With a little help from the homesteading pros, this can be the summer you turn both of your thumbs green! From volunteer days where you can learn techniques firsthand from the Weavers Way farmers, to workshops that will remake your kitchen into a DIY hub, Weavers Way will have you sprouting into a master of the domestic arts this season.
Food In Jars Canning Series: Preserve Spring with Rhubarb Jam and Asparagus Pickles Celebrate the arrival of spring produce with cookbook author and Food in Jars blogger Marisa McClellan. She'll walk you through the steps of turning ruby stalks of rhubarb into jam and transforming crisp spears of asparagus into pickles. She'll also show you how to safely seal the jars so they're ready for your pantry shelves. All students will go home with recipes and canning details, as well as jars of the products made in class that day. Chestnut Hill Friends Meetinghouse, 20 E Mermaid Lane.REGISTER.
Friday May 8, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Farmstand Grand Opening and Volunteer Day: Starting at 11 a.m., farmers will lead volunteers in the first monthly volunteer day of the year. Then, from 3 to 6 p.m., local vendors will offer samples, there will be grilling by the Weavers Way kitchen, games for kids and signups for 2015 Henry Got Crops CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) shares. Henry Got Crops Farm, 7095 Henry Ave.
Food in Jars Canning Series: Cucumber Pickles, Fast and Slow, Vinegar and Fermented Learn the basics of both quick vinegar and brined pickles with cookbook author and Food in Jars blogger Marisa McClellan. In the class, all students will build jars of vinegar-based quick pickles that can be eaten the next day as well as salt brined pickles that will need at least a week in a cool, dark place to achieve their signature fermented tang. All students will go home with the recipes and details, as well as the two jars of pickles they made in class that day. Chestnut Hill Friends Meetinghouse, 20 E. Mermaid Lane.REGISTER.
JULY Wednesday, July 8, 7-9 p.m.
Food In Jars Canning Series: Introduction to Canning Whole Peeled Tomatoes Learn the basics of tomato preservation and boiling-water-bath canning with cookbook author and Food in Jars blogger Marisa McClellan. She'll walk you through the steps of prepping, packing, and preserving whole peeled tomatoes. All students will go home with the recipe and canning details, as well as a jar of the tomatoes made in class that day. Chestnut Hill Friends Meetinghouse, 20 E. Mermaid Lane.REGISTER.
Food In Jars Canning Series: Low Sugar Spiced Plum Jam Love jam but can't bear to use all the sugar that traditional recipes require? Local cookbook author and Food in Jars blogger Marisa McClellan will teach you how to make perfect, flavorful low-sugar jam using Pomona's Pectin. She'll walk you through the steps of safe preserving (it's easier than you think!) and show you how to process the jars so that they're shelf-stable. All students will go home with the recipe and canning details, as well as a jar of the jam made in class that day. Chestnut Hill Friends Meetinghouse, 20 E. Mermaid Lane.REGISTER.
With a little help from the homesteading pros, this can be the summer you turn both of your thumbs green! From volunteer days where you can learn techniques firsthand from the Weavers Way farmers, to workshops that will remake your kitchen into a DIY hub, Weavers Way will have you sprouting into a master of the domestic arts this season.
Food In Jars Canning Series: Preserve Spring with Rhubarb Jam and Asparagus Pickles Celebrate the arrival of spring produce with cookbook author and Food in Jars blogger Marisa McClellan. She'll walk you through the steps of turning ruby stalks of rhubarb into jam and transforming crisp spears of asparagus into pickles. She'll also show you how to safely seal the jars so they're ready for your pantry shelves. All students will go home with recipes and canning details, as well as jars of the products made in class that day. Chestnut Hill Friends Meetinghouse, 20 E Mermaid Lane.REGISTER.
Friday May 8, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Farmstand Grand Opening and Volunteer Day: Starting at 11 a.m., farmers will lead volunteers in the first monthly volunteer day of the year. Then, from 3 to 6 p.m., local vendors will offer samples, there will be grilling by the Weavers Way kitchen, games for kids and signups for 2015 Henry Got Crops CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) shares. Henry Got Crops Farm, 7095 Henry Ave.
