WillowsfordLife Summer 2021
Summer2021
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Manager’s Letter
WillowsfordLife Vol. 4, No. 2: Summer 2021
A Note from Tenant House by Rebecca Lyons, CMCA®, AMS®, PCAM® HOA Community Manager
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he doors are open and fun is in full bloom at Willowsford! We are beyond excited that the buildings and amenities (especially the pools) are open. While it may not look like 2019, we are so thankful it does not look like 2020. Many new residents have made Willowsford home this past year and our team cannot wait to show you all that Willowsford Life has to offer. Speaking of pools, that is where the most noticeable improvements in the past year can be found. At both locations, bathhouses have been updated with new tile, paint and flooring, decking repairs, plus the main pools received a complete re-plaster. In addition to the pools, we expect the long-awaited Willow Grove Splash Park to finally be open by the time you read this issue. Whether you want to stroll in the sunshine, take a bike ride on
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the trails, go fishing, let the dogs roam free at the dog parks, or take the little ones for a splash, there is something for everyone to enjoy outdoors. In addition to the amenities our Lifestyle Manager, Ellie, has a summer filled with fun opportunities for all ages—from summer camp to fireworks and happy hours, culinary with Chef Emily and a guest appearance from Chef Bonnie, and so much more! Visit WillowsfordLife.com > Calendar to keep up with everything happening this season. To our new and seasoned residents alike, we would love to hear how you spent your summer. Please e-mail us at HOA@ willowsford.com to share your story (and photos) of you enjoying Willowsford!
Copyright 2021 © Willowsford Homeowners Association, Inc. WillowsfordLife is a quarterly publication of Willowsford Homeowners Association, Inc., 23506 Founders Drive, Ashburn, VA 20148. Willowsford Homeowners Association, Inc. reserves the right to reject or edit any articles or other content submitted to it for publishing. Any opinions expressed by the authors of articles or other content published herein are the opinions of such author and in no way, represent the opinion of Willowsford Homeowners Association, Inc. Willowsford Homeowners Association, Inc. reserves the right to reject advertising determined to not be in keeping with the publication’s standards. Acceptance of advertising by WillowsfordLife does not constitute an endorsement of products or services advertised herein. Willowsford Homeowners Association, Inc. does not take responsibility for and does not undertake effort to validate any representations by advertisers. Willowsford, Willowsford, Willowsford Conservancy, and are all trademarks of Willowsford, L.L.C. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part of any material in this publication is expressly prohibited. Liability in the event of an error is limited to a printed correction. Printed in the USA.
WillowsfordLife
Willowsford Contacts
SycamoreHouse 23506 Founders Drive Ashburn, VA 20148 (571) 297-2586
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41085 Willowsford Lane Aldie, VA 20105 (571) 297-2584
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Willowsford Contacts HOA@willowsford.com HOA Questions, Comments & Concerns DRC@willowsfordlife.com Exterior Modification Applications lifestyle@willowsford.com Lifestyle Programming & Amenity Rentals info@willowsfordconservancy.org Conservancy, Trails & Campsites farm@willowsfordfarm.com Willowsford Farm Team
Important Contacts LCSO › – Dial 911 LCSO Non-Emergency – (703) 777-1021 Animal Control – (703) 777-0406 Patriot Disposal - (703) 257-7100 Trash – Tuesday & Friday Recycling – Tuesday Yard Waste – Monday NOVEC Electric – (703) 335-0500 Washington Gas – (703) 750-1000 Loudoun County Sanitation Authority – (571) 291-7880 Verizon Fios Phone & Cable – (800) 837-4966 Verizon Fios Internet – (800) 438-3467 SFMC, Inc. – (703) 392-6006
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WillowsfordLife
8
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15 8 Village Voice 12 Lifestyle 15 In the Kitchen
Rock Garden
In the Moment
16 16 Family Feature 20 Amenity Spotlight
Meet the Rahim-Rojo Family
Willow Grove Splash Park
Fresh Berries
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WillowsfordLife
Contents
SUMMER 2021
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26
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25 Design Review Committee 28 Willowsford Conservancy 34 Just for Kids 26 Community Standards
Technical Assistance Advisors
From the Farm
Lawns & Lighting
The Art Gallery
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Village Voice
Did you know? Rocks take form and shape through countless millennia. Compared to rocks, our time on Earth is akin to a blink of an eye. Rocks may seem simple enough, but they hold the mysteries of the world!
