by Anya Firszt, General Manager
Hello Summer!
The traditional school year is nearly over with summer vacation only days away. Neighborhood festivals are on the near horizon. And, of course, the summer solstice is this month, Friday, June 21—the official start of summer.
Busy month ahead
There is generally a lot going on at the Co-op, and this month it seems like even more than usual. June is the last month of the current fiscal year when we feverishly work to complete our planned capital expenditure projects for the year, while at the same time finalizing the operations and capital budgets for the coming fiscal year. Whew!
Reminder of what is on the docket: Willy East Commons flooring is scheduled to be replaced June 2–7. Prepare yourself for some organized chaos while that work is being done. The East Community Room will be reserved for customer seating while the Commons area is under construction and unavailable. Hopefully outdoor seating will be palatable as well.
The Willy North new office and meeting space renovation work has officially started. We expect this work to be completed by the end of June or the first part of July. This new space will allow the staff there to meet on-site rather than off-site or in super-cramped quarters. So exciting that we were able to make this adjacent vacant store front work out for this use.
And, finally, the Production Kitchen walk-in freezer project has turned out to be more complicated than we originally thought. We have decided that construction work will happen in the new fiscal year following the Annual Meeting & Party (AMP).
Number, please?
Owners, have you moved, changed your phone number, or changed your email? Please stop at the Customer Service desk to let us know so we can update your Ownership record! This will help us contact you in the event of a product recall, if you forgot your credit card or groceries, or any other reason.
And, if we have your current email address, we can email you instructions to cast your ballot online!
Board of Director Elections July 1–16
In the July issue of the Reader, you will find a ballot, along with candidate statements. We have three seats that need to be filled. Ballot boxes will be located near the Customer Service desk at any of our stores. You can also opt to vote online via the unique ballot link emailed to you, or mail absentee ballots to 1457 E. Washington Ave. Ballots are due no later than Tuesday, July 16 at 6:00pm!
Unyuck!
Madison’s east side festivals generate a LOT trash and yuck. Help the Sierra Club “unyuck” these festivals by volunteering to support their recycling effort. In return, you’ll get free refreshments and pizza! For more info, and to sign up for an event, go to:
• Waterfront Fest: signup.com/go/SAdwFZj
• Atwoodfest: signup.com/go/umWOtKg
• Orton Park Festival: signup.com/go/vrsGyqs
• Willy Street Fair: signup.com/go/QpcmfYe
Fond farewell
After 27-plus years of working for the Co-op, Mark Stadtmueller, has decided to hang up his apron and call it a wrap. Mark’s primary job has been to repack raisins (we call this Willy Pack) into one-pound bags, and he packed a whopping 168,500 pounds during his tenure at the Co-op. Mark is moving into a full-time position at his other place of employment, and I can say with total confidence he will be missed. Wishing you all the best in your future endeavors, Mark.
Board and GM Tabling
We plan to take a short hiatus from our monthly tabling routine at the stores during the summer months. However, you can count on seeing us at the Annual Meeting & Party on Thursday, July 11. Remember we are only an email or phone call away should you want to get in touch with us; you can reach the Board at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 608-237-1210.
$5 Dinner: dinner out!
The $5 Dinner has become a regular easy dinner out in our household. Mark your calendar for June 20 to be at Willy North from 4:00pm–8:00pm for some good eats and friendly conversation! We are featuring Silver Creek Naturally Grass-Fed Beef Wieners along with perfectly matched sides. We are able to satisfy vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free diets! Eat in or carry out.
Special store hours in the coming few months
• Sunday, June 30: year-end inventory count. Stores close at 7:30pm
• Thursday, July 4: Independence Day. Stores close at 7:30pm
• Thursday, July 11: Annual Meeting & Party. Regular hours
• Saturday, August 17: annual staff picnic. Stores close at 6:00pm