The Arlandrian

Arlandria: When A Plan Comes Together

2011-12-04T01:20:00.001-05:00

With all eyes either gazing in adoration or glazing over in rage at the waterfront plan, a small, community-spurred plan to bring about changes in a struggling, but hopeful neighborhood has finally come to fruition.

The Long Road

The Vision from the 1998 Plan.

The Arlandria community has been planning for change longer than any other neighborhood in Alexandria. We are now a decade into implementation of the Arlandria Rev italization Plan, the result of the City and community-supported 5-year planning effort from 1998 to 2003. Broadly stated, the goal of the Plan was to build on the strength of Arlandria as a pedestrian-oriented, mixed-use place through the redevelopment of underutilized sites. Re-development of the "oppurtunity sites" was the anticipated catalyst for the proposed revitalization.

Absent that outside investment, the City pursued modest improvements, but the opportunity to make a significant impact in a densely poor community was limited. Resources were put into an interim marketing strategy to strengthen existing businesses and community members worked to establish facade improvement guidelines for individual storefronts. But the efforts proved to be futile since many shopowners were barely breaking even. In the decade since the plan, shops were closing and turning over at an increasingly alarming rate. The shopowners that remained were barely holding on.

Redevelopment proposal compared to Arlandria Plan illustration

A 2008 follow-up feasibility study, publicly unveiled 3 years ago, ultimately confirmed that conditions in Arlandria made development unfeasible. Paraphrased, "Arlandria was not worth the investment." The study pointed to an on-going perception of crime, a poor built environment, and lack of economic diversity as the three major impediments to economic development.

Grass-Roots Community For All

The City attributed the stagnant plan implementation to a lack of community involvement. That comment and the implication of the feasibility study became the catalyst for the community led, city-supported grassroots efforts that followed. Within the parameters of maintaining the ethnic and economic diversity that define Arlandria, achieving sustainability became the overarching goal. Without outside investment, a group of volunteers took on the challenge of what remains a higher standard of fostering a supportive environment. Working hand-in-hand with neighbors and social service providers, community residents created a small business incubator in the farmers and artisans market. The Four Mile Run Farmers and Artisans Market is the sole market - in both Alexandria and Northern Virginia - to welcome SNAP (food stamps), a labor of love which took market organizers countless extra hours to establish and staff weekly. And the community has banded together to improve streetscapes and parks and maintained a presence at service provider and quality of life meetings to ensure every resident and visitor feels safe in our community.

Along with the City, the neighborhood paved the way by working with our Community Oriented Police (COPS), ARHA, Community Lodgings, Wesley Housing, the Community Services Board, the Chirilagua Coop and most recently Arlington Housing Corporation to preserve existing housing and conditions for the city's most vulnerable citizens, and have strongly supported the inclusion of workforce housing to create upward mobility for hard-working residents - who would otherwise have to leave the City to improve their circumstance. According to Census, Arlandria's population is still highly transient (30% turnover per year, 90% every 5 years). The city and grassroots organizations have aimed to create an environment that allows more residents to make Alexandria into a long-term home by providing a wide range of housing. That solution requires something more than very low rent and very high cost properties. Economic diversity and livability are key to a sustainable community.

Finally...

The long-awaited plan to re-develop the Arlandria Shopping Center (Mount Vernon Village Center) overcomes the challenges presented in the feasibility study from 3 years ago. After years of painstaking, frustrating and sometimes seemingly futile efforts, one of our community partners has proposed the first step towards fulfillment of a decade-old promise to realize Arlandria as the proud waterside gateway into our wonderful city. In a constrained-resource environment, Arlandria Center, LLC has created a design that addresses the key issues in our neighborhood. It leads the way by making a positive change to the built environment and addresses the perception of crime by adding eyes on the street - where increased vitality becomes a deterrent to crime.

This current development application addresses many of the design goals of the Arlandria plan, proposing a mixed used property consisting of two multi-family residential buildings that maintain the 50,000 sq. ft. of retail along Mt Vernon Avenue (maintaining approximately the same amount of retail). Parking would be underground or buried within the building at grade. The plan includes streetscape improvements to Mt Vernon Avenue and Bruce Street, which include street trees, new bus shelters, and sidewalk widening. The high quality, contemporary design is in compliance with new green building standards and incorporates new affordable housing units for households earning less than 60% of the Area Median Income. The property also improves access to and increases visibility of Four Mile Run Park.

The Mt. Vernon Village Center proposal for 450+ housing units is a first step on a long road to alleviate an impending housing crunch. The median age of housing stock within one mile of the project is 55 years old; within 5 miles: 44 years old.

The development would also provide the city-code required 940 underground parking spaces. The project remains open to utilizing some parking spaces for other subsequent developments if the opportunity presents itself.

And the proposal includes a phased approach, retaining as much existing retail as possible during construction. MOM's and CVS, for instance, could continue to operate if they choose on the northern portion of site while the southern portion is built.

Community Benefits

The plan fulfills the Arlandria Plan requirement for 10-15% open space: 10% of the property space would be reserved for public open space and another 5% would be for resident use. The building would be set back back 40 feet from Mt Vernon Avenue for pedestrian plaza space and will be pulled back 5 additional feet on Bruce Street to create better access to Four Mile Run Park and better vehicular access to stores and residences. The project would also fund up to $200,000 for new tennis/basketball courts, which would be relocated per the 4MR Park master plan. 7,000 square feet of the property along the park would be reserved for a pedestrian promenade with the potential for a future road should the City desire at some point. The development would also improve the quantity and quality of stormwater runoff from the site.

The primary entrance to the residential portion of the parking garage would be through the center courtyard aligned across from Russell Road and the developer would rebuild that intersection and the southern entrance to the property for better automobile access than exists today.

The development conforms to all of the standards set out in terms of bulk, set back and open space, but needs to be 7 additional feet taller in the center of the building to achieve the scale need to accommodate 28 units of affordable housing throughout the property. This housing which would be open to holders of housing vouchers and others who make less than 60% of Area Median Income.

The residential portion of the property would be built to LEED green building standards, and the commercial portion would be build to LEED Silver standards.

The project also includes $51,000+ in today's dollars (adjusted for inflation) annually for transportation management to keep single occupancy vehicle trips from the development to less than 40% of total trips. To help accomplish that, the developer would additionally install new bus shelters with real-time bus arrival data and would also install on-site bicycle amenities, including a Capital Bikeshare station. The developer would also provide a 20% employee transit subsidy. In the future, the development would be required to partner with other property owners to create a Transportation Management District to make further improvements to transit.

A little mentioned project attribute is that it also meets the design guidelines from the Four Mile Run Restoration Plan. This plan was created by the community over several years as joint effort between the City and Arlington County working through the Northern Virginia Regional Commission. See examples of suggested architecture and building massing in the following excerpts:

Challenges and Opportunities

"Neighborhoods that mix land uses, make walking safe and convenient, and are near other development allow residents and workers to drive significantly less if they choose. In fact, research has found that in the most centrally located, well-designed neighborhoods, residents drive as little as half as much as residents of outlying areas. Along with these benefits, mixed-use development can improve communities in other important ways, including supporting affordable housing by lowering transportation costs. Studies have also shown that mixed-use development, especially in concert with other smart growth strategies, provides significantly higher returns to local governments through property and sales taxes while requiring lower per unit infrastructure and public-service costs." (EPA)

The majority of road issues in our area are rush hour bottlenecks further on down the line, such as where West Glebe and South Glebe come together and where those roads hit Route 1. There is the need for targeted solutions for those bottleneck areas as well as better transit and bike options to allow people to switch modes away from single occupancy vehicle driving. Mt. Vernon Avenue in Arlandria is not a highway, nor even a high capacity road. At its best, it could be an urban boulevard with wide sidewalks, easy pedestrian crossing places, and slow moving traffic. The Arlandria Plan vision of pedestrian-oriented, transit-oriented development is the antidote to the bottlenecks problems created by sprawl induced cut-through traffic.

Post rush hour traffic on Mt Vernon Avenue
9:15 on a Friday morning.

The small area plan is about making a pedestrian friendly community that brings current and future residents out on foot to enjoy the neighborhood. Right now, we are bathed in a sea of empty parking lots and people-second design. Bus routes connect the Avenue to points south and north, the Metro stations and the Pentagon. "Circulator" routes from a future Potomac Yard Metro and to the future transit line along Route 1 are in the works, but this will only work if complimented with sufficient density.

In order to maintain our diversity, we have made a conscious decision that we would prefer to add the density of economic diversity that mitigates the negative impact of being the most impoverished community in the city. The development proposed by the Mt. Vernon Village Center helps us realize our long-awaited goal of becoming a safe, walkable, sustainable and inclusive community. We are proud of our multicultural environment, we have immigrants from around the world, but without the proposed development, the opportunity to fulfill Arlandria's potential will likely slip by and drive our neighborhood back to it's 'unfeasable' state. What we have learned through our journey is that every resident has a stake in making their own neighborhood the best it can be. All of us have a responsibility to step forward with an investment of the time it takes at least pay attention to the opportunities presented in their area. Whether it's the city or a developer considering making a change, make your voice heard. We feel strongly that this is the best opportunity to make Arlandria one of the City's greatest success stories. If you believe that too, now is the time to step forward, write a letter, show up, or even join in. Everyone's welcome - it's Arlandria!
___________________________________________
Submitted by Kevin Beekman, Melissa Garcia and Nick Partee

The long and short of Long Bridge Park

2011-11-15T13:41:00.001-05:00

Just north of Crystal City between Route 1, I-395 and Roaches Run, on the land formerly known as "the North Tract", Arlington has opened the first phase of Long Bridge Park.

Future phases of the project might be a number of years away, but in the meantime Long Bridge is already a fabulous park. We took a tour. Here are some pics:

The County has produced this video of the last week's opening:

New affordable housing proposed for Reed Avenue

2011-11-07T13:06:00.000-05:00

The next decade will bring extraordinary transformation to Lynhaven, Arlandria and surrounding communities. With so much development planned to happen in Potomac Yard, it’s no surprise that parcels around us will be developed and redeveloped. One of the first examples of that is planned for the northwest corner of East Reed Avenue and JD Highway, what was once a gas station, now a vacant lot owned by the City of Alexandria.

The building is envisioned to be a multi-family housing project developed by Arlington Housing Corporation (AHC), a non-profit organization that builds, maintains and manages affordable housing. AHC has been in business for 35 years and has developed and manages 3500 units in Arlington and Fairfax. This is their first project in Alexandria.

The building, occupying the vacant lot on the corner (3600 JD Highway) as well as 120 Reed and the duplex at 118 Reed, is envisioned to have 59 apartment units entirely reserved as affordable housing. For this project, affordable housing means that residents will have to show income for a family of four below 60% of the area median income, or about $56,000 per year. The building will be comprised of one-bedroom units (500-700 square feet) and two-bedroom units (980-1165 square feet). If the building were to open today, the rent for the one-bedroom would be $1,194 per month, and for a two-bedroom, $1,432.

