By Anita Bushell
Notice some new faces roaming the aisles? The Coop has several new staff members. The Linewaiters’ Gazette took a few minutes to welcome and get to know them.
Tanya Steinberg, Receiving Coordinator:
What brought you to the Coop?
The amazing, affordable food and community. I moved to New York City in 2015 and the Coop, where my brother had been a member, was one of the factors in the “pro” column when deciding to make that move.
Where were you working before you joined the Coop?
I worked in restaurants most of my life, which is where I developed a love for food. Since moving to New York City, I worked as a studio manager for an artist and personal assistant to an interior decorator before coming to the Coop.
When did you start working at the Coop?
I came on staff in September 2022, but I also worked on weekends during the pandemic as a temporary worker in Receiving.
What is your favorite Coop product?
So many things. I mean, it’s hard to talk about anything without mentioning the incredible produce but I’m currently obsessed with the Vegan Tomato ‘Nduja made by City Saucery that lives on the gourmet endcap.
What do you do when you’re not working at the Coop?
I am a painter, so I spend time in my studio when not at the Coop. I also am an avid bird watcher and go to Green-Wood Cemetery to enjoy birds and nature a few times a week.
Do you cook? If so, what is your go-to weeknight recipe?
Yes, I cook. My go-to is roasted vegetables with homemade seitan (super delicious and easy to make by the way).
What is your favorite Park Slope business?
I don’t live in Park Slope so I will plug my favorite business in Sunset Park, the neighborhood where I spend most of my time: Yafa Cafe is a wonderful Yemeni café, with great food and coffee. Super chill and friendly vibe.
Marion Moran, Receiving Coordinator:
What brought you to the Coop?
A very good friend of mine told me about the wonderful produce, low prices, and friendly community of people, so I joined in September of 1998. I have been a longtime, committed member and have enjoyed it ever since.
Where were you working before you joined the Coop?
Before working at the Coop, I was completing my business degree at Brooklyn College and worked as a volunteer in Cats TNR & Rescue. I also interned with NYPIRG (New York Public Interest Research Group) and spent time as an environmental activist and helped with beach cleanups around Jamaica Bay.
When did you start working at the Coop?
I started working at the Coop in January 2023 as a receiving coordinator.
What is your favorite Coop product?
I love all the wonderful fresh organic produce, eggs from humanely raised chickens, grass-fed ground beef and other healthy food options at the Coop. I cannot say that I have one favorite product.
What do you do when you’re not working at the Coop?
When I am not working in the Coop, I am birding in Prospect Park, visiting museums, gardening or relaxing at home with my many rescue cats.
Do you cook? If so, what is your go-to weeknight recipe?
Yes, I cook. I love making large pots of soups and stews, so that I have something to rely on when coming home late from work. I usually cook on my days off.
What is your favorite Park Slope business?
My favorite Park Slope business is the Coop, of course!
Dennis Dorgan, Receiving Coordinator:
What brought you to the Coop?
I stumbled in on my first day living in Brooklyn!
Where were you working before you joined the Coop?
While in Brooklyn I worked in sales at R&A Cycles. Before I moved to New York, I was a sawyer at Pacific Rim Tonewoods in Washington [state] for seven years.
When did you start working at the Coop?
Late May, 2023.
What is your favorite Coop product?
Lime LaCroix from the dairy cooler.
What do you do when you’re not working at the Coop?
I enjoy riding my bike and playing music when I can.
Do you cook? If so, what is your go-to weeknight recipe?
Baked Lemon Garlic Coho Salmon with rice and greens.
What is your favorite Park Slope business?
Aside from the Coop, I’m a big fan of Miss American Pie on 5th Ave. A warm space with lovely pie, treats and baking classes run by a very friendly married couple.
Elly Dittmar, Membership Coordinator:
What brought you to the Coop?
When I first moved to New York, I was living with members. After learning more I was super excited to join and contribute!
Where were you working before you joined the Coop?
Before joining staff here, I was working for a catering company based at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden.
When did you start working at the Coop?
August 2022.
What is your favorite Coop product?
Anything from the cheese case!
What do you do when you’re not working at the Coop?
I spend much of my free time with my dog and close friends, hanging out and cooking or watching TV. I like to go on long walks and hikes. During the summer I try to make it to the beach as much as possible!
Do you cook? If so, what is your go-to weeknight recipe?
Yes, my roommate and I love to cook! Tacos are definitely our go-to.
What is your favorite Park Slope business?
I love Bagel Hole on 7th Avenue and 12th Street!
Karina Gee, Membership Coordinator:
What brought you to the Coop?
I joined in 1993 when my roommate at the time convinced me to join by taking me shopping with him one day.
Where were you working before you joined the Coop?
My prior career was in consumer products licensing—granting permission to manufacturers to use my companies’ brands and intellectual property on their products, packaging and services. Immediately before joining the staff at the Coop, I worked at Girl Scouts of the USA, expanding the brand into licensed products like Girl Scout Cookie-flavored coffee from Dunkin’ Donuts, Girl Scout Cookie ice cream from Breyers, and Girl Scout Cookie Blizzards at Dairy Queen. Prior to that, I handled consumer products licensing for The Sopranos at HBO, The Muppets at the Jim Henson Company and Peter Rabbit for Viking Penguin.
When did you start working at the Coop?
I joined the staff as a membership coordinator in August 2022.
What is your favorite Coop product?
I’ve recently discovered the Mitica Carmelized Pecans in the bulk aisle. They definitely live up to the tag line on the label: “Crunchy & Addictive”!
What do you do when you’re not working at the Coop?
During the pandemic, I took up birding and am now an avid birder in Green-Wood Cemetery. I actually met receiving coordinator Tanya Steinberg on a guided bird walk before we both were hired! I’ve also been trying to do more baking, something my mother taught me when I was a kid. And I was recently elected president of my apartment building’s coop board, so that’s been taking up a lot of my free time.
Do you cook? If so, what is your go-to weeknight recipe?
My cooking skills are pretty basic, so I like to cook a big batch of something and re-heat through the week. One of my go-to recipes is a Peruvian chicken and rice recipe I found on the New York Times Cooking app.
What is your favorite Park Slope business?
The Park Slope Food Coop, of course!
Eric Alger, Receiving Coordinator:
What brought you to the Coop?
I had been living in the city for about two years and had become frustrated with both the prices and quality of groceries available within close walking distance of my apartment. Despite this, I had become increasingly interested in cooking. My partner at the time knew of the Coop and suggested we both join.
Where were you working before you joined the Coop?
I continue to freelance as a studio assistant for a multimedia artist and eyewear/accessories designer named Kerin Rose Gold. Prior to meeting Kerin a year ago, I spent time working for Trader Joe’s, Getty Images and Patrick McMullan Company.
When did you start working at the Coop?
I joined the Coop in early 2007, and the Receiving staff in early May 2023.
What is your favorite Coop product?
The produce.
What do you do when you’re not working at the Coop?
You’ll find me wandering around the city’s museums and galleries, enjoying live music, embellishing secondhand sportswear, making images and art, biking, dancing and swimming.
Do you cook? If so, what is your go-to weeknight recipe?
Yes, I do. I’ve got homemade hummus on hand pretty much at all times.
What is your favorite Park Slope business?
Artist & Craftsman Supply.
Anita Bushell is a freelance writer who has been published in Friends Journal, Ford Foundation Report, and Uncensored: American Experiences with Poverty and Homelessness. She just published Object Essays.