Brambleton Magazine: Spring 2021

Brambleton Growing Families. Building Community. Connecting Life.

Brambleton Community Association Quarterly Publication

Moving Forward

Spring 2021

www.brambletonhoa.com

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A Fun, Full-Day Summer Experience for Children Primrose Summer Adventure Club Balances Fun and Learning for Children K-5 Every summer, many parents find themselves searching for camps and child care programs for their children. While there are many options available, finding the program that is the best fit for your family can be a challenge.

Weekly themes vary from engineering-focused to arts-related to sports-based, but each one nurtures leadership, good character, creative thinking and problem solving in a fun and natural way.

“The number of summer child care programs and day camps families have to choose from can be overwhelming,” says Mike Hummer, Franchise Owner of Primrose School at Moorefield Station. “The Primrose Summer Adventure Club makes the decision easy by offering such a great mix of activities that are fun for children but also naturally encourage summer learning through play and exploration.”

Some of the weekly themes children may explore this summer season include:

The Primrose Summer Adventure Club is designed to provide a fun, full-day experience for children. Each day has something for every adventurer, including time for outdoor play, interest-based activity zones, field trips and special projects.

Every week, these activities and experiences center on a new theme. The activities for each theme were developed by leading experts in early childhood education to ensure all programming is safe and designed for fun.

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Set It in Motion!

Be on the lookout for a masterpiece! We’re using claymation, stop-motion and more to learn all about digital art Crack the Code!

Do the robot! Our adventurers get hands on with problem-solving through programming—building robots and coding them to life.

Deep Sea Adventures What’s beneath the ocean? Just ask our adventurers as they explore a virtual sea through computer games and robot submarines they’ve programmed themselves!

As children play and explore each week, they discover new knowledge and make new friends along the way.

Learn more about the summer experience at Primrose School at Moorefield Station at PrimroseMoorefieldStation.com or call 703.726.9306.

Brambleton Community Association Magazine

Spring 2021

A MESSAGE FROM THE GENERAL MANAGER

Moving Forward

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am looking forward to the day when we as a community and a nation can successfully put the COVID-19 pandemic behind us. While a great deal of attention is deservedly devoted to addressing the impacts of COVID-19, including distributing vaccines and supporting economic recovery, many organizations and businesses have also been focused on the future needs of our local community and the Northern Virginia region. These changes, enhancements, and additions will positively impact our lives as our community conquers the virus over the next year.

The Brambleton Town Center and the Brambleton Group have worked hard to bring new commercial partners to Brambleton for our residents’ convenience and enjoyment. Recent Brambleton Town Center expansions include The Best Brains Learning Center and Galaria Plastic Surgery & Dermatology. AhSo Cellars, Great Clips, Himalayan Wild Yak, and a Shell Gas Station & Filling Co Gas & Grub will also join them at the Town Center over the next few months. Additionally, a Tropical Smoothie Cafe with drivethru service will be joining CVS at the Brambleton Corner Plaza. Our community has shown substantial support for Brambleton businesses during the pandemic, and there is no doubt that we will

continue to do so as business owners bring further dining and shopping options to Brambleton.

Perhaps the most significant opportunity to move our community forward will come with the extension of the Silver Line Metrorail to Ashburn. The Ashburn Metrorail Station, along with the rest of the Silver Line extension, is projected to be in operation by late summer of this year and will bring an additional transportation method to our region.

Work has progressed quicker than anticipated in part due to lower traffic volumes during the pandemic. The process of bringing this project together, from discussion to planning to funding to forthcoming completion, has been occurring for as long as I can remember as a Brambleton resident. I personally am looking forward to the first time I can take the Silver Line to visit my parents in Reston, and I am excited for the greater economic and transportation benefits that the extension will bring to our community.

Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic has renewed our appreciation and need for parks and other outdoor spaces.

Luckily there are a couple of park projects that are already occurring in our greater community. Loudoun County has been actively working on the Hal &

Berni Hanson Regional Park and is on schedule to open the park by spring of 2022. This 270-acre park will have amenities for everyone, including sports fields, trails, playgrounds, a skate park, fishing ponds, water features, and more.

Shortly after Hanson Park opens, NOVA Parks and Loudoun Water will construct the Beaverdam Reservoir Park which will open in 2023. These two parks will set Brambleton apart as one of the most outdoor-friendly communities in our region.

After living in and contributing to Brambleton for over 15 years, I cannot help but be proud of our community’s past growth and accomplishments and be inspired by our planned future enhancements. Brambleton continues to grow in ways that invite people from all walks of life to be members of our community. As our community moves forward, we must also look beyond ourselves to find ways to impact our community positively. Doing so will enhance our lives and bring us even closer together through both tough and exciting times.

Sincerely, Rick Stone, PCAM, LSM

Ashburn Metrorail Station on Metro Silver Line

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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 Brian Viola President

Samarendra Nandi Vice President

Jordan Crotty Treasurer

Susan Wolford Secretary

Meryl Bisaga Director

Anand Mohan Dharmapuri Director

Pat Martin Director

Management Office 42395 Ryan Road, Suite 210 Brambleton, VA 20148

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Moving Forward A MESSAGE FROM RICK STONE, GENERAL MANAGER Brambleton Community Association is focused on addressing the impacts of COVID-19 as well as supporting projects and developments that will positively impact Brambleton residents and the greater 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 Cover Photo Credit: Dulles Corridor Metrorail Project 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.

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Keeping the Community Engaged

Playing the Odds

BY CHRISTINE ELANSARY

The Community Standards department always strives to help residents better understand BCA's rules and Design Guidelines.

BCA has worked hard to create a flexible and exciting calendar of events and programs this year.

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Brambleton Community Association Magazine

Spring 2021

BY ANDREA DAO

ARTICLES

MEETINGS

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MESSAGE FROM THE GM

BCA Events Committee Update

Moving Forward

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INSIDE BCA

Keeping the Community Engaged

BCA Board of Directors

BCA Summer Camps

BCA Committees

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COMMUNITY VOICES

Ground Works: Spring Activity

Brambleton's Bluebird Trails

2021 Pool Season Preview

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HOME & GARDEN

Get Your Bram Life Pass

Bless This Home

Want to Be a Lifeguard?

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COMMUNITY STANDARDS

Townhome Grounds Maintenance

Playing the Odds

Love Where You Live!

Developer Update: What's New in Brambleton

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RESIDENT RESOURCES

30 COMMUNICATIONS

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GOVERNMENT RELATIONS

Assessment Payment Options

BCA Communications

Silver Line Metrorail: Phase 2 Update

EatLoco Farmers Market

Important Contact Information

Community Spotlight: Dulles South Food Pantry

15 LIFESTYLES

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SAFETY & SECURITY

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HOW TO REACH US

Safety Along Belmont Ridge Rd

Spring 2021 Events

BCA Board of Directors: Apr. 6 at 6 PM, June 8 at 8:15 AM Community Technology Committee: Apr. 6, May 4, June 1 at 7 PM Events Committee: Apr. 7, May 5, June 2 at 8 PM Covenants Committee: Apr. 12, May 10, June 14 at 7 PM Grounds & Facilities Committee: Apr. 13, May 11, June 8 at 7 PM Safety & Security Committee: Apr. 20, June 15 at 7 PM Financial Advisory Committee: Mar. 23, Apr. 27, May 25 at 7:30 PM

DMV Connect Can’t get to DMV? DMV is coming to you!

