TPSS Co-op Logo TPSS Co-operative Effort
 A natural food store
 Promoting co-operation in the Takoma Park-Silver Spring community
December/January '99
Store Report: We're Still Growing!
by Larry Bassett, Store Coordinator
Our Cooperative is still growing!
    We work daily to improve our cooperative. We are aware of the effort required to maintain a small local store in a competitive and demanding business climate. Park Pharmacy in Takoma Old Town closed in October just days before the opening of the CVS. At TPSS we know that we will face challenges if Fresh Fields opens next year in downtown Silver Spring, as expected.
    We are improving our service and our facility. Many new staff members are gaining experience and training. Rapid growth when we moved last February has meant that we have many brand new workers. Retail stores also have a relatively high turnover rate, a factor that has had an impact on TPSS. We appreciate your patience with workers who are often early in their on-the-job training.
    I hope that you notice the continuing physical improvements inside and outside the store. We have increased lighting in the parking lot to the west of the store. Our ability to provide quality frozen products has been enhanced by the addition of new ice cream and back-stock freezers. A new cheese case will allow us to display our excellent cheese selection more effectively. A new coffee brewer brings coffee and tea to the prepared foods area.
    Our most valuable asset is you, our member/owners. Nearly 1800 households have helped to finance our expansion with thousands of capitalization dollars. You shop frequently at the store, providing a significant portion of our projected $4.5 million in annual sales. You contribute your volunteer efforts in exchange for a discount.
    My goal for TPSS is steady progress and improvement. Our growth and expansion did not stop when we opened at Takoma Junction. Help your store by being an active member and a regular shopper. Read the Customer Comment board in the front of the store. Talk to each other as you shop. Join a committee when you can.
Boycott Committee News
by Michael Durgin, member volunteer
Within the past few months the first annual cycle of the Co-op’s current boycott policy came to a close. Members were alerted to four potential boycotts, information on them was included in the October/November issue of The Cooperative Effort and in a binder at the front desk, and votes were cast and tallied.
    The boycott policy requires ten percent of members to cast votes in a boycott election for it to be valid. Fewer than that number cast boycott votes, so none of the four proposed boycotts were formally adopted. Votes were tallied, however, and more than two thirds of the votes on each proposed boycott were in favor, so the Co-op came close to adopting its first formal boycotts under the new policy. (More details are available in the minutes of the committee’s meeting on 10/28/98.)
    The boycott committee met after the vote and decided to assess and improve on the boycott process. Concerns and suggestions from members and board representatives are being considered. The committee would like the next round of boycott proposals to go more smoothly, with ample time for members and staff to consider the impact of a proposed boycott.
    In addition, the committee hopes to engage members in on-going boycott awareness throughout the calendar year, through information at the front desk and in the newsletter. For example, it will alert the Co-op community to boycotts being called by other groups. Please let the committee know your thoughts, by attending a meeting or by using the comment forms at the Co-op’s front desk. All comments concerning boycotts, including the boycott policy and the recent boycott vote, will be passed on to the committee.
    The boycott committee encourages the participation from all members and staff. Please join us at our next meeting, on Wednesday, December 2nd, at 7:00 PM, at the Co-op.
Co-op Corner
by Christy Lillibridge, Membership Coordinator
Hurricane Relief: TPSS Co-op’s link with Nicaragua
TPSS co-op has a long history of supporting the people of Nicaragua. In the 1980s TPSS had a Central America solidarity committee which supported the people of Nicaragua as they struggled to survive the Contra war. The Co-op also had a sister co-op in Managua, Nicaragua, to which our members contributed funds and supplies during that period of time. Right now our friends are once again in desperate need of basic essentials. Long time member Walter Winfield works at Quest for Peace which distributes aid through the Institute of John XXIII, a long-term development agency located on the campus of the University of Central America in Nicaragua. All aid is distributed to the neediest people without regard to religion, race, gender, or other social condition. Tax deductible contributions to the Quest can be sent to:
Hurricane Relief
Quest for Peace
PO Box 5206
Hyattsville, MD 20782-0206
phone: (301) 699-0042 fax: (301) 864-2182
Feeling Creative? Inspirational? Nostalgic?
