Arlandria Plan Implementation Presentation

The Annual Status of Arlandria Plan Implementation Open House was held on Thursday, November 14, 2013 at 6:30PM at Cora Kelly Recreation Center.  

The open house provided an update to the Arlandria Action Plan Advisory Group and the Arlandria community on activities that occurred during the prior 12 months to implement the 2003 Arlandria Action Plan.  

Here's the presentation from the event (click here if you don't see it below).



For additional information, contact Brandi D. Collins, Urban Planner, at 703-746-3854 or brandi.collins@alexandriava.gov.

Arlandria Plan Implementation Newsletter Debuts

The Interdepartmental City Staff Team for the Implementation of the 2003 Arlandria Action Plan has an Arlandria  newsletter providing a summary of activities and project highlights from March 2013 – present.

To read the rest of the newsletter, continue here.

4MRMarket Report: "Near the Finish Line" Edition

You're out of your gourd if you miss the
last two weeks of 4MRMarket this season! 

Don't forget: 4MRMarket will be open all of November this season.

There are just 2 weeks left in the market season! This has been another great year. As we approach Thanksgiving and the end of this year's installment of 4MRMarket, it's time to get your goodies while you can!

Please come out and continue to support the 4MRMarket vendors that so eagerly wanted to continue being a part of your neighborhood farmers market until Turkey Day! And there's a little bit of a warm up this weekend with market temperatures around 60.

---

Compost!

Do you have (non-animal based) food scraps to bring back to 4MRMarket for composting this weekend? If you got an under-counter compost bin for $5 last week, you probably do. Even if you didn't get a bin, you can still bring your kitchen scraps back for composting if you've been collecting them anyway. Every little bit helps!

---

4MRMarket Vendors this week:

• C & T Produce (White Oak, VA) - A huge selection of locally grown produce from a locally, family-run farm in Stafford, Virginia.
• What's For Dinner Now  -  ON A BREAK THIS WEEK!! NEXT WEEK: The Stifler Farm. Farm-raised Black Angus beef, humanely raised on lush pasture fields of the Shenandoah Valley, naturally farmed pork...and now... Uncle Frank's Grilling Sauce!!
• Tom's Amish Cheese Store (Lancaster, PA) - Artisan Cheese and yogurt, farm-fresh eggs, and Pennsylvania honey.
• Whole Health (Alexandria) - Organic teas and body scrubs from one of the largest Message and Acupuncture Therapy businesses in Northern Virginia 
• Raining Cats & Dogs (Alexandria) - Gourmet Organic and Gluten Free Pet Treats

The Artisans

• Rustic Refineries (Alexandria) - This local duo will be selling salvaged vintage items, handmade jewelry made from old skeleton keys and wreaths and ornaments made from vintage music paper.  Also, ask them about a furniture refinishing project you're working on and they can help with that, too!
• Scented - (Potomac, MD) Scented is a line of handmade, luxurious bath and body products including Body Polish, Kiss My Lips lip balm, Body Creme, Body Lotion, Moisturizing Bath Salts and Baby Lotions.

See below all the ways to help and participate in the market!

_____________________

The supercool 4MRMarket t-shirt

BUY. Proceeds of our 4MRMarket T-shirts go to support the expansion and revitalization of 4MR Park. They cost $12 and come in 4 colors. See us model a few at the market.  You can pre-pay online via Pay-Pal (send money to 4MRM@arlandria.org).

DONATE. Help 4MRMarket help 4MRPark. Tax-deductible donations can be made to support us in our efforts to revitalize Four Mile Run Park. Donate to the City's Living Landscape Fund to fund tree and other amenities at 4MRExpand More information here.

HELP. If you'd like to volunteer with the 4MRMarket, come talk to us any Sunday. You'll be able to volunteer to help process SNAP/EBT and Credit / Debit Card sales, help us keep our books, help set up or tear down for the market, or help us find musicians to play the market. You can also find a Market Manager to ask to help, or email us at 4MRMarket@arlandria.org for more info.

READ. Keep up to date on all the goings on by following 4MRMarket on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ or via our website and blog.

