MomMade Foods is Hiring - Marketing & Executive Assistant

Marketing and Executive Assistant

A team committed to children’s health and natural foods is seeking candidates for a full-timeMarketing and Executive Assistant. Mom Made Foods, a leader in all-natural and organic frozen foods for children and families, sells its products in thousands of grocery retailers nation-wide and is growing rapidly. Mom Made is looking for an individual who will be at the front lines of growing our brand. Our size and experience makes us an ideal match for a self-motivated team player who wants to make a positive and direct impact through their work.

Position Description

This full-time position is based in the Mom Made Foods’ office in Alexandria, Virginia. Reporting directly to the CEO and also working with the VP of Sales, PR agency and many of our business partners.

Duties:

Social Media:

Help develop consumer-focused communications for Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Blog and e-Newsletter.

Grassroots Marketing:

Coordinate events and participation. Manage sampling and brand ambassador program.

Website:

Manage content changes and technical issues. Respond to customer comments via website. Manage store locator updates and other maintenance.

Graphic Materials:

Work with CEO, designer, sales and operations on development and changes regarding packaging and marketing materials. Support VP of Sales and CEO for creation of Powerpoint presentations and other collateral materials as needed.

Media Relations:

Manage organizational details including booth planning, coordination, travel and shipping of show materials. Attend shows for onsite booth management and staffing. Work with VP of Sales to optimize sales leads from tradeshows. Work with VP of Sales to ensure sales materials are planned for and shipped appropriately.

Sales Support:

Support VP of Sales to ensure that incoming office calls and emails are followed up. Support VP of Sales with mailings to broker representatives and/or retail customers. Maintain effective inventory levels of all sales support materials, keeping budget and copy changes in mind.

Order Processing and Reporting:

Help with order processing. Track orders and address any carrier delivery issues. Work with book-keeper and CEO to ensure timely billing. Run and update sales reports on recurring basis.

General:

Participate as a team member of a small, dynamic and cohesive growing company. Keep attention to budget and cost effectiveness in all efforts. Assist CEO with other matters relating to marketing, PR and order processing not otherwise noted here.

Skills/Competencies:

Excellent interpersonal, teamwork, and collaboration skills Ability to think outside the box Good decision making under pressure Exceptional organizational, presentation, and communication skills both verbal and written Ability to communicate, negotiate, and influence at all levels, within the company and with external partners and vendors Ability to identify, prioritize and deliver tangible results using sound business practices Possess an innovative, problem-solving, and solutions-oriented mindset Exhibits strong understanding of Marketing and the direct impact on Sales Willingness to step up within our small team and do what it takes to succeed

Requirements:

1-2+ years of marketing experience. Retail and/or consumer goods experience preferred. Bachelor’s degree. Business or Marketing degree preferred. Expert level experience with all Microsoft Office applications. Ability to plan, organize and establish priorities with significant analytical, logical and strategic thinking skills. Budgeting experience. Excellent communication (written and verbal) skills and interpersonal skills with an ability to work with the executives and a wide range of professionals to achieve group goals.

To Apply:

Send cover letter explaining the three reasons you’re applying for this role and your resume to jobs@mommadefoods.com. No phone calls or third party recruiters please.

Recipe: Saffron Orzo with Asparagus and Prosciutto

Landmark Mall Community Meeting on May 1

Reminder: Landmark Mall Community Meeting on May 1

Landmark Mall Community Meeting
Wednesday, May 1

Landmark Mall, Second Level at the former New York & Company store

Open House: 7-8 p.m.
Community Comments Forum: 8-9 p.m.

Please join us for an open house and second community meeting being held by the City of Alexandria and the Howard Hughes Corporation concerning the redevelopment of a portion of Landmark Mall. The location has been changed from what was previously publicized. The meeting will be on the second floor of the mall at the former New York & Company store, which is near the community room. Signs will be posted in the mall to direct you to the location.

