Brambleton Growing Families. Building Community. Connecting Life.
Brambleton Community Association Quarterly Publication
New Year, New Beginnings
Winter 2019-2020
www.brambletonhoa.com
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Three Steps for Building a Great Relationship with Your Child Care Provider Many parents agree that finding the right child care provider can be a nerve-wracking and lengthy process. Even when you’ve found the right provider, it can still be difficult to leave your child in someone else’s care. But forming a good relationship with your child’s teachers and child care team can help bring you peace of mind and even improve your child’s learning experience. “Children benefit from consistent, safe and nurturing environments, which is what we strive to provide at Primrose®. We also make every effort to partner with parents to extend and reinforce learning at home through daily updates, weekly classroom schedules, at-home resources and more,” says Mike Hummer, Franchise Owner of Primrose School at Moorefield Station. “This ultimately helps us foster mutual respect and open communication between home and school.” At Primrose School at Moorefield Station, a high-quality early education and care provider, teachers work closely with parents to support children’s development and learning. However, building trusted relationships still requires some effort from all involved. To build and maintain a great partnership with your family’s child care provider or your child’s teacher, consider the following:
comprehensive Safe School Plan and an exclusive approach, called Balanced Learning®, which offers a balance of purposeful play and nurturing guidance from teachers. Choosing a provider you feel good about and trust will bring you peace of mind, and a great parent-teacher relationship will likely form more naturally. Make communication a priority. It’s important to invest in your relationship with your child care provider as they help your child learn and grow. Talk regularly with your child’s teacher to provide helpful information about your child, ask what you can do at home to support your child’s development and share your appreciation for what’s going well in the classroom. At Primrose, parents receive reports about their child’s school day, photos from the classroom, resources to use at home and reminders about upcoming activities through an electronic communications system called 360Connect. Address concerns immediately. If you have any questions or concerns about your child’s care, discuss them with the teacher or school director as soon as possible. If there is a problem, it can’t be solved unless someone knows about it, and providers would prefer to know if something upsets you before it becomes a bigger issue. By sharing your concerns when they arise, you can work together to find a solution.
Do your homework. To help find the right provider for your family, spend time researching different options and considering factors that are important to you, like school safety and early learning approach. Primrose has a
Learn about the Primrose Schools Balanced Learning approach and Primrose School at Moorefield Station by visiting PrimroseMoorefieldStation.com or calling 703.726.9306. 1
Brambleton Community Association Magazine
Winter 2019-2020
High-Quality Preschool Experiences Lead to Future Success in School and Life
A MESSAGE FROM THE GENERAL MANAGER
New Year, New Beginnings
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anuary not only kicks off a new year, but also a new era for Brambleton Community Association. Residents are experiencing upgraded services as part of the new Verizon Fios bulk services agreement, including increased internet speeds and monthly savings. The 2020 BCA Budget is in place, which sets new initiatives for the upcoming year. The Association's new residentcontrolled Board of Directors is settling in and learning their new roles as the Directors who will set future policies and governance for the Brambleton community. With a new Board comes a fresh outlook and approach towards the governance of the Association. As I begin my 14th year working for the Association, and my 16th year living in this great community, I remain dedicated to the best interests of the community from both personal and professional perspectives. I am proud of what I have professionally built over the past 13 years in Brambleton, and I am personally pleased with how that has positively impacted my lifestyle. For these reasons, I remain committed to the continued excellence and growth to which Brambleton residents are accustomed. I look forward to working with and advising the Board in a manner that will allow for the continued success of the Brambleton community.
With all this newness in Brambleton comes excitement and energy. It is a time for the entire BCA staff to look at our operations and responsibilities in order to find new and unique ways to improve and grow that will enhance the lifestyles of our residents. The 2020 budget includes several new operational and capital initiatives that will allow the Association to achieve its goals for Brambleton. New and upgraded parks and recreational amenities; the implementation of a new GIS web-based Community Standards program; and a renewed focus on smaller neighborhood-oriented, community-building events are just a few key areas of focus for the Association in 2020. It’s time to turn our collective excitement and energy into action. Brambleton’s success requires commitment and involvement from all of us: the Board of Directors, BCA staff, and residents. We all need to understand our commitments as well as our complementary roles and responsibilities when it comes to serving the Brambleton community. The Board must govern the Association, while residents have the responsibility to be good neighbors to each other. BCA staff must work with both the Board and Brambleton residents to achieve our shared goals for the community. Keeping our obligations in
focus while acknowledging and accommodating each other will allow the community to continue to grow and thrive harmoniously. This is an exciting time for the Association and Brambleton as a whole as we work together to achieve new heights and successes. Sincerely, Rick Stone, PCAM, LSM
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Brambleton
FEATURES
Community Association Vision & Mission Vision
Leading a high tech community with hometown traditions where everyone can connect with life.
Mission BCA is committed to proactively leading a quality community for its residents through stewardship of resources, advanced technology, and enhanced lifestyle opportunities.
Board of Directors Meryl Bisaga Secretary/Treasurer
Jordan Crotty Director
Anand Mohan Dharmapuri Director
Pat Martin Director
Samarendra Nandi Director
Brian Viola Director
Susan Wolford Director
Management Office 42395 Ryan Road, Suite 210 Brambleton, VA 20148
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New Year, New Beginnings A MESSAGE FROM RICK STONE, GENERAL MANAGER BCA embraces a new era for Brambleton with a new, resident-controlled Board of Directors, upgraded Verizon Fios services, and other initiatives that will ensure continued success and growth for the community.
(p) 703-542-6263 (f ) 703-542-6266 hoa@brambleton.org www.brambletonhoa.com
Rick Stone General Manager, PCAM, LSM
Paul Gentine Communications Coordinator To advertise in the Brambleton Community Magazine, contact Paul Gentine via email at communications@brambleton.org or call 703542-6263. The community magazine is published quarterly by the Brambleton Community Association, distributed via email, and can be viewed on our website. Special thanks to Stephanie Lee for photography assistance.
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Snow Operations in Brambleton
Verizon Fios in Brambleton: Keeping Bram Connected
BY SHANTIL MOYER
BY ARA GALANG
BCA is prepared to handle snowfall and inclement weather in Brambleton.
Brambleton is now experiencing upgraded services and equipment under the new Verizon agreement.
Brambleton Community Association Magazine
Winter 2019-2020
ARTICLES
EVENTS:
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MESSAGE FROM THE GM
29 VERIZON
New Year, New Beginnings
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INSIDE BCA
Verizon Fios in Brambleton: Keeping Bram Connected
2020 BCA Board of Directors
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EATLOCO BRAMBLETON POP-UP MARKETPLACE
BCA Board Actions
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HOME & GARDEN
BCA Committees
Winter Interest in the Garden
Rights and Responsibilities for a Better Brambleton
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BRAMBLETON LIBRARY
Ground Works: Winter Activity
Winter Highlights
Snow Operations in Brambleton
Kanopy Streaming Service
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RESIDENT RESOURCES
New Initiatives and Amenities in Brambleton
Assessment Payment Options
FirstService Residential ConnectTM Portal
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BCA BUDGET
BCA Budget: A Focus on 2020
Important Contact Information
2020 Assessments & Budget Summary
Street Light Maintenance Map
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HEALTH & WELLNESS
Sick Season is Back!
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COMMUNITY PARTNERS
JK Community Farm
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SAFETY & SECURITY
Wintertime Pond Safety
19 LIFESTYLES
Upcoming 2020 Events
Thank You 2019 Sponsors!
BCA Winter Programs
BCA Events: Celebrating Community
Bram Life Pass
45 COMMUNICATIONS
Bram Gives Back
BCA Communications
House Hop
Comedy Night
Resident Spotlight: Tammy Krohn
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COMMUNITY STANDARDS
Resident Spotlight: The Gilroy Family
Eye on the New Year: Security Cameras in Brambleton
Love Where You Live!
BCA Website Redesign
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HOW TO REACH US
SAVE THE DATE FEBRUARY Feb. 22: Brambleton House Hop (aka Roving Dinner), 6 PM - 12 AM
MARCH March 7: Comedy Night, 7:30 PM
APRIL April 4: Bramble-Bunny Egg Hunt, 10 AM - 2 PM April 25: Ribbon Run, 8 AM
MEETINGS Board of Directors: Feb. 4 at 8:15 AM Events Committee: Jan. 8, Feb. 5, Mar. 4 at 7:30 PM Covenants Committee: Jan. 13, Feb. 10, Mar. 9 at 7 PM Safety & Security Committee: Jan. 14, Feb. 11, Mar. 10 at 7 PM Grounds & Facilities Committee: Jan. 14, Feb. 11, Mar. 10 at 7:30 PM Finance Committee: Jan. 28, Feb. 25, Mar. 24 at 7:30 PM Community Technology Committee: Jan. 22, Feb. 26, Mar. 25 at 7:30 PM
DMV2GO Brambleton Town Center, Harris Teeter Parking Lot: 9 AM - 4 PM 2020 dates will be released by midDecember 2019. These dates and a full list of DMV2GO services can be found at www.brambletonhoa.com/dmv2go. DMV2GO now offers REAL ID compliant licenses and IDs.
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INSIDE BCA
2020 BCA Board of Directors Back Row (l-r): Anand Mohan Dharmapuri, Jordan Crotty, Samarendra Nandi, Brian Viola Front Row (l-r): Pat Martin, Susan Wolford, Meryl Bisaga
Rick Stone, PCAM, LSM - General Manager
C
ongratulations to Jordan Crotty, Anand Mohan Dharmapuri, and Susan Wolford on their successful campaigns to be elected to serve on Brambleton Community Association’s Board of Directors. They will accompany the other Directors on Brambleton’s first resident-controlled Board, which will be essential in setting the Association’s direction for years to come. Resident Directors Brian Viola and Samarendra Nandi and Declarant Directors Meryl Bisaga and Pat Martin will comprise the remaining four of seven total seats on the Board. Note: The Board will elect officers at their meeting on Tuesday, December 10th, 2019 (after article publication).
Declarant members since Brambleton’s creation in 2001. Their knowledge, dedication, contributions, and general love
Leaving the Board of Directors this year are Tom Gurganous, Kim Adams, and Ric Spencer. Tom has served as a Resident Director for three terms since 2010. Kim and Ric have served on the Board as
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Brambleton Community Association Magazine
Kim Adams speaking at the 2019 BCA Annual Meeting
Winter 2019-2020
for the Brambleton community will be missed. BCA Board members must be knowledgeable of the duties, responsibilities, and liabilities that come with serving on the Board for the Association, which functions as a $15 million corporation. Balancing the needs and desires of an entire community with the requirements and regulations of an association can be challenging. As part of the transition, current BCA Board members will have the opportunity to attend a Board orientation course, seminars, and ongoing training. These training opportunities will be provided by Community Associations Institute. An educated board, along with an experienced community manager, are essential to avoiding the financial and legal pitfalls that can occur when decisions and actions are not made in the best interests of the entire community.
