Spring 2019 by WillowsfordLife

WillowsfordLife Spring 2019

Join CSA in 2019 Sign Up Today! WillowsfordFarmCSA.com In Community Supported Agriculture, we plan, grow, and harvest vegetables using organic farming practices to fit your household’s needs at any size. CSA subscriptions allow us to match production to demand, and invest in growing the highest quality produce! We harvest three times a week to delight you with the freshest ingredients from kitchen to dinner table. With a flexible schedule and multiple pick-up locations, Willowsford Farm’s CSA is the most convenient way to eat seasonally, and support local agriculture and your community.

Personal Share $25 Designed to support the weekly vegetable needs of singles and couples, or families that eat fewer vegetables.

Family Size Share $39 The family size share contains the same varieties of vegetables found in the personal shares, but in quantities appropriate for families of 3-5 people.

Adventurous Eating Share $6 Surprise your palate with new flavors! While our other CSA shares will provide you with seasonal mainstays, this special “Add-On” will be lesser known herbs, rare cultivars, hard-tofind heirloom varieties, and unique crops we only grow in small quantities.

Our popular Farm Eggs, natural Milks, pastured Meats, and fresh Flowers will also be available in shares this spring!

FARM STAND & GARDEN

May – November, 2019 23595 Founders Drive I Ashburn, VA 20148

Market@WillowsfordFarm.com WillowsfordFarm.com

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Manager’sLetter

Manager’s Letter A Note from Willowsford Lane

by Rebecca Lyons, CMCA ®, AMS ®, PCAM ® HOA Community Manager It seems like it’s taken forever, but spring has finally arrived in Willowsford. The trees are budding, birds singing, and flowerbeds erupting. Plus, our team has been working EGGstra hard to plan an exciting season for you and your family. Check out The Lifestyle section to find out what’s hopping your way this season!

On the operations side, the Design Review Committee is entering peak season with members working their way through the abundant stacks of fence, patio, and pool applications each month. Facilities staff are working with vendors to enhance landscaping in several common areas, completing repairs and maintenance of the amenities, and preparing the pools for opening day on Saturday, May 25th. Our newest amenity, Willow Grove Pond & Splash Park is expected to open this summer so be on the lookout for more information. Speaking of amenities, are you planning a special event this year? If you have a graduation party, baby shower, milestone birthday, or wedding in the works, consider hosting your event at Sycamore House, The Lodge, or one of our outdoor pavilions. Visit WillowsfordLife.com for rates and more information. Now, to our many new residents, welcome home! If you need key fobs, website access, trash receptacles, would like to attend the next Willowsford 101, or simply have a question about the community, please email HOA@willowsford.com. It is our pleasure to assist you in ensuring you and your family enjoy all this unique community has to offer.

WillowsfordLife Vol. 2, No. 2: Spring 2019 Copyright 2019 © Willowsford Homeowners Association, Inc. WillowsfordLife is a quarterly publication of Willowsford Homeowners Association, Inc., 23506 Founders Drive, Ashburn, VA 20148. Willowsford Homeowners Association, Inc. reserves the right to reject or edit any articles or other content submitted to it for publishing. Any opinions expressed by the authors of articles or other content published herein are the opinions of such author and in no way, represent the opinion of Willowsford Homeowners Association, Inc. Willowsford Homeowners Association, Inc. reserves the right to reject advertising determined to not be in keeping with the publication’s standards. Acceptance of advertising by WillowsfordLife does not constitute an endorsement of products or services advertised herein. Willowsford Homeowners Association, Inc. does not take responsibility for and does not undertake effort to validate any representations by advertisers. Willowsford, Willowsford Conservancy, and are all trademarks of Willowsford, L.L.C. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part of any material in this publication is expressly prohibited. Liability in the event of an error is limited to a printed correction. Printed in the USA.

