Honest
SLATE one memBer’s stand
Honest Weight Food Co-op’s Community Newsletter for Membership • Staff • Governance • Management Published monthly by the Communications Committee to promote transparency, report without bias, and sustain community.
decemBer 2O24 Honest Weight Food Co-op • 100 Watervliet Avenue, Albany, NY 12206 • 518-482-2667
honestslate@honestweight.coop • https://www.honestweight.coop/
Ownership: Keeping the “one” in “Honest.” Let’s work collectively toward our highest common goals.
Joining our Co-op gives you benefits, rights, and responsibilities that are described briefly in our official documents, including this newsletter’s own recent contributions from the Bylaws Panel (see p. 4).
Our benefits and rights include awesome food, community spirit, discount for time investment, and having a say in governance. How do our responsibilities relate to store operations? Membership responsibilities also may include staying informed to understand what actions, decisions, and policies best serve HWFC. As I shop and participate as a Member-Owner, I remind myself regularly that our highest common priority is Honest Weight’s successful operation and longevity.
Aim for the Greater Good Sometimes folks may inadvertently place their own desires ahead of the Co-op’s needs. When I joined HWFC, I quickly asked why MOs cannot use store coupons offered in the Times Union on top of my discount.* A manager responded that if MOs duplicated coupon benefits on a grand scale, it would hurt the Co-op. It wouldn’t just be me cashing in a few dollars—it would be hundreds, or thousands, of us. Aha! In that moment I understood that placing the organization’s greater good ahead of our own personal desires is how we equip the Co-op to succeed. The scholar Hillel said it well: “If I am not for myself, who will be for me; but if I am only for myself, what good am I?” Of course we
CLM Candidate Finalists Slated to Meet & Greet HWFC Community On Dec. 10 and 12, we will be
hosting two finalist candidates for the position at the store. We look forward to offering many community members an opportunity to meet our finalists with meet & greet sessions during each candidate’s visit. Staff, management, and Member-Owners will all have the opportunity to meet the candidates and ask them questions. The Board of Directors will gather feedback to help with our decision-making process; feedback forms will be made available and collected at each session. honestslate@honestweight.coop
On Tuesday, Dec. 10, we will host Peter Waldmann in the Community Room: Meet & Greet session #1 12–12:30pm Meet & Greet session #2 12:45–1:15pm On Thursday, Dec. 12, we will host Brad Hunt in the Teaching Kitchen: Meet & Greet session #1 12–12:30pm Meet & Greet session #2 12:45–1:15pm Both candidates have retail grocery industry experience. Peter has worked in the cooperative sector as well. We are excited for you to meet both and learn more about them.
want to know what’s in it for ourselves. But those who participate aren’t just consumers. We are also givers: of time, skills, and resources. We are co-creators of solutions, and we like to see our ideas at work. Recently a group requested cooperative involvement with certain aspects of interior store design, normally an executive marketing function. How did this evolve? Do Members have a say in the physical store space? Could it become collaborative and benefit all? What are the rules; are they written anywhere? Honestly, Honest Weight reveals newly uncharted territory every time you turn a corner. That’s what’s exciting. We’re currently experiencing a great deal of change. As we await new management, let’s continued on page 6 *Although each coupon says “Cannot be used
in conjunction with other discounts,” it’s in fine print; additionally, it isn’t stated anywhere explicitly in our in-house manuals and Bylaws. Governance is currently examining ways to improve communication of this particular rule.
CONTENTS Gotu Kola................................... 2 Juice and Java Rejuvenates........ 3 Art Exhibit News......................... 4 Suggestion Box Q&A.................. 5 Board Decisions ......................... 6 Committee Corner .................... 7 Book Club Returns to HWFC!..... 8 MO Announcements................. 8 https://www.honestweight.coop/
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December 2024 Gotu kola can be used fresh as a tincture, in teas, or oils.
