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#ShopSouthPhilly Partner Business Frame Fatale

Check out the framing ninjas at our Shop South Philly partner Frame Fatale, located at 1813 East Passyunk Ave. South Philly Food Co-op members get a 10% discount on excellent custom framing.  That's right, Frame Fatale just won the 2013 Philly Hot list for Best Custom Framing!  They do a beautiful job framing everything from photos to tiles to athletic jerseys.  If you are looking for a one-of-a-kind gift, they can create amazing shadowboxes to display your special memories.  The store also has these adorable new hand-cut maps of East Passyunk.

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They also give back to the community.  The current art show, Marker Magic, is a fundraiser exhibition for the Andrew Jackson Elementary School.  The drawings are by Philadelphia artist Kate Kern Mundie. The Crayola marker drawings focus on the dramatic light and vibrant color in the landscape and many of the drawings depict scenes from Passyunk Square.  These pretty and affordable pieces are available through December 7th and a third of sales benefit the school. 

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So many reasons to love Frame Fatale!  Purchase artwork there or bring in your own for a holiday gift.  Check the sidebar on their site for the handy “Still framing for Christmas” logo.  So stop by for that special gift and don't forget to thank them for supporting the South Philly Food Co-op!

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#ShopSouthPhilly Partner Business: Bella Vista Family Chiropractic

Yesterday, I had the pleasure of my first appointment with Dr. David Martin of Bella Vista Family Chiropractic, located at 826 Christian Street. The office is conveniently located on Christian Street, just 1/2 a block from the Italian Market, and the entrance is on the side of the building. Look for the skeleton, JawKnee Depp, lazily lounging outside, then pick up some cheese, charcuterie or a hoagie on your way home.

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When you set up your appointment, they'll ask for your email address so that you can complete the new patient paperwork online before you even show up - how cool is that? Once you arrive for your appointment,  the Office Manager, Shavon, greets you and gets your paperwork and payment in order. The best part? First-time visits are just $25 for South Philly Food Co-op Members and are donated to a local non-profit! You can choose between The Bethesda Project and The Food Trust, and you can read about each organization and general chiropractic terms while you wait.

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Dr. Martin takes the time to explain everything he's evaluating and will let you know if x-rays or further tests are needed. He's extremely kind and knowledgeable and - judging by the army of little ones coming and going - very patient! (note: they have a play area and free coloring pages, too)

In addition, I noticed on their website and in the office that the office would be closed during Thanksgiving week. Not for the holiday, as perhaps you would expect, but because Dr. Martin and his wife, Karen, are heading to Peru for their annual service trip. There's lots more great information about Dr. Martin, the practice, chiropractic care and general wellness on their blog, so definitely check that out. They even participate in community events, like Teacher Appreciation Days.

If you have pain or other issues, or are just looking to maintain your general health and well-being, consider paying a visit to Bella Vista Family Chiropractic, you won't be disappointed! Of course, don't forget to show your South Philly Food Co-op membership card to take advantage of your Member Discount and snap a photo for our #ShopSouthPhilly Photo Contest!

-Jen Honovic Herczeg

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#shopsouthphilly Photo Contest Launching 11/18

To celebrate the businesses who are part of the Co-op's Shop South Philly discount program and thank them for their great support over the last couple years, we want to encourage our members to take advantage of these discounts and specials by shopping or dining at the Shop South Philly businesses. We also want to give everyone a chance to have a little fun and win great prizes while doing so!

Starting November 18 and running through December 29, we invite you to take a picture that represents you shopping at, eating at or using one of these businesses. The rules are very loose on what has to be in the picture.

Get your cell phone or camera and (for example)...

Share the picture on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook (and here's the important part) with the hashtag #shopsouthphilly. That way, we'll be able to search for all the pictures easily. You also should also include the name of the business. If you know the Facebook name, Twitter handle or Instagram name of the business link to that. Two of our Co-op volunteers were out last Sunday at Breezy's Cafe and snapped this picture of their great brunch on Instagram:

Brunch at Breezy's

The Prizes

Each week we'll pick one picture to win a great bunch of prizes that includes... wait for it... a South Philly Food Co-op coffee mug, all packaged in a cool little canvas South Philly Food Co-op bag from Occasionette.