DMV Connect will be visiting Brambleton over the next few months in place of the DMV2GO mobile office unit.

Dates and appointment registration instructions will be provided at www.brambletonhoa.com/dmvconnect, on the BCA Facebook page, and in the Friday Flash.

DMV Connect offers: • REAL ID

• Vehicle registrations

• Drivers’ licenses

• E-ZPass transponders

• ID cards (adult and child)

• Compliance summaries

• Disabled parking placards

• Transcripts

• Vehicle titles

• Hunting and fishing licenses

• Address changes

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INSIDE BCA

BCA Board of Directors Back Row (l-r): Anand Mohan Dharmapuri - Director; Jordan Crotty - Treasurer; Samarendra Nandi - Vice President; Brian Viola - President Front Row (l-r): Pat Martin - Director; Susan Wolford - Secretary; Meryl Bisaga - Director

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 December 1, 2020, and February 2,2021, and took the following actions in accordance with its governing documents, state statute, and federal laws:

December 2020 & February 2021 Board Meetings: Approved the October and December 2020 Board Meeting Minutes.

Authorized staff to publish the draft November 17, 2020 Annual Meeting minutes for resident distribution to residents and website publication.

Approved the 2020 Financial Audit proposal with Johnson, Bremer & Ignacio, CPAs P.C. Approved the 2021 salary and wage increases and year-end bonus package for Association staff.

Elected Brian Viola as President, Samarendra Nandi as Vice President, Jordan Crotty as Treasurer, and Susan Wolford as Secretary.

Appointed Jordan Crotty, Susan Wolford, and Pat Martin to the Board’s 2021 Personnel Committee.

Approved the appointment of a resident as a member to the Covenants Committee.

Adopted the BCA Board Meeting Calendar for 2021.

Adopted BCA’s Full-time Wage & Salary Chart and Position Grades for 2021 with a 1.30% Cost of Living Adjustment.

Directed staff to draft a letter of support to Loudoun County regarding BCA’s safety concerns along Belmont Ridge Road.

Approved the 2021 insurance coverage as presented by USI and authorized the General Manager to sign off on the renewal on behalf of the Board.

Approved Homewise as the Association’s vendor for Resale Disclosure packets and PUD questionnaires and authorized the General Manager to execute the contract on behalf of the Board.

UPCOMING BOARD MEETINGS

Approved the expenditure of up to $60,000 of initial capital funds to purchase a slightly used skid steer (three years or newer, less than 1000 hours of use) and four attachments as requested by staff.

April 6 at 6:00 PM, June 8 at 8:15 AM, BCA Management Office

Approved a modified adopt-a-spot application with specific stipulations to allow an owner to plant ten trees in a common area.

Visit www.brambletonhoa.com or the BCA Facebook page for meeting schedule updates.

Copies of the completed and approved meeting minutes can be requested at hoa@brambleton.org.

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Brambleton Community Association Magazine

Spring 2021

INSIDE BCA

BCA Committees COMMUNITY TECHNOLOGY COMMITTEE Responsibility: Advising the Board on issues, concerns, and recommendations pertaining to technology issues that impact the greater community.

Meetings: First Tuesday of each month at 7 PM. Upcoming meetings: 4/6, 5/4, 6/1 Website: www.brambletonhoa.com/communitytech

EVENTS COMMITTEE Responsibility: Advising the Board and BCA staff on issues pertaining to new event idea development, developing ideas for volunteer and sponsorship programs, and more.

Meetings: First Wednesday of each month at 8 PM. Upcoming meetings: 4/7, 5/5, 6/2 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 at 7 PM. Upcoming meetings: 4/12, 5/10, 6/14 Website: www.brambletonhoa.com/covenants

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 at 7 PM. Upcoming meetings: 4/13, 5/11, 6/8 Website: www.brambletonhoa.com/grounds

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: Third Tuesday of every other month at 7 PM. Upcoming meetings: 4/20, 6/15 Website: www.brambletonhoa.com/safety

FINANCIAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE Responsibility: Reviewing financial reports and audits, monitoring investments, reviewing funding for capital projects, and developing financial policies and resolutions to recommend to the Board.

Meetings: Fourth Tuesday of each month at 7:30 PM. Upcoming meetings: 3/23, 4/27, 5/25 Website: 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

Ground Works: Spring Activity As a steward of the land, Brambleton Community Association and its contractors continually perform various upkeep and service tasks in order to maintain a healthy environment and a great-looking community. Here are a few highlights of services that will occur over the next few months:

Common Areas Geese Patrol of Ponds: Goose Rangers patrol community ponds on a daily basis from early February through the middle of June.

Spring Cleanup & Mulching: Spring cleanup is underway and will continue into May/June. Common area beds will have debris removed, bushes trimmed, and a fresh layer of mulch applied.

Fertilizer & Weed Control: A turf application will be applied to common areas throughout the community in March and April. A selective weed control and fertilizer combination will be applied to ensure that the grass is in prime condition for the spring and summer months.

Mowing & Edging: Mowing and edging in common areas will begin in late March (weather dependent).

Street Sweeping (Sand): Street Sweeping will take place in late March to aid in cleanup from the winter season. Residents will be notified through the Friday Flash regarding when the sweeper will be in their area.

Annual Flower Installation: Annual flower installations will take place in May.

Townhome Grounds Maintenance Program Mulching: All townhomes included in the Townhome Grounds Maintenance Program will have debris removed from landscape beds and a layer of mulch applied. This is a lengthy process that begins in February and could continue through May. Fertilizer & Weed Control: A turf application will be applied in March and April.

Mowing & Edging: Mowing and edging services will begin in late March/early April (weather dependent).

Timely details on services and specific dates will be communicated in upcoming editions of the Friday Flash, on the BCA website, and on the BCA Facebook page. Questions pertaining to these services can be emailed to operations@brambleton.org.

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Brambleton Community Association Magazine

Spring 2021

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INSIDE BCA

2021 Pool Season Preview Rick Stone, PCAM, LSM - General Manager

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he Brambleton Community Association summer pool season is just around the corner.

While we are looking forward to spending time at Brambleton pools this year, it is still unclear how COVID-19 will impact this pool season. What restrictions will the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Virginia Department of Health impose on public pool use this year? BCA continues to prepare for a full summer pool season as usual while staying informed on the ongoing impacts of COVID-19 and related mandates.

the bathhouse interior at Stratford Landing Pool is scheduled to be painted. Furthermore, guard rooms at all pools will receive minor upgrades and touch-ups.