(Centella asiatica) by Erin Ethier
Native to tropical areas in South Africa
and Asia—including India, Sri Lanka, Madagascar, Japan, China, Australia, and western Pacific islands—gotu kola is an herbaceous perennial found in hot, moist climates. It likes riverbanks, swampy areas, and waterlogged locations. Throughout Asia it is eaten raw in salads and other dishes, and some will even juice it. In the US it is cultivated in Hawaii and Texas. I grow it every summer in the garden; I bring the potted plants inside for the winter and then divide them up in the spring to plant directly in the garden. A member of the plant family Apiaceae— which is commonly referred to as the carrot, celery, or parsley family—Gotu kola dates back to the 6th century BC. The plant’s ubiquitous nature, bittersweet taste, and mildly grassy aroma have made it a staple of the Sri Lankan pantry. This plant can spread quite quickly, and if you grow in a warm area above zone 9 it can be invasive if growing conditions are right. Gotu kola tends to grow in polluted riverbanks and can take up heavy metals from the soils, so I highly recommend you know where your gotu kola comes from or grow your own. I personally find the potency of gotu kola to be stronger when it is used fresh.
Nuts! Although simi-
larly named, gotu kola is not related to the kola nut. It’s in a different botanical family and contains no caffeine.
Gotu kola creeps low to the earth as a
ground cover, and its ariel parts are used. I have never seen it flower but the flowers are tiny and hide underneath the leaves, and it will produce fruit. The leaves are small and bright green with a serrated border. I have tried to winter it over in Also known as the greenhouse • Indian pennywort but have had no • Asiatic pennywort luck. • Mandukaparni • spadeleaf In traditional Chi- • coinwort nese medicine it • ji xue cao is referred to as one of the “miracle elixirs of life” dating back to the first and second centuries CE, and is used as a spiritual herb during mediation practices.
As an alterative, Gotu kola is believed
to help with elimination and detoxification and as a wound healer. It is used for sore throats, UTIs, measles, hepatitis, skin disorders, and STDs. It helps to stimulate collagen for the production of skin cells, making it an herb that is often taken post-surgery. Its tissue-building action could be beneficial for disorders like Crohn’s disease, GERD, ulcerative colitis, or GI ulcers, and for strengthening the cardiovascular system. This plant’s antioxidant capability helps it bring blood flow to the brain, which may increase neuroprotective qualities. It is a prominent nerve tonic in Ayurvedic medicine and is used to treat stress, insomnia, and tension. Look for gotu kola leaves in our Bulk Department and related products in Wellness.
My favorite reason to use gotu kola
is the restorative effects that it can have on the brain. I have been using gotu kola off and on for the past 10 years in the treatment of my own multiple sclerosis. I have attributed some reduction of scarring in my spinal cord to gotu kola (along with a few other herbs like milky oats) due to its antiinflammatory abilities, scar tissue prevention, and increasing circulation. I think there is far more to this herb than we currently know when it comes to its uses for autoimmune disorders. It is said to increase the level of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA, which is a neurotransmitter that blocks impulses between nerve cells in the brain), and act as a central nervous system depressant, and so may be beneficial for anxiety, epilepsy, hypertension, low sex drive, and insomnia.
As wonderful and gentle as it can
be, gotu kola does come with some contradictions and safety precautions. It is not recommended during pregnancy due to its emmenagogue and abortifacient effects. Do not take other sedatives (benzodiazepines or barbiturates), hypnotic or antihypertensive herbs, or medications unless you are working with a doctor or herbalist. It can cause contact dermatitis to anyone with a known allergy or sensitivity to the Asteraceae family, and also issues with the liver when taken for long periods of time and in high doses. When mixed with NSAIDS it can cause or exacerbate gastric mucosal damage including ulcers. Again, please know where gotu kola comes from and work with your doctor or herbalist if using the plant for medicinal purposes. HWFC does not provide medical advice. Please check with a health care practitioner before treating any condition. See page 8 for all policies and full disclaimer.
Honest Weight Food Co-op • 100 Watervliet Ave. Albany, NY 12206 • 518-482-2667 • https://www.honestweight.coop/ • honestslate@honestweight.coop
December 2024
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Honest Slate
Juice and Java Goes Bold With Tantalizing Makeover by Irene Kim
You may have noticed—and en-
joyed—the spiffy new changes to the Coop’s hot and cold beverage offerings. If you haven’t, now is the time to start. From dark chocolate lattes with pumpkin foam, to dark green juice, to cherry-berry pie smoothies, the Juice and Java bar has begun tempting our taste buds with all manner of tasty, healthy drinks. We sat down with the masterminds behind Juice and Java’s transformation: Bea Schwindt, Front-of-House Manager, and Dan Hurlbut, Food Service Manager, to get insight—and decide where to start sampling these mouthwatering treats.
