|
|
| Back to the Table of Contents |
Member Worker
Profile: Lorrie Graham
Cashier, Board Member, Co-op Enthusiast
|
by Andrew Elder
|
One of the most familiar
faces on the front lines at Honest Weight is now working behind the
scenes as well. Lorrie Graham, a regular member worker as a cashier, is
one of the newest Board members. It's a unique position that allows her
to see all sides of how the Co-op works and get involved, which is
right up Lorrie's alley.
Lorrie became a member about five years ago, although she'd lived in
the Albany area since 1999. Like Lisa Vines, she heard about the Co-op
but had trouble finding her way. Once she did, she immediately
purchased her share and soon after jumped into a position as a cashier
to earn her member hours. "I love meeting people, chatting with them,
and learning more about the Co-op," said Lorrie. "There's no way any
one person can come close to knowing everything about this place!"
When asked what she loves about Honest Weight, Lorrie quickly mentioned
the great produce and healthy goods (with a wheat allergy, the Sammy's
Bakery Millet and Flaxseed Bread is her favorite). In fact, she
confessed to being a bit of a veggie snob. Growing up in the Syracuse
area, Lorrie was used to a sprawling regional produce hub. "The
regional market in Syracuse was always full of farm-fresh stuff no
matter the season," says Lorrie. "Kale, root veggies, cherry and apple
picking… veggies from the freezer aisle? You've got to be kidding me!"
But it isn't all healthy stuff for Lorrie. "One thing I never acquired
a taste for is tofu. If there's soy in something I don't mind, but on
its own? Nah…," says Lorrie. "Sometimes I'll hear: ‘Do you know what to
use this for?' I just look at them and say: ‘Tofu? Sure, but not in my
kitchen!' Personally, I'd be a sugarivore, but it'd probably kill me!"
Last year, Lorrie had decided she wanted to be more involved in the
community. "Nate Horwitz came by and was asking people to run for the
Board," she said. "I overheard him, and asked what was involved. I was
thinking Board members are high-powered movers and shakers and I'm just
a cashier, but I ran and got elected!"
Once on the Board, she got a front row seat for the expansion and new
building projects. "I love being part of the Board — it's a good
experience for me in how a collective runs and how the planning process
works." For Lorrie, it's a satisfying way to get involved and make a
difference.
Lorrie has a master's degree in school psychology and has attended
numerous institutions of higher learning, from SUNY Cobleskill and
Albany, to Onondaga and Excelsior. She shares a house with one roommate
and two Welch corgies: Llywgar (pronounced "Lugar," but call him Lou)
and Gus. She also has four children and six grandchildren.
"I really like having a ‘green' alternative — no, that's the wrong
word: Honest Weight is a leader in social consciousness. Where there
are so many people who are aware of their impact on their community and
world. I never gave it much thought until I got into the Co-op."
|
| Back to the Table of Contents |
|
|
|