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WillowsfordLife
Village Voice
Thank you to all involved!
Rock Garden Spreading Kindness
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hank you to all the wonderful kiddos who painted and placed kindness rocks at Paddock Gate Park in The Grange! Resident Kelly Breen supervised the project and worked with the Association to bring the rock garden to life. “The kids wanted to spread joy and encourage others to visit and add rocks to the garden,” she said. This past April, the group of 21 kids spent their afternoons working on the project with Kelly’s help. Tasks included painting rocks, determining a location, designing the garden layout, creating a sign, and cleaning up the area. The finished project turned out beautiful. To all who participated—job well done! If you haven’t yet had the chance to stop by, be sure to check out the rock garden this summer. Perhaps, you will even be inspired to paint your own rock to add to the garden. As the saying goes, “In a world
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where you can be anything… be kind.” Read on to learn more about the project from the prospective of the participants.
Q: How did the idea for a rock Q:
garden project come about?
A: Marlo – Kindness is really big
in the world. Sean – To inspire kindness. Erin – We were learning about rocks and wanted to paint them and then decided to share them so people could admire them. Emme – To show kindness and help people stay strong! Cora – So other people can get them.
Q: Were there any challenges or roadblocks to overcome? A: Arya – It took a lot of work.
Cora – It was hard to leave the rocks behind. Kaci – It took a lot of time. Brady – People are scattering the rocks around. Audrey – We had to get through messy fingers but it was worth it!
Arya, Age 8 Audrey, Age 8 Ben, Age 6 Brady, Age 9 Caroline, Age 6 Cora, Age 5 Dylan, Age 12 Emme, Age 8 Erin, Age 9 Jake, Age 9 Kaci, Age 8 Kady, Age 7 Lucas, Age 8 Marlo, Age 9 Nishka, Age 6 Parker, Age 8 Riley, Age 10 Sean, Age 8 Sloane, Age 11 Tessa, Age 7 Will, Age 9 Kelly Breen, Supervisor
Q: What design did you choose for your rock(s) and why?
A: Audrey – I did two types of
rainbows and chose “hope” to always have hope. Tessa – A ladybug because she felt happy! Sean – I wrote “be kind” because I thought that would be nice. Kady – Polka dots and a rainbow. Erin – I chose to write “you are out of this world” with a space design.
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Village Voice
Q: Why is it important to spread kindness?
A: Sloane – Kindness is im-
portant because it makes people happy. Lucas – It is always important to spread kindness because someone might need it. Marlo – We want everyone to feel good.
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Emme – Kindness is an ongoing chain. Arya – So the world can be a better place.
Q: How can others participate?
A: Caroline – By adding rocks
Brady – People can admire the rocks or paint their own rock and put it in the garden. Riley – You can take a rock as well. Marlo – They can pick a rock to keep or paint one to add to the garden.
in it. Emme – You can spread the news!
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Lifestyle
Wineries at Willowsford Saturday, June 12th
In the Moment Summer at Willowsford by Ellie Olney, HOA Lifestyle Manager resh-cut grass, sliced watermelon, and a tall glass of iced tea... These staples of summer make me wish the season would last just a bit longer than it does. We have a jampacked summer filled with activity and sunshine planned for you! Be sure to join us for the best Willowsford has to offer.