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23506 Founders Drive Ashburn, VA 20148

41085 Willowsford Lane Aldie, VA 20105

(571) 297-2586

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LCSO Emergency – Dial 911 Animal Control – (703) 777-0406 Republic Services – HOA.NOVA@republicservices.com Trash – Tuesday & Friday Recycling – Tuesday Yard Waste – Wednesday NOVEC Electric – (703) 335-0500 Washington Gas – (703) 750-1000 Loudoun County Sanitation Authority – (571) 291-7880 Verizon Fios Phone & Cable – (800) 837-4966 Verizon Fios Internet – (800) 438-3467 SFMC, Inc. – (703) 392-6006

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Spring 2019 9

Event Spotlight

The Lifestyle

In the Kitchen

Community Clubs

Meet the Halls

Paws & Claws

Conservancy

Farm

Just for Kids

Winter Roundup

Community Standards

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EventSpotlight

Kickstart YOU in 2019 A Mind & Body Retreat by Elena Sonnino Willowsford Resident & Life Coach Motivating. Enlightening. Uplifting. Transformative. Clarity. Gentle. Encouraging. We hear a lot about goals and New Year’s resolutions at the beginning of each year. But as often is the case, those goals come with layers of expectations and feelings that our lives need to be fixed. This year, Kickstart YOU in 2019: A Mind & Body Retreat set out to foster a new paradigm, one that comes from mindfulness, and connection to a deeper understanding of our heart’s desires. The group assembled at The Lodge on January 5th, all for different reasons. Some were intrigued by the idea of a retreat in their own backyard. Others were drawn in by the promise of yoga. Others looked forward to getting crafty to make their own vision board. But by

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the end of the day, the group had come together in a way they hadn’t expected. Yes, there was yoga. And yes, there was cutting and pasting of magazine photos to create beautiful vision boards. But there was also something much deeper. There was connection, which is what makes a retreat so unique. Retreats are more than just a self-care indulgence. Within the context of a day and shared experience, comes an energy that is unique to each group that comes from showing up to be seen and realize that you are not alone. “I was able to identify patterns that are holding me back and also recognize that weights I have are similar to those of my neighbors,” said Sara Lazarus of the day. The group may have started as individuals, some neighbors, and a few brand new faces, but by the end there was a sense of vulnerability shared by

“...we create space for what matters to truly stand out .”

EventSpotlight each participant that felt supportive, nurturing, and motivating.

Throughout the retreat, participants moved through yin yoga, individual reflection, and group discussion to create space, attune to, and envision what their hearts Most of us move through our days on a continual crave. Nourished by delicious and healthy bites created loop of to-do’s and taking care of others. But when by Chef Natalie Ortiz, we stop to de-clutter there was sustenance. our lives–in our body, There was laughter. in our mind, and in our As we move into spring, consider these questions There were some tears heart–we create space and many hugs. There to help you clean the mind-clutter and create for what matters to was honesty, courage, space for what wants to bloom! truly stand out. The and commitment to question is, how do we What am I learning? stay connected to the release those patterns inner strength and What is shifting? and stop waiting for wisdom that emerged. What thoughts or stories are on repeat in my the conditions to be As Andrea Goldwater mind? just right when we are described the day, doing our very best to What is keeping me stuck? “It made me stop keep all the balls that and reflect, which I And once you’ve created space, ask yourself: we juggle in the air? rarely take time to What does my heart crave? do. I learned how to It is easy to offer better set myself up for mindfulness as a curesuccess.” all. But what is often left out of tips and tricks to be more mindful or present in our daily lives is a shift in focus from one of fixing and self-improvement to one of self-compassion and awareness. When we start from where we are, with less judgment and more acceptance, we are able to create space in our lives for how we want to feel and what we want to amplify. “The retreat helped me better understand what I crave. That it is truly up to me,” said Eileen Sidaros.

Don’t miss the opportunity to join me for the next retreat, Let Yourself Bloom, taking place Saturday, May 11th from 9 AM – 4:30 PM at The Lodge. Treat yourself to a day of relaxation, nurturing, and connection as you honor all that you do and all that you are–just in time for Mother’s Day!

Elena Sonnino Life Coach

Learn more about Elena at ElenaSonnino. com or through her Sunrise in Your Pocket podcast available on iTunes or Spotify. You can also join Elena for yoga at The Lodge on Wednesday and Friday mornings, or register for the next full-day retreat.

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TheLifestyle

What to See, Where to Go, When to Do Springtime in Willowsford by Susan Walters HOA Lifestyle Manager Spring brings so much beauty and life to Willowsford. Flowers are blooming and our best outdoor events and activities are on the horizon. One of my favorite upcoming events is the Spring EGGstravaganza featuring a visit from the Easter Bunny himself. Carpe Donuts will be on-site serving delicious treats and hot cider. Cuddly, baby farm animals will make an appearance and our egg hunt will be even larger than last year—over 7,000 eggs to fill your baskets! How many will you find? Also blooming this spring is a Farm-to-Table Brunch featuring a delightfully seasonal menu from Chef Jason Maddens, owner of AhSo in Brambleton. Sycamore House Courtyard is the perfect setting for this beautiful, outdoor meal showcasing a bounty of in-season ingredients. We love teaming up with local chefs and bringing fresh talent right here to Willowsford.