Q: How has the new Juice and Java bar
been doing? What feedback are you getting from customers?
A: The new menu changes for the Juice
and Java bar are thriving! Our café special menu now changes with the seasons. This gives our customers something to look forward to each time the weather changes, whether pumpkin pie in the fall or white peppermint mocha in winter. So you don’t have to worry about getting bored of the same thing all of the time—although we do still offer our classic lattes and such for anyone who feels like a good old standby. The café special menu is becoming increasingly popular. The seasonal espresso tonic—energizing, mellow, healthy, delicious— has been one of our biggest hits. Just listen to this and drool: apple cinnamon espresso tonic! Our guests have wholeheartedly embraced the changes. Most are excited about addons. For example, we now carry matcha and make a fabulous matcha latte. We also offer a variety of simple and seasonal syrups that Bea personally makes herself.
Q: Are the drink recipes new or just renamed? Are there any particular challenges to making any of the drinks?
A: All of our drinks, with the exception of
the Orange, are brand-new recipes. The Orange is the exact recipe as our Edson—just with a new name. This is the only drink I didn’t change, not only because of its popularity, but also because it is my personal favorite! Everything else on the new menu is made with a from-scratch recipe :•). There aren’t particularly any “challenges,” per se. However, we have added a few different modern techniques to our station to keep things fun and updated with the times. For instance, we now have a milk frother to make delicious cold foams. We’ve also added shaker cups to make shaken espresso drinks as well as to specially blend one of our juices—that’s the Dark Green.
Q: Whose idea was it to overhaul the offerings? How did you come up with the color themes?
A: It was Bea’s idea to rewrite the menu.
We did this in part to keep up with the amazing and successful changes to the food service area in the front of the house. Over the last year, this area has undergone an exciting and dramatic transformation. We’ve added three new coolers to hold our vast selection of Grab n Go lunch sandwiches and sliced deli meats and cheeses. Thanks to Capital City Coffee Roasters, we have a cooler solely dedicated to all bottled drinks made right in our Juice and Java area. To the left of sandwiches is a brandnew freezer with Cold Killer starters, affogatos, housemade gluten-free ice cream sandwiches, and Adirondack Creamery ice cream. As we saw our sandwich & slicing station revamp into the attractive and hugely successful Grab n Go section, we felt it was time for us to transform, too. It seemed like our Juice and Java area had lagged behind and had been patiently waiting its turn. Color themes cropped up as a collection of ideas between the two of us. Each recipe has a very different and specific color. We thought it would be new and fun!
Our new juice menu is color-themed.
Q: It seems like there are fewer choices on the beverage menu than before. Is this true?
A: There are actually more than before! You
may get that impression because we have broken the menu up into four sections, each with its own short list:
• Fall café specials • Regular hot drinks • Juices • Smoothies Our menu had been exactly the same for more than 8 years. Change is necessary, especially in this economy. While nothing was wrong with the earlier menu, it was old. (Honestly speaking, it was also boring and unnecessarily complicated.) For example, we took away the wheatgrass machine because almost no one ordered wheatgrass juice. Moreover, it took a very large amount of wheatgrass—and effort—to make just one ounce of wheatgrass juice. The idea behind the new drinks is keeping up with what’s trendy and popular while staying true to the spirit of Honest Weight. Having seasonal flavors has been huge for us. And our customers love them so much.
Q: Is there anything else you’d like to mention about the Juice and Java bar?
A: We are very thankful for all the feedback that we have received on the Juice and Java bar. We do still have a few surprises up our sleeves to introduce after the holidays. Stay tuned!
Honest Weight Food Co-op • 100 Watervliet Ave. Albany, NY 12206 • 518-482-2667 • https://www.honestweight.coop/ • honestslate@honestweight.coop
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Honest Slate
December 2024
Schenectady Photographic Society Exhibit To Show at Co-op Throughout December Now through Dec. 29, works by over a dozen area photographers will hang on display in our hallway gallery.
