As most of you have heard by now, our farm stand was destroyed by a fire late Saturday afternoon.
While our building is a total loss, we’re so thankful that our customers and employees all made it out of the stand safely, and would like to thank the fire and emergency personnel who responded as well.
Our biggest thank you goes out to you – our customers, friends, business associates and neighbors – for your kind words, prayers and thoughts during this very difficult time. We’ve received many, many emails from our customers and friends, and have been moved by each and every message. It means so much to all of us, and we want you to know that.
Many of you came down to our farm stand today to offer your support and help as well. Thank you.
Steve, Joan, Jennifer and our employees have been moved by the outpouring of community support.
We will keep you posted about our goings-on here on our blog, so come back and visit often.
In the meantime, thank you from the bottom of our hearts!
Sunday, September 21, 2008, 11:24 pm at 11:24 pm |
Mary & I (and the entire Avakian family) are so sorry for your loss, and you are all in our thoughts. We know that you have thousands of supporters and a community of friends that are committed to helping you recover and come back better than ever!
Peace,
Seth
Monday, September 22, 2008, 8:20 am at 8:20 am |
I am so sorry this happened. I have many wonderful memories of my years at Verrill. You created a warm and friendly family atmosphere for all of your employees (and customers), while encouraging and inspiring us to be as creative as we wanted to be.
As you know, nothing made me happier then to make bountiful displays of vegetables just in from the field and see the customer’s faces light up when they came through the door and said “Oh! Look at the… (tomatoes, beets, carrots, radishes, asparagus, etc.) They are so beautiful! Let’s get some!”
We are all behind you at this time.
Monday, September 22, 2008, 11:02 am at 11:02 am |
I second all of the support for the extended Verrill Farm community. In specific, I look forward to learning how we can help move beyond the tragedy of the fire and help rebuild for a better future.
The Verrill Farm is a vital part of the community and I will watch this blog for calls for action. I hope to see times when we can come and help clean up, haul supplies, or whatever else is needed to support you.
Monday, September 22, 2008, 11:23 am at 11:23 am |
I still am in shock with what happened at the stand. Like Barb I have so many memories of the stand. Just looking at the pictures of it going up in flames is hard…I spent so many hours inside that stand growing as a person and helping with the mission that It’s hard to believe it’s gone. I said my goodbyes to the stand when I left last September and haven’t been able to return because it was too emotional. I truly loved working there and I still miss working there. I’ll have to come back to see what’s left.
Barbara, Joan, Steve and Jen…and all the other employees my heart is with you. I’m wearing a green Verrill Shirt everyday this week.
Monday, September 22, 2008, 11:39 am at 11:39 am |
As my brother Zach stated earlier, to see those images is extremely hard. I spent a good four years inside that stand. As the Verrill produce, I was encouraged to grow in the incredible environment the Verrill’s create. It is a working environment which I have yet to find anywhere else. Although we say goodbye to the building, I hope we never forget what this farm means to all of us. To that we can never say goodbye. In times of trouble, the Verrill family stands together.
We are with you! I too will be wearing my green shirt all week.
Monday, September 22, 2008, 1:31 pm at 1:31 pm |
Your farm is like a second home to our family and we are so sad about this loss. We look forward to the rebuiliding of the farm stand and kitchen we love so much. My daughters were happy to see the tractor was still there and that the horses are safe. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
We will be there this afternoon for corn and tomatoes!
Monday, September 22, 2008, 2:27 pm at 2:27 pm |
This is horrible. I have great memories of working at Verrill Farm it was always a learning experience. The stand will be greatly missed.
Monday, September 22, 2008, 2:28 pm at 2:28 pm |
I am truly sorry this has happened to you. All of You are in our prayers.
Monday, September 22, 2008, 2:29 pm at 2:29 pm |
We consider Verrill Farm a cornerstone of the Concord community and a symbol of all that is good about this town. I can’t wait to stop by and visit the farm stand today, tomorrow and when you rebuild.
Monday, September 22, 2008, 3:20 pm at 3:20 pm |
We have been to your farm three times since June as we are new to the area. You instantly made it on to our “top ten reasons to love Boston”…you made us feel at home — we were found speechless with how beautiful and special your land/farm stand was. We can’t wait to return to your new digs. Best of luck with everything…
Monday, September 22, 2008, 4:50 pm at 4:50 pm |
What a terrible loss! I’ve been to several wonderful events at the farm and of course visited the store many times. Also introduced many friends to it. I can only hope you will rebuild and that your many fans have a way to contribute to the rebuilding effort. I’ve always appreciated seeing the Verrill Farm name on local menus.
So sorry this happened. And yes, please let us know if any help is needed.
Monday, September 22, 2008, 5:53 pm at 5:53 pm |
I will also be watching the site to see if you need anything.
I can offer a pickup and a few able bodies if you need stuff hauled away, or really whatever you guys need; whether it is help cleaning up, rebuilding, tools, just let me know.
I have been coming there since 1988, and while that is not as long as some of you, your farm is emblematic of why I wanted to live near here in the first place — so my family and I would jump at the chance to help out.
Monday, September 22, 2008, 7:25 pm at 7:25 pm |
We send our sympathies for your disaster. I have been your customer for 15 years, and started coming when you were just an outdoor stand. I remember when the fancy new big building was built. Oh well. Thank you for all you bring to the community.
Monday, September 22, 2008, 10:17 pm at 10:17 pm |
Our thoughts and prayes are with all of you. We love your produce, baked items and just visiting your farm a few times a week. We hope you will rebuild and will be happy to help if there is a fundraiser of some sort. You’ve done so much for all of us over these years, now it’s our turn to do for you. Hang in there Verrill Farm!!!
Monday, September 22, 2008, 10:23 pm at 10:23 pm |
May I echo the Davis’s comments. Verrill is an essential part of my family’s eating life, from the superb produce to the wonderful baked goods. You are part of the heart of our Concord community. I also pray that you can rebuild, and know that many of us here in Concord would be happy to contribute in some way if needed. Our lives would be unimaginably changed without you.
Monday, September 22, 2008, 10:38 pm at 10:38 pm |
I too am so sad. I found myself in tears several times today, when I thought of your farm and what has happened. The pictures I saw on the news and in the paper really showed how much damage was done.
I am now crying tears again, but tears of happiness after seeing that you will be selling corn and tomatoes tomorrow.
What can we do to help? Do you need things moved? Need help setting up?
Please, please let us know.
Monday, September 22, 2008, 10:51 pm at 10:51 pm |
Davis’, Margaret and Hannah, I agree with all of you. Your messages are uplifting to me too.
Everyone who has ever been to Verrill and tasted their delicious foods should post a comment here and let them know how you feel.
I’m sure the Verrill’s will see our comments and maybe that can give them some comfort.