Archive for the ‘Charity’ Category

Northern Virginia Farmers Markets

Saturday, September 25th, 2010
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I participate on a regular basis in two farmers markets. Both are very enjoyable, diverse, entertaining and worth a visit.

The Reston Market, Reston
Running from the beginning of May until the end of October, this Saturday morning market is a real treat. Produce and food vendors selling everything from fresh fruits and vegetable to ice cream and cakes take over about half of the parking lot of the plaza by the lake.

This market is probably the most ‘scenic’ of any in the DC area. On sunny day, visitors stroll through the market, musicians are playing, a clown performs for the kids, there are lakeside outdoor restaurant, and of course, great shopping. In short, it is a delightful place to spend a few sunny hours on a Saturday morning.

In the craft section of the plaza, besides my own not unattractive set up, there are about 40 other vendors selling jewelry, soap, art, olive oils, towels, clothing, carvings, toys, bath products, and whole host of other goods.
(http://therestonmarket.com)

The Reston Market
Lake Anne Plaza, Reston
Saturday, thru Oct 29, 8 AM to 1 PM

The West End Farmers Market, Alexandria
This is a small but very delightful Sunday market that attracts vendors from over Virginia, Maryland and even from as far as Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. You’ll find a wide variety of produce and flowers, along with specialty vendors offering cheeses, yoghurts, jellies, bread and sweets. In amongst these vendors, there is a host of other vendors (including me) selling colorful and interesting crafts. The market is located just of Duke St. the edge of Ben Brenman Park.

The West End Farmers Market
Ben Brenman Park
4800 Brenman Park Dr
Sunday, May 2 – November 2010
9 AM – 1 PM

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Thank you from Rangoon (Yangon)

Wednesday, September 22nd, 2010
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Hello

I am writing from Bangkok, having just returned from Rangoon. Many of you donated last year to the fund I started to provide teaching materials, clothing, printers and other items to the kids at the School for the Blind in Rangoon.

Even with all the things I bought for the school at that time there was still about $250 left in the fund. I donated a part of that to build a well in a drought-hit area of central Burma. Recently I was able to find a needy orphanage run by two monks in Rangoon. The kids come from the very outlying areas of Burma and represent many different ethnicities. I decided to use some of the money left to help this orphanage.

After consulting with the monks, I bought and delivered the following:

- 18 blankets
- 3 mosquito nets
- 24 pairs of sandals
- Bathing soap
- Disinfectant
- Enough food for a meal for 65 people including all the orphans and the workers at the orphanage

My bank, TD Bank, also donated about 100 pens, which I distributed to the kids.

In the accompanying picture, you see the kids holding their new items.

Thank you again for your help. I still have about $100 dollars in the account. When I distribute it, I will give you another update. If you feel like donating again…I won’t refuse. I will do my best to identify needy people and use it to help them. THANK YOU!

Rich

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Hello from Thailand

Monday, March 1st, 2010
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I got in last night from an amazing ten days in Burma.

I delivered your donations, including the ‘new’ embosser, parts to repair the old one, teaching materials, a voltage regulator, Braille embossing paper, and T shirts for all 110 kids at the School for the Blind in Rangoon on Jan. 18.

I bought plain white T shirts in Rangoon and had them printed with THANK YOU in English and Burmese, as I felt this would benefit more people than buying pre-made T shirts.

When my friend Nyan and I arrived, the Headmaster had the kids line up, and then announced that I had come again with donations, and that each of them would get a gift. They were thrilled. I went down the line, giving each one their T shirt, after which they all walked out to the front of the school for a group picture, all helping each other. The whole thing was really quite touching.

The photos are pretty self-explanatory. I even have one of the T shirts be printed, as well as a picture a dorm room.

Thanks again for your help!

Rich

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