We are looking for interested parties who want to take a shot at designing our anniversary T-shirt. Come January 1999 TPSS Co-op will be 19 years old, and February 1999 will mark one year at the new Takoma Junction location! Please submit your entry to Christy at the Co-op. It can be in black ink or color inks (please limit to three colors -- to keep costs down), on computer disc or free hand. T-shirt color suggestions are welcome. Please include your name and phone number on any submissions. The deadline is Friday, January 29th.
Holiday Donation Drive
We are once again working with the Capital Area Community Food Bank for our annual Holiday Donation Drive. This food bank is a resource for charities throughout the area. Please help us out by contributing one or two non-perishable items each time you shop at the Co-op during this holiday season. The donation baskets are located by the Community Board at the front of the Co-op.
TPSS Mission Statement
Takoma Park-Silver Spring Food Cooperative operates as a community based, member-owned organization that provides wholesome, vegetarian food and quality service. We strive to sell high quality products at fair prices while balancing social, business, and environmental concerns. In addition, we prioritize building relationships with other cooperatives and small, locally owned producers.
    We promote a nondiscriminatory and participatory business where all customers and staff are treated humanely and equitably. We involve members, volunteers, workers, and shoppers in our decision-making processes. We educate our members, shoppers, and the community, and take stands on pertinent social, environmental, and political issues.
    Takoma Park-Silver Spring Food Cooperative commits to improving our community, the environment, and the world with our positive, cooperative efforts.
Member Spotlight
by Christy Lillibridge, Membership Coordinator
Michael Durgin is a dedicated and reliable member volunteer here at TPSS, but when you see him in the community, you may not recognize him as someone who works regularly at the Co-op. Most of the volunteer work Michael does is "behind the scenes" as my assistant editor with the Co-operative Effort newsletter, as well as being a member of the Membership and Boycott Committees. Michael has lived in the Takoma Park-Silver Spring area for the past eight years and has shopped at the Co-op for most of that time. It wasn’t until our plans to move, and the Membership Drive we held a few years back, that he decided to become a member.
    As a co-founder of a non-profit business, Hand Papermaking (a bi-annual magazine and quarterly newsletter), Michael appreciates the Co-op’s necessity to reach out to its diverse member base for volunteer support. "In my work of writing and editing in the non-profit world, I find that many times I can turn to others in my writing community for help, and they can do the same with me. I like to think that is how TPSS Co-op is for our community: a place where there is some give and take, as well as a place where my concerns and ideas count."
     For the future of TPSS, Michael says would really like to see the Co-op achieve financial stability in its new location and to be unified in its approach to upcoming challenges such as the new Fresh Fields in downtown Silver Spring. "I would encourage members to look into volunteering as a way to get more involved with their community store...and I’ll have to say my 20% volunteer discount is really appreciated as well!"
    When I asked Michael for a "human interest tidbit," he reported that he has a dog named Marlaynah who is a coc-a-doc, half cocker spaniel and half dachshund, and this makes her very cute and sweet natured. And what is the one essential item his grocery basket holds each time he shops at the Co-op? Why, Ben and Jerry’s Heath Bar Crunch Ice Cream, of course!
Buyer’s Corner
by Carrie Megginson, Grocery Buyer
Lorin Kleinman, Store Trainer contributed on this column
You have noticed that we occasionally have empty spaces on shelves with "out of stock" tags. We know that when we are "out" of a product, it can be a great inconvenience to our customers, and we offer our sincere apologies. The reasons for out of stocks may not always be clear and are probably more complex than you suspect. We would like to share some reasons for TPSS "out of stocks."
    The distributor itself may be out of stock, which means that, although we order the product, it does not come in. This is a frequent problem. The manufacturer may not be able to deliver the product for a number of reasons.
     Between 1991 and 1996, the natural foods industry grew from $7 billion to $14 billion, with growth between 1996 and 2000 projected to $21 billion. The manufacturer may simply be unable to keep up with demand. Eden is one example. You may remember the weeks when we rarely had Edensoy in the store; this was the result of its increased popularity in the mass market. Eden built a new plant but, in the meantime, was unable to fill its orders.
     As awareness of the value of a healthy diet has increased, the types of products we sell have been more widely publicized in the mass media. A story in the news can cause a product to become very popular very quickly. Remember the sudden rise to fame of St. John’s wort? A product with recent media exposure can be very difficult to keep in stock.
