Sometimes everything changes in the quiver of an eyelash, the breath of a dragonfly. It can leave us suspended in midair, wings vibrating furiously invisible while we decide which direction to dart. What's nice is that wherever the breeze urges us is probably the right place to go; but waiting for that stirring, that's hard.
I'm having a sunshiny week here in Baltimore with only occasional interruptions from remnant hurricanes and spontaneous dancing by beehived women in the streets. (Good morning Baltimore!) I hope Sydney's been its usual stunning self, that Uni isn't eating you alive, and that the co-op is alight with laughter, good cheer, and great food.
So, without further la-di-da, here's the good word:
News
With love from Angela
* We are desperately low in jars! Oh no, it's terrible! (Lah very sad) Please remember to bring your jars back so they can be used for someone else to put something else in. It's really quiet fascinating the travels of a co-op jar!
* Please, please, please consider helping Andrew out on Thursday packing veggies. As the number of orders increase and the amount of fruit and vegetables bulges, it takes more time and effort to get everyone's box ready for collection. Andrew would really appreciate your help, even if you can volunteer for only one week for one hour. Do it for your co-op!
* The visit to the chickens where our eggs come from has been postponed because the farmer's wife is seriously ill. I don't really know much about what has gone through but she has been in a coma and is only now starting to regain some consciousness. ;( A box of hope and comfort from Thoughtful Foods will be made for farmer Knox. Please put in your warm thoughts, tea and hugs in the hope and comfort box in the co-op next week or send 'em through via email to me angela.johnstone@gmail.com. We will wrap the hugs and warm thoughts to be delivered by Michelle (the lady that brings in the eggs for us).
* Next General Meeting, Tuesday @ Noon
AGENDA
- Name round and 'what-do-you-want-in-your-
- Report back from the coordinating collective
-Making the hope and comfort box
- Evaluating the social/advocacy activities
- Veggie boxes getting big (thinking about when to bring in the vollie for veggies)
Thursday vegetable ordering - Important! Please read!
from Andrew
Last week we had our biggest order for the year - over $2000! - and it only looks to be increasing over the coming months. On the one hand, it's great to see so many people being a part of the Thoughtful Foods community, but at the same time, there is a serious growing concern that the vegetable ordering process is becoming unsustainable. This results from a mix of increasing orders, limited space, and (still) not enough volunteers around on Thursday to handle the huge workload.
This may mean we will soon need to implement a system such as 'vollies for veggies' which was proposed late last year. This is something we will have to discuss with members - I'm going to bring it up in Tuesday's meeting - but in the mean time it may be important to remind members about cooperatives function and how they cannot work without help from their members. (For a basic introduction to co-operatives, please read http://thoughtfulfoods.org.au/
But for now, we just need to put a stronger emphasis on the need for volunteers during shop hours on Thursday. Optimally, three people helping out between 9 and 2, and two between 2 and 6pm, should mean we can manage with the orders we are receiving now. We understand that not everyone has time to spare during the day on Thursday, but if you are able to help out, even for an hour, it will make a big difference to the smooth running of the cooperative.
To see what shifts are available, please see the chalkboard outside the shop or view it on-line at http://thoughtfulfoods.org.au/
Thank you all for understanding.
Volunteering
from Andrew
We have new volunteers coming in for training sessions each week, increasing the number of active members. However, we're always in need of more members, especially when students are having a busy semester and are finding it harder to make time. On top of this, there has been a slight increase in the amount of work to be done (especially on Thursday!). If you can spare a few hours, please check the roster, on the website (http://thoughtfulfoods.org.
On behalf of all the coordinators, thank you to everyone who has been helping the co-op function as well as it has been. It has been a hectic second half of the year already, but I know we are going to continue to do great.
Veggies
Vollies for Veggies is coming, so stay tuned to get involved.
As per usual, forms under the door before we open on Wednesday, preferably by 9:00am. If you want to reap the bounty, be sure to get your order in on time & to start volunteering in some capacity at the co-op. Creativity encouraged!
Eggs
Eggs appear to be on this week. Orders to our beautiful Angela by 11:00am on Tuesday.
Community
Grab something to sip & kick back at your computer, it's a long one this week!
Why Environmentalism Needs Equity: Public Lecture
Public lecture and Discussion Thursday 18th September, 1 pm to 3 pm
Why Environmentalism Needs Equity: Learning from the environmentalism of the poor to build our common future
Presenter: Ms Sunita Narain
Ms Sunita Narain is the Director of the Centre for Science & Environment (CSE) in New Delhi; Director of the Society for Environmental Communications; and publisher of the fortnightly magazine 'Down to Earth'. She was awarded the Padma Shri medal by the Indian government in 2005, was the winner of the 2005 Stockholm Water Prize, and was named India's most influential environmental activist by Time magazine in 2007.
This is an event not to be missed!