The project is proposed to be five stories along the JD Highway frontage and four stories along Reed Avenue. This is of a similar scale to the Preston condominium across Reed. Underground parking will provide 47 spaces for the building’s residents.

There are a number of planning, zoning and transportation complexities associated with the AHC development, including a required change in the Reed Avenue zoning, and a potential right-turn lane from southbound Route One onto Reed Avenue.

At the Lynhaven Citizens Association meeting on November 7^th (7:00 p.m. at Cora Kelly Rec Center), the community will hear a presentation on the building from AHC as well as on the associated issues from the City’s perspective. AHC is on a very short timeline because they will need to apply for federal low-income housing credit in March, 2012. This will be our most important presentation and opportunity to offer feedback during the process. If you are not able to attend and would like to comment, you can contact Gwen Wright with the City of Alexandria directly at gwen.wright@alexandriava.govor 703-746-3811.

Submitted by Joe Bondi

4MRMarket Report "End of Season Halloween Blowout" Edition

2011-10-29T15:02:00.000-05:00

4MRMarket is closing for the season and we're having a party.

Buy fresh produce, see a show, AND a great cooking demo by celebrity chef Will Artley!

This Sunday will be this year's last Four Mile Run Farmers and Artisans Market of the season, but it will be a great one! Here's what'll be happening at 4MRMarket:

From 8-10, come stop by the market tent or lounge to hear about the special surprises that we have lined up for next season, capped off by an official announcement regarding the huge anonymous donation received last week.

At 10:30, come see a stunning performance by an acclaimed neighborhood actress. Award winning actress and Author of children’s educational picture books, Mizz Gale Nemec, presents a fantastic retelling of a classic Fairy Tale. Mizz Nemec brings all the characters to life in this engaging story by the Brothers Grimm. Mizz Nemec’s books make great gifts and will be available for purchase after the show. One show only!

At Noon, see a cooking demonstration by local celebrity chef, Will Artley. Chef Artley is one of the DC area's rising star chefs.

Will recently decided to part ways with Evening Star, but he's a huge supporter of the farmers market and the local food movement. Not to mention, he knows what to do with those great fresh ingredients once he gets his chef's knife on 'em!

Come learn a few tips and tricks, and maybe there will be some samples to pass around!

Here is the schedule for Sunday:

8:00am - Market Opens with produce, grass-fed beef, locally raised pork, coffee, baked goods, artisan-made products, and perhaps some surprises!
10:30am - A performance of Hansel and Gretel by Award Winning Actress Gale Nemec. Bring the kids, grab a seat in our hay bale mini-amphitheater, and enjoy the lovely fall weather! Plus, Mizz Nemec’s books make great gifts and will be available for purchase after the show.
12:00pm - A cooking demo by local Chef Will Artley
1:00pm - Market closes, with plenty of time to head down to Del Ray to watch (or march in) the Halloween Parade.

So come out to Four Mile Run Farmers and Artisans Market, 4109 Mt. Vernon Avenue, Alexandria VA, 22305 on its closing day of the season!

Remember, 4MRMarket is open April through October on Sundays from 8am-1pm. We've had a lot of fun this year and it's been more than a pleasure. With this last 4MRMarket report until next year, we've put together this collage we call, "A year at the Four Mile Run Farmers & Artisans Market" with all of our favorite 4MRMarket memories.

We hope to see you Sunday...and in 2012!

PS. Happy Halloween! Why not wear a costume to the market?

_______________

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 May through October 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

Contact us at: 4mrm@arlandria.org

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

4MRMarket Special Report "Chef Will Artley Cooking Demo" Edition

2011-10-28T10:36:00.000-05:00

Buy fresh produce, see a show, AND a great cooking demo from neighborhood celebrity chef Will Artley!

As we reported yesterday, this Sunday will be this year's last Four Mile Run Farmers and Artisans Market of the season, but it will be a great one! We've added a cooking demo at 12 noon by Chef Will Artley.

Chef Artley is one of the DC area's rising star chefs. He recently decided to part ways with Evening Star, but he's a huge supporter of the farmers market and local food movement. Not to mention, he knows what to do with those great fresh ingredients once he gets his chef's knife on 'em! Come learn a few tips and tricks, and maybe there will be some samples to pass around!

Here is the schedule for Sunday:

8:00am - Market Opens with produce, grass-fed beef, locally raised pork, coffee, baked goods, artisan-made products, and perhaps some surprises!
10:30am - A performance of Hansel and Gretel by Award Winning Actress Gale Nemec. Bring the kids, grab a seat in our hay bale mini-amphitheater, and enjoy the lovely fall weather! Plus, Mizz Nemec’s books make great gifts and will be available for purchase after the show.
12:00pm - A cooking demo by local Chef Will Artley
1:00pm - Market closes, with plenty of time to head down to Del Ray to watch (or march in) the Halloween Parade.

So come out to Four Mile Run Farmers and Artisans Market, 4109 Mt. Vernon Avenue, Alexandria VA, 22305 on its closing day of the season!

4MRMarket is open April through October on Sundays from 8am-1pm.

PS. Happy Halloween! Why not wear a costume to the market that day?

4MRMarket Special Report: "Special Performance Caps Off End of Season" Edition

2011-10-27T14:48:00.000-05:00

Buy fresh produce and see a show!

The end of this years' Four Mile Run Farmers & Artisans Market season is approaching this Sunday October 30th. And we're throwing a party.

Come see a stunning performance by an acclaimed neighborhood actress and hear about some other surprises that are in store for next year.

Join us for this classic Fairy Tale told by Mizz Gale Nemec, Award Winning Actress and Author of Children’s Educational Picture Books. Sunday, Oct 30th, 10:30am. One show only!

At the Four Mile Run Farmers & Artisans Market, 4109 Mt. Vernon Avenue, Alexandria VA, 22305 on its Closing day of the season!

Mizz Nemec brings all the characters to life in this engaging story by the Brothers Grimm. Directed by Award Winning Director: John Strawbridge.

Free! Donations are welcome. Plus! Mizz Nemec’s books make great gifts and will be available for purchase after the show.

PS. Happy Halloween! Why not wear a costume to the show?

The $200 Park goes LARGE

2011-10-27T10:03:00.001-05:00

The former electrical substation before Stormaggedon.

When the City of Alexandria purchased 3550 Commonwealth Avenue from Dominion Power, they had Open Space funding available and a goal of expanding park space, but they didn't really have a plan for it. What happened next though was something really magical.

Neighborhood volunteers teamed with City staff to forge ahead even in the face of economic troubles and budget crises. For just $200 it started to resemble a park, using only cast-off garden plants donated by neighbors and mulch ground up from cut-down, unhealthy, storm-battered trees formerly used to screen the old substation. For regular readers of The Arlandrian this is not news. We documented the progress along the way with our stories: "Where Did THAT Garden Come From?" and "New Park Uncovered At Spring for Alexandria". The tale of a community coming together is something that we are really amazed by and, frankly, more than a little proud.

And that gamble by citizens, that investment out of pocket and in blood, sweat and tears, didn't go unrewarded. Today they get their return. Dominion Power, already supporters of the Four Mile Run Farmers & Artisans Market through their Dominion Green outreach program, have stepped up to assist at the Reed Avenue Park as well. Here's their press release:

Dominion volunteers will work with City of Alexandria Department Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities and community volunteers to turn a former substation into a beautiful community park. Alexandria community volunteers began to create the neighborhood park by adding flower beds and a walking path. Dominion volunteers will help continue the transformation by replacing shrubs and trees that have signs of decay and rotting with new trees that will provide shade for park users expand the walking path and plant additional flowers in the garden.

The Dominion Foundation donated $2,500.00 to help with the project and more than 20 employees will spend part of the day volunteering. Thursday, October 27, 2011 8am–1pm.

When The Arlandrian stopped by early this morning, the Dominion team was already well along. Throughout the day, despite the rain, the volunteers reestablished the paths and garden started by community members last year. And with help from City crews, fresh mulch was laid from the last of the broken trees (the victims of all of the weather events over the last year or so). The City also matched the Dominion dollar contribution with additional plantings. All in all, 4 new maples, 3 crepe myrtles, and 12 arborvitae have now made the community gardening project into a bona fide pocket park. The boost by Dominion and the City was exactly what the project needed to get the park to a place where community members can continue to build on and maintain. Mayor Euille rushed to the neighborhood between official duties to express the community's gratitude and appreciation to the crew during their lunch break. Still a work in progress, a story that is still unfolding, the Reed Avenue Park at 3550 Commonwealth Avenue is an incredible neighborhood accomplishment that continues to reflect the community pride.

New Potomac Yard Metro Alternative West of CSX Tracks

2011-10-26T15:27:00.001-05:00

Intial Alternatives Considered
(EIS Screening of Alternatives Presentation)

The hope of a Potomac Yard Metro station on the west side of the CSX tracks is still alive.

More importantly, during the City's scoping phase of the Environmental Impact Statement preparation, Alternative D3 was introduced and kept on the table. This is important, because options on the west side (the Route 1 side) of the CSX tracks move the metro closer to more potential riders and will therefore increase potential ridership. If you've followed the PY Metro news closely, you'll recall that the 'D' series of alternatives are aerial station options that require the tracks to elevate, cross over to the west side of the the CSX tracks, then return to the east side to rejoin the existing tracks. (Read more about PY Metro here and here. Also, see the official site.)

The aerial alternatives had all been deemed prohibitively expensive and/or technical infeasible. But during the scoping phase of the EIS, the new D3 alignment for an aerial station within the PY development footprint proved a contender. It is listed in the EIS Initial Screening of Alternatives as: "Consistent with purpose and need, consistent with land use and development plans, technically feasible, [and] financially feasible." In fact, all five remaining options meet these four criteria.

The Arlandrian has previously reported the PY Metro Advisory Group's findings that show the 'D' (aerial station) and 'C' (underground station) series of alternatives significantly increase the amount of potential development, and therefore people, within the 1/4 mile and 1/2 mile walkshed. They move the station further into the eventual PY development area, and also closer to the medium density neighborhoods to the west. These neighborhoods include Arlandria, Del Ray, Lynhaven, etc. Alternative 'A' would serve significantly fewer people without a lengthy walk, which will drive some away from Metro as a feasible transportation option. The new D3 option is close to options B1, B2, and B3, but if it is on the west side of the CSX tracks, it saves a lot of walking and one set of steps (you'd have to go up, over, and down to get to any alternative to the east of the CSX tracks). Options D1 and D2, which did not make the cut, were further north and so would have served the planned densest part of the yard even more conveniently, but did not prove technically feasible. Review the report for more information about feasibility.

The underground station alternatives proved to be extremely expensive, and based on the EIS scoping document, not technically feasible. The proximity to Four Mile Run and the CSX tracks appears to be to blame. With option D3 on the table, the PY Metro station could serve almost as many people as the underground and alternate aerial options for a much smaller cost.

