2009 Summer Bulletin 05
So, I said 'cooler' but let's hope something like a change in temperature and wind direction will help get those fires in Victoria under control. I was in Canberra in 2003 when the bushfires wreaked havoc on properties, pastures and pine plantations. With the sky an eerie dusky orange from 3pm, it was a very scary and surreal experience. However, no lives were lost and I don't think I can begin to imagine what our southern neighbours have been faced with. So many houses and land burnt down, so many people injured and this morning they said 108 dead. To make it worse they say the worse is yet to come, which, when you consider that at one point 30,000 fire-fighters were struggling to control the largest of about a dozen fires, is not the news you want to hear.
It's a sombre note to start the bulletin with, but I think it's worth sparing a thought to everyone involved: those injured and those that have passed away and their families and those that are still doing their best to save houses, land and wildlife.
And now, this week's update:
NEWS
Shop Hours
Still in Summer Mode - Open Thursdays only.
Meeting – This Wednesday – 6pm at the Co-op
From Alice
This year we're going to have weekly meetings, hurrah! So it will be much easier for people to come along, get involved, and know what's happening at Thoughtful Foods. A few of us got together a couple of weeks ago, and decided that 6pm is a pretty good time for it, so we hope it's a good time for lots of you too. So come along, meet people, chat, eat yummy snacks, drink tea, and wow - also earn a volunteer discount while you're at it!
Some things that will be on the agenda this week: O-week planning, training weekend and co-ordinator manual, report backs from coordinators....
Training Weekend – This Weekend – 14 & 15 February – 10am – 5pm
From Alice
You are all invited to a fun weekend of learning about your favourite food co-op
This is a great opportunity to learn more about how the co-op runs. It is based on the idea that if we share the knowledge and skills to run the co-op between as many people as possible, then we will be even more cooperative and more people will be able to take an active role and feel a part of things. It is particularly geared towards people who may be interested in being part of this year's coordinating collective but open to everyone.
The program will involve a range of practical skill sharing as well as information sharing and discussions. Sessions include: The politics of food co-ops; All about money at the co-op; Information about our suppliers; Dealing with stock; Facilitating meetings... See attached program for more information.
Veggie Train
From Miranda
Happy new year, everyone! (can you still say that in February?)
To kick start the new year (and undo some of the damage you might have done over the holidays), a new veggie train update on healthy Soba (Buckwheat Noodles) has been added to the Thoughtful Foods website: Check it out!
Product News
From Alice
NEW:
Organic fair-trade red quinoa
BACK:
Organic dried mango.
Out or almost out:
Plain wholemeal flour (a mix up with the supplier, back in a couple of weeks, in the meantime there's always spelt or high protein)
Powdered ginger
Split peas
Grawnola
EGGS
Email your orders to eggs@thoughtfulfoods.org.au.
FRUIT & VEG
Envelopes/orders need to be under the door by Wednesday morning. If you don't have an official envelope make sure you include your name, member number, date the order is for, and the size/cost of the box you'd like (and the money of course). If you have any queries please email veggies@thoughtfulfoods.org.au
BREAD
Orders can be placed in the shop on Thursday for next week.
Yoga
Thursdays at 2pm outside the Co-op.
COMMUNITY
Measure Your Power Consumption and Cut Costs
The City of Sydney is looking for 100 households in the City of Sydney LGA to take part in a free trial to measure energy consumption in the home and share their experiences with us. To take part you will need to be a home owner or have permission from your landlord to have an energy meter attached by a City of Sydney authorised electrician. The meter will enable you to see how much power your electrical appliances use.
It will cost you nothing to participate so if you would like to save money, learn how to cut out non essential energy use, and are willing to share your findings, go to: http://www.cityofsydney.nsw.
Be Green – Eat Green: Avocado Dip J
You'll need: 2 avocados, 150gm silken tofu, ½ cup of light sour cream, juice of one lemon, one teaspoon sweet chilli sauce, two diced tomatoes, one diced red onion and one clove of crushed garlic.
1. Place avocado, tofu, sour cream, lemon juice and chilli sauce in a blender. Blend until smooth
2. Add tomatoes, onion and garlic, pulse until combined but not pureed
3. Serve with fresh vegetables
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