SPREAD THE WORD.  Please tell folks about us. And tell folks about some of the great things we're doing. For instance, all SNAP/EBT participants can take advantage of the Inova-sponsored "Double Dollar" program again this year that doubles the first $10 SNAP participants spend at the market. 4MRMarket is the first farmers’ market in Northern Virginia (and still the only) to accept SNAP. And C&T Produce now accepts SFMNP vouchers!

__________________________________

Buy Fresh Buy Local 4MRMarket products.

The Four Mile Run Farmers and Artisans Market (Alexandria, Virginia 22305) brings fresh, nutritious food to people of all income levels, provide an opportunity for local artisans and producers of goods to bring their wares to market, strive to reflect the diversity of the community, and improve the quality of life for Arlandria residents and visitors. It is part of an overall vision to expand and improve Four Mile Run park and the surrounding neighborhood.

4MRMarket is open every Sunday from 8am until 1pm from April 14th until November in Four Mile Run Park at 4109 Mt Vernon Avenue, Alexandria. 

(click here for directions)

For more info see: http://www.4mrmarket.org/

On Facebook: facebook.com/4MRMarket
On Twitter: @4MRMarket

Contact us at: 4MRMarket@arlandria.org

Or call the 4MRMarket hotline: (804) 4mi-Run1

Arlandria Action Implementation Open House TONIGHT

Come hear about the melange of activity in Arlandria
at the Open House

Come out this evening for the Arlandria Action Plan Status of Implementation Open House, 6:30pm at Cora Kelly Recreation Center

City staff will be on hand to provide updates on pedestrian and bicyclists improvements, private development projects, economic development activities, the Four Mile Run Expansion Project, and the Four Mile Restoration Project.

The Arlandria Open House is a great opportunity to see all the changes that have come to the area recently with an eye on what's to come. 

 The purpose of the open house is to provide an update to both the Arlandria Action Plan Advisory Group and the Arlandria community on the past year's activities to implement the 2003 Arlandria Action Plan and to seek input for future implementation activities.

For more info contact: Brandi Collins or Maya Contreras  Urban Planners, Department of Planning and Zoning, at 703-746-4666.

Visit www.alexandriava.gov/Arlandria for information about the implementation of the 2003 Arlandria Action Plan.

Volunteers Cleanup 4 Mile Run with Clean Virginia Waterways - Oct 26, 2013

Community members gathered to help clean a section of 4 Mile Run in the Arlandria neighborhood of Alexandria on Saturday October 26th.

The eco-friendly clean-up was directed by local community organization president Jacob Cuomo with help from the Clean Virginia Waterways organization. (Photos by Erin Kirk-Cuomo).

4 Mile Run Cleanup with Clean Virginia Waterways - Oct 26, 2013, a set by ekc1024 on Flickr.

Four Mile Run is one of the largest and most heavily used parks in all of Alexandria and is in constant need of cleaning and restoration efforts. Monticello Park is prized by birders and nature-lovers alike. Last year, the November 2012 clean-up at these parks yielded over one ton of trash and debris being pulled from the stream and woodlands area of the park, thanks to the efforts of volunteers.

This year Jake's hopes were realized: increasing the number of volunteers (with over 2 dozen participating) having an even bigger impact on our park. Although over a ton of trash, debris and recyclables were recovered, progress is clearly been made as the clean-up crews proceeded further and deeper in the park this year to find the litter.

Breakfast for the volunteers was generously provided by MOM’s Organic Market on Mount Vernon Avenue in Arlandria.

4MRMarket Report: "The Harvest Continues at 4MR" Edition

We're out of our gourds with
pumpkins and squash this November

Here's your friendly neighborhood farmer's market reminder that 4MRMarket will be open all of November this season.

There are three weeks left in the market season, so get your goodies while you can!

Please come out and continue to support the 4MRMarket vendors that so eagerly wanted to continue being a part of your neighborhood farmers market! It should be another great fall day--sunny skies and in the mid 50s.

So roast your gourds, broil your beef, crumble your cheddar, steep your tea, and sip your coffee this November at 4MRMarket!!