Willowsford 101

Thursday, March 28th

In early May we get together to kick off the first outdoor concert of the year featuring Willowsford’s own Beltway Rockers. May is also when we celebrate the most important women in your life at our annual Mother’s Day Brunch hosted by Willowsford Kitchen. Reserve your seat today! Spring events wrap up with a Movie on the Lawn at Ellenvale Park in The Greens. This is the perfect outdoor location for a fun, family-friendly movie with lots of room to frolic. And as spring gives way to summer, we look forward to the pools opening on Saturday, May 25th and enjoying many splash parties and dive-in movies.

Visit WillowsfordLife.com > Calendar to keep up with everything happening at Willowsford.

Spring EGGstravaganza Saturday, April 13th

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TheLifestyle

Motherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day Brunch Sunday, May 12th

Farm-to-Table Brunch Saturday, April 27th

Summer Concert Friday, May 3rd

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Movie on the Lawn Friday, May 17th

TheLifestyle

Spring Green Salad with Pickled Radishes by Chef Bonnie Moore Willowsford Culinary Director Pickling mellows the sharp, spicy flavor of radishes and broadens their appeal. All you need is vinegar or lemon juice, salt and sugar. From there you can experiment with adding garlic, chilis, ginger, herbs and other aromatics. The radishes begin to pickle in just a few minutes at room temperature or they can steep in the brine for several days in the refrigerator where their bite will continue to mellow. Serves 4.

In the Kitchen Parent & Child Culinary Workshop Culinary Workshops are a great way to spend quality time with your child and introduce them to cooking and eating in an exciting and interactive way! These classes are designed to give children and their parents a chance to share a culinary experience enhanced by our own Farm’s harvest, make a meal together, and enjoy a farm-to-table supper with neighbors. Unlike Jr. Chef Academy and Camp Willowsford, these one-time classes offer the adult/child team a chance to try a class without making a 5 to 6 class commitment. In these fun, two hour-long sessions, kids learn and play with tastes and textures as they get their hands dirty mixing, measuring, and rolling to create their own meal.

Parent & Child Culinary Workshop Ages 5 to 8 Tuesday, April 9th The Lodge 5 - 7 PM

Parent & Child Culinary Workshop Ages 9 to 13 Wednesday, April 10th The Lodge 5 - 7:30 PM

Ingredients 6 radishes ½ cup red wine vinegar ½ teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon turbinado or brown sugar 6 cups mixed spring greens, such as butter crunch lettuce, arugula, watercress, and baby spinach 2 tablespoons (or to taste) Dijon Vinaigrette freshly ground black pepper to taste Instructions 1. To pickle the radishes: wash, trim and thinly slice the radishes. (Fresh, tender radish leaves can be washed and added to the mixed greens). Toss the radish slices with vinegar, salt and sugar. Let stand for 5 minutes or refrigerate for several days. 2. In a large salad bowl, toss the greens with the Dijon vinaigrette, a pinch of salt and a few twists of freshly ground black pepper. Sprinkle the salad with pickled radish slices and serve. At the Stand Look for radishes that are smooth, brightly colored and feel heavy for their size. The round red ones are a classic, but keep an eye out for multi-colored Easter egg radishes or nubby-looking French breakfast radishes at the Farm Stand. How to Store Radishes will keep for a week or more stored in the refrigerator. Trim the leaves keeping a bit of the green stem and refrigerate unwashed in a plastic bag.

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CommunityClubs

Raise ‘Em High Bourbon Club Spotlight by Anthony Fiorillo Willowsford Resident As America’s native whiskey, bourbon is a tightly regulated product with distinct characteristics. It is high proof and aged in barrels for a premium taste. Bourbon’s general flavor profile is described as having big vanilla, oak, and caramel notes, which make it ideal for mixing into cocktails or enjoying straight up. If you’re a fan of Kentucky’s finest, then Willowsford’s Bourbon Club is the perfect opportunity to sip with like-minded neighbors. Bourbon Club was founded in September 2016 by former resident Frank Del Re and myself, a current resident of The Grove. Since then we’ve grown from two members to nearly 300 and continue to expand rapidly. There’s always room for new recruits who share an affinity for bourbon and learning about (and tasting) rare, premium, and small-batch bourbons. We typically host 4 to 5 events at The Lodge each year. A few of our favorite events include a MurLarkey

