Tune in to WOL 1450 AM, 95.9 FM and WOL Livestream on Thursday, December 21 at 10:30 am EST for Everything Co-op, hosted by Vernon Oakes. This week, Everything Co-op continues to feature finalists from its Inaugural 2023 Holiday List, a thoughtfully curated list of products and services from the cooperative community.
In the third installment, Vernon will introduce you to two of his picks for your soul and heart. Mike Houston, general manager of Takoma Park Silver Spring (TPSS) Co-op, will discuss the complexities of running a food co-op and the various offerings TPSS Co-op provides. Iris Meredith Bell, general manager and board secretary for the Raven’s Wing Magical Co-op, will discuss the nuances of running a collaborative co-op and the products and services available at its store and online.
Mike has been in the natural food industry for 14 years, managing independently owned community stores. He is a graduate of Leadership Montgomery’s Emerging Leaders program and is the Board Chair of the Montgomery County Food Council. Mike also serves on the National Co+op Grocer’s Advocacy Advisory Committee, the Member Advisory Committee, and the Old Takoma Business Association Board. Mike holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Missouri College of Agriculture.
The Takoma Park Silver Spring Co-op opened its doors in 1981 and has been in its present location in the Takoma Junction since 1998. As a community-owned grocery store, the co-op offers healthy, natural, organic and locally sourced food to its more than 11,000 member-owners and other customers. All are welcome.
Iris Meredith Bell has worked in magic, ritual and tarot for over 25 years. She’s studied philosophy, gender studies and world religion, informing and inspiring her work with clients and community members. Iris is the general manager and board secretary for the Raven’s Wing Magical Co-op. She also holds the “favorite lap” position of Crow, the shop’s beloved black cat.
The Raven’s Wing Magical Co-op is a metaphysical supply store that empowers our community to make magic happen daily. The co-op is proud to be one of Portland’s favorite shops for accurate, heart-opening intuitive readings, beautifully crafted ritual & ceremonial items, organic and wildcrafted herbs, incense, crystals and gems, jewelry, magical oils, and more. It offers classes and meetups for spiritual seekers in person and online. The Raven’s Wing is employee-owned, LGBTQ owned, and community-centered. It just marked its 7th year in Sellwood and its first year as a co-op.