Alan Wiggins, Ghost in the Circle
HWFC’s current art exhibit runs from Tues., Dec. 3, through Sun., Dec. 29, with an opening reception from 3–4:30 pm on Sat., Dec. 7 .
Janice Prichett, Hidden Pond, Saranac Lake
Featuring member work, the exhibit includes 23 images from 13 photographers with a wide variety of interests in topics and techniques.
Founded in 1931, the Schenectady Photographic Society offers programs and activities for photographers of all levels from the Capital District, ranging from beginners to serious amateurs to professionals.
Artists include M-J Adelman, Jerry Boehm, Greg Efner, Ray Henrikson, Connie Frisbee Houde, Elena Keesee, Janice Prichett, Neil Shapiro, Linda Tommasulo, Tom Whittemore, Alan Wiggins, Dale Willman, and Kristina Young.
With about 80 members, the group meets on Wednesday nights (either in person or via Zoom) to engage in various competitions and attend guest speaker presentations to further their knowledge, creativity, and inspiration.
Images shown are copyrighted by the artists and may not be reproduced without permission.
The society meets throughout fall, winter, and spring. Meetings are held in the
By the Bylaws The Bylaws Panel (BLP) highlighted a different section of our Bylaws in each of the past 7 editions of Honest Slate: • Objectives of the Bylaws (May) • Food and Product Policy (June) • Annual budget process (July) • Member-Owner responsibilities, benefits, and rights (August) • Referenda & Membership Meetings (September) • Governance Review Council (October) • Terms and election process for the Board of Directors (November). In the spirit of holiday giving, we are gifting you a bundle that includes these 7 articles all in one location on HWFC’s website.
Connie Frisbee Houde, Drawing Together, Nepal fellowship hall of the First United Methodist Church at 603 State Street in downtown Schenectady and are open to the public. Occasional field trips allow the opportunity to expand photographic vision, and regular regional exhibits allow for sharing that vision. More information can be found at www.spsphoto.org.
Thanksgiving Sales Prove Powerful Thanksgiving week at HWFC proved busy, smooth, and bustling with good spirits, managers reported, with sales far surpassing previous years’ figures in many departments. Dana reported that Food Services sold over 600 lbs. of mashed potatoes and 500 lbs. of stuffing. Only 20 turkeys were left over. HR Director Katie Centanni praised employees for the success in her weekly newsletter to staff, lauding the welcoming vibe and attitude, and noting an influx of new customers and positive feedback, writing: “Thank you all for really showing up this holiday, and giving it your all! From the ordering, planning, stocking, stacking, cutting, prepping, cooking, baking, making, ringing,
thanking, smiling, standing, running, cleaning, and encouraging one another…you all did it!...Be very proud of the difference you make in this community and the success you help bring to Honest Weight.”
HWFC Coffeehouse Open Mic Mon., Dec. 23, 6:30–8:30pm HWFC’s café is filled with song, music,
and readings every 3rd Monday! Coffeehouse Open Mic Night is open and free to Co-op Members and the public alike. Join us for an evening with local performers and artists in HWFC’s café. Performer sign-in starts at 6pm. All family-friendly performances are welcome!
Honest Weight Food Co-op • 100 Watervliet Ave. Albany, NY 12206 • 518-482-2667 • https://www.honestweight.coop/ • honestslate@honestweight.coop
December 2024
SUGGESTION BOX
Q&A
Q: Can we add some garnish to the (deli) soba noodles (scallions, carrots, etc.)? A: It’s meant to be a simple, dressed noodle that can be paired or modified with other items such as our gochujang tofu, e.g.
Q: The cashier on register #7 is “Super Nice”!!! (Dick) A: We’re so lucky to have him on our team! You’re absolutely correct. Super nice!!! Q: Hot bar has been so good! Italian and Indian themes were delicious. Thank you, Food Service! A: Thank you so much! Keep checking back as we change the theme every two weeks. There’s a lot to try! Q: The Premium Better Than Bouillon has GMO. The label says it contains bioengineered food ingredients. I didn’t think we were supposed to sell this. There is an organic option here that is ok. A: We will not be reordering the Premium Better Than Bouillon. Q: Organic, smooth, unsalted, unsweetened peanut butter in a jar. Why don’t we carry it? A: We carry Once Again organic, creamy, unsalted, unsweetened peanut butter six shelves up and four jars from the left with the peanut butter.
