Brambleton Growing Families. Building Community. Connecting Life.
Brambleton Community Association Quarterly Publication
We Are Better Together
Winter 2021-2022
www.brambletonhoa.com
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Raising a Socially Responsible Child
High-Quality Preschool
Premier preschool focuses on raising compassionate, caring children All parents want their children to develop traits such as compassion, generosity and kindness, but just like math and reading skills, the traits associated with being a socially responsible person must be nurtured and developed over time. The earlier these softer skills are fostered in young children, the more likely they are to be successful in school and life. Social and emotional development begins at birth, and the brain develops more rapidly during the first five years of life than at any other time. Cultivating character traits that lead to social responsibility such as caring, honesty and cooperation during this time is just as important as building the foundation for traditional academic skills. That’s why character development is an integral part of our exclusive Balanced Learning® curriculum at Primrose Schools®. “It’s our goal to help children build the foundation they need to grow into happy, successful individuals,” said Mike Hummer, Franchise Owner of Primrose School at Moorefield Station. “Nurturing good character is an important part of that mission. Character lessons are woven through our program and daily classroom experiences to help children learn about social responsibility and apply specific character traits to authentic situations.”
Character development has been a part of Primrose’s approach to learning since the company’s inception more than 30 years ago. Today, children learn about character every day through books, discussions, art projects, puppet play, games and role playing. For example, the Primrose Friends puppets help teach children traits like responsibility, honesty, caring and cooperation. Og® the Bookworm represents caring and reminds children through class discussions, literature and role playing to be kind to others, show appreciation, and help others when they can. Teachers also read books to children that convey important life lessons through relatable characters and story lines. Children are encouraged to think of real examples and make connections to their own lives. In addition to classroom activities, Primrose® provides hands-on learning experiences to help children develop character traits like caring and generosity. Activities include collecting books for children in need, doing chores at home to raise money to purchase canned goods for local food banks, and collecting items for local animal shelters. This kind of experiential learning helps children learn first-hand the joy of giving back and helping others.
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 2021-2022
Experiences Lead to Future Success in School and Life
A MESSAGE FROM THE GENERAL MANAGER
Association Transparency
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ransparency is critical in maintaining a positive relationship between homeowners associations (HOAs) and their owners and residents. Merriam-Webster defines transparency as "the quality that makes something obvious or easy to understand." HOA managers, advocates, and specialists have expanded on transparency as it pertains to this industry. From an HOA perspective, transparency is being open about actions, developments, and spending; being clear about rules; having forums for discussions; providing access to records and documents; and communicating on multiple fronts. Brambleton Community Association has strived to maintain transparent operations since its inception. BCA strives to be transparent in the following ways: • Actions, Developments, and Spending: All BCA Board of Directors and committee meetings are open to owners. Board meeting packets are posted before meetings. The Board and committees act in open session. Finances are discussed at the committee and Board levels. Resident involvement and input are solicited. • Rules: BCA rules and guidelines are provided before settlement, are located on the BCA website and in the
FSR Connect Resident Portal, and are available upon request. Residents' input is solicited when changes are considered. Warning notices for violations are typically provided before actual violations are enforced. There is a clear and fair appeal process. Staff is available for questions and consultation. • Discussion Forums: Staff and Board members are available to meet with residents. Resident forums are held at the beginning of every Board and committee meeting. Town Hall meetings and design charrettes are held for major community issues or capital projects. • Records and Documents: Open access to the BCA website is provided for general information. Passwordprotected access is provided through FSR Connect for account information, meeting minutes, financial reports, budgets, and governing documents. Residents can also request documents and records from staff. • Communications: BCA communicates through its website, quarterly magazine, Friday Flash weekly email message, other community-wide and targeted emails, social media accounts, videos, text messages, banners and "A-frame" signs, an electronic
Helpful BCA Resources Phone: 703-542-6263 Email: hoa@brambleton.org Website: www.brambletonhoa.com
message board, and US mail. Staff also communicate directly with residents via emails, phone calls, and one-onone meetings. We all want the best for the Brambleton community. Transparency is the best practice and is in the best interest of everyone in the Association – owners, residents, volunteers, leaders, and staff. Being transparent encourages involvement, establishes trust, and limits conflict. Transparency is not a one-way street. Transparency requires effort and understanding from all parties involved. BCA can provide the above practices, methods, and tools, but if there is no effort to access, read, or understand the information, then transparency will break down. Helpful resources for Association-related information can be found in the left table.
Facebook: www.facebook.com/brambletoncommunityassociation
If you have any questions regarding where to find specific information, send us an email or give us a call. BCA staff is here to assist you, and we look forward to helping you.
YouTube: www.youtube.com/c/brambletoncommunityassociation
Sincerely, Rick Stone, PCAM, LSM
FSR Connect Resident Portal: bca.connectresident.com
Twitter & Instagram: @brambletonlife 2
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
Susan Wolford Vice President
Jordan Crotty Treasurer
Anand Mohan Dharmapuri Secretary
Ravi Balaram Director
Rosemarie Linder Director
Pat Martin Director
Management Office 42395 Ryan Road, Suite 210 Brambleton, VA 20148
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Association Transparency A MESSAGE FROM RICK STONE, GENERAL MANAGER Transparency is critical in maintaining a positive relationship between all members of the Brambleton community, including Brambleton Community Association leaders, staff, owners, and residents.
(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 703-542-6263. 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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27
Community Outreach in Brambleton
Hal and Berni Hanson Regional Park
BY CHRISTINE ELANSARY
BY LOUDOUN COUNTY
Brambleton has a rich history of giving back to the greater community in multiple ways.
Hal and Berni Hanson Regional Park opens in spring of 2022 and will be a welcome addition to our community.