Other new alternatives that were considered during the scoping session and found incompatible with stated goals were a VRE station, parking garages, and additional stations developed in other parts of Alexandria. When a final alternative is chosen, it will be compared with the no-build scenario. At that point, the PY Metro Station Implementation Work Group will send the EIS forward to WMATA. The public has opportunities for input throughout. See the high level project schedule below (with projected station opening in 2016).

Potomac Yard Project Schedule (EIS Screening of Alternatives Presentation)

This decision on which alternative to choose is far from made. One of the reasons the 'D' series of alternatives was rejected earlier was the developer didn't want to deal with building out the PY development while working around Metro construction. This is still a possible concern, though perhaps the new alignment was devised to mitigate this impact. It is also possible that option D3 is still more expensive than option 'A' and the various 'B' options. More information should be available tonight.

There is a public meeting tonight to review the Initial Screening of Alternatives at 6:30pm in the City Hall, Council Work Room, 301 King St.. Please attend if possible and lend your support for option D3.

Potomac Avenue is open!

2011-10-26T13:16:00.000-05:00

This morning Potomac Avenue quietly opened for traffic. The new road in Potomac Yard connects Route 1 and Monroe Avenue to Crystal Drive in Crystal City via a re-purposed old railroad bridges over Four Mile Run. The Arlandrian took a tour:

Turning South onto Potomac Avenue in Crystal City.

Approaching 33rd Street

At the intersection with South Glebe Road.

Heading onto the bridge over Four Mile Run into Alexandria with
the view of car heading north confirms it.
(I swear I heard someone complain about the traffic)

Looking back north toward Arlington behind the Target.

Work has started to connect the grid.

At the other end: Potomac Avenue where it connects to
Route 1 and Monroe Avenue (via Main Line Blvd).

4MRMarket Report: "Come Enjoy the Weather" Edition

2011-10-23T05:55:00.000-05:00

Help 4MR Park realize its revitalization!

This Sunday's 4MRMarket (from 8am to 1pm) should be a sunny, perfect early fall day, ranging from the low 60s to the mid-70s. What better way to spend a day like that than to get out. Come enjoy fresh produce, coffee and tea, baked goods, and great artisan crafts. There are only 4 markets left including tomorrow, so get your fresh food fix for the fall!

Just like every week, you can enjoy a tasty pastry in the 4MRMarket Lounge, and once again, Travis is cooking up a surprise for lucky market goers to sample!

See the "DONATE" note, below about helping get 4MR Park renovations even further along! This fall, the City will start converting the vacant lots into a beautiful park plaza. There are limited funds to do this project, so donations would be very helpful!

Here are other ways to help keep this community enterprise alive:

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 next week's market or pre-pay online via Pay-Pal (send money to 4MRM@arlandria.org).

DONATE. Help 4MRMarket help 4MR Park. 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. More information here.

HELP. If you'd like to volunteer with the 4MRMarket, go to: volunteer.4MRMarket.org to sign up or look for the "volunteer" tab on our website. You'll be able to volunteer to help process SNAP/EBT 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 4mrm@arlandria.org for more info.

READ. Keep up to date on all the goings on by following 4MRMarket on Facebook or Twitter 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 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.

Here is who you'll find at 4MRMarket this week:

Pleitez Produce (Northern Neck) - A full range of locally grown produce, herbs, and more.
Bread and Chocolate (Arlandria) - A range of baked goods.
C and T Produce (White Oak, VA) - A huge selection of locally grown produce.
St. Elmo's Coffee Pub (Del Ray) - Brewed coffee, tea, and a few extra goodies.
Simply Healthy Water (Vienna, VA) - Try Dennis and Eileen's homeostatic filtered water and see if it's something you want to be able to enjoy every day.
Indigo's Friends - Come see Imani Russel's upcycled line of clothing and jewelry. Reduce, Reuse, and Upcycle, indeed!
Mujeres Artesanas de Alexandria (MAdA) - Hand-made crafts.

Uncommon Knits

The Stifler Farm (What's For Dinner Now) (Shenandoah) are back from vacation selling grass-fed beef and pasture raised pork. And sausages!

Crafts available on a rotating basis.

Plan ahead and contact any of these great folks online if you'd like to shop virtually during the week.

VeloCity bike co-op should be on-site doing teaching bike maintenance and repair, depending on volunteer availability today.

VeloCitizen Kris bringing the mobile
bike repair shop to 4MRMarket

_______________

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 May through October in Four Mile Run Park at 4109 Mt Vernon Avenue, Alexandria.

(click here for directions)

Buy Fresh Buy Local 4MRMarket products.

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

On Facebook: facebook.com/4MRMarket

Contact us at: 4mrm@arlandria.org

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

4MRMarket Report: "The Home Stretch" Edition

2011-10-02T07:09:00.001-05:00

Delicious Fall Greens are now available!
Photo from Troo Food Liberation

It's a brisk fall morning at 4MRMarket, and we're all set to go. This is our last month for the 2011 edition of the market, so come out and make it a great last hurrah! We have veggies, meat, baked goods, etc. just like every week, and the Market Lounge is set up to enjoy a nice fresh breakfast, and Travis is cooking up a surprise for lucky market goers to sample!

Today we'll draw the names for four lucky winners for a $5 Gift Tokens as our way to reward customer loyalty.

Here are other ways to help keep this community enterprise alive:

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 next week's market or pre-pay online via Pay-Pal (send money to 4MRM@arlandria.org).

DONATE. Help 4MRMarket help 4MR Park. 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. More information here.

ANSWER. Do you like to bike to 4MRMarket? If so, please fill out this survey from the League of American Bicyclists to help get 4MRMarket certified as an official Bike Friendly Business.

HELP. If you'd like to volunteer with the 4MRMarket, go to: volunteer.4MRMarket.org to sign up or look for the "volunteer" tab on our website. You'll be able to volunteer to help process SNAP/EBT 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 4mrm@arlandria.org for more info.

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

Here is who you'll find at 4MRMarket this week:

Have a heart.
Sampling fresh sausage and variety meats.

The Stifler Farm aka "What's For Dinner Now" (Shenandoah) - Natural, locally farm-raised black Angus beef, and now fresh, farm raised Pork, including bacon and andouille, chorizo, and breakfast sausage! (all flash frozen for convenience)
Pleitez Produce (Northern Neck) - A full range of locally grown produce, herbs, and more.
Bread and Chocolate (Arlandria) - A range of baked goods.
C and T Produce (White Oak, VA) - A huge selection of locally grown produce.
St. Elmo's Coffee Pub (Del Ray) - Brewed coffee, tea, and a few extra goodies.
Simply Healthy Water (Vienna, VA) - Try Dennis and Eileen's homeostatic filtered water and see if it's something you want to be able to enjoy every day.

Crafts available on a rotating basis.

Plan ahead and contact any of these great folks online if you'd like to shop virtually during the week.

VeloCity bike co-op should be on-site doing teaching bike maintenance and repair, depending on volunteer availability today.

VeloCitizen Kris bringing the mobile
bike repair shop to 4MRMarket

_______________

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 May through October in Four Mile Run Park at 4109 Mt Vernon Avenue, Alexandria.

(click here for directions)

Buy Fresh Buy Local 4MRMarket products.

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

On Facebook: facebook.com/4MRMarket

Contact us at: 4mrm@arlandria.org

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

A New Mixed-Use Project for Arlandria!

2011-09-29T23:29:00.002-05:00

Rendering of the Arlandria Center redevelopment
as seen from 4MR Park, above the Birchmere.

For the first time in a very long time, there is a plan to develop an under-utilized property in our very own neighborhood. The Arlandria Shopping Center (where MOM's and CVS are located) would go from an auto-centric, single-use property to a mixed-use, street-fronting property with first floor retail and apartments above. While The Arlandrian staff has been too busy to report on many urban planning and redevelopment related topics, this one's a doozy. This development would be a huge boon to the sustainability of the neighborhood.

From what we've seen so far, Arlandria Center, LLC, has done everything right in their proposed development. The project promises a large affordable housing contribution and complies with the unanimously approved 2003 Arlandria Small Area Plan (PDF) with a phased approach to keep Mom's Organic Market and CVS in the neighborhood. The developer is making believers out of us. Learn more about the proposal at 7pm on Wednesday, October 5th at the Four Mile Run Park Community Building (4109 Mt. Vernon Avenue).

Here is the City's Official Notice of the public meeting:

A Development Special Use Permit application has been filed to redevelop the Mt Vernon Village Shopping Center, where Mom’s Market and CVS are located. At this time, the application is scheduled to be heard by the Alexandria Planning Commission on November 1, 2011 and City Council on November 12, 2011.

The Mt Vernon Shopping Center site was one of several sites that were discussed for redevelopment in the 2003 Arlandria Plan. The current application addresses many of the design goals of the plan. The proposed project consists of two multi-family residential buildings that maintain the 50,000 sq. ft. of retail along Mt Vernon Avenue (approximately the same amount of retail that currently exists). Parking would be underground and within the building at grade. Streetscape improvements, including street trees, new bus shelters and sidewalk widening, would be made along Mt Vernon Avenue and Bruce Street.

The developers will be holding a public meeting to discuss the project on Wednesday, October 5th and you will be notified as to the exact time and location for this meeting. If you have any questions in the meantime or if your civic association would like to be given an individual presentation about the project, please contact Maya Contreras, Urban Planner, in the City’s Department of Planning and Zoning, at 703.746.3816 or maya.contreras@alexandriava.gov

The Arlandria Center proposal
as seen from Mt Vernon Avenue.

4MRMarket Report: "Hanging in There" Edition

2011-09-24T17:46:00.002-05:00

Delicious Fall Greens are now available!
Photo from Troo Food Liberation

There are 5 markets left this year, and 4MRMarket really needs your help to keep it viable throughout the fall. The back-to-school season is a very hectic time of year in any ordinary year, but hurriquakes make it even more so. Don't forget about your neighborhood, volunteer-run market.

Between bad weather and holidays, perhaps many summer market goers just got out of the habit. We've noticed a drop-off since summer, but the vendors are still there every Sunday, and they need you to make it worth their while. So if you enjoy having another great Farmers Market option in Alexandria, and specifically one in your backyard, please come out to shop on Sunday, from 8am - 1pm. The volunteers will be there no matter what, but the Farmers and Artisans can only come out if it they can meet the bottom line.

We're still gathering names for the chance to win one of four $5 Gift Tokens as our way to reward customer loyalty. Come to the 4MRMarket tent for a complimentary BuyFresh BuyLocal market bag. Bring it back to 4MRMarket and show it to a market manager in September and you will be entered in the drawing.

Here are other ways to help keep this community enterprise alive:

The supercool 4MRMarket t-shirt

Here is who you'll find at 4MRMarket this week:

Have a heart.
Sampling fresh sausage and variety meats.

