Cheverly Day 2013 is on the way!

We're looking for your input and we NEED volunteers! Want to get involved? Leave a note in the comments and we'll contact you. Putting together Cheverly Day is a lot of work, but it's also a lot of fun. Get involved this year!

Cheverly is Tops!

This will come as no surprise to you, though! Thanks to everyone for supporting Cheverly during WTOP's best neighborhoods contest...we won! Thanks to everyone who voted!

Help Make Cheverly #1!

Cheverly is tops in our hearts and minds...let's show the rest of the region what makes Cheverly special! WTOP is running a contest highlighting the best neighborhoods in the area and we're in the running! Help make Cheverly #1 by visiting the WTOP website today and voting for Cheverly!

You can STILL get an official Cheverly Day 2012 T-Shirt!

There are a few Cheverly Day 2012 t-shirts still available! This Saturday, Glen Barton will have them for sale at Cheverly Community Market. Visit their blog for all the details!


You can also sign up to get involved with Cheverly Day 2013...just stop by and visit Glen this Saturday!

Cheverly Day Photos!

We have over 550 of photos from Cheverly Day 2012! 

And Susan & Jospeh Pruden have been very kind to share their CHVProm group photos, too!

Enjoy...and start thinking about Cheverly Day 2013!

Results from the 2012 Cicada Crunch 5K Run/2K Fun Walk

We had great fun cheering the Cicada Crunch racers and walkers on all over town Saturday morning. They all did a fantastic job and we're impressed!

The official overall results are in, courtesy of PGRC with Race Management Systems, Inc. See them over on our website.

We'll post photo highlights from the Cicada Crunch later this week...keep your eyes open!

Again, thanks to the racers and organizers of the 2012 Cicada Crunch 5K Run/2K Fun Walk. A great morning!

Thank you, Cheverly!

Thanks to everyone for a great Cheverly weekend! Great art, great food, great music, great fireworks, but mostly, great friends and neighbors! That's what "Made in Cheverly" is all about.

We'll be posting photos in the next few days, but tonight we'll put our feet up and enjoy our memories of a great Cheverly Day!

Delicious food at the Cirque Cuisine truck!

I just had this spicy Vietnamese pork and lettuce wrap. Full of basil and mint and spice...delicious!

Face painting!

There's a great face painter at the big blue Cheverly Self Storage tent! Also, music has started (following a great performance by magician Charles Hutchison), the food vendors are busy and the art show and fair is open. And the 3 on 3 basketball tournament has started in the gym.
Come on down...Cheverly Day 2012 is in full swing!

East v. West Softball

The score is 0-0...who will reign supreme?

Results of the 2012 Cicada Crunch 5K Run/2K Walk

Congratulations to EVERYONE who came out to the Cicada Crunch this morning! From the very first person to cross the finish line -- Donatos Ndjami -- to the very last -- Al Dywer -- you were all inspiring... We even met families who were running their very first 5K together! Lots of photos will be posted very soon, but we wanted to get the top results published right away.


MEN
1. Donatos Ndjami. 19:11.7
2. Kevin Markanski. 19:21.6
3. William Gallagher. 19:23.6

WOMEN
1. Monica Lewis. 21:47
2. Caitlin Adams. 22:45
3. Lauren Walizer. 23:01

Again, congratulations to every 2012 Cicada Cruncher!

The Cicada Crunch Runners & Walkers are gathering!

It's a gorgeous morning for a race -- and for Cheverly Day! Our Cicada Crunchers are gathering in front of the Community Center and the race begins at 9am.

Not running? Come on out and supper the participants -- look for the orange cicadas all over town (route is n our website: http://www.cheverlyday.org)

CHVProm is in full swing!

Music, food, I Dream of Genie, Bamboo... There was even belly dancing!

The Midway has begun its' transformation...

Seems crazy, but this tennis court will be teeming with games, moon bounces and families tomorrow!

Have you seen me?

I'm all over town...getting ready for the Cicada Crunch!

Preparations are under way!

The Community Center is a flurry of activity as volunteers prepare for CHVProm, the art show & fair, and all the activities that will be under way at this time tomorrow. Thanks to everyone who is helping make this Cheverly Day great!