Brambleton Community Association Magazine
Winter 2021-2022
ARTICLES
MEETINGS
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MESSAGE FROM THE GM
EatLoco Farmers Market
Association Transparency
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INSIDE BCA
Community Outreach in Brambleton
BCA Board of Directors
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COMMUNITY VOICES
BCA Committees
Hopecam: Connecting Kids With Cancer
2021 BCA Board Election Recap
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COMMUNITY STANDARDS
2021 CAI LSM Workshop
Ground Works: Winter Activity
The Cost of Ignoring the Modification Approval Process
BCA Winter Storm Plan
Wintertime Pond Safety
Planning and Building for Brambleton's Future
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BCA Board of Directors: Jan. 11, Feb. 8 at 6 PM; Mar. 8 at 8 AM Community Technology Committee: Jan. 4, Feb. 1, Mar. 1 at 7 PM Covenants Committee: Jan. 10, Feb. 14, Mar. 14 at 7 PM Grounds & Facilities Committee: Jan. 11, Feb. 8, Mar. 8 at 7 PM Safety & Security Committee: Feb. 15 at 7 PM
Love Where You Live!
Financial Advisory Committee: Dec. 28, Jan. 25, Feb. 22 at 7:30 PM
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RESIDENT RESOURCES
Events Committee: Dates TBD
Assessment Payment Options
Connect Resident Portal
BCA BUDGET
Resales & PUD Questionnaire
Economic Impacts on 2022 Assessments
Important Contact Information
30 COMMUNICATIONS
2022 Assessments & Budget
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GOVERNMENT RELATIONS
Hal and Berni Hanson Regional Park
Business Spotlight: Simply Decluttered Home
BCA Communications
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HOW TO REACH US
15 LIFESTYLES
2022 BCA Event Overview
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HEALTH & WELLNESS
Three Easy Strategies to Get Fitter, Stronger, and Faster
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 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 14, 2021; October 19, 2021; and October 26, 2021; and took the following actions in accordance with its governing documents, state statute, and federal laws:
September & October 2021 Board Meetings: Approved the August and September 2021 Board Meeting Minutes. Approved expenditure of up to $10,000 to obtain rendering of the Park Services Facility, Management Office, and a Recreational Room at the Evermont Trace Property. Directed staff to update the dispute process in the Election Guidelines to reflect that the Elections Committee will hear a dispute claim within 7-10 business days. Appointed Anand Mohan Dharmapuri, Kelli Crawford, and Ram Venkatachalam as members of the Election Committee for 2021. Approved the purchase of the Evermont Trace Parcel (PIN: 202-39-7132-000) as contracted. Authorized President Brian Viola to sign all necessary purchase documents on behalf of the Association and to expend existing capital funds of $975,000 plus closing costs for the purchase of the 1.732-acre Evermont Trace Parcel. Approved continuation of the video service portion of the Verizon bulk service agreement as recommended by the Community Technology Committee. Approved the proposed 2022 Operational Budget & Assessments as discussed. Approved a variance of an existing patio roof, as the shed-style roof is a builder-style addition for the subject section. Upheld the Covenant Committee’s decision to deny an existing exterior modification of a pergola and tiles. Denied an exterior modification proposal as presented in mediation; approved decision to move forward in arbitration. Appointed Director Pat Martin as an Inspector of the Election to participate in ballot counting for the 2021 Board Election. Approved versions of all Board meeting minutes can be found in the FSR Connect Resident Portal at bca.connectresident.com.
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Brambleton Community Association Magazine
Winter 2021-2022
UPCOMING BOARD MEETINGS Jan. 11 at 6:00 PM, Feb. 8 at 6:00 PM, Mar. 8 at 8:00 AM, BCA Management Office Visit www.brambletonhoa.com or the BCA Facebook page for meeting schedule updates.
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: 1/4, 2/1, 3/1 Website: www.brambletonhoa.com/communitytech
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: 1/10, 2/14, 3/14 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: 1/11, 2/8, 3/8 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: 2/15 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: 12/28, 1/25, 2/22 Website: www.brambletonhoa.com/finance
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: 2022 meeting dates TBD (will be finalized in December 2021). Website: www.brambletonhoa.com/eventscommittee
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
2021 BCA Board of Directors Election Recap Rick Stone, PCAM, LSM - General Manager
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ongratulations to Brian Viola on his reelection and to Ravi Balaram on his election to serve on Brambleton Community Association’s Board of Directors. Resident Directors Jordan Crotty, Anand Mohan Dharmapuri, and Susan Wolford and Declarant Directors Rosemarie Linder and Pat Martin will comprise the remaining five of seven total seats on the Board. Note: The Board will elect officers at their meeting on Tuesday, December 7, 2021 (after issue publication).
Leaving the Board of Directors this year is Samarendra (Sam) Nandi. Sam has served as a Resident Director since 2018. His knowledge, dedication, contributions, and general love 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.
2021 CAI Large-Scale Managers Workshop Rick Stone, PCAM, LSM - General Manager
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ack in 2019, the Brambleton Community Association Board of Directors committed to hosting CAI’s (Community Association Institute) 2021 Large-Scale Manager Workshop. After two years of planning during the COVID-19 pandemic, Brambleton, along with Willowsford and Birchwood at Brambleton, held the conference on September 22-25, 2021. The four-day conference was a success that showcased our community, services, and industry practices to more than 160 managers and sponsors from across the nation. The conference consisted of education sessions, bus tours of the communities, networking, and more. The conference included a wide range of education sessions that included
CAI Workshop Lunch at Corner Clubhouse
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strategic planning, 5G community integration, cybersecurity, common area stewardship, legal updates, and more. In addition, each evening, participants were treated to refreshments and entertainment that included acoustic singers, dueling pianos, and a visit to Stone Tower Winery. BCA Board Director Pat Martin and Brambleton Marketing Director Kim Adams (former Board President) spoke at the conference. They provided an overview of the community, including Developer and Board interactions and lifestyle programs and activities. The participants greatly appreciated their wealth of knowledge and experience. This was the second time Brambleton hosted the national conference, having
Pat Martin & Kim Adams Leading Presentation
Brambleton Community Association Magazine
Winter 2021-2022
previously hosted it ten years ago in 2011. Since then, the number of homes, amenities, and common areas in Brambleton has doubled. Participants who attended both conferences were impressed by our growth and appreciated how well the original neighborhoods have been maintained. BCA staff enjoyed showing off the community and their hard work. CAI is an international membership organization dedicated to building better communities. CAI provides information, education, and resources to the homeowner volunteers who govern communities and the professionals who support them. CAI members include association board members and other homeowner leaders, community managers, association management firms, and other professionals who provide products and services to associations. BCA is a member of CAI and strongly believes in the mission of the organization. Several BCA staff members have professional designations from CAI, including the Certified Manager of Community Associations (CMCA), Association Management Specialist (AMS), Professional Community Association Manager (PCAM), and the Large-Scale Manager (LSM). More information about CAI can be found at www. caionline.org.