Answers are provided by HWFC managers and departments.
Q: Co-op cat? Like a bodega cat…except at the Co-op. A: Intriguing idea! We’re hesitant to push the boundaries of health regulations.
Q: Has anyone googled the active ingredients of the industrial cleaning products now used? A: The Environment Committee has already investigated and approved all our cleaning products. Q: Can you please get Smokehouse NutThins? I’m tired of going to Hannaford for them. A: Our distributor discontinued the Smokehouse Nut-Thins.
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Q: Please sell more HWFC tee shirts, long sleeves. A: They are among the merch that’s now here.
Q: Please have dishes with alternatives to seed oils (canola, sunflower, safflower, etc.) at the hot bar: olive oil, coconut oil, butter instead. A: We use oils to fit our price margins and to adhere to the menu theme while remaining in compliance with the HWFC buying policy.
Q: Please carry possum stuffed animals with the mom carrying the baby. Cute!! A: We would love to find some. We all want that!
Q: Thank you, thank you, thank you for Yalla hummus. It’s super to have this delicious organic choice! A: We do our best to satisfy our customers. You are welcome! Q: What happened to the bicycle pump/repair station? It was so useful. Please bring it back! Q: (I second this suggestion.) A: Thank you for the reminder. It’s on our to-do list. Q: Can we get email receipts for Members? The POS system already has our email. A: Our regular POS does not have emails. Member Services has MO emails and they are not shared with the POS system.
Q: Self checkout. I am tired of the recording yelling at me about my first item being placed in the bagging area. I wasn’t excited about the self-checkout lanes, but this is not the friendly environment that we as Owners, employees, and customers expect. Please adjust the attitude and impatience of the automation. A: We’re unable to modify those parameters in the program.
Member-Owner information is not shared with the POS. Q: Can we please have some quinoa on the hot bar sometimes instead of rice all the time? Thank you. A: We use quinoa when it is appropriate for the menu theme. Q: Honest Weight socks and sweatpants in the future?! A: For sure. In the future.
Honest Weight Food Co-op • 100 Watervliet Ave. Albany, NY 12206 • 518-482-2667 • https://www.honestweight.coop/ • honestslate@honestweight.coop
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December 2024
Honest Slate
Boar d Decisions The HWFC Board of Directors approved the following at Dec. 3 ’s 6pm Board Meeting: • Nov. 12, 2024, Board meeting minutes • Personnel Committee’s request to remove Easter as an HWFC Store Open holiday and add Juneteenth as an HWFC Store Open holiday • Membership Committee’s request to add 15 hours per event to the committee’s current work plan for the purpose of hosting 6 in-person Book Club events during a 12-month period • Anti-Racism Committee’s 2024–2025 work plan approved as presented • The following Regular Membership Meeting (RMM) dates were approved for 2025 (all on Sundays): Jan. 26 • April 27 • June 29 • Oct. 26
Ownership & the Greater Good continued from page 1 focus on our highest common goals for Honest Weight with patience and latitude. When I think about our role as Members, I’m reminded of President John F. Kennedy’s timeless statement, “Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country.” Just substitute the word “Co-op” for “country” and there you have it. Or simply recall the golden rule. Put yourself in another’s shoes. See it from a different angle. Savor every moment that you help build a successful future for Honest Weight, whether it’s in-store, via governance work, or upholding our name and reputation as Albany’s “homegrown grocery store” as local ambassadors.
Mark your calendars now for 2025 Membership Meetings!
We know that Membership does not make us expert in all things grocery. We arrive at solutions by combining our individual skill sets and experiences.