Food in Jars Canning Series: Cucumber Pickles, Fast and Slow, Vinegar and Fermented Learn the basics of both quick vinegar and brined pickles with cookbook author and Food in Jars blogger Marisa McClellan. In the class, all students will build jars of vinegar-based quick pickles that can be eaten the next day as well as salt brined pickles that will need at least a week in a cool, dark place to achieve their signature fermented tang. All students will go home with the recipes and details, as well as the two jars of pickles they made in class that day. Chestnut Hill Friends Meetinghouse, 20 E. Mermaid Lane.REGISTER.
JULY Wednesday, July 8, 7-9 p.m.
Food In Jars Canning Series: Introduction to Canning Whole Peeled Tomatoes Learn the basics of tomato preservation and boiling-water-bath canning with cookbook author and Food in Jars blogger Marisa McClellan. She'll walk you through the steps of prepping, packing, and preserving whole peeled tomatoes. All students will go home with the recipe and canning details, as well as a jar of the tomatoes made in class that day. Chestnut Hill Friends Meetinghouse, 20 E. Mermaid Lane.REGISTER.
Food In Jars Canning Series: Low Sugar Spiced Plum Jam Love jam but can't bear to use all the sugar that traditional recipes require? Local cookbook author and Food in Jars blogger Marisa McClellan will teach you how to make perfect, flavorful low-sugar jam using Pomona's Pectin. She'll walk you through the steps of safe preserving (it's easier than you think!) and show you how to process the jars so that they're shelf-stable. All students will go home with the recipe and canning details, as well as a jar of the jam made in class that day. Chestnut Hill Friends Meetinghouse, 20 E. Mermaid Lane.REGISTER.
This is the third in a series of Shuttle articles to inform you about Weavers Way’s proposed new bylaws. (See also September, “Why Change the Bylaws?” and December, “What Are the Changes?”). All stories, plus additional information and links to copies of the current and proposed bylaws, are also posted on the Weavers Way website at www.weaversway.coop/bylaws.
by Lisa Hogan, Weavers Way Board
In the Spring Election, April 1 to May 31, you are asked to vote for or against the proposed new Weavers Way Bylaws. The Board has voted unanimously to accept them; now it’s the members’ turn to vote.
We believe that the new bylaws are better for the Co-op and its member-owners. They will simplify and clarify our work, reducing debate over interpretation. Issues of meetings, voting, Board officers and equity are clear for all to understand. Redundant sections have been omitted.
The vote culminates four months of member nput and feedback. In January, the Bylaw Revision Committee held two member meetings to get input on the draft of the revised bylaws and share our thinking. On Jan. 12, a focus group yielded useful feedback and proposals for changes. Many of those changes were made in time for the Jan. 22 open meeting. There again we gained valuable and specific feedback for the proposal.
Concurrently, the proposed bylaws were posted on the Weavers Way website and members gave and received feedback online. Some members also contacted me directly. The final proposal has been reviewed and approved by David Kraut, our legal counsel, as well as by Michael Healy and his associates at Cooperative Development Services (info: www.cdsus.coop), who drafted the bylaws template we worked with. As our consultant, Michael helped to make sure that the lines of responsibility are clear.
Some frequently asked questions (FAQs) and responses are presented here.
Why did you decide to rewrite the Weavers Way Bylaws?
Several suggestions for bylaws changes were pending before the Board. In reviewing the current bylaws, we realized they had been amended piecemeal many times over the years, creating a complex, convoluted and redundant document. Our goal was to simplify governing procedures with a clear document that prepares us for the future.
Where can I read the proposed bylaws?
They are posted in the stores and online at www.weaversway.coop/bylaws. Paper copies are available at the registers.
Why is the purpose statement so short?
The bylaws are our rules for governing only. Elaborated statements of purpose can be found in our Mission and Ends.
Is there only one annual meeting?
Member response led us to state that “at least” one annual meeting will be held, allowing the possibility of two or more. Annual meetings require a considerable amount of work and expense and are attended by approximately 2 percent of members. Many members prefer to look to the Shuttle, the website and our Facebook page to keep up with Weavers Way business.