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INSIDE BCA
Ground Works: Winter 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. BCA focuses its winter grounds maintenance tasks on preparing the grounds for the spring season. Here are a few highlights of services that will occur over the next few months:
Common Areas Landscape Bed Cleanup: All landscaped beds will be edged, and dead material and debris will be removed in preparation for spring mulching. Leaf Removal: All maintained common area parcels will have leaves removed several times throughout the winter months. Renewal Pruning: Renewal pruning will coincide with landscape bed cleanup, and all debris will be removed. Turf Application: All common area parcels will receive a fertilizer and pre-emergent weed control application in late winter.
Townhome Grounds Maintenance Program Landscape Bed Cleanup: All townhomes in the grounds maintenance program will have their mulch beds cleaned up and prepped for spring mulching. Turf Application: All turf areas in the program will receive a fertilizer and pre-emergent weed control application in late winter. The Developer will perform similar tasks on the common areas they are responsible for. 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
Winter 2021-2022
INSIDE BCA
BCA Winter Storm Street Management Plan
Forecast
Private Street/Alley/Common Drive Standards
0-2 inches
Sanding/salting as needed, focusing on streets with steep grades and intersections. Streets will be inspected and plowed as necessary.
2-4 inches 4-8 inches 8-12 inches 12-18 inches
Plowing begins at 2". Clearing of all BCA streets to be completed within 6 hours after storm ends. Plowing continues throughout the storm. Clearing of all BCA streets to be completed within 8 hours after storm ends.
Plowing continues throughout the storm. Clearing of all BCA streets to be completed within 16 hours after storm ends.
Travel lanes kept open during storm. Streets plowed within 30 hours after storm ends, if VDOT declares streets are passable. Piled snow may be relocated or removed from site by loader and dump trucks in the days following plowing.
18-24 inches
Travel lanes kept open during storm. Streets plowed within 2 days after storm ends, if VDOT declares streets are passable. Piled snow may be relocated or removed from site by loader and dump trucks in the days following plowing.
24+ inches
A travel lane of no more than 8' will be made for emergency vehicles only. Streets plowed within 4 days after storm ends, if VDOT declares streets are passable. Piled snow may be removed from site by loader and dump trucks in the days following plowing.
Ice/Freezing Salting of streets will occur during and/or after the storm depending upon conditions. Rain Pretreatment of roads may occur if significant ice is predicted. For more information on BCA winter storm responsibilities, visit www.brambletonhoa.com/snow.
Wintertime Pond Safety Brambleton has a number of ponds and water features located throughout the community. Please observe the following safety practices when near a pond or other body of water this winter: • The best safety message we can offer is to stay away from frozen ponds. 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. • If the individual remains on the frozen pond, please report incidents to BCA during business hours (M-F, 9 AM to 5 PM) or to LCSO at all other times, including 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. • If you are with others, 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 to keep them calm and aid in the rescue.
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INSIDE BCA
Planning and Building for Brambleton's Future Rick Stone, PCAM, LSM - General Manager
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rambleton Community Association along with Brambleton owners and residents will benefit from several new amenities and facilities that will be constructed in and around our community over the next few years. These projects will be funded by a variety of organizations and agencies and will provide countless positive benefits. Hal and Berni Hanson Regional Park Hal and Berni Hanson Regional Park will likely be the first of these projects to open, as the park is on schedule to open in spring of 2022. Loudoun County has been planning this park and the opening ribbon-cutting ceremony for almost a decade. Brambleton surrounds the 267acre park on three sides and connects to the park through various streets and trails. Read more about the status of Hanson Park in Loudoun County’s article on page 27. Silver Line Metrorail Phase 2 Shortly after Hanson Regional Park opens, Phase 2 of the Silver Line Metrorail will kick off service to the Header Photo: Temporary BCA Maintenance Facility (Community Center)
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“end of the line” in Ashburn. With the recent announcement that Phase 2 is substantially complete, service is projected to begin in May 2022. Metro service to Loudoun County will benefit our region by increasing property values and enhancing our transportation options. BCA Evermont Trace Facility BCA recently purchased 1.73 acres of land in the Evermont Trace neighborhood to build a permanent home for its management office and maintenance operations. These facilities will be planned, designed, and constructed over the next two years. In the meantime, BCA will continue to lease office space at the Brambleton Town Center. The Association will also use the Community Center parking lot as a temporary home for its maintenance operations. These operations will be relocated to Evermont Trace once a site plan has been approved and permission is provided by Loudoun County. New Brambleton Clubhouse & Pool Brambleton’s Developer is actively designing the next clubhouse and the fifth pool in our community. The clubhouse is scheduled to open in late 2022, and the pool is projected to open in the
Brambleton Community Association Magazine
Winter 2021-2022
summer of 2023. Details on these facilities will be released once final designs have been approved. Brambleton Park Four The BCA Grounds & Facilities Committee will focus on the design of Park Four in 2022. This park was part of the master plan approved by the BCA Board of Directors in 2017, and the park site is located off Minerva Drive behind Creighton’s Corner Elementary School. The parcel for this property currently contains a tot lot, an open playfield, a lake, and trails. The Committee and Board will enhance this section of the community with additional active and passive recreational amenities. Residents will be asked to participate in the design process at the appropriate time. The addition of these new amenities and facilities, along with the upkeep and maintenance of our existing ones, will ensure that Brambleton remains a desirable community for current and future residents. The BCA Board and staff will continue to work with committees and residents to plan transparently and efficiently. These amenities are great additions that will positively impact our property values and quality of life.