Board of Directors website page:
After more than a decade of Membership, I have learned what it means to cooperate on a new level. I see through a wider lens thanks to hearing diverse perspectives and adjusting my own viewpoint—regularly!
https://www.honestweight.coop/ page/board-91.html
HWFC committee meeting Zoom links:
https://www.honestweight.coop/page/committee-meeting-calendar-322.html
Committee calendar:
https://www.honestweight.coop/page/committee-meeting-calendar-322.html
I thank my Co-op family for the unique camaraderie that comes with involvement in an intentional community, with all its patches, pitfalls, and promises. I appreciate how pro-
Let’s continue to practice kindness, inclusion, honesty, and all good things that define our cooperative community. Keep the ONE in “Honest,” not only in this season of reflection, giving, and gratitude but throughout our shared future. —Carol Ostrow
p.s.
What’s Most Important Just before Thanksgiving, I was at the Juice and Java bar getting tea. A customer next to me was dispensing coffee into his cup among heavy traffic while simultaneously doing his best to listen to a small boy following him. “Dad!” he called. “Dad!!” He tugged on the man’s sleeve. (Was he angling for a cookie or something?) “Dad? You know what the most important thing is?” “Uh, what?” “Family and friends,” said the kid.
Happy Holidays
decemBer 2O24
Statement of Purpose:
Contact honestslate@honestweight.coop with questions, comments, or article suggestions.
Membership, Staff, Management, and Gov-
Submissions Policy Editors & Contributors Cara Benson David Bulnes Brendan Byrne Katie Centanni Stephanie Conde Elisa Grimm Cathy Holmes
fessional my colleagues are and how deeply they care about HWFC’s success. I observe how Board and Membership meetings are handled with grace and respect, and I am proud to belong.
Don Kennison Irene Kim Sharon Lastique Carol Ostrow Anastasia Rodgers Robin Schatz Janet Sorell
for articles & contributions:
• Preferred maximum length is 800 words. • Material is published at the discretion of the Honest Slate team. • Only signed work is accepted. Items are edited for length, grammar, & style. • We may consider unsolicited material but encourage submitting ideas first. • Letters to the Editor do not require preapproval.
Honest Slate is a platform for HWFC ernance: promoting transparency, reporting news without bias, and sustaining community.
Honest Slate articles are for informational purposes and are not intended to diagnose or treat disease. Opinions expressed in Honest Slate do not necessarily represent the views or policies of Honest Slate or Honest Weight Food Co-op. All contents ©2024 Honest Weight Food Coop; no material appearing in Honest Slate may be reproduced in any form without the express written consent of HWFC.
Honest Weight Food Co-op • 100 Watervliet Ave. Albany, NY 12206 • 518-482-2667 • https://www.honestweight.coop/ • honestslate@honestweight.coop
Honest Slate
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COMMITTEE C O R N E R
Membership Committee (MC) ∙ Discussed previous Book Club inspired by Stephen Winters, which met every other month for about two years. Discussed books related to cooperative concerns and mission. Decided Book Club will meet in person in HWFC Community Room every other month on third Thursdays from 6-7:30pm. First book is Rest is Resistance. Copies will be available to borrow or can be purchased from Book House of Stuyvesant Plaza. Requested BOD add book club info to MC work plan for approximately 15 hours per event (six per year), and requested snack budget. ∙ Guest MO suggested considering Parental Leave Discount for MOs (similar to Senior Discount for Owners) for a set number of months following the birth of a child. Attendee noted the need to balance many different people who may need discounts with HWFC’s financial viability; another mentioned possibly using the Hours Bank, administered by Membership Manager. ∙ Discussed need for two Co-Chairs or one Chair as Lisa and Janet need to step back. Until Chair/Co-Chairs are found, MC will meet monthly on second Friday at 10am (this works for three guests considering becoming MC members and for most current members). Discussed Committee Member search. ∙ Discussed survey related to MO Manual. ∙ Continued discussion on revamping orientations. Working with MO filmmakers on updated film. ∙ Discussed events, including whether they are oriented toward recruiting MOs or community building, and whether MO tabling has been effective.