Community Clubs Joining a Willowsford-Sponsored Community Club is a wonderful way to meet your neighbors, become familiar with the community, and make real world connections. Visit the Community Calendar online to view all upcoming club events and details. Each club also has a Facebook Group which residents can request to join. Archery Club Bourbon Club Brew Club Bunco Babes Club Retro-Fit

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CommunityClubs Distilled Spirits private tasting and a Kentucky Derby event co-hosted with the Wine Club. We look forward to co-hosting a couple of events with other Willowsfordsponsored Clubs this year. On February 1st, we teamed up with the Brew Club to sample beer aged in bourbon barrels and learned all about the process from guest speaker Wes Nick, Brewmaster at The Farm Brewery at Broad Run. On Saturday, May 4th, we’ll team up with the Wine Club once again for Derby Day. You can get more details on upcoming events from our Facebook page: Willowsford Bourbon Club. We would love to hear any ideas you have for future events. Please contact Tony Fiorillo at ajfiorillo1@gmail.com with suggestions, comments, or any questions. We look forward to sharing a drink with you soon!

Saturday, May 4th Derby Day Join us for the annual Willowsford Bourbon Club and Wine Club collaboration! We’ll celebrate the “two greatest minutes in sports” with Mint Juleps and plenty of fun. Check the Willowsford Weekly and Facebook group for more information. Details TBD.

Community Garden Club Illustrious Novel Enthusiasts Mountain Bike Club Networking Group Recreational Sports Club Social Club Supper Club Willowsford Cares Willowsford Wheels The Wine Club North The Wine Club South

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Meet the

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FamilyFeature

Halls Life in The Grove by Kacie Ward HOA Communications Coordinator The Halls were the very first family to settle onto Turkey Oak Drive in 2015. Now, almost four years later, their street is complete and filled with neighbors. “It was amazing because we were able to meet each new family as they moved in. We couldn’t have picked better neighbors if we tried,” Ryan and Erica say. The Grove became just what they were looking for, the perfect place to raise their four daughters. Ryan and Erica met through mutual friends in Los Angeles, CA, nearly 17 years ago. At the time he was stationed at L.A. Air Force Base and she had recently moved out west after experiencing a particularly long, cold, and snowy Boston winter. Ryan proposed to Erica on a dreamy hot air balloon ride overlooking the beautiful vineyards of Temecula, CA. They tied the knot in Cape Cod, MA in 2005.

“We couldn’t have picked better neighbors if we tried.” Ryan’s next military assignment brought them to Virginia where they spent the following seven years, before moving onto Tampa, FL. They enjoyed three years in the Sunshine State, filled with lots of beach trips to the Gulf of Mexico and visits to Disney World. For Ryan’s final assignment they wanted to put down roots and felt that Northern Virginia was already home. “We had heard about Willowsford—the farmto-table living and opportunities to be involved in the

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neighborhood, and fell in love when we checked it out for ourselves,” Erica says. The recreational aspect of Willowsford also was a big draw for the family. The Halls enjoy spending time outdoors, whether it’s jogging on the trails, ziplining at Overlook Knoll Park, digging in the garden, or swimming laps at the pool. Erica, a personal trainer and fitness instructor, teaches Bootcamp classes here at The Lodge, where she’s known for her encouraging attitude and endless energy! She also runs EveryMom Fitness, offered at The Fieldhouse in Chantilly, which features Bootcamp classes that cater to moms—and their kids and babies who are welcome to tag along.

FamilyFeature Although their home is teeming with girls, Ryan fitness classes, loves doing squats and burpees, and doesn’t mind being outnumbered. “We have been enjoys cheering her sisters on in all that they do. blessed with four amazing daughters!” he says. This spring the Halls are busy planning their annual Summer, 11, is the eldest. Easter scavenger hunt. As a competitive gymnast “Instead of finding Easter she keeps the family eggs, we find clues around Do you know a family that should be featured in busy with her practice our neighborhood and the next issue of WillowsfordLife? We are looking and meet schedule. This the last clue leads us to for candidates that have a unique, interesting year she is competing a big prize!” says Kaia. story to share and are actively involved in the as a Level 7 gymnast It’s something the family community! Nominate a fellow household by with Gym America. Kaia, began doing in their old e-mailing HOA@willowsford.com. 9, loves softball, Girl neighborhood in Florida and Scouts, and running— then continued when they especially with the Girls moved to Willowsford. They on the Run program at her had no problem convincing their new neighbors to join school. Tatum, 6, is in kindergarten and loves soccer, in on the fun! The Halls adore their life in The Grove, swimming, and pretty much anything else where she surrounded by a village of neighbors who quickly can be active. The littlest edition to the family, Emory, became great friends. 3, is Erica’s mini instructor-in-training. She helps teach

