2026 Annal Meeting
and board elections
Quabbin Harvest members: Join us for our Annual Meeting!
Thurs, April 23, 2026
The theme for this year's meeting is "Hope springs!" And in the spirit of fresh and hopeful things, we're trying a different format for this important co-op community gathering:
- We'll meet at the First Universalist Church, just across the street from the store.
- Since it's school vacation week, we'll start earlier than usual with some kid-friendly garden activities from 4-5:30 pm. We'll be outdoors if it's warm, in the store and/or the church hall if the weather is still toying with us in late April.
- Our little garden is due for a makeover, and we've been talking about adding a memorial element to it. Everyone is invited to help us envision a new garden design, in the spirit of looking forward to warmer days and back to the memory of dear ones we've said goodbye to recently.
- At 5:30 there'll be time to mingle, enjoy snacks and treats (we're aiming for lighter fare this year, rather than our usual sit-down potluck), and cast your vote for the board of directors candidates if you haven't done that already.
- The business meeting will be from 6-7 pm, with updates from the co-op's leadership and time to ask questions about upcoming plans.
Watch for more details in the April newsletter and on our social media (and please email us if you'd like to contribute to the potluck grazing bar!).
The board of directors represents the co-op's membership and guides our planning and governance. Members can cast their vote in the store from March 23 - April 23, or at the Annual Meeting before 6 pm.
This year we have four candidates running for five open seats on the board.
2026 BOARD CANDIDATE STATEMENTS
Kelsey Cass (Athol)
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I grew up in Athol and I served on the board of Quabbin Harvest previously from 2018-2024. I see the co-op as a vital community resource and an inspiring symbol of resilience. I have seen the store continue to overcome various obstacles over the years because of the beautiful web of connections that it has woven throughout the greater North Quabbin area. I am honored to be running for the board again and I hope that my personal experience as a long-time resident of the community as well as my prior time served on the board can provide knowledge that will be beneficial as this small, wonderful store moves forward.
Kelcie Hillard (Orange)
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I've been farming since 2013, including owning and operating a farm here in Orange with my wife. I’ve worked on both meat and vegetable farms along the way. Farming has shaped how I think about food, business, and community. Although I’m shifting toward a less physically demanding career, I remain deeply invested in keeping our regional food system strong and connected. Serving on the board of Quabbin Harvest feels like a natural next step. I’m glad to offer my farming background, business planning experience, and practical problem-solving skills to the store. I’d value the opportunity to help support the co-op that plays such an important role in connecting local producers and our community.
Eaddy Sutton (Orange)
Quabbin Harvest is part of my regular routine, and I don't take that for granted — from the bulletin board to the prepared foods to the bulk tea, having this kind of community resource nearby genuinely matters to many of us. As a small business advisor and communications strategist with experience supporting nonprofits and independent businesses across New England, I'm eager to bring those skills to the work of the board. I'd love to contribute to the co-op's operations and marketing efforts and help Quabbin Harvest continue to grow. |
Nina Wellen (Orange)
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I was one of the original founders of the co-op. I have been off the board for many years, watching as a variety of wonderful people have steered Quabbin Harvest through its journey from tiny co-op to grocery store. I am so thrilled that it is still here, providing local delicious food to the people who need and want it. I am excited to be part of the journey again and look forward to contributing to Quabbin Harvest's future in some way.
Posted: to News on Mon, Mar 2, 2026
Updated: Fri, Mar 6, 2026