Like the Boy Scouts, We're Prepared and We'll Be There

As many of you know, Arvind Lal, Crystal's husband, has provided incredible support to the Market over the past year in all aspects -- from listening to legal advice to where most of you see him nearly every Market -- selling bread. For several years, Arvind has also been very active as a Leader for Cheverly's Boy Scout Troop 257. Arvind is part of the heart and soul of the Market and of Cheverly, and it's because of him that crazy ideas (like the Market) sometimes work!

Struggling to decide whether or not to cancel the market because of this weekends weather forecast, we decided to follow the example of Cheverly Eagle Scout Jason Gaines. You see, he (and Arvind) is holding a clothing drive as part of Jason's Eagle Scout Project-- rain or shine this Saturday , 8:00am until noon, in front of Cheverly Community Center. The clothing items being collected include coats, shirts, blouses, pants, and newly purchased undergarments. Donations accepted -- and welcome -- from customers at Cheverly Community Market.

Well, we can't very well leave Jason, and Arvind out in the rain! The clothing drive got Crystal thinking -- all of our vendors rely on our Market for a portion of their livelihood. Rain or shine, they have to sell their products in order to continue producing those products. So when the rains come down on Saturday morning and you're tucked warm and safe in bed, we hope you'll remember to get up, get dressed and venture out with all the proper rain gear. You risk of getting a little wet -- maybe even soaked -- for the sake of vendors and artists who have agreed to risk a lot more to keep the Market running. Remember the motto: Be prepared!

Now, here's the good news for those of you who aren't Eagle Scouts (or even Brownies!):

We plan on being in the gym.

We'll have fresh coffee waiting for you. Loaves of crusty bread and pastries that would make a Parisian cry. Basignani Winery, a small family-owned business, where even the wines are named after family members will be making their first appearance this season. Many of you remember them from our Thanksgiving Market. They'll be bringing Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Riesling. Clan Stewart Farm, which raises pastured animals, will have limited quantities of seasonally available chevon (young goat) and lamb, as well as pastured pork and grass-fed beef. They will also be offering a new sausage--Italian all-beef sausage.

Scott Hertzberg of Jug Bay will have HEIRLOOM TOMATOES corn, cherry tomatoes, potatoes, eggplant, hot and sweet peppers, (including anaheim and poblano) cukes and maybe beans and watermelon. Martha Allen has made a new batch of blueberry jam. Yum!

Michelle with Mystic Water Soaps has spent the last week making new product to bring to market.

Eric Johnson with Krishon Chocolates has handmade caramels to offer, plus a caramel sauce for ice cream. We hope to see Circle C Oysters, Emma Dudley, and Sylver Spoon Cupcakes. The market will also have fresh pasta and Cherry Glen Goat Cheese.

And of course, music from Cheverly Community Market's very own house band, the Hot Noodle!

Let's show that our support for the Cheverly Community Market is stronger than what any storm can deliver. See you in the Cheverly Community Center Gym, this Saturday, 8:00-11:00am. And remember to bring some clothes to donate to the Eagle Scouts!