The Stifler Farm aka "What's For Dinner Now" (Shenandoah) - Natural, locally farm-raised black Angus beef, and now fresh, farm raised Pork, including bacon and andouille, chorizo, and breakfast sausage! (all flash frozen for convenience)
Pleitez Produce (Northern Neck) - A full range of locally grown produce, herbs, and more.
Bread and Chocolate (Arlandria) - A range of baked goods.
C and T Produce (White Oak, VA) - A huge selection of locally grown produce.
St. Elmo's Coffee Pub (Del Ray) - Brewed coffee, tea, and a few extra goodies.
Simply Healthy Water (Vienna, VA) - Try Dennis and Eileen's homeostatic filtered water and see if it's something you want to be able to enjoy every day.

Crafts available on a rotating basis.

Plan ahead and contact any of these great folks online if you'd like to shop virtually during the week.

VeloCity bike co-op will be on-site doing teaching bike maintenance and repair. And our 4MRMarket Tent will certainly be the host to some great community group.

VeloCitizen Kris bringing the mobile
bike repair shop to 4MRMarket

_______________

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 May through October in Four Mile Run Park at 4109 Mt Vernon Avenue, Alexandria.

(click here for directions)

Buy Fresh Buy Local 4MRMarket products.

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

On Facebook: facebook.com/4MRMarket

Contact us at: 4mrm@arlandria.org

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

4MRMarket Report: "Bringing in the Harvest"

2011-09-17T17:42:00.000-05:00

Delicious winter squash now in season!
Photo from whatscookingamerica

It has been a tough couple of weeks between the earthquake, hurricane, and massive amounts of rain. However, our hard working farmers and artisans have continued toiling away to bring you their top quality goods! Please come out and support your friendly, neighborhood market this week. The volunteers and vendors are still here, but as always, we need you to keep this great market going. And, as huge fans of fall veggies ourselves, we feel this is one of the best times of year for farmers market shopping. Come out and pick up your tried and true favorite fall veggies or try something new. Just the thought of coarsely diced root vegetables tossed in olive oil, salt, pepper and chopped rosemary is enough to make even the biggest fan of summer heat pine just a bit for the fall harvest season!

We checked in with C&T Produce to see what they'd have in store for us this week, and they said they'll have winter squash, several varieties of greens, and hopefully freshly dug up sweet potatoes (if the weather permitted). Of course, all your favorite summer veggies are still in season, too.

We're still gathering names for one of four $5 Gift Tokens to our loyal repeat customers. Come to the 4MRMarket tent for a complimentary BuyFresh BuyLocal market bag. Bring it back to 4MRMarket and show it to a market manager in September and you will be entered in the drawing.

Here are other ways to help keep this community enterprise alive:

The supercool 4MRMarket t-shirt

Here is who you'll find at 4MRMarket this week:

4MRMarket products

The Stifler Farm aka "What's For Dinner Now" (Shenandoah) - Natural, locally farm-raised black Angus beef, and now fresh, farm raised Pork, including bacon and andouille, chorizo, and breakfast sausage! (all flash frozen for convenience)
Pleitez Produce (Northern Neck) - A full range of locally grown produce, herbs, and more.
Bread and Chocolate (Arlandria) - A range of baked goods.
Herban Avenues at AHHA Ranch (Lovettsville, VA) - Herbal remedies, amazing soaps, heritage breed chicken eggs, and a variety of herbs.
C and T Produce (White Oak, VA) - A huge selection of locally grown produce.
St. Elmo's Coffee Pub (Del Ray) - Brewed coffee, tea, and a few extra goodies.
Tom's Amish Cheese Store (Lancaster, PA) - Artisan Cheese, yogurt and Pennsylvania honey.
Simply Healthy Water (Vienna, VA) - Try Dennis and Eileen's homeostatic filtered water and see if it's something you want to be able to enjoy every day.
Sweet Hearts Patisserie (Fairfax, VA) - a Northern Virginia based patisserie specializing in gourmet Victorian petit fours and other miniature sized pastries. Sweet Hearts petit fours are made in a variety of delectable flavors and designs, and make the perfect gift or tea time treat.

Plan ahead and contact any of these great folks online if you'd like to shop virtually during the week.

VeloCity bike co-op will be on-site doing teaching bike maintenance and repair. And our 4MRMarket Tent will certainly be the host to some great community group.

VeloCitizen Kris bringing the mobile
bike repair shop to 4MRMarket

_______________

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 May through October 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

Contact us at: 4mrm@arlandria.org

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

4MRMarket Report: "Fruits of Labor" Edition

2011-09-03T14:59:00.002-05:00

We survived! Everything is pretty much in tact after the hurricaine and we are back in business. It's a holiday weekend and there's stuff you need to celebrate. We know where you should go. The Four Mile Run Farmers and Artisans Market will be open this Sunday September 4th.

The farmers, crafters, artisans and intrepid volunteers at 4MRMarket depend on your support to keep this thing alive. And to entice folks to come check us out, we are offering the chance at one of four $5 Gift Tokens to our loyal repeat customers. Come to the 4MRMarket tent for a complimentary BuyFresh BuyLocal market bag. Bring it back to 4MRMarket and show it to a market manager in September and you will be entered in the drawing.

Here are other ways to help keep this community enterprise alive:

The supercool 4MRMarket t-shirt

Here is we hope you'll find at 4MRMarket this week:

4MRMarket products

The Stifler Farm aka "What's For Dinner Now" (Shenandoah) - Natural, locally farm-raised black Angus beef, and now fresh, farm raised Pork, including bacon and andouille, chorizo, and breakfast sausage! (all flash frozen for convenience)
Pleitez Produce (Northern Neck) - A full range of locally grown produce, herbs, and more.
Bread and Chocolate (Arlandria) - A range of baked goods.
Herban Avenues at AHHA Ranch (Lovettsville, VA) - Herbal remedies, amazing soaps, heritage breed chicken eggs, and a variety of herbs.
C and T Produce (White Oak, VA) - A huge selection of locally grown produce.
St. Elmo's Coffee Pub (Del Ray) - Brewed coffee, tea, and a few extra goodies.
Tom's Amish Cheese Store (Lancaster, PA) - Artisan Cheese, yogurt and Pennsylvania honey.
Chris Waters Furniture - Beautiful, rustic tables, bookshelves, and other furniture items, all handmade.
Uncommon Knits (WV) - Handwoven linens made with 100% cotton and hand-stitched hems for your kitchen, dining room and bath.
Ron RLR-Designs (Herndon, VA) - Artistic photo prints to dress up any wall
Simply Healthy Water (Vienna, VA) - Try Dennis and Eileen's homeostatic filtered water and see if it's something you want to be able to enjoy every day.
Sweet Hearts Patisserie (Fairfax, VA) - a Northern Virginia based patisserie specializing in gourmet Victorian petit fours and other miniature sized pastries. Sweet Hearts petit fours are made in a variety of delectable flavors and designs, and make the perfect gift or tea time treat.

Plan ahead and contact any of these great folks online if you'd like to shop virtually during the week.

VeloCity bike co-op will be on-site doing teaching bike maintenance and repair. And our 4MRMarket Tent will certainly be the host to some great community group.

VeloCitizen Kris bringing the mobile
bike repair shop to 4MRMarket

_______________

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 May through October 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

Contact us at: 4mrm@arlandria.org

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

4MRMarket Special Report: "1st Thursday" Edition

2011-09-01T15:03:00.002-05:00

Come on down to the Avenue in Del Ray tonight from 6-8pm to see 4MRMarket participate in 1st Thursday. We'll have a table with Gaver Nichols at the corner of Mt. Vernon and Raymond. We'll be there to talk about the Four Mile Run Farmers and Artisans Market as well as the revitalization and expansion of Four Mile Run Park. And we'll have some giveaways and chances at gift tokens to use at 4MRMarket on Sundays.

About the event:

Sponsored by the Del Ray Business Association (DRBA), the season's last 1st Thursday will be held on September 1st beginning at 6:00 p.m. With the theme, Home Sweet Home, 1st Thursday is a wonderful opportunity to spend time on Mt. Vernon Avenue to learn about goods and services that make Del Ray a wonderful place to live, work, shop and play. Numerous realtors, architects, home services, home based businesses, and store front businesses will sponsor activities highlighting their Home Sweet Home offerings and will be set up along the Avenue between cross streets Hume and East Nelson.

If you’re not up to walking the entire Avenue, there will be FREE pedicabs courtesy of Sue Kovalsky, realtor with the Jen Walker Team and McEnearney Associates; Gretchen Wilkinson, Realtor, Homes of Alexandria Team and Weichert, Realtors; and Dr. Richard Stone, DDS. Pedicabs can take you up and down Mt. Vernon Avenue. Both ends of the Avenue will have special activities. A band will be playing at the East Nelson end, right by Eclectic Nature, where they’ll be giving away s’mores!. At Monroe Avenue, Potomac West Interiors will host a wine & cheese reception and will be holding a special contest for customers. Stop by and see architect Gaver Nichols at Raymond Avenue where he’ll conduct a tour of the Lofts of Del Ray and a block away, Nature’s Nibbles will hold a pet adoption.

At the center of the neighborhood in the Del Ray Farmers’ Market lot (Mt Vernon and E. Oxford), the Kate Moran Band will be playing and Sweetcheeks, will offer face painting for kids, courtesy of this month’s sponsor Jen Walker of McEnearney Associates. A few steps away, you can meet the owner of The Happy Tart, a gluten free bakery coming to the Avenue in the fall and sample “sweet” snacks at Vital Body and Mind Therapies and nostalgic treats at Immanuel Lutheran Church’s booth. Cross the Avenue and say hello to the folks from the DIY blog – they’ll be outside the Neighborhood Pharmacy. (a complete list of activities will be available on 1st Thursday). Alexandria Hyundai and ACKC will also host a band.

DRBA once again host the very popular scavenger hunt. Participants can pick up a form at the Del Ray Farmer’s Market lot or participating Avenue businesses. Follow the clues (and directions) for a chance to win prizes donated by neighborhood businesses, including (but not limited to) A Show of Hands, Bellies and Babies, Bungalow Homewares, Del Ray Patch, DIY Del Ray, Kiskadee, Jen Walker, Truly-Life natural soaps, Eclectic Nature, Vital Body and Mind Therapies, and Potomac West Interiors.

Finally, our featured non-profit for the September 1st event is Rebuilding Together Alexandria. Come and visit them at their booth in the Del Ray Farmers’ Market lot. They will be accepting donations to help in their important service to our community.

Questions? Email Karen Johnson, kaj2600@yahoo.com

4MRMarket Report: "Closed for Safety" Edition

2011-08-27T10:33:00.002-05:00

"Don't you remember it was rain
that drowned you"

Oh we hate to do it. We wish we could be live up to that old Post Office motto. We aren't scared by a little rain. Wind is a different story. We contacted all our great vendors last night and told them that Four Mile Run Farmers and Artisans Market will be closed this Sunday August 28th.

