A number of community dialogues are being convened by churches and civic groups during the week of April 21 in order to raise awareness of the affordable housing issue and how it is affecting our area. The Northern Virginia Affordable housing Alliance has produced a video to provide information on the topic and to spark discussion at meetings held that week.  For more information about community dialogues or Affordable Housing Week contact info@nvaha.org or michellekrocker@aol.com

Columbia Pike Farmers Market Back By Popular Demand

CPRO is delighted to present South Arlington’s favorite Farmers Market which returns for a new season on Sunday, May 6 in Pike Park, at the intersection of Columbia Pike and S. Walter Reed Dr.  This year the market will operate from 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. every Sunday through November 25. Old favorites are returning including Creek Side Produce and Blue Highland Dairy of Berkley Springs, WV;  Twin Springs Fruit Farm of Ortana, PA;  Smithfield Farm All Natural Meat and Eggs from Berryville, VA;  Potomac Vegetable Farms of Purcellville, VA;  Bonaparte Breads of Savage, MD; Grace’s Pastries of Herndon, VA;  and Hondo Coffee Co. of Honduras by way of Stafford, VA.  And, come check out several new vendors, and live music courtesy of Rick Franklin! Thanks also to Eckerd Drug Store and The Ski Chalet for accommodating the Market.

Leadership Arlington Seeking Applicants

With 9 successful years under its belt and with over active 300 members, Leadership Arlington is now accepting applications for its Class of 2008.  The mission of the organization is to enlighten, inspire and connect leaders to strengthen the Arlington community. Each class enjoys ten program days over the course of the ten-month program.  There is a $50 fee for applications submitted by Monday, April 16. For more information and to download an application visit www.leadershiparlington.org

Applications for Leadership Arlington’s Youth Program, which meets during the first two weeks of August, are also being accepted. The Youth Program is open to applicants who are currently in their sophomore or junior year in high school. The application deadline is April 16. For more information and to download an application go to www.leadershiparlington.org./youth.html

CPRO Volunteer of  the Month: Leo Hobdari!

Leo Hobdari, a resident of Dominion Plaza Apartments (Columbia Pike and S. Courthouse Rd.), is CPRO’s Volunteer of the Month.  Leon has been assisting CPRO in updating their directory of businesses on the Pike, and with other computer work. Thanks Leon! Leon was born in Albania, where he obtained a bachelor’s degree in accounting, and held financial management positions in both the private sector and the government. He came to the U.S. in 1996, earned a degree from Rockhurst University in Kansas City and continued doing accounting work, and relocated to Virginia in 2003.  Most recently he was a Senior Accountant for the Salvation Army National Headquarters in Alexandria. Leo is currently looking for a new job. Know of an opportunity? Please let us know.

To find out more about CPRO volunteer opportunities contact us at 703-892-2776 or cpro1@verizon.net.