For information contact: Isabel Kaldenbach, (703) 979-3076

Arlington, VA, January 31, 2000 -- The new millennium brings a new look to a long-standing Arlington civic organization. Elenor Hodges came on board in January as the new executive director of Arlingtonians for a Clean Environment (ACE).

"Elenor brings a brand new outlook and new ideas," said Martin Ogle, chairman of the board of ACE. "We are very excited about her skills, experience, and enthusiasm, and we are delighted to welcome her on board."

Last year ACE held six stream cleanups, removing trash and debris from Four Mile Run, the Potomac, and other natural areas. ACE also cosponsored "Wednesdays in the Park", a summer program featuring speakers and outdoor activities in Arlington's Potomac Overlook Park. Working with Arlington schools, ACE does classroom presentations on ecology and litter and hosts programs focusing on building outdoor classrooms. The organization also participates in Arlington's many fairs and festivals and produces the quarterly newsletter "The Arlington Environment."

ACE is the producer of Hidden Beauty: Four Mile Run in Northern Virginia, a year 2000 calendar featuring fine art quality photographs by local freelancer John Robinette. The first-time effort--designed as an educational tool and outreach tool--sold extremely well with proceeds benefiting expanded outreach activities for ACE and other local organizations.

Hodges grew up in Montgomery County, Maryland and has lived in northwest Arlington for three years. She joined ACE as a volunteer soon after making Arlington her home. She replaces Steve Coffee, ACE's former director who left to work for an Internet-based startup.

"It is very inspiring to take an active role in caring for the environment in my community and to work for an organization with such an outstanding reputation," said Hodges. "Steve has left very big footsteps for me to follow, and I appreciate his hard work to build this organization."

"I intend to focus on increased outreach, both by myself, our board, and through different media than we have used in the past. Our focus on individual activities and presentations will continue, but we will also work to reach a larger audience through use of the mass media, helping raise awareness at a broader level."

Hodges comes to ACE from the National Wildlife Federation, where she served as the manager of a nationwide classroom education program. She is completing her Masters of Education at George Mason University and has a B.A. in environmental science from the University of Virginia.