Cheverly: It's Where YOU Want to Be (part 3 in a series of reflections)

We were really happy with reaction to our Cheverly: It's Where YOU Want to Be series, and we are happy to be getting reflections from other members of the community. Throughout the week, we'll be sharing these notes. This morning, Crystal and Arvind Lal share their thoughts. Even if you haven't had the pleasure of knowing the Lals, you have probably been impacted in some way by their contributions to the community. Crystal and Arvind were among the founders of Cheverly Community Market; Crystal now heads Cheverly Weekday Nursery; Arvind was a scout leader for years; daughter Abby was a sought-after sitter; and Arvind and son Nick coached Boys & Girls Club baseball, and has been a lifeguard at Cheverly Swim & Racquet Club. Cheverly is fortunate to have the Lals!

Tell us a little about yourself:
Arvind is US Attorney, but be has also been a baseball coach for the Cheverly Wolverines and for many years a Boy Scout Troup Leader. Crystal teaches at Weekday Nursery School. Both of our children were born and raised in Cheverly. Nick is 21 and attends Emory in Atlanta and works as a lifeguard at the pool. Abby just turned 25 and lives in Brooklyn but comes down to visit often with her cat Willa.

How long have you lived in Cheverly?
Since 1988

How did you first learn aboutCheerly?
We got lost looking for houses in New Carrolton!

What's the biggest challenge about living here?
Not having a local public school for all children through grade 12.

What's your favorite thing about Cheverly?
Our neighbors! They are the best!

What's the most interesting thing you've learned about Cheverly?
Corey Flintoff has a house here!

Most surprising? 
Correct me if I'm wrong but I think the pool was originally dug by hand by residents - or so told once by John Garrity who was our neighbor.

What would you like people to know about Cheverly?
When we were looking for houses more than 20 years ago, we were told that Cheverly was an oasis and that it's a great place to raise children. That's still true.

Can you sum up in one sentence why Cheverly is where you want to be?
Cheverly has a wonderful sense of community and a wonderful diversity of people from all walks of life.

Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts, Crystal  and Arvind! We agree -- Cheverly is a great place to raise a family, and neighbors are THE best!

If you're interested in sharing your perspective, please email us. We'd love to include many voices in this series. And don't forget: you can show everyone that Cheverly is where YOU want to be by wearing one of our great Cheverly Day 2016 t-shirts! They'll be available on Cheverly Day at the Midway, or you can contact Pat Nelson to get your shirt early!