On Monday, December 30th, we'll post all six weekly winners plus a few of our other favorites on our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages and let everyone vote with their Likes, Hearts, Retweets, Stars, Comments and whatever else constitutes some kind of engagement with the picture. The highest vote getter by midnight on Sunday, January 5th will get our Grand Prize... which has yet to be determined but will be awesome.

This holiday season, whether you're out shopping for gifts, taking some time to go out and have some fun, or looking to use services from car sharing to composting, dog walking to baby birthing, please consider on of the businesses that have been supporting the South Philly Food Co-op. And if you're not a member-owner of the Co-op yet, consider joining to take advantage of these great offers.

On November 18th... let the #SHOPSOUTHPHILLY picture taking BEGIN!

Connect with us:

Instagram: @southphillyfoodcoop

Facebook: South Philly Food Co-op

Twitter: @spfoodcoop

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Winter Wine & Cheese Pairing Party Photos

If you missed our Wine & Cheese Pairing Party with Madame Fromage, or if you just want to relive all the cheesy goodness, we've got photos and details on the cheeses you tasted.

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November Newsletter

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Report From The Fall General Membership Meeting

Twice a year, the South Philly Food Co-op gathers its members together to celebrate the successful  past accomplishments and plan for the future. This past October’s meeting was no different in focus, yet it featured some important reviews.

Co-op Volunteer of the Year: Leigh Goldenberg

Leigh at Soup Swap IIOne of the most important aspects of this Co-op is that it is driven by volunteers. Currently there are no paid staff members.  40 active volunteers  help to chair and participate in the various committee work necessary to build the Co-op. In addition to the great work from all of our volunteers, Leigh Goldenberg, who is the chair of the Events Committee, was chosen as volunteer of the year. (Pictured right, "drafting" a soup at Soup Swap II.)

As chair of the Events Committee, Leigh helped organize and plan the Co-op’s most successful fundraising campaign, The Garden Tour. Beyond raising over $9500 and including tours of 16 gardens throughout South Philly, this tour helps realize the community of the Co-op. It encourages people to get out and meet their neighbors and to become part of the Co-op.

Food Co-op Initiative Grant

In addition to the success of this year’s Garden Tour, the Co-op has also been awarded two separate grants, including one from the Food Co-op Initiative for $10,000, a prestigious accomplishment for the Co-op as we were one of 10 winners from a pool of 40 applicants.

Consider Running for the Board in the Spring!

The chair of the Co-op's Leadership Committee, Aubrey Jones, reminded the assembled crowd that elections for our Board of Directors would be happening at the Spring General Membership Meeting. We encourage all members who meet the very basic criteria for being eligible to serve on the Board to consider running. The health of any organization can be measured in the degree to which elections for its governing body are contested. We'll be sending out more information about how you can be nominated to appear on the ballot in the spring. Eligibility requirements can be found in our Bylaws (Article 5. Paragraph 3). Get involved now with one of our committees and you will have already taken care of one requirement! 

While there are many great accomplishments to review, the committees are continuing to do more work on future events. These include organizing  more house parties  to increase our membership to our next goal of 600. If you missed this Fall’s General Membership meeting, consider attending the meeting in the Spring. It’s an excellent way to stay aware and involved with the many opportunities to help the Co-op grow.

 

Upcoming Events

We have two exciting events in November. These events are open to the public. They provide opportunities for not-yet members to meet people who have become member-owners and learn more about the Co-op (while having a lot of fun!)

Holiday Shopping Kick-Off at Occasionette, with Farm to City
Thursday, November 21, 5-8pm
1825 East Passyunk

Visit Occasionette to get a jump on your holiday shopping! Co-op members will receive 10% off all purchases and will receive a free tote bag. This lovely housewares shop also plays host to Farm to City's Winter Harvest buying club, so you can learn more about this program (or pick up your pre-order that night). We'll have refreshments, good cheer, and fellow Co-op members on hand!
 

Green Street Coffee Roasters and Kermit's Bake Shoppe Special Tour and Tasting
Saturday, December 14, 10am
1919 Alter Street 

Join the Co-op for a very unique west of Broad Street tasting experience. Meet at Green Street Coffee's roasting facility for a tour, explanation of the roasting process and a tasting of their finest selections of coffees. What else could you want on a cold weekend morning in December? 