Please keep 4MRMarket in mind after the skies clear. Farmers, crafters, artisans and our intrepid volunteers depend on your support to keep this thing alive. Even though we're close for saftey, shutting down and losing a week still hurts.

And we'll miss seeing folks too.While hunkered down, please consider how to help keep this community enterprise alive:

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 next week's market or pre-pay online via Pay-Pal (send money to 4MRM@arlandria.org).

DONATE. Help 4MRMarket help 4MR Park. 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. More information here.

ANSWER. Do you like to bike to 4MRMarket? If so, please fill out this survey from the League of American Bicyclists to help get 4MRMarket certified as an official Bike Friendly Business.

HELP. If you'd like to volunteer with the 4MRMarket, go to: volunteer.4MRMarket.org to sign up or look for the "volunteer" tab on our website. You'll be able to volunteer to help process SNAP/EBT 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 4mrm@arlandria.org for more info.

READ. Keep up to date on all the goings on by following 4MRMarket on Facebook or Twitter 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 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.

Check back with us after the storm. But plan ahead and contact any of these great folks online if you'd like to shop virtually over the weekend. Here is we hope you'll find at 4MRMarket next week:

The Stifler Farm aka "What's For Dinner Now" (Shenandoah) - Natural, locally farm-raised black Angus beef, and now fresh, farm raised Pork, including bacon and andouille, chorizo, and breakfast sausage! (all flash frozen for convenience)
Pleitez Produce (Northern Neck) - A full range of locally grown produce, herbs, and more.
Bread and Chocolate (Arlandria) - A range of baked goods.
Herban Avenues at AHHA Ranch (Lovettsville, VA) - Herbal remedies, amazing soaps, heritage breed chicken eggs, and a variety of herbs.
C and T Produce (White Oak, VA) - A huge selection of locally grown produce.
St. Elmo's Coffee Pub (Del Ray) - Brewed coffee, tea, and a few extra goodies.
Tom's Amish Cheese Store (Lancaster, PA) - Artisan Cheese, yogurt and Pennsylvania honey.
Chris Waters Furniture - Beautiful, rustic tables, bookshelves, and other furniture items, all handmade.
Uncommon Knits (WV) - Handwoven linens made with 100% cotton and hand-stitched hems for your kitchen, dining room and bath.
Ron RLR-Designs (Herndon, VA) - Artistic photo prints to dress up any wall
Simply Healthy Water (Vienna, VA) - Try Dennis and Eileen's homeostatic filtered water and see if it's something you want to be able to enjoy every day.
Sweet Hearts Patisserie (Fairfax, VA) - a Northern Virginia based patisserie specializing in gourmet victorian petit fours and other miniature sized pastries. Sweet Hearts petit fours are made in a variety of delectable flavors and designs, and make the perfect gift or tea time treat.

VeloCity bike co-op will be on-site doing teaching bike maintenance and repair. And our 4MRMarket Tent will certainly be the host to some great community group.

INOVA at Whole Foods 5% day
raising funds for Double Dollar Program.

_______________

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 May through October 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

Contact us at: 4mrm@arlandria.org

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

4MRMarket Report: "Cool as a Cucumber" Edition

2011-08-20T13:21:00.002-05:00

Photo from incredifood.com

We'll be continuing to gather names for our drawing this week! Bring your re-usable Buy Fresh, Buy Local bag to the market and you can enter to win $5 to spend at the market. Several winners will be selected! We have more bags to give away, so stop by the 4MRMarket tent and ask a market manager.

This week, we feature a lovely cold cucumber soup from almost all market ingredients. It's one of my personal favorite summer soups, it's healthy as it gets, and you barely have to lift a finger:

Cold and Creamy Cucumber Soup:
(This one is all made in the blender, so you don't have to do much prep at all)

Ingredients:
2 cups yogurt (From Tom's Amish Cheese)
1/2 cup regular or low fat sour cream (this one you have to get at the store)
Hand-full of Mint Leaves and Dill, picked off the stems (From C&T Produce, Pleitez Produce, or Herban Avenues)
1-3 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed (From C&T Produce or Pleitez Produce)
2-3 cucumbers, peeled and cut into big chunks (From C&T Produce or Pleitez Produce)
Salt & Pepper to taste (at least 1/2 tsp of each, but probably closer to 1 tsp)
2-3 dashes of cayenne pepper

Directions:
Throw everything in the blender and blend until more or less smooth (can be a bit chunky). Start with 1 garlic clove because raw garlic can add a real kick. If you like it spicy and garlicky, add the 2nd and maybe the 3rd clove. Remember to add a bit more salt if the flavor doesn't really pop in your mouth. It should be a refreshing but bright, spicy, herbaceous tasting soup. Serve by ladling into bowls and topping with a couple drops of olive oil and some chopped herbs. Add a side salad from market ingredients and some toasted, crusty bread from Bread and Chocolate and you have yourself a nice light lunch or dinner.

It should be another nice week at the 4MRMarket. It will be a bit cooler and cloudy in the morning, with no rain expected until later in the afternoon. Come by and take advantage of another temperate morning before the heat sets in!

Here is who you'll find at 4MRMarket this week (note: Tom's Amish Cheese and Stifler Farm are back this week):

The Stifler Farm aka "What's For Dinner Now" (Shenandoah) - Natural, locally farm-raised black Angus beef, and now fresh, farm raised Pork, including bacon and andouille, chorizo, and breakfast sausage! (all flash frozen for convenience)
Pleitez Produce (Northern Neck) - A full range of locally grown produce, herbs, and more.
Bread and Chocolate (Arlandria) - A range of baked goods.
Herban Avenues at AHHA Ranch (Lovettsville, VA) - Herbal remedies, amazing soaps, heritage breed chicken eggs, and a variety of herbs.
C&T Produce (White Oak, VA) - A huge selection of locally grown produce.
St. Elmo's Coffee Pub (Del Ray) - Brewed coffee, tea, and a few extra goodies.
Tom's Amish Cheese Store (Lancaster, PA) - Artisan Cheese, yogurt and Pennsylvania honey.
Chris Waters Furniture - Beautiful, rustic tables, bookshelves, and other furniture items, all handmade.
Uncommon Knits (WV) - Handwoven linens made with 100% cotton and hand-stitched hems for your kitchen, dining room and bath.
Ron RLR-Designs (Herndon, VA) - Artistic photo prints to dress up any wall
Simply Healthy Water (Vienna, VA) - Try Dennis and Eileen's homeostatic filtered water and see if it's something you want to be able to enjoy every day.
Sweet Hearts Patisserie (Fairfax, VA) - a Northern Virginia based patisserie specializing in gourmet victorian petit fours and other miniature sized pastries. Sweet Hearts petit fours are made in a variety of delectable flavors and designs, and make the perfect gift or tea time treat.

VeloCity bike co-op will be on-site doing teaching bike maintenance and repair. In our 4MRMarket Tent come meet folks from the Dominion Green Power Program.

INOVA at Whole Foods 5% day
raising funds for Double Dollar Program.

All SNAP/EBT participants, come out and take advantage of the Inova-sponsored "Double Dollar" program 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. Thanks to everyone that came out to Whole Foods in Old Town on August 17th to support the Inova Hospital Foundation Double Dollar program! It was a big success and should help the market be able to continue offering double dollars for a good long while!

If you'd like to volunteer with the 4MRMarket, go to: volunteer.4MRMarket.org to sign up or look for the "volunteer" tab on our website. You'll be able to volunteer to help process SNAP/EBT 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 4mrm@arlandria.org for more info.

Do you like to bike to 4MRMarket? If so, please fill out this survey from the League of American Bicyclists to help get 4MRMarket certified as an official Bike Friendly Business.

(click here for directions)

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

On Facebook: facebook.com/4MRMarket

Contact us at: 4mrm@arlandria.org

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

Support 4MRMarket by Supporting INOVA at Whole Foods today!

2011-08-17T08:45:00.003-05:00

5% Day for Inova

Join us for a 5% day benefiting Inova's Matching Double Dollar Program. Inova's Double Dollar Program matches the first $10 of purchases made with food stamps or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) at the Four Mile Run Farmers & Artisans Market in Arlandria.

Our thanks to Whole Foods Market Old Town for supporting the INOVA Health System's program to help SNAP recipients purchase fresh, local foods at 4MRMarket as the today (August 17). Shop today and 5% goes to the program. Stop by and visit us at the store from 5 to 7PM. 4MRMarket is proud to partner with INOVA to be the first in North Viriginia to implement the program. (See more here).

4MRMarket Report: "National Farmers Market Week" Edition

2011-08-13T11:00:00.001-05:00

Starting this week, to celebrate National Farmers Market Week, bring your re-usable Buy Fresh, Buy Local bag to the market and you can enter to win $5 to spend at the market. Several winners will be selected! We have more bags to give away, so stop by the 4MRMarket tent and ask a market manager.

It should be a bit cooler tomorrow, so come by and take advantage of one of the few temperate days thus far this summer. As always, we will have a wide selection of fresh, National Farmers Market Week ready fruits, veg, meats, and cheeses. Not to mention all the great artisan-made products available this week. There's always a surprised craft vendor or two that comes in, as well, so come check out all the great products!

Here is who you'll find at 4MRMarket this week:

The Stifler Farm aka "What's For Dinner Now" (Shenandoah) - Natural, locally farm-raised black Angus beef, and now fresh, farm raised Pork, including bacon and andouille, chorizo, and breakfast sausage! (all flash frozen for convenience)
Pleitez Produce (Northern Neck) - A full range of locally grown produce, herbs, and more.
Bread and Chocolate (Arlandria) - A range of baked goods.
Herban Avenues at AHHA Ranch (Lovettsville, VA) - Herbal remedies, amazing soaps, heritage breed chicken eggs, and a variety of herbs.
C&T Produce (White Oak, VA) - A huge selection of locally grown produce.
St. Elmo's Coffee Pub (Del Ray) - Brewed coffee, tea, and a few extra goodies.
Tom's Amish Cheese Store (Lancaster, PA) - Artisan Cheese, yogurt and Pennsylvania honey.
Chris Waters Furniture - Beautiful, rustic tables, bookshelves, and other furniture items, all handmade.
Uncommon Knits (WV) - Handwoven linens made with 100% cotton and hand-stitched hems for your kitchen, dining room and bath.
Ron RLR-Designs (Herndon, VA) - Artistic photo prints to dress up any wall
Simply Healthy Water (Vienna, VA) - Try Dennis and Eileen's homeostatic filtered water and see if it's something you want to be able to enjoy every day.
Sweet Hearts Patisserie (Fairfax, VA) - a Northern Virginia based patisserie specializing in gourmet victorian petit fours and other miniature sized pastries. Sweet Hearts petit fours are made in a variety of delectable flavors and designs, and make the perfect gift or tea time treat.