_____________________

4MRMarket Vendors this week:

• C & T Produce (White Oak, VA) - A huge selection of locally grown produce from a locally, family-run farm in Stafford, Virginia.
• What's For Dinner Now  - aka The Stifler Farm. Farm-raised Black Angus beef, humanely raised on lush pasture fields of the Shenandoah Valley, naturally farmed pork...and now... Uncle Frank's Grilling Sauce!!
• Tom's Amish Cheese Store (Lancaster, PA) - Artisan Cheese and yogurt, farm-fresh eggs, and Pennsylvania honey.
• St. Elmo's Coffee Pub (Del Ray) - Brewed coffee, tea, and always a few extra goodies!
• Whole Health (Alexandria) - Organic teas and body scrubs from one of the largest Message and Acupuncture Therapy businesses in Northern Virginia 
• Raining Cats & Dogs (Alexandria) - Gourmet Organic and Gluten Free Pet Treats

The Artisans

• Old Town Suds - (Alexandria) This maker of eco-friendly soaps, cleaning supplies, bath bombs, and more! Old Town Suds started because Steffanie was allergic to most commercial soaps on the market; then she became really sick and wondered if her health was being made worse by everyday chemicals. Their decadent soaps & nose-pleasing cleaning products are tough on dirt but easy on humans, pets, and the Earth. Look for Port City Beer soap & Legend (Richmond, VA) Beer soap plus the Cup of Joe soap that looks like a latte!
• Perigee Tribal and Wildlife Art - (Virginia) Elena works with a number of coops in Africa and Peru and carries beaded dog collars from the Kenyan Collection, Tinga Tinga Paintings from Tanzania, Monkeybiz beaded animals from South Africa, and other items from artisans from Peru.
• Others pending!

See below all the ways to help and participate in the market!

_____________________

The supercool 4MRMarket t-shirt

BUY. Proceeds of our 4MRMarket T-shirts go to support the expansion and revitalization of 4MR Park. They cost $12 and come in 4 colors. See us model a few at the market.  You can pre-pay online via Pay-Pal (send money to 4MRM@arlandria.org).

DONATE. Help 4MRMarket help 4MRPark. Tax-deductible donations can be made to support us in our efforts to revitalize Four Mile Run Park. Donate to the City's Living Landscape Fund to fund tree and other amenities at 4MRExpand More information here.

HELP. If you'd like to volunteer with the 4MRMarket, come talk to us any Sunday. You'll be able to volunteer to help process SNAP/EBT and Credit / Debit Card sales, help us keep our books, help set up or tear down for the market, or help us find musicians to play the market. You can also find a Market Manager to ask to help, or email us at 4MRMarket@arlandria.org for more info.

READ. Keep up to date on all the goings on by following 4MRMarket on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ or via our website and blog.

SPREAD THE WORD.  Please tell folks about us. And tell folks about some of the great things we're doing. For instance, all SNAP/EBT participants can take advantage of the Inova-sponsored "Double Dollar" program again this year that doubles the first $10 SNAP participants spend at the market. 4MRMarket is the first farmers’ market in Northern Virginia (and still the only) to accept SNAP. And C&T Produce now accepts SFMNP vouchers!

__________________________________

Buy Fresh Buy Local 4MRMarket products.

The Four Mile Run Farmers and Artisans Market (Alexandria, Virginia 22305) brings fresh, nutritious food to people of all income levels, provide an opportunity for local artisans and producers of goods to bring their wares to market, strive to reflect the diversity of the community, and improve the quality of life for Arlandria residents and visitors. It is part of an overall vision to expand and improve Four Mile Run park and the surrounding neighborhood.

4MRMarket is open every Sunday from 8am until 1pm from April 14th until November in Four Mile Run Park at 4109 Mt Vernon Avenue, Alexandria. 

(click here for directions)

For more info see: http://www.4mrmarket.org/

On Facebook: facebook.com/4MRMarket
On Twitter: @4MRMarket

Contact us at: 4MRMarket@arlandria.org

Or call the 4MRMarket hotline: (804) 4mi-Run1

4MRMarket Report: "November is Nice... for 4MRMarket!" Edition

Apples, apples, everywhere! At C&T Produce

4MRMarket will be open all of November this season!