Bram Life Passes Bram Life Passes are required for residents to enter pools. Owners and residents new to Brambleton, those who have moved within Brambleton over the last year, and renters will

Pool Repairs Several pool repairs are underway or are scheduled to be performed in the coming months in order to prepare for summer use. Repairs to the Beacon Crest main pool and spa filter systems have been completed. These repairs will improve the filtering and circulation of these amenities. These filter systems have also been upgraded from cartridge filters to sand filters for easier maintenance and operation. Additionally,

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Repair work performed at Beacon Crest Pool in December 2020

Brambleton Community Association Magazine

Spring 2021

need to register for passes. The BCA Management Office remains closed to visitors at this time, but residents can visit www.brambletonhoa.com/pools to register for passes and find more information.

COVID-19 Mandates Virginia COVID-19 mandates are likely to impact the use of pools this season.

Last year, state restrictions were issued with minimal notice, which required homeowners associations and other commercial pool operators to implement strict protocols that met mandates quickly. This year, pools are likely to open with capacity restricted to 2550%, mask wearing and sanitization required, guests restricted, and pool furniture unavailable. We remain hopeful that any significant state restrictions will be announced in a timely fashion and that our pools will return to normal operation as soon as possible. More information will be communicated to the Brambleton community as we get closer to the start of the pool season.

INSIDE BCA

Get Your Bram Life Pass Do you need a new Bram Life Pass or need to update your existing pass?

Bram Life Passes can currently be obtained online by sending required information to hoa@brambleton.org.

Completed passes will then be mailed to residents’ homes.

For all adults: A Photo ID is required, and verification of residency is also required if the ID does not have a Brambleton address. If you have settled on your Brambleton home within the last 30 to 60 days, please provide a copy of your settlement statement as well.

If you are renting: A copy of your current lease and a Letter of Permission form are required each year.

For everyone: • Clear individual headshot in jpeg format; no group shots please.

• Name • Birthdate • Emergency Contact phone number Visit www.brambletonhoa.com/pools for full Bram Life Pass registration details. Contact hoa@brambleton.org or call 703-542-6263 for more information.

Want to Be a Brambleton Lifeguard?

Do you want to be a lifeguard at a Brambleton pool this year?

Brambleton Community Association is partnering with Titan Pool Service to provide pool management at our pools this year, and lifeguarding opportunities are still available for interested applicants.

Titan Pool Service offers competitive wages and flexible schedules. The minimum age requirement is 15 years old. Applicants will need to be or become lifeguard certified, and training is available. Visit www.titanpools.com or call 703-361-3177 to apply and find more information.

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INSIDE BCA

Townhome Grounds Maintenance: Backyard Trimming Isaiah Marsh - Grounds & Facilities Supervisor

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rambleton Community Association has seen an increase in the number of questions and concerns related to trimming in the backyards of townhomes that participate in our Townhome Grounds Maintenance Program. Residents often contact BCA to let us know that a contractor has skipped trimming their yard after mowing or is doing a poor job of trimming. BCA staff reviews every concern and performs a site visit to the affected property as part of that review.

During these site visits, we typically observe two conditions. One observation is that residents report concerns while crews are still actively mowing and trimming their property. Weekly mowing and trimming of townhome properties is a process that can take hours to properly complete. Crews typically complete their mowing responsibilities first and then return to trim with commercial string trimmers. Once trimming is complete, clippings are then blown off of hard surfaces (sidewalks, streets, driveways). The typical timeline for this process is for the yard to be mowed at 9:00 a.m., trimmed at 2:00 p.m., and then have clippings blown at 5:00 p.m.

Also, severe weather can prevent completion of the full process in a single day. In these rare instances, services will be completed on the next service day.

The other commonly reported concern is poor trimming. Upon review of these reports, when it is determined that a yard was poorly trimmed or missed entirely, BCA will send its contractor back to the property to address the issue.

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However, in the majority of cases, we find that concerns are related to trimming around items that can be easily damaged.

concern. Second, the homeowner can perform changes to their landscaping around easily damaged items. These changes can include:

Why doesn’t BCA direct the contractor to closely trim around all items in my yard? BCA and its contractor do not provide trimming around structures, equipment, enhancements, or personal items that can be easily damaged by string trimmers as part of the grounds maintenance program. It is the property owner’s responsibility to address these areas.

• Incorporating gas meters, downspouts, or AC units into mulched foundation beds. Once these beds are created by the homeowner, BCA’s contractor will re-mulch them each spring.

What does BCA consider to be “easily damaged” items? The Association has asked its grounds contractor to leave a 3-6” gap near any “easily damaged” items. Easily damaged items are those containing wood, vinyl, plastic, PVC, plaster or acrylic stucco, aluminum, and some metals that come in direct contact with the grass. Some examples of easily damaged items include: • Deck posts, stairs, or lattices • Fencing and gates with less than a 3” gap from the ground • Raised gardens, outdoor furniture, toys and playhouses, recreational equipment, AC units, gas meters, sheds, and lawn equipment What can be done to minimize trimming against easily damaged items?

There are a couple of actions that can be taken to address these trimming concerns. First, the homeowner can perform their own trimming along areas of

Brambleton Community Association Magazine

Spring 2021

• Decks – Creating a mulched landscape bed around a first-story deck, building a patio under a second-story deck that contains deck posts, or installing pavers or concrete landings where deck steps descend to the yard.* • Fencing – Installing fencing with a 3” gap between the fence and ground, or installing a landscape bed along the interior perimeter of the fence.* *Please note that most exterior modifications, including patios and landings, require review and approval by the Covenants Committee prior to installation.

For more information, visit www.brambletonhoa.com/covenants.

Questions? More information regarding the Association’s Townhome Grounds Maintenance Program can be found at www.brambletonhoa.com/townhomegrounds. BCA staff is always willing to meet residents at their property to further discuss the program and also provide ideas on how residents can address their trimming concerns through landscape modifications. To set up an appointment, please email your request to operations@brambleton.org.

INSIDE BCA

Developer Update: What's New in Brambleton

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hile 2020 provided many challenges that no one saw coming, the Brambleton Town Center’s small business owners persevered with the fortitude they gained from the community’s unwavering support. Retail and office expansions successfully continued as planned in 2020.

Also, even more great businesses and developments will come to the Town Center and the Brambleton area in 2021.

from the Welcome Center (42395 Ryan Road, Suite 101).

Now Open

AhSo Cellars: Jason Maddens, AhSo Restaurant owner and chef, will debut AhSo Cellars this year. AhSo Cellars will be a boutique wine, beer, cheese, and charcuterie shop located a few doors down from the restaurant's current location. AhSo Cellars will have a bar for tasting and can be converted for midsize private events with restaurant catering available. A wine club, a “Build Your Cellar” program, and more are also planned at this location.

The Best Brains Learning Center: The Best Brains Learning Center has opened in the Brambleton Town Center at 22895 Brambleton Plaza, Suite P-104.

Best Brains is an enrichment program designed to enhance children's overall academic development to ensure their future success. Board-certified teachers work with each child on a weekly basis in a fun-filled, interactive learning environment.

