4MRMarket Report: "Music for the Kids!" Edition

Marsha Goodman-Wood is family-friendly
and on the 4MRStage this Sunday!

There are two big pieces of news this week. For one, we have more kid-friendly live music lined up this Sunday on the 4MRStage! For the other, if you forget to stop at the ATM before the market, you can swipe your credit or debit card with us and we'll give you tokens in $5 increments to spend at 4MRMarket.  They're as good as cash, and vendors give you change from the tokens.

Here's more about our artist on the 4MRStage this week:
Local singer/songwriter and music teacher Marsha Goodman-Wood is known for getting kids singing and dancing at her shows, setting little toes to tapping with original melodies that mix generous doses of science and positive social messages into songs that are just plain fun.

Her quirky, smart compositions take on topics from astronomy (answering the age-old question "Why Can't You Dance on Jupiter?") to nonconformity ("Sheep Don't Wear Shoes") to biology ("The Penguin Song"). Her tunes and stories are sure to please children and grownups alike. Marsha takes inspiration for her lyrics straight from the creative kids she's raising and teaching. A mother of three, she brings to her performances a parent's eye for connecting with audiences, along with a music teacher's sensibility for what works to move kids of all ages.

Marsha has just launched her debut kindie (kids independent) CD, "Gravity Vacation" which is streaming free and available for download at http://bit.ly/z2sC7N. See her at 4MRMarket at 11am!

Head out this Sunday and enjoy the beautiful day (in the low 80s!) and take in a free music performance that is perfect for kids and adults alike.

This week we also welcome back Sweetcentral Babycakes, with her tasty and beautifully presented cupcakes. Be sure not to miss Elda's delicious creations this weekend!

---

Here is who you'll find at 4MRMarket this week to satisfy your summer cravings:

• Bread & Chocolate (Arlandria) - A range of baked goods.
• C & T Produce (White Oak, VA) - A huge selection of locally grown produce from a locally, family-run farm in Stafford, Virginia.
• The Stifler Farm aka "What's For Dinner Now" - 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.
• St. Elmo's Coffee Pub (Del Ray) - Brewed coffee, tea, and a few extra goodies.
• No. 1 Sons (Arlandria) -  Produces wild cultured foods by hand in Alexandria. This brother and sister team live in Arlandria and do not heat treat or use preservatives. They make pickles, sauerkraut, dilly beans, kim chi, beets, hot sauce and more that is "Proudly Cloudy".
• Tom's Amish Cheese Store (Lancaster, PA) - Artisan Cheese, yogurt and Pennsylvania honey.
• Sweetcentral Babycakes (Springfield, VA) - Artfully crafted cupcakes in babycake and teenycake sizes from Elda. This is her first market, so please welcome her and give her delicious babycakes a try.

Crafts and Natural Health Supplies:

• Ephesian Beauty (Manassas, VA) - Pure, natural homemade skin care and beauty supplies.
• Swee Lo (found at the No. 1 Son's Tent) - Sterling silver jewelry handcrafted by Balinese artisans designed by Swee Lo.

Crafts available on a rotating basis.

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, 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 4MRMarket@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 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. 

_______________

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
On Twitter: @4MRMarket

Contact us at: 4MRMarket@arlandria.org

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

4MRMarket Report: "Trees, Glorious Trees!" Edition

City crews installed 20 trees in the 4MR Park Expansion

It's a little late to provide shade for the first massive heat-wave of 2012, but at long last, the 4 Mile Run Park expansion includes trees. The change is very noticeable, and makes the space much more pleasant. The City planted sizable trees so they will begin to provide a modicum of shade immediately. With the heat of the summer of 2012, every bit of shade is needed.

Of course, there's plenty of shade in the 4MRMarket lounge, where you can relax and enjoy breakfast from Bread and Chocolate and a tasty iced tea or coffee from St. Elmo's to start your day off.

Stay tuned for an opportunity for you (and hopefully your neighborhood Citizens Association) to donate trees, shrubs, and other landscaping to accelerate the renovation of the ever improving park expansion.

Stifler Farm is off this week for a family commitment, but they should be here for the rest of the season after that.

On a positive note, the fantastically talented Uncommon Knits are back with their extremely popular handwoven linens.  The quality is second to none, and we highly recommend you check them out as they are only periodic visitors to the market.