VeloCity bike co-op will be on-site doing teaching bike maintenance and repair. In our 4MRMarket Tent come meet folks from the Dominion Green Power Program.

If you're a SNAP/EBT participant, remember to come out and take advantage of the Inova-sponsored "Double Dollar" program 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 check out Whole Foods Market on Duke Street in Old Town on August 17th when 5% of store sales will go to the Inova Hospital Foundation to support the Double Dollar program.

If you'd like to volunteer with the 4MRMarket, we have set up a new on-line way to sign-up. Go to: volunteer.4MRMarket.org to sign up or look for the "volunteer" tab on our website. You'll be able to volunteer to help process SNAP/EBT 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 4mrm@arlandria.org for more info.

Do you like to bike to 4MRMarket? If so, please fill out this survey from the League of American Bicyclists to help get 4MRMarket certified as an official Bike Friendly Business.

(click here for directions)

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

On Facebook: facebook.com/4MRMarket

Contact us at: 4mrm@arlandria.org

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

4MRMarket Report: "Being Crafty" Edition

2011-08-06T14:34:00.002-05:00

Our hand model volunteers demo jewelry

they've collected this year at 4MRMarket.

You've probably noticed, but in addition to the fine produce and food products that we feature in our reports most weeks, 4MRMarket is also a hotbed of talented and enterprising artisans --a small business incubator for the up and coming art entrepreneur. 4MRMarket has hosted more than a half dozen different artisans this year, with a variety of crafts represented. Depending on the week, you can get items as diverse as jewelry, furniture, placemats, photos and kids clothing. For example, this weekend, you can get hand woven placemats, napkins, dish towels, et cetera at Uncommon Knits. Or hand made jewelry designed by Andrea D'Ambrosia. Craftsman-made wood tables and furniture made by Chris Waters should be there, as well as the beautiful photography of Ron-RLR Designs. But we always expect a few surprises, so please stop by.

Congratulations to our raffle winner, Amanda Shapiro, who picked up $100 to spend at the farmers market and create her own ideal 4MRMarket bag! Several other winners have been selected to receive a free Four Mile Run Farmers & Artisans Market t-shirt as well. We've contacted winners already, so if you haven't heard from us, prepare for the next great promotion! All you have to do is come out and shop at 4MRMarket as so many of you do every week, anyway! Thanks for your support!

Starting next week, bring your re-usable Buy Fresh, Buy Local bag to the market and you can enter to win $5 to spend at the market. Several winners will be selected! We have more bags to give away, so stop by the 4MRMarket tent and ask a market manager.

Remember to catch us early to beat the heat! We're open at 8am, before the summer sun cranks up. Check out the photo of the deep red watermelon and try to pretend you don't want a bite! They're delicious, and in season with so many other great produce items right now!

Here is who you'll find at 4MRMarket this week:

The Stifler Farm aka "What's For Dinner Now" (Shenandoah) - Natural, locally farm-raised black Angus beef, and now fresh, farm raised Pork, including bacon and andouille, chorizo, and breakfast sausage! (all flash frozen for convenience)
Pleitez Produce (Northern Neck) - A full range of locally grown produce, herbs, and more.
Bread and Chocolate (Arlandria) - A range of baked goods.
Herban Avenues at AHHA Ranch (Lovettsville, VA) - Herbal remedies, amazing soaps, heritage breed chicken eggs, and a variety of herbs.
C&T Produce (White Oak, VA) - A huge selection of locally grown produce.
St. Elmo's Coffee Pub (Del Ray) - Brewed coffee, tea, and a few extra goodies.
Tom's Amish Cheese Store (Lancaster, PA) - Artisan Cheese, yogurt and Pennsylvania honey.
Chris Waters Furniture - Beautiful, rustic tables, bookshelves, and other furniture items, all handmade.
Uncommon Knits (WV) - Handwoven linens made with 100% cotton and hand-stitched hems for your kitchen, dining room and bath.
Ron RLR-Designs (Herndon, VA) - Artistic photo prints to dress up any wall
Simply Healthy Water (Vienna, VA) - Try Dennis and Eileen's homeostatic filtered water and see if it's something you want to be able to enjoy every day.
Sweet Hearts Patisserie (Fairfax, VA) - a Northern Virginia based patisserie specializing in gourmet victorian petit fours and other miniature sized pastries. Sweet Hearts petit fours are made in a variety of delectable flavors and designs, and make the perfect gift or tea time treat.

VeloCity bike co-op will be on-site doing teaching bike maintenance and repair. In our 4MRMarket Tent come meet folks from the Dominion Green Power Program.

Do you like to bike to 4MRMarket? If so, please fill out this survey from the League of American Bicyclists to help get 4MRMarket certified as an official Bike Friendly Business.

(click here for directions)

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

On Facebook: facebook.com/4MRMarket

Contact us at: 4mrm@arlandria.org

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

Are new bus shelters coming to Arlandria?

2011-08-03T17:04:00.002-05:00

A prototype of what new Alexandria bus
shelters might look like. But where will it go?

How many bus shelters are there in Arlandria?

That was a concern expressed by folks who participated in the planning process that resulted in the 2003 Arlandria Plan. Because there is only 1 along Mt Vernon Avenue between West Glebe and South Glebe. The lonely (and somewhat sad) bus shelter does not make for much of a transit corridor in our heavily used transit neighborhood.

As we've noted before on The Arlandrian (Is this a good place for a bus shelter?), new bus shelters have appeared nearby, but not any that are often frequented (though there are some reports to the contrary). And some upgrades of existing shelters have brought solar power lighting to bus stops. But, by and large, pending redevelopment of some the "opportunity sites" identified by the City in the Arlandria Plan, new bus shelters aren't possible at existing bus stops until the City is granted easements or land to put them on.

Have you used this bus stop? Anyone?

Still, there are steps in the right direction. It was (gasp) two years ago, that we suggested that Alexandria follow the lead of other nearby communities and consider shelters that provide schedule and route information as well as a place to stay out of the rain and sun.

So it is with great pleasure that we read today that:

The City's Office of Transit Services improves several bus stops during the year. Facilities that are provided at transit stops help make transit more comfortable and convenient to customers, thereby encouraging usage. These improvements can include:

Concrete Loading Pads / Accessible Bus Stops
Bus Route / Other Transit Information
Benches
Bus Shelters

To decide where and when the new amenities will be provided, analysis of ridership data performed for each bus stop during 2010 and 2011 with priorities being set based on a variety of criteria. (See this Metrobus shelter replacement location map).

The City of Alexandria's Office of Transit Services will be providing information about the City’s new bus shelter design shelter replacement projects at two upcoming informational meetings:

Wednesday, August 10, 2011 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
George Washington Middle School (Media Center) – 1005 Mount Vernon Ave Alexandria, VA 22301

Thursday, August 11, 2011 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library (Large Meeting Room) - 5005 Duke Street, Alexandria, VA 22304

City staff will be available to talk about the design and answer any questions. The public will have an opportunity to provide comments on the new bus shelter design during both open house sessions. Check the City website for more information on the Bus Stop Accessibility & Amenities Program.

Catch a bus to the presentations if you can.

4MRMarket Report: "Kids" Edition

2011-07-30T17:17:00.003-05:00

Summer is the best time to get kids to start

cooking with fresh market ingredients

What better time than now to start teaching kids about eating healthy, shopping for locally sourced produce, and the value and uniqueness of artisan produced products and crafts. Bring your kids out to the 4MRMarket, let them play hopscotch and make a huge chalk drawing in the kids area (designed and painted by the Alexandria Arts Commission).

Then, invite your kids to lend a hand throwing together one of these three easy, summertime, tomato-based recipes! The heirloom tomato season is the perfect time to compliment your meal with a side or starter from everyone's favorite plump, sweet, and juicy fruit-vegetable 'tweener. And what could be easier for kids to start to cooking with than recipes calling for nothing more than a few slices of this and a dash of that. Voila! Delicious, fresh food.

With a little adult supervision, teach your kids to slice tomatoes, sprinkle salt, pepper, oil and/or vinegar, and maybe, when they start getting a little better with the knife, how to chop an onion.

Tomato and Sweet Onion Salad:

Figure 3-4 slices of tomato per person. Make a small dice of sweet onions (or you can use the food processor on the onions to make a coarse chop). Fan the tomatoes on a plate, then sprinkle with salt, pepper, the sweet onion dice, and rice wine vinegar. An amazing dish with good, sweet tomatoes.

Caprese Salad:

Again, figure 3-4 slices of tomato per person and an equal number of slices of fresh mozzarella. Next, make a chiffonade of 5-10 basil leaves (fancy French word for thinly sliced). Arrange the tomato in a fan with a slice of mozzarella between each slice of tomato. Sprinkle a generous amount fresh cracked black pepper, salt, and the basil. Drizzle extra virgin olive oil together with fresh squeezed lemon juice or (balsamic or wine) vinegar over the whole dish (1/2 to 1 tablespoon of each per tomato). Optionally, top with a few olives. There's no reason a child can't learn this dish with a little supervision!

Tomato-Watermelon Gazpacho:

This easy dish can be made all in a food processor or blender. This recipe will make about 6 servings, but is easily scaled up or down. Use 4-5 cups of diced watermelon, and about 2 cups of diced tomato. Throw that into the food processor or blender, then squeeze in 1/4 cup of lime juice, 1 tablespoon of sherry or white balsamic vinegar, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Blend to combine, but you don't have to get everything silky smooth. Adjust salt to taste. You might like it a little more tart, as well, in which case stir in a bit more vinegar or lime juice to taste. Garnish with some chopped tomatoes. Enjoy!

Pick up those tomatoes and watermelon at C&T Produce or Pleitez Produce. The salads go great with some corn on the cob and a tasty locally raised steak on the grill from Stifler Farm! he gazpacho could be a starter with any meal... or eat it along side a tasty garden salad for a light meal that doesn't require the stove or oven on a hot summer night.

Remember to catch us early to beat the heat! We're open at 8am, before the summer sun cranks up the heat.

Remember to check out all our great artisans! And chill out to some great jazz guitar at the 4MRMarket lounge as you enjoy breakfast or a snack from 9:30 to 12:30 tomorrow!

Here is who you'll find at 4MRMarket this week:

The Stifler Farm aka "What's For Dinner Now" (Shenandoah) - Natural, locally farm-raised black Angus beef, and now fresh, farm raised Pork, including bacon and andouille, chorizo, and breakfast sausage! (all flash frozen for convenience)
Pleitez Produce (Northern Neck) - A full range of locally grown produce, herbs, and more.
Bread and Chocolate (Arlandria) - A range of baked goods.
Herban Avenues at AHHA Ranch (Lovettsville, VA) - Herbal remedies, amazing soaps, heritage breed chicken eggs, and a variety of herbs.
C&T Produce (White Oak, VA) - A huge selection of locally grown produce.
St. Elmo's Coffee Pub (Del Ray) - Brewed coffee, tea, and a few extra goodies.
Tom's Amish Cheese Store (Lancaster, PA) - Artisan Cheese, yogurt and Pennsylvania honey.
Chris Waters Furniture - Beautiful, rustic tables, bookshelves, and other furniture items, all handmade.
Uncommon Knits (WV) - Handwoven linens made with 100% cotton and hand-stitched hems for your kitchen, dining room and bath.
Ron RLR-Designs (Herndon, VA) - Artistic photo prints to dress up any wall
Sweet Hearts Patisserie (Fairfax, VA) - a Northern Virginia based patisserie specializing in gourmet victorian petit fours and other miniature sized pastries. Sweet Hearts petit fours are made in a variety of delectable flavors and designs, and make the perfect gift or tea time treat.