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INSIDE BCA
BCA Board Actions The BCA Board of Directors is responsible for the overall governance and success of the Association. The Board meets regularly to discuss BCA business, set policies and procedures, and take action on various Association matters. The Board last met on September 9, 2019 and October 22, 2019 and took the following actions in accordance with its governing documents, state statute, and federal laws:
September & October 2019 Board Meetings: Approved the August and September Board Meeting Minutes. Received and reviewed various financial and management reports and committee meeting minutes. Approved an HVAC unit to remain on the side of a townhome with specific stipulations. Directed the Covenants Committee to review any additional comments regarding the Design Guideline revisions and revise the guidelines as needed. Accepted the Ground & Facilities Committee’s recommendations and approved the expenditure of up to $260,000 for Park 3 enhancements and amenities. Accepted the 2018 Financial Audit as presented by Johnson, Bremer & Ignacio and directed staff to engage Johnson, Bremer & Ignacio for the 2019 Financial Audit. Directed staff to consult with counsel regarding a security camera appeal. Adopted the 2020 Budget and approved the 2020 Assessments as recommended by the Finance Committee. Adopted the revisions to the BCA Design Guidelines as presented. Approved a three-year extension of the current financial management contract with FirstService Residential. Approved the expenditure of up to $15,000 for the creation of a Block Party Trailer program and directed staff to further develop and implement the program in time for Spring 2020.
UPCOMING BOARD MEETINGS
Approved the 2019 Election Guidelines as presented. Approved the Board & General Manager Responsibilities Guidelines as discussed. Approved an awning installation on rooftop terraces with specific stipulations. Copies of the completed and approved meeting minutes can be requested at hoa@brambleton.org.
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Brambleton Community Association Magazine
Winter 2019-2020
Tuesday, Feb. 4th, 8:15 AM, BCA Management Office Visit www.brambletonhoa.com or the BCA Facebook page for any meeting schedule updates.
INSIDE BCA
BCA Committees
COMMUNITY TECHNOLOGY COMMITTEE
Responsibility: Advising the Board of Directors on issues, concerns, and recommendations pertaining to matters related to the bulk video & data service agreement(s) and related upgrades/transitions, cellular phone coverage within the community, or other technology issues that impact the greater community or as directed by the Board of Directors. Meetings: Fourth Wednesday of each month. Upcoming meetings: 1/22, 2/26, 3/25 at 7:30 PM Website: http://www.brambletonhoa.com/communitytech
EVENTS COMMITTEE Responsibility: Advising the Board and BCA staff on issues pertaining to new event idea development, develops ideas for volunteer and sponsorship programs, and more. Meetings: First Wednesday of each month. Upcoming meetings: 1/8, 2/5, 3/4 at 7:30 PM Website: www.brambletonhoa.com/eventscommittee
COVENANTS COMMITTEE Responsibility: Reviewing submitted design review applications, considering violations of BCA documents, and taking enforcement actions. Meetings: Second Monday of each month. Upcoming meetings: 1/13, 2/10, 3/9 at 7:00 PM Website: www.brambletonhoa.com/covenants
SAFETY & SECURITY COMMITTEE Responsibility: Serving as a resource for residents with concerns and making recommendations to the Board regarding safety and security matters in Brambleton. Meetings: Second Tuesday of each month. Upcoming meetings: 1/14, 2/11, 3/10 at 7:00 PM Website: www.brambletonhoa.com/safety
GROUNDS & FACILITIES COMMITTEE Responsibility: Advising the Board on issues related to rules, policies, maintenance, upkeep, and the use of the common grounds and facilities. Meetings: Second Tuesday of each month. Upcoming meetings: 1/14, 2/11, 3/10 at 7:30 PM Website: http://www.brambletonhoa.com/grounds
FINANCE COMMITTEE Responsibility: Reviewing financial reports and audits, monitoring investments, reviewing funding for capital projects, and developing financial policies and resolutions to the Board. Meetings: Fourth Tuesday of each month. Upcoming meetings: 1/28, 2/25, 3/24 at 7:30 PM Website: http://www.brambletonhoa.com/finance
BRAMBLETON KIDS CARE COMMITTEE Responsibility: Empowering the next generation of Brambleton’s residents and facilitating their development and growth towards becoming compassionate, service-minded citizens. Meetings: Meets as needed, typically during the school year. Website: www.brambletonhoa.com/brambletonkidscare
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INSIDE BCA
Rights and Responsibilities for a Better Brambleton Rick Stone, PCAM, LSM - General Manager
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ne of the greatest achievements of Brambleton Community Association is creating and sustaining a sense of community among residents and our Association leaders. This goal is best achieved when homeowners, non-owner residents, and Association leaders recognize and embrace their rights and responsibilities. It was with this goal in mind that the BCA Board of Directors reviewed, amended, and adopted Community Associations Institute’s Rights and Responsibilities for Better Communities document to align with the rights and responsibilities that are important to our community. The following principles serve as an important guidepost for the BCA Board and committee members, the community’s General Manager and staff, homeowners, and non-owner residents.
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Homeowners have the right to: 1. Expect a responsive and competent Association. 2. Receive honest, fair, and respectful treatment from the Association. 3. Participate in governing the Association by attending meetings, serving on committees, and standing for election. 4. Access appropriate Association books and records. 5. Expect prudent expenditure of assessments. 6. Live in a community where the property is maintained according to established standards.
Brambleton Community Association Magazine
Winter 2019-2020
7. Receive fair treatment regarding financial and other Association obligations, including the opportunity to discuss payment plans and options with the Board. 8. Receive and access all documents that address rules and regulations governing the Association—if not prior to purchase and settlement by a real estate agent or attorney, then upon joining the community. 9. Appeal decisions affecting nonroutine financial responsibilities or property rights to appropriate Association leaders. 10. Participate in opportunities that improve the sense of community and overall lifestyle.
Homeowners have the responsibility to:
4. Conduct meetings in a positive and constructive atmosphere.
6. Conduct open, fair, and wellpublicized elections.
1. Read, understand, and comply with the governing documents of the community.
5. Receive support and constructive input from owners and non-owner residents.
7. Welcome and educate new members of the community—owners and non-owner residents alike.
2. Maintain their property according to established community standards.
6. Enjoy personal privacy at home and during leisure time in the community.
8. Encourage input from residents on issues affecting them personally and the community as a whole.
3. Treat Association leaders honestly and with respect.
7. Take advantage of educational opportunities that are directly related to their responsibilities and are approved by the Association.
9. Encourage events and programs that foster neighborliness and a sense of community.
4. Vote in community elections and on other issues. 5. Pay Association assessments and charges on time. 6. Contact Association leaders or managers, if necessary, to discuss financial obligations, alternative payment arrangements, and Association issues or concerns. 7. Request reconsideration of material decisions that personally affect them. 8. Provide current contact information to the Association to help ensure they receive information from the community. 9. Be respectful and neighborly with all Brambleton residents. 10. Ensure that those who reside on their property (e.g., tenants, relatives, and friends) adhere to all rules and regulations. Community leaders have the right to: 1. Expect owners and non-owner residents to meet their financial obligations to the community. 2. Expect residents to know and comply with the rules and regulations of the community and to stay informed by reading materials provided by the Association. 3. Receive respectful and honest treatment from residents.
Community leaders have the responsibility to: 1. Fulfill their fiduciary duties and exercise discretion in a manner they reasonably believe to be in the best interests of the community. 2. Exercise ethical and sound business judgment and follow established management practices. 3. Balance the needs and obligations of the community as a whole with those of individual homeowners and residents. 4. Understand the Association’s governing documents, become educated with respect to applicable state and local laws, and manage the Association accordingly. 5. Establish committees or use other methods to obtain input from owners and non-owner residents.
10. Conduct business in a transparent manner when feasible and appropriate. 11. Allow homeowners access to appropriate community records when requested. 12. Collect all monies due from owners and non-owner residents. 13. Devise appropriate and reasonable arrangements, when needed and as feasible, to facilitate the ability of individual homeowners to meet their financial obligations to the community. 14. Provide a process residents can use to appeal decisions affecting their non-routine financial responsibilities or property rights— where permitted by law and the Association’s governing documents. 15. Make Design Guidelines as understandable as possible, with clear and reasonable processes in place and professional support from staff. 16. Provide complete and timely disclosure of personal and financial conflicts of interest related to the actions of community leaders. The full Rights and Responsibilities document , along with BCA’s Bylaws and Code of Ethics documents, can be found on our website at www.brambletonhoa. com/board.
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INSIDE BCA
Ground Works: Winter Activity As a steward of the land, Brambleton Community Association is continually performing various upkeep and service tasks to maintain a healthy environment and great looking community. These are the highlights that will occur over the next few months:
Common Area
Date
Landscape Bed Cleanup
January - March
Trash & Litter Removal
January - December
Street Sweeping
March - April
Leaf Removal
October - February
Snow Removal
November - March
Renewal Pruning
December - February
Email Operations@ brambleton.org with any questions related to planned winter activities.
The Association will focus its winter grounds maintenance on the following tasks: • Shrub & Tree Replacement: All maintained common areas will be inspected for dead plant material. Replacement plants will be considered based on location, quantity, and current and future growth. • Leaf Removal: Common areas will be monitored for leaf removal. • Perennials: Perennials will be cut back and managed. • Mulch Beds: Mulch beds will be cut back and defined. In late winter, mulch will start to be applied to all previously mulched beds. • Fertilization: Plant fertilization and pre-emergent will be applied to common areas and townhome grounds maintenance homes in late winter. The Developer will be performing similar winter tasks on the Developer-owned common areas.
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Brambleton Community Association Magazine
Winter 2019-2020
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INSIDE BCA
Snow Operations in Brambleton Shantil Moyer - Operations & Capital Projects Manager
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he daylight hours have gotten shorter, the leaves have fallen from the trees, and the wind has picked up – these are signs that winter in Brambleton has arrived. Winter brings so many amazing experiences for us all to enjoy, including holidays, winter sports, cozy days around the fireplace, and time to just slow down and relax with family and friends. Winter in Brambleton also brings the possibility of snow, but don’t worry – the Brambleton snow team is ready to handle any amount of snow. Snow removal and ice management in Brambleton are the responsibility of many different people and organizations, including homeowners. It is important that everyone is aware of their responsibilities when it comes to cleaning up during and after a winter storm so that we all can travel safely through the community. Do you know who is responsible for your street or the sidewalks in your neighborhood?
