Editor:

Like most of my neighbors, I am saddened by the announcement that Petosa’s Family Grocer will close its doors at the end of February.

I am sorry for the owners, and I am sorry for their customers. Losing our independent neighborhood grocery store is a tough blow for our little downtown.

When I lived in another state there was a small co-op grocery store in my town. Membership dollars helped fund the operation.

And, members also donated an hour or two of their time each month performing a variety of tasks. Why wouldn't this be a possibility in Edmonds?

Our local "bowl" neighbors -- many of whom are elderly -- rely on Petosa's convenient location for staples and for small deli meals.

I’m no economist or business expert, but isn't there someone around here who could put together a business plan based on a co-op model?

How about some help from the city's "Economic Development" people? Could we include a food bank in the operation? Along with a small paid staff, maybe some local high school or community college students could work there as "interns" or to fulfill community service requirements.

Wouldn’t it be fun to employ some culinary arts students in the deli? What great P.R. for Edmonds if the community pooled its resources and came together to fill this need!

Jo Schilling