Galaria Plastic Surgery & Dermatology: Dr. Noreen Galaria, MD has relocated her Brambleton office from a shared space inside Broadlands Family Practice to a newly renovated, full-service office across the hallway

Little Smiles Pediatric Dentistry: Dr. Jonathon Konz and his team at Little Smiles Pediatric Dentistry have relocated to a new location on the 3rd floor of the Brambleton Library building at 22850 Brambleton Plaza, Suite #320.

Coming in 2021

Great Clips: A Great Clips hair salon will be opening in the Brambleton Town Center in the former Hair Cuttery space.

Himalayan Wild Yak: Raised on a farm in Nepal, Himalayan Wild Yak owner Dip Raj Jarga Magar learned to cook from his

mother and grandmother and then went on to receive a hospitality degree from a Kathmandu university. Since 2011, he has worked in the DC restaurant scene, including the Michelin-Star Blue Duck Tavern. He is also is the owner of the acclaimed Royal Nepal Restaurant in Alexandria. Himalayan Wild Yak will occupy the first floor of the restaurant space adjacent to Fox Cinemas and is anticipated to open in late spring.

Ryan Rd & Olympia Dr Traffic Signal: Accessing the Town Center from the intersection of Ryan Rd and Olympia Dr will now be easier with the installation of a new traffic signal that VDOT anticipates being operational by this summer.

Shell Gas Station + Filling Co Gas & Grub: Progress is being made on the new Shell gas station in the Town Center with a projected late spring opening. There will also be a Filling Co Gas & Grub store offering freshly-prepared food and hand-crafted beverages.

Tropical Smoothie Cafe: A Tropical Smoothie Cafe with a drive-thru is coming to the Brambleton Corner Plaza at Evergreen Mills Rd at Northstar Blvd. A summer opening is anticipated.

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GOVERNMENT RELATIONS

Silver Line Metrorail: Phase 2 Update Marcia McAllister - Communications Manager, Dulles Corridor Metrorail Project

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he future Ashburn Metrorail Station is virtually complete.

Gleaming in the afternoon sunlight, the modernistic structure is a beacon of things to come when Phase 2 of the Silver Line Metrorail extension opens.

When will that take place? Later this year, hopefully in mid to late summer.

While overall construction is 99 percent complete, much work remains to be done. System work as well as testing must be done before Silver Line Phase 2 rail service can begin, connecting Ashburn to the region-wide rail system operated by the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA).

Charles Stark, senior vice president of the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority and rail project director, says the system should be complete and ready to turn over to WMATA in late spring.

WMATA then will spend about three months conducting final testing and training workers before opening.

Publicly WMATA has stated that it hopes to open in mid-summer. For information on WMATA's plans, contact Gregg Potts at WMATA at 202-580-9453.

When the system opens, all six Phase 2 stations will be opened together,

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pending any budgetary or social distancing adjustments.

Meanwhile, crews have completed the aerial guideway, traction power substations, train control rooms, stormwater ponds, miles of power facilities, a giant glass screen wall along the exterior of the Dulles Airport Station, pedestrian bridges leading from completed station entrance pavilions, and Art in Transit selection installations. A 90-acre rail yard has also been built on Dulles Airport property to serve the Silver Line and the entire WMATA system.

The project team continues to focus on testing and responding to issues that have been identified in testing to ensure that the project meets all WMATA requirements. In addition, completion of the complex tie-in of Phase 2 to the

Windscreen installed at Dulles Airport Station

Brambleton Community Association Magazine

Spring 2021

Phase 1 terminus just west of WiehleReston East Station is a huge undertaking, and the work requires weekend service outages at Phase 1 stations and coordination with WMATA. Several outages have been completed and another will be needed in late spring.

Project officials say it is not unusual for issues to arise when systems are connected in a project of this magnitude, and some have. While most issues raised over the years have been resolved and accepted by WMATA, a small number remain under review or have surfaced during testing. For example, cracks in concrete panels in station walls have been resolved by using a special sealant that will need to be done intermittently over the next 100 years and funded via escrow to be established by contractor Capital Rail Constructors. Fouled ballast in the rail yard has been replaced.

Remaining items include cross bonds and faulty station pavers.

Even though the Ashburn Station and the five other new stations in Phase 2 are not open, the positive economic impacts on nearby properties are being felt, even despite the COVID-19 pandemic. Project officials are confident that the opening of Silver Line Phase 2 will continue to boost the entire Dulles Corridor. To sign up for project updates, visit DullesMetro.com.

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LIFESTYLES

MARCH, APRIL, & MAY March 27 - April 4: Egg Hunt on the Trail

Spring 2021 Events

April 24: Step, Shred & Shed 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

April 24 - May 2: Biggest Catch Fishing Contest May 1: Spring Yard Sale 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM

May 15: Spring Neighborhood Campout* Times TBD

May 29: Spring Neighborhood Block Party* Times TBD

*Dates subject to change due to COVID-19 restrictions

BCA Events Committee Update The BCA Events Committee kicked off its first 2021 meeting on Wednesday, January 13.

With the new year ahead and everyone itching to get out and be active, the Committee is excited to help plan and brainstorm ideas for new events. With our 2021 events calendar coming into place, our hope is to add even more fun and unique events as we continue to assess COVID-19 restrictions moving forward. The Committee has been great to work with, and meetings have been a lot of fun. Every member is a resident volunteer who loves the Brambleton community and wants to be involved. They all add tremendous value to the Committee and are greatly appreciated.

Brambleton residents are always able to sit in during our meetings with the Zoom link provided in the Friday Flash. Meetings are scheduled to take place on the first Wednesday of each month at 8:00 p.m.

Any meeting changes or cancellations will be posted in the Friday Flash and on the BCA Facebook page.

For more information, please visit www.brambletonhoa.com/eventscommittee or send an email to events@brambleton.org.

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Brambleton Community Association Magazine

Spring 2021

LIFESTYLES

Keeping the Community Engaged Christine Elansary - Community Engagement Manager

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ith 2020 behind us, Brambleton Community Association has begun moving forward by developing the 2021 calendar of events and preparing for spring break and summer camp programs.

Although keeping the Brambleton community engaged last year presented many challenges, what we learned as a staff has helped us continue to develop events that work well with social distancing practices and other COVID-19 guidelines. When the COVID-19 pandemic arrived last March and forced us to cancel major events, we quickly adapted and began thinking of new and creative ways to bring the community together while seamlessly adjusting to our “new normal”.

When we developed this year’s calendar of events, we had to continue our adaptive approach and establish plans to make changes to events with very little notice. Virtual events require minimal, if any, changes, while events that involve physical gatherings need to be planned around possible attendance size restrictions, changes in venue, or even postponements. Depending on the COVID-19 restrictions in place

at the time of the affected events, we are prepared to make any necessary adjustments. In order to best adapt to ever-changing restrictions, we plan to advertise events only three months in advance for the near future.