December 2024
A summary of preliminary committee reports submitted to the Board of Directors (BOD) for its Dec. 3, 2024, meeting. See Board Meeting packet for details. Board-approved committee reports are posted on HWFC’s website. by Stephanie Conde Bylaws Panel (BLP) ∙ Discussed GRC question about clarifying management’s ability to determine sales to which MO discounts will not be applied. BLP does not recommend changes to Bylaws at this time. Section 330.5 is clear—Membership has final approval of discount policy. BLP reads this section as 2 separate issues (approving discount policy and delegating product margins), and does not read that section as a discount exclusion. Membership should authorize the current management practice of excluding items from MO discount, so BLP recommends a vote be presented to Membership. BLP will send draft language to GRC and work to get comprehensive list of all items restricted from Member and MO discounts. ∙ Margaret’s term expired in October; she plans to seek Management reappointment to BLP. ∙ Preparing “By the Bylaws” articles for BLP section of HWFC webpage; will reference in December Honest Slate. Personnel Committee (PC) ∙ Continued discussion of swapping Easter with Juneteenth. ∙ Discussed upcoming open seat for PC Staff Representative. ∙ At manager’s suggestion, discussed PTO usage during November and December. ∙ Requested BOD approve change to Employee Manual to replace Easter with Juneteenth as “store open, paid holiday.” ∙ Requested guidance from BOD on next priorities, including possibility of reviewing, revising, and correcting grammar in job descriptions. Communications Committee (CC) ∙ Reviewed material for December’s Honest Slate and planned January’s issue. ∙ Next Honest Slate deadline Thurs., Dec. 26. Next publishing dates are Dec. 6 and Jan. 10.
Governance Review Council (GRC) ∙ Welcomed new members Janet S. and Brett R., and elected Cindee H. as chair. ∙ Returning to meeting monthly on second Monday at 7pm. Elections & Nominations Committee (ENC) ∙ Discussed voting language. Invited Board Administrator Beth and Board Secretary Wendy to discuss importance of voting language confirmation timeframes. Voting language mainly regards ballot wording, but also aligns with official Membership Meeting Notice (RMM Notice). ENC works with different groups/committees that develop language for proposed votes to ensure proposed ballot wording aligns with wording distributed in official RMM Notice. In early 2024, ENC asked BOD to formally document process and timelines for finalization of ballot language. ENC’s concern was ensuring ENC’s ballot creation was done with final ballot language prior to RMM and not at the last minute. Discussed documented process and timelines, for questions and consistent understanding. Recommended streamlined wording sent back to Beth and Wendy for consideration. ∙ All committees involved in preparing language to be voted on should receive a copy of updated process artifact when complete. Requested BOD communicate updated process with timelines to committees who may prepare voting language for membership— and where the process artifact can be found. ∙ Discussed Oct. 27 RMM in retrospect. Retrospective discussions after RMMs with voting can foster improvements. Items noted this time include: requesting Membership Manager produce sorted list of RMM attendees ineligible to vote by noon the day following RMM; and informing Membership Manager prior to vote count of items that need to be readied, such as paper ballot boxes and printouts of updated paper ballot (as applicable), tally sheets, etc.
Nutrition & Education Committee (NEC) ∙ Discussed issues related to Food and Product Manual (FPM). There are concerns that items listed in “What HWFC Strives to Avoid” continue to be stocked and sold, which is not in keeping with HWFC’s mission to provide high quality and healthy foods. ∙ Requested BOD approve request to delete GMO/Bioengineered Policy Section 10 (page 12) in FPM. Section 8 of FPM, What We Shall Not Knowingly Sell (page 11), already lists GMO/Bio as ingredients we will not sell. Separate policy not needed. continued on page 8
Honest Weight Food Co-op • 100 Watervliet Ave. Albany, NY 12206 • 518-482-2667 • https://www.honestweight.coop/ • honestslate@honestweight.coop
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Honest Slate
December 2024
C o - o p p o r t u n iti es
The December holiday season is upon us and we want to celebrate with you! We have a number of opportunities to socialize with fellow HW members this month. Join us on Sunday, December 15, in the Community Room from 12:30–2pm for our Holiday Cookie & Tea Social. This event is open to all Members; participate by baking at least 2 dozen of your favorite cookie to enter in the competition. All sharing cookies will receive a 2-hour time investment credit, and the cookie baker with the most votes will win a $25 gift card. Not a baker, not a problem, come and sample the cookies and cast your votes for top cookie. Then on 12/31, join us to ring in the New Year from 2:30–4:30pm in the Community
COMMITTEE CORNER continued from page 7 Anti-Racism Committee (ARC) ∙ Submitted 2024–25 work plan for Board approval. Environment Committee (EC) ∙ Sponsored electronics reuse drop-off day in October. Thirty-two people brought computers and electronic equipment. Items were picked up by Elfun Computer Labs for reuse and repurposing rather than just recycling. Marketing and announcements before event helped boost attendance. ∙ Seeking MO support with video/filmmaking skills to help with short video on reducing plastics while shopping. ∙ Subgroup has been meeting twice a month and has revised the survey intended for staff and management based on BOD’s recommendations. ∙ Energy data through October: total year-todate costs down 2.1%; total consumption up 5.6%; solar credit value up 11% resulting in $11,820 total solar savings; peak demand up 2.7%; and energy supply costs down 9.2%. ∙ October meeting guest attendee Anne, a volunteer with North American Sustainable Refrigeration Council, offered PowerPoint presentation on concerns about refrigerants used in heating and cooling systems.
