by: Anya Firszt, General Manager
Hello Co-op Owners. This month marks the beginning of the 2025 holiday season. First up is Thanksgiving Day on November 27, which is just 36 days away from the New Year.
This is a time for reflection on the many gifts and blessings we have received over the last year. I am truly grateful for you, our Owners, as your continued loyalty means so much to us. I also have a deep appreciation and love for our local farmers and producers for the delicious food they grow and prepare for us. Lastly, I would like to recognize our fantastic staff, whose dedication and commitment shine through in their daily work. Thank you all for being part of our co-op community.
If you’re planning a celebration where food is involved—whether it’s a large gathering or a small get-together—the Co-op has everything you need to delight your guests. We offer all the ingredients necessary to prepare your tried-and-true traditional favorites, as well as some new, not-so-traditional dishes.
Please note that our retail stores close early on November 27, Thanksgiving Day. If you find yourself needing that one essential ingredient, be sure to shop before 2:30 pm, which is closing time.
Board Elections Results
Thank you to the seven candidates who chose to run for the Board this year to fill the three vacant seats. Congratulations to our newly elected Board Members; Aristide Tessitore, Anthony Hernandez, and Gigi Godwin.
We would also like to extend a heartfelt thank you to our outgoing Board Member and President, Sarah Larson, who has chosen not to run for another term this year. We wish her the best in her future endeavors.
On the Horizon
We have exciting news to share: we are able to offer patronage refunds again! As a reminder, after a profitable fiscal year, the Board of Directors may dedicate a portion of the profits to be returned to Owners. I will provide more details in the December Reader.
The FY25 Annual Report will be available for your review next month. Whether you receive it electronically or via the US mail, please take a moment to read about our many accomplishments last fiscal year and feel proud of your role in our continued success.
2026 Community Reinvestment Fund
The Community Reinvestment Fund grant application will be available again in December; we’ll include more information about it next month. Please see Kristina’s article on page 17 if you are interested in being considered to participate on the CRF committee this year. Applications are due November 14th: willystreet.coop/ownership/committees
Special Store Hours:
- Thursday, November 27 (Thanksgiving Day) closing at 2:30pm
- Wednesday, December 24 (Christmas Eve) closing at 6pm
- Thursday, December 25 (Christmas Day) closed
- Wednesday, December 31 (New Year’s Eve) regular hours
- Thursday, January 1 (New Year’s Day) closed
Cheers to you and your loved ones. Wishing you a very happy and blessed Thanksgiving holiday that lasts throughout the holiday season and into 2026.
-Anya
PS Annual Meeting October 7
The 2025 Annual Meeting was held virtually on Tuesday, October 7. We barely made quorum with 51 Owners present. Thank you to those who attended!
