I love my job. I have a view: in front of me, there’s the skylight, painted light blue with its fluffy white clouds and sun pouring down; and behind me, large windows with real sky, and lately, a front row seat to some spectacular weather activity. I’m greeted with the wonderful aroma of onions, peppers, and garlic coming from the deli, and fresh-brewed coffee mingling with the warm breeze coming in the front door.

I meet interesting people from around the world: from Africa, Poland, France, Trinidad, Brazil, India, Mongolia, Austria, Germany, to name a few, and I get to talk to them about food, about culture, about politics. Then there are the families and children in our community stopping by regularly, the children looking forward to coming here, mesmerized by the skylight and ceiling fans—the babies’ particular favorite. Some are members, some just regular shoppers, some are attending our local colleges and universities, some are just passing through, and some have come back.

I returned to Albany in 2001 and came directly to the Coop. I say directly, which is, I came directly to the old Quail St. location, only to find the store had expanded and moved to our present location. I found housing on our community bulletin board, a job as a cashier, and the care and support of both old and new friends while dealing with the care of an ill parent. We share so much information and have so many interesting discussions while checking out groceries, one can see in a moment that this is no ordinary grocery store.

Recently, I was elected to Honest Weight’s Board of Directors, and as such, will be the liaison to the Special Events/Community Relations committee. I’m excited about working with both members, and hopefully, new members, on planning events for the rest of the remaining year, and coordinating those events for the coming new year. These could include craft fairs, food—cooking workshops, holiday festivals, etc. Soon, you may find yourself saying hello in Russian, or Mongolian, or Portuguese.