Win/win team effort! and the right thing to do.

(4) As a member of the board you would represent the owners, yet (4) As a member of the board you would represent the owners, yet they are a they are a diverse group. How do you plan to represent the diverse diverse group. How do you plan to represent the diverse voices of owners? voices of owners? As a program leader, I’ve led global teams of up to 350 individuals most of whom Listening and interacting with owners is key to serving as their representa- work virtually so I never see or actually meet them. I love this challenge as it has tive. Objective presentation of their views and perspectives is critical to taught me to truly listen, ask questions, and be open to diverse points of view ensuring equal consideration of same by those making decisions. As their from all. Having lived internationally, I learned quickly that I didn’t know all the representative I would: ensure updated information on issues is accessi- answers or even know all the questions so it has been tremendously important to ble; ask a lot of questions to obtain a clear understanding of their views, me to learn from and listen to the insights and experience of others especially and to know what is truly important to them, especially as it relates to their from those who grew up differently than I. What works for me in guiding and rep- buying practices; be available to answer questions and provide informa- resenting these teams is to clearly articulate that I want their input and I represent tion; be clear in conversations with owners about what are facts vs opin- THEM but at some point, we must agree to a conclusion that is fair to the overall ions; message check with owners to ensure that I truly understand the group. Quite often, this means we don’t reach a consensus so much as agree to information I am hearing and can accurately represent their views; and pick a point a view that everyone understands and appreciates as a proper finally, articulate their views and perspectives in the context of how they course of action. People want to be heard and understood; once they know I’m align with the Cooperative Principles and Values, and with the business respectfully engaging their time and input, they’re more willing to collaborate and needs of the Cooperative. support decisions as a team.

The Wheatsville Breeze, September-October, 2009 Page 17 Meet the Candidates for the Board Alexis Jurek Kate Vickery Blueshoe Spoonbend Advertising Texas Land Conservancy Project Manager Outreach Coordinator

