Being
a savvy entrepreneur, 10-year-old A.J. Correia chose one of the hottest
days of the year to open a lemonade stand at the Farmers' Market at Riley
Field.
Correia said he had attended the market the previous
week and "everyone was thirsty," giving him the idea for the
traditional summertime business.
A.J. wasn't trying to raise money for candy, but for
a cause. Helped by his brother Steven, 13, and
their cousin Maria Cordozo, 9, of Plaistow, he raised nearly $50 for
Morgan's Baskets, a new program that seeks to cheer up those going through
difficult times.
The baskets are named after Morgan Wasser-man, a Bedford
resident who was battling cancer at this time last year. She loved to
attend the market, and could be seen there each Tuesday with her family.
But when she could no longer attend due to her progressing illness,
market organizers sent her a basket filled with flowers, produce and
other items from the market to cheer her up.
Wasserman died last October at age 20, but market
organizers, taking inspiration from the happiness she got from her basket,
want to use them to preserve her memory.
A.J. said the baskets will help cheer up others who
need it most.
OUTPOURING
OF HELP A.J. Correia (left), 10, is joined by his cousin Maria
Cordozo of Plaistow, 9, and his brother Steven, 13, at the Farmers'
Market on Tuesday, July 1, to sell lemonade to raise money for Morgan's
Baskets. The program, sponsored by market organizers, sends baskets
to those in need of a bit of summer cheer. The baskets are named for
Morgan Wasserman, a Bedford resident who enjoyed visiting the market
last year and who lost her battle with cancer in October. (Stephen Abbott
Photo)
"People might be really sad, and they might not
make it out to a place they really want to go," he said. "So
they'll call some people at the Farmers' Market and they'll make them
feel happy."
The baskets are purchased and prepared by market organizers,
and are being delivered to those individuals or families who are experiencing
difficult times.
Deb Sklar, co-founder of the market, said they hope
to send out one basket each week until the end of the market in October.
The first basket is set to go out this week.
Market organizers are seeking requests from residents
for names of recipients. All names will remain confidential, she said.
Morgan's mother, Molly Wasserman was very happy to learn of A.J.'s effort.
"I think it's wonderful," she said. "I'm
so pleased he wants to be involved in it." She was surprised he
had raised so much money for the effort.
Like A.J., Sklar was touched by Wasserman's love for
the market and the outdoors and was moved to act.
"I watched Morgan come to the market every week,"
she said. "I knew she appreciated the good food and I knew it meant
a lot to her. I wanted to do something through the market because it
meant so much to her, and her spirit was so good."
Sklar approached Morgan's mother and asked for permission
to start the program in her daughter's honor. In addition to A.J.'s
contribution, a portion of booth fees at the market will be donated
to the cause.
Those interested in contributing to the program or
submitting names of Bedford residents who could be recipients can find
a market volunteer each Tuesday afternoon from 3 to 6 p.m., at Riley
Field on Nashua Road.
Baskets can be requested by visiting www.bedfordfarmers
market.com/morgansbasket or by writing a letter to Bedford Farmers'
Market Inc., P.O. Box 10047, Bedford, NH 03110.
The name of the family or individual to receive the
basket, along with their address, telephone number and any known food
allergies and other relevant information should be included.
This
story ran in the Bedford Bulletin 7/10/2003.
©
Copyright 2003Neighborhood
News.