As we move into the warmer months, we are hopeful that we can resume our Neighborhood Pop-Up movies and concerts in addition to neighborhood campouts and block parties. Once the number of people allowed to gather together is increased, Brambleton residents will also have an opportunity to reserve the new Block Party Trailer and host a party

Brambleton residents enjoying a Neighborhood Pop-Up Performance

on their street. This trailer will include tables, chairs, a grill, a giant four-in-arow game, cornhole boards, a Bluetooth speaker, and many more items. We are excited to make this new trailer available to residents, and we are very thankful for the Brambleton Group’s assistance in making this project a reality.

Spring break and summer camps will also return to Brambleton this year with a limited number of participants allowed. Kids will be able to enjoy classes for acting, sports, tennis, movie making, and more. Furthermore, as COVID-19 restrictions hopefully continue to be lifted, we will plan to resume community service projects and initiate family volunteering opportunities as well.

While we all can’t wait to see big outdoor festivals, concerts, and firework displays return to Brambleton, we are grateful that we have been able to maintain an active Lifestyles program and bring a sense of normalcy to the community throughout the pandemic. Our goal is to continue these efforts by providing an engaging and exciting series of events for the community to enjoy this year.

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BCA SUMMER CAMPS PROGRAM

DATES

TIME

LOCATION

Brambleton Soccer Camp

June 21 - June 24 June 28 - July 1 July 5 - July 8 July 12 - July 15 July 19 - July 22 July 26 - July 29

9:30am - 12:00pm

Corner Clubhouse Field

Drama Kids Spring Break

March 29 - April 2

9:00am - 4:30pm

Corner Clubhouse

Drama Kids

June 21 - June 25 June 28 - July 2 July 5 - July 9 July 12 - July 16 August 16 - August 20 August 23 - August 25

9:00am - 4:30pm

Corner Clubhouse

Luis Rosado Tennis Academy

June 21 - June 25 June 28 - July 2 July 5 - July 9 July 12 - July 16 July 19 - July 23 July 26 - July 30 August 2 - August 6 August 9 - August 13 August 16 - August 20

9:00am - 1:00pm

Creighton West Tennis Courts

Overtime Athletics

June 16 - June 18 June 21 - June 25 June 28 - July 2 July 5 - July 9 July 12 - July 16 July 19 - July 23 July 26 - July 30 August 2 - August 6 August 9 - August 13 August 16 - August 20

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Play-Well TEKnologies

Silver Knights Enrichment

9:00am - 5:00pm Before Care: 8:00am drop-off After Care: 5:30pm pickup

Community Center Main Level

July 26 - July 30

9:00am - 12:00pm (ages 5-7) 1:00pm - 4:00pm (ages 8-12)

Community Center Lower Level

June 21 - June 25 August 2 - August 6 August 9 - August 13 August 16 - August 20 August 23 - August 25

9:00am - 4:00pm

Community Center Lower Level

Brambleton Community Association Magazine Spring 2021 For detailed information and to register for current programs, please visit www.brambletonhoa.com/programs.

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18

COMMUNITY VOICES

Brambleton's Bluebird Trails Ken Dzombar - Brambleton Bluebird and Garden Club

B

rambleton residents may have noticed various bird houses along our community’s trails. These are commonly referred to as Bluebird Boxes. These boxes provide places for our indigenous songbirds to shelter on very cold nights and nest during the nesting season. Boxes are managed by volunteers in the Brambleton Bluebird and Garden Club (BBGC) and strategically placed on our trails for easy access by foot and bike.

The BBGC was formed in 2008 to devote volunteer efforts to the establishment and monitoring of Eastern Bluebirds in our fast-growing community. With the loss of their natural habitat, local Bluebirds and other birds were attempting to use resident mailboxes for nesting. The BBGC now manages seven trails with 70 bird boxes throughout the Brambleton community, including the new Birchwood community trail with 14 boxes. Due to the BBGC’s efforts, 1312

Bluebirds, 148 Chickadees, 941 Tree Swallows, and 105 Wrens have been successfully fledged to date. Our monitor data is compiled yearly and used in a countywide total by the Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy county coordinator which is then provided to the Virginia Bluebird Society.

Bermúdez Guerrero is currently undertaking an Eagle Scout Project to build ten new two-hole mansion Bluebird boxes for our trails. He will procure funding, purchase materials, build the boxes, and establish a trail by the end of March.

These Scouts’ efforts will help local songbirds and promote our community.

Local Support

Bluebird History

Local Girl Scout Troop 70031 recently donated four new boxes to the Bunker Woods Place pond trail. The troop wanted to make a difference in our local community and had the opportunity to learn about Bluebird nesting and the BBGC’s monitoring activities. They earned the Bronze Award for their project by raising funds, purchasing and building the boxes, and installing them on the trail.

Hayley, one of the participating Girl Scouts, expressed that “it was an experience to remember and it taught me a lot about leadership, the birds in our environment, and how to get things done.” Additionally, Boy Scout Mario

During Colonial times, the Bluebird was as common as the American Robin.

Then, from the 1920s to the 1970s, the Bluebird population severely dropped, almost to extinction. This was due to loss of habitat, use of herbicides and pesticides, invasive species (English Sparrows and European Starlings), and predators (raccoons, snakes, cats, black bears, and chipmunks). Bluebirds are currently protected under the Protection of Birds Act (1975).

Girl Scout Hayley Schloer installing one of four bird boxes built by her troop

19

Brambleton Community Association Magazine

Bluebird hatchlings

Spring 2021

Want to Volunteer?

The BBGC is always seeking volunteers to assist with monitoring. The group currently has 12 monitors and could use 12 to 16 more. This is a great opportunity for families and individuals to participate in monitoring efforts while assisting songbird survival. The BBGC is also in need of volunteers to help manage and promote the group’s efforts.

The group gathers socially about 2 or 3 times a year to exchange ideas and share wine and cheese. To learn more about how to volunteer with the BBGC, visit the "Brambleton Bluebird & Garden Club" Facebook group page.

HOME & GARDEN

Bless This Home Saroj Lamba - Resident Services Advisor

I

n Indian culture and history, the entrance to a home is incredibly important. Owning your own home is a blessing and a lifetime dream in India.

Sometimes two to three generations of a family live and enjoy life together in that home. When our family moved into our new home in Brambleton a few years ago, we were filled with excitement, happiness, and hope.

It is a traditional practice in India to perform puja (prayers) when building a house or moving into a new home. The entrance of the home is the barrier between the outside polluted world and the pure interior of your home. It is very common, especially amongst Hindus, to perform a traditional housewarming ceremony called Gruhapravesam.

Homeowners decorate their doorways with garlands or torans (sacred gateways) to bring positive energy into their new home, ward off evil spirits, and invite Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth.

Before the beautifully designed torans of the modern era became popular, fresh mango leaves were used as torans in southern India and fresh marigold flower torans were used in the northern part of India.

Indians strongly believe that the entrance of their home is a preview of the inside home. Vastu shastra is an ancient guide for creating a positive vibe throughout the home, not just at the entrance but also in the kitchen, bedrooms, bathrooms, and outdoor spaces.

For a house to become a home, it needs to radiate the right kind of energy.