B.S. In Advertising from UT Austin B.A. Sociology & Environmental Studies, How many years have you lived in Kalamazoo College; Austin? 26 Graduate work in Sociology at Johns Hopkins University (1) Why is it worth it to be an owner of Wheatsville? How many years have you Being an owner of Wheatsville means the opportunity to participate in and support important lived in Austin? 1 alternative economies – the cooperative, organic & sustainable foods, and local business economies. Cooperatives provide positive incentives to all involved parties (the (1) Why is it worth it to be an owner of Wheatsville? owner/members, the vendors, and the business itself), as opposed to traditional busi- Being an owner of Wheatsville allows me to be a part of two vital com- ness models that seek to benefit only the owner/s or shareholders. Organic and sus- ponents of a healthy community: a locally owned/operated business tainably raised food is better for the earth, the farmers who produce it, and the people and a provider of healthy, local, sustainably produced food. First, as who eat it. Supporting local businesses helps to keep money and jobs in Austin and an owner, I have a vested interest, stake, and voice in a locally owned maintains the unique individualism we love. Wheatsville provides the chance to sup- and operated business which makes careful decisions about the prod- port all three and prove that they are not only capable of economic sustainability, but ucts it carries, and is intricately tied to the Austin community through a success and profitability! The success of a local, organic, cooperative grocery is variety of programs and activities. Second, because I care about food, something I am proud to be a part of, in any small way that I can. I believe that shopping at a small grocery store that makes deliberate decisions about where food comes from—many Wheatsville products (2) Why are you interested in serving on the Board of Directors of the coopera- travel less that 50 miles to get to the shelves—and the quality of that tive? food—organic, sustainable, unprocessed—is the single most impor- My husband and I have been shoppers and owners of Wheatsville for about 8 years, tant step I can make to change the food system in this country. Being and have seen it go through incredible growth and change. Over that time, my pas- an owner of Wheatsville gives me a voice in the local business com- sion and interest in sustainability has increased exponentially, and Wheatsville has munity and in the local food community. become much more than just a store to us, but also a community and a concrete example of what good cooperatives can put back into society. I would love the chance (2) Why are you interested in serving on the Board of Directors of to participate in the organization at a higher level and help to tackle the larger ques- the cooperative? tions that the board challenges itself with. I see this as a small opportunity to give I feel a special connection to Wheatsville that dates back to the 1970s, back some of Wheatsville has given to me over the years. despite the facts that I wasn’t born yet and that I’m just finishing my first year as an Austin resident. My parents (one from Wisconsin, one (3) Give us an example of a situation when you learned something and then from Alabama), met, fell in love, and got married in Austin; they had taught others. both come for graduate school at UT and while they live in Michigan As a mother, I am teaching every day. Many of the tasks and ideas that seem so sim- now, they still get this misty-eyed look whenever they talk about ple to me are challenging and frustrating to a two year old. But the experience of Austin. Of course, they were owners of Wheatsville—one of the few teaching my son forces me to slow down, simplify, and focus on what is really impor- things that hasn’t changed dramatically since they lived here—and the tant (both in the task at hand, and life in general). Often, showing him how to do first gift I received from them when I moved down was a membership something requires me to rethink the process and communicate it in a different way. to the co-op. Wheatsville was part of their Austin community, and is This has proven itself helpful in other areas of life, as well, as I find new ways to work now part of my own. I am excited about the possibility to be engaged with and educate clients, coworkers, and those around me. in and volunteer my time to the community that brought my folks together 30 years ago, and that is now my home. Also, as an employ- (4) As a member of the board you would represent the owners, yet they are a ee of a local environmental non-profit, I am looking forward to making diverse group. How do you plan to represent the diverse voices of owners? connections in the environmentally-conscious community and believe I The diversity I see when I shop at Wheatsville is one of the aspects of the store that I have skills and knowledge that will benefit Wheatsville’s board. find most endearing – and important. As a democratic organization, it is impossible to represent each individual owner’s ideas and beliefs. As the saying goes, if you ask 10 (3) Tell us about a time you were on a successful team. people’s opinions, you will get 10 distinctly different answers. However, I believe that I’m sure many of us had the experience in school when we were put in it is very important to be willing to ask for those opinions, and more important still to a group—let’s say, to build a diorama—and everyone turned to YOU listen to them. Diversity of thought challenges us, inspires us, forces us to re-evaluate as if to say “well, let us know when you get this done.” Right? This is our own opinions and beliefs and improves our direction. If we are open to listening to pretty much my biggest pet peeve ever. Both of the best teams I’ve diverse thought, we will represent it, because we have allowed it to challenge us and ever been a part of have one thing in common: individuals who take influence our own ways of thinking. responsibility and initiative. As an admission counselor at a small college, we all worked our butts off every day, but we would also volunteer to take on something outside of our “job description” if we felt it would let us bring in that one extra great kid. Similarly, as one of five undergraduate students on a 17-day backpacking trip, our group’s A Celebration of Women Composers ability to get through each day was only as successful as each individual’s willingness to take responsibility for his/her own actions, whether Choral Concert it was questioning the direction we were traveling, or hanging a bear bag. A team is only as strong as its individual members, and while I definitely believe that everyone brings something different to the table in terms of abilities, a team works when everyone steps out of their November 21 comfort zone and takes initiative to get work done in creative ways. 7:00 p.m Diorama, anyone? St. Matthew’s (4) As a member of the board you would represent the owners, yet they are a diverse group. How do you plan to represent the Episcopal Church diverse voices of owners? 8134 Mesa Drive Representing a diverse group of people is definitely tough, but I think that the nature of Wheatsville as an Austin-based business allows this to happen more naturally than many other boards that represent members across a wider geographic scope. As a board member, I will About the Tapestry Singers make an effort to interact with other owners as often as possible, In 1987, Tapestry Singers began as the brainchild of Ruth Huber as especially when perusing the aisles as a shopper—striking up a con- a way to bring women together to celebrate their heritage and for the versation with a fellow owner while standing in line is a great way to pure enjoyment of singing. Women from all backgrounds, all lifestyles, glean a little information in a short amount of time. I also think that and all areas of the city came together once a week to laugh, activities like “Coffee with the Board” allow board members to network with other owners and get a sense for what they’re thinking about the to support, and to sing their hearts out! co-op. Basically, a board member represents the owners by being in www.tapestrysingers.org contact with those owners on a regular basis, so plan on seeing me around the store!