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CommunityStandards

Design Review Committee Information Here are some upcoming DRC dates to keep in mind. Throughout the busy season, the Committee meets more frequently, every three weeks. If you have any questions about the process, please reach out to DRC@willowsfordlife.com. Note that DRC dates are officially advertised through the Willowsford Weekly emails and on the Willowsford Community Calendar online. Dates listed herein are subject to change.

April

My Tree, or Not My Tree? That’s a Good Question! by Christine Massey HOA Assistant Manager Perhaps you’ve noticed that the streets of Willowsford are beautifully lined along both sides with trees that are, more often than not, located on homeowners’ property. We call these street trees and it seems they can cause quite the confusion. Who planted them and why? Who maintains them? Who replaces them? Well, here are answers to these and other frequently asked questions! What is a street tree and why was it planted on my property?

April 3rd – Application Deadline April 9th – Pre-Review April 17th – DRC Meeting

May – First Session April 24th – Application Deadline April 30th – Pre-Review May 8th – DRC Meting

May – Second Session May 15th – Application Deadline May 21st – Pre-Review May 29th – DRC Meting

Street trees are a requirement of Loudoun County and are planted in accordance with the approved County construction plans. Street trees are not permitted within the VDOT Right of Way, line of sight easement, or storm sewer easements. As a result, they often are located farther back from the street and within homeowner property boundaries.

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CommunityStandards Who is responsible for maintaining street trees? The Association is responsible for maintenance including mulching, pruning, pest control, and weeding of the street trees. Residents should avoid mulching to ensure the trees are not over mulched. If street trees are within my property boundary, why am I not responsible? Street trees are located within an easement that was established for the purpose of maintaining and replacing street trees, sidewalks, and signage. Who plants street trees? Initially the Developer plants the trees in accordance with the approved County construction plans. Who do I report street tree issues to? If you have any questions or concerns regarding a street tree, please contact the HOA at HOA@willowsford.com and a work order will be put in place for the issue to be investigated. Who is responsible for replacing dead or dying street trees? Street trees that need replacement within one year or less of being planted will be the responsibility of the Developer, since there is a one-year warranty in place. Trees older than one year will be replaced by the Association. When are street trees replaced? Street trees that are determined to be dead or dying, will be replaced in late fall, usually November or early December.

Appointed to the DRC We are excited to announce that residents Max Harwell and Scott McIntosh have been appointed to the DRC by the Founder! The Committee now includes four members: one consultant, one Development Team member, and two residents. Thank you to all volunteers and we look forward to adding more residents in the future!

Spring into Action This winter has been particularly long, frigid, and snowy so thank goodness it’s coming to an end! As the deep freeze begins to melt away, it’s time to prepare your home for spring. Here are some steps you can take now that may help avoid costly maintenance repairs later on: Inspect the roof and gutters for damage; it’s likely taken a beating all season. They’re sure to clear gutters of debris as clogs can lead to water damage. Clean and repair driveways, fences, decks, and patios. Spray away salt, sand, and de-icers, then fill any cracks, holes, or gaps. Examine your windows, doors, and seals for any damage. Sealants can crack in extreme cold, leading to water damage and drafts. Inspect the paint on the outside of your home. Make any necessary paint repairs or try a fresh look–but be sure to submit an application for any paint color changes! Examine your chimney. If needed, hire a chimney sweep to check the exterior for damage and clean the flue. Prepare lawn equipment. Make sure your lawn mower and weed whacker are clean, gassed up and ready for the first spring cut. Last, but not least–pull out your springtime clothes, open up the windows, and turn on the music!

Meet Max “My wife Gigi and I moved from Herndon, Virginia where we lived for 29 years. We have four adult children who live in the local area with four grandchildren and one more on the way. At our last residence, I was a member of the HOA Board for 15 years. While I was on the HOA Board the most important item that I felt that could affect the community was architectural changes. I want to help control that here in Willowsford, and that’s the reason I wanted to be on the DRC.”