Our vendors were interested in continuing to bring you all the great, local, and sustainably grown / raised / made products that you know and love... we couldn't see why we shouldn't continue through Thanksgiving! It is harvest season, after all.

Please come out and continue to support the 4MRMarket vendors that so eagerly wanted to continue being a part of your neighborhood farmers market! It should be a perfect, crisp fall day--sunny skies and 50 degrees. Sweater weather and farmers markets go together like fall and fresh C&T Produce apples (you pick the variety)!
_____________________

4MRMarket Vendors this week:

• C & T Produce (White Oak, VA) - A huge selection of locally grown produce from a locally, family-run farm in Stafford, Virginia.
• Note: Stiflers are off this week but will be back next week! What's For Dinner Now  - aka The Stifler Farm. Farm-raised Black Angus beef, humanely raised on lush pasture fields of the Shenandoah Valley, naturally farmed pork...and now... Uncle Frank's Grilling Sauce!!
• Tom's Amish Cheese Store (Lancaster, PA) - Artisan Cheese and yogurt, farm-fresh eggs, and Pennsylvania honey.
• St. Elmo's Coffee Pub (Del Ray) - Brewed coffee, tea, and always a few extra goodies!
• Whole Health (Alexandria) - Organic teas and body scrubs from one of the largest Message and Acupuncture Therapy businesses in Northern Virginia 
• Raining Cats & Dogs (Alexandria) - Gourmet Organic and Gluten Free Pet Treats

The Artisans

• Scented (Potomac, MD) - Scented is a line of handmade, luxurious bath and body products including Body Polish, Kiss My Lips lip balm, Body Creme, Body Lotion, Moisturizing Bath Salts and Baby Lotions.
• Perigee Tribal and Wildlife Art - (Virginia) Elena works with a number of coops in Africa and Peru and carries beaded dog collars from the Kenyan Collection, Tinga Tinga Paintings from Tanzania, Monkeybiz beaded animals from South Africa, and other items from artisans from Peru.
• Others pending!

See below all the ways to help and participate in the market!

_____________________

The supercool 4MRMarket t-shirt

BUY. Proceeds of our 4MRMarket T-shirts go to support the expansion and revitalization of 4MR Park. They cost $12 and come in 4 colors. See us model a few at the market.  You can pre-pay online via Pay-Pal (send money to 4MRM@arlandria.org).

DONATE. Help 4MRMarket help 4MRPark. Tax-deductible donations can be made to support us in our efforts to revitalize Four Mile Run Park. Donate to the City's Living Landscape Fund to fund tree and other amenities at 4MRExpand More information here.

HELP. If you'd like to volunteer with the 4MRMarket, come talk to us any Sunday. You'll be able to volunteer to help process SNAP/EBT and Credit / Debit Card sales, help us keep our books, help set up or tear down for the market, or help us find musicians to play the market. You can also find a Market Manager to ask to help, or email us at 4MRMarket@arlandria.org for more info.

READ. Keep up to date on all the goings on by following 4MRMarket on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ or via our website and blog.

SPREAD THE WORD.  Please tell folks about us. And tell folks about some of the great things we're doing. For instance, all SNAP/EBT participants can take advantage of the Inova-sponsored "Double Dollar" program again this year that doubles the first $10 SNAP participants spend at the market. 4MRMarket is the first farmers’ market in Northern Virginia (and still the only) to accept SNAP. And C&T Produce now accepts SFMNP vouchers!

__________________________________

Buy Fresh Buy Local 4MRMarket products.

The Four Mile Run Farmers and Artisans Market (Alexandria, Virginia 22305) brings fresh, nutritious food to people of all income levels, provide an opportunity for local artisans and producers of goods to bring their wares to market, strive to reflect the diversity of the community, and improve the quality of life for Arlandria residents and visitors. It is part of an overall vision to expand and improve Four Mile Run park and the surrounding neighborhood.

4MRMarket is open every Sunday from 8am until 1pm from April 14th until November in Four Mile Run Park at 4109 Mt Vernon Avenue, Alexandria. 