The Howard Hughes Corporation has submitted applications for the redevelopment of the Howard Hughes portion of the mall properties into a retail and residential mixed-use development. City staff is currently reviewing the applications and would like to hear community input.

The meeting will be held in two parts. The first hour will be an open house, where residents can walk around to tables organized by topics and speak one-on-one with City staff. Residents may arrive at any time during the open house, from 7 to 9 p.m. The second part of the meeting, starting at 8 p.m., will be a listening forum for the community to share their comments about the project with City staff. Detailed notes will be taken to record these comments.

Please share information about this meeting with your neighbors and anyone in the community who may be interested. If you cannot come to the May 1 meeting, or would prefer to give us written comments, you can post any questions or comments about this proposed project on the City’s Landmark Mall Redevelopment page.

If you have additional questions about this meeting or about the City review process for the Landmark Mall project, please contact Pat Escher via email atPatricia.Escher@alexandriava.gov or by phone, 703.746.3812, or Colleen Willger atColleen.Willger@alexandriava.gov or 703.746.3817.

The City of Alexandria is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, as amended. To request a reasonable accommodation, e-mailcolleen.willger@alexandriava.gov or call 703.746.3817, Virginia Relay 711. 

Boutique Give Back May 18

form the Old Town Boutique District:

Ready to do a little shopping in Old Town while supporting nearly 40 charities?

On Saturday, May 18, be a part of the largest small business-charity collaboration in the DC Metro area. Each Old Town boutique has chosen an organization to support and honor on this special shopping day–or is offering you the change to select a charity to support (all 501c3 organizations are applicable).

breakfast of champions

fried rice for breakfast.......

Sixth Annual Spring for Alexandria Set for May 2-4

Sixth Annual Spring for Alexandria Set for May 2-4

For Immediate Release: April 25, 2013
ACT for Alexandria, Volunteer Alexandria, the Alexandria Jaycees, and the City of Alexandria will jointly host Spring for Alexandria, a three-day celebration of giving and service throughout the City from May 2 through May 4. Now in its sixth year, Spring for Alexandria offers multiple opportunities for residents to become involved, including the Generations of Giving Gala on May 2; the Business Philanthropy Summit, Community Service Day and Market Square Party on May 3; and Alexandria Gives and Lemonaide Day on May 4. Spring for Alexandria hosts raise hundreds of thousands of dollars that are used by the partners to improve the lives of hundreds of Alexandrians.

Earlier this year, ACT for Alexandria also hosted an innovative online fundraising event called Spring 2 ACTion. During this one day fundraising blitz, community members raised more than $650,000 for Alexandria’s nonprofits.

Spring for Alexandria kicks off with the Generations of Giving Gala on Thursday, May 2, from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. The Gala honors philanthropy in Alexandria with this year’s “Hometown Tourist” theme. Dress in appropriate travel attire. To purchase tickets, please go to www.actforalexandria.org.

On Friday, May 3, the Business Philanthropy Summit, presented by Capitol One, will be held to recognize philanthropic leaders in Alexandria. The breakfast event will be hosted at the First Baptist Church of Alexandria, 2932 King Street, from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.

Following the Summit, Volunteer Alexandria and the City of Alexandria will deploy hundreds of volunteers to project sites throughout the City for its Spring for AlexandriaCommunity Service Day. Volunteer help is needed from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to complete a variety of tasks. City, business and private citizen teams are still forming now. Sign up atwww.springforalexandria.org – click on Day of Service.

The day concludes with volunteers returning to the Market Square Party, at 301 King Street, from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. The celebration begins with a program led by Alexandria Mayor William D. Euille, who will present awards and prizes for volunteers while they enjoy live jazz music, a wellness center, lunch, and other activities.

