Riding off into the Sunset

 

By Annie Hoy, Retiring Marketing Manager

Since I was born and raised in far West Texas, I cannot help but use some imagery from what is so familiar to me.

It’s time for this cowgirl to hang up her saddle and hand over the reins to the next generation. This rodeo is over for me and I’ve got plenty of ribbons and trophies to show the success of my career. It’s been a wild ride over the past 24 years. I’ve got legions of friends all over the country who share my near insane love of the cooperative model. It has been such a pleasure to watch our co-op grow from a $3 million business to a $30 million business.

I won’t be far away. The co-op movement can’t get rid of me just yet. It calls to me to offer myself to it in a larger way. And my grandchildren yearn for more time and attention from their “Mimi.” I look forward to new challenges and high adventure.

Stop by the Culinary Kiosk on May 29 from 2-4 pm for a little chat, a famous Annie Hoy hug and a piece of celebratory cake. Or catch me in the aisles shopping on Saturday mornings to find out what epic new venture is unfolding.

I’ll leave you with these words from my favorite poet:

 

To live in this world, you must be able to do three things: To love what is mortal. To hold it against your bones knowing your own life depends on it; and when the time comes to let it go, to let it go.

Mary Oliver

More Co-op News

July's Change for Good Partner - Maslow Project

Ashland Food Co-op is thrilled to partner with Maslow Project for our Change for Good program! Maslow Project is an incredible organization that works tirelessly to support homeless youth and families in Southern Oregon. Their mission is to empower individuals and families to achieve self-sufficiency, and they do this through a range of services including housing assistance, medical care, and educational support.

Bicycle Benefits

Here at the Co-op we are on a mission to promote healthy lifestyles and sustainable practices within our community.

May 2023 Change for Good Partner: Talent Maker City

Talent Maker City's mission is to build a more connected, prosperous, and resilient community through hands-on creativity and innovative STEAM-based learning. (STEAM = Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, & Math.) They have a bustling Makerspace facility, brimming with creative energy in downtown Talent offering hands-on STEAM-based workshops and programming for curious minds of all ages!

Celebrating Cinco de Mayo

We're always learning and growing here at the Co-op and with the approach of Cinco de Mayo we thought we would share a (very) brief history lesson and some thoughts on celebrating this holiday here in the United States.

February's Change for Good partner: OHRA

 

OHRA logo

OHRA helps low-income people build better lives through access to social service resources. By helping
people move from crisis to stability, OHRA builds more capable individuals, stronger families, and a
better community. We have three core programs:

December Change for Good Partner: Rogue Action Center

December's Change for Good Partner is

Rogue Action Center

Rogue Action Center

The Rogue Action Center (RAC) builds organizing infrastructure, leaders, and community power for a just, inclusive, and sustainable Southern Oregon for everyone.

September Change for Good Partner: Truth to Power

September's Change for Good Partner is

Truth to Power

Truth to Power

Truth to Power cultivates teen activism and community participation through social justice podcasts and transformative projects.