---

Here is who you'll find at 4MRMarket this week to satisfy your summer cravings:

• Bread & Chocolate (Arlandria) - A range of baked goods.
• C &T Produce (White Oak, VA) - A huge selection of locally grown produce from a locally, family-run farm in Stafford, Virginia.
• St. Elmo's Coffee Pub (Del Ray) - Brewed coffee, tea, and a few extra goodies.
• No. 1 Sons (Arlandria) -  Produces wild cultured foods by hand in Alexandria. This brother and sister team live in Arlandria and do not heat treat or use preservatives. They make pickles, sauerkraut, dilly beans, kim chi, beets, hot sauce and more that is "Proudly Cloudy".
• Tom's Amish Cheese Store (Lancaster, PA) - Artisan Cheese, yogurt and Pennsylvania honey.

Crafts and Natural Health Supplies:

• Uncommon Knits (WV) - Handwoven linens made with 100% cotton and hand-stitched hems for your kitchen, dining room and bath.
• Ephesian Beauty (Manassas, VA) - Pure, natural homemade skin care and beauty supplies.
• Swee Lo (found at the No. 1 Son's Tent) - Sterling silver jewelry handcrafted by Balinese artisans designed by Swee Lo.

Crafts available on a rotating basis.

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, 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 4MRMarket@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 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. 

_______________

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
On Twitter: @4MRMarket

Contact us at: 4MRMarket@arlandria.org

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

4MRMarket Report: "It's Electric" Edition -- Update

Come one, come all, to an electrifying performance this Sunday from 11am-Noon this Sunday at 4MRMarket!  

Wytold Lebing, an acclaimed electric cellist, and a Strathmore Artist in Residence, has volunteered to play the market this weekend, so come on out and experience a very eclectic and electric sound for a song.  Donations will be accepted, but the performance is totally free! Find a music loving neighbor who has never stopped by our little neighborhood market that could and bring them along. 

4MRMarket Pizza:
sauteed C&T onions, Tom's Amish goat cheese
and Uncle Frank's Grilling Sauce.

Also, we welcome back the pasture raised beef stylings of our own Stifler Farm. They're still in massive clean-up and rebuild mode from the "derecho" storm, but will be here this Sunday. Come get your fix of delectably grillable meaty morsels this Sunday. We know all of our omnivores missed them last weekend! UPDATE 1:  The Stiflers are offering 10% off this week on short ribs, so get your fix and save a little cash.

Did you see the 4MRMarket Meal on our facebook page last week? Check out this market-based creation and cook along if you're so inspired (recipe included).

---

Here is who you'll find at 4MRMarket this week to satisfy your summer cravings:

• Bread & Chocolate (Arlandria) - A range of baked goods.
• C & T Produce (White Oak, VA) - A huge selection of locally grown produce from a locally, family-run farm in Stafford, Virginia .
• The Stifler Farm aka "What's For Dinner Now" - 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.
• St. Elmo's Coffee Pub (Del Ray) - Brewed coffee, tea, and a few extra goodies.
• No. 1 Sons (Arlandria) -  Produces wild cultured foods by hand in Alexandria. This brother and sister team live in Arlandria and do not heat treat or use preservatives. They make pickles, sauerkraut, dilly beans, kim chi, beets, hot sauce and more that is "Proudly Cloudy".
• Tom's Amish Cheese Store (Lancaster, PA) - Artisan Cheese, yogurt and Pennsylvania honey.
• UPDATE 2: Welcome Back Mujeres Artesanas de Alexandria (MAdA) - High quality hand-made crafts from several local low-income residents.
• Ephesian Beauty (Manassas, VA) - Pure, natural homemade skin care and beauty supplies.
• Swee Lo Sterling silver jewelry handcrafted by Balinese artisans designed by Swee Lo.

Crafts available on a rotating basis.

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, 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 4MRMarket@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 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. 

_______________

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
On Twitter: @4MRMarket

Contact us at: 4MRMarket@arlandria.org

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

4MRMarket Report: "Independence Day" Edition -- UPDATE

UPDATE: We hope everyone is recovering quickly from the Friday night storms.  We are open today, though down a vendor.  The Stifler Farm  was hit hard by the storms and they are working to clean up and repair damage.  Due to the extreme heat, we may close at noon today, depending upon customer traffic at that time.

---

The 4th of July is the unofficial opening of Summer.  Enjoy
the official vegetable of summer with sweet, delicious corn

Happy 4th of July, market fans!

Come out early this Sunday to beat the heat. 4MRMarket opens bright and early at 8am.  The temperature is supposed to be in the mid-80s range at the market opening.  Don't forget to stock up for a fresh, locally sourced 4th of July barbecue!

At the market, cool off with an iced tea or coffee from St. Elmo's and a pastry from Bread and Chocolate and relax in the shaded Market Lounge. 