How about pastries? Yes there will also be a selection of freshly baked goodies from Kermit's Bake Shoppe, baked on premises just two blocks away. Both local suppliers will be ready and eager to sell you their wares to make as fine holiday gifts and party treats. This is a great way to meet your neighbors and enjoy some off the beaten path insider knowledge to local fare.

 

Shop South Philly Shout Out

ssp_logo.pngOne of the exciting, new benefits of the South Philly Food Co-op is the Shop South Philly Program. Although many South Philly businesses are now participating by offering discounts to our members, we are also featuring like-minded businesses across the city.

One of our latest additions is Mariposa Food Co-op (4824 Baltimore Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19143), who is offering a 5% discount for members who show their membership card. Check out the entire list of businesses on our website.

 

 

Member Count as of November 5th

 Latest count of member-ownersThank you to everyone who became a Co-op member in October. Since our last newsletter, we've welcomed 15 new members who joined at one of our events, at a Civic Association meeting where one of our Speakers Bureau members was talking about the Co-op, at our Fall General Membership Meeting, by mailing in an application or just finding someone they know on a committee and handing over an application.

We're getting closer to our next big goal of 600. Check our our Timeline to Opening to see what reaching that goal means for our progression. 

 

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Wine & Cheese Class with Madame Fromage

On Sunday, November 3, the Co-op welcomes diva of dairy Madame Fromage, aka Tenaya Darlington, to South Philadelphia for an exploration of the perfect holiday wine and cheese pairings. You’ll walk away an expert on how to craft your own winter cheese plate – and how to select the perfect wines to match! Here, Tenaya tells you more about this party idea here on her blog.

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Find Out What ALL the Co-op Committees Are Up To!

Each month, our 10 standing and ad hoc committees and working groups submit to our Board of Directors a short report of what they've been working, things they've accomplished and challenges they've encountered over the month. In our continuing effort to give the Co-op's member-owners (and anyone interested in becoming a member-owner) access to as much information as possible about what's happening "behind the scenes" we are sharing these reports with you. Below you'll find reports submitted to the board and shared in print with the members who attended the Fall General Membership Meeting on October 17. If you have any questions about anything you see here or would like to be part of one of these committees (and take that first step toward running for the board this spring!) please email [email protected].

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Fellow co-op'ers in Kensington engage in a fall member-owner campaign

Our friends at the Kensington Community Food Co-op are using this fall to conduct a member-owner campaign. Their goal: 60 new member-owners in 60 days ending on December 1. As part of the effort, they've organized a number of activities in and around their neighborhood to continue spreading the word about their effort to open a food co-op in Kensington.

Below is the text of a press release they sent around. We encourage all of our members and followers to check out what they've got going on and to spread the word to any of your friends and family who live in Kensington, Fishtown, Northern Liberties and the surrounding neighborhoods so they might consider joining up.

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UPDATE: Five Great Reasons (and One Amazing Reason) to Attend the Fall 2013 General Membership Meeting

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UPDATE: Be sure to arrive early at 6 p.m. for the "amazing reason" to attend the Fall General Membership Meeting (see below).

ORIGINAL: If you're a member of the South Philly Food Co-op (or an observer pondering membership, and if so, why not join now?), you know that the co-op is about getting together.

We have little get-togethers to swap soup, swap beer and even brew beer; and we have bigger get-togethers to marvel at the amazing gardens of South Philly and play food quizzo.  

But twice a year we ALL get together for our big general membership meetings. 

There are five great reasons (and one really amazing reason) to attend the Fall General Membership Meeting on Thursday, October 17th, at 6:30 p.m., at the Pep Community Room at 1200 South Broad Street. 

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The Soup Thickens

 

 

Fall is in the air… or perhaps Indian summer.  But whatever the season, there’s great produce to turn into delicious soup.  Rich butternut squash, savory spinach and hearty tomatoes are just a few of the flavors that we’re hoping to see at our upcoming Soup Swap on Thursday, October 24 at 6:30 pm. 

 

 

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