WHAT: Public lecture and discussion forum
WHEN: Thursday 18th September, 1 pm to 3 pm
WHERE: Seminar Room 123, Vallentine Annex, UNSW
RSVP: Please RSVP to Sarah Terkes: s.terkes@unsw.edu.au
Food Not Bombs--help needed!
Thursday, 18/9 (this week)
'The Workshop' - 16 Sloane Street, Enmore
To cook and chat :D
There will be a screening of 'Freedom Rides' as a fundraiser to get people to a Convergence in Alice Springs in the first week of October, a stand of solidarity with Indigenous communities who have been affected by the horrific measures of the NT Intervention. Delicious, vegan, dumpestered food will be served - and that's where we need your help! Could you help cook, or serve? Please contact sydfoodnotbombs@gmail.com if you're available to lend a hand!
Stop the Intervention Sydney Presents Blood Brothers--Freedom Ride
Thursday 18 September @ 7:00pm
"the warehouse", 16 Sloane Street, Newtown
$10
The event includes a screening of the aforementioned film and an interview Mutitjulu Elder Bob Randall.
RSVP by 16 September to Lucy--0404.728104. or Kylie--0432.368.766
(See attached for further details)
Foods that love us back
"Our food choices are one of the most important influences on our health, well being, and the environment. Nature made us according to her principles which are simple to follow and when they are obeyed it is possible to feel on top of the world. Unfortunately we have unlearned nature's simple principals through our modern way of life, often leading to illness and disease. If you would like to rediscover your natural dietary instincts, I invite you to join me as I explain the impacts certain foods can have on our bodies and which foods we are biologically designed to eat. Once we are done talking we will put it into practice though a preparation of some simple and delicious raw food recipes.
21st September, 1 pm and 28th September, 1 pm
Woodcourt St., Marrickville
$30 (seminar with food preparation and dining)
$20 (seminar only without food)
RSVP to Dr. Sandra Tuszynska at santus22@gmail.com or on 0413-354-364
by 15 September
Sandra graduated with 1st class honours in Bachelor of Science in Agriculture at the University of Sydney and went on to complete a PhD in cell biology and detoxification at the University of New South Wales. She continued postdoctoral studies at Rutgers University (USA). Her biggest passion is education, and she has several years of teaching experience at university level and a diploma in Professional Practice in Adult Learning and Teaching (UNSW). She is an author in the Natural Health and Vegetarian Life. Sandra considers it her mission to bring awareness to consumers about the impact of foods on our health and the environment."
Genetically Engineered Canola? Take a stand
via Monika
It's just over a month until the first commercially grown genetically engineered canola in Australia will be harvested. Yet, with the momentum our campaign is building, we at least have a chance to ensure these unnatural and insufficiently tested foods are clearly labeled. Take a minute today to join thousands of other Australians in signing the petition, which we will be delivering later this year to Health Minister Nicola Roxon. Click here to sign - and tell her you'd prefer to know what's in your food.
www.truefood.org.au/
Labeling the ingredients of products to protect consumer choice is not exactly a radical idea. In Europe GE products such as canola oil and animal feed already require labeling. And it's hardly a major step for our politicians. All it requires is for Minister Roxon to introduce mandatory labeling legislation in an upcoming session of Parliament, reflecting a policy commitment at the Labor Party conference in 2007.
Yoga in Daily Life
from Tyler
Tyler Pike, the manager of the Yoga in Daily Life Kensington centre on 117 Anzac Parade, offers 1 hour free yoga classes at Thoughtful Foods Co-op Thursdays 2pm. No need to bring anything – just come in loose-fitting clothing. Don't eat a big lunch beforehand.
Come have a go – it's free, and one of the many reasons the co-op is a real community - more than just a place to get veggies. Yoga in Daily Life is an 8 Level system of postures, relaxation and breathing practices and meditation. The Thursday class at the co-op is a Level 1 class focused on improving core strength, basic flexibility, breathing and feeling good. Yoga at the co-op is a relaxing experience with a diverse group of yogis – some experienced some beginners. If you have any questions about attending yoga, you can ring Tyler on 0410819996 or email him on Kensington@yogaindailylife.
For those of you interested in attending yoga classes at the Kensington centre, the new spring term begins 13 Oct. By enrolling in a term you can commit to progressing through the Yoga in Daily Life system at a dedicated yoga centre, which is a real sanctuary near the Uni. More information about classes at the Kensington centre and about the Yoga in Daily Life system can be found at www.yogaindailylife.org.au.
Trying to breathe
Life is charming and tricky, full of whispers & what-ifs. The trick, perhaps, is enjoying the mystery of it all.
Here in Baltimore we're sweltering with end-of-summer heat & humidity that beads & trickles down your neck. Here all is temporarily languid, thoughtful; I hope Sydney is abuzz with activity, creativity, the sound of shifting minds.
Have a fantastic week. Don't forget to (order &) eat your veggies, and to sneak in a little rebellion where you can.
With love & late-summer stone fruits,
Meghan