     One of the Co-op’s goals is to support local and ethical businesses, so we work with many small companies. Many of them develop and market their products but must send them out to be processed and packaged elsewhere. This is known as co-packing. Maggie’s, for instance, produces organic cotton but uses contractors to make its clothes. It may be impossible for these companies to get the finished product at regular intervals.
     The manufacturer may run out of raw materials. This is particularly likely when it uses only products that are grown ecologically or are of high quality. These are the types of products that the Co-op seeks. Santa Cruz, for instance, produces Gravenstein applesauce only three months of the year. When organic Gravenstein apples are no longer available, production stops.
     Finally, as a smaller store we will always be a lower priority for manufacturers and distributors since we provide them less profit. For example, if there is a limited supply of a product, Fresh Fields is more likely to be served before a small co-op. But we believe that our smallness and the values that we have as a co-op provide benefits that cannot be found in larger stores.
     Thank you, again, for your patience and understanding when we experience these "out of stock" situations. We are working hard to keep this inconvenience to a minimum and appreciate your support for TPSS Co-op.
The Garlic Press
by Stacy Marders, Produce Buyer
It pretty much goes without saying that the chilly nip of fall and winter makes the eating of soup a heavenly task. Having said that, I would like to share with you one of my favorite soup recipes. This recipe is taken from the original edition of the Moosewood Cookbook, which, by the way, is sold in our book section at the Co-op. It’s a very hardy soup with a robust flavor.

Gypsy Soup
3-4 Tbs. olive oil
2 cups chopped onion
2 cloves crushed garlic
2 cups chopped, peeled sweet potatoes, yams, or winter squash*
½ cup chopped celery
1 cup chopped, fresh tomatoes
¾ cup chopped sweet peppers (red and gold bell peppers)*
1½ cups cooked chickpeas*
3 cups stock or water (a couple of vegetarian bouillon cubes plus 3 cups of water works nicely)
2 tsp. paprika
dash of cinnamon
1 tsp. turmeric
dash of cayenne
1 tsp. basil
1 bay leaf
1 tsp. salt
1 Tbs. tamari 		In a soup kettle or large saucepan, sauté onions, garlic, celery and sweet potatoes in olive oil for about five minutes. Add the seasonings (except the tamari) and add the stock or water. Simmer, covered, fifteen minutes. Add the remaining vegetables and chickpeas and the tamari. If you used bouillon cubes which contain salt, you may not need to add a full tablespoon of tamari. Simmer another 10 minutes or so -- until all of the vegetables are as tender as you like them. Makes 4 servings.
*Note: This recipe calls for cooked chickpeas. Canned chickpeas will work quite well but, if you choose to use dried chickpeas, begin soaking ¾ cup chickpeas at least 3½ hours before preparing the soup. You should then boil them in water for 1½ hours before adding them to the soup. Also, you can vary which vegetables you put in the soup. Any orange vegetable may be combined with any green vegetable (e.g., peas or green beans could replace the peppers, and carrots could be used instead of, or in addition to the sweet potatoes).
The Wellness Alcove
by Sue DeLettera, Health & Beauty Aids Buyer
Kava: A peaceful plant from the South Pacific
Kava is becoming an increasingly popular herb in our chaotic, stressed-out world. In Europe it is commonly sold as an over-the-counter drug for conditions of anxiety, stress and restlessness. Although kava is often compared to standard sedatives, its unique action on the nervous system is not so easily categorized. Kava’s effects usually begin with a relaxed, sociable state of mind and heightened senses. At higher doses, relaxation usually gives way to a deep, refreshing sleep. Modern research has identified six kavalactones as pharmacologically active compounds responsible for kava’s anti-anxiety drugs, but without their sedative effects.
     The key to safe kava use is to cultivate a traditional respect for this plant’s power. Modern clinical studies have also confirmed the safety of moderate amounts used over short periods of time. However, it is not uncommon for heavy users (400 mg or more daily for more than three months) to develop a dry, scaly (reversible) rash known as "kava dermopathy."
     The use of kava is based on levels of kavalactones, with a recommended daily amount between 60 and 210 mg, divided into two or three doses. As a sleep aid, the daily quantity may be taken in a single dose 30 to 60 minutes before bed. Use of this herb for longer than three consecutive months is not recommended.