The three-day celebration concludes on Saturday, May 4, as the Alexandria Jaycees host family fun at Alexandria Gives: A Community Contribution Day. Alexandria residents are encouraged to clear out their cupboards and their closets and donate to neighbors in need. Alexandria nonprofits will be onsite at the First Baptist Church of Alexandria, 2932 King Street, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. collecting food, clothing and supplies. You can meet special guest Autria Godfrey from our official media partner, ABC7/WJLA-TV and News Channel 8.

Lemonaide Day, sponsored by Kids Helping Kids, Inc., will also take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on May 4. Alexandria youth will be selling lemonade at 27 stands stationed throughout the City, however the two main stands at Market Square and First Baptist Church, manned by the Kids Helping Kids Teams, will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The proceeds raised will be given to The Fund for Alexandria's Child & Casa Chirilagua. The goal is $15,000 this year.

For more information about the three-day celebration of giving and service, visitwww.springforalexandria.org.

Drug Take-Back Day

ALEXANDRIA POLICE DEPARTMENT
PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICE
3600 WHEELER AVENUE
ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA 22304
703-746-6600

MEDIA ADVISORY
APRIL 24, 2013 #13-027
12:30 P.M. DONALDSON

Alexandria Law Enforcement Partners with the Drug Enforcement Administration for 6th Nationwide Prescription Drug Take-Back Day

The Alexandria Police Department and the Alexandria Sheriff’s Office have partnered with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in the 5th National Prescription Drug Take-Back initiative that seeks to prevent increased pill abuse and theft.

On Saturday, April 27, from 10 A.M. – 2 P.M., the two Alexandria law enforcement agencies, with cooperation from the Substance Abuse Coalition of Alexandria, will be collecting potentially dangerous expired, unused and unwanted prescription drugs and other medications for destruction at two drop location sites in the City.  The sites include Police Headquarters, located at 3600 Wheeler Avenue and the parking lot of the Del Ray Pharmacy, located at 2204 Mount Vernon Avenue.  The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked.

This initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue. Many Americans are not aware that medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse and abuse. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the United States are increasing at alarming rates, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs. Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet.  In addition, many Americans do not know how to properly dispose of their unused medicine, often flushing them down the toilet or throwing them away – both potential safety and health hazards.

These drugs are a potential source of supply for illegal use and an unacceptable risk to public health and safety.  This one-day effort is intended to bring national focus to the issue of increasing pharmaceutical controlled substance abuse. 

Collection sites in every local community can be found by going to www.dea.gov. 

For more information on the environmental effects of the improper disposal of prescription drugs visit http://alexandriava.gov/Environment.

Suspicious man around Mt. Jefferson Park

FROM NEIGHBORHOOD LISTSERV: 


>
>Please read the below email from a parent regarding a potentially dangerous interaction at our park (Mt. Jefferson Park at Hume and Raymond):
>
>On Friday afternoon (her son) was on his skateboard and two girls were walking in the neighborhood together. A white male in his late 50s-60s approached the children and asked if they needed a ride. He was driving a white four-door VW. One of the girls told him no and the man continued to follow them. The children ran home. The dad immediately got in his car and attempted to follow the man but he got away.
>
>On Saturday afternoon a parent observed a man taking pictures of kids and walking up and down East Raymond Ave.
>
>The parent approached him; he was acting very odd so she left the park with her daughter and called the police. One of the children who was offered a ride observed that it was the same person who had approached him the day before. 
>
>The children gave the following description to the police officer:
>
>•A white male 5'8 -5'9 in height wearing a black sweat suit with purple and green diamonds on the jacket;
>•Balding with dark, heavy-rimmed glasses;
>•Overweight with a large belly;
>•Observed in a white Volkswagen with four doors and carrying a large black camera.
>
>The parents of the children who were approached made police reports Saturday night. Officer Harrell has been assigned to the case. His direct number is 703-746-6770, and the number to the Alexandria police department is 703.746-4444 (emergencies dial 911).
>
>If you see anyone fitting this description or acting suspiciously please get in touch with Officer Harrell and the Alexandria Police Department immediately. If there are other neighbors or people who use our park who were not included on this email please forward this to them. 
>
>Here are just a few of the many links to websites with advice on how to help children with strangers:
>
>http://www.ncpc.org/topics/violent-crime-and-personal-safety/strangers (National Crime Prevention Council)
>
>http://insidedateline.nbcnews.com/_news/2012/09/02/13623387-tips-on-teaching-your-kids-about-stranger-safety?lite
>
>http://www.kidpower.org/library/article/safe-without-scared/
>
>

