About Alexandria's Del Ray

The Neighborhood Pharmacy in Alexandria’s Del Ray neighborhood is just what it calls itself - a neighborhood pharmacy. Unlike some other purveyors, they don’t sell diapers, milk, magazines, or makeup and they don’t process film. They fill prescriptions, offer free delivery and work to “help folks have better health care.” What a refreshing idea!

Pharmacy owners Stacey Swartz and Barbara Hayward met while working at the National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA) in Old Town.

Ironically, Stacey’s job was helping other folks get their own businesses started while Barbara focused on legislative issues. Both agreed that they would love to have their own pharmacy and run it their way. And that means:

• Free delivery to Del Ray;
• Free introductory ‘brown bag’ medication reviews;
• Personalized and hard-to-find prescription and over-the-counter medications for humans and pets;
• One refill date for all medications;
• Answers to all health care questions.

Stacey holds a degree in pharmacy from Duquesne University while Barbara is the “business person.” Open less than three months, in the light filled space formerly occupied by A Show of Hands, they have already exceeded their early projections. As the business continues to grow, they want to offer:

• immunizations;
• a larger line of homeopathic remedies;
• diabetes and blood pressure screenings.

When asked why they chose Del Ray the answer came quickly - they wanted to be surrounded by other small business owners and they wanted to be in a community that actively supports those businesses.

Robin, a customer who stopped in while I was there echoed that refrain when she said, [I like] “shopping in my neighborhood.”

Robin

The Neighborhood Pharmacy is located at 2204 Mt. Vernon Avenue. Right now the hours are M-F, 9am to 7pm, Saturday, 9am to 2pm and Sunday, 10am to 1pm but given the rhythms of the community that could change. Be sure and check out the pharmacy’s site and blog for the most up to date information. They accept all major insurance, including Medicare.

Knowing that Stacy had worked at one of the large chains, I asked her what the biggest difference was in having a neighborhood pharmacy. Her answer “I can actually talk to people.”

I don;t know about you, but that sounds like just the kind of pharmacist I want in my neighborhood.

Michael

P.S. - Co-owner Barbara Hayward was out of town during my visit but we’ll catch you up with her another time.

Doing business on Del Ray’s Mt. Vernon Avenue means walking instead of driving, having the proprietor know you by name and, best of all, spending your money and your time with an individual business owner instead of a corporation.

Today, we are going to talk about doing business in Del Ray with one of its newest establishments - The Greener Cleaner.

The Greener Cleaner opened at 2210 Mt. Vernon Avenue this past March.

Owner Serdar Basegmez, a native of Istanbul, Turkey, has a long background in the dry cleaning business but wanted to bring a new approach to this Del Ray location:

1. the Greener Cleaner is open on Sundays;
2. the Greener Cleaner offers pick-up and delivery service;
3. the Greener Cleaner uses synthetic hydrocarbons - a ‘green’ alternative - instead of PERC (perchloroethylene).

Serdar explained to me that these hydrocarbons biodegrade within days when exposed to air, water, and earth while PERC lingers and is known as a potential human carcinogen. I would venture to say that the green alternative is what attracts a number of customers but I think the utter convenience of Greener Cleaner’s Mt. Vernon location is the real draw.

Just think, on any given day, you could walk down the Avenue, drop off your cleaning, get a cup of coffee or an ice cream, maybe even a hair cut and then head home. (We’ll tell you about all those special places in coming days).

When I asked Sedar why he choose Del Ray he said simply, “the neighborhood” and Del Ray’s reputation for supporting locally owned businesses.

And the neighborhood has welcomed him with open arms.

Part of Sedar’s approach also involves giving back to the community. In this first year he has joined forces with the Community Partners for Children (CPC) - drop off your shoes for a $2.50 shoeshine and Sedar will donate $1.00 to CPC. Alterations are also available on the premises.

The Greener Cleaner is open Monday - Friday 7:00am to 7:00pm; Saturday 8:00am - 5:00pm; and Sunday 12noon - 4:00pm. Phone - 703.717.918.

Drop in and say hello - you and your dry cleaning will be glad you did.

Michael

Just one week from today, on Tuesday, August 4, 2009, neighborhoods across the country will celebrate the 26th Annual National Night Out.

Sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch (NATW), the night is designed to:

• Heighten crime and drug prevention awareness;
• Generate support for, and participation in, local anti-crime programs;
• Strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships; and
• Send a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.

We support all those ideas, but what we really like is the chance to block off our street, let the kids bike, skate or play with abandon, and share fun and food with our neighbors.

If you’re really organized, you could probably get your own celebration up and running by next week but if not, come join us on East Howell and see what the fuss is all about. Click here for pictures from our 2008 gathering.

Michael

Tonight’s First Thursday (July) was all about celebrating “Main Street” in Del Ray. Visit Del Ray has adopted the theme “Where Main Street Still Exists” to promote Del Ray and we think it’s the perfect slogan for the neighborhood we call home.

Of course for us, “Main Street” is actually Mt. Vernon Avenue. Local businesses - restaurants, ice cream shops, a UPS store, coffee shops, art galleries, clothing stores, a pharmacy, dry cleaner, post office, hardware store, hair salon, yoga studio, plant nursery, and more, lots more - are all contained within about a 10 block radius.

It’s the perfect neighborhood for walking and First Thursday is a great way to explore.

“Winchester” makes his first appearance at “First Thursday” with Anne and Zac from Nelson Avenue.

for lots more pictures, visit us at:

July’s First Thursday Celebrates “Main Street” in Del Ray

Saturday, June 27, 2009

With temperatures in the mid-80’s and low, low humidity, the 3rd Annual Del Ray Music Festival could rightly qualify as a Mid-Summer’s Dream. Here “Blue” takes the obligatory rest stop.

A brief spat of rain showers in the early afternoon was the only deterrent to an otherwise perfect day.

Sandy and Aaron Faulkner of Mt. Ida Avenue (with Henry)

Folks took advantage of strategically placed hay bales, dry ground for picnic blankets and generous space as they scattered the grounds of the Mt. Vernon Recreation Center.

for more (pictures especially), visit us at:

3rd Annual Del Ray Music Festival is a Mid-Summer’s Dream