It always amazes me that our humble Community Center gym can go from a big, empty space to a charming, intimate party in just one day. Tables are already set up, decorations are being added, games of chance are being unloaded (thanks, Jolene) and Emily is playing her favorite hits of the '80s. It's magic time!

Liz Lescault and Casey Kneipp have done a tremendous job setting up the art show -- CHVProm attendees will be able to see some of the work tonight, but to really get the whole scope of the show and fair, you'll need to visit the Community Center tomorrow between noon and 5pm.

Finally, the Public Works crew is hard at work all over town today making Cheverly look its very best. Make sure to wave and say thanks because they're working hard for all of us. The softball field will be gorgeous for tomorrow's game at noon!

This really is a special weekend -- we hope you enjoy all there is to experience this Cheverly Day!

A VERY special thank you.

We want to extend a heartfelt THANK YOU to David Thorpe, who is at the helm for Cheverly Day this year. David has been in charge of music and entertainment for Cheverly Day for several years, and this year he takes the reigns for the whole day. David has worked tirelessly to make this Cheverly Day very special, and we are truly grateful for his efforts. He's done an outstanding job of coordinating so many different aspects of this day.


When you see David tomorrow, make sure to say THANK YOU!

What does "Made in Cheverly" mean to you? A kid's perspective.

Cheverly resident Dionne Dobbins shares what her two lovely daughters think about what Cheverly means to them. We're so glad she asked, and we're even happier to share their thoughts...

I asked my girls, Kennedy and Cassidy, what Cheverly means to them.

Kennedy: A neighborhood that makes me feel warm and comfy inside.
Cassidy: A place with beautiful flowers and great friends.

They're both right! Every so often, we have dreams of a newer home or bigger home but then, we think again. We love Cheverly and the people we've met over the years. 

Yeah - I doubt we'll be leaving anytime soon! 


We're with you, Kennedy and Cassidy. Cheverly means HOME!

A Cheverly Day Message from Mayor Mike Callahan
	Neighbors, “Made In Cheverly”!! What a great theme for Cheverly’s 81st Birthday Party. The Cheverly Day Committee is featuring the works of Cheverly artists and artisans at Town Park. This is a rare opportunity to see just how talented your friends and neighbors are, so take a moment to visit this very special Art Show. The question has been raised by the Cheverly Day organizers, “What does ‘Made In Cheverly’ mean to you?” So I figured I’d take a shot. To be totally honest, the organizers insisted I take a shot.
My answer is “Anything can be made in Cheverly”. What I’ve found is that Cheverly is a place where anything can happen; it just takes someone with an idea. I saw this in action 20 years ago when Peggy and her friends decided that St. Ambrose needed a playground, not a huge parking lot. Presto, Fun Day was created to raise funds and then, five years later, a playground was installed. Cheverly is a unique town where neighbors rally together to make things happen. As you look around town, there are so many landmarks to people and organizations who “Made Something in Cheverly” that add to the fabric of our community. The list is way too long, but here are a few recent examples: Truck Touch, the Lower Beaverdam Trail, the Cheverly Soccer Club, the Community Market, the Garden Club Plant Sale, Bike to School Day, the Robotics Club, the VineCorp Youth Organization, our Community Listservs, and the list goes on. On Cheverly Day, the Mayor gets the unique honor of recognizing two citizens, organizations, or employees for “Making Something In Cheverly”. This year it is my honor to award Doug Alexander and Nick and Kristy D’Angelo these awards. Doug Alexander led an effort to begin a composting program in Cheverly. Doug raised funds from various sources to offer composting bins at reduced rates, sold the bins at every imaginable community event, and offered workshops to newbies. Thanks to his efforts, there have been over 150 composting bins distributed throughout town and thousands of pounds of trash removed from the waste stream, saving taxpayers money. Nick and Kristy D’Angelo have volunteered as the Chairmen of the Cheverly Day Committee for many years. Their efforts have preserved this day as an opportunity for all Cheverly residents to gather and renew their relationships. Working together with committed friends and neighbors such as Micah Watson, Pat Nelson, Bruce Mitchell, and David Thorpe, Nick and Kristi have passed on a tradition that adults and children look forward to every year. Thanks to Doug, Nick, Kristy and to all who have Made Something in Cheverly! Mike Callahan, Mayor

CHVProm

photo by Susan & Joseph Pruden

We have photos from CHVProms past and we're not afraid to use them! Are you getting ready for the big night? Got your dish to share ready? Not sure what you're supposed to bring? Here's the list.