Absentee Voting Opens for Eligible City of Alexandria Voters on April 26

Absentee Voting Opens for Eligible City of Alexandria Voters on April 26

For Immediate Release: April 23, 2013

On Tuesday June 11, there will be a Democratic Primary for Lieutenant Governor and Attorney General. Absentee voting for the primary begins on Friday, April 26. Many Alexandria voters are eligible to vote absentee, but relatively few take advantage of this option. There are several qualifying circumstances. For example:

• You commute and work for 11 of the 13 hours the polls are open. (Take into account those days when traffic is heavy or the weather is bad and the commute takes longer than usual.)
• You are a caregiver for a confined family member.
• You are unable to go to the polls in person on Election Day because of an illness or disability.
• You will be absent from Alexandria on Election Day because of personal business, work, school, or vacation.

To learn more about these, and other circumstances in which absentee voting is an appropriate option, visit alexandriava.gov/Elections and click on “Absentee Voting,” or call703.746.4050.

Absentee Voting in Person

You can cast your absentee ballot in person at the Alexandria Voter Registration Office,
132 North Royal Street, Suite 100, or by mail. In-person absentee voting hours are as follows:

Regular Hours for in-person absentee voting:
Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Closed Monday, May 27)
Extended hours for in-person absentee voting: 
Tuesday, May 28, 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday, May 29, 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Monday, June 3, 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Tuesday, June 4, 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, June 8, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The deadline for voting absentee in person is Saturday, June 8, at 5 p.m.

Absentee Voting By Mail

If you wish to absentee vote by mail, download an application fromalexandriava.gov/Elections, or contact the Voter Registration Office to have an application mailed to you.

• The last day to apply for an absentee ballot by mail or fax is Tuesday, June 4. The application must be received by the Registration Office by 5 p.m. on that day.
• Mailed absentee ballots must be received by the Voter Registration Office on or before Election Day, Tuesday June 11, at 7 p.m. For more information, call703.746.4050.

For complete information on this election, including voter registration deadlines, sample ballots, campaign finance reports and precinct maps, visit alexandriava.gov/Elections.

Volunteer to help count Bicycles and Pedestrians in Alexandria

FROM THE NEIGHBORHOOD LISTSERV:

Alexandria's bike/pedestrian counting project has been helpful for documenting increases in bicycling and walking/running in the past two years. This project informs the City's transportation planning efforts, such as documenting the need for new bike lanes and new bike routes. We need volunteers to keep this effort going on May 9 (5 to 7 PM) and May 11 (12 to 2 PM). Please see below and respond to Amos Desjardins (amos.desjardins@gmail.com) or Jim Durham (jldurham48@gmail.com) with questions or to sign up.

Thanks so much. 
Alexandria Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee

Review our count locations below, and shown on the attached map, and let us know your preferences. Early requests usually get their pick. 