Room, for a family friendly celebration with snacks and a nonalcoholic toast. We’re excited to announce the return of the Honest Weight Book Club. Join us on Jan. 16 from 6–7:30pm in the Community Room. Cara Benson will lead discussion of our first book, Rest Is Resistance by Tricia Hersey. The club will meet every other month, incorporating books relevant to our HW mission and topics that promote community building. Keep your eye on the Classes & Events calendar on HW’s website to stay informed about our monthly third Sunday Member Social. Save the Date: Sunday Jan. 19 at noon, as we gather to set personal intentions for 2025 & collective intentions for community growth.
Book CluB Redux! Honest Weight’s Book Club returns in January! Member-Owner Cara Benson will lead in-person discussions on third Thursdays every other month. Our first book is Rest Is Resistance: A Manifesto by Tricia Hersey; first meeting (in-person only) will be 6–7:30pm on Thurs., Jan. 16, in the Community Room. Copies will be available at the Book House of Stuyvesant Plaza at 20% off for those who mention Honest Weight’s book club! Additionally, two in-store copies of the book will be available as loaners.
by Sharon Lastique,
Membership Manager (MM)
I mmed i ate MO Opportunities: Painting Crew: We need 3 or 4
members with painting skills to help paint the vestibule this month. This assignment will take place over a 3–day period after store hours, from 9pm–12am. Contact MemberServices@honestweight.coop to be added to the team.
Front End Holiday Double Hours
Roles: Cashier, Tare Tech, Bagging. Commit to a weekly shift to invest at least 12 hours in any of these department roles during December to receive double hours. Contact MorgaenHansen@honestweight.coop.
Grocery DouBle Hours
Friday & Saturday Shifts: Stockers needed during the busy holiday season. Commit to a weekly shift on Fridays or Saturdays in December, invest 12 hours each month, and receive double hours: Georgia.Sullivan@ honestweight.coop.
MemBership Cooking Squad Join our team of Member-Owners to prepare meals for Members and employees of Honest Weight. This month we will prepare a hearty soup to nourish the staff as they work hard during the holiday rush. Contact MemberServices@honestweight.coop to be added to our contact list for cooking events.
Clothing Drop & Swap
Gently worn items that no
Apparel & accessories
12–6pm • Friday, Dec. 13
longer spark joy for you could very well be someone else’s treasure!
• Drop off up to 10 pieces total per person. in the Community Room • Bring clean, gently used clothing, accesso- ries, and shoes in good condition. Dropoff and pickup are • Shop for new-to-you wardrobe items. now combined into a one-day event for • No limit to how much you can take! all community members. • Have fun, be respectful, and embrace the joy of giving and receiving. There’s no requirement to drop off items • A $5 off $25 coupon will be given to all in order to shop. Everyone is welcome to who donate clothes on Wednesday! (One treasure hunt through donations whether coupon per person, not combinable with or not you contribute items (no dropoff MO discount.) items will be accepted after Friday).
Honest Weight Food Co-op • 100 Watervliet Ave. Albany, NY 12206 • 518-482-2667 • https://www.honestweight.coop/ • honestslate@honestweight.coop