by Anya Firszt, General Manager
Hello dear Owners,
It’s the morning following the BIG storm on May 21. Before submitting my newsletter report, I want to say thank you to the Co-op staff for grappling with the 10-hour power outage at Willy North. I fully recognize the hard work of those who helped during and after the storm (in the dark) and well into the wee hours of the next morning to save products from spoiling. Additionally, the folks who got the store ready to open by early afternoon the next day deserve a huge round of applause. Thank you!
Bike Benefits Now at Self-Checkouts
As many of you may already know, your Co-op participates in Bike Benefits, a nationwide program that rewards those who bike and don a bike helmet to participating establishments that offer some sort of financial incentive. At Willy Street Co-op, we have been providing for many years a 5% discount on purchases Monday through Friday for those who have the participating sticker on their helmet. When we installed our self-checkout lanes this benefit was unfortunately a function that we were not able to provide due to some technical issues with the program software. Our IT department has been working on a solution, and we are now pleased to announce that at the end of last month they figured it out. Check it out!
Calling All Past Co-op Board Members!
Did you or someone you know serve on the Co-op’s Board of Directors? We are planning something special in October in celebration of our 50th Anniversary especially for WSC Board members. I am in search of contact information for those folks who served on the Board. If you are a past Board member, please send me your contact information at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or mention this request to anyone you know who served on the Board in the next month or two. Much obliged.
FY23 Patronage
This is my final reminder to you that if you have not claimed your FY23 patronage, you have until June 16, 2024 to use it or lose it. You can use it as a store credit (on purchases), receive cash back, or donate it to Double Dollars. We’ve distributed 96% of total patronage to Owners, leaving 4% (or $10,825) undistributed. Don’t miss out on this Owner benefit.
Upcoming Co-op-Sponsored Events
- DIY Homesteading Fair on June 7, at the Lakeview Library located next door to Willy North in the Northside Town Center. Come learn from 12 local experts speaking on a variety of topics like mushroom foraging, raising backyard chickens, composting, bike repair, and more.
- Marquette Waterfront Festival on June 8-9 at Yahara Park Place. This event is just a few blocks east of Willy East where you can find music, food, and fun for the whole family.
- The Pursuit of Happiness at McPike Park on June 14-16. This event is located in McPike Park just a couple of blocks west of Willy East, and boasts two stages with great music and comedy.
- Make Music Madison is happening all across town on Friday, June 21. In the Willy East rain garden, we are featuring four different local musicians performing between 1:00pm-6:00pm.
Dates to Think About
- Thursday, June 20: Summer solstice.
- Sunday, June 30: Year-end inventory; stores open until 7:00pm.
- Thursday, July 4: Independence Day; stores open until 7:00pm.
In closing, last weekend I decided to really dig into my garden, and I was delighted with the starter plants I found at the Co-op. Vegetables, herbs, and edible flowers oh my! I am counting the days until my tomatoes ripen and I can eat my first BLT of the season! ’Til next month, get outside!