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From Our Past: Helpful Hannah
by Sydney Chambers and Carolynne Myall

Recently, Karin McAdams shared an old issue of Friendly Woman ( from the days when Penn Valley was involved in its production). One of the delightful features in it, "Helpful Hannah," was written by Sydney Chambers and Carolynne Myall, then of this Meeting. The following is borrowed from this advice column for our edification.

DEAR HELPFUL HANNAH,
I will clerk a meeting for the first itme next week. Following Friends' tradition, we always begin with a moment of silence. But how long is a "moment of silence"?
Signed,
Silent and Anxious

DEAR ANXIOUS,
I'm afraid thee can only make this judgment, like so much of Friendly practice, on a case-by-case basis. Do not strive for an unQuakerlike consistency! On the other hand, the following may be regarded as signs thee has waited too long:

  • All preschool-age children at the gathering have escaped; or
  • The silence is now being intensified not only by heavy breathing, but also by whistles, chirps, and snores; or
  • Thee is no longer able to recall the stated purpose of the meeting.
When thee feels that one of the above descriptions speaks to thy group's condition, by all means clear thy throat!

DEAR HELPFUL HANNAH,
I am preparing for my third Meeting potluck of the week, and I'm depressed. the first time I made my tofu-spinach-sunflower seed quiche, everyone loved it. But the the last fie or six potlucks, half the quiche was left at the end of the gathering. I don't know what's wrong. Should I add oat bran to the crust?
Signed,
Desperate in the Kitchen

DEAR DESPERATE,
I have found the following chart useful in providing subtle variation while staying within the traditional potluck parameters. Just select one ingredient from each column, mix well, cook (if desired), and serve cheerfully!

Keep in the Light!
Love,
Hannah

HELPFUL HANNAH'S POTLUCK PLOTTER
Select one ingredient from each column, mix well, cook (if desired), and serve cheerfully!
pumpkin seeds tofu cream of mushroom soup garlic oat bran
garlic tofu lentils broccoli jello
sunflower seeds tofu garlic spinach wheat germ
sesame seeds tofu marshmallows cauliflower Velveeta cheese
watermelon seeds tofu raisins peas garlic