Thursday, November 12, 2009

A Treat of a Retreat and Another Arroyo Food Co-Op Social

Ordinarily, when you're on a board and the president schedules a "board retreat," it's a good idea to make appropriate excuses. "Oh, I"m so sorry, but that's the day that I'm taking the cat to the vet." "Oh, no. I'm having a root canal that day." And, believe me, in most cases the root canal would be the less painful option.

If you're lucky, no board member has committed murder-suicide by the end of the "retreat." Even members of the most harmonious groups can turn into eye-rolling adolescents after being cooped up for eight-hours straight.

But that wasn't the case last Saturday when I spent eight hours with the steering committee of the Arroyo Food Co-op Store. Our retreat location, in a private cabin in the Angeles National Forest, was idyllic, the food was delicious and the company, even after that eight-hour stretch, was smart, insightful and fun.

We were even able to discuss the merit and meaning of words such as "gourmet," "real food," "local" and "organic" without breaking into a food fight.

Would you like to have an inside glimpse into the creativity and passion of this group? Would you like to become more involved on a task or planning basis?

Then join me at the first Pasadena social gathering on Saturday, November 14. You'll get to meet the organizers, find out how the Arroyo Food Co-op Store is progressing and learn ways to get involved.

When: Saturday November 14, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Yoga House, 11 W. State St., Pasadena
Admission is free.

And, since I'm in charge of food (and since this is a food blog), I'll share the menu for our "light refreshments":

- Homemade tri-color torta of pesto, sun dried tomatoes and marscarpone cheese with baguette slices

- Roasted baby potatoes

- Roasted Jerusalem artichokes

- Cold or hot apple cider (with a little something to spike it)

Come for the food, stay for the company and, before the end of the evening, sign up to become one of the first 500 members of the Arroyo Food Co-op.

11 comments:

JCK said...

I'm relieved that you are taking charge of this. :) I so wish I could come on Saturday, but can't this time. I will spread the word. It's fantastic that this is happening! Thanks for all of your hard work. And glad no one went bonkers after or during the retreat!

Anonymous said...

You're a pip, you really are. Seems as though the co-op is really going to fly, which I think is great.

Petrea Burchard said...

I'm not going to take on more work right now, Susan. I'll be straight with you. But I will say that it sounds like a good group is working on a good thing. Whoever puts you in charge of food is doing something right.

Margaret said...

Oh, Petrea! How very Oya of you. I can't come either, but keep up the good work.

Petrea Burchard said...

Ach! the Goddess worked on me! Oya! Oh, no. Oh yeah!

Unknown said...

Since I live in the UK, I'm not going to be able to make it to your little soiree but want to applaud your efforts and absolute commitment...You go girl!

Anonymous said...

Do you have to be a dena?

Desiree said...

Sorry to have missed this, but I join the rank and file cheering you on!

Susan C said...

Thanks, all, for the support. Now we just need you all to become members (except UK Kym is exempt). You don't have to do any volunteer work and you can spread the $300 membership fee over ten years ($30/year) if you like.

And, YES, PA, you're part of the "Arroyo." We'd love to have you.

Susan

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