BCA BUDGET
Economic Impacts on 2022 Assessments Rick Stone, PCAM, LSM - General Manager
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he impacts of COVID-19 on the economy are on every newscast lately, with headlines such as “Cost-of-Living Allowance (COLA) set at 5.9%”, “Virginia minimum wage increasing from $7.50 to $15.00”, “Inflation at 6.2% – highest in three decades”, “30% cost increases for supplies and materials”, “Shipping and trucking delays impacting deliveries”, “Cost of gas at its highest point since 2014”, and so on. All of us are feeling these effects in our daily lives. Experts project that COVID-19 may impact our economy for years. Brambleton Community Association is also a consumer of goods and services and has been significantly affected. Economic impacts on our operating expenses must be projected and accounted for in our budget, with monthly assessments set to cover additional costs. Other factors that have impacted the 2022 Budget include a monthly landfill rate increase of $1.26 for every resident, $150,000 for landscape maintenance in
new neighborhoods, a new financial staff position, new expenses related to the 2022 Reserve Study update, increases in pool lifeguard wages to align with new minimum wage rates and market demands, and more. Overall, I believe that the Association has successfully managed the growth of the Brambleton community and the current economic impacts when all factors are considered. BCA was able to handle these conditions by implementing a slight increase in monthly assessments. The reduction, suspension, or termination of services or standards was not necessary. As a result, Brambleton owners will see an average increase of 1.97% in their assessments in 2022. When compared to the 5.9% COLA and inflation of 6.2% over the past 12 months, a 1.97% increase in assessments is relatively minimal. When the 2022 Budget was drafted and proposed to the BCA Board of Directors, I wanted to confirm that other local
large-scale homeowners associations (HOAs) in Loudoun County were similarly impacted. I was pleased to see that Brambleton is comparatively on the lower end of assessment increases for 2022. For example, an upscale, largescale HOA on Route 7 increased their monthly townhome assessment by $7.94 and single-family home assessment by $6.88. A similarly-sized HOA on Route 50 raised their assessments by an average of 6.76%. A slightly smaller local HOA had an average assessment increase of 3.57%. When you look at the entire picture, the minimal increase in Brambleton’s assessments is well below COLA, inflation, and other Loudoun large-scale HOAs. It has always been vital to the BCA Board and staff to operate efficiently and professionally. This practice has kept past assessments at reasonable levels and yearly increases well below inflation and COLA. The same commitment holds true for 2022.
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BCA BUDGET
2022 Assessments & Budget Summary The BCA Board of Directors approved the following assessments and budget for 2022 at their October 19, 2021 meeting. The new assessments will begin on January 1, 2022. Please email the BCA staff with any questions pertaining to the budget or assessments. HOA@Brambleton.org
House Type
2022
Detached
$197.41
Detached w/ Common Driveway
$210.69
Townhouse
$205.05
Townhouse w/ Grounds Maintenance
$224.05
The Woods at BTC
$130.77
Summerfield Condominium
$149.06
The Residences Condominiums
$157.87
(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) + (SFA) + (Recreation) + (SFA Grounds Maint)
(General: Condo) + (Tech/Comm) (General: Condo) + (Tech/Comm) + (Recreation)
2022
Assessments Type
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General
$74.37
General: Condo
$55.78
Tech/Community Services
$93.28
Single-Family Detached (SFD)
$20.95
SFD Common Drive
$13.28
Single-Family Attached (SFA)
$28.59
SFA Grounds Maintenance
$19.00
Recreation (Pools Only)
$ 8.81
Brambleton Community Association Magazine
Winter 2021-2022
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2022 Budget by Category 2022 Income Assessment Income-Various
$15,697,219
Other Income
$
Total Income
617,000
$16,314,219
Expenses Administrative Expenses-General
$ 768,461
Professional Services-General
$2,128,199
Reserve Contributions-General
$ 689,689
Maintenance & Services-General
$2,686,500
Verizon Fios-Tech/Comm Services
$7,058,218
Single-Family Attached
$1,135,583
Grounds Maintenance-SFA
$ 556,225
Single-Family Detached
$ 591,293
Common Driveway-SFD
$
Recreation-Pools
$ 620,699
79,353
Total Expenses
$16,314,219
Net Excess (Deficit)
$
0
BCA Replacement Reserve Statement (As required by POAA Section 55.1-1826)
BCA is funding its reserve account at or above the levels recommended in the September 21, 2021 Replacement Reserve Study completed by Miller + Dodson Associates, Inc. Reserve Account
2022 Study Recommendation/ 2022 Annual Contribution
2022 Recommended Balance/ Y.E. Projection (12/31/2021)
Townhome Reserves
$ 451,117 / $451,117
$ 1,828,700 / $1,828,700
Common Drive Reserves
$ 71,353 / $71,353
$ 784,000 / $ 784,000
Pool (Recreation) Reserves
$ 174,699 / $174,699
$ 707,977 / $ 707,977
General Reserves
$ 429,689 / $429,689
$ 2,828,500 / $2,828,500
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2022 BCA Event Overview
LIFESTYLES
Food Trucks Pool Parties Concerts Movies Bus Trips Fireworks
Crafts Trivia tes Chocola Beer Wine Bourbon de ara Santa P
Comedy Yard Sale Block Party Brew Fest Egg Hunt Food Trucks
out Camp im w Dog S ale S Yard s t f Cra al estiv F l l a F Pics Santa
There's Always Something to be Thankful for
Brambleton, Year-round Sundays, 9AM - 1PM
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Brambleton Community Association Magazine
Winter 2021-2022
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LIFESTYLES
Community Outreach in Brambleton Christine Elansary - Community Engagement Manager
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aising four children in Loudoun County has been an amazing experience, as the area has provided so many opportunities for my family. While raising young ones in such an affluent community has had its privileges, I did have some concerns as my kids started entering elementary school. It became apparent that I needed to show them there was a world outside of the “bubble” and that there were people in and around our community less fortunate than them. While our church offered some opportunities for the kids to give back, I always felt compelled to do a bit more. When my two older boys were just 7 and 8, we made brown bag lunches and handed them out to people in need in Washington, DC. That experience opened their eyes but may have been a little overwhelming for them at that age. From that point on, I stuck to local opportunities and signed them up for Serve Camp each summer. Inspired by both Serve Camp and Kids Can (a group started by my friend Mary), I decided that I needed to start a committee to provide Brambleton youth with volunteer opportunities. In 2014, the Brambleton Kids Care Committee Header Photo: BKC at 2015 Summer Concert
