Poorly Stated, And Called Out For It

This past week, AlexandriaNews.org published an article about a longstanding, successful French Restaurant,Chez Andrée, located at the edge of the Lynhaven neighborhood in Arlandria. Were it not for one line in the article, it would be a good read on one of Alexandria's most tenured restaurants. That one off-hand comment, however, managed to throw our neighborhood under the bus.

The opening paragraph likely left a bad taste in the mouths of most Arlandria residents and it soured the rest of the piece:

The corner of Commonwealth Avenue and East Glebe Road is not the place one would expect to find a French restaurant. That’s where, in spite of a neighborhood that has never quite transitioned, Chez Andrée has stood for 46 years, serving dedicated customers and working to attract new business.

Such off-hand comments sting especially sharply where people have dedicated countless hours working to improve their neighborhoods and the sense of community within them. Fortunately, while a few of us traded incredulous quips over e-mail amongst ourselves, Lynhaven Civic Association president Joe Bondi shot back a letter to the editor and defended the Lynhaven neighborhood.  It's very worth reading the whole response here, but let me provide you a little preview:

Let me tell you about transitions in Lynhaven, the neighborhood on the north end of Alexandria that is the proud home of Chez Andree. There was a time our neighborhood was the place to come for drugs and prostitution. That day is all but over. Working with the city and the police, the neighbors of Lynhaven came out of their homes and made a statement that crime wasn’t welcome here. They made this neighborhood the kind of place I sought out to live seven years ago.

The story he tells could be repeated for any of the neighborhoods of Arlandria. Dedicated residents and Community Oriented Policing have driven crime numbers to near historic lows. While problem pockets still exist, to issue summary judgement on the neighborhood based on... well, we're really not sure where the "Low Blow" (as Joe called it in his rebuttal) came from.

AlexandriaNews.org periodically covers goings-on in Arlandria, so I would think they would be more attuned to the history and progress made toward making these neighborhoods a great place to call home. Over the 46 years Chez Andrée has called Lynhaven home, there have been many transitional periods, so I join Joe in wondering, "exactly what kind of transition was Ms. Branch expecting?"

MAdA Teaches Local Hispanic Mothers Entrepreneurial Skills

Mujeres Artesanas de Alexandria (MAdA) is a sub-organization of local non-profit Bienvenidos.  They teach Latina women of Arlandria business, crafting, and English language skills.  The majority of the women in the program are mothers of children in local schools and need to generate extra income to help support their families. 

One of the volunteers and founders of MAdA, Beth Ladd, dropped by last Sunday's Four Mile Run Farmers and Artisans Market to give me an overview of MAdA's purpose and what they hope to achieve in Arlandria for their member "Mujeres".  She also provided a few samples of their handicrafts (see pictures--above right and following video).  Check out the quick 1 minute video below and see what Beth has to say about the organization.



The 4 Mile Run Farmer's and Artisans Market has always included providing a place for local vendors to cheaply sell their wares as part of its mission statement. With the addition of MAdA, the Market's 15th vendor, it appears to be meeting at least one key portion of its mission. Come out and support the artisans and craftswomen of MAdA starting at the July 25th market (8am - 1pm).

4MR Market Continues this Sunday

The grand opening of the Four Mile Run Farmers and Artisan’s Market was like every other Farmer’s and Artisans market in that fresh produce ruled the day, and specialty foods created instant fans. But for so many, it was the culmination of months of collaboration and reason for celebration.

“I’m really impressed with the turnout,” said Councilman Rob Krupicka, on hand for the ribbon cutting ceremony, and was the driving force behind the recent legislation to make healthy food more accessible in Alexandria. "This is a great example of what happens when the community comes together and works on a joint project. This market is the result of vision and volunteers. Nothing else. Its a sure sign of a strong community when it can pull together to create something like this. The new market will make the community stronger and will give all of us greater access to local food and some great arts and crafts."

Vendors were still signing up as the ribbon was being cut. Eyvy Alvarado, market manager from nearby Marcella’s Bakery, filled out the forms, set up her stand, and within two hours, sold out of her first batch of baked goods. As did her neighbor Elise Scott of Pearl Fine Teas, who had the good fortune of being the only vendor with iced cold tea on a day when temperatures quickly soared above 90 degrees.

Cory Schultz would stop at nothing for fresh radishes. The Army Reserve officer rode her bike from Arlington after reading about the market online. “It’s really easy to get to on the trails,” Schultz said, sampling one of the coveted radishes. “I will definitely incorporate a stop here into my Sunday morning rides.”

Nearby neighbors from Arlandria, Crystal City, Shirlington, Del Ray and Beverley Hills walked, jogged and drove to check out the market, often lingering to enjoy (or, in the case of the area tots, dance to) the music by Curtis Blues.

"Mt. Vernon Avenue’s proximity to everywhere, at the entrance to Four Mile Run Park makes this a perfect location for a farmers market,” said Del Ray Resident and former Councilman Justin Wilson as his son and daughter danced and played backup maracas to Curtis Blues.

Architects Anonymous, the designers of the proposed green rehab and re-purposing of the former paint store at the park expansion, were highlighted at the community table where they displayed their design plans for the site and solicited feedback from passersby for the proposed colors of the future community building.

Across the way, Zelda Wallace of Zelda’s Nova Soul celebrated her own success. Just last year, the former broadcaster with Cox network lost her job of 20 years. With encouragement from her mom, friends and family, she decided to first test out her love of cooking at the Del Ray Market on Saturday, and at the Four Mile Run Market on Sunday. “I always wanted to open a restaurant, but that’s a pretty risky initiative,” Wallace said. “Still, I've always been told people would pay for my salads.” Three hours after the market opened, Zelda’s shrimp salad sold out. Twenty minutes later, so did her cucumber salad. She spent the remaining time taking orders. Many of the vendors did not anticipate such a terrific turnout.

The list of vendors joining up in the next couple of weeks include Vera's Bakery, Krishon Chocolates, St Elmo's Coffee Pub, the Dairy Godmother, and Bread and Chocolate.  The Dairy Godmother will embrace the Latino culture of the neighborhood with plans to sell paletas (Latin American frozen fruit treats) in coming weeks. With the hot weather here to stay, they are sure to be a huge hit.

The Four Mile Run Farmers and Artisans Market is open Sundays from 8am until 1pm and runs from April through October at Four Mile Run Park, 4109 Mt Vernon Avenue.

4MR Market Opens!!

Photos from the opening of the Four Mile Run Farmers & Artisans Market.

See the Unveiling

Four Mile Run Farmers & Artisans Market

Grand Opening

Sunday June 20th

8am - 1pm

4109 Mt Vernon Avenue