A - Mount Vernon Trail just south the intersection with the Marina road.
B1 - Mount Vernon Trail just south of the WWB at MV parkway
B2 - Mouth of WWB trail West side
C - Mt Vernon Ave South of 4 mile run
D - Intersection of Commonwealth and Mount Vernon Avenues.
E – Off-Street trail between Braddock and King Metrorail Stations
F - Eisenhower Avenue just west of the Spring Hill Suites
G - North Beauregard Street just south of the intersection with King St.
H1 - Holmes Run Trail, along Holmes Run Parkway near North Ripley St.
H2 - Holmes Run Trail at the intersection of N Pickett/Holmes Run Pkwy 
I - Van Dorn St just N of Metrorail overpass and S of Eisenhower
J - Cameron Street just west of the intersection with Washington St.
K - Prince Street just west of the intersection with Washington St.
L – Slater's Lane just west of Portner Rd

Spring

The colors of Spring

What's Next Alexandria Third Community Dialogue

What's Next Alexandria Third Community Dialogue

For Immediate Release: April 22, 2013

Join your neighbors on Tuesday, April 30, at 7 p.m. for the third Community Dialogue in the City's What's Next Alexandria civic engagement initiative. The event will be held at First Baptist Church, 2932 King Street.

Community members will hear the results of the most recent online poll, affirm the final community generated civic engagement principles and discuss what implementation of What's Next Alexandria will look like, sharing concrete examples of how the principles and process will be applied in the future. For those unable to attend in person, the City will offer live Internet video engagement, allowing viewers to watch live video from the event and interact with other viewers in group exercises through a moderated live chat.

Childcare and simultaneous Spanish translation will be provided. Transportation options to the event include DASH bus AT-5 and AT-6 or Metrobus 28A; on-site parking, but rides and carpooling are encouraged. For assistance with rides and carpooling, call703.746.3855.

The City of Alexandria is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, as amended. To request a reasonable accommodation, e-mailGraciela.Moreno@alexandriava.gov or call 703-746-4666, Virginia Relay 711.

To register for the meeting and find more information, visit Alexandriava.gov/WhatsNext or call 703.746.3855.

Old Town Farmers’ Market Welcomes SNAP/EBT Beneficiaries

Old Town Farmers’ Market Welcomes SNAP/EBT Beneficiaries 
For Immediate Release: April 22, 2013
News Highlights

• Eligible low income households can now use their SNAP benefits to buy fresh, healthy and local foods at the Old Town Farmers’ Market.

Beginning Saturday, April 27, the City of Alexandria’s Old Town Farmers’ Market will be participating in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps. As a result, SNAP customers will be able to use their electronic benefits transfer (EBT) cards to purchase fresh fruits, vegetables and other eligible food products at the market.  

SNAP, a federally-funded program, is a win-win for Alexandria residents and retailers. For every $5 in new SNAP benefits used, the community receives almost double that amount in economic activity. Research shows that low-income households participating in SNAP have access to more food nutrients, like proteins, and an array of essential vitamins and minerals in their home food supply.  This initiative also helps increase the customer base at the market, creating an additional source of revenue for the Market vendors.

Implementing the SNAP program at the Old Town Farmers’ Market was made possible with funding from the United States Department of Agriculture and through partnership with the Alexandria Childhood Obesity Action Network.

The Old Town Farmer’s Market is located on King Street between N. Royal and N. Fairfax Streets, and is open on Saturday’s year round from 7 a.m. to noon.

For more information contact Market Master of the Old Town Farmers’ Market, Megha Even, at 703.746.3200, or megha.even@alexandriava.gov.

Dandelions

What do you do when you strive for a beautiful, green, lush, lawn and you have to deal with.... dandelions?

 What do you do when your neighbors lawn is full of these?

And they are poised to invade your yard.....
They are almost at the fluffy, white, stage where the seeds blow around and blow into your yard?
(And I have it from the neighbors on both sides!)

Currently my lawn is only slightly better, but at least it's green with clover and not dandelions!


I want a nice lawn so the kids can enjoy running/walking barefoot across it.
So the dog has someplace nice to play and rest.



So, what do you do?
Do I say something to the "offending" neighbors?
Do I talk about their poor lawn habits to other neighbors?
Do I sneak over in the cover of darkness to spray the weeds?  (I have heard of other neighbors doing this - really!)
or do I just leave it alone?

What would you do?