(click here for directions)

For more info see: http://www.4mrmarket.org/

On Facebook: facebook.com/4MRMarket
On Twitter: @4MRMarket

Contact us at: 4MRMarket@arlandria.org

Or call the 4MRMarket hotline: (804) 4mi-Run1

Watch Burt Lancaster speed through Arlandria (and buy groceries)

The 1973 spy film, Scorpio, directed by Michael Winner (Death Wish), might not be on the AFI top 100 or be what actor and star Burt Lancaster is most remembered for, but one scene provides a glimpse back into the past.

During one chase scene (which is surely the most memorable part of the movie), we can witness Lancaster turn left from Russell Road in front of Presidential Greens Apartments, head east on West Glebe Road and into the then thriving Safeway parking lot on the corner of Mt Vernon Avenue. St. Rita's Church is clearly visible behind. Burt (as his friends called him...and we're practically neighbors at this point) heads into the store and buys what I'm guessing is a bottle of red wine vinegar.

See for yourself. Here's the whole clip as found on Youtube:

Phillpe Cousteau's expedition to Four Mile Run with GW Middle School

WUSA9 featured more about the story of international environmental group, EarthEcho, and its trip to Four Mile Run with students from GW Middle School:

"EarthEcho's first Expedition was to the Chesapeake Bay watershed. The Expedition project includes instructional videos, online work sheets, and lesson plans for teachers. Phillipe Cousteau officially launched EarthEcho Expedition on October 9th at George Washington Middle School in Alexandria. Through his website, earthecho.org, he's connecting schoolchildren with their own watershed, while giving teachers a usable science curriculum."

Click here if the WUSA9 video does not appear below.

  A film crew from Earth Echo International shot footage in Four Mile Run in September. Here's some behind the scene footage of EarthEcho's Ashlan Gorse joining students from Earth Force at Four Mile Run Park in Alexandria, VA to learn a little bit about water testing. (Click this link if the video does not appear below).

Earth Force is a national non-profit youth organization empowers kids to help solve local environmental problems.

EarthEcho Expeditions is an annual program that will travel the world to engage young people in a voyage of discovery. The Four Mile Run stop was part of EarthEcho Expedition: Into the Dead Zone transforms learning for middle and high school students through three phases that span a year of youth engagement and community action.

EarthEcho International’s programs are dedicated to the legacy of Philippe Cousteau Sr., a legacy of devotion to the conservation and restoration of the Oceans and one that can be shared by all people. EarthEcho's programs embrace service-learning and the power of individuals to reshape their communities and our world.

For more information about either organization check out: http://earthecho.org/ and http://www.earthforce.org/

See more at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P23V81uIFhw&feature=share&list=PLcXx4ry1etn-snmf9Vk7GolvVDt_EdYpx

Or read the full story about the GW Middle School students involvment with EarthEcho and Four Mile Run at WUSA9's website.

4MRMarket Report: "Monster Mash!" Edition

Pureed root veg make for a Franken-mash
good enough to eat! (image: lesserevillife.com)

Happy Halloween everyone! Why not celebrate the root veggie heaven that is the harvest season and make a Franken-mash with dinner one night. Take parsnips, rutabaga, turnips, and celery root from C&T Produce, peel and dice them, then boil them until soft.  Drain and then puree with a hand blender or food processor with butter, salt, a little nutmeg, and buttermilk or cream and you have a twist on traditional mash. It's not exactly monstrous, but does bring your dinner ALIVE!  Serve with a pork or beef from Stifler Farms and some braised kale or mustard greens and you have a fantastic fall feast!

Do you have your pumpkins all carved and ready to go? No? Fear not! We have you covered on that front as well. Pick up a pumpkin and carve your own ghoulish gourd in time for Thursday's trick or treaters!
_____________________

On Stage!

St. Elmo's regulars, The Scrub Pines will be onstage from 10-noon

The Scrub Pines will make their second appearance on the 4MRMarket Stage this Sunday from 10am-noon!  (Note: weather permitting)

The Scrub Pines will share a collection of acoustic ballads and instrumentals, gathered from deep in the woods, along the river and up in the hills.  Their Americana/Roots/Acoustic style pairs perfectly with your local neighborhood farmers market!  Check out their ReverbNation page and their MySpace page for more info about the band.