Planning to decorate your table (and we know there are some serious competitors in our ranks!) and want to know what time you can get to work? Help us set up for the night, and decorate your table after putting in some time! The CHVProm decorating crew will be in the Community Center Gym at noon to decorate and could really use your help. Come early, lend a hand, and get to work on your own masterpiece! Contact Emily Tevault for details.

Food at Cheverly Day: Cirque Cuisine

photo from article on Cirque Cuisine in the Huffington Post

It's almost Cheverly Day and we're getting excited about the sounds and sights and food!

This year, Cheverly Day is very fortunate to welcome Cirque Cuisine, a food truck that's become a popular destination amongst the DC lunch crowds. Cheverly's own Sean Swartz and chef Jessica Shields dish up fresh, healthy, organic gourmet cuisine while entertaining the crowds that greet them every day. The menu is always changing, and has recently included Balinese Fish Satay, Vegetarian Cucumber Roll, and Croque Monster (an open-face sandwich with caramelized onions, apple, prosciutto, béchamel, and gruyere).

Save your appetite...and see you on Cheverly Day!

Helen Crosskey: What does "Made in Cheverly" mean to you?

We love reading all your thoughts on our theme this year: Made in Cheverly. It's interesting how many people have cited home and family. We agree: Made in Cheverly means community. And that makes Cheverly very special.

Today, Helen Crosskey shares her thoughts with us:
What "Made in Cheverly" mean to me: After looking at houses in several other communities we found our house here in Cheverly.  We moved into our home in 1973.  Cheverly felt like home from the minute we came down Cheverly Avenue, and before long we found a house. We made our family here, and some lifelong friends. Our neighbors take the time to say good morning; look after each other homes and the wellbeing of our families and children.

We help contribute to keeping Cheverly the great and beautiful town which we can call home.

Thanks, Helen. Beautifully stated. We still want YOU to join the conversation! Tell us what "Made in Cheverly" means to you!

CHVProm Thanks Sponsors and Volunteers

CHVProm could not happen without its sponsors and the many volunteers who work to make the evening the best Cheverly party of the year! Please help us thank our Sponsors and Volunteers for their support by showing your support for them!

CHVProm 2012 SPONSORS

Ann Barsi

Boyd Roofing

Cakes & Confections

Teresa Castracane Photography

ChevList

Cheverly Garden Club

Cheverly Parents Resource Center

Cheverly Swim & Racquet Club

Cookies to Cocktails - Liz Esposito

Deciduous Dave's Walking Sticks & Stuff

Emerald Lawnscapes

Rose Fennell

Madeleine Golde

Landover Liquors

Martha's Jams

Shlagel Farms

Shortcake Bakery

Anna Smith & Stephanie Krimsky

Spoon CPA

Teresa Williams, Touch as Art

Waltz Family Farm

Wildflower Yoga

CHVProm 2012 Volunteers

Town of Cheverly Staff

Mayor Mike Callahan & the Town Council

2012 CHVProm Committee

The New Romanos - music

Kathryn Andrews - graphic design

Glen Barton - printing

Susan & Jospeh Pruden - photo booth

Preparing for the Big Race: Preparation Tips from Robin Kaye

Cicada Crunch 5K Race Preparation Tips

by Robin Kaye

 For the past 9 weeks I've been helping with the Cheverly Couch to 5K program, supporting the training runs and providing advice and encouragement to the participants who are boldly training to run the Cheverly Day Cicada Crunch 5K on May 12. As we entered this 10th and final week of training before the race, I sent out my last running-tips e-mail to the group. These tips are mostly geared towards the newbees who are running their first race, but because the advice still holds true for all runners I thought it might be valuable to share them on the Cheverly Day blog:

 

• It's important to give your body a break leading up to the big event by reducing your runs and taking them easy. Tapering can seem counter-intuitive, because you've spent all this time increasing your distance, your endurance, your speed, only to drop it down in the final week. (For longer distance races, the tapering time can actually be 2 or 3 weeks). One can easily fall into the trap of continuing to train hard or cram more mileage in before a race for fear of being unprepared, but this is actually detrimental. By doing easier, shorter runs this week you're allowing your muscles to heal and strengthen so you'll be in peak condition on race day. There's nothing more you can do in the final week to physically prepare for the 5K, so there's no need to push yourself. You've done all the work you can do, and now you need to take it easy.

• On the day before the race it's essential that you hydrate. Drink plenty of water and try to limit your caffeine intake. Alcohol should be avoided as well. Even if you're attending ChvProm this Friday night, steer clear of the booze. Running hungover is no fun at all (speaking from personal experience) and can also be dangerous.

• While we're on the topic of ChvProm... ladies, at some point during the night you should kick off those heels. Dance barefoot, bring flip-flops, do whatever it takes to save your feet from pain.

• What you eat the day before a race is important in providing the fuel you need for the following morning. You've probably already experienced which meals have sat better with your stomach before your training runs, so stick with what you know. Every runner has a different "last meal" that works best for them -- pasta is popular choice -- but it's important that you eat simple foods and don't eat too late at night to give your food plenty of time to digest. Generally, you want to eat your last full meal at least 12 hours before race start. Again, for those of you attending ChvProm, try your best not to overindulge on all the goodies. Stick to a moderate amount of food, nothing too spicy or potentially risky (like shrimp), and cut yourself off at 9 pm.

• On race morning, you should eat and drink something an hour or so before the run. By now you've probably established a pre-run snack that works best for you, so eat whatever it is that you normally do. Like all aspects of running, everyone has their personal preferences. A common choice is a piece of toast with a little jelly on it and an 8 oz glass of water. Or for those who have found that solid foods don't sit well before a run, a sports drink is a good substitute.

• Make sure you arrive at the race in plenty of time to check-in, use the restroom, or do any other pre-race preparation like warming up and stretching. The Cicada Crunch 5K race is a small affair, so arrival time is probably not critical in this case. However, if you run races in the future where there are thousands of participants, arriving at least an hour before race start is important if you care to do your business in a portopotty instead of in the woods by the side of the road.

• Once the race gets started, remember to pace yourself! The excitement of starting a race is great for your energy and mental state, but it can also cause you to burst out of gate too fast and eventually undermine your ability to endure the entire race. It's a horrible feeling to run out of gas before the race is done. Don't get swept up in the rush, don't pay attention to what anyone else is doing, just run your own pace and conserve your energy.

• This tip may sound silly, but it's something that I wish someone had told me before I ran my first race: how to drink from the water stations. There will be 2 water stations in the race, and I highly recommend you drink water at both of them. This isn't something you practice during training, but it actually is an acquired skill to be able to grab a cup of water out of a volunteer's hand without slowing and without spilling it everywhere and then drinking it without dumping it all over your chin and neck and without choking on it. As for a good hand-off, I think this just takes practice, so just do your best to create a smooth transition without jerking the cup and letting the water splash out. To drink while continuing to run, pinch the sides of the cup rim together and drink from the pointy bit formed at either end -- this will channel the water directly into your mouth. Don't try to swallow all the water at once... just do one gulp at a time. As a courtesy to other runners, flatten the cup when you're done and toss it towards the side of the road without flinging it into anyone else.

• If you need to walk to catch your breath, by all means do so. However, remember that this is not your training run and you are not alone out there. There are other runners around you and stopping abruptly could cause someone else to run into you. Gradually slow your pace and move your way over to the side of the course.

• When the race is over, make sure to grab a bottle of water and a snack (there will probably be bananas), walk around to cool down, and then stretch.  No sitting!

• Lastly, have fun!!!

Do you have any other race day preparation tips for our runners?  Please share them in the comments! 

Good luck to all the runners participating in this year's Cicada Crunch 5K! Have a great race!