Dear Peter Hoyt, We are astonished to hear that our helpful friend Joseph has been fired after

so many years at the Coop. How is this possible? We are outraged. We've only lived in Ashland for three years. But just last week, we received our first share in the Coop. We were very proud to get that piece of paper and to feel we were part of such a special and CONSCIOUS organization. But at this moment, we're stunned and saddened and alarmed. We wish to tell you, from our point of view, Joseph and Craig have been like family...always smiling, always knowledgeable, always there for us. Unless we learn that Joseph has committed some egregious act, we cannot in any way...as new owners, as human beings...countenance such an abrupt, callous dismissal. Please petition the board to reconsider this sad betrayal of the very spirit of the Coop. Thank you, Jon Cypher and Carol Rosin Owner #8079