This month, we're delighted to shine the spotlight on Christine Witkowski (MO#12), one of the founding mothers of the Electric City Community Grocery. 

In addition to being a phenomenal - even international - ambassador of the Electric City Food Co-op since 2013, Christine is more generally recognized across Schenectady County as a dedicated advocate for strong communities and vibrant public life. Through her leadership as a Board Member and active supporter of the Friends of the Library, she helped champion the essential role libraries play in connecting people, expanding access to knowledge, and strengthening civic engagement. Her commitment to community well-being also extends to her volunteer work with the Schenectady Greenmarket, where she supports local farmers and promotes access to fresh, healthy food. Together, these efforts reflect Christine’s belief in the power of local institutions to bring people together and create lasting impact. Let's hear more from Christine in her own words!

What do you like about being part of the co-op community? 

From the beginning, it was Kat Wolfram who inspired my husband, Bernie, and me to join the co-op community in 2013. Her energy, vision, commitment, and tenaciousness drew us in. As member-owner number 12, we participated in many fund raisers and public events. Our wonderful zinnias adorned the tables at the Mabee Farm “farm to table” dinners. We touted the idea of a co-op to anyone who would listen and, when traveling, I would proudly display the co-op’s t-shirt, posting it on Facebook. When the membership fee was reduced to $25 we happily gifted memberships to seven of our friends.

It has been great fun to be a part of this effort. Although a long time coming, seeing the actual proposed site for the store has reignited our enthusiasm. After a tour of the space, my husband, who used to cut through the Wedgeway Arcade as a young teenager on his way to school, and I talked. We decided the store is so close to becoming a reality, we need to help ensure the it opens its doors. With this new-founded commitment we decided to contribute more by tiering up. After all, how can we turn our backs on 13 years of support?

What will having a downtown grocery mean to you?

We have visited the Honest Weight Co-op in Albany, and always wished we could have something like that in Schenectady. I am a volunteer for the Schenectady Greenmarket and love the idea of farm fresh produce available each week. But having it on hand on a regular basis – how great would that be? Beyond that, certainly there is a huge need for a grocery store in downtown Schenectady. While the planned location is not in an area of the city originally envisioned by the founding members, it does work towards eliminating the food desert that is downtown. With so many new housing opportunities popping up, it is wonderful to envision what a close-by market can mean for them.

What do you love about Schenectady?

I grew up in Albany and it wasn’t until the early 1980s that I moved to Scotia and began raising a family. I always loved having the availability of Broadway level shows nearby at Proctors. But it was after my retirement in 2007 that I began immersing myself in the community of Schenectady, becoming deeply involved with the library.

Over the last several years I have been especially struck by the level of entrepreneurship, particularly of young women, who have opened businesses in the city and stuck with them, through thick and thin. I am heartened by the level of community involvement shown, again by many young people, and their efforts towards building a vibrant, caring, community. I love the fact that so many people are speaking out about issues that will make all our lives better. In these troubled times, the activism of so many is heartening. How exciting that the Electric City Food Co-op will be a part of it.