According to traditional beliefs, each home comes with its own energy type. A person dwelling in a house comes under the influence of a specific energy field which in turn influences their thoughts or actions. It is very crucial to understand the link between the healing art of vastu shastra and a home in order to bring positivity and lead a happy life.

not only for the family but also for energy. The main door to a home should be constructed with superior-quality wood and should be appealing. To bring energy to a home, Indians avoid placing the following items at the front door: fountains (or other decorative water elements), shoe racks, trash bins, and animal statues or figurines. They also refrain from painting the front door black or building a restroom near the main entrance. Instead, they decorate the door with beautiful name plates and auspicious torans. They also ensure that the main door opens in a clockwise direction and has ample light from sun during the daytime and bright outdoor lighting during the nighttime.

According to vastu shastra, the main entrance to a home is the entry point

Vastu shastra and other traditional practices hold significant meaning for Indians living all around the world. They also encompass universal concepts of valuing one’s home and bringing positive energy into one’s life that can be appreciated by everyone. No matter your approach, taking the time to create a welcoming home life for yourself and others is an admirable and fulfilling endeavor.

Marigold Toran (Northern India)

20

COMMUNITY STANDARDS

Playing the Odds: Decrease Your Chances of Receiving a Violation Andrea Dao, CMCA, AMS - Community Standards & Administration Manager

I

mproved communication is probably one of the most important factors in reducing violations in a homeowners association. Reading or understanding an association's governing documents can often seem overwhelming to new homeowners, and they may not take the time to thoroughly review these documents. To take some of the stress out of receiving a violation, Brambleton Community Association’s Community Standards department makes every effort to first send out a courtesy email or friendly reminder before sending formal violation letters.

If you are a homeowner in Brambleton, it is important to make sure you are aware of BCA’s rules and Design Guidelines. A large portion of the Community Standards department’s time is used to enforce violations, which comes at a cost to every resident and the Association as a whole. Below is a list of the most common examples of violations in Brambleton; awareness of these situations may help homeowners avoid receiving notices of non-compliance.

Trash: Did you know trash and recycling toters should be stored out of view of neighboring properties at all times, except on scheduled pickup days? Placing your trash cans out too early or leaving them out after collection day can attract unwanted wildlife and make a neighborhood look unkept. If your toters are too big for your garage, smaller toters can be requested through BCA. More information is available on our website at www.brambletonhoa.com/trash.

Pets: Brambleton outlines pet restrictions in our Pet Policy Resolution # 7, which can be found at www.brambletonhoa.com/governingdocuments.

Restrictions include keeping pets on leashes, curtailing excessive barking,

21

and proper disposal of pet waste. Please be considerate and responsible by always keeping your dog on a leash and picking up after your pet.

Resolution #6 and in the Declaration for Brambleton under Section 8.1(n) Vehicles at www.brambletonhoa.com/ governingdocuments.

Holiday Decorations: Surprise!

Keeping Christmas decorations up until Easter is not permitted. Christmas or winter decorations may be placed out as early as the day after Thanksgiving and may remain on display until January 15.

Exterior decorations for all other holidays may be placed out no earlier than 30 days in advance of the holiday and must be removed no later than 14 days after the holiday. More details can be found in our Design Guidelines at www. brambletonhoa.com/designguidelines.

Rentals/Leasing: Think twice before leasing out your house. Brambleton does not allow short-term rentals. Using your home as a hotel, Airbnb or Vrbo rental, or other transient purpose is also not permitted. Additionally, no part of your garage may be converted into a living space or used for anything other than its constructed purpose. This is clearly outlined in the Declaration under Section 8.5(a) Leasing and Section 8.2(bb) Garages, also found at www.brambletonhoa.com/governingdocuments.

Landscaping: Homeowners are responsible for how their yard looks. BCA’s Property Maintenance Standards address grass height, overgrown lawns, weeds, unkept landscape beds, and mulch. Wish to add, remove, or replace landscaping? Please check with us to determine what types of trees, plants, and shrubs are allowed and where they can be placed. Property Maintenance Standards can be found at www.brambletonhoa.com/propertymaintenance.

Also, Landscaping Design Guidelines can be found at www.brambletonhoa. com/landscaping.

Exterior Modifications: Brambleton has strict rules about changing the appearance of or making modifications to the exterior of your home. Decisions such as painting your house or adding a patio, deck, shed, or play equipment require review and approval from the Covenants Committee. Did you know our office processes over 1,000 Design Review applications a year? Please plan ahead to allow time for this step. The average application process takes four to six weeks from submission to approval. Please do not schedule contractors prior to receiving approval from the Covenants Committee. Applications can be found at www.brambletonhoa.com/ designreview.

Vehicles: Did you know that commercial vehicles are not permitted to be parked overnight in Brambleton? BCA often gets calls about commercial vehicles as well as abandoned or derelict vehicles parked in driveways and in common area parking spots. Depending on where the vehicle is parked and what the issue is, it may receive a Brambleton ticket, a Brambleton violation, or a visit from the Loudoun County Sheriff ’s Office. Detailed information on vehicles can be found in Brambleton Policy

Brambleton Community Association Magazine

Spring 2021

BCA always strives to find more effective and efficient ways to serve the community. We also aim to enhance communication with residents in order to expand their knowledge and understanding of BCA’s rules and Design Guidelines. Increased comprehension will hopefully lead to decreased violations and an even more beautiful Brambleton.

Love Where You Live!

Inspections Calendar To aid us in our inspection goals, our office has implemented a new software called Smartwebs. This GPS based software is uniquely designed to speed up the property management inspection process and provide more timely notifications to our residents. Some of the inspections scheduled for the upcoming year are: • Monthly: Trash, Comprehensive Lot Inspections by Section, Follow-up Non-Compliance Inspections • Quarterly: Exterior Lighting Inspections for Proper Operation (Community-Wide) • Spring: Grass Inspections, Common Area Encroachment Inspections, Follow-up Non-Compliance Inspections • Summer: Mulch/Landscape Bed Maintenance, Tree and Shrub Inspections, Grass Inspections, Comprehensive Inspections, Follow-up Non-Compliance Inspections • Fall: Grass Inspections, Comprehensive Inspections, Follow-up Non-Compliance Inspections • Winter: Post-Approval Inspections, Comprehensive Inspections, Holiday Decoration Inspections

Mulch Must-Knows The best mulch can make all the difference in your landscaping. Shredded bark is one of the most common and least expensive types of mulch. It is also one of the best mulch types to use on slopes, and it breaks down relatively slowly. Mulch should be refreshed yearly in your landscaped flower beds.

There are a number of advantages to adding mulch to your garden. In the summer, mulch helps the soil hold moisture so you don't have to water your garden as often. Mulch protects the soil from direct sunlight; otherwise the soil can dry out and harden. By adding a thick layer of mulch, you'll also ensure that any weeds never see the light of day!

• Bram Tip: While a concentrated layer of mulch is ideal, don't overdo it. 2-4 inches is the ideal depth for a mulch layer.

• Did You Know? Only black and brown colored mulch is allowed within Brambleton. Red or other brightly colored mulch and rubber mulch products are not permitted.