     Daily equivalents:
  • 1500 to 3000 mg dried root
  • 3 to 6 standardized herbal capsules (net content 500 mg each)
  • 3 to 6 ml of an alcohol-based extract (1:2 ratio)
         Keep an eye out: Kava will be on special during this busy Holiday Season!
    • World of Retail
    by Pauline Dross, Retail Coordinator
    New Return Policy
    We now have a new Return Policy that makes it more pleasant and convenient to shop!
    Take a look and see what you think:
    "100% Guarantee of Satisfaction! If you would like cash back for any item, we must ask for a receipt and that you present it to us within 30 days of purchase for most items, and within 10 days of purchase for perishables. In all other cases we will be more than happy to make amends with a store credit. Please see the Shift Coordinator for assistance."
    Special Orders
    Any chance you will be placing a special order this holiday season? A bit of advice to everyone -- plan ahead and order early! Keep in mind it is very difficult for us to guarantee a timely delivery of special ordered bakery items since we order from a variety of vendors who have an array of delivery schedules and prices. As always, members receive a 10% discount on all special orders.
    Free Product Tasting
    Olive Oil Tasting on Wednesday, January 6th, 7:30-8:30 PM. Attend and become eligible to win two quarts of your favorite olive oil! This tasting will feature discussion on the production and signature qualities of different olive oils with a chance to taste up to nine different olive oils sold at the Co-op, accompanied by crusty bread and refreshing, palate-cleansing beverages. Come and learn how to use the best olive oils for your cooking and dining pleasure. Sponsored by Spectrum, Lupi and Tuscan Sun.
    Holiday Basket Drawing
    For this holiday season, we are putting together a holiday basket containing the essentials for a wonderful vegetarian holiday dinner. We are holding a drawing for families who you think need a nice meal for the holidays. If you have a family in mind, please stop by the Co-op and drop their name, telephone number, and address in the box at the customer service desk. We will announce the winning family on December 22nd.
    News from the Prepared Foods Department
    New Lunch Specials! Get one of our freshly made sandwiches, a side order of your choice or one of our homemade soups and a refreshing Santa Cruz soda for only $5.50! Available from Noon until 3:30 PM, weekdays!
    Hot Homemade Soups du Jour. Small, $2.50 each. Large, $3.50 each.
    By popular request, we have a new coffee machine! We can now serve you a cup of hot coffee, hot chocolate, or tea for only 99 cents. Drink as you shop!
        In the near future we are planning to get a new double door refrigerator. When this happens we will be able to expand our "grab and go" line as well as our selection of cheeses. Keep an eye out for this exciting addition!     We also have Fresh Baked Goods available on a daily basis. Apple pie, sweet potato pie, bread pudding, a variety of cakes...yum!
    From the Cooler Corner
    by Jessica Humphrey
    Hello, folks! The holiday season is upon us now and boy is it exhausting! To make your lives a little bit easier, here is a simple recipe for yummy banana bread. Taking some time out of your busy schedules to bake this warm, delicious banana bread will offer some warmth, relaxation, and, in turn, some peace of mind! Enjoy!
    Banana Bread

    Preheat oven to 375°
  • Mash bananas until creamy and mix with the lemon juice
  • Cream the oil/margarine and sugar and add it to the banana mixture
  • Sift flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda
  • Mix in wheat germ
  • Add in banana mixture, pecans, and chocolate chips
  • Turn into a 4" x 8" loaf pan
  • Bake for 45 minutes
  • 3 ripe bananas
  • juice of one lemon
  • cup oil or margarine
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • 1½ cups whole-wheat flour
  • ½ tsp. salt
  • ½ tsp. baking powder
  • ½ tsp. baking soda
  • ½ cup wheat germ
  • 1 cup chopped pecans
  • 1 cup chocolate chips (optional)
    • Look for these festive items in your freezer or cooler:
    Tofurky Vegetarian Feast (vegan and turkey-like)
    Now and Zen Unturkey Feast
    Fillo Factory Fillo Dough
    Maple Lane Pie Shells
    Out of a Flower Sorbet and Ice Cream (wonderful desserts in seasonal flavors)
    HipWhip by Now and Zen (Vegan whipped topping)
    Heyser’s and McCucheon’s Apple Cider
    Natural by Nature Organic Egg Nog
    Organic Cow Egg Nog
    Bulk Action
    by Brenda Burns, Bulk Buyer
    Unfortunately, due to health reasons, I have been absent from the store the past month or so, and will continue to be out through January. I regret any out of stocks and inconveniences this may have caused. Nicole Collins has bravely stepped forward to fill my shoes and is quickly learning the ropes. Please be patient with us as we move through this time. Thanks! Keep an eye out for special prices on the nuts and herb of the month:
    Nuts of the Month
    Pecans and Walnuts

    Herb of the Month
    Rosemary
    Classified Ads
    Classified ads for the February/March newsletter will be accepted now through January 15th. the are free to TPSS Co-op members and $10 to non-members. Please submit your ad in writing to Christy at the Co-op.