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(BKC) was born. The committee charters states: “The primary responsibility of the Brambleton Kids Care Committee is to empower the next generation of Brambleton’s residents and to facilitate their development and growth towards becoming compassionate, service-minded citizens. Through various community service projects, the Committee will provide opportunities for Brambleton’s children to help those in need, both locally and globally. Participating will give kids the power to make a positive impact and gain valuable life experience and skills.” We hit the ground running and partnered with Mobile Hope, Loudoun Hunger Relief, Special Olympics, the Salvation Army, and other organizations. We also started our own projects: we created Valentine’s Day cards to deliver to a local nursing home, sold lightup novelties at summer concerts, hosted numerous collection drives, put together snack packs, and hosted the Doggone Wild Pool Party and the neighborhood Turkey Trot. By 2017, Teen Summer Service Days were incorporated into the Kids Care
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program. The BRAM Bus transported kids to places like JK Community Farm, Boulder Crest Retreat, and Loudoun Therapeutic Riding. These opportunities allowed the kids to get hands-on experience and see the results of their hard work. I loved that Brambleton kids, including my own, could make a difference with their peers. In 2019, Teen Service Days were set to transition to Family Service Days; however, this plan was postponed due to COVID-19. It wasn’t until this past summer when we able to venture out on the bus again, with the rebranded Family Service Days visiting Mobile Hope and Boulder Crest Retreat. It was nice to finally return to both places and to have other parents participating along with their kids. Moving forward into 2022, BKC is looking to add many old projects back to the calendar and create new opportunities as well. We also plan to continue our partnerships with Dulles South Food Pantry, the Salvation Army Angel Tree, Toys for Tots, and more. Residents are encouraged to get involved; be on the lookout for a new Community Service webpage and stay tuned to our Friday Flash and Facebook page for more details. For additional information, please email volunteer@brambleton.org.
LIFESTYLES
BCA Community Service Through the Years 2014
BKC assisting with Mobile Hope coat drive
2017
2016
BKC hosting Turkey Trail Trot
2018
Teen Service Day at Loudoun Therapeutic Riding
2019
Teen Service Day at JK Community Farm
BKC making Valentine's Day cards
2021
Family Service Day at Boulder Crest Retreat
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COMMUNITY VOICES
Hopecam: Connecting Kids With Cancer Lauren Priestas - Hopecam
W
hen the Brambleton Community Association, Birchwood at Brambleton, and the Willowsford Homeowners Association co-hosted the 2021 Community Association Institute LargeScale Managers Workshop this fall, attendees came away with a dose of inspiration after keynote speaker Len Forkas described how he turned the worst moment of his life into a new cause. Forkas is the founder of Hopecam, a Reston-based nonprofit that helps pediatric cancer patients overcome social isolation by virtually connecting them with their teachers and classmates, whether it’s for a pre-K playdate or a high school-level class. By working with hospitals, social workers, families, and schools, Hopecam makes it easy for a child with cancer to stay connected by providing – at no cost to families – the necessary technology and Internet access. Hopecam launched in 2003 when Len Forkas’ son, Matt, was diagnosed with leukemia. During the toughest time in his life, Matt was cut off from his friends and classmates. After Forkas set up computers and webcams in his son’s bedroom and in his third-grade classroom, the change in Matt’s attitude and
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outlook was remarkable. Inspired by these results, Forkas launched Hopecam so that other children could reap the benefits of being socially connected during long, sometimes frightening cancer treatments. Turning Stumbling Blocks into Stepping Stones When the pandemic hit in 2020, Hopecam felt its effects in many ways. “As the saying goes, ‘The difference between stumbling blocks and stepping stones is how you use them,’” said Forkas. “As COVID-19 deepened social isolation, we turned this stumbling block into a stepping stone,” he added. “This led us to form many new partnerships with corporations, foundations, nonprofits, and hospitals – and to open doors that will position Hopecam for growth into 2022 and beyond.” Thanks to generous supporters and partnerships with 150+ hospitals, Hopecam has connected more than 3,000 kids with cancer to 60,000 classmates. In 2019, the Loudoun Impact Fund recognized Hopecam for its work to connect young cancer patients in Loudoun County with their friends and
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schools, awarding a $2,500 grant to the nonprofit. “While Hopecam supports families all over the country, our roots are in Northern Virginia. It’s special when we receive recognition for what we’re doing in our own backyard,” said Forkas. Serving Local Communities As Len Forkas has demonstrated, one person with a mission can indeed make a difference. Going forward, Hopecam plans to reach out to more communities like Brambleton to build relationships with hospitals and cultivate more partnerships with like-minded nonprofits. It also wants to connect more children who are homebound or confined to a hospital room. “Social isolation remains a big problem for seriously ill children and their parents,” said Forkas. “We encourage families, hospitals, and others within the pediatric cancer community to contact us to discuss ways we can provide support.” Hopecam welcomes inquiries from prospective volunteers and Brambleton families who need help. To learn more, please visit www.hopecam.org.