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Homeowners: Townhome and singlefamily homeowners are responsible for shoveling snow on their driveway and on the sidewalks located on and adjacent to their property. This includes Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) sidewalks or BCA common area sidewalks in front of or to the side of their property or between two properties. Once the sidewalk has been cleared of snow, then non-corrosive, environmental-friendly material, such as sand, should be applied for traction purposes. Do not apply salt or a salt-based product to concrete sidewalks and driveways aprons. The salt can damage or shorten the useful life of the concrete. Residents are responsible for damage to aprons and sidewalks as a result of salt applications. *Please Note: Brambleton residents can assist the snowplow operators by parking in driveways or designated parking spaces during snowstorms. This practice will
Brambleton Community Association Magazine
Winter 2019-2020
increase the amount of asphalt plowed, improve the efficiency of the operator, and reduce possible damage that can occur to personal property. Brambleton Community Association: BCA is committed to expeditious management of snow and ice on the common areas and common drives in sections of the community that have been final paved and are no longer under construction. BCA also removes snow on sidewalks and trails that are located on common areas not adjacent to residential lots. Please report all common area and common drive related concerns to snow@brambleton.org. Please review the Association’s Response Standards based on Forecast on the next page. Developer: The Brambleton Group or Developer will perform snow and ice management on all future VDOT streets that have been constructed but not yet accepted by the state, as well as on all common drives that have not been final
Forecast
BCA Private Street Standards
0-2 inches
Salting as needed, with a focus on streets with grades and intersections.
2-4 inches
Plowing begins at 2". Clearing of all BCA streets to be completed 6 hours after the snow stops falling.
4-8 inches
Plowing begins at 2". Clearing of all BCA streets to be completed 8 hours after the snow stops falling.
8-12 inches
Plowing begins at 2". Clearing of all BCA streets to be completed 12 hours after the snow stops falling.
12+ inches
Plowing begins at 2". Conditions of VDOT streets could delay or suspend BCA clearing efforts on private streets. Clearing of all BCA streets to be completed 1 to 2 days after the snow stops falling.
Ice/Freezing Rain
Salting of streets will occur during and/or after the storm depending upon conditions. Pretreatment of road may occur if significant ice is predicted.
Other Amenities
Summary of Actions
BCA Trails & Sidewalks
Snow accumulations greater than 2" will be cleared once the streets have been completed. This work may occur the day following completion of the streets.
BCA Commuter Lot
It is the desire to clear the commuter lot prior to the arrival of the first vehicle. This may not always occur due to the timing of the storm. The lot will be plowed and treated with salt as conditions dictate.
paved and accepted by BCA. Please report these concerns to snow@brambleton.org so that they can be assessed and reported to the Developer accordingly. VDOT: VDOT will perform snow and ice management on public streets (those
topped with the final coat of asphalt and released from bond). These streets typically have a 4-digit number on the street name sign. The following Sections have been turned over to VDOT: 1, 2, 3, 7, 8, 9, 11, 14, 15, 16 (SFD), 17, 21, Evermont Trace, Belmont Trace (SFD), and Ryan
Why does BCA plow Association-owned streets? • To save residents from paying high contractor overhead/rates. • To give BCA more control over the level, quality, and timing of service.
Road Property. Please address all concerns regarding these streets to VDOT at 1-800-367-7623. Residences and Residences II Condominiums: There are several organizations responsible for snow removal throughout the Residences. Unit owners are responsible for clearing the driveways that serve their unit. Condominium associations are responsible for clearing all sidewalks serving each building (Concerns to: Laura Goguet at laura.goguet@fsresidential. com). BCA is responsible for clearing and treating the common streets throughout the Residences, and they are also responsible for clearing hard surfaces around the Beacon Crest Pool along with the trails and sidewalks along Ryan Road and Belmont Ridge Road. To simplify this, all concerns should be sent to snow@brambleton.org and will be addressed accordingly. Summerfield Condominiums: The Summerfield Condominium Association is responsible for clearing and treating all common hard surfaces on the property. Please forward all questions and concerns to Summerfield Manager Valerie Robinette at valerie.robinette@ fsresidential.com or at 703-327-4818.
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INSIDE BCA
New Initiatives and Amenities in Brambleton Shantil Moyer - Operations & Capital Projects Manager
A
s Brambleton Community Association continued to accept common areas and assets from the Developer in 2019, its operational needs and capital requirements grew as well. As a result, BCA has looked for ways to streamline its operations while maintaining Brambleton’s high standards. Several green initiatives and new amenities were also implemented by the Association this year. The green initiatives were focused on delivering quality services while balancing fiduciary responsibilities and environmental factors. One green initiative undertaken was the reassessment of the Association’s asphalt maintenance program. In 2018, the BCA Board of Directors created an ad-hoc Asphalt Maintenance SubCommittee to study products used as part of this program. A coal tar-based rejuvenator product had previously been used on BCA asphalt roads as part of the program in order to preserve the life of the asphalt. After completing their study, the Sub-Committee recommended that BCA use a non-coal tarbased rejuvenator product as part of the asphalt maintenance program moving forward. In August 2019, the Association applied a non-coal tar-based rejuvenator product to over 50 streets and several miles of trails. The Association has also
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developed an asphalt maintenance plan that incorporates the application of the product to all BCA asphalt surfaces every 5 years. The Association also evaluated its use of Round-Up for weed management and landscape maintenance purposes in response to Brambleton residents’ concerns. BCA ended all applications of Round-Up on townhome grounds maintenance properties. Homeowners participating in the townhome grounds maintenance program are now responsible for clearing or creating a 3-6" border between their turf and any items that can be damaged by a string trimmer. The Association also reduced its use of Round-Up on weeds by increasing the use of an industrial strength vinegar/salt mixture. Furthermore, the Association installed solar pond aerators at several Brambleton ponds. These solar aerators help to improve the health of our ponds and reduce the overall use of algae-killing chemicals. Brambleton also welcomed new amenities to the community in 2019, and funding has been approved for additional amenities that will open in 2020. One amenity that was established this year was Creighton West Park. This
Brambleton Community Association Magazine
Winter 2019-2020
neighborhood park is located off of Creighton Road just past Madison’s Trust Elementary School. The park includes a dog park, four tennis courts, two basketball courts, and tot lots. The Association also dedicated time this year planning for the Park 3 recreation district, which has been named Morning Walk Park. The Board has approved the plans and budget for this park, which will include a sand volleyball court, a zipline, play equipment, berm slides, climbing structures, a playfield, trails, irrigation, and enhanced landscaping. Morning Walk Park is scheduled to open in Spring 2020. More details can be found at www.brambletonhoa.com/ park3plan. As the Association ages, we will also continue to assess and replace amenities as they age and reach their useful lives. One such amenity is Woolsey Park, which will have its play equipment replaced in 2020 using capital reserve funding. The Association is appreciative of everyone who helped Brambleton’s operations thrive this year, and we are excited for what 2020 has in store for the Brambleton community and its residents.
BCA BUDGET
BCA Budget: A Focus on 2020 Rick Stone, PCAM, LSM - General Manager
T
he 2020 Brambleton Community Association Budget consists of three categories organizing funding for the various operations and expenses of the Association. These categories are the Annual Operating Budget, the Capital Budget, and the Reserve & Replacement Budget. These allow the Association to fund annual operating needs; build new capital components such as parks, facilities, and amenities; and replace existing capital assets, such as pools, roads, buildings, and play equipment. The Association must remain focused on all three areas in order for the Brambleton community to stay well-maintained, competitive, and desirable. An operating budget funds the dayto-day operations of a homeowners association. These expenses are primarily funded by assessments paid by every homeowner. Many factors impact Brambleton’s expense-based Operating Budget, including the number of existing and new units, new amenities and common areas, new streets, changes to services, and an increase in reserves. Overall, the factors that impacted the 2020 Operating Budget were minimal. The primary highlight was that Brambleton is entering into a new contract with Verizon that will drop the Technology/Community Services assessment cost by $1.83 per month. Brambleton residents are also likely to see a reduction in their personal Verizon bill each month by an average of $24.00 due to the inclusion of a set-top box and DVR service as part of Brambleton’s standard service. Brambleton residents
have never experienced this type of assessment decrease as a result of an Association-provided service. 2020 will also be the first year that homeowners’ assessments will help fund the Capital Budget. New home settlements next year are projected to be the lowest in Brambleton’s history. The Developer projects that 156 new homes will be sold in 2020; in previous years, approximately 400 homes per year were sold. Since the Association receives $1,000 in capital funding per new home sale, this will result in a significant decrease in capital funding of $244,000. As a result, there is a need to fund capital projects regardless of the Developer’s continued involvement. Each owner will pay $2.00 per month towards the Capital Budget. This will result in nearly $140,000 of owner-provided capital funding, generating a total capital funding amount of almost $300,000 in 2020. Additionally, the Association is continually considering new capital purchases and improvements throughout the community. 2019 was the first year that the Association developed a 3-year capital improvements program. This plan identifies several significant capital improvements that are needed, desired, or have been discussed by the BCA Board of Directors, staff, and committees. To move an item included in the plan forward, staff need to develop the scope of the project, acquire quotes, and seek justification and support for the project. Staff can then take the project and accompanying information to the Board for support and funding. Two items that went through this process this year and
received funding were the Morning Walk Park enhancements and the new Block Party Trailer. Some anticipated 2020 projects include the development of a permanent maintenance yard, a shade structure for the Creighton West Park tennis courts, installation of lightning monitoring devices at all pools, and the purchase of a brush chipper and additional pond aerators. These projects and acquisitions will improve services and amenities for residents, enhance safety and environmental conditions, and reduce overall contractor expenses. Furthermore, maintaining and replacing the Association’s capital infrastructure and assets is essential to the success and longevity of the community. Virginia requires that homeowner associations regularly perform replacement reserve studies. A reserve study identifies significant components of a community’s capital assets, assigns life and value to those components, and provides an association with the annual reserve amount needed to adequately fund component repairs and replacements. Several Brambleton reserve projects scheduled for 2020 include replacement of the Woolsey Park play equipment, minor renovations to the Community Center pool bathhouse, seal coating of numerous BCA streets, replacement of several security camera systems, and other smaller projects. This year's planned reserve projects are projected to cost nearly $340,000. Planning for these projects and replacements has already begun so that work will start promptly at the beginning of January 2020.
