| Who is Pasty Central?
This is a project of Still Waters Assisted Living Community in Calumet, Michigan. For many years the residents of the Home have peeled the veggies for their pasties, as a regular activity. Over the years, a small number of pasties were sold locally as a fund raiser, always receiving praise for the quality and taste. In 1995, Still Waters first appeared on the Internet, and in '96 was granted the domain name "pasty.com". Subsequently "pasty.net" and "pasty.org" were acquired for future expansion by this non-profit Home for the Aged. In 1999, "PastyNET, Inc." was incorporated. There are about 65 residents at the Home and 42 employees in the combined organization. Who makes the pasties? It started as a team effort, with the residents continuing the tradition of peeling some of their own veggies on "pasty day", and the staff making a modest amount of extra pasties once a month, to send to customers. Due to the high demand, eventually the entire making/baking process became approved under USDA inspection, for wholesale distribution. Now fresh handmade pasties, using the original Still Waters recipe, are made every week by our experienced staff of skilled pasty makers. How many pasties are sold over the Internet, and who buys them? At the turn of the century, orders reached an annualized pace of about 20,000 pasties per year. This number has grown rapidly because of the high percentage of repeat customers. Shipments have been made to hundreds of cities and rural areas in all 50 states. See our constantly updated customer map. How are the pasties shipped? Early in 1999 we switched exclusively to Airborne Express, because of the advantages of tracking, verified delivery, and guaranteed overnight and 2-day service. Our package material is a combination of
When my pasties arrive, can they be refrozen? From our experience, and the reports we receive, it is safe to refreeze the pasties, but some say it tends to diminish the flavor. For best results, heat and serve within a couple of days of arrival. How do I pay for my order? For your convenience we feature a secure order form. Credit card numbers can be submitted with confidence that the information cannot be viewed by others. There is also an option to pay by return invoice (honor system) in an envelope included with the instructions. How does this project benefit Still Waters Assisted Living? The net proceeds, after expenses, are used to fund a building upkeep reserve account, required by the USDA, which holds the mortgage on the Home. Along with tax-deductible gifts from many of our Internet friends, this is enabling us to do much-needed repairs and furniture replacement at the Home. One vital aspect of this project is the support we receive from our sponsors. Your purchases of other food items and Copper-Country related gifts also benefit our Home for the Aged. Our elderly residents especially benefit by the realization that they participate in something of significance for others throughout North America. We appreciate the wonderful feedback we receive about this project and our website. You can read some of it at Past-E-Mail. ...And we would love to hear from you. What does the future hold for Pasty Central? First, we are committed to maintain excellent service and provide satisfaction to our customers. New local sponsors are continually joining us as well. In 1999 we became a full service ISP and began producing for wholesale distribution, under USDA inspection. We welcome your suggestions as to how this project might be more effective and grow in days ahead. How do I contact Pasty Central? Of course, e-mail is the most expedient: visitors@pasty.com or you are welcome to write:
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