Page 18 The Wheatsville Breeze, September-October, 2009 Meet the Candidates for the Board (3) Tell us about a time you were on a successful team. Johan A. My previous job from 2003 through 2007 was at UT Austin, helping run the courses.utexas.edu (AKA “Blackboard”) learning system. I handled much of the technical work, but also worked closely with others who handled the instruc- van Zanten tional (pedagogical) aspects of the system. The system could be troublesome RGM Advisors, LLC technically as well as politically, but I have met many people who feel the sys- System and Network tem helped them learn. Administrator (computer geek) (4) Describe a time that you compromised for the benefit of a group. I studied English and History at In my experience at UT, sometimes the small group of staff who ran UT Austin for 7 long years before courses.utexas.edu would disagree about the best course of action. For exam- being released on my own recog- ple, some of us might think a new version of the Blackboard software had a lot nizance. (I don’t have any of features that would greatly benefit the instructors and students, but I might degrees.) have serious concerns about how the software would hold up under the full load of 70,000 users. In such a situation, we would discuss our concerns and How many years have you lived interests, and make the best possible decision for the community. But I was in Austin? coming up on 16 years willing to compromise by understanding the needs of others in the community, (on two separate occasions) and join in making a reasonable plan that everyone could live with, even if the upgrade plan wasn’t “perfect” for me and the version of the software we chose (1) Why is it worth it to be an owner of Wheatsville? might be more troublesome to support than a later revision from the vendor. I love Wheatsville and the community of owners (including the directors) and staff that have been making it what it is for over 30 years. For me, visit- ing Wheatsville is different and better than stepping into any other store in Austin. I told a long-time Austinite friend of mine that I was thinking of running for the Board, and she was enthusiastically supportive, saying, “Austin wouldn’t be Austin without Wheatsville.” Being an owner helps sustain Use a Wheatsville Credit Card! Wheatsville’s finances and more importantly its co-operative spirit by keep- Many of you already use credit cards at Wheatsville. Now, there’s a real- ing more of our resources within our community. Being an owner helps ly cool card, just for Wheatsville owners which will benefit Wheatsville, in direct our focus and energy towards our common goals and values in a turn benefiting you. ways that cannot happen when the relationship is between an external Every time you use your owner and customers. UFCU Wheatsville VISA® card, whether it’s at Wheatsville or (2) Why are you interested in serving on the Board of Directors of the any other store, a portion of the cooperative? fees normally charged to the I’ve been shopping at Wheatsville since I first came to Austin in 1986 and a retailer will go back to your member-owner since 1993. I’m at a place in my life now where I want to friendly neighborhood grocery help sustain and support the things I really care about, and Wheatsville is co-op. In other words, the one of those things. While I was away from Austin from 1995 to 2003, I more often you use your belonged to two other, older co-operative groceries: the Hyde Park Co-op VISA® card, the more often in South Chicago and the Greenbelt Co-op in suburban D.C. Only very you will be contributing back to recently, after I began thinking about running for the Wheatsville Board, I the growth of Wheatsville. learned that The Hyde Park Co-op in Chicago filed Chapter 7 (bankruptcy) It’s also pretty cool that this VISA® card is brought to you as a joint papers in May of 2009. It was formed in 1932 during the Great Depression effort of two local cooperatives, Wheatsville and University Federal as a buyer’s co-op, and became a store in 1942, and now it’s closed. I can’t Credit Union. imagine something like that happening to Wheatsville, but this knowledge Please check the Wheatsville website (www.wheatsville.coop) for a has impressed upon me the importance of helping to sustain this communi- link to the application or visit UFCU’s website (ufcu.org) for more info. ty that sustains us, and of not taking it for granted.

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