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20
COMMUNITY STANDARDS
The Cost of Ignoring the Modification Approval Process Andrea Dao, CMCA, AMS - Community Standards & Administration Manager
W
hy do I need architectural approval from Brambleton Community Association for a modification when it’s in my own backyard and no one else will see it? If you are part of the homeowners association management industry or an HOA architectural review board, then you have certainly heard this question or a similar question before. During my four years as Community Standards and Administration Manager at BCA, we have processed over 4,500 architectural approval requests, which involves everything from reviewing applications for proper information to preparing them for the Covenants Committee to sending approval or denial letters when the review is complete. It can be difficult for homeowners to understand the importance of submitting application requests for approval, especially when they apply to their own property. Owners often want to add their own style to their home and yard and feel that following any community’s standards restricts their freedom of expression. However, real estate values are protected for the benefit of homeowners and the community when owners meet basic community standards which have been carefully crafted to create consistency and balance. Most architectural modifications to the exterior of the house or to the
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surrounding property require approval. Pertinent modifications may include installing swimming pools, decks, sheds, siding, or shutters; changing paint colors for windows and doors; creating patios, walkways, fences, landscaping, fire pits, and retaining walls; building playsets and permanent basketball hoops; or planting and removing live trees. To streamline the approval process for several non-essential modifications, the Covenants Committee has also updated the Design Guidelines, removing some application requirements for specific modifications while ensuring that standards remain enforceable. What happens if an owner did not know that approval was needed prior to installing a modification? Some owners are reluctant to thoroughly read through their governing documents or simply ignore the approval process altogether. This behavior is unfortunate because the Covenants Committee has required homeowners in the past to restore their property to its original condition or alter a structure that was not approved. Fences have been moved to come into compliance because the installation was not in the correct place or even replaced because the fence style did not match the section or builder guidelines. Trampolines and vegetable gardens have been relocated to the rear yard to meet compliance, and gravel has been removed as it is not an approvable
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groundcover. Failure to get prior approval could also result in the receiving of violation letters or even a hearing letter, resulting in a fine. However, owners still often proceed without approval and ask for forgiveness later. How do we change this behavior? We consistently ask owners to check with the Community Standards department first to avoid the cost, headache, and heartbreak of removing or making changes to projects that have been installed but not approved. This is a serious problem and requires countless staff hours to remediate that could be directed to more useful ways to manage the community. In response to this issue, the BCA Board of Directors recently approved a Post-Modification Application Fee of $100 for all exterior modifications started or constructed without prior approval by the Covenants Committee. This fee will take effect on January 1, 2022, and a grace period has been ongoing for property owners to apply for any exterior modifications made without an application or approval before the end of the year. So, build that addition or even create a backyard oasis! Just please get approval first or you will unfortunately have to pay the price. To avoid the upcoming application fees, owners are encouraged to submit applications for any unapproved modifications before the end of 2021.
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 pretty great. 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 Friday, January 14, 2022. 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 BCA Management Office at 703-542-6263.
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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. Please reference your account number or property address, or include the payment coupon, to ensure the payment is properly recorded. Mailing Address (NEW): Brambleton Community Association, C/O FirstService Residential, PO Box 30403, Tampa, FL 33630 • Online Bill Pay: Owners may pay assessments using an online bill paying service from their personal banking institution. • 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. • 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 2022 $197.41 $210.69 $205.05 $224.05 $130.77 $149.06 $157.87
2021 $192.70 $206.25 $200.19 $219.19 $126.09 $147.39 $155.59
House Type Detached Detached w/Common Driveway Townhouse Townhouse w/Grounds Maint. The Woods at BTC Summerfield Condominiums 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. Please email hoa@brambleton.org for more information or to request online access to your account.
Connect Resident Portal
Resales & PUD Questionnaire
BCA and FirstService Residential encourage all Brambleton homeowners to use the Connect Resident Portal to access their assessment accounts and view important Association meeting minutes and financial reports. This resident portal makes it easy to access your account anytime and from any device! This resident portal features:
BCA processes single-family home and townhome resale disclosure packets, PUD questionnaires, and payoff requests through HomeWiseDocs.
• Payment: A self-service platform empowering you to make payments, check balances, and more. • Transparency: View BCA Board agendas & meeting minutes, financial reports, audits, and other important documents and reports. • Simplicity: The ability to link multiple Brambleton properties using a single login for all your online needs.
BCA Single-Family Homes & Townhomes: BCA has partnered with HomeWiseDocs to offer a streamlined process for the order and delivery of resale, refinance, and lender documents such as: resale disclosures, estoppels, demands*, lender questionnaires, and governing documents. Simply visit www.homewisedocs.com to get started. BCA Condominiums (Residences, Residences II, Summerfield): Condominium properties require information from both BCA and the condominium sub-association for closing. Visit www.fsresidential.com/ corporate and select “Order Documents” to order a resale package, request payoff information, or obtain a condominium questionnaire for the sub-association. Visit www.homewisedocs.com to obtain a resale disclosure package and payoff information from BCA.
• Security: Up-to-date security and strict privacy settings give you the highest level of protection.
*BCA must receive written authorization from the seller/current owner in order to process all demand requests. Authorization forms can be uploaded directly to HomeWiseDocs when placing the order.
Register or Login to the Connect Resident Portal at bca.connectresident.com.