VeloCity bike co-op will be on-site doing teaching bike maintenance and repair. In our 4MRMarket Tent come meet folks from the Dominion Green Power Program.

If you'd like to volunteer with the 4MRMarket, we have set up a new on-line way to sign-up. Go to: volunteer.4MRMarket.org to sign up or look for the volunteer tab on our website. You'll be able to volunteer to help process SNAP/EBT 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 4mrm@arlandria.org for more info.

Do you like to bike to 4MRMarket? If so, please fill out this survey from the League of American Bicyclists to help get 4MRMarket certified as an official Bike Friendly Business.

(click here for directions)

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

On Facebook: facebook.com/4MRMarket

Contact us at: 4mrm@arlandria.org

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

4MRMarket Report: "Last Chance to Win $100 of Goodies" Edition

2011-07-23T14:39:00.001-05:00

Raffle Ticket for $100 market bag giveaway.

Click on it for a printable version

This Sunday is your last chance to enter the drawing for the $100+ 4MRMarket bag giveaway! We've seen people with their raffle tickets out getting each vendor checked off, but we still don't have many turned in. That means you have a great chance to win the give-away if you come by and shop tomorrow!

Here's a breakdown of the raffle one more time:

Bring your raffle ticket if you already have one, print one, or pick one up at 4MRMarket. To enter to win, buy something from each of the 6 vendors listed on the raffle ticket and get them to mark your raffle card. Fill in your information so we can contact the winners, and drop it with the market managers. You'll have to have made a purchase at each of the 6 vendors on the raffle ticket this Sunday or in the last 2 weeks. Remember, you can also get 10% off your purchase at some of the vendors, where indicated!

Make sure to come early this week as it's supposed to be hot and humid as the day goes on. We're open at 8, so you can beat the heat and still get great fresh produce, cheese, meats, baked goods, drinks, and many handmade items from our artisans. New this week is handmade furniture craftsman Chris Waters/Waters Woods.

Here is who you'll find at 4MRMarket this week:

Hand crafted tables by Waters Woods.

The Stifler Farm aka "What's For Dinner Now" (Shenandoah) - Natural, locally farm-raised black Angus beef, and now fresh, farm raised Pork, including bacon and andouille, chorizo, and breakfast sausage! (all flash frozen for convenience)
Pleitez Produce (Northern Neck) - A full range of locally grown produce, herbs, and more.
Bread and Chocolate (Arlandria) - A range of baked goods.
Herban Avenues at AHHA Ranch (Lovettsville, VA) - Herbal remedies, amazing soaps, heritage breed chicken eggs, and a variety of herbs.
C&T Produce (White Oak, VA) - A huge selection of locally grown produce.
St. Elmo's Coffee Pub (Del Ray) - Brewed coffee, tea, and a few extra goodies.
Tom's Amish Cheese Store (Lancaster, PA) - Artisan Cheese, yogurt and Pennsylvania honey.
Chris Waters Furniture - Beautiful, rustic tables, bookshelves, and other furniture items, all handmade.
Uncommon Knits (WV) - Handwoven linens made with 100% cotton and hand-stitched hems for your kitchen, dining room and bath.
Ron RLR-Designs (Herndon, VA) - Artistic photo prints to dress up any wall
Yoli B. (Hanover, MD) - Hand-stitched kids clothing.
Sweet Hearts Patisserie (Fairfax, VA) - a Northern Virginia based patisserie specializing in gourmet victorian petit fours and other miniature sized pastries. Sweet Hearts petit fours are made in a variety of delectable flavors and designs, and make the perfect gift or tea time treat.

VeloCity bike co-op will be on-site doing teaching bike maintenance and repair. In our 4MRMarket Tent come meet folks from the Dominion Green Power Program.

Do you like to bike to 4MRMarket? If so, please fill out this survey from the League of American Bicyclists to help get 4MRMarket certified as an official Bike Friendly Business.

(click here for directions)

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

On Facebook: facebook.com/4MRMarket

Contact us at: 4mrm@arlandria.org

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

4MRMarket Report: "Win a $100+ Gift Bag" Edition

2011-07-16T13:47:00.000-05:00

Raffle Ticket for $100 market bag giveaway.

Click on it for a printable version

If you were at Alexandria's Birthday Celebration last weekend, you might have seen the 4MRMarket team receive Alexandria's Department of Parks and Recreation CIVIC Award on behalf of all the community that has worked on getting the market up and running, making use of a vacant lots as they await the transformation into park. We were thrilled to receive the award, so we thought we'd share our happy cheer in the form of a big give-away! Prepare for a reusable bag full of at least $100 of 4MRMarket goodness! We're also giving away market t-shirts to 4 other lucky winners.

Whether you already have the raffle ticket or not, here's a printable version (there are 2 raffle tickets per page, so you can print one and share), or you can come to 4MRMarket and pick one up.

Here's how it all works: buy something from each of the 6 vendors listed on the raffle ticket and get them to mark your raffle card. Fill in your information so we can contact you, and drop it with the market managers. You have to make a purchase at each of the 6 vendors this week or next week, July 24th, before the end of the market day. You can also get 10% off your purchase at some of the vendors, where indicated!

This is the prime time of the year to visit the market. So much amazing produce is in season -- you simply have to come by and check it out. Enjoy coffee and breakfast (including crepes this week!), then get your head in the fresh, local shopping game. Get there early to beat the heat and stock up on the first pick of gorgeous super-sweet corn, watermelons, summer squash, and so many other delicious market items! But FYI, Herban Avenues should be back next week with all your herbal needs.

Here is who you'll find at 4MRMarket this week:

The Stifler Farm aka "What's For Dinner Now" (Shenandoah) - Natural, locally farm-raised black Angus beef, and now fresh, farm raised Pork, including bacon and andouille, chorizo, and breakfast sausage! (all flash frozen for convenience)
Pleitez Produce (Northern Neck) - A full range of locally grown produce, herbs, and more.
Bread and Chocolate (Arlandria) - A range of baked goods.
C&T Produce (White Oak, VA) - A huge selection of locally grown produce.
Patowmack Farm/Divine Foods (Lovettsville, VA) - Crepes and Smoothies made-to-order, plus organic, value added products.
St. Elmo's Coffee Pub (Del Ray) - Brewed coffee, tea, and a few extra goodies.
Tom's Amish Cheese Store (Lancaster, PA) - Artisan Cheese, yogurt and Pennsylvania honey.
Uncommon Knits (WV) - Handwoven linens made with 100% cotton and hand-stitched hems for your kitchen, dining room and bath.
Ron RLR-Designs (Herndon, VA) - Artistic photo prints to dress up any wall
Yoli B. (Hanover, MD) - Hand-stitched kids clothing.
Sweet Hearts Patisserie (Fairfax, VA) - a Northern Virginia based patisserie specializing in gourmet victorian petit fours and other miniature sized pastries. Sweet Hearts petit fours are made in a variety of delectable flavors and designs, and make the perfect gift or tea time treat.

VeloCity bike co-op will be on-site doing teaching bike maintenance and repair. In our 4MRMarket Tent come meet folks from the Dominion Green Power Program.

(click here for directions)

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

On Facebook: facebook.com/4MRMarket

Contact us at: 4mrm@arlandria.org

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

4MRMarket Report: "Beat the Heat, Eat Some Meat" Edition

2011-07-09T10:58:00.004-05:00

Now that summer is official on in all its full steaminess, it's a great oppurtunity to get out early on Sunday morning to 4MRMarket....even if you were out late this Saturday night watching fireworks at Alexandria's Birthday Celebration.

And about those fireworks, look for the 4MRMarket team there tonight for chance at a special promotion for the month of July. And don't miss the very special and exciting, pre-fireworks announcements from the stage. There'll be a new development that we're very proud of and we'd be honored to have our friends there!! 4MRMarket has always been about getting by with a lot of help from our friends and hope tonight's celebration can be one way to thank you all.

While the "meat and potatoes" of any farmers' market is most certainly the produce, 4MRMarket has some especially great meat products that go perfect in the summer heat. So fire up the grill, throw on some fresh buttered corn from C&T Produce or Pleitez Produce, throw together a tasty garden salad or other delicious (but healthy) veggie side, and throw some delicious steaks from Stifler Farms on the grill. There are so many great reasons to call on 4MRMarket for in summer, not least of which is showing support for the efforts of your volunteer market staff that keep this great Arlandria market rolling!

Don't forget, all the great summer veggies are now in season! Stock up and get there early to beat the heat and get first pick of gorgeous super-sweet corn, cantaloupes, and so many other delicious market items!

Here is who you'll find at 4MRMarket this week:

The Stifler Farm aka "What's For Dinner Now" (Shenandoah) - Natural, locally farm-raised black Angus beef, and now fresh, farm raised Pork, including bacon and andouille, chorizo, and breakfast sausage! (all flash frozen for convenience)
Pleitez Produce (Northern Neck) - A full range of locally grown produce, herbs, and more.
Bread and Chocolate (Arlandria) - A range of baked goods.
C&T Produce (White Oak, VA) - A huge selection of locally grown produce.
St. Elmo's Coffee Pub (Del Ray) - Brewed coffee, tea, and a few extra goodies.
Tom's Amish Cheese Store (Lancaster, PA) - Artisan Cheese, yogurt and Pennsylvania honey.
Uncommon Knits (WV) - Handwoven linens made with 100% cotton and hand-stitched hems for your kitchen, dining room and bath.
Ron RLR-Designs (Herndon, VA) - Artistic photo prints to dress up any wall
Yoli B. (Hanover, MD) - Hand-stitched kids clothing. NEW!
Sweet Hearts Patisserie (Fairfax, VA) - a Northern Virginia based patisserie specializing in gourmet victorian petit fours and other miniature sized pastries. Sweet Hearts petit fours are made in a variety of delectable flavors and designs, and make the perfect gift or tea time treat. NEW!

VeloCity bike co-op will be on-site doing teaching bike maintenance and repair. In our 4MRMarket Tent come meet folks from the Dominion Green Power Program.

Please support your volunteer-run neighborhood farmers market. We can't do it without neighborhood support! We still need volunteers to help us find musicians to play the market and help staff the SNAP machine (after some training, of course). Find a Market Manager and ask to help, or email us at 4mrm@arlandria.org for more info.

