Community Groups at the Market: Prince George's Master Gardeners

The Prince George’s Master Gardeners will hold an Ask a Master Gardener Plant Clinic at this Saturday’s Community Market. Master Gardeners are volunteers who support the University of Maryland Extension mission by educating residents about safe, effective and sustainable horticultural practices that build healthy gardens, landscapes, and communities. At the Plant Clinic, they will try to diagnose problems with your unhappy plants and answer questions about vegetable and flower gardening.

The Master Gardener program is administered by the University of Maryland College of Agriculture and Natural Resources Cooperative Extension Service. The program's mission is to educate residents about safe, effective and sustainable horticultural and gardening practices that build healthy gardens, landscapes and communities in Prince George's County. Master Gardeners are volunteers, trained by the university, who provide horticultural education services to individuals, groups, and communities including government agencies, neighborhood associations, non-profit organizations, historic sites, schools and youth groups, senior citizens and garden clubs.

This Week at the Market: Crosskrafts

Cheverly's own Helen Crosskey of Crosskrafts has brought some gorgeous work to us at Cheverly Community Market over the years! From lovely children's clothes to extremely creative and detailed women's coats to statement jewelry to sports-inspired wares, Helen is a very talented artisan and we're so glad that she's with us. 

This weekend, Helen will have items perfect for Mother's Day, so make sure to stop by, say hello, and shop for the lovely mothers in your life this Saturday at Cheverly Community Market.

Music at the Market: Charles & Kelly

It really wouldn't be opening day without our house band -- Charles & Kelly -- on hand to ring in the new season! It's been a while since these local favorites have been with us, and we're so glad they're playing again this Saturday. They've been busy. We know how it is. We understand. We're cool. Don't ever go away again!

Phew. Make sure to say hi -- maybe just wave and donate to their tip jars...after all they're spending a whole morning working to entertain you and they don't get paid -- when you see them. Welcome Charles & Kelly back and let them know that they've been missed. They'll be serving up some lovely originals and all sorts of favorites from The Beatles, The Grateful Dead, The Clash, Elvis Costello and more. Ask nicely, and you may even get some Wilco or Rush or Outkast. You never know. They have a lot of tricks up their collective sleeves.

(Actually, music coordinator Kelly Fisher has lined up lots of great music for us this year, so every Market will be a treat. We're just very partial to these two -- they've been playing with us as long as the Market has been around!)

This Week at the Market: New Vendor At My Own Pace

Pat Moore of Ellicot City designs unique pincushions and sells them under her At My Own Pace line. A graduate of  Kansas State University with a BFA in Graphic Design, the love creating brought her to the pin cushions -- and a mission to retire Grandma's tomato pin cushion from every sewing room. As an artist, Pat feels that it's rewarding to see and hear others enjoy your work, and she hopes you'll like Stick-It-To-Me! pin cushions.

Pat also makes whimsical lock covers -- make sure to stop by the At My Own Pace tent this Saturday and see all of Pat's creations, and welcome her to Cheverly Community Market!

This Week at the Market: Waltz Family Farm

Two of our favorite Market people -- Laurie and Jacob Waltz of Waltz Family Farm -- are back at Cheverly Community Market for the 2013 season, and we couldn't be happier. The Waltzes are great people and they care deeply for the animals they raise. Stop by and visit with Laurie and Jacob, and you'll learn all sorts of things about the farm. The Waltzes are incredibly busy preparing for Market, but Laurie sends us this message about what's in store at the Waltz Family Farm tent this Saturday...

Waltz Family Farm is chock full of beef, pork and lamb! As you know, all the animals are raised on our farm in a free-range environment. We just picked up a new supply of lamb and pork, and will have a new supply of beef the day before the first market –  how’s that for “farm fresh”? We’ll have quite a selection of meats from steaks, roasts, and chops to sausages, bacon, and ham. We try to add new items regularly to keep your taste buds excited (and ours, too!)

Looking forward to seeing everyone on Saturday.            

Take Care,    

Jay and Laurie Waltz     

All sorts of good stuff here -- make sure to stop by, welcome the Waltzes back to Cheverly, and stock up on wonderful, responsibly raised meats for the week ahead. Maybe even fire up that grill this weekend!

This Week at the Market: Cakes by Ruthann

You know how much we love Cakes by Ruthann -- sweet and savory, with delicious Jamaican desserts and spicy Jamaican patties. Andrea Tavares and her daughter Nicky bring amazing island-inspired treats to us...it's like having a mini Jamaican vacation!

Ruthann specializes in amazing Jamaican cuisine, including sweet potato pudding, cassava pudding, gizzada (a coconut tart), coconut drops, plantain tarts and fantastic rum balls and rum cakes, as well spicy Jamaican beef, chicken and callaloo patties (she also makes a fanstatic jerk chicken...this woman is a gift!) And make sure to try the Sorrel drink and a wonderful spicy-sweet ginger beer, much-loved among Cheverly Community Market goers. One of our favorite things about Cheverly Community Market is the opportunity to try new things and discover new favorites. This Saturday, visit Cakes by Ruthann for Jamaican treats you already love, and try something new, too!

Mmmm...Jamaican patties!

Volunteers Needed: The Set-up Crew Needs You!

Our terrific set-up crew, led by Mike Callahan, is an integral part of every Market Saturday. From setting up cafe and vendor tables , chairs, and tents to assisting with the many other aspects of setup, they do an invaluable service for us. And they could use a few more able bodies:

Hi Folks,

Since the inception of the Community Market a small core of men, women and teens have suported the Market by setting up and taking down vendor tables and schlepping items before and after the market.

Vendors love the service and its great to lend a hand to the Community Market follks who do such a great job. There are no commitments, weekly a note goes out to folks who have agreed to participate. If that week works for you then come and donate an hour either before or after the market.

Consider this note an invitation to join this very exclusive group. The benefits are great; free exercise, great comradery, and reduced rates on coffee from the Cafe Ambrosia.

If interested.. please respond and I will add you to the weekly email list.

Look forward to seeing you at the market.

Mike

This is a terrific way to get a little Saturday morning exercise with a great group of people, or for high school students to earn a few service hours. We'd love to have you!