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BCA BUDGET
2020 Assessments & Budget Summary The BCA Board of Directors met on Tuesday, October 22, 2019 to consider the budget and assessments for 2020. At that meeting, the Board adopted the 2020 Operating Budget which set the various assessments at the following rates:
House Type
2020
2019
Delta
Detached
$191.86
$189.69
$2.17
Detached w/ Common Driveway
$205.36
$203.12
$2.24
Townhouse
$200.19
$198.56
$1.63
Townhouse w/ Grounds Maintenance
$218.19
$216.56
$1.63
Summerfield Condominium
$146.83
$145.84
$0.99
The Residences Condominiums
$155.49
$154.64
$0.85
Assessments Type
2020
2019
Delta
General
$71.40
$67.58
$ 3.82
General: Condo
$53.55
$50.69
$ 2.86
Tech/Community Services
$93.28
$95.15
$(1.87)
Single-Family Detached (SFD)
$18.52
$18.16
$ 0.36
SFD Common Drive
$13.50
$13.43
$ 0.07
Single-Family Attached (SFA)
$26.85
$27.03
$(0.18)
SFA Grounds Maintenance
$18.00
$18.00
$ 0.00
Recreation (Pools Only)
$ 8.66
$ 8.80
$(0.14)
(General) + (Tech/Comm) + (SFD) + (Recreation) (General) + (Tech/Comm) + (SFD) + (Recreation) + (Common Drive) (General) + (Tech/Comm) + (SFA) + (Recreation)
(General) + (Tech/Comm) + (SFA) + (Recreation) + (SFA Grounds Maint) (General: Condo) + (Tech/Comm) (General: Condo) + (Tech/Comm) + (Recreation)
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Brambleton Community Association Magazine
Winter 2019-2020
2020 Budget by Category with 2019 Comparison 2020
2019
Assessment Income-Various
$14,076,862
$13,423,536
Other Income
$
$
Income
Total Income
637,000
577,000
$14,689,052
$14,000,536
Administrative Expenses-General
$ 744,833
$
Professional Services-General
$2,022,300
$ 1,842,530
Reserve Contributions-General
$ 564,734
$
Maintenance & Services-General
$2,431,700
$ 2,227,600
Verizon Fios-Tech/Comm Services
$6,478,296
$ 6,433,472
Single-Family Attached
$ 887,549
$
849,209
Grounds Maintenance-SFA
$ 452,520
$
423,036
Single-Family Detached
$ 465,368
$
483,129
Common Driveway-SFD
$
79,522
$
78,120
Recreation-Pools
$ 556,029
$
549,205
Total Expenses
$14,713,029
$14,000,703
Net Excess (Deficit)
$
$
Expenses
(80)
696,920 417,482
(167)
BCA Replacement Reserve Statement (As required by POAA Section 55-514.1)
BCA is funding its reserve account at or above the levels recommended in the September 10, 2018 Replacement Reserve Study completed by Miller + Dodson Associates, Inc. Reserve Account
2018 Study Recommendation/ 2020 Monthly Contribution
2020 Recommended Balance/ Y.E. Projection (12/31/2019)
Townhome Reserves
$ 263,597 / $ 351,243
$ 1,403,950 / $1,375,232
Common Drive Reserves
$ 56,701 / $ 71,522
$ 647,715 / $ 655,280
Pool (Recreation) Reserves
$ 141,205 / $ 144,029
$ 688,986 / $ 542,435
General Reserves
$ 391,260 / $ 425,832
$ 1,974,249 / $2,014,230
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LIFESTYLES
FEBRUARY, MARCH & APRIL
Upcoming 2020 Events
Feb. 22: Brambleton House Hop (aka Roving Dinner) 6:00 PM - 12:00 AM
March 7: Comedy Night 7:30 PM
April 4: Bramble-Bunny Egg Hunt 10:00 AM -2:00 PM
April 25: Ribbon Run 8:00 AM
Thank You to our 2019 Premier Sponsors!
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Brambleton Community Association Magazine
Winter 2019-2020
BCA Winter Programs PROGRAM
DATE
TIME
LOCATION
Drama Kids
12/30 - 1/3
Winter Break Camp 9:00am - 4:00pm
Corner Clubhouse
Fitness Image Results
1/1 - 12/31
https://ďŹ results.com/
Outdoors/ Corner Clubhouse
Little Hands Music
1/16 - 4/2
Thursdays: 2:30pm - 3:00pm - Toddler 3:15pm - 4:00pm - 3-5 Year Olds
Community Center
Play-Well TEKnologies LEGO
12/26 - 12/27
Holiday Camp 9:00am - 12:00pm (ages 5-6) 1:00pm - 4:00pm (ages 7-12)
Community Center
Silver Knights Tournament Training
1/7 - 12/29
Tuesdays: 5:15pm - 7:45pm
Community Center LL
Silver Knights Chess 2k
1/9 - 12/31
Wednesdays: 6:00pm - 8:30pm
Community Center LL
Weight Watchers
1/1 - 12/31
Thursdays: 6:30pm - 8pm
Community Center
For detailed information and to register for current programs, please visit www.brambletonhoa.com/programs.
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LIFESTYLES
BCA Events: Celebrating Community Dana Vinci, CFEA - Lifestyles & Events Specialist
I
t is hard to believe that 2019 is almost in the books, but what a fantastic year it has been for events in Brambleton! Many positive changes have taken place this year, and we have some exciting things in the works for 2020. As the community continues to grow, space for festivals in Brambleton has
become harder to obtain. We were extraordinarily lucky to be able to utilize the field located off of Shreveport Drive for our Red White & BRAM and Fall Fest events. We are currently working with Loudoun County, the Loudoun County Sheriff ’s Office (LCSO), the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), and the Fire Marshal’s Office (FMO) to ensure that we can use this space again
Fall Fest 2019 at the Shreveport Dr. site
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Winter 2019-2020
next year. We are optimistic for a positive outcome which will allow us to have fireworks again in 2020! This year, we also revived the Events Committee, which now consists of a creative group of residents who are helping to shape the future of Brambleton events. One of the main focuses for this committee is to help build a greater sense of community in Brambleton by cultivating a small-town feel. The desire is that residents in each neighborhood within Brambleton will feel connected to each other. We aspire for residents to know their neighbors and develop relationships that hopefully turn into longlasting friendships. A new event this year that was initiated by the Events Committee was the Neighborhood Block Party. Block parties were held on October 19th at nine different neighborhood locations throughout Brambleton, bringing out over 500 participants. It was a perfect opportunity for residents to get out and connect
with new neighbors and old friends. Overall, we received overwhelmingly positive feedback, and we have slated this event to take place next year and hopefully for many years to come. Another block party-related item that will be presented to the community in 2020 is the Block Party Trailer. This trailer will be packed with items to help you host an awesome neighborhood block party, including tents, tables, chairs, cornhole boards, generators, a grill, a sound system, games, and more. The best thing about this trailer is that it will be free for residents to borrow! The approval process and guidelines are still being finalized, and we plan to
share more details soon so that residents can begin applying to have the trailer dropped off at their block parties early next year. As always, our volunteers are who truly help everything come together. Without them, there is no way that we could pull off our events so successfully. I would like to thank all of our volunteers for doing an outstanding job this year. There are also two volunteers who especially stood out to us and received the Distinguished Service Award in 2019, and it wasn’t just because of their efforts this year. These two awardees volunteer for multiple events every year; are always dependable; help direct other
volunteers; continue to give productive feedback; and are always creative, kind, and quick, even when they have to lift and hold heavy items. So, thank you to Eli Burke and Stephanie Weeks for your many years of volunteering for Brambleton events! We are excited for what 2020 will bring to the Brambleton community. We recommend that you keep an eye on our events calendar and stay connected with us through our website, Friday Flash, and social media outlets. I have a feeling that we will be popping up in your neighborhood with some amazing events next year!
Neighborhood Block Party 2019
Stephanie Weeks and Eli Burke: 2019 Distinguished Service Award Recipients
Fall Fest 2019
Brew Fest 2019
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Brambleton Community Association Magazine
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Brambleton Community Association Magazine
Winter 2019-2020
Heather Heppe • Just SOLD! by Your Neighborhood Real Estate Specialist…
22967 Lois Lane
Brambleton Over 4,500 Finished SF Sold Price: $850,000
23008 White Ibis Drive
Brambleton Over 3,600 Finished SF Sold Price: $675,000
22478 Pine Top Court
The Estates of Forest Ridge Dynamite Home on 1/2 Acre Lot Sold Price: $980,000
“
Heather’s Fan Club... Heather is the absolute best in the business! When she says she is going to "get me to the finish line" I know that I can trust her to do just that. She is always responsive, amazing at negotiating thru buy or sell process and I wouldn't use anyone else! I highly recommend her to anyone looking to buy or sell their home.
”
Contact Heather Heppe 703.727.5941 HHeppe@MySelectProperties.com
20937 Ashburn Road, #200 Ashburn, VA 20147 MOBILE 703.727.5941 OFFICE 571.209.6375 HHeppe@MySelectProperties.com www.HeatherHeppe.com
26
COMMUNITY STANDARDS
Eye on the New Year: Security Cameras in Brambleton Andrea Martin, CMCA, AMS - Community Standards & Administration Manager
A
s the new year approaches, we encourage all residents to review and evaluate their home safety needs. Maybe you’ve tried trimming foliage, increasing exterior lighting, or installing a home security system. Perhaps you’ve even considered installing video cameras outside of your home in order to feel more secure. Before you invest in an expensive, high-tech video system, there are a few things to consider. Installing any security equipment, including cameras – except for Ring Video Doorbells or similar items – is considered an architectural alteration to the home’s exterior and therefore requires written approval from the Covenants Committee. Design review applications for the installation of a security camera must include a property plat showing the camera’s location; pictures of the installation area; and specifications on the size, shape, color, and angle of view of the camera. Any changes from
27
the original application, such as altering the location, equipment, or field of view of the camera, may require a new application. In Brambleton, security devices and cameras must be unobtrusive and inconspicuous. These devices are required to blend in with or match the surface to which they are attached. All cameras should be hardwired so that wires are hidden from view or covered with a wiring conduit that matches the surface to which they are attached. Before deciding to purchase a security camera system, consider what you would like to achieve by installing cameras on your property. Many homeowners choose to install video cameras for safety purposes, but this can be a costly proposition, and security cameras are not designed to fully replace a monitored home security system. Without a monitored system, the responsibility is on you to be able to respond instantly to an emergency at any time of day. You
Brambleton Community Association Magazine
Winter 2019-2020
may also have a difficult time responding to an emergency notification for a variety of reasons, including traveling, having poor reception or no Wi-Fi connection, or your device being on silent or out of battery. Do you have a backup plan for these scenarios? What happens if you are unable to respond to an alert in an emergency? For many people, self-monitoring their cameras turns their security camera systems into a source of anxiety as they can feel compelled to check on their cameras constantly. A professional-grade security system is an excellent addition to a well-implemented camera system as it reduces risk and makes your home and your community safer. Be sure to consider all of the positives and negatives when deciding on self-monitored security cameras or a professionally-monitored security system. Visit www.brambletonhoa.com/designreview or contact communitystandards@brambleton.org with any questions regarding security camera installation applications.
