By: Anya Firszt, General Manager
Hello March, Hello Spring?
Last month brought us some surprisingly warm days mixed with a few chilly ones. Even though spring is officially just around the corner, I wouldn’t pack away your snow gear just yet. After all, this is Wisconsin.
What is Going on This Month?
Daylight saving time starts on Sunday, March 8th. Be sure to plan ahead, since losing that hour can really throw off your day.
St. Patrick’s Day is on Tuesday, March 17th. If you enjoy traditional Irish fare, the Deli Hot Bar will feature hearty (and comforting) Irish-inspired dishes such as Colcannon (Irish mashed potatoes), corned beef brisket, cabbage, beer cheese soup, beef stew, and soda bread. See the ad on page 24.
The vernal, or spring, equinox in 2026 falls on Friday, March 20. On this day, night and day are the same in length, and after that, days will be longer than nights. I’m looking forward to the extra light and warmer days. Happy first day of spring!
Access Program Renewal Time
It’s time for Access Program renewals. If you are already enrolled, you should have received an email or U.S. Mail notice. To continue receiving the 10% discount on your purchases, all Owners who participate in the Access Program must sign up by March 31, 2026.
Renewing your enrollment in the Access Program is easy! Pick up a form at the Customer Service desk or go to https://form.jotform.com/222974419194061 to fill it out online. Once your online or paper form is submitted, it will be reviewed and approved by the Owner Records Administrator, and your discount will be renewed without needing to go to the store. If you have an equity payment due, you will be flagged at the register to make that payment next time you shop.
If you are new to this program, Owners with financial need can enroll in for the Access Program. It lets you make smaller ownership payments over a longer time and gives you a 10% discount on food and other products at the Co-op, one free class, and a reusable tote. Visit our website to learn more about this benefit and how to qualify: www.willystreet.coop/access.
MN Register Campaign
Thank you to everyone who gave so generously to the register fundraising campaign for the Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota and Groveland Emergency Food Shelf. We raised $54,104 from customers, and the Board added $10,000 from abandoned equity funds, bringing the total to $64,104 for these two organizations. I am always amazed by this community—you truly came through!
FY25 Patronage
If you haven’t already claimed your Fiscal Year 2025 patronage refund store credit, you have until June 28, 2026, to do so. Owners who receive store credit are welcome to use it toward a purchase, redeem it for cash, or donate it to the Double Dollars Fund.
On the Horizon
- The 2026 DEI Workplan has been developed, and we are working through our action plans. Check out our DEI page on our website for more updates: www.willystreet.coop/DEI.
- FY2027 Budget planning starts in earnest this coming month.
- Plant starts will be arriving in April, so get ready to dig in the dirt!
Eagerly awaiting the signs of spring.
-Anya