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Do you love wine? Us too. Join us Saturday, June 12th for our annual Wineries at Willowsford event held in the beautiful Sycamore House Courtyard. We invite several local wineries to join us in providing a one-of-a-kind experience in your own neighborhood. Those that register will receive tasting
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Havana Nights Saturday, July 31st
tickets to sample from each participating winery and you can even purchase wine by the bottle to take home. Celebrate the most important man in your life at our Father’s Day Crab Feast on Sunday, June 20th. Conrad’s Crabs of Maryland will be on-site all afternoon steaming up fresh crabs. Grab a bucket of icecold beer and enjoy the afternoon lounging on The Lodge lawn area. Happy Independence Day! Friday, July 2nd marks our biggest (and most dazzling) signature event of the year, Family Picnic & Fireworks. It is a day filled
WillowsfordLife
Father’s Day Crab Feast Sunday, June 20th
Dive-In Movies Saturday, July 17th & Saturday, August 21st
with fun activities, food trucks, boozy beverages, and friends and family. To top off the evening a unique display of fireworks will be showcased over Willow Lake—talk about picture perfect. We are thrilled to be opening the pools this season! Dive-In Movies are planned for Saturday, July 17th and Saturday, August 21st. Come early to swim and stay through the movie. It is a fun evening the whole family can enjoy. Havana Nights returns Saturday, July 31st. Grab your significant other for an evening of themed cocktails, dinner, and dancing. Dancing King Studios will provide participants with a dance lesson
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Family Picnic & Fireworks Friday, July 2nd
Luau on the Lawn Saturday, August 28th
that is sure to get you out of your comfort zone and into the spirit of the evening. Aloha! New this year, we will be hosting our first-ever Luau on the Lawn taking place Saturday, August 28th. This unique experience is sure to speak to the inner island in all of us. Bring your appetite and a beach chair for an afternoon of good eats, drinks, and a few Hawaiian surprises along the way. You can keep up with the Lifestyle Team through the Willowsford Weekly e-blast and Willowsford Life Facebook page. Have an event or programming suggestion? Please reach out to lifestyle@willowsford.com. We would love to hear from you.
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In the Kitchen
For the Buttermilk Ice Cream 2 cups milk 1/2 vanilla bean split lengthwise, seeds scraped 6 egg yolks 2/3 cup sugar 2 cups buttermilk
Fresh Berries Juicy & Ripe
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on’t worry about the mess. It’s all about the sweetness. An abundant supply of fresh berries might be one of the best parts of summer! When it comes to berries there’s so much to love. They have a great nutritional profile typically high in fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidant polyphenols. Berries are versatile finding their way into salads, yogurts, ice creams, cocktails, and, of course, devoured straight from the bowl. Be sure to snap up some sweetness on your next visit to the Farm Stand or grocery store. Mixed Berry Shortcake with Buttermilk Ice Cream From the Willowsford Kitchen Archives This recipe is a summertime favorite in Willowsford Kitchen! Shortcake biscuits topped with juicy berries and cool ice cream make for a delightful dessert. Makes 6 servings. For the Berries 3 cups fresh berries 1/4 cup sugar, or to taste 1. Mix the berries and sugar together and set aside or refrigerate overnight.
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For the Shortcakes 1 1/2 cups flour 1 1/2 tablespoons sugar 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 stick (1/4 cup) cold butter, cut into cubes 3/4 cup buttermilk 1. Preheat oven to 350° F. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. 2. Sift the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt and baking soda into a bowl. Blend in the butter with your fingers until the mixture looks like coarse meal. Using a fork, stir in the buttermilk (the dough will be wet.) 3. Transfer the dough to a floured work surface and knead a few times. 4. Roll or pat out dough out on a floured surface to 1/2-inch thick. Cut the shortcake dough into 2-inch squares and place them on the parchment lined cookie sheet. Bake for 15 minutes, until the shortcakes are just barely golden on the edges. Cool on a wire rack.
1. Bring the milk, vanilla bean and seeds to a boil in a small saucepan. 2. In a separate stainless steel saucepan, whisk the egg yolks and sugar together. Slowly whisk the hot milk into the yolk mixture. 3. Place the saucepan with the egg yolk mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon until the mixture thickens slightly (about 5 minutes). 4. Immediately strain the mixture into a bowl, discard the vanilla bean, add the buttermilk and cool completely in the refrigerator. 5. Freeze in an ice cream machine according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Instructions 1. Slit the shortcakes and place the bottom halves on serving plates. Spoon the berries and their juices over top and place the biscuit tops over the berries. 2. Serve with a scoop of buttermilk ice cream and garnish with edible flowers or petals.
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Family Feature
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WillowsfordLife
Family Feature
Meet the Rahim-Rojo Family Life in The Grant
Interview by Kacie Ward, HOA Communications Coordinator
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e caught up with the Rahim-Rojo family to learn all about their life in The Grant. Sal, Sandra, Sofia, and Gabriel have called Willowsford home for the past two years. Read on to learn more about them and what brought their family here!