Love Where You Live!
Monthly Tips to Keep Brambleton Beautiful December Water freezing in your home’s pipes may cause serious problems. To help combat this, shut off the water to exterior faucets and drain the lines. You may also want to insulate any pipes near the exterior walls of your home or in unheated areas like a garage. Furniture placed outside must be specifically designed for outdoor use and maintained in good condition. Outdoor furniture can be placed on a porch, stoop, or in the rear yard. The use of permanently-placed outdoor furniture is not permitted in front yards. Nothing shall be kept or stored outside the exterior of your home which would create an unsightly condition. This includes, but is not limited to, refuse containers, trash or rubbish, machinery and equipment, building materials, etc. Portable equipment, including grills or fire pits, may not be stored at the front of the home. Mice, squirrels, and other critters are looking to escape the cold. They might decide that your place looks like a great place to call home. Make sure to close any holes and block any potential entrances to your home.
January Holiday decorations may be placed out 30 days in advance of the holiday and removed no later than 14 days after the holiday. Christmas or winter decorations and lighting may be placed out as early as the day after Thanksgiving and may remain on display until Tuesday, January 14th. Make sure you have snow shovels, scrapers, and everything else you need to get through winter before the weather changes. Regular shoveling (or snow blowing) is the best way to keep walkways, driveways, and sidewalks safe and ice-free all winter. Keep some pet/plant-safe ice melt or sand on hand to provide traction on stairs and other slippery areas. If you plan to be away during the season, hire a service in advance to clear the snow while you are away.
February Submit your Design Review Application for your exterior project prior to when you really need it. Remember that you have six months to begin and one year to complete the project after approval. To submit a proposed exterior modification to the Covenants Committee for review, an owner must complete the Design Review Application. This form is available on the Association’s website at www.brambletonhoa.com/designreview, in our office, or in response to requests submitted to designreview@brambleton.org. Still have questions? Please contact the office at 703-542-6263.
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VERIZON
Verizon Fios in Brambleton: Keeping Bram Connected Ara Galang - Accounts & Executive Administrator
T
here’s a new Fios in town! Brambleton Community Association is happy to share that at this time, the community has almost fully* transitioned to the Fios services and equipment provided under the new Verizon bulk services agreement. Brambleton homes will now have internet speeds of 500/500 Mbps, which is ten times higher than speeds under the previous bulk agreement. They will also receive a Fios Quantum Gateway Router, which provides greater efficiency for multiple users, higher speeds, and a coverage range of up to 325 feet**. Furthermore, the new video package now includes one HD set top box with basic DVR service along with the Verizon Fios Extreme HD package, which provides local channels and over 300 digital channels, including all-digital music & HD channels.
On average, the new bulk agreement will save each household $24.00 per month. Many residents may see even more savings dependent on their specific setup. A table providing a snapshot overview of agreement pricing is located below, and you can find more information about the new agreement at www.brambletonhoa.com/fios. With almost 6,000 homes in Brambleton, the Association understands the variety of preferences that residents have regarding their technology and in general. We hope that residents will find that this new bulk agreement has provided the community with a great package at the best value wherein everyone can better connect with life. As always, we appreciate your patience, understanding, and feedback throughout the transition process. Whether you
were making time for a conversion appointment, assisting one another with troubleshooting, or simply letting your neighbor know that they needed to contact Verizon, we thank you for your efforts in making this transition happen as seamlessly as possible! *It is possible that Verizon may still be in the final stages of implementation at the time of article publication. For billing concerns, please contact a VEC billing specialist at 800-501-1172. For technical support, call 888-553-1555. Please contact Ara Galang at Ara.Galang@Brambleton. org with all other questions or concerns. **Wireless signal strength and range may vary due to home layout, interference from physical obstructions, router location, distance from router, age and type of wireless devices used, and other variables.
Services & Equipment
Market Price
2020 Bulk Agreement
2019 Bulk Agreement
500/500 Mbps
$114.99
Included
$14.99
Quantum Gateway Router BHR4 $12.00
Included
BHR3 Router included
Extreme HD Video Package
$79.99
Included
Included
HD Set Top Box
2019 Pricing
1st STB included; 2nd: $12; 3rd - $12 each for the fist 10 STBs 5th: $6; 6th and up: free. Charge (prior to pricing change) capped to $36
Basic DVR Service
$12.00 per box Included
$12.00 per box
Monthly Charge
~$230.98
$95.15
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Brambleton Community Association Magazine
$93.28 Winter 2019-2020
SHOP HARMONY HILL FARM ALL WINTER LONG IN BRAMBLETON! SHOP OUR FARM FRESH PRODUCTS
W IN TER DATES & T I M E S
EVERY SUNDAY 10AM - 12PM Dec 1 2019 to March 22 2020
EGGS: chicken and duck BEEF: steaks, roasts, ground beef
LOC ATED I N SI D E T H E
LAMB: chops, ground lamb
42395 Ryan Rd, Brambleton
CHICKENS: whole
Brambleton Welcome Center AR H
MONY HIL L
FARM
PORK: chops, ground pork, sausages, bacon DAIRY: milk products (whole, skim, chocolate, strawberry, & cookies and cream), various cheese curds
AND SO MUCH MORE! *Not all items will be available every Sunday
LoCo
EAT
EatLoco's Protein Pop-Up
.org
While the EatLoco Brambleton Farmers Market will be closed after Nov 24th 2019 for the Winter Season, Harmony Hill Farm would like to ensure all Brambleton residents and visitors will still have access to some of their favorite locally raised meat, eggs and dairy products throughout the winter months. Therefore, in coordination with EatLoco, LLC and the Brambleton Town Center, Harmony Hill Farm will continue selling their products INSIDE the Brambleton Welcome Center every Sunday from Dec 1, 2019 - March 20, 2020 10-12pm.
Montessori of Chantilly Casa dei Bambini Brambleton and Stone Ridge Residents,
We are proud to be your neighbor! We recently relocated to the Stone Springs Hospital Campus, off of Stone Springs Boulevard. Come visit us and see what we are all about!
** NOW ENROLLING STUDENTS 20 MONTHS TO 5 YEARS **
Proudly Serving Northern Virginia area since 2005 Beautiful Newly Constructed School Building Natural & Traditional Playgrounds Authentic Montessori Curriculm and Materials Full Member School of American Montessori Society 30
www.mcdbc.com • info@mcdbc.com • 703-542-7676 • New Location - 42200 Glascock Field Dr., Dulles, VA 20166
HOME & GARDEN
Winter Interest in the Garden Loudoun County Master Gardeners
Y
our garden need not be barren or dull in the winter. While your plants aren’t growing, with some planning you can have interesting and even colorful plants so that your garden is attractive throughout the winter. Winter interest is achieved through visible structures of woody trees and shrubs, colorful twigs, grasses, evergreens, berries, and seed heads. Colored-twig dogwoods (Cornus sericea) are an excellent choice for winter color. When they lose their leaves, they reveal bright red, yellow, or orange stems that show off well against a backdrop of dormant grasses or evergreen shrubs, such as American hollies. Ornamental grasses add color, texture, and movement to the winter garden,
River Birch bark (Photo Credit: Carol Ivory)
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and create interesting contrast when they are planted near evergreen plants. Many provide food and shelter for birds. Recommended ornamental grasses for winter interest are northern wild oats (Chasmanthium latifolium), switch grass (Panicum virgatum), Karl Foerster feather reed grass (Calamagrostis x acutiflora ‘Karl Foerster’), prairie dropseed (Sporobolus heterolepsis), and little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium). Like all perennials left standing for winter interest, ornamental grasses must be cut to the ground before new growth resumes in the spring. Trees with interesting bark can be stunning in the winter. Sycamores, whose gray bark exfoliates to reveal white underbark; river birch, whose attractive peeling bark harbors insects for the birds; and lacebark elms, whose name says it all; are just a few examples of trees with interesting and beautiful bark. Winterberry (Ilex verticillata; pictured above) is a deciduous holly. When this shrub drops its leaves each winter, it reveals berry-studded branches. Depending on the cultivar, the berries may be red, yellow, or orange. As with
Brambleton Community Association Magazine
Winter 2019-2020
all hollies, the shrubs are male and female. Only the females have berries, but you must have at least one male in the vicinity to have berries. Consult with a good nursery when buying winterberry hollies. Coneflowers and other summer plants with interesting seed heads can be selectively left standing to add structure and interest, especially when capped with snow. Evergreen ferns, such as the wood fern, Christmas fern, and marginal or shield fern, add welcome greenery to the winter landscape. These should be carefully cut back in the early spring. Observe your garden this winter and note areas where you can add interest during the growing season for enjoyment next winter.
Evergreen fern (Photo Credit: Carol Ivory)
Award-Winning Dentists Cosmetic, General & Resorative Dentistry Early & Late Appointments
(703) 542-7000 costasmiles.com Located on the Harris Teeter side of the shopping center
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LIBRARY
Brambleton Library Highlights Recurring Programs Baby Storytime: For ages 0-18 months with an adult. Mondays, 10 AM. Tuesdays and Saturdays, 11 AM.
Details at a Glance Website
Toddler Storytime: For ages 18-36 months with an adult. Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 10 AM.
www.library.loudoun.gov/brambleton
Preschool Storytime: For ages 3-5 with an adult. Wednesdays and Thursdays, 11 AM.
Location: 22850 Brambleton Plaza, Brambleton, VA 20148
Musical Storytime: For all ages with an adult. Tuesdays, 1:30 PM. Thursdays, 10 AM.
Hours: Mon-Sat: 10 AM - 9 PM, Sun: 1- 5 PM
Family Storytime: For all ages with an adult. Wednesdays, 6:30 PM. Saturdays, 10 AM.
Winter Closings
Bilingual Musical Storytime/Hora de Cuentos Musical Bilingue: Thursdays, 1:30 PM.
Wednesday, Dec. 25: Christmas Day
Reading Buddies: Encourage your child’s love of books and improve their reading development by pairing them with a teen buddy for one-on-one reading time. For Preschool-Grade 2. Thursdays, 4:30 PM.