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Paws&Claws

Ticked Off The Pet Corner by Alice Ignaszewski, DVM, MS Willowsford Resident It’s the first of the month, which means it’s time to give your pet his flea, tick, and heartworm medications. But how much do you know about these pesky, bloodthirsty critters you’re helping your pet fend off? The flea has solidified its place in history as the likely cause of the Black Death, an outbreak of plague that killed 25 million people in Europe. Fleas are jumping insects that can set up shop on you or your pets. Fleas lay eggs that fall off the host and into the surrounding environment. This means that if your pet is infested, flea eggs can be found in bedding, rugs, furniture, upholstery, and more. Once fully developed the fleas will look for a host and the cycle starts over again. Fleas cause occasional itching and possible hair loss, but infestations can become serious. Pets allergic to flea saliva suffer from flea allergy dermatitis, which is characterized by intense itching and skin lesions. Itching may be so intense that your pet is licking and chewing at their skin continuously, potentially leading to secondary infections. If you love country music, you’ve probably heard Brad Paisley’s song Ticks. If an ectoparasite earns the number one spot on the US Billboard Hot Country

Songs chart, it’s because they’re a big deal. Ticks can transmit numerous diseases to you and your pets, including, but not limited to: tularemia, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, and babesiosis. Since ticks feed on the blood of their host, heavy tick infestations can lead to a low red blood cell count, a condition called anemia. This may leave your pet feeling tired and unable to exercise. A lesser known condition, tick paralysis, is caused by neurotoxins found in tick saliva. Interestingly, in 2016, the euthanasia of a paralyzed dog was called off after a veterinary student discovered a tick on the dog’s ear. The tick was removed and the dog was walking 10 hours later! The third parasite those monthly pills are working to control are heartworms. The heartworm lifecycle begins when a mosquito ingests immature worms, called larvae, from an infected animal. While in the mosquito, the larvae will mature slightly before being deposited into the blood of the mosquito’s next meal.

Essential Spring Cleaning Checklist for Pet Owners Wash & Sanitize Toys Pet toys should be cleaned when visibly dirty or smelly (once a month at a minimum). Wash soft toys in a garment bag with a mild detergent and dry in a pillowcase. Wash hard toys in the sink with a 50% water/50% vinegar solution, or throw them in the dishwasher. Deep Clean Bowls For a double dose of disinfecting power, soak the

dishes in a bleach/water solution for about 10 minutes, then run them through the dishwasher on high heat. Refresh Bedding Just like your bed sheets, it’s recommended that you wash your pet’s bedding once a week. If you’re unsure how long it’s been since your pet’s bed was washed, consider purchasing a new one and keep it on a cleaning schedule. Litter Boxes How often do you completely replace the litter in your cat’s litter box? If you routinely just scoop

WillowsfordLife

Paws&Claws

Once in their definitive host, the larvae migrate to the blood vessels of the lung where they become adult heartworms. This infestation of worms living in the heart and lungs of an animal is what causes heartworm disease. It is characterized by coughing, exercise intolerance, and heart failure. Fleas, ticks, and mosquitos all thrive in warmer weather, but practicing year-round prevention will help keep your furry family members healthy. It is good practice to regularly perform flea and tick checks, and eliminate potential breeding grounds for mosquitos. As always, consult your veterinarian if you think your pet may be sick. the box and then add new litter, use this time to completely replace the litter and scrub the box. Pet Pantry Check the dates on your pet foods. Fresh and frozen foods have a much shorter life span than dry and canned foods, but you should check them all anyway. Air Filter Trap airborne dust and dander with a filter to reduce lingering pet odors in your home. Look for filters made especially for pet owners; they come with builtin ionizers that minimize allergens and help deliver a boost of air freshening.

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Willowsford Off-Leash Areas Let your pups run free this spring! Our dog parks feature plenty of grassy open space, rolling hills, and even dog-friendly water fountains. If you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t already have a Willowsford resident dog tag, stop by Sycamore House or The Lodge to get yours today and start enjoying the amenities.

Everfield Community Park The Grant Grassland Community Park The Greens Winstonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Walkabout The Grange

WillowsfordConservancy

Open May 1st-October 31st Cedar Pond Pavilion, Hidden Meadow Event Field, Grant Family Campsite Book early! With three beautiful venues for rental, residents have a range of options for camping, birthday parties, family events, scout gatherings, and similar opportunities to enjoy time in nature. In addition to The Grant Family Campsite for families and smaller groups, Hidden Meadow Event Field & Group Campsite offers space and amenities for group camping and events for up to 200 people. Cedar Pond Pavilionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s unique pond and woodland setting is the perfect location for family or club events, sleep-overs, and gatherings for smaller and medium-size groups. To find out more and book your venue, visit the Venues section of WillowsfordConservancy.org.