(click here for directions)

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

On Facebook: facebook.com/4MRMarket

Contact us at: 4mrm@arlandria.org

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

4MRMarket Report: "Happy Independence Day" Edition

2011-07-01T18:12:00.000-05:00

Kitchen Garden at Monticello

Happy 4th of July, 4MRMarket shoppers! This is a day to honor your country as well as the small businesses, local farmers, and craft food vendors that help make the USA such a great country to call home! What better way to honor the signing of the Declaration of Independence, written by a truly gifted botanist, gardener and farmer Thomas Jefferson, than to pick yourself up some local meat and produce.

So fire up the grill, throw on some fresh buttered corn from C&T Produce or Pleitez Produce, throw together a tasty garden salad or other delicious (but healthy) veggie side, and throw some delicious steaks from Stifler Farms on the grill. There are so many great reasons to call on 4MRMarket for your 4th of July needs, not least of which is showing support for the efforts of your volunteer market managers that keep this great Arlandria market rolling!

Don't forget, all the great summer veggies are now in season! Stock up and get there early to beat the heat and get first pick of gorgeous corn, cantaloupes, and so many other delicious market items!

Here is who you'll find at 4MRMarket this week:

The Stifler Farm aka "What's For Dinner Now" (Shenandoah) - Natural, locally farm-raised black Angus beef, and now fresh, farm raised Pork, including bacon and andouille, chorizo, and breakfast sausage! (all flash frozen for convenience)
Pleitez Produce (Northern Neck) - A full range of locally grown produce, herbs, and more.
Patowmack Farm/Divine Foods (Lovettsville, VA) - Crepes and Smoothies made-to-order, plus organic, value added products.
Bread and Chocolate (Arlandria) - A range of baked goods.
C&T Produce (White Oak, VA) - A huge selection of locally grown produce.
St. Elmo's Coffee Pub (Del Ray) - Brewed coffee, tea, and a few extra goodies.
Tom's Amish Cheese Store (Lancaster, PA) - Artisan Cheese, yogurt and Pennsylvania honey.
Uncommon Knits (WV) - Handwoven linens made with 100% cotton and hand-stitched hems for your kitchen, dining room and bath.
Ron RLR-Designs (Herndon, VA) - Artistic photo prints to dress up any wall
Yoli B. (Hanover, MD) - Hand-stitched kids clothing. NEW!
Sweet Hearts Patisserie (Fairfax, VA) - a Northern Virginia based patisserie specializing in gourmet victorian petit fours and other miniature sized pastries. Sweet Hearts petit fours are made in a variety of delectable flavors and designs, and make the perfect gift or tea time treat. NEW!

VeloCity bike co-op will be on-site doing teaching bike maintenance and repair. In our 4MRMarket Tent come meet folks from the Dominion Green Power Program.

(click here for directions)

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

Or contact us at: 4mrm@arlandria.org

The Arlandrian Brief: "Restaurants on Order" Edition

2011-06-30T10:05:00.002-05:00

The Blend. An application has been filed for a new restaurant at the corner of Mt Vernon Avenue and West Glebe Road to be located in the newly renovated shopping center at 212 W Glebe.

The Blend proposes a diverse menu incorporating Caribbean, Ethiopian, Spanish and American cuisines. The 100-seat restaurant, employing 14 would operate from 6am to 11pm, seven days a week with food prepared by chefs on-site. In addition a small meat market would also be incorated with specialty meats and fish. The concept is fast casual with on-premises alcohol sales, as well as carry-out and delivery food service.

Huascaran for Breakfast. Paula Coleto's well-regarded Peruvian eatery, Huascaran at 3606 Mount Vernon Avenue has been approved to extend its hours to offer breakfast 7 days a week.

Coming to North Potomac Yard. A new bar/restaurant is coming to the Market Square at Potomac Yard development (3650 South Glebe Road) in the site of the shuttered McGinty's Pub.

“Melody Tavern” will serve healthy, modern American fare and will host live music and comedy acts, according to owner Michel Daley, former co-owner of DC's Zanzibar.

The Tavern will join two other new restaurants in the square: the Asian fusion eatery Heebeen and pizza-and-pasta joint Paisano’s. Both will be opening soon. (full story at ARLnow.com)

Coming to Arlington Ridge Shops. A Midlothian, Va.-based coffee shop/wine bar/soup-salad-and-sandwich restaurant is coming to the Arlington Ridge Shopping Center at 2901 South Glebe Road (don't call it Shirley Plaza anymore ).

In a storefront once occupied by a Blockbuster video, Cafe Caturra will offer specialty coffees and boutique wines to drink, as well as breakfast sandwiches, soups, salads, paninis, mini pizzas and other fresh fare to eat. (full story at ARLnow.com).

Whatever That Is. The new Renaissance Arlington Capital View Hotel in north Potomac Yard (2800 South Potomac Avenue) will be hosting “Angry Hours” — a weekly series of live Angry Bird tournaments — every Thursday from July 14 to Aug. 25. (more at ARLnow.com).

This Just In! Improvements at the Mt. Vernon/W. Reed intersection are almost about to happen. Construction will commence on July 11, 2011!!

Remember you read it here first: Arlandria Intersection Improvement Meeting Summary. The long awaited pedestrian and streetscape improvements we discussed are finally about to arrive.

Other Crossings Improved. ARLnow.com reports that Pedestrian Improvements Underway on Shirlington Road near the sidewalk in front of the Weenie Beenie, between Four Mile Run Drive and 27th where the new 4MR Trail extension end. ‎"The Four Mile Run Trail alone handled 1,300 people per day during the month of May," according to Arlington County.

Environmental Learning along 4MR. See GW Middle School Goes to Work! from Go Green Alexandria. Kurt Moser of Earth Force teaches GW students about macroinvertebrates and aquatic wildlife at Four Mile Run Park.

Art Help Wanted. The Art League and Casa Chirilagua are looking for Art Teacher Volunteers Wanted for Summer Camp.

Google Transit, now better than ever. ‎2 1/2 years ago DASH bus schedule and route information became available on Google Maps. Last month, Metro bus and rail has finally caught up. CommuterPageBlog: Yes, Virginia, there IS a Google Transit www.commuterpageblog.com

Very Brief. Potomac Yard construction has finally gone vertical this week. And Potomac Avenue is almost paved with streetlights installed and lines being painted.

4MRMarket Report: "If You Can't Beet 'Em, Join 'Em" Edition

2011-06-26T06:10:00.000-05:00

Here's the Market Report for this week from www.4MRMarket.org:

If you've dropped by the 4MRMarket, you may have noticed multiple varieties of beets have shown up in recent weeks. This under appreciated root vegetable has a slightly sweet taste that pairs wonderfully in salad with cheese, nuts, tangy or sweet dressings, and so many other items. You can roast or boil them. I think roasting concentrates and brings out even more sweet flavor, but if you want to leave the oven off on a hot summer day, you can boil them, too (here's a quick cooking guide).
Here's a nice recipe to help you "Beet" the heat:

Roasted (or boiled) gold and red beet saladYou'll need 1 to 2 yellow and red beets from C&T Produce per person, some fresh spinach, arugula, or similarly hearty green, and any variety of goat cheese from Tom's Amish Cheese, tossed in a simple vinaigrette. For the vinaigrette, mix equal parts olive oil and balsamic vinegar, a small teaspoon of Dijon mustard, a solid pinch of salt and pepper, and a pinch of sugar or a few drops of honey (1/2 tsp or so). Shake in a jar to combine. Add some thinly sliced red onions for an additional flavor element (soaking them in the vinaigrette or salt water for a few minutes cuts the sharpness of the onion). Toss the greens and onions in half the dressing, toss the beets separately in the other half. Layer the beets on top of the greens on each plate and sprinkle an ounce or two of crumbled goat cheese atop the whole ordeal. Place on a place mat from Uncommon Knits, and you're all set! Be careful, red beets stain like crazy!
On to the market report for today (sorry about the late notice). We had a couple of unanticipated absences last week (some staffing issues, mainly), but our vendors will all be back in full force this week. Corn, cantaloupes, and a host of other summer veggies are now in season and you can bet you won't be disappointed with the freshness and quality of produce, meats, cheeses, and other goods our vendors toil to bring us each week!
Here is who you'll find at 4MRMarket this week:
The Stifler Farm aka "What's For Dinner Now" (Shenandoah) - Natural, locally farm-raised black Angus beef, and now fresh, farm raised Pork, including bacon and andouille, chorizo, and breakfast sausage! (all flash frozen for convenience)
Pleitez Produce
(Northern Neck) - A full range of locally grown produce, herbs, and more.
Herban Avenues at AHHA Ranch
(Lovettsville, VA) - Herbal remedies, amazing soaps, heritage breed chicken eggs, and a variety of herbs.
Patowmack Farm
/Divine Foods (Lovettsville, VA) - Crepes and Smoothies made-to-order, plus organic, value added products.
Bread and Chocolate
(Arlandria) - A range of baked goods.
C&T Produce
(White Oak, VA) - A huge selection of locally grown produce.
St. Elmo's Coffee Pub
(Del Ray) - Brewed coffee, tea, and a few extra goodies.
Tom's Amish Cheese Store
(Lancaster, PA) - Artisan Cheese, yogurt and Pennsylvania honey.
Uncommon Knits
(WV) - Handwoven linens made with 100% cotton and hand-stitched hems for your kitchen, dining room and bath.
Ron RLR-Designs (Herndon, VA) - Artistic photo prints to dress up any wall
Yoli B. (Hanover, MD) - Hand-stitched kids clothing. NEW!
Sweet Hearts Patisserie
(Fairfax, VA) - a Northern Virginia based patisserie specializing in gourmet victorian petit fours and other miniature sized pastries. Sweet Hearts petit fours are made in a variety of delectable flavors and designs, and make the perfect gift or tea time treat. NEW!
VeloCity bike co-op will be at the market once again this week, as well. The guys will be on-site doing teaching bike maintenance and repair. The Alexandria Community Policing (COPs) unit will be on site registering bicycles to ensure stolen bikes can be returned to their owners. Bring your bike by and gain that little extra piece of mind!
In our 4MRMarket Tent come meet folks from the Sierra Club, Dominion Green Power, and LocalMotion to learn all about sustainability and making your commutes healthier and less stressful!
If you're a SNAP/EBT participant, remember to come out and take advantage of the Inova-sponsored "Double Dollar" program 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.
Please support your volunteer-run neighborhood farmers market. We can't do it without neighborhood support! We still need volunteers to help us find musicians to play the market and help staff the SNAP machine (after some training, of course). Find a Market Manager and ask to help, or email us at 4mrm@arlandria.org for more info.
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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 May through October in Four Mile Run Park at 4109 Mt Vernon Avenue, Alexandria. (click here for directions)
For more info see: http://www.4mrmarket.org/Or contact us at: 4mrm@arlandria.org