Wednesday, Jan. 1: New Year's Day
Location & Hours
Tuesday, Dec. 24: Christmas Eve Tuesday, Dec. 31: New Year's Eve Monday, Jan 20: MLK Day Monday, Feb. 17: Presidents' Day
Winter Programming Highlights Socrates Cafe: Socrates Cafes are gatherings around the world where people from different backgrounds get together and exchange philosophical perspectives based on their experiences. As Socrates himself said, “The unexamined life is not worth living.”Wednesday, Dec. 18, 7 PM. Reading Buddies: Encourage your child’s love of books and reading development by pairing them with a teen buddy for one-onone reading time. For Preschool-Grade 2. Thursdays, Dec. 19 and 26, 4:30 PM. Friends of Brambleton Library Monthly Meeting: Plan events and share ideas to make your library a better place. Thursdays, Dec. 19, Jan. 16, and Feb. 29, 6:30 PM. Library Playdate: Conversation for adults. Toys and play space for children. For ages 5 and younger with an adult. Fridays, Dec. 20 and 27, 10 AM. Vision Boards: Create a board filled with hopes and dreams for 2020. Visualization is a valuable tool to support success. When we look at pictures of things we want and imagine obtaining them it gives motivation, makes dreams clearer, and creates intention. Supplies provided. Friday, Dec. 20, 5:30 PM. Spanish Conversation Group: An informal gathering for non-native and native speakers to practice speaking Spanish together. Some prior knowledge of the language is useful but not required. For adults. Mondays, Dec. 23 and 30, 7 PM. Board Games: Join us for board-game fun. For Grades K-5. Friday, Dec. 27, 3 PM. New Year’s Countdown: Celebrate the new year by counting down to 2 PM! Enjoy a dance party and activities for the whole family. Tuesday, Dec. 31, 1:30 PM. Watercolor Workshop: Here’s your chance to try the loose, fluid style of watercolor painting — no experience needed. Instructor Jyotsna Umesh will guide you through different strokes and techniques. Supplies provided. Tuesday, Jan. 14, 7 PM. Drawing Workshop with Orion Zangara: Learn how to draw a comic book page with illustrator and comic book artist Orion Zangara and hear about the third book in his graphic novel series “The Stone Man Mysteries.” Saturday, Feb. 8, 2 PM.
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Brambleton Community Association Magazine
Visit www.library.loudoun.gov/brambleton for more programming information. Winter 2019-2020
Brambleton Library Book Clubs My First Book Club (Grades K-1) “Pete the Cat,” by Eric Litwin Explore a different Easy Reader series each month. For Grades K-1. Monday, Dec. 16, 4 PM.
Children's Book Club (Grades 2-3) “Owl Diaries: Warm Hearts Day,” by Rebecca Elliott Read a different book from Scholastic’s Branches early chapter books every month. Pick up books at the downstairs service desk. Monday, Dec. 23, 4 PM.
Children's Book Club (Grades 4-5) “A Wrinkle in Time,” by Madeline L’Engle Meg Murry and her friends become involved with unearthly strangers and a search for Meg’s father, who has disappeared while engaged in secret work for the government. Join fellow readers for a book discussion and a related activity. Pick up books at the Children’s Desk. Wednesday, Dec. 18, 4 PM.
Adult Book Club “The Husband’s Secret,” by Liane Moriarty The intertwining lives of three women are connected by a secret from the past. Thursday, Dec. 19, 7 PM.
Kanopy Streaming Video Service Kanopy streaming video service, which provides access to more than 30,000 feature films on demand, is now available from Loudoun County Public Library. Kanopy combines an easy-to-use platform with instant access to movies, foreign and independent films, classic cinema, and documentaries that inspire, enrich, and entertain. Plus, there’s an entire site just for kids, with movies, TV series, and educational videos, and over 5,000 Great Courses. What you need to know: • Go to loudoun.kanopy.com and enter your LCPL card number and PIN to create an account. Or, download the app for your Android or Apple phones and tablets. • Users can check out 10 titles per month. Each checkout lasts three days. • Enjoy unlimited access to Great Courses and Kanopy Kids (these don't count against your 10 titles per month).
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RESIDENT RESOURCES
Assessment Payment Options
Assessment payments are due on the first day of each month. To avoid incurring late or other collection related fees, it is recommended to align payment with the due date. Late fees are assessed for payments not posted by the 10th day of the month. BCA offers a variety of payment options and encourages owners to select the method that best suits their needs. Details regarding the various payment options can be found on www.brambletonhoa.com/assessmentpaymentoptions. Payment options include: • Mail: Owners may make payment by check or money order mailed to the Association's lockbox service. Mailing Address: Brambleton Community Association, C/O FirstService Residential, PO Box 62010, Newark, NJ 07101 • Online Bill Pay: Owners may pay assessments using an online bill paying service from their personal banking institution. • Direct Debit: The owner authorizes FirstService Residential to withdraw the monthly recurring assessment amount from a designated checking or savings account. • ClickPay: This third-party payment service offers owners the ability to make one-time or recurring e-check or credit card payment at www.clickpay.com/ firstservice. For help with your account or setting up payments online, please contact ClickPay at www. clickpay.com/gethelp, or call 1-888-354-0135 (option 1).
Monthly Assessments 2020
2019
House Type
$191.86
$189.69
Detached
$205.36
$203.12
Detached w/Common Driveway
$200.19
$198.56
Townhouse
$218.19
$216.56
Townhouse w/Grounds Maint.
$146.83
$145.84
Summerfield Condominiums
$155.49 $154.64 The Residences Condominiums It is important to note that assessment payments are NOT accepted at the BCA management office, as all payments are processed by the Association’s bank via a lockbox. Payments delivered to the BCA office will be returned. Please also note that cash cannot be accepted at the BCA office or at FirstService Residential offices for payment of assessments. For more information or to request online access to your assessment account, please email hoa@brambleton.org.
FirstService Residential Connect™ Portal BCA encourages all residents to view their assessment accounts periodically. FirstService Residential’s new and improved Connect™ resident portal has made it easier to access your account anytime and from any device. This resident portal features: • A self-service platform empowering you to make payments, check balances, and more; • The ability to link multiple Brambleton properties using a single login for all your online needs; • Up-to-date security and strict privacy settings to give you the highest level of protection; • Easier interactions with fellow residents, thanks to an opt-in resident directory; • A public landing page to showcase your community to prospective buyers, realtors, and others. Visit bca.connectresident.com to register for the Connect™ resident portal and access your assessment account.
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Brambleton Community Association Magazine
Winter 2019-2020
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36
RESIDENT RESOURCES
Lender Questionnaires
Requests for completion of lender questionnaires for single family and townhomes located within Brambleton are fulfilled by Brambleton Community Association staff. The cost for completion of either a Uniform Mortgage Questionnaire or a Lender-Specific Mortgage Questionnaire is as follows: • 3 business-day turnaround - $100.00 • 1 business-day turnaround - $150.00 Please note: Forms and payment for all services must be received by 12 PM on the day of submission to count as the first day. Forms received after 12 PM will be processed counting the following business day as the first day. To submit a request or for more information, visit www.brambletonhoa.com/lenderquestionnaire.
Resale Disclosure Packet
Certificate of Insurance
Requests for Resale Disclosure Packets are fulfilled by FirstService Residential via Welcomelink. Orders are accepted from the FSR website at https://fsresidential.com via the link Request Resale Documents. At the prompt, enter the zip code for the Brambleton property. Once at the WelcomeLink page, complete the necessary information to place the order. The cost of the packet is dependent upon several factors: the format, the delivery time frame, and the shipping method requested. See the FSR website for the most up-todate information.
Requests for Certificates of Insurance are fulfilled by the Association’s Insurance broker. To obtain a Certificate of Insurance for Brambleton Community Association, unit owners and lenders should submit their requests online at www.eoidirect.com or by phone at 877-456-3643, Monday - Friday from 9 AM to 8 PM. Certificates will be issued immediately.
The available formats are: • Electronic (email) format - The link to access the electronic version is active for 180 days. To retain the document, it may be saved as a pdf. • Printed (hardcopy) format • Update (available within 1 year of the initial order) • Update with inspection (available within 1 year of the initial order) The available delivery time frames are: • Standard - Packet is sent 14* calendar days from the order date. Fee is included. • Rush - If the Association is able to accommodate a rush order, the packet is sent 5* calendar days from the order date. *Forms and payment must be received by 12 PM to count as first day. Forms received after 12 PM will be processed with the following day as the first day.
Assessment Account Payoff Requests for Account Payoff Statements are fulfilled by FirstService Residential. To obtain an account payoff statement, submit request and owner authorization to payoff.dcmetro@fsresidential.com
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Brambleton Community Association Magazine
Notary Public Services
BCA offers Notary Public services for residents. Here are a few tips to help make your notary experience easy: • Please schedule an appointment. This allows staff to be ready and available to provide your requested service. To make an appointment or contact us for questions, please email hoa@brambleton.org or call 703-542-6263. • Please let us know what type of document you need notarized. There are certain types of documents that we are not able to notarize. Virginia notaries are not authorized to certify birth, death, marriage, or divorce certificates (copies or originals). Only the Division of Vital Records/Statistics may perform such a certification. We are also unable to notarize I-9 and Change of Appearance forms. • All documents must be written in English. Witnessing on documents is not provided by the Brambleton Community Association. Tell us how many pages you need notarized, and what day and time is most convenient for you. We’ll do our best to meet your appointment requests. • Important - At your appointment, any person that will be signing the documentation must be present, and the forms must be signed in front of the Notary Public. Photo identification must be provided by all signers at the time of the appointment. • The first two pages are free of charge. Each additional page is $2 per page. Forms of payment accepted include cash and personal checks.
