This month, we’re delighted to shine the spotlight on Mary Scicchitano, MO#202. Mary has been a core, active teammate in our Member Relations team since January of 2023. 

Mary lives with her husband Gerry and their pet dog, Zeke. Now retired from their professional careers, Mary and Gerry spend a lot of time doing volunteer work. They participate in the Saint Madeleine Sophie food pantry and Capital Region Family Promise (supported by many churches, including their own). Mary volunteers at a local thrift shop, the Second Chance Thrift Shop in Colonie. She also loves working at the Central Park Rose Garden in Schenectady. Mary and Gerry enjoy traveling, spending time with family and friends, and being members of Rotterdam Seniors. Mary also enjoys reading a good book, doing small puzzles, researching family history, and sharing meals with her husband, who happens to be a very good cook.

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

I’ve met lots of nice people who share the interest of having a member owned market in the City of Schenectady. I’ve enjoyed investigating/visiting other co-ops, and assisting with the various activities that the Electric City Community Grocery has generated and participated in - like hosting an ECCG table at community events of other great organizations. I hope to continue to learn more as we work to actually open our store in the City of Schenectady.

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

I live in Rotterdam, which is in Schenectady County. I have access to the following grocery stores: Market 32, Hannaford, Aldi’s, Gabriel’s Market, and the Niskayuna Co-op. A car is needed for me to get to each one. I realize that everyone does not have, or need, a car for transportation. I look forward to the opening of our community market, that will have fresh, local and affordable food, right in the City of Schenectady. I also hope that the location will be easy to walk to, for some, and will have parking for those of us that need to drive to the market. I’m anxiously waiting to see what happens next for us, with regard to the market!

3. What do you love about Schenectady?

A lot has been going on in Schenectady for quite a few years now. However, there is lots to love about Schenectady. Some of the things that I love about Schenectady are: Proctor’s Theatre, the walking/bike path near SUNY Schenectady County Community College, the restaurants (like Simone’s Kitchen, Cornell's, Civitello’s, and More Perreca’s), music in Central Park, the Rose Garden in Central Park, the library, the Greenmarket. People helping other people, like the Street Soldiers, the Sycamore Collaborative efforts like the Summer Lunch Program. I’m sure that there’s more that I’m not thinking of at this moment. I’m glad that the Electric City Community Grocery will be a part of all this.