Cooperators of the Month: Jacquelyn Aveta & James Gentile

Joined Weavers Way: 2009

Live in: West Mt. Airy

Why they joined: “Our neighbors belonged to the Co-op, and I walked through with them. I thought, ‘That looks kind of cool.’”

Current jobs: Jacquelyn is a physician and hospitalist at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, working mostly with high-risk patients out of a clinic at 63rd and Locust streets in West Philly. James works in IT for Sungard Availability Services.

Family facts: They have two children — Sal (9), and Gigi (6). James also has two grown children from a previous marriage who live out of state.

Why they’re working members: “The discount helps….but I like the fact that it gives me the opportunity to help in the community.”

Co-op job history: Jacquelyn enjoys helping out at events in the community; she recently helped put down wood chips with other cooperators at Awbury Arboretum. James has helped make pet toys and treats at ACCT Philly, and enjoys the early morning bakery shift at the Chestnut Hill store.

Favorite Co-op products: Prepared Foods soups and salmon grain bowls, Talluto’s frozen manicotti, Lil Pop Shop ice pops. They do all of their shopping at the Co-op.

A little Co-op love: “When we walk in here, I feel comfortable…There’s so much stuff going on in this country that’s horrible….with so much uncertainty out there, I feel safe in here.”

— Karen Plourde