Why do the bylaws require 5 percent of members to call a special meeting?
This requirement has been reduced from 10 percent of members in the current bylaws in order not to be prohibitive but still to require a significant number to bring an issue to the membership and justify the expense of a meeting.
Under the proposed bylaws, do members have the right to present an important issue to the entire membership?
A written petition by 5 percent of the members will result in a Special Meeting of the membership on an issue (Article 3.2). In addition, 1 percent of the members can request that an item be added to the agenda of a General Membership Meeting (Article 3.4). These member rights assure that members have a way to bring up important issues to the general membership.
What is the process to terminate or reinstate a member or a Board member?
Under the proposed bylaws, the Board has the right to make a final decision on termination of a membership (Article 2.6) or removal of a director (Article 4.6), whereas the current bylaws allow for a decision by the entire membership (Article 3, Section 10; and Article 5, Section 6). The Board believes that the current procedure of having a vote on an individual termination at a membership meeting would be difficult to implement in an organization with more than 5,000 member households; rather, the Board is best equipped to provide the due process and confidentiality that such an individual matter deserves. Neither of these issues has ever come to a vote in the past.
Why is the quorum so low?
The quorum required to conduct business at a membership meeting is 1 percent, in keeping with usual attendance. However, by requiring that 10 percent of active members must vote on all questions, including Board elections and bylawss changes, we are assured that a significant number of members participate on important matters.
Are employees allowed on the Board and may they vote?
Employees are encouraged to run for the Board, although there are currently no seated employee Board members. They may not be present for discussion or votes on personnel matters, including the General Manager’s performance and compensation. They may vote on all other issues.
What does each officer of the Board do?
Article 5 on officers was added to the proposed bylaws upon member suggestion. This article delineates the four officers and is compliant with state law.
Why did you add a new section on Action without a Meeting (Article 4.8)?
This is standard operating procedure with most modern boards in the electronic age. It would only be used if an important, time-sensitive issue came up between Board meetings. Further safeguards require a two-thirds vote for approving and recording the action in the minutes of the next regularly scheduled meeting.
Why are the financial provisions in three articles combined into the new Article 7?
The current bylaws have complicated and outdated procedures. Proposed Article 7 captures the current financial arrangement of Co-op members and their accounts with the Co-op.
What is the difference between Regular Equity and Reserve Equity?
Equity comes from member investment or from Patronage Dividends, which are determined by the Board. The proposed bylaws require that Regular Equity be returned within 60 days of termination of a membership. Reserve Equity is refunded only upon dissolution of the Co-op.Why is there a new article on dissolution (Article 8)?
The current bylaws have no provision for dissolution. While we do not have any intention of dissolving the Co-op, the proposed bylaw provides clear procedures of how such a momentous decision would be made. A proposal to dissolve the Co-op can only be made by the Board or a petition of 10 percent of active members and must be approved by a two-thirds vote of the members.
How do I vote on the proposed bylaws?
The vote on the bylaws is combined with the annual Spring Election for the Board of Directors. Voting begins online and by paper ballot in the stores on April 1, 2015. The responses you may choose are:
Yes, I accept the proposed new Weavers Way Bylaws.
No, keep the Weavers Way Bylaws as they are.
Election results and the decision on the bylaws will be announced May 31 at the Spring General Membership Meeting.
This is the third in a series of Shuttle articles to inform you about Weavers Way’s proposed new bylaws. (See also September, “Why Change the Bylaws?” and December, “What Are the Changes?”). All stories, plus additional information and links to copies of the current and proposed bylaws, are also posted on the Weavers Way website at www.weaversway.coop/bylaws.
by Lisa Hogan, Weavers Way Board
In the Spring Election, April 1 to May 31, you are asked to vote for or against the proposed new Weavers Way Bylaws. The Board has voted unanimously to accept them; now it’s the members’ turn to vote.
We believe that the new bylaws are better for the Co-op and its member-owners. They will simplify and clarify our work, reducing debate over interpretation. Issues of meetings, voting, Board officers and equity are clear for all to understand. Redundant sections have been omitted.