Q:
Tell us a little bit about yourselves!
A: Sandra – Sal and I have two adventurous, clev-
er, and fun-loving kids, Sofia (10) and Gabriel (7). The newest addition to our family is pup Buddy, a 5-pound Maltese, that loves to bark and hit the trails with us. Sal works in cyber security and is currently consulting for the Department of Health and Human Services. After I had my kiddos, I stayed home for seven years and now am back at work with Northrop Grumman doing what I love.
Q: Why did you choose Willowsford? A: Sal – You could say we were referred! In 2019
we were looking for a house and neighborhood to move to. We were living in Fairfax and most of the houses we saw in that area were older and needed a lot of updating. We visited our friends, the Nolasco family living in The Grove, and knew immediately that we wanted to move to Willowsford. We fell in love with his house with its open floor plan and the neighborhood, too. Also, our nephew Dr. Rahim lives in The Grange and couldn’t say enough good things about the community. After seeing the differ-
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ent amenities, especially the pools and trails, it solidified our thought that this was absolutely the place for us. A week later we were under contract.
Q: How did you and Sal meet? A: Sandra – Sal was born in Kabul, Afghanistan
and came to the U.S. at age 8 after the Russian invasion. His father was an Army commander and didn’t want his family to live under a communist regime. His older brothers were studying in the DC metro area at the time and that is how his family settled down in Northern Virginia. I was born and raised in Oviedo in the region of Asturias, Spain (which by the way is a beautiful northwestern region of Spain with Celtic origins and beautiful beaches, a secret jewel for those seeking a less touristic place to travel to!) I came to Old Town Alexandria as an international student and attended Bishop Ireton High School. I loved the experience so much and was able to convince my parents to let me attend university in the U.S. Sal and I met our freshman year at George Mason University, our alma mater, and the rest is history.
Do you know a family that should be featured in the next issue of WillowsfordLife? We are looking for candidates that have a unique, interesting story to share and are actively involved in the community! Nominate a fellow household by emailing HOA@willowsford.com.
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Family Feature
Photo Location Can you spot this Willowsford amenity? Photos were taken at Twin Ponds Park in The Grove. Enjoy the beautiful, vast views of two adjacent ponds. The shoreline is great for fishing or canoeing and trails connect nearby. You’ll also discover a pavilion complete with picnic tables and an outdoor fireplace surrounded by Adirondack chairs.
Q: What does WillowsfordLife mean to you? A: Sal – For us WillowsfordLife means commu-
nity, nature, social events, open spaces, and kids playing outside with their neighbors. Even through a pandemic, our kids have been able to be out and about with their friends feeling safe—you can’t beat that. We also like how our community is very giving.
Q: If you had to pick a favorite space in your house, what would it be?
A: Sandra – Our most favorite place in our house
is certainly the spacious and open-style kitchen and living room combo overlooking the beautiful views of the Conservancy. We love entertaining and this space makes the perfect place to do so! We are excited for things to get back to normal so we can have visitors over again and fully enjoy our favorite space with friends and family.
Q: What’s at the top of your family’s “bucket list”?
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A: Sal – We all agree that one day we would love
to visit Egypt and see the Great Pyramid of Giza. We enjoy watching National Geographic documentaries as a family and Egypt with its rich culture makes it to the top of the list. A close second would be island hopping in the Maldives.
Q: What is the best thing about summer? A: Gabriel – Visiting our grandparents and family in Spain and going to the beach!
Q: What is your favorite dessert? Sofia – My favorite sweet treat is vanilla
A: ice-cream and Gabriel goes crazy for Oreo smoothies.
Q: What is your favorite Willowsford amenity? A: Sofia – We love the resort-style pools with the
cabanas. I’m really happy to be able to enjoy them again this summer and maybe even celebrate my birthday at the pool.
WillowsfordLife
Page layout and article may change slightly in final editing.