Remember, the concert is free, but Andrea and Nelson welcome tips and friendly applause for sharing their craft with you on this brisk but lovely Sunday morning.  Bundle up and enjoy the fall weather with the help of this great duo!

4MRMarket Vendors this week:

• C &T Produce (White Oak, VA) - A huge selection of locally grown produce from a locally, family-run farm in Stafford, Virginia.
• What's For Dinner Now  - aka The Stifler Farm. Farm-raised Black Angus beef, humanely raised on lush pasture fields of the Shenandoah Valley, naturally farmed pork...and now... Uncle Frank's Grilling Sauce!!
• Tom's Amish Cheese Store (Lancaster, PA) - Artisan Cheese and yogurt, farm-fresh eggs, and Pennsylvania honey.
• St. Elmo's Coffee Pub (Del Ray) - Brewed coffee, tea, and always a few extra goodies!
• Whole Health (Alexandria) - Organic teas and body scrubs from one of the largest Message and Acupuncture Therapy businesses in Northern Virginia 
• Raining Cats & Dogs (Alexandria) - Gourmet Organic and Gluten Free Pet Treats

The Artisans

• Ekaa, Hands That Create (Columbia, Maryland) - Hand-crafted Home and Fashion accessories.
• Scented (Potomac, MD) - Scented is a line of handmade, luxurious bath and body products including Body Polish, Kiss My Lips lip balm, Body Creme, Body Lotion, Moisturizing Bath Salts and Baby Lotions.
  Rustic Refineries (Alexandria) - This local due makes and sells refinished furniture, salvaged antiques and vintage items, plus jewelry made from old skeleton keys and wreaths and ornaments made from vintage music paper.
• Whitney's World, Kenya Microcrafts - Fair trade handmade baskets and jewelry from Kenya.
• Others pending!

See below all the ways to help and participate in the market!

_____________________

The supercool 4MRMarket t-shirt

BUY. Proceeds of our 4MRMarket T-shirts go to support the expansion and revitalization of 4MR Park. They cost $12 and come in 4 colors. See us model a few at the market.  You can pre-pay online via Pay-Pal (send money to 4MRM@arlandria.org).

DONATE. Help 4MRMarket help 4MRPark. Tax-deductible donations can be made to support us in our efforts to revitalize Four Mile Run Park. Donate to the City's Living Landscape Fund to fund tree and other amenities at 4MRExpand More information here.

HELP. If you'd like to volunteer with the 4MRMarket, come talk to us any Sunday. You'll be able to volunteer to help process SNAP/EBT and Credit / Debit Card sales, help us keep our books, help set up or tear down for the market, or help us find musicians to play the market. You can also find a Market Manager to ask to help, or email us at 4MRMarket@arlandria.org for more info.

READ. Keep up to date on all the goings on by following 4MRMarket on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ or via our website and blog.

SPREAD THE WORD.  Please tell folks about us. And tell folks about some of the great things we're doing. For instance, all SNAP/EBT participants can take advantage of the Inova-sponsored "Double Dollar" program again this year that doubles the first $10 SNAP participants spend at the market. 4MRMarket is the first farmers’ market in Northern Virginia (and still the only) to accept SNAP. And C&T Produce now accepts SFMNP vouchers!

__________________________________

Buy Fresh Buy Local 4MRMarket products.

The Four Mile Run Farmers and Artisans Market (Alexandria, Virginia 22305) brings fresh, nutritious food to people of all income levels, provide an opportunity for local artisans and producers of goods to bring their wares to market, strive to reflect the diversity of the community, and improve the quality of life for Arlandria residents and visitors. It is part of an overall vision to expand and improve Four Mile Run park and the surrounding neighborhood.

4MRMarket is open every Sunday from 8am until 1pm from April 14th until November in Four Mile Run Park at 4109 Mt Vernon Avenue, Alexandria. 

(click here for directions)

For more info see: http://www.4mrmarket.org/

On Facebook: facebook.com/4MRMarket
On Twitter: @4MRMarket

Contact us at: 4MRMarket@arlandria.org

Or call the 4MRMarket hotline: (804) 4mi-Run1