Cooperator of the Month — Sara Steele

When she joined Weavers Way: She’s an original member.

Lives In: Mt. Airy

Current job: Artist, working primarily in watercolor. “I would say a lot of my work, it’s either nature-based … or it’s internal visions. I consider myself an abstract painter, but nobody else does.”

Co-op flashback:  “It was just dinky; it was the one building. It was before they even smashed through the wall.”

Why she’s a working member: “I think it’s important to be a working member if you’re able. I just like feeling like an owner. I really feel like it’s mine, partly … and I want to know how to do the jobs that get done.”

Favorite Co-op job: “Where I’ve landed the last couple years is, I love deli, because I love Stephen [Liu, of the Mt. Airy staff]. I always work when Stephen’s working.”

Favorite co-op product: Prepared Foods’ walnut-lentil paté. She does most of her everyday shopping at Weavers Way. “There’s a great selection of the stuff I like to use, because I do like to shop primarily organically.”

A little Co-op love: “It’s a combination of a corner store and a community. You know everybody, pretty much — it’s very human."