Moscow Food Co-op Producer Profile

by Jackie Molen, from the March 2003 newsletter

Dottie not only has a vision, but she has the motivation to go out and make her dreams come true. Whether it is writing a book, traveling the world or helping people, she is there. Luckily for us, she also produces some wonderful products that are for sale at the Co-op.

Dottie supplies the Co-op with her organic silk eye pillows. Perhaps you may have seen them. Containing organic flax seeds and lavender flowers combined in a silk case, they emit soothing aromatherapy and just enough pressure for a good night's sleep. Dottie pokes holes in the packages so potential customers can smell the sweet lavender for themselves.

The idea originated from an experience of her own. In 1989 she brought home a silk eye pillow from a barter fair and saw the benefits. Now, thanks to Dottie, they are available for everyone at the Moscow Food Co-op. These pillows can be purchased in a variety of calming colors.

In addition to her eye pillows she makes hair scrunches out of recycled velvet. Recycling is something that is really important to Dottie.

"Sometimes I'm afraid we will wake up and find ourselves under garbage. I worry because we keep generating so much stuff," she said. I would have to agree.

Dottie has lived in her solar powered home in Santa since 1987. Now she shares it with her husband of two and half years. In the woods they are 'off the grid' for electricity and water but find ways to overcome the obstacles. I personally have never been to a solar-powered house-especially one that sounds so efficient. She even has a sauna and a composting toilet!

Every week she makes the journey from Santa to Moscow, where Dottie works. She has seven years experience working with disabled people at Milestone Decisions. Currently, they have twenty-six clients. Dottie seems to really enjoy her job. I'm glad to be reminded some people do actually like what they do for a living. As we speak, she is helping one of her clients, who has Cerebral Palsy, write a book. He communicates with her by taps.

As I found out, this was not Dottie's only experience with writing books. She has published her own book called Savior Self. It's a book about recovery from domestic violence. Due to a small technical flaw in the printing process, she was able to send five hundred free copies to five hundred women's shelters across the nation. Who knew mistakes could actually help? Anyone interested in her book can find it at Book People or at the Moscow Public Library.

Currently Dottie is preparing to go to India to see her son. Although not biologically mother and son, it is apparent they have a very close connection. According to Dottie, they just adopted one another. The two met when the boy was five and now he is seventeen and finishing high school in India. This is a trip Dottie has been looking forward to and I hope she'll have a wonderful time.

Look for Dottie and her products next time you go the Co-op.

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