• Don’t Forget: The use of river rock needs prior approval from the Covenants Committee. The river rock must be natural colored and 2-3 inches in diameter. Limited use of river rock will be considered to mitigate drainage concerns. It may not be used as primary ground cover. Also, pea gravel and white chipped rock are not permitted materials.

Battle of the Weeds Weeds are one of a gardener's worst enemies. They take over your garden's water supply with no shame, killing off your beloved plants and flowers. Many gardeners think grabbing weeds and yanking them gets the job done, but this can actually do more harm than just leaving them by enabling the weeds to spread. To make weeding even easier, do it when the soil is moist. Dry, hard soil is tougher for getting those roots out of the ground.

• Short Weeds: Low weeds can spread like crazy around your garden. To control them, get your hand underneath the foliage and feel around for where the stems come out of the ground. Use a trowel to dig under the roots and pull them up. Be sure to clean up any leaves when digging, as the leaves themselves can further spread weed growth.

• Tall Weeds: Tall, longer weeds are a little more straightforward in their removal. Grab the stem as close to the ground as you can and pull up. Use a trowel to assist; dig as deep below the root as you can and lever the weed out of the ground.

• Taproot Weeds: Taproot weeds are tricky; they have one large root that can extend as far as a foot beneath the soil's surface. The most common taproot weeds you'll find in your garden are dandelions. To get rid of these weeds, you'll definitely need a trowel or weeder. Sink the tool under the ground next to the base of the plant. Then, wiggle it toward the weed, which will help pop the roots out of the ground without breaking them.

22

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. Please reference your account number or property address, or include the payment coupon, to ensure the payment is properly recorded.

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.

Monthly Assessments

• Direct Debit: The owner authorizes withdrawal of the monthly recurring assessment amount from a designated checking or savings account. Owners can sign up for Direct Debit service online at www.clickpay.com/firstservice.

2021

• 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).

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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. Please email hoa@brambleton.org for more information or to request online access to your account.

23

Brambleton Community Association Magazine

Spring 2021

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24

RESIDENT RESOURCES

BCA Resale Disclosure Packet

Please note: BCA will change its Resale service provider in early April. Please visit www.brambletonhoa.com for updates.

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 to date information.

The available formats are:

The available delivery timeframes 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.

• Standard - Packet is sent 14* calendar days from the order date. Fee is included.

• Printed (hardcopy) format • Update (available within 1 year of the initial order)

• Rush - If the Association is able to accommodate a rush order, the packet is sent 5* calendar days from the order date.

• Update with inspection (available within 1 year of the initial order) *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.

Notary Public Services

BCA Certificate of Insurance

Notary services have been temporarily suspended.

Visit www.brambletonhoa.com for updates.

Requests for Certificates of Insurance are fulfilled by BCA’s Insurance broker. To obtain a Certificate of Insurance, 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.

BCA offers Notary Public services for residents. Here are a few tips to help make your notary experience easy: • Notary services are available by appointment only. This allows staff to be ready and available to provide your requested service. Please email hoa@ brambleton.org or call 703-542-6263 to schedule an appointment.

Lender Questionnaires

• 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.

• 3 business-day turnaround - $100.00

• All documents must be written in English.

Witnessing on documents is not provided by BCA. 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.

25

Brambleton Community Association Magazine

Requests for completion of lender questionnaires for single family and townhomes located within Brambleton are fulfilled by BCA staff. The cost for completion of either a Uniform Mortgage Questionnaire or a Lender-Specific Mortgage Questionnaire is as follows: • 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 and/or payment 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.

Assessment Account Payoff Payoff details and financial update requests are processed and fulfilled via WelcomeLink on behalf of the Association. Please place your request through WelcomeLink's webpage at www.fsresidential.com/corporate/resale-and-lender-documents. For further assistance, contact WelcomeLink at 888-679-2500.

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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 Ashburn Post Office: 44715 Prentice Dr 703-406-6291

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

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

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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

Spring 2021

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SAFETY & SECURITY

Safety Along Belmont Ridge Rd Rick Stone, PCAM, LSM - General Manager

S

afety issues along the section of Belmont Ridge Rd (BRR) that passes through Brambleton have been recognized for over fifteen years.

Specific problems have been addressed over time, but overall safety concerns remain. Brambleton Community Association has worked with Loudoun County and the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) to improve conditions over the years. Nevertheless, significant and lasting solutions have not yet been implemented for multiple reasons.

One approach to solving safety concerns along BRR in Brambleton has been the installation of traffic lights at multiple intersections, but these lights have produced mixed results. After traffic lights were installed at the intersection of BRR and Ryan Rd, and then at BRR and Creighton Rd, vehicle accidents still continued to occur. With recent requests to install a traffic light at BRR and Legacy Park Dr, it can be assumed that similar results may also transpire at this location.

The main issue with the installation of traffic lights along BRR is that the affected intersections now function almost as dragstrips, with “Christmas tree” starting lights hanging above two lines of cars anxiously awaiting the switch to green. Drivers often press the accelerator as soon as the light turns green and weave from one lane to the other, looking to pass and cut off each other. Safety concerns along BRR from Northstar Blvd to Evergreen Mills Rd

29

will require more solutions than additional traffic lights.

Perhaps the biggest problem with the Brambleton segment of BRR is that it is no longer considered a County arterial road but remains signed as such. It is in fact a community collector road.

The Loudoun County Transportation Plan calls for BRR to be a “Level 6 Minor Collector Road” with a 35-mph speed limit and a bicyclist and pedestrian-friendly design connected to parks, schools, and other community amenities. In reality, BRR is signed and striped as a “Major Arterial Road” with a 45-mph posted speed limit. For reference, this is the same classification as the segment of Loudoun County Pkwy that passes by data centers. These classification discrepancies, and the 45-mph speed limit in particular, have prevented substantive safety enhancements from being implemented within our community.

BCA recently brought its concerns to Blue Ridge District Supervisor Tony Buffington and requested a meeting to discuss them comprehensively. Buffington then held a meeting with BCA , Loudoun County Board of Supervisors Chair Phyllis Randall, VDOT, the Loudoun County Department of Transportation and Capital Infrastructure, the Loudoun County Public Schools Transportation Division, and Virginia Delegate Suhas Subramanyam to discuss these concerns and previous improvement efforts in detail. After a lengthy discussion, it was

Brambleton Community Association Magazine

Spring 2021

determined that a comprehensive safety and operational study was needed to review the existing conditions and possible enhancements for BRR. BCA has sent a request to Loudoun County to perform this study. The County will review, discuss, and hopefully approve the request at a Board of Supervisors meeting later this spring.

Once approved, the County and VDOT desire “normal” traffic conditions to perform this study. As a result, the study could be further delayed by the impacts of reduced traffic due to the COVID-19 pandemic. A more specific timeline will be determined once the study has been approved.

Performance of this study will not be a quick process, and there are no guarantees. Once the study is completed, next steps will be discussed and considered.

Enhancements to BRR could be as minimal as a speed limit decrease or the installation of additional crosswalks.