    SERVICES
    Recently formed practice of four certified Nurse-Midwives with over fifty years of cumulative experience in delivering babies! We provide complete pregnancy care, including delivery of babies in a hospital setting only three miles from Takoma Park. We accept MD, DC and VA Medicaid, and many private insurance plans. Special payment option for those who do not have insurance. Se hablá español. Call Providence Midwifery Service (202) 269-7767 for more information.
    Women’s Group - for women with children at home. Wednesdays 10 to 11:30am. Sliding fee scale. Call Ann Dobbertin LCSW at (301) 587-4602.
    Dream Work Group- learn how to understand the meaning of your dreams. Mondays 4 to 5:30pm. $35.00 for group of sessions. Call Ann Dobbertin LCSW at (301) 587-4602.
    Make your own Natural Lotions, Soaps, Creams & Potions for Holiday gifts this year! All materials & recipes included. Donna Maria Aromatics. Takoma location. (202) 722-7120 or www.donnamaria.com
    Low Fee Counseling. Provided by experienced, sensitive doctoral intern in private practice setting. Individuals/couples, weekend appointments. Contact Jon Mohr (301) 589-3790.
    FOR SALE
    Shelving unit. 7 ft. 3 in. high x 16 in. wide x 21 in. deep. Shelves on top half, drawers on bottom half; almost new: $50. Old fashioned wooden office chair on wheels; pivots and turns: $15.
    1985 Toyota Tercel hatchback, runs great. $1,100. Please call (301) 588-3159.
    WANTED
    Contributions for Homeless Women Program. Non-profit program in need of personal care items. List includes: lotions, shampoos, toothbrushes and tooth paste, deodorant, combs/brushes, sanitary napkins and tampons. Please contact Christine at the Dinner Program for Homeless Women (202) 737-9311. Thanks!
    Save Organic Standards. The battle is not over! The future of Organic Standards is in our hands. Join Organic Consumers Action to ensure the survival of honest standards that organic farmers have been setting for decades. OCA, 860 Highway 61, Little Marais, Minnesota 55614. Phone: (218) 226-4168 e-mail: alliance@mr.net http://www.purefood.org
    Cooperative Job Opportunity: TPSS Co-op will need a new Personnel Coordinator in April/May 1999. Submit resume and letter of interest to Larry Bassett, TPSS Co-op, 201 Ethan Allen Avenue, Takoma Park, MD 20912.
    TPSS e-mail discussion list: Join the new listserve for discussion about TPSS and cooperative issues. To join, send message SUBSCRIBE TPSS to majordomo@altaplana.com
    Dates to Remember
    (Members, please keep in mind that your participation at any of the
    Co-op’s Committee meetings will go towards your monthly volunteer discount!)

    Wednesday, December 2nd 7pm, Boycott Committee Meeting at the Co-op
    Tuesday, December 8th 7pm, Membership Committee Meeting at the Co-op
    Saturday, December 12th 2pm, Design Committee Meeting at the Co-op
    Sunday, December 20th 7pm, Board Meeting at the Co-op
    Holiday Store Hours:
        Christmas Eve, Thursday, December 24th, 9am to 6pm
        Christmas Day, Friday, December 25th, Closed
        New Years Eve, December 31st, 9am to 6pm
        New Years Day, January 1st, Closed
    Tuesday, January 5th 7pm, Membership Committee Meeting at the Co-op
    Wednesday, January 6th 7:30 - 8:30pm, free Olive Oil Tasting at the Co-op
    Saturday, January 9th 2pm, Design Committee Meeting at the Co-op
    Sunday, January 17th 7pm, Board Meeting at the Co-op