08/02/2026
My son Israel has been a part of Citrus + Cedar in all of it's forms, since the very beginning. The first picture here is me vending at the Shelton Farmers Market just over 23 years ago, when I was 9 months pregnant with him. He's been a market kid and vendor ever since.
He's helped make soap, forage for and harvest additives, and worked all of my busiest events with me (and with my mom, Jan, when she was running the business) for his entire life. For several years I've been able to hand over full markets and events and trust him to run them completely independently. He has always showed up responsibly, respectfully, and dependably.
That's how I knew he would show up for our country in the same way.
A couple months ago Israel swore in to the United States Coast Guard. He has spent the time since at Training Center Cape May and Training Center Yorktown, learning the skills to become a Coast Guardian. He graduated from Boot Camp, finished his additional training, and finally made it back home yesterday.
This week he heads to his first duty station, which means he's moving on from Citrus + Cedar. He won't often be seen at our local markets or events anymore (though I'm sure there will be cameo appearances!).
We will miss having him for all our market days, and our adventures, but we are so proud and excited for all the new adventures he has ahead of him. He has found his path and it is both a noble and courageous one.
SEMPER PARATUS!