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Amenity Spotlight
Willow Grove Splash Park Grand Opening
by Matt Murphy, HOA Operations Manager
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e are thrilled to open Willow Grove Splash Park this summer season! This amenity is a fun, creative space where children of all ages and abilities can enjoy frolicking in fountains while parents relax and take in the view. The intricate design includes multiple boulder walls, shade sails, terraces, and lush landscaping. Willow Grove Splash Park is the perfect spot to spend an afternoon splish-splashing around or enjoying a picnic lunch. With its picturesque farm pond and scattered trees, this northwest corner of The Grove was always intended for a park of some sort. Repairs were made to the pond’s old spillway and dam, and later on, a gravel parking area, reconstructed corn crib, and paths were installed so the area could be enjoyed for passive recreation. Several years ago, the Willowsford Development Team realized that the meadow sloping down to Willow Grove Pond would be the ideal setting for a terraced, splash pad recreational area. This long awaited, brand-new amenity is now complete and will welcome its first patrons this summer. Learn more about amenity usage, hours of operation, and further details on WillowsfordLife. com > Pools & Kayak Use. We look forward to a great summer and hope you (and your little ones) enjoy Willow Grove Splash Park!
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WillowsfordLife
Amenity Spotlight
Did you know? Willow Grove Splash Park features an interactive splashpad to offer cool, summertime fun and frolicking for all to enjoy. The intricate design includes multiple boulder walls, shade sails, terraces, and lush landscaping.
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Willow Lake 41085 Willowsford Lane, Aldie, VA 20105
Sycamore Pool 23564 Founders Drive, Ashburn, VA 20148
Willow Grove Splash Park 24315 Willow Grove Drive, Aldie, VA 20105
Lodge Pool 41101 Willowsford Lane, Aldie, VA 20105
Willowsford Waves The Willowsford Waves swim team is ready for their fifth season! This is a competitive summer program for members of the Willowsford community. The swim team offers swimmers the opportunity to develop their abilities while learning the im-
Willowsford Waves Board of Directors Jon Gonazles, President Danielle Hickey, Vice-President Cheryl Rabe, Treasurer Becky Mroz, Secretary Susan Quintas, Director Heidi Facey, Volunteers Dan Bono, Member-at-Large
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portance of hard work, sportsmanship, and teamwork. The Willowsford Waves seek to provide an environment in which all eligible swimmers can learn and improve their swimming skills, become the best swimmers they can, and be recognized for their accomplishments. They com-
pete against other teams in the Old Dominion Swim League (ODSL) throughout the season and focus is on building skills for competition. Please visit WillowsfordWaves.com for more information about the swim team. Go Waves!
Summertime Amenities We wish everyone a safe, happy, and fun summer! Learn more about amenity usage, hours of operation, and further details on WillowsfordLife.com > Pools & Kayak Use. Please feel free to contact us at hoa@willowsford.com with any questions.
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Design Review Committee
Technical Assistance Advisors Guiding the Way
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ou requested; we listened! Willowsford’s Design Review Committee, comprised of resident volunteers working in tandem with Management, review exterior modification applications. To safeguard and foster Willowsford’s vision, distinct guiding principles and design review methods are in place to ensure continuation of our community’s unrivaled architectural beauty. But the process is not always simple…
To better assist, the DRC will now provide resident Technical Assistance Advisors to help guide homeowners through the application and review process, particularly with more complex projects like pools and covered porches. Technical Assistance Advisors will help alleviate some of the common frustrations residents routinely express when preparing their applications for DRC review.
Design Review Committee Charles “Max” Harwell, Chairperson Scott McIntosh, Vice Chairperson William “Dallas” Hubbard Bill “Skip” Powers Paul Jeannin
If you require additional assistance or have questions about applying for an exterior modification, please submit your query to DRC@willowsfordlife.com. Visit WillowsfordLife.com > Design Review for more information about the DRC and Design Standards.
Covenants Sub-Committee Bill “Skip” Powers, Chairperson Charles “Max” Harwell William “Dallas” Hubbard Karyn Moreland
Dance classes available for kids 3 & up
DRC Dates Here are upcoming DRC dates to keep in mind. If you have any questions about the process, please reach out to DRC@willowsfordlife.com. Note that DRC dates are officially advertised through the Willowsford Weekly emails and on the Community Calendar online. Dates listed herein are subject to change.