Spring2019

Willowsford Wayfinding Conservancy Announcements by Iris Gestram Conservancy Executive Director Trail Improvements Throughout winter we improved some notoriously wet trails in all villages that were impacted by the record amount of rainfall in recent months. Spring is the perfect time to get outdoors and enjoy all that Willowsford has to offer! In The Greens, a new section of wooden boardwalk was constructed and mulch added to stabilize the trail surface between mile markers 6.5 - 7.5 along Wetlands Way. A perpetually wet trail section behind Quadrille Court and Iron Harrow Court was raised to reduce standing water and mud in that section. Along The Grange Farm Loop, two sections downhill of the Farm fields received underdrains (known as French Drains) to better drain water into the ground. In The

WillowsfordConservancy Grove, new trail connectors were added to the Tall Cedars Trail at Chatham Green Circle and Freshfields Court. The existing trail connector at the corner of Black Willow and Trailhead Drive was improved, along with sections of the Tall Cedars Trail between mile marker 1.5 – 2.0. In The Grant, we conducted bridge and culvert repairs to address concerns with standing water in several areas. The heavy rainfall this year created many wet spots for which we continue to develop long-term, sustainable solutions.

“Spring is the perfect time to get outdoors and enjoy all that Willowsford as to offer!” While enjoying the trails, you will notice new signage throughout all villages. We added landmark signs to identify amenities and points of interest and also updated the trail markers so they can be viewed from both directions. We will continue to improve the trail systems, so if you see an area that may need improvements, please don’t hesitate to reach out via the Report a Problem function in the Trails section of WillowsfordConservancy.org. Smartphone App for Trail Navigation Debuting this spring, we are excited to share our new smartphone app for navigating the Conservancy trail system! The app will offer digital maps with information about Conservancy and HOA amenities along the Willowsford trail network. To download the app, simply search Willowsford Conservancy Trails in the Apple or Google app store. Once installed, the app contains different maps to download individually. Map downloads require a username and passcode to ensure maps are accessible only to Willowsford residents. More information will be shared with residents upon official rollout of the app and will also be available on the Conservancy website. After a map has been downloaded, users can begin exploring the trail system in whichever village they choose.

WillowsfordLife

WillowsfordConservancy The Maps screen will show users’ location as they travel, making trail navigation as simple as taking out your phone. Points of Interest appear as clickable map icons and provide in-depth information on amenities along the trails. Points of interest can also be browsed via a Trail Stops screen where the points on the map are listed with pictures and interpretive information. The Conservancy trail app will be unveiled in March for The Grange and Grove villages. By the summer, maps of the trail system in all four villages will be available. We look forward to seeing you on the trails! Springtime Sightings March, April, and May are great times to explore the trails and spot wildlife. You may have noticed different animal tracks in the snow over the winter. If you remember their location, you may be able to catch sight of the furry friend that made them. Fox, Beaver, Eastern Cottontail, Muskrat, Woodchuck, Chipmunk, Moles, and many other species can be spotted throughout Willowsford. The best time for bird watching and listening is early in the morning, between sunrise and 8 AM. The evening hours before sunset are great for spotting nocturnal animals. Always remember to only take photos and respect our wildlife neighbors by keeping your distance. Please let us know what you find!

Upcoming Conservancy Programs Please visit the Calendar of Events at WillowsfordConservancy.org to view more information and register

Right Plant, Right Place: Native Plants for the Home Garden Wednesday, April 3rd 6:30 – 8 PM: Sycamore House

Beavers at Work

Wednesday, April 24th (Rain Date: May 1st) 5 – 6:30 PM: Meet at Cedar Pond Pavilion

Voices in the Night: Amphibian Walk Thursday, April 25th (Rain Date: May 2nd) 6:30 – 8 PM: Meet at Sycamore House

Feathered Fosters

April 27th – May 4th 11 AM – 2 PM: Pickup at the Farm Stand

Trail App Nature Walk in The Grange Saturday, May 11th (Rain Date: May 18th) 4 PM: Meet at Sycamore House

Bluebird Walk

Sunday, May 19th (Rain Date: June 2nd) 10 AM – 12 PM: Meet at Pin Oak Park

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WillowsfordFarm

What’s Sprouting? From the Farmers by Collin Thompson Farm Manager

Ashley Swensen Retail Manager

crops. Don’t like kale? No problem! Let us know, and we’ll never put it in your box. Love sweet peppers? Super, we’ll make sure you get plenty. We will use your saved preferences to build your custom share, each and every week. Of course, the more variety in vegetables you select, the more variety you’ll see in your CSA. We know that’s awesome, but there’s even more to love. With our new system, you can log in each week, see your share before pick-up, and make changes. That means you can grab extra tomatoes to make a sauce or more eggplant if you’ve got company coming for dinner. If you normally love pac choi, but you need something else for a recipe that caught your eye, you can swap! Your box can have any combination of what we’re harvesting each week, with just a few clicks at your keyboard.