Visit www.brambletonhoa.com/resales for more information. Owners can contact hoa@brambleton.org for further assistance.
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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
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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
Winter 2021-2022
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)
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GOVERNMENT RELATIONS
Hal and Berni Hanson Regional Park Loudoun Departments of Transportation and Capital Infrastructure & Parks, Recreation and Community Services
T
he Hal and Berni Hanson Regional Park project includes the design and construction of a new 257-acre regional park located on Evergreen Mills Road in Arcola, between the Brambleton and Willowsford communities. Athletes young and old will enjoy the park’s 17 athletic fields with lighting and more than 75 acres of passive recreational space. The athletic fields include two synthetic turf fields which are accompanied by grandstands, press boxes, scoreboards, a public address system, and a championship plaza. The remaining athletic fields are comprised of ten rectangular Bermuda turf fields,
two baseball diamonds, two softball diamonds, and a cricket pitch. With ample parking, the public can fish off the piers and have a picnic in the pavilions. Other park amenities include an amphitheater, nature trails, two offleash areas, accessible playgrounds, a splash park, an 18-hole disc golf course, one basketball court, tennis/pickleball courts, and a skate park designed by acclaimed skate park designer Wally Holladay. Wally Holladay also designed the skate park for the Tokyo Olympics and included many features in Hanson Park’s 20,000 square foot facility. For
skateboard enthusiasts, these features include a roller, double roller, a volcano section, bank to bank (with and without rails), quarter pipe, brickface china bank, and stairs (with and without treads). The park will provide more than 60,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor gathering spaces for park visitors. The largest of these facilities, the Lodge, provides over 12,000 square feet of indoor event space. The Lodge will include an indoor multipurpose event space and a catering kitchen, while the outdoor areas include a covered porch and trellis overlooking the adjacent pond. Another facility unique to the park is the Nature Center. This 7,659 square foot facility provides visitors with access to exhibit space, a multipurpose activity classroom, and the Naturalist’s Office. The original owner of the land, Haldore “Hal” Hanson, was a writer, state department official, and non-profit leader who passed away in 1992. In keeping with his wishes, his wife of 53 years, Bernice “Berni” Hanson, sold the land to Loudoun County to use as park. When completed in spring of 2022 (estimated), the park will be operated by Loudoun County Parks, Recreation and Community Services (PRCS). At that time, field space and facilities can be reserved at www.loudoun.gov/facilities. As a reminder, this park is still an active construction zone and, for your safety, do not walk through or near the park.
Hanson Park construction photos courtesy of HESS Construction
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For more information about the Hal and Berni Hanson Regional Park project and to sign up for updates, visit the project page at www.loudoun.gov/2652/ Hal-Berni-Hanson-Regional-Park.
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HEALTH & WELLNESS
Three Easy Strategies to Get Fitter, Stronger, and Faster Jennifer Arute Jones - AFAA Certified Fitness Instructor, RUN Patrol
D
o you consider yourself “fit”, which is defined as “physically healthy and strong” in the Mirriam-Webster dictionary? If the answer is no, that is okay, as there are some simple strategies you can use to change that. If the answer is yes, you can still use these same strategies to take your fitness to the next level to get stronger and faster. Strategy 1: Walk or Run This is the cheapest, most accessible path to fitness. All you need is a pair of shoes, a little bit of time, and a willingness to step outside of what’s comfortable. Whether you walk five minutes and then get winded or easily run for an hour, the key to success is to accept where you are, start there, and then
gradually go longer and/or faster over time. Commit to making this happen at least three times per week and you will progress your fitness. Strategy 2: Body Weight Strength Train No gym, no equipment, no problem. You can effectively build your strength utilizing only your body weight to make a positive impact on your fitness. Set a goal to complete three rounds of 1215 reps of some basic body weight exercises such as pushups, lunges, squats, crunches, mountain climbers, and burpees. Incorporating strength training into your routine at least two times per week will help you build muscle mass to boost your metabolism and burn more fat while making you physically stronger. This is also a great way for the already fit to get faster. Strategy 3: Workout with a Friend or a Group Studies have proven over and over that when your quest for greater fitness is done with others, success rates dramatically increase. It is easier to stay motivated and to show up when you are accountable to another person or group.
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Most importantly, it is simply more fun when you aren’t doing it alone, so you are much more likely to improve your fitness and remain consistent if you are enjoying what you are doing. No matter where you are right now along your fitness journey, implementing the above strategies consistently over time will provide you the opportunity to get fit, stronger, and faster! If you’d like to join a community of people working towards improving their fitness, check out RUN Patrol at www. facebook.com/RUNPatrol. RUN Patrol meets virtually year-round and also meets weekly in-person in Brambleton from May to November for an outdoor, hour-long, full body athletic workout that combines walking/running and body weight strength conditioning to help improve fitness for all levels. About the Author: Jennifer is a long time Brambleton resident who is an avid runner and triathlete, a run coach, and an AFAA certified Group Fitness instructor. Jennifer is passionate about motivating and helping others reach their own personal fitness goals, whether they want to PR in a race or just include fitness as part of a healthy lifestyle!
COMMUNICATIONS
Business Spotlight: Simply Decluttered Home We spoke with Jill Braun Kelsey and Elana Herrman, Brambleton residents and founders of Simply Decluttered Home, to learn their story of starting a business together. They also shared helpful tips, advice on starting a business, and more! How long have you both lived in Brambleton? Elana: Our family moved to Brambleton in 2007. Our daughter, Paige, was eight and I was pregnant with our son Connor. Two years later we had Jacob. Today, both boys are at Brambleton Middle School. Paige graduated from college and is working as a nurse. Jill: Our family moved to Brambleton in 2005. Our daughter, Maddie, was a firstgrader in the inaugural year at Legacy Elementary School, and my boys, Sean and Connor, later became Legacy Labs. Sean’s a junior at JMU, and Connor graduates in June from Independence High School. Maddie graduated college and is working as a research assistant with Brown University. How long have you two known each other? We met in the fall of 2007 when the girls were on the same “Odyssey of the Mind” team. They hit it off, as did we, and we’ve been friends ever since.
