CLARKS SUMMIT — Everything Natural has always been committed to supporting the community.
That service to local vendors and businesses will continue through a We Love Local Open House at the business, 426 S. State St., from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 17.
The open house will feature local vendors, produce and farmers, including the sampling of pancakes with maple syrup from Spring Hill Farms in Dalton, a variety of locally-roasted coffee flavors from Duffy’s Coffee House in Clarks Summit and smoothies made with Everything Natural brand supplements.
This will mark the first open house at the business since Neil Persad took over as owner.
Persad, who has been working with supplements for 25 years, is looking forward to meeting and working with the customers, and “having a fun day” during the open house.
“It’s always been my lifestyle and my passion,” he said. “I grew up in the health food industry. I love the research behind nutrition and holistic health.”
According to former co-owner Barry Kaplan, who plans to continue working at the store for at least one more year, Persad has been active in several previous open house events at the business.
“Neil is an extremely well-versed expert in the whole holistic lifestyle area, but especially with supplements,” he said. “In his former work, he trained and taught people about supplements.”
The open house will also showcase a Fall Fashion Show with almost all the staff members wearing and showing different fashion articles from clothing to accessories.
Local musician Jessica Illuzzi, who has been a member of Retro Rocket, Sassafras and The Village Idiots, will perform vocals and acoustic guitar from 1 to 3 p.m.
Organic gardener, Rob Karp, of Fawn Lane Farm in Factoryville, will present a floral arrangement workshop and demonstration.
“This is an opportunity for people to get to know (Persad) in a different way. I’m always fascinated to see how Neil works with people. It’s one of the reasons I’m thrilled he bought the store,” said Kaplan. “He shares not only the passion of healthy living and empowering people by helping them find things that make them healthier and happier, but he really looks out for their best interest and ideal health. It’s one of the reasons we know he’ll be a great success here.”
According to Kaplan, he and previous co-owners Michele Cooper and Donna Kaplan had a big hand in planning this event, but Persad is already planning another event, which will have more of his imprint on it.
“Making a difference in people’s life is what matters most,” Persad said.
