by Anya Firszt, General Manager
Hello Willy Street Co-op Community. Happy November! This month marks the beginning of the 2019 holiday season. It’s that time again to make plans to gather with friends and family to share thanks and gratitude for one another and to eat! Whether you are a weekly or seasonal Co-op shopper, you’ll find everything you need to create a holiday meal that will surprise and delight the traditional as well as the adventurous tastebuds of all those on your guest list.
We have it all: herbs and spices, nuts and dried fruits, grains and rices, turkey and not-turkey, and pumpkin—don’t forget the pumpkin. We will have pies ready for eating or the ingredients for making and baking your own, as well as everything needed for my personal favorite, dressing!
Please note that our retails close early on Thanksgiving Day, so, if you find yourself in need of that essential ingredient, be certain to pop in before 2:30pm, which is closing time on the 28th.
New at the retails
If you have already set your sights on your holiday wish or gift list, the retails have stocked up on some must-have items, including Andes Gifts Fair Trade hand-knitted items to keep those fingers, ears and toes toasty warm when the weather turns cold outside! We have a new selection of puzzles and games for all ages. We aim to please.
You will also find that a few new pieces of equipment that have been installed at each of the retails, as well as a few product location changes. If you are not able to find something where it once was, please be sure to ask one of our staff to help you find it.
And, if you have not seen the mural at Willy North, “Good Things Grow Here,” be sure to swing by and take a gander. This community art project was done in collaboration with Dane Arts Mural Arts (DAMA). Special thanks also all the folks that contributed to the theme selection, as well as to those who painted portions of the mural, including budding young artists from BriarPatch Youth Services for making this aesthetically appealing addition to Willy North.
Collective Bargaining Negotiations
We are moving forward with collective bargaining with the union that staff voted to represent them, the UE Local 1186. We will keep you posted about any agreement reached.
Hate Has No Home Here
Certain people have taken it upon themselves to sticker our property in order to promote their anti-trans messages. Three customers have also come forward with testimonials of intimidation and harassment. We will not tolerate the use of Co-op spaces for hate. We stand with our LGBTQ+ customers and community members and will continue to provide a safe space for members of the LGBTQ+ community to join, shop, work, and enjoy. We will remove all hate propaganda as soon as it is located and we will take action if we witness intimidation or harassment of any kind or catch anyone vandalizing Co-op property.
Online shopping and delivery
Shopping online can buy you some time and help make your holiday shopping easy and more fun, find out more about store pick up or home delivery here: shop.willystreet.coop.
Special store hours:
• Thanksgiving Day, November 28: Stores close at 2:30pm
• December 24: Stores close at 6:00pm
• December 25 and January 1: Closed
Happy Thanksgiving, may the day bring you much joy and happiness that will last throughout the holiday season, and into the New Year.