This month we're delighted to shine a spotlight on Pyre Huchison (MO#926), one of our dedicated members of our Communications & Members Relations team. Pyre brings a joyful, generous, and cooperative spirit to our team and is a great ambassador of ECCG at our community tables. 

Pyre joined ECCG and the Member Relations team shortly after they moved to Schenectady, in part because food is such an important part of their self-expression. Growing up in the South, food was always readily available and accessible for Pyre and their family. Both of their parents made sure that a home cooked meal was on the table, even if that meant being creative -- putting things and flavors together you wouldn’t think would work but somehow did. Pyre grew up with the Food Channel always on, and regularly enjoyed watched cooking competitions with their parents. If you tasted their amazing Beef & Cherry Pie at the Beloved Community Pie Social this year, you know they took the creative spirit of these shows to heart, with panache!

As an adult, Pyre moved to Schenectady with their partner and their partner’s partner. They currently work as a Teacher Assistant at a preschool with special needs and behavioral needs. They also own a small business where they paint bags, earrings, jackets and more. They are active in the local pride community as the volunteer coordinator for Schenectady Pride. Pyre believes that everyone should have a chance to be who they are. 

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

I love the sense of community. 

2.What will having a downtown grocery mean to you?

It would mean accessibility to more than what a chain grocery store can offer. I love getting locally sourced produce and other items, and this would make it more accessible during non farmer’s market days. 

3. What do you love about Schenectady?

I love everything. How walkable it is, the people, the community. It’s great. I’m from a town that is not welcoming to anyone they perceive as different, and I have been so pleasantly surprised on how welcoming Schenectady is to my weird and quirky ways. Being accepted as a queer individual is extremely important especially now. I love that I can shout as loud as I want that I am dating my best friend and am part of a polycule, and the only looks I get is how loud I am. I am incredibly proud to be part of this community.