Another result could be the implementation of a “road diet” (lane reduction or rechannelization) as VDOT has successfully done in Reston on South Lakes Dr, Lawyers Rd, and similar four-lane community collector roads. In the meantime, BCA will continue to work with the Loudoun County Sheriff ’s Office to enforce safe practices. We also ask all Brambleton residents to drive on BRR as if they lived facing the street. Patience will be necessary as we work with VDOT and the County to improve safety along this vital road in our community.

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.

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 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.

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 "Stay Connected" button at www.brambletonhoa.com and following the instructions.

BCA's Stay Connected email 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.

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!

#Bramlife Videos We launched this video series in May 2017 to inform residents about everything happening in Brambleton. These videos cover topics including community news, events, and programming. We post our #Bramlife 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.

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COMMUNICATIONS

Community Spotlight: DSFP

We spoke with Meg Phillips, Executive Director of the Dulles South Food Pantry (DSFP), about their work to help the local community during the COVID-19 pandemic, how the community has also come together to support their efforts, and more. Visit www.dsfp.org for more information on their services.

How has DSFP worked to help the local community during the COVID-19 pandemic? In March 2020, when COVID-19 first hit, we scrambled to put together a distribution plan where we could safely continue to serve guests when they needed us the most. And need us they did! We saw a 20% increase in our guest count during the first three weeks after we implemented a “curbside” distribution model that is still currently in place. Self-sufficiency is very important to our mission at DSFP, so as you can imagine, our Self-Sufficiency Coordinator has worked hard during the pandemic to connect our guests with job opportunities and access to services that they may not have needed prior to COVID-19.

What steps has DSFP has taken to address need while safely collecting and distributing items? We immediately called on our amazing staff and a few volunteers to create our "safe bubble" to continue operations while keeping our health as a priority. Our limited number of staff members and volunteers load food directly into the trunks of our guests' cars while wearing masks and practicing social distancing measures. We also have a contactless curbside donation drop-off model, and for those who request tax receipts, we safely collect their contact information outside of our building. Volunteer opportunities primarily include driver routes and off-site donation collection due to the limited number of people we can have in our building. The community has become very creative by safely preparing meal kits and toiletry kits and by conducting fresh produce drives for their neighbors in need.

How important is community support is to the function of DSFP? Community support has always been important to the function of DSFP. Typically, over 80% of the food we distribute comes in through community donations. Hence our tagline of Neighbors Feeding Neighbors! However, 2020 took the importance of that support to a new level. The community responded immediately and provided whatever was needed, from monetary support, PPE, and bags for packing food, to milk, fresh produce, lean meat (even ostrich meat!), and loads of non-perishable food items. This unwavering support from the community continues today. In addition, our building is currently undergoing a renovation that will help us better serve those in need in our community. This renovation is happening due to the generosity and leadership of NVR and over 30 other organizations and will take approximately three to four months to complete. The Arcola Volunteer Fire Department also answered our call for space and is graciously hosting us on their property at Stone Springs Boulevard during this time.

Where are your DSFP donation drop-off boxes located? How do they assist with donation collection? We have six primary community drop-off boxes. They are located at the Brambleton Community Association Management Office, the Stone Ridge Club House, the South Riding Town Hall, and the Dulles South Multipurpose Center. We also have collection boxes at the Dulles Landing Walmart and the South Riding Giant. These community locations are extremely valuable to us as they allow the community to deliver donations at almost any time of day. With our limited hours of operation to receive donations, these collection boxes provide flexibility for our donors as well as volunteer opportunities for community members to transport donations to our temporary location.

How many donations did DSFP receive in 2020? How many volunteers assisted with your efforts? In 2020, we distributed 491,051 pounds of food to the community. As a point of comparison, in 2019 we distributed 284,450 pounds of food. Almost 100,000 pounds of food alone were collected through Community Food Drives in 2020. Also, even with the need to limit volunteers in our building during the pandemic, 613 volunteers provided 7,464 hours of service. We are blown away by the community’s support!

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Brambleton Community Association Magazine

Spring 2021

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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.

Communications@ 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?

Have questions about renting a community facility?

BCA Management Office

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

Official BCA Communications

Important Disclaimers

42395 Ryan Road, Suite 210, Brambleton, VA 20148

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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.

Contact us about all things communications, including social media, the Friday Flash, our videos, or our Magazine.

Designreview@ brambleton.org

Rentals@brambleton.org

BCA Drop Box

Spring 2021

FOR KIDS Fueling their hungers and their dreams!

A & A Music

Best Brains

Bella Ballerina

Go Bananas

BurgerIM

A & A Music - Offering virtual lessons | 702-722-2242 Bella Ballerina - Offering ballet, jazz and tap lessons for ages 18 mo - 10 yrs old | 703-420-3022 Best Brains Learning Center - Now enrolling students | 571-386-0000 BurgerIM Brambleton - Order in-store, online, by text (Burgerim 100 to 63975) or by phone 703-327-8505 Go Bananas Toy Store - Shop in-store or online (curbside pickup available!) | 703-327-1900

WWW.BRAMBLETON.COM/TOWNCENTER

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SHOP LOCAL AT BRAMBLETON TOWN CENTER Thank you for continuing to support our retailers and restaurants into the New Year!

NOW OPEN YEAR ROUND! Shop for local and seasonal produce: fruits and vegetables, baked goods, meat, eggs, flowers, dairy products and artisanal gifts every Sunday 9am-1pm at the Brambleton Town Center.

A&A Music Costa Family Dentistry AhSo Restaurant Dragon Yong-In AhSo Cellars (Coming Soon) Eclips Salon & Day Spa Animal Medical Centers of Loudoun Edible Arrangements Asian Spice Cafe Fairfax Pediatric Associates Associates for Counseling Services Filling Co. Gas & Grub (Coming Soon) B&T Dry Cleaners G3 Technologies Bella Ballerina Galaria Plastic Surgery & Best Brains Learning Center Dermatology Bloō Dental Go Bananas Toy Store Blue Ridge Grill Good Dog Rocky Brambleton Community Association Great Clips (Coming Soon) Brambleton Library Harris Teeter Broadlands Family Practice Himalayan Wild Yak (Coming Soon) BurgerIM Illusions Hair Salon & Spa California Tortilla InSight Eye Optique Cold Stone Creamery Jackson Clinics Physical Therapy Commonhealth Chiropractic Knutson Companies 35 Brambleton Community Association Magazine Spring 2021 42395 RYAN RD. BRAMBLETON, VA 20148

Levo Nails & Spa Little Smiles Pediatric Dentistry My Thai Place Nick’s Taverna Northern Virginia Orthodontics NVO Center for Invisalign Onelife Fitness Peet’s Coffee & Tea Regal Fox Cinemas IMAX 4DX Scotto’s Rigatoni Grill Shell Gas Station (Coming Soon) Starbucks Subway Sweetfrog Frozen Yogurt The UPS Store Verizon Wireless Center Virginia ABC Store Welcome Center www.brambleton.com/towncenter