Winter 2019-2020
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RESIDENT RESOURCES
Important Contact Information County Contacts
Community Management Contacts Brambleton Community Management Office: 703-542-6263 Residences at Brambleton (FSR): 703-385-1133 Summerfield Condo (FSR): 703-327-4818
Emergency (Fire/Rescue/Police): 911 (call or text); www.sheriff.loudoun.gov Sheriff (Non-Emergency): 703-777-1021
BCA Services
Alert Loudoun: www.loudoun.gov/alerts
Republic Services Recycling & Trash Removal: Brambleton@republicservices.com Verizon (Activation/Account Changes/Billing/Disconnect): 800-501-1172 Verizon (Repair): 888-553-1555
Loudoun County Main Number: 703-777-0100 Animal Care & Control: 703-777-0406
Utility Contacts
Building Permits: 703-777-0220
Dominion Electric (North of Ryan Rd): 888-667-3000; www.dominionenergy.com/outage-center NOVEC (South of Ryan Rd): 888-335-0500; www.novec.com/customer_services
Ashburn Post Office: 44715 Prentice Dr 703-406-6291
Brambleton Town Center
Miss Utility: 800-552-7001 Washington Gas: 703-750-1000
Brambleton Plz, Brambleton, VA 20148
Loudoun Water (Water/Sewer): 571-291-7880; www.loudounwater.org
703-542-2925 www.brambleton.com/towncenter
Builder Information Builder Beazer Homes Centex/Pulte Homes Gulick Group Knutson Miller & Smith Stanley Martin Toll Brothers Van Metre Winchester & Camberley Homes
39
Warranty/Customer Care 888-623-2937; www.beazer.com (Request Service) 888-686-0269; dcservice@pulte.com; www.pulte.com; (Customer Care/Warranty Request) 703-674-0330 x 143; customerservice@gulickgroup.com; www.gulickgroup.com (Contact Us/Customer Care) 703-996-4232; customerservice@knutsoncos.com; www.knutsoncos.com 703-821-2500 x 202; warrantyservice@millerandsmith.com; www.millerandsmith.com (Warranty) 703-636-9210; WarrantyGroup@StanleyMartin.com; www.StanleyMartin.com (Contact Us) 571-291-8000; www.tollbrothers.com; www.mytollhome.com (Warranty) 703-348-5800; customercare@vanmetrehomes.com; www.vanmetrehomes.com 800-762-2408 (Winchester), 540-788-1114 (ProHome Metro DC); admin@prohomemetrodc.com; www.winchesterhomes.com
Brambleton Community Association Magazine
Winter 2019-2020
Wiring Integrator Chesapeake System Services: 301-317-0001 Vintage Security: 703-689-2731, 877-767-1800 (Toll-free) Sight & Sound: 703-802-6443 Advanced Wiring Group: 703-488-9850, 571-237-7621 SmartCom: 540-286-0300
Sight & Sound: 703-802-6443 Vintage Security: 703-689-2731, 877-767-1800 (Toll-free)
RESIDENT RESOURCES
Brambleton Maps
Brambleton Community Association maintains a variety of maps for the community. Below you’ll find one of the more frequently requested maps. Check for other available maps at www.brambletonhoa.com/maps.
Street Light Maintenance Map Street Light Maintenance Responsibility Map
Water Towers Blcks 8 and 9
12
LB5
The Estates
13
19 Summerfield Condos
Future
8 7
29
34
23B
Future
Timing of installation and activation of streetlights can be impacted by a variety of factors including but not limited to: general construction activity and delays, weather, impact to and from future development, and utility company/ contract installer availability.
1
10
5 4
35
LB1
16
11
Future
Future
Future
30
Future
32
2
3
6
Town Center Residential Town Center
31
9
23A Future
LB2
17
14
t
15
Fut
ure
Future
Future
LB3
33 “SS”
Brandt
22
Bra
nd
Belmont Trace
18
Brambleton Corner
Trent Grove
Commuter Lot
21
24 27 Active Adult
Evermont Trace
Future
LEGEND BCA operations@brambleton.org 703-542-6263 NOVEC www.novec.com > Customer Services 703-335-0500 VA DOM www.dominionenergy.com > Outage Center 866-366-4357 Summerfield 703-327-4818
Brambleton’s Developer is responsible for the installation of the initial common area infrastructure in the community in accordance with the Loudoun County approved plans. This responsibility includes the installation of streetlights.
Updated Oct. 2019
Maintenance responsibilities for current and future streetlights are detailed in the map. Residents are encouraged to report streetlight outages. Contact hoa@ brambleton.org with questions or for more information.
Town Center Reportable to BCA
40
HEALTH & WELLNESS
Sick Season is Back! Melodie Wuorinen - Nurse Practitioner, Fairfax Pediatric Associates
E
very year, North America looks to the southern hemisphere to determine how bad our flu season will be. The cold and flu season in Australia is from June to September, and it was unusually bad this year according to the New York Times. Knowing this, physicians and nurse practitioners in the United States try to prepare their patients to combat cold and flu season. What can you do to prevent the flu from spreading in your family? The first easy way to combat the spread of any illness is to wash your hands frequently and especially before meals. Good handwashing consists of using warm water and soap, as well as washing for at least 20 seconds, or as long as it takes to sing "Happy Birthday." The second easy step you and your family can take is to get a flu shot. The flu shot is not a live virus vaccine, so it cannot cause the flu. People often think that the flu shot will make them sick, when it is really prompting a response from your body, such as a low-grade fever, to build immunity to the flu. Winter is a tough time when kids are bombarded by illness at school, day care, and even at the grocery store. If you do get sick, cough into your inner elbow and wash your hands after blowing your nose or touching your face. To sanitize
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your home, use a bleach-based product to clean items you may touch frequently like the remote or door handles. At Fairfax Pediatric Associates, we commonly see things like fevers and colds starting in September. Upper respiratory infections are viruses that involve cough, congestion, and runny nose which will resolve on their own and do not require antibiotics. To help your child recover, use a humidifier, rest, and drink plenty of fluids, such as warm water with honey (if you are over one years old) or soup. For fever, you may use acetaminophen (over three months old), ibuprofen (over six months old), but never use aspirin because it can cause Reye's Syndrome, which can damage a child’s brain or liver. If your child complains of ear or throat pain, has a productive cough that is not improving after a week, or has a fever of greater than 100.4 for more than three to five days, call your pediatrician for an appointment. Sometimes children can develop an ear infection or pneumonia, and these illnesses need to be treated with an antibiotic. Strep throat, which needs to be treated with antibiotics too, is also commonly seen in children with symptoms of sore throat, fever, stomachache, or vomiting (not necessarily all of these symptoms need be present).
Brambleton Community Association Magazine
Winter 2019-2020
Remember that your pediatrician is here to help your family. If you are unsure of how to treat your child or if they need to be seen, call your doctor’s office. Often the nurse advice line can recommend over-the-counter measures to help your child feel better. They can also help you determine if your child needs a doctor’s appointment. Our shared goal is to make everyone healthy and happy through the winter months!
Melodie Wuorinen is a caring nurse practitioner who works at Fairfax Pediatric Associates above the Brambleton Library. For more information, please visit www.brambletonpediatrics.com or call 703-391-0900.
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42
COMMUNITY PARTNERS
JK Community Farm Samantha Kuhn - Executive Director, JK Community Farm
T
he JK Community Farm was founded in May of 2018 with the help of JK Moving Services to provide people in our region facing food insecurity with fresh, organic fruit, vegetables, and protein. In 2019, the JK Community Farm has donated 113,000 lbs of locally grown, chemical-free food: 63,000 lbs of produce, and 50,000 lbs of natural beef, pork, and venison. Located in Loudoun County, Virginia, our 150-acre farm is working towards social change by promoting food
Brambleton Kids Care visited JK Community Farm in summer 2019 and helped build four raised beds. These beds harvested spinach, carrots, radishes, lettuce, and arugula.
43
education and providing local food pantries and shelters with locally grown, organic food. As our central distribution partner, Loudoun Hunger Relief helps our fresh food reach the hands of those who need it within the week of harvest. We host a variety of volunteers – individuals, field trips, community groups, and corporate team building events – to plant and harvest our produce. Our volunteers have the opportunity to learn gardening skills such as planting, harvesting, composting, and basic construction. At the JK Community Farm, we are passionate about connecting students to their food and the farmers who grow it. We believe that this is the foundation for food education, building a lifelong commitment to food justice and empowering healthy eating. As the JK Community Farm continues to grow, we will be able to impact the lives of a broader community and advance self-reliance by providing the tools and the opportunity to learn how to address the disparities within our food system and our society. Consumption of a healthy diet is a priority for reducing chronic diseases, including obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. This is where food education plays
Brambleton Community Association Magazine
Winter 2019-2020
an important role. The unfortunate reality is that in today’s globalized food system, many people know very little about the journey of what they are eating, especially with pre-packaged foods. Food education is about promoting the education of nutrition in schools in order to encourage healthy eating and greater understanding of the food system among children. Lack of access to fresh food contributes to overeating, obesity, and poor mental health. With your help, we hope to see a reduction in chronic diseases within our region. Check out our website at www.jkcommunityfarm.org for more information on how to support our growth. Follow us on social media as well @jkcommunityfarm to see what we are growing. About the Author: Samantha Kuhn is the Executive Director of the JK Community Farm. While in college, Samantha worked with a local community garden and fell in love with their mission. She returned to Virginia and presented the idea of a local community farm to her father, Chuck Kuhn with JK Moving. JK Moving was excited to make a sustainable, charitable impact on their community. Samantha is a Nutritional Therapy Practitioner and is passionate about fresh, local food.
SAFETY & SECURITY
Wintertime Pond Safety Isaiah Marsh - Operations & Capital Projects Administrator
B
rambleton has a number of ponds and water features located throughout the community. While they bring a certain charm and beauty to the community, residents need to be safe when they are near these ponds and water features, especially during the winter season. Please educate your families on winter pond safety and observe the following safety practices when near a neighborhood pond or other body of water this winter: • Frozen ponds should never be used for recreational purposes. Do not skate, play, ride, or step foot on a frozen pond. • If you observe someone on one of Brambleton’s frozen ponds, please take initiative and remind them of hazards and prohibited use of the pond. Immediate action is necessary to prevent a hazard from becoming a tragedy. • If the individual(s) remain on the frozen pond, please report the incident
to the proper authorities depending upon the day and time. Report incidents to the BCA Management Office during business hours (M-F, 9 AM to 5 PM) or the Loudoun County Sheriff ’s Office after business hours, on weekends, and on holidays at 703-777-1021. • If a person, a pet, or a personal item accidentally falls through the ice, do
not try to recover them; you could become a victim too. • If someone does fall through the ice and you are alone, instruct the victim to keep calm while you call 9-1-1 immediately. Hypothermia can start immediately and can cause exhaustion or unconsciousness in only a few minutes. • It is important to let the rescue crew know the victim's age, circumstances of the incident, time it occurred, and where the victim was last seen. This information will help the rescuers assess the type of rescue needed. • If you are with other people, make sure that someone stays on the shore next to the victim while another person calls 9-1-1. Try to keep an ongoing conversation with the victim in order to keep them calm and to aid in the rescue. • Of course, the best safety message we can offer is to stay away from frozen ponds.
44
COMMUNICATIONS
BCA Communications
Brambleton Community Association utilizes a variety of resources in order to communicate with Brambleton residents in a timely and engaging manner. Here are some of the ways that we connect with the Brambleton community.
Friday Flash and Notify Me The Friday Flash is a weekly bulletin sent via email to benefit the residents of Brambleton. The purpose of the Flash is to keep residents aware of upcoming community events and programs, future committee meetings, Association rules, and community governance. Residents can sign up to receive the Flash via email or text by clicking on the "Notify Me" button at www.brambletonhoa.com and following the instructions. The Notify Me subscription service also allows residents to receive updates on community news, events, pools, fertilizer and weed applications, and more. Just click on the icons next to each list item to subscribe.