The vote culminates four months of member nput and feedback. In January, the Bylaw Revision Committee held two member meetings to get input on the draft of the revised bylaws and share our thinking. On Jan. 12, a focus group yielded useful feedback and proposals for changes. Many of those changes were made in time for the Jan. 22 open meeting. There again we gained valuable and specific feedback for the proposal.
Concurrently, the proposed bylaws were posted on the Weavers Way website and members gave and received feedback online. Some members also contacted me directly. The final proposal has been reviewed and approved by David Kraut, our legal counsel, as well as by Michael Healy and his associates at Cooperative Development Services (info: www.cdsus.coop), who drafted the bylaws template we worked with. As our consultant, Michael helped to make sure that the lines of responsibility are clear.
Some frequently asked questions (FAQs) and responses are presented here.
Why did you decide to rewrite the Weavers Way Bylaws?
Several suggestions for bylaws changes were pending before the Board. In reviewing the current bylaws, we realized they had been amended piecemeal many times over the years, creating a complex, convoluted and redundant document. Our goal was to simplify governing procedures with a clear document that prepares us for the future.
Where can I read the proposed bylaws?
They are posted in the stores and online at www.weaversway.coop/bylaws. Paper copies are available at the registers.
Why is the purpose statement so short?
The bylaws are our rules for governing only. Elaborated statements of purpose can be found in our Mission and Ends.
Is there only one annual meeting?
Member response led us to state that “at least” one annual meeting will be held, allowing the possibility of two or more. Annual meetings require a considerable amount of work and expense and are attended by approximately 2 percent of members. Many members prefer to look to the Shuttle, the website and our Facebook page to keep up with Weavers Way business.
Why do the bylaws require 5 percent of members to call a special meeting?
This requirement has been reduced from 10 percent of members in the current bylaws in order not to be prohibitive but still to require a significant number to bring an issue to the membership and justify the expense of a meeting.
Under the proposed bylaws, do members have the right to present an important issue to the entire membership?
A written petition by 5 percent of the members will result in a Special Meeting of the membership on an issue (Article 3.2). In addition, 1 percent of the members can request that an item be added to the agenda of a General Membership Meeting (Article 3.4). These member rights assure that members have a way to bring up important issues to the general membership.
What is the process to terminate or reinstate a member or a Board member?
Under the proposed bylaws, the Board has the right to make a final decision on termination of a membership (Article 2.6) or removal of a director (Article 4.6), whereas the current bylaws allow for a decision by the entire membership (Article 3, Section 10; and Article 5, Section 6). The Board believes that the current procedure of having a vote on an individual termination at a membership meeting would be difficult to implement in an organization with more than 5,000 member households; rather, the Board is best equipped to provide the due process and confidentiality that such an individual matter deserves. Neither of these issues has ever come to a vote in the past.
Why is the quorum so low?
The quorum required to conduct business at a membership meeting is 1 percent, in keeping with usual attendance. However, by requiring that 10 percent of active members must vote on all questions, including Board elections and bylawss changes, we are assured that a significant number of members participate on important matters.
Are employees allowed on the Board and may they vote?
Employees are encouraged to run for the Board, although there are currently no seated employee Board members. They may not be present for discussion or votes on personnel matters, including the General Manager’s performance and compensation. They may vote on all other issues.
What does each officer of the Board do?
Article 5 on officers was added to the proposed bylaws upon member suggestion. This article delineates the four officers and is compliant with state law.
Why did you add a new section on Action without a Meeting (Article 4.8)?
This is standard operating procedure with most modern boards in the electronic age. It would only be used if an important, time-sensitive issue came up between Board meetings. Further safeguards require a two-thirds vote for approving and recording the action in the minutes of the next regularly scheduled meeting.
Why are the financial provisions in three articles combined into the new Article 7?
The current bylaws have complicated and outdated procedures. Proposed Article 7 captures the current financial arrangement of Co-op members and their accounts with the Co-op.
What is the difference between Regular Equity and Reserve Equity?