Jill Braun Kelsey & Elana Herrman
What inspired you to open Simply Decluttered Home? Jill: That one room in my house. It had become the place where I just dropped all my little stuff. Over the years, it filled up! I decided to tackle the room, and when I told friends about it, I realized many families were in a similar situation…living around that one space we gave up on. For some, it’s more than one space, it’s a way of life. Most people, however, want order. They either don’t have the time or feel overwhelmed by the process. We make it easy, we enjoy it, and it’s rewarding to see our customers find order and peace of mind! Elana: I helped my cousin declutter and organize her home. It was a fun project and didn’t seem like work. I loved the instant peace it brought her! Soon after, Jill mentioned starting a home organization business together. We researched and found a great demand. Since we enjoyed the process and believed we were good at it, we decided to go for it! What was it like starting a business together? We both have easy going personalities and work great together, so that part was easy! We’ve both had careers in client/account management, so our skills are very similar. The challenges we faced were knowing the steps to start a business. We are grateful for the opportunity to tap into the expertise of other Brambleton business owners (thank you Mandy, Teresa, Krista, Juliana, and Viola!). What services does Simply Decluttered Home provide? We declutter and organize. It can be one room or multiple rooms. We’ve done pantries, offices, playrooms, and even an entire house. We work with customers on a plan and then we execute. Sometimes they need a little handholding to make decisions on their belongings, and we do that too. For those who are moving, we help present homes in their most functional and organized light. Whatever the need is, our process includes meeting with the client to look at the space and provide an estimate. For each job, we bring supplies like trash bags, boxes, etc., and either use organizing supplies the client owns or purchase new ones, keeping the client’s budget in mind. We create organizational systems that are tailored to each family and are easy to follow. Do you have any tips for residents who want to declutter their homes? Tackle the easy stuff first like magazines, expired medications, and clothes. Separate items into four categories: trash, donate, sell, and keep. It’s easy to schedule a front door donation pickup using sites like www.gogreendrop.com. While it takes time to declutter, having less inventory and more space allows you to manage your home more efficiently. What advice would you give to someone considering opening a new business? Find your niche. Do your research. Determine if there’s a demand. We are happy to share our lessons learned for anyone thinking of starting a business. What are your favorite Brambleton spots? The EatLoco Farmers Market, Peet’s, Good Dog Rocky, and the trails. What are your favorite ice cream flavors? Elana: Chocolate Hazelnut Gelato. Jill: Vanilla! To learn more about their business or to schedule a free consultation, visit www.SimplyDeclutteredHome.com or contact simplydeclutteredhome@gmail.com or 703.932.7849.
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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, BCA 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, fertilizer and weed applications, pools, 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). Also, follow us on Instagram and Twitter @brambletonlife, and add #bramlife to your social media 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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Brambleton Community Association Magazine
Winter 2021-2022
Launch a 21st century education. We know how important it is to secure a safe, nurturing space for your little one’s education. Our dedicated teachers guide your child’s development by using our STEAM curriculum to inspire a lifelong love of learning. Children get to explore age-appropriate materials and concepts to better understand Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Math, without compromising fun.
The result is future success in school—and life! HERE, YOU’LL FIND: • Programs for infants to Pre-Kindergarten • Before- and after-school support for school-age students • Flexible enrollment options, including care during winter, spring, and summer breaks • Enhanced health and safety protocols for added peace of mind
STAY CONNECTED. We offer live streaming video and a family communications app with real-time classroom updates, photos, videos, and more!
SCHEDULE A TOUR AND ENROLL TODAY.
24299 Liberty Harvest Ct. • Sterling, VA 703.997.2779 • EverbrookAcademy.com This institution is an equal opportunity provider. ©2021 Learning Care Group (US) No. 2 Inc. IEA16
Doing Business As
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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
Contact us about all things communications, including social media, the Friday Flash, our videos, or our Magazine.
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?
BCA Management Office
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 2021-2022
Now Open! • • • • •
4DX Theater Lavazza Coffee Bar B-Fresh Smoothie Bar Ticketing Kiosks Upgraded Concessions
Regal Gift Cards Make Great Holiday Gifts!
Welcome to the BTC!
Nepalese Restaurant 22885 Brambleton Plaza, #M-100 www.himalayanwildyak.com34
Shop Local AT BRAMBLETON TOWN CENTER Thank you for continuing to support our retailers and restaurants!
Support your neighborhood business owners when you shop smart in the Brambleton Town Center this holiday season!
Shop Small. Shop Local.
A&A Music Costa Family Dentistry AhSo Restaurant Dragon Yong-In AhSo Cellars 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 B&T Dry Cleaners G3 Technologies Galaria Plastic Surgery & Dermatology Bella Ballerina Go Bananas Toy Store Best Brains Learning Center Good Dog Rocky Bloō Dental Great Clips Blue Ridge Grill Brambleton Community Association Harris Teeter Himalayan Wild Yak Brambleton Library Illusions Hair Salon & Spa Broadlands Family Practice InSight Eye Optique BurgerIM Jackson Clinics Physical Therapy California Tortilla Knutson Companies Cold Stone Creamery Levo Nails & Spa Commonhealth Chiropractic 35 Brambleton Community Association Magazine Winter 2021-2022
42395 RYAN RD. BRAMBLETON, VA 20148
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 Rebel Taco (Coming Soon) Scotto’s Rigatoni Grill Shell Gas Station Starbucks Subway Sweetfrog Frozen Yogurt The UPS Store Verizon Wireless Center Virginia ABC Store Welcome Center www.brambleton.com/towncenter