#Bramlife Minute We launched this video series in May 2017 to inform residents about everything happening in Brambleton. Hosted by Stacey Rusch, these videos cover topics including community news, events, and programming. We post our #Bramlife Minute videos on our website, our Facebook page, and our YouTube page, so there are multiple places for you to catch up on what’s going on in our community. We have also created educational videos, such as administration and service videos, which provide residents with useful information in a unique and entertaining way.
Quarterly Magazine The Brambleton Community Association self-publishes a visually rich and engaging quarterly magazine in March, June, September, and December, which is mailed to all Brambleton residents. In addition, the magazine is published digitally and archived on the Association website, and printed copies are available at the Welcome Center located in the Brambleton Town Center as well as the BCA management office. If you would like to view digital versions of our past magazine issues, please visit www.brambletonhoa.com/communications. Advertising spaces are also available in the magazine. If you are interested in advertising with us, please send us a message at communications@brambleton.org.
Website and Social Media Visit www.brambletonhoa.com for community news, event and meeting updates, and information on all BCA services and programs. News and updates are also posted on our Facebook page (www.facebook.com/brambletoncommunityassociation), on Twitter @brambletonlife, and on our Brambleton mobile app, which can be found in the Apple and Google Play stores. Also, follow us on Instagram @brambletonlife and add #bramlife to your posts to share your content with the Brambleton community!
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Brambleton Community Association Magazine
Winter 2019-2020
COMMUNICATIONS
Resident Spotlight: Tammy Krohn We spoke with Brambleton resident Tammy Krohn, owner of 529 Kids Consign Loudoun, about running her own kids' consignment boutique, her experience living in Brambleton with her family, and more! How long have you lived in Brambleton? What prompted you to choose Brambleton? Since 2006! We absolutely fell in love with the community, the park, the amenities, etc. It is so close to shops and restaurants, and we have met so many friends here. The community puts on so many amazing, family-friendly events all year long that we always look forward to! Having the Brambleton Town Center within walking distance is what sold us the most. What inspired you to open 529 Kids Consign Loudoun? I’ve always had a passion for fashion, and owning my own boutique has always been one of my dreams. Before the opening of 529 Kids Consign Loudoun, I always shopped for my family at the Old Town Alexandria location. We offer affordable prices on all the best brands that are still in like new condition. In addition to having a store full of amazing clothes and accessories, I love all of the great people I get to meet every day. With all the growth in Loudoun County, I knew that an upscale kids’ consignment boutique would be a huge hit! How does the consignment process work for 529 Loudoun? Neighbors that want to consign bring me their best clothing on a seasonal basis, and if it passes the test for quality, cleanliness, and style, I accept the items and put them on our racks right away. Once the items sell, my consignors receive their portion of the sales. We also offer consignors the option to use store credit for an extra 10% off. We are an upscale kids’ consignment boutique and very particular with the brands we accept. More information can be found on our website at www.529kidsconsign. com. We also have a strong presence on social media @529kidsconsignloudoun. We post some of our amazing consignment items daily because we ship items all over the country in addition to catering to local parents who come into the boutique. What does being involved in Brambleton and the greater Loudoun community mean to you? I love living in Loudoun County as well as being a small business owner. I am so fortunate to live in one of the fastest growing counties in the nation. In addition, Brambleton is full of so many amazing people, so being here means everything to me! My goal is to become more and more involved in the surrounding communities and help give back to charity. I would also love to continue to connect with more local small businesses so that we can help each other grow. There are so many smart business owners out here, and I love to learn things from every interaction with them. What advice would you give to someone considering opening their own business? If you have a passion for something, go for it! Have a plan and understand your market! Having a convenient location is definitely key to being successful. Fortunately, there are so many great neighborhoods located within 5 miles of my store. Put an emphasis on quality and customer service to further set yourself apart from the pack. What is your favorite Brambleton spot? I would have to say AhSo Restaurant. I’m so impressed by their presentation and food. However, If my kids were asked this question, they would 100% say Blue Ridge Grill, which is another family favorite. Of course, we also love Go Bananas since it’s been our “go to” for kids gifts all year round. What is your favorite ice cream flavor? I’m not a big ice cream fan, but when I do eat it, I may like mint chocolate chip or custard for sure!
46
COMMUNICATIONS
Resident Spotlight: The Gilroy Family We spoke with Brambleton residents Monica and Mike Gilroy about their family's love for volunteering at Brambleton events, what being involved in the community means to them, and what some of their favorite Brambleton activities are! How long have you lived in Brambleton? What prompted you to choose Brambleton? We moved here in 2008 from Alexandria. We both, however, are natives of Pennsylvania. We were eight months pregnant with our second child living in temporary housing when we visited one of Brambleton’s events, and we had such a good time that we decided to look at homes here. What motivated you to begin volunteering at Brambleton events? We both feel that volunteering is a way to enjoy conversation and give back to the community. We believe in helping build strong support systems within the community. Community has given us strength to act and inspires us to be the best versions of ourselves we can be. We want to help make our community stronger for future Brambletonians. We have found good friends after attending and volunteering at events. What does being involved in the Brambleton community mean to you? Sometimes, with five kids, we operate on a day-to-day basis. Our motto is usually just to do a little better today than we did yesterday. We try to treat interruptions as opportunities. We feel that if everyone in the community stays engaged and involved, it can have profound positive effects. Caring is contagious. Community has a lot to do with what we put in and less about what we get out. Being involved, for us, means consistently choosing kindness and hard work. What Brambleton event does your family enjoy volunteering for the most? Everyone could probably agree that Fall Fest is the best event to volunteer for. The kids prefer helping set up for it, although this year they were on cleanup crew. It's like watching a giant chocolate cake be made for them and then watching it rise in the oven. They help it come together, and it makes it that much better. They can then appreciate what it takes to put one of these events together. Besides, who doesn't love funnel cakes and being spun around in circles on rides, especially in that order! What is your family’s favorite Brambleton activity? We honestly don’t think that our family could agree on one favorite Brambleton activity. Some of our favorites through the years have been the bike races and 5k’s. Our older kids say the opening of the Brambleton Library was epic. In fact, one of our kids still touts a piece of the ribbon from the library ribbon cutting. By attending Brambleton events, our kids have made many connections with multiple organizations that have helped encourage them to be the next generation of volunteers. What is a fun fact about your family? Fun facts are numerous for our family. Our favorite movie is Cheaper by the Dozen. Our kids eat insanely fast, like a school of piranhas, not wanting to get less than the other! Somebody is always in earshot when you yell for more toilet paper. With so many people in one house, there is always plausible deniability! When friends are over, they are treated as part of the family. Just like volunteering in the community, many hands in our house make light work.
BCA Website Redesign Coming in 2020! Brambleton Community Association's website, www.brambletonhoa.com, is currently being redesigned in order to best serve the needs of Brambleton residents and the community as a whole. This redesign is expected to be completed by mid-February 2020. Further updates will be communicated via the existing website and our social media channels. We look forward to sharing the new design with our community very soon! 47
Brambleton Community Association Magazine
Winter 2019-2020
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Not a solicitation for recipients in a brokerage relationship.
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How to Reach Us We Love to Hear from You! You can reach us anytime via email. Here is a short list of easy to remember email addresses. It is our goal to respond to all inquiries within one business day. If you have not received a reply, please contact us at 703-542-6263. HOA@brambleton.org
Start here and we'll be glad to help.
Operations@brambleton.org
Reach our Operations team for questions or concerns regarding BCA’s common areas, pools, or other facilities.
Communitystandards@ brambleton.org
To request attention to a concern or to request information about BCA’s Community Standards.
Designreview@ brambleton.org
For information regarding the Design Review process and to request or follow up on an application.
Events@brambleton.org
The best place to reach our amazing events team!
Programs@brambleton.org
Need info about a BCA program, summer camp, or activity?
Rentals@brambleton.org
Have questions about renting a community facility?
Communications@ brambleton.org
Contact us about all things communications, including social media, the Friday Flash, the Monthly Minute, or our Magazine.
Stop by and See Us!
Official BCA Communications www.brambletonhoa.com
Check Us out on Social Media "Like" Brambleton Community Association on Facebook and follow us on Twitter and Instagram at brambletonlife. You can also find our mobile app in the Apple App Store and Google Play by searching for Brambleton.
Please visit www.brambletonhoa. com/disclaimers for our publishing and media use disclaimers.
703-542-6263 (p); 703-542-6266 (f ) hoa@brambleton.org Office Hours: Monday - Friday, 9 AM - 5 PM Brambleton Community Association Magazine
A drop box is available after hours and is located outside of the BCA office building at 42395 Ryan Road. Residents may drop off design review applications, committee applications, etc. Monthly assessments are not accepted.
Important Disclaimers
42395 Ryan Road, Suite 210, Brambleton, VA 20148
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BCA Drop Box
Winter 2019-2020
WHERE OUR PATIENTS ARE OUR FAMILY
BROADLANDS FAMILY PRACTICE YOUR FAMILY BECOMES OUR FAMILY OUR SERVICES
Adult Medicine Diagnostic Services Medicare Wellness Minor Surgical Procedures Newborn through Young Adult Care Physical Therapy Saturday Hours Sports & School Physicals Telemedicine Visits Walk-In Clinic Weight Loss Clinic Women's Health
PHYSICIANS
Amy Sarver, PA-C
Amy Sinha, DO Anne Marie Craig, FNP-BC Benjamin Fox, MD Catrina Turner, FNP-BC Derek Yang, MD Erin Wells, FNP-C Jeffrey Cohn, MD, FAAFP Jennifer Wilder, MD K. Michael Rodriguez, MD, FAAFP Mary Renard, MD Natasha Simmons-Wyllie, MD Rachel Sparks, DNP-FNP Samuel Heisler, PA-C
Our practice is proud to have served the Ashburn and Brambleton communities since 2003. Our families live here and we are proud to call this community our home too. All of our Physicians, Nurse Practitioners, and Physician assistants are board certified and are dedicated to providing medical care which is specifically tailored to your needs and the needs of your family.
CONNECT ALL-ENCOMPASSING We are committed to and focused on delivering comprehensive high-quality care to the whole family. As family physicians, we treat the whole person - not just problems. The strength of family medicine is an ongoing personal patient-physician relationship focused on integrated care. With an emphasis on disease prevention and health promotion, family medicine aims to provide personal, comprehensive, and continuing care of the individual through every stage of life.
WWW.BROADLANDSFAMILYPRACTICE.COM
@BROADLANDSFAMILY PRACTICE #BFP
Brambleton Office 22895 Brambleton Plaza, #200 Ashburn, VA 20148 (703) 722-2312 Hours of Operation Monday – Friday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm Walk-in Hours 7:30 am – 3:45 pm Saturday Hours by appointment only 50 8:00 am – 12:00 pm
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Brambleton Community Association Magazine
Winter 2019-2020