Equity comes from member investment or from Patronage Dividends, which are determined by the Board. The proposed bylaws require that Regular Equity be returned within 60 days of termination of a membership. Reserve Equity is refunded only upon dissolution of the Co-op.Why is there a new article on dissolution (Article 8)?
The current bylaws have no provision for dissolution. While we do not have any intention of dissolving the Co-op, the proposed bylaw provides clear procedures of how such a momentous decision would be made. A proposal to dissolve the Co-op can only be made by the Board or a petition of 10 percent of active members and must be approved by a two-thirds vote of the members.
How do I vote on the proposed bylaws?
The vote on the bylaws is combined with the annual Spring Election for the Board of Directors. Voting begins online and by paper ballot in the stores on April 1, 2015. The responses you may choose are:
Yes, I accept the proposed new Weavers Way Bylaws.
No, keep the Weavers Way Bylaws as they are.
Election results and the decision on the bylaws will be announced May 31 at the Spring General Membership Meeting.
PHILADELPHIA, PA (April 2, 2015) — Glenn Bergman, Weavers Way’s general manager for 11 years, announced today that he is leaving the Co-op to become executive director of Philabundance, the regional nonprofit dedicated to eradicating hunger in the Delaware Valley. Bergman will succeed Mark Bender, the Philabundance interim executive director, on June 1.
“My reason for taking the position at Philabundance is to see if I can help make a difference in reducing food insecurity in our city and region,” Bergman said in a letter to staff and Weavers Way owner-members. “An opportunity was put in front of me that started me thinking that perhaps it is time for me to move on and give someone else the opportunity to run this fantastic organization.”
He added he expects to stay connected to the Co-op through owner committees or perhaps the Board of Directors, and plans to rejoin the board of the nonprofit Weavers Way Community Programs.
“I’m honored and I’m grateful to the Philabundance board for this chance to work with the innovative programming that has made Philabundance a leader in ending hunger in the region,” Bergman said.
A longtime Mt. Airy resident and native New Yorker, Bergman came to Weavers Way in 2004 after a career as a chef and food service manager at Shooting Stars Corp. (the Frog-Commissary restaurant and catering company), the Wood Company and the Compass Group.
“It’s been an exciting 11 years at Weavers Way,” said Co-op Board President Chris Hill. “We’ve grown fourfold in income, staff and impact on the community, and much of it can be attributed to the vision and creative energy of Glenn, and his ability to support members and staff in pursuing initiatives that serve our members and improve the lives of people in Northwest Philadelphia.
“We’ll miss Glenn terribly, but are comfortable with the strength of the current staff, and are confident that we’ll continue to grow and engage with our community in new and exciting ways.”
Jon Roesser, Weavers Way’s human resources director, will take over as interim general manager while the board conducts a national search for a permanent replacement. Roesser came to Weavers Way in 2008 and has played an important role in the Co-op’s growth, including the opening of a second store in Chestnut Hill in 2010.
“Glenn Bergman has a strong understanding of the connections between hunger, food access, health, poverty, and economic policy, and he is eager for Philabundance to take a lead role in advocating for change in our community,” said Murvin Lackey, chairman of the Philabundance board. “This, combined with his deep industry knowledge, makes Glenn uniquely qualified to lead the organization into the future."
Lackey added: “Glenn has thought a great deal about the causes of hunger and believes that Philabundance is uniquely positioned to lead a coalition of partners. He has a strong connection to our mission, and sees the opportunity to connect it to a broader community agenda. This aligns well with our strategic plan to alleviate hunger today while working to eliminate hunger forever.”
About Weavers Way: Founded as a buying club in 1973, “the Co-op” now has grocery stores in Mt. Airy and Chestnut Hill, two health and wellness specialty shops and a pet supply store. Weavers Way offers food and other products that are wholesome, sustainable and locally sourced. At Weavers Way, everyone can shop and anyone can join. For information about Food For All, the Co-op’s new initiative to make good food affordable for more members of our communities, visit www.weaversway.coop/food-for-all. For information about Weavers Way, visit our website, www.weaversway.coop.
