December 2008
An eater’s digest for change
Challenges and opportunities for harvesting hope
by Goldie Caughlan, PCC Nutrition Education Manager
Change. It’s a word ripe with hope, promising a new future. Rich with positive opportunities and exceptional possibilities, change is only a word until we define it and give it form. The recent political season seemed endless, embarrassingly expensive and frequently rancorous. But change was in our hearts and on our minds.
We’ve heard about the power of positive thinking and few of us can sing the 1980s tune “Don’t worry, be happy!” without wincing, but new research shows there is wisdom in those words. A Dutch professor reviewed 30 studies on happiness from around the world covering one to 60 years and found an amazing thing.
Recipes from the December issue
Gather the kids and invite the neighbors to make cookies to enjoy during the holidays or for gifts. You’ll have many kinds of cookies to exchange, and create fun memories while mixing, baking and munching together. Try these family-friendly, delectable cookie recipes from PCC Cooks instructors: Finskbrød · Gingerbread People · Espresso Chocolate Biscotti.
Growing more organic farmers: the Pioneers of Organic Agriculture scholarship
by Daniel J. Bernardo
I’m writing to invite you to join Washington State University (WSU) in growing a new generation of pioneers in organic agriculture. Why you? Because I know PCC members and shoppers share a vision for a farming and food system that embraces sustainability from the seed to the table.
Cooperatives: for a stronger, stable economy
by Paul Hazen
Our distressed economy offers an incredible opportunity for cooperatives. Most co-ops haven’t suffered the full brunt of the volatile credit market, yet the media largely has overlooked the reasons why. What caused our current economic crisis? Popular analysts attribute it to greed, deregulation and predatory lending.
Notes from the Cellar
In other’s words ...
by Jeff Cox, Wine and Beer Merchandiser
There’s nothing quite like starting your day with a caffè doppio in Milan and finishing it with a Maritime Pacific Ale in the shadow of the Ballard Bridge. I highly recommend it.
Seasonal produce
Sweet satsumas
The best satsumas found anywhere will once again be featured at PCC. Rich Johansen’s ranch in Orland, Calif. supplies these sensational little treats that are high in vitamin C and virtually seedless. Truly, they are the sweetest, juiciest satsuma mandarins to be found, period.
Donate to meet challenge grants
by Kristin Vogel, Office & Outreach Coordinator
PCC Farmland Trust
This time of year, many of us are lucky enough to come together to enjoy and celebrate things that are meaningful and real to us: family and friends, a roof over our heads, valued traditions and rituals. As the days grow shorter and dreary, we reach out for what is bright and reassuring.
Food bank donations · Sustainable heating? · Newspaper ink, GMOs and worm bins · Microwaved food safety? · Cranberries and pesticides? · Bisphenol-A in plastic food containers? · Raw milk · Donate your diet to science
Same prices, less food · Farm Bill helps organics · Organic pasturing standard · Horse crisis? · Court prohibits mad cow testing · Antitrust action against consolidation · More allergies in children · Pesticide killing bees? · Non-GM soy making comeback · Canada challenging COOL?
2-for-1 Amtrak coupons offered at PCC · Cougar Mountain Zoo’s Reindeer Festival · RedmondLights · Chinook Book holiday sale · PCC Cooks · Holiday blood drive · Vitamin Angels
2008 fall member meeting · Upcoming talk to the board date · PCC Web site feedback?