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June 16th – Application Deadline 22nd – Pre-Review 30th – DRC Meeting July 14th – Application Deadline 20th – Pre-Review 28th – DRC Meeting August 11th – Application Deadline 17th – Pre-Review 25th – DRC Meeting
On Located in the Gum Spring Village Shopping Center in Stone Ridge 25
Community Standards
Lawns & Lighting Seasonal Reminders
by Sierra Sims, CMCA®, HOA Community Standards Manager
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e hope you all have stayed safe, happy, and healthy through the year. As many of you have been working from or staying closer to home, there’s been even more time to enjoy the little things—right in your own backyard! Below are a few seasonal reminders as we get back into the full swing of life.
Property Maintenance & Appearance Mowing & Edging Who doesn’t love when the rain waters your grass and plants for you? Albeit if the rain follows a standard watering schedule! Please remember to trim lawns on a regular basis to keep below the 6-inch maximum height. This includes edging along walkways, driveways, home foundations, patios and deck posts, etc. Homeowners are also responsible for mowing and edging the grassy
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areas between the street and sidewalk, as well as ditches. Weed It Out Please ensure flower and mulch beds are free of weeds, shrubs and plants are trimmed regularly and kept neat in appearance, and that any bare areas of lawn are seeded. Time to Sizzle Ready to break out the barbeque and sizzle up some delicious burgers and brats? Or how about gathering around the fire together on a warm summer night? Just make sure that your grill is stored in the rear yard and covered when not in use. Grills, whether in use or not, cannot be placed in the front yard or driveway. Additionally, please keep your firewood neatly stacked in the rear yard to avoid adverse visual impact on adjoining properties. If a cover is necessary, please pick one that is a muted brown or tan color to blend in.
WillowsfordLife
Community Standards
Encroachment Toe the Line It may be difficult to tell where your property line ends and open space or common area begins. The best way to determine your property line is to review your house location survey or plat which will show the dimensions of your lot. We kindly request and remind homeowners that any planting, clearing, dumping of materials/debris, etc. on open space or common area is prohibited. If you wish to donate a few trees or plants to the HOA and/or Conservancy contact DRC@willowsfordlife.com or info@willowsfordconservancy.org for requirements, restrictions, and processes.
Exterior Modifications Lighting While Willowsford was developed with dark sky principles in mind, we understand the desire to add a bit of lighting ambiance to your home or lot. Should you wish to install additional lighting for enjoying the evening outdoors, first submit a completed exterior modification application including all supplemental documentation for review and determination by the Design Review Committee for up-lighting (home or landscape), motion lights, floodlights, etc. Conversely, homeowners may install up to 12 pathway lights (used to illuminate one’s walkway) without approval
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so long as they do not exceed 3000K Kelvin Temperature, do not exceed 60-watts for incandescent bulbs or 12-watts for LED bulbs, do not exceed 800 Lumens, and pathway lights are spaced at least 5-feet apart.
Street Parking Beep Beep In accordance with the Community Charter, vehicles may not be parked on the street overnight. If you have more vehicles than garage and driveway space allow for, many homeowners consider and submit exterior modification applications for driveway extensions to accommodate vehicles as an option.
Comments, Questions & Concerns We’re Here for You For comments, concerns, or maintenance requests regarding street trees, open space, common areas, etc. please visit WillowsfordLife.com and click the “Submit a Request” button. For any questions regarding exterior modification applications and the associated processes, please contact DRC@willowsfordlife.com. As always, you are welcome to call Sycamore House or The Lodge to speak with a staff member directly.
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Willowsford Conservancy
Did you know? Willowsford Farm can feed and connect with residents through Farm Stand Online, even when CSA shares are sold out! Every week, families on the email list are notified when there are extra veggies and goods for purchase. Items are available for pickup at the Farm Stand on Tuesdays and Saturdays.
