by Anya Firszt, General Manager
Hello April
April brings us practical jokes and hoaxes on April Fool’s Day, the 51st annual Earth Day celebration on April 22, and the beginning of our fourth fiscal quarter.
The Co-op is celebrating Earth Day for a whole week by offering Owners 10% off bulk products (excluding eggs and kombucha) during what we call Earth Week—April 19-25. This is a good time to stock up! Plus, to help you get your garden growing, soil, compost, and seeds are also on sale.
COVID-19: Light at the end of the tunnel
We have news to report with regard to progress toward pandemic recovery and the steps we have taken or are taking to cautiously increase capacity and hours of operations, and expanded services at our retails. You can learn more about changes in our operations and prevention protocols in this Reader issue in the Cooperative Services News by Kirsten Moore (p. 17).
Highlights from Kirsten’s update include coordinating vaccinations for Tier B1 essential (grocery) workers, lifting of reserved shopping hours for seniors and immune-compromised shoppers, ending the fruit and vegetable subscription program, cautiously increasing in-store capacity limits, providing outside seating, and affirming our commitment to continue to require face coverings and social distancing until further notice.
Annual Meeting
We are still discussing the plans for this year’s Annual Meeting based on where we are now with the pandemic, where we might be by this summer, and what Wil-Mar Neighborhood Center’s plans are for La Fête de Marquette; we expect to announce a decision by mid-April. Whatever the format, we know that the Annual Meeting will take place on July 8, 2021. Meeting start time to be determined. Stay tuned for updates.
Run for the Willy Street Co-op Board of Directors
Have you ever considered running for the Board of Directors? We have three open seats that can only be filled by a qualified Owner. You have this month and next to get your ducks in a row, attend an orientation session, and complete the application that is due by the end of day on June 1, 2021. For more information about the application process and a link to the application form, check out this page on our website: www.willystreet.coop/run-for-board.
Voting for the Board takes place the first three weeks in July with the election results announced at the Special Owner Meeting July 21, 2021. Ballots can be cast by mail, via phone, online, or at one of our stores.
EatStreet
Did you know, Willy Street Co-op is now on EatStreet? You can get sandwiches, roast chickens, salads, and more for delivery, or you can add beer and wine to your order for curbside pick up at the tap of a finger.
Next month, we plan to share with you a summary of the Step Up: Equity Matters assessment report including their recommendations and our steps to own and implement those recommendations.
Until then, be safe.