No one wants to crank up the stove or oven during a hot summer day, so think grilling foods for Sunday and for the 4th!  How about some sweet corn or other grillable veg from C&T Produce (plus a watermelon and ingredients for a fresh, tasty salad!) and a fantastic steak from grass-fed, pasture raised beef from the Stifler Farm?  Fill out your shopping list with some delicious artisan cheese from Tom's Amish Cheese and a cool pickled side dish from No. 1 Sons.


Remember, beat the heat and show up early Sunday morning.

---

Here is who you'll find at 4MRMarket this week to satisfy your summer cravings:

• Bread & Chocolate (Arlandria) - A range of baked goods.
• C & T Produce (White Oak, VA) - A huge selection of locally grown produce from a locally, family-run farm in Stafford, Virginia .
• The Stifler Farm aka "What's For Dinner Now" - 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. 
• St. Elmo's Coffee Pub (Del Ray) - Brewed coffee, tea, and a few extra goodies.
• No. 1 Sons (Arlandria) -  Produces wild cultured foods by hand in Alexandria. This brother and sister team live in Arlandria and do not heat treat or use preservatives. They make pickles, sauerkraut, dilly beans, kim chi, beets, hot sauce and more that is "Proudly Cloudy".
• Tom's Amish Cheese Store (Lancaster, PA) - Artisan Cheese, yogurt and Pennsylvania honey.
• Ephesian Beauty (Manassas, VA) - Pure, natural homemade skin care and beauty supplies.
• Swee Lo Sterling silver jewelry handcrafted by Balinese artisans designed by Swee Lo.

Crafts available on a rotating basis.

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, 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 4MRMarket@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 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. 

_______________

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
On Twitter: @4MRMarket

Contact us at: 4MRMarket@arlandria.org

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

4MRMarket Report: "Kid-Friendly Beats...and Beets" Edition

Catch "The Uncle Devin Show"
from 11am to noon this Sunday!

This Sunday, bring your little ones to the Four Mile Run Farmers & Artisans Market
in Four Mile Run Park for a fun, musical way to learn!

The Uncle Devin Show is a live, participatory musical experience for children by world renowned drummer and author, Devin Walker. He uses the drum, both traditional and electronic, to convey universal principles of love to children and to inspire young people into pursuing the artist within themselves. This interactive show seeks to connect with children through the drum and the art of storytelling that will lead toward their personal, cultural and social development.

4MRMarket runs from 8am until 1pm. Uncle Devin takes the stage at 11am.

See our previous release about this weekends show for a few more details, or check out this YouTube video to get a preview of how the group interacts with children. Don't miss out, as you kids will love the show!

While you're here, peruse the local produce offerings, including some beets from C&T Produce to go with the kid friendly beats. (See what we did there?!) Also, don't forget our other great products like artisanal cheese, naturally fermented pickles, kim chi and other great products. And from our newest vendor out of Springfield, Sweet Central Cupcakes: baked goods such as cupcakes and other items and many other fresh goodies. We also welcome back Bread & Chocolate and What's for Dinner Now after a weekend off for Father's Day.

Sunday will be like a perfect spring day in June, with temperatures in the 80s and sunny. Enjoy a coffee or iced tea from St. Elmo's Coffee Pub. Hang out in our market lounge and pick up a nice pastry or sweet to get your day started!

---

Here is who you'll find at 4MRMarket this week to satisfy your summer cravings:

• Bread & Chocolate (Arlandria) - A range of baked goods.
• C & T Produce (White Oak, VA) - A huge selection of locally grown produce from a locally, family-run farm in Stafford, Virginia .
• The Stifler Farm aka "What's For Dinner Now" - 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. 
• St. Elmo's Coffee Pub (Del Ray) - Brewed coffee, tea, and a few extra goodies.
• No. 1 Sons (Arlandria) -  Produces wild cultured foods by hand in Alexandria. This brother and sister team live in Arlandria and do not heat treat or use preservatives. They make pickles, sauerkraut, dilly beans, kim chi, beets, hot sauce and more that is "Proudly Cloudy".
• Sweetcentral Babycakes (Springfield, VA) - Artfully crafted cupcakes in babycake and teenycake sizes from Elda.  This is her first market, so please welcome her and give her delicious babycakes a try.
• Tom's Amish Cheese Store (Lancaster, PA) - Artisan Cheese, yogurt and Pennsylvania honey.
• Ephesian Beauty (Manassas, VA) - Pure, natural homemade skin care and beauty supplies.

Maybe's for this week (haven't been able to confirm yet):

• Swee Lo Sterling silver jewelry handcrafted by Balinese artisans designed by Swee Lo.
• Olio Fresh olive oils and aged balsamics.

Crafts available on a rotating basis.

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, 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 4MRMarket@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 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. 

_______________

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
On Twitter: @4MRMarket

Contact us at: 4MRMarket@arlandria.org

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