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WillowsfordLife
Willowsford Conservancy
From the Farm
More Than Fairweather Friends by Ashley Swensen, Marketing & Communications Coordinator
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very season matters on a farm, but summer is surely the most rewarding—and the most intense. Summer is like the moment in a marathon when runners find their pace, when the rhythm of feet and breath combine into exhilaration. Willowsford Farm is humming with that same momentous energy. Part of the fun of growing veggies is being able to, every day, watch our spring prep work come into fruition or, should we say, into fruiting vegetables. If you’re a member of our Farm-ily, either through CSA or Farm Stand Online, you’ve already tasted the outcome of our well-laid plans. As support for local, sustainable agriculture continues to grow in our community and beyond, we couldn’t be more grateful. It is an incredible time to be a farmer and welcome new members into our growing Farm-ily! Even when shares are sold out, Willowsford Farm can feed and connect with residents through Farm Stand Online. Have you tried our online shopping platform? Every week, families on our email list are notified when we have extra veggies for purchase. You can shop our harvests and delicious food from other local farms and artisans. Veggie boxes and other items are available for pickup at the Farm Stand Tuesdays and Saturdays. Sign up and get fresh veggies throughout the season here: https:// www.harvie.farm/farm-stand/willowsford-farm. For us, the best part of Farm Stand Online is making new friends. We love to see first-time names on an order! This same opportunity for connection inspires us throughout the season, starting in spring with one of our favorite programs, Feathered Fosters. Now in our third year of sending baby chicks into your homes, we’ve seen that some of you are real poultry pros! It is such a treat to read your emails, see your social media posts, and hear your stories each year. In 2021 we shared more than 200 chicks; as always, they came back to us healthy, happy, and showered with love.
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Speaking of new friends, we have one very important new friend to introduce. Farm-ily, meet Willowsford Farm’s new Manager, Andrew Dunham! To the Willowsford Community, I’m excited to join the Willowsford Farm team. I come to northern VA having farmed with my wife, Melissa, since 2007 in Grinnell, Iowa. Over the years I’ve raised a diverse mix of vegetables, fruits & nuts, as well as hay, grass-fed beef cattle, and broiler chickens. Our farm business, Grinnell Heritage Farm, served a 300 member CSA, provided wholesale produce to grocers, and was a fixture at numerous regional farmers markets. We specialized in raising cooking greens like kale and chard, and storage roots such as carrots, beets, and parsnips. I am the fifth generation of my family to farm the Iowa property. Most recently, I also was the Prairie on Farms Program Manager at the University of Northern Iowa’s Tallgrass Prairie Center. There, I worked with farmers and landowners to utilize native plants in their farming operations. My interests include building soils, native plants, beneficial insects, and food education. When not farming, I enjoy spending time with Melissa and our children, reading, hiking, and eating good food! Regards, Farmer Andrew Andrew will guide our farm crew in production as well as community outreach. We’re proud that our mission continues to attract great people in agriculture! We’re also proud to show Farmer Andrew what makes Willowsford Farm truly one-in-a-million—our Farm-ily. Whether we see you on your front porch with a CSA share delivery, at the Farm Stand for your order pickup, on Instagram, during a Conservancy program or at Camp Willowsford, you are a part of what makes us thrive and grow. Local food and agriculture are rooted in the Willowsford community. We can’t wait to see what our passion and your commitment can create together this summer, and beyond!
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go beyond the Conservancy team—thanks to the volunteers who participate in good stewardship. Every spring just as the birds return with their songs and frogs and toads begin to chirp and trill in ponds and wetlands, a team of volunteers survey the open space to record the wildlife that make Willowsford their home. Others take to the trails and collect discarded trash or weed carpet grass in the Wet Meadow. To the volunteers who monitor our trails, track nesting blue birds and wood ducks, or weed invasive plants from our meadows, it is their efforts that help us conserve the land and wildlife.
From the Land Stewardship Team Willowsford Volunteers By Taryn McFarland, Land Stewardship Manager
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any residents appreciate their Willowsford home because of the rolling meadows, shaded woods, and busy Farm that make it special. For all the enjoyment we receive from the natural spaces, much work is put in to ensure it remains healthy and thriving. The care that our wildlife, open spaces, and trails require can be more than what the current team of four Land Stewardship employees can handle at times. Fortunately, the people tending to this land
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Since the beginning of the Willowsford Blue Bird Nesting Box Program, our dedicated Blue Bird Monitoring Team has monitored and tracked each nesting box and fledgling songbird. During 2020, while volunteer work became more difficult to organize during COVID, the Blue Bird Monitors took initiative and formed a smaller group to continue monitoring and recording blue bird data, counting 94 fledglings that year, including 51 bluebirds along with other songbirds. A special shout-out to Jill Nolton, Scott McIntosh, Iva Philips, and Christine & Todd Somer! Throughout the year, volunteers monitor wildlife, take photographs, and provide significant support with trail and open space repair and maintenance. They help repair board walks and signage, remove old barb wire and debris, “blaze” the trails, and reduce the deer population to protect our forests. Farm and CSA volunteers help harvest, prepare, and distribute products. A big and heartfelt ‘thank you’ to all Conservancy volunteers!
