Monday, November 18, 2013

Arlandria Plan Implementation Presentation


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

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

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



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

Sunday, November 17, 2013

Arlandria Plan Implementation Newsletter Debuts

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

To read the rest of the newsletter, continue here.


Friday, November 15, 2013

4MRMarket Report: "Near the Finish Line" Edition

You're out of your gourd if you miss the
last two weeks of 4MRMarket this season! 
Don't forget: 4MRMarket will be open all of November this season.

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

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


Compost!

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


4MRMarket Vendors this week:
  • C & T Produce (White Oak, VA) - A huge selection of locally grown produce from a locally, family-run farm in Stafford, Virginia.
  • What's For Dinner Now  -  ON A BREAK THIS WEEK!! NEXT WEEK: The Stifler Farm. Farm-raised Black Angus beef, humanely raised on lush pasture fields of the Shenandoah Valley, naturally farmed pork...and now... Uncle Frank's Grilling Sauce!!
  • Tom's Amish Cheese Store (Lancaster, PA) - Artisan Cheese and yogurt, farm-fresh eggs, and Pennsylvania honey.
  • Whole Health (Alexandria) - Organic teas and body scrubs from one of the largest Message and Acupuncture Therapy businesses in Northern Virginia 
  • Raining Cats & Dogs (Alexandria) - Gourmet Organic and Gluten Free Pet Treats
The Artisans
  • Rustic Refineries (Alexandria) - This local duo will be selling salvaged vintage items, handmade jewelry made from old skeleton keys and wreaths and ornaments made from vintage music paper.  Also, ask them about a furniture refinishing project you're working on and they can help with that, too!
  • Scented - (Potomac, MD) Scented is a line of handmade, luxurious bath and body products including Body Polish, Kiss My Lips lip balm, Body Creme, Body Lotion, Moisturizing Bath Salts and Baby Lotions.
See below all the ways to help and participate in the market!

_____________________

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

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

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

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


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


Buy Fresh Buy Local 4MRMarket products.
The Four Mile Run Farmers and Artisans Market (Alexandria, Virginia 22305) brings fresh, nutritious food to people of all income levels, provide an opportunity for local artisans and producers of goods to bring their wares to market, strive to reflect the diversity of the community, and improve the quality of life for Arlandria residents and visitors. It is part of an overall vision to expand and improve Four Mile Run park and the surrounding neighborhood.

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

For more info see: http://www.4mrmarket.org/
On Facebook: facebook.com/4MRMarket
On Twitter: @4MRMarket
Contact us at: 4MRMarket@arlandria.org
Or call the 4MRMarket hotline: (804) 4mi-Run1

Thursday, November 14, 2013

Arlandria Action Implementation Open House TONIGHT

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

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

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


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



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

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



Saturday, November 09, 2013

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

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

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

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



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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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



_____________________

4MRMarket Vendors this week:
  • C & T Produce (White Oak, VA) - A huge selection of locally grown produce from a locally, family-run farm in Stafford, Virginia.
  • What's For Dinner Now  - aka The Stifler Farm. Farm-raised Black Angus beef, humanely raised on lush pasture fields of the Shenandoah Valley, naturally farmed pork...and now... Uncle Frank's Grilling Sauce!!
  • Tom's Amish Cheese Store (Lancaster, PA) - Artisan Cheese and yogurt, farm-fresh eggs, and Pennsylvania honey.
  • St. Elmo's Coffee Pub (Del Ray) - Brewed coffee, tea, and always a few extra goodies!
  • Whole Health (Alexandria) - Organic teas and body scrubs from one of the largest Message and Acupuncture Therapy businesses in Northern Virginia 
  • Raining Cats & Dogs (Alexandria) - Gourmet Organic and Gluten Free Pet Treats
The Artisans
  • Old Town Suds - (Alexandria) This maker of eco-friendly soaps, cleaning supplies, bath bombs, and more! Old Town Suds started because Steffanie was allergic to most commercial soaps on the market; then she became really sick and wondered if her health was being made worse by everyday chemicals. Their decadent soaps & nose-pleasing cleaning products are tough on dirt but easy on humans, pets, and the Earth. Look for Port City Beer soap & Legend (Richmond, VA) Beer soap plus the Cup of Joe soap that looks like a latte!
  • Perigee Tribal and Wildlife Art - (Virginia) Elena works with a number of coops in Africa and Peru and carries beaded dog collars from the Kenyan Collection, Tinga Tinga Paintings from Tanzania, Monkeybiz beaded animals from South Africa, and other items from artisans from Peru.
  • Others pending!


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

_____________________

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

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

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

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


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


Buy Fresh Buy Local 4MRMarket products.
The Four Mile Run Farmers and Artisans Market (Alexandria, Virginia 22305) brings fresh, nutritious food to people of all income levels, provide an opportunity for local artisans and producers of goods to bring their wares to market, strive to reflect the diversity of the community, and improve the quality of life for Arlandria residents and visitors. It is part of an overall vision to expand and improve Four Mile Run park and the surrounding neighborhood.

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

For more info see: http://www.4mrmarket.org/
On Facebook: facebook.com/4MRMarket
On Twitter: @4MRMarket
Contact us at: 4MRMarket@arlandria.org
Or call the 4MRMarket hotline: (804) 4mi-Run1

Saturday, November 02, 2013

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

Apples, apples, everywhere! At C&T Produce
4MRMarket will be open all of November this season!

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

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

4MRMarket Vendors this week:
  • C & T Produce (White Oak, VA) - A huge selection of locally grown produce from a locally, family-run farm in Stafford, Virginia.
  • Note: Stiflers are off this week but will be back next week! What's For Dinner Now  - aka The Stifler Farm. Farm-raised Black Angus beef, humanely raised on lush pasture fields of the Shenandoah Valley, naturally farmed pork...and now... Uncle Frank's Grilling Sauce!!
  • Tom's Amish Cheese Store (Lancaster, PA) - Artisan Cheese and yogurt, farm-fresh eggs, and Pennsylvania honey.
  • St. Elmo's Coffee Pub (Del Ray) - Brewed coffee, tea, and always a few extra goodies!
  • Whole Health (Alexandria) - Organic teas and body scrubs from one of the largest Message and Acupuncture Therapy businesses in Northern Virginia 
  • Raining Cats & Dogs (Alexandria) - Gourmet Organic and Gluten Free Pet Treats
The Artisans
  • Scented (Potomac, MD) - Scented is a line of handmade, luxurious bath and body products including Body Polish, Kiss My Lips lip balm, Body Creme, Body Lotion, Moisturizing Bath Salts and Baby Lotions.
  • Perigee Tribal and Wildlife Art - (Virginia) Elena works with a number of coops in Africa and Peru and carries beaded dog collars from the Kenyan Collection, Tinga Tinga Paintings from Tanzania, Monkeybiz beaded animals from South Africa, and other items from artisans from Peru.
  • Others pending!


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

_____________________

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

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

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

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


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


Buy Fresh Buy Local 4MRMarket products.
The Four Mile Run Farmers and Artisans Market (Alexandria, Virginia 22305) brings fresh, nutritious food to people of all income levels, provide an opportunity for local artisans and producers of goods to bring their wares to market, strive to reflect the diversity of the community, and improve the quality of life for Arlandria residents and visitors. It is part of an overall vision to expand and improve Four Mile Run park and the surrounding neighborhood.

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

For more info see: http://www.4mrmarket.org/
On Facebook: facebook.com/4MRMarket
On Twitter: @4MRMarket
Contact us at: 4MRMarket@arlandria.org
Or call the 4MRMarket hotline: (804) 4mi-Run1