About Philabundance: Founded in 1984, Philabundance focuses on reducing hunger and food insecurity in the Delaware Valley by providing food access to people in need in partnership with other organizations and individuals. Philabundance works with close to 500 member agencies in 9 counties and serves approximately 72,000 people per week at a cost of 50 cents per meal. For more information about Philabundance, visit www.philabundance.org or call 215-339-0900. If you or someone you know is in need of food assistance, please call Philabundance’s Food Help Line, 800-319-FOOD (3663).
PHILADELPHIA, PA (April 2, 2015) — Glenn Bergman, Weavers Way’s general manager for 11 years, announced today that he is leaving the Co-op to become executive director of Philabundance, the regional nonprofit dedicated to eradicating hunger in the Delaware Valley. Bergman will succeed Mark Bender, the Philabundance interim executive director, on June 1.
“My reason for taking the position at Philabundance is to see if I can help make a difference in reducing food insecurity in our city and region,” Bergman said in a letter to staff and Weavers Way owner-members. “An opportunity was put in front of me that started me thinking that perhaps it is time for me to move on and give someone else the opportunity to run this fantastic organization.”
He added he expects to stay connected to the Co-op through owner committees or perhaps the Board of Directors, and plans to rejoin the board of the nonprofit Weavers Way Community Programs.
“I’m honored and I’m grateful to the Philabundance board for this chance to work with the innovative programming that has made Philabundance a leader in ending hunger in the region,” Bergman said.
A longtime Mt. Airy resident and native New Yorker, Bergman came to Weavers Way in 2004 after a career as a chef and food service manager at Shooting Stars Corp. (the Frog-Commissary restaurant and catering company), the Wood Company and the Compass Group.
“It’s been an exciting 11 years at Weavers Way,” said Co-op Board President Chris Hill. “We’ve grown fourfold in income, staff and impact on the community, and much of it can be attributed to the vision and creative energy of Glenn, and his ability to support members and staff in pursuing initiatives that serve our members and improve the lives of people in Northwest Philadelphia.
“We’ll miss Glenn terribly, but are comfortable with the strength of the current staff, and are confident that we’ll continue to grow and engage with our community in new and exciting ways.”
Jon Roesser, Weavers Way’s human resources director, will take over as interim general manager while the board conducts a national search for a permanent replacement. Roesser came to Weavers Way in 2008 and has played an important role in the Co-op’s growth, including the opening of a second store in Chestnut Hill in 2010.
“Glenn Bergman has a strong understanding of the connections between hunger, food access, health, poverty, and economic policy, and he is eager for Philabundance to take a lead role in advocating for change in our community,” said Murvin Lackey, chairman of the Philabundance board. “This, combined with his deep industry knowledge, makes Glenn uniquely qualified to lead the organization into the future."
Lackey added: “Glenn has thought a great deal about the causes of hunger and believes that Philabundance is uniquely positioned to lead a coalition of partners. He has a strong connection to our mission, and sees the opportunity to connect it to a broader community agenda. This aligns well with our strategic plan to alleviate hunger today while working to eliminate hunger forever.”
About Weavers Way: Founded as a buying club in 1973, “the Co-op” now has grocery stores in Mt. Airy and Chestnut Hill, two health and wellness specialty shops and a pet supply store. Weavers Way offers food and other products that are wholesome, sustainable and locally sourced. At Weavers Way, everyone can shop and anyone can join. For information about Food For All, the Co-op’s new initiative to make good food affordable for more members of our communities, visit www.weaversway.coop/food-for-all. For information about Weavers Way, visit our website, www.weaversway.coop.
About Philabundance: Founded in 1984, Philabundance focuses on reducing hunger and food insecurity in the Delaware Valley by providing food access to people in need in partnership with other organizations and individuals. Philabundance works with close to 500 member agencies in 9 counties and serves approximately 72,000 people per week at a cost of 50 cents per meal. For more information about Philabundance, visit www.philabundance.org or call 215-339-0900. If you or someone you know is in need of food assistance, please call Philabundance’s Food Help Line, 800-319-FOOD (3663).