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Willowsford Conservancy
Earth Day 2021
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illowsford families and neighbors took to the trails on Earth Day to help remove trash from Conservancy open space. Thank you to all who participated for keeping Willowsford beautiful! The Cardamone Family “It was our honor and privilege to clean up our beautiful trails and habitats on Earth Day. Four
The Cardamone Family
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kids, two adults and one furry friend brought energy, passion, and gusto to find bits and pieces (small and large) across our neighborhood.” The Burns Family “Bobby (Age 3) and Britton (Age 1) had a great time cleaning up trash on our street. This is actually one of the kids’ favorite quarantine activities so they were so happy to see others doing it, too! Thanks for organizing it!”
The Burns Family
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Willowsford Conservancy
“Swimming Ducks” by Olivia McCarty
“Lake at the Lodge” by Hailey McCarty
Nature Lens Photo Contest
“Barn Rays” by Hailey McCarty
Winter 2021 Winners Thank you to all the residents who participated in the Nature Lens Conservancy photo contest during the winter. We received wonderful pictures throughout the four villages. The winners for the entry period are shown here. Congratulations!
“Trail Through Cedar Groves” by Rich Wailes
“Grant Loop Trail” by Rich Wailes
Conservancy Board Election Results ongratulations to the new Conservancy Trustees! Karyn Moreland and Jake Virag, both residents of The Greens, were elected on May 6th to serve on the Board of Trustees for 3-year terms beginning May 18th.
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Karyn Moreland
Jake Virag
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Per the By-laws established by the Willowsford Founder, this election was intended to be the one time in which Willowsford homeowners were elected by fellow homeowners to serve on the Conservancy Board of Trustees. Thereafter, the Board will appoint successors following an application process. Jake and Karyn will serve with the
Founder-appointed trustees. They include the current three resident Board members, Greg Licamele, Chase Rowan, and Claudette Papathanasopoulos, appointed for 2-year terms, and two non-residents, Mark Trostle and Avi Sareen, appointed for a 1-year term and 2-year term, respectively. Eight residents applied for the two board positions and we thank each candidate for their interest in supporting Willowsford Conservancy and assisting in the Conservancy’s continued success! Over 400 households voted in the election. The Election Results are available to view in the Document Center on the Conservancy’s website WillowsfordConservancy.org.
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“CAN’T RECOMMEND BLOO DENTAL ENOUGH.”
“THE BEST THING I COULD DO FOR MY TEETH.”
–SHEAULEE N.
–ELIZABETH G.
“WISH I COULD GIVE THEM 10 STARS!” –MICHAEL A.
“DR. RAHIM AND HIS STAFF ARE TOP NOTCH!! 5 STARS!!” –MARI M.
“THEY HAVE BEEN WONDERFUL WITH MY WHOLE FAMILY.” –LISA L.
Just for Kids
The Art Gallery Wave a Flag
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Noelle Brinker, Age 8
Carson Landry, Age 6
Morgan Gonzales, Age 10
Anshika Penmetsa, Age 10
Sonali Kapoor, Age 6
Evie Murphy, Age 11
Filip Hrivnak, Age 8
Akshara Khaji, Age 10
WillowsfordLife
Just for Kids
Next Issue Want to be featured in the fall issue of WillowsfordLife? Acorns may be small, but their importance is significant! To some wildlife, acorns are a primary food source that help them get through winter. Kids—use your creativity to color this acorn. Kindly drop off artwork at Sycamore House or The Lodge by August 1st. All submissions become property of Willowsford HOA and may be published in a future issue. Name & Age: ___________________________________________________________________________ (may be published) Address: _______________________________________________________________________________ (used for verification purposes only)
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Willowsford
Homeowners Association, Inc. 23506 Founders Drive Ashburn, VA 20148