CSA Custom Shares Willowsford Farm is so lucky (and grateful!) to have had strong support from our community since its inception. We know that just as we have put our efforts into growing food, you’ve put effort into planning your meals around seasonal produce, trying new recipes and cooking techniques, and arranging your schedules to accommodate CSA pickups. Our goal has always Meat & Dairy Updates been to make CSA as Our Farmer’s Choice Join CSA in 2019 fun and convenient as Pastured Meat Shares got possible for you, and this rave reviews over the winter, year, we’re stepping up so we’re thrilled to continue Sign up today! Willowsford Farm’s CSA is the most our game! Willowsford this option for the full 2019 convenient way to eat seasonally, and support Farm is now using new season. Each distribution is local agriculture and your community. technology to help us a pre-selected combination Veggies – Eggs – Milk – Meat – Flowers manage your CSA. What of high-quality frozen meats WillowsfordFarmCSA.com does that mean for you? from both Willowsford A truly customized CSA Farm and our partners at experience. Whiffletree Farm. Possible items for the bag each week

include Whiffletree’s free-range chickens and grass-fed When you create your CSA member account for either a beef, wild caught salmon, and Willowsford Farm’s own Personal or Family Size share, you’ll have the opportunity pork. You can expect to receive 7-12 lbs. of meat per to tell us how you feel about every one of our planned week. An example of a weekly bag could be: a 4.5 lb.

Collin

WillowsfordLife

WillowsfordFarm $2 bottle deposit for each half-gallon. If you choose glass, recycle your bottles with us at the Farm Stand and receive a $2 merchandise credit for each return. Fresh-Cut Stems Bring the beauty of the outdoors into your home with weekly, beautiful, seasonal bouquets from Loudoun County grower Barbara Lamborn at Greenstone Fields in Purcellville. CSA bouquets are usually 12 to 20 stems of currently available flowers and fillers. Barbara’s flowers are Certified Naturally Grown, freshly cut and arranged to highlight what’s blooming each season.

whole chicken, 1 lb. of chorizo sausage, 1 lb. of bacon, 1 lb. pork tenderloin, 2 lbs. beef stew cubes, 1 lb. salmon filet. This share is slightly different than our veggies, and the CSA contents are set each week. Although we cannot accommodate substitutions to the weekly shares, for those of you who currently eat a variety of meats, this is a convenient opportunity to keep your freezer stocked with products that are locally sourced, humanely raised, non-GMO, and antibiotic free. For those with different dietary preferences, we also provide a subscription for whole broiler chickens only. Please join us in welcoming South Mountain Creamery’s grass-fed milk to the dairy shelves! Your CSA milk will now be traveling from the family farm of Randy and Karen Sowers, in Middletown, MD. They’ve been dairy farmers for almost forty years, and in 2001, they began processing their own milk right on the farm. The South Mountain Creamery herd of Jerseys and Holsteins live a pampered life with full access to pasture. Their nonGMO supplemental forage is wholly grown for them by the Sowers in an awesome example of a closed loop agricultural system. They are never exposed to hormones, and any cows requiring antibiotics to maintain their health are pulled from milk production. Because the production facility is located on site, your gently pasteurized milk is unbelievably fresh and delicious. The milk doesn’t leave the Sowers’ farm until it comes straight to you. In our taste test at the farm offices, we found first-class quality not just in flavor, but in everything from color to texture. All milk share options (cream top, whole, 2%, skim, chocolate) will be available in your choice of glass or plastic half-gallons from SMC. The price of glass half-gallons includes a

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Feathered Fosters One of the most important things we grow is the connection between our community and their food sources. We’re nurturing that connection with a new program this year, Feathered Fosters. At the end of April, we’ll have pairs of newly hatched broiler chicks for you to take and care for in your homes for seven days! The Farm will give you all the information and materials you need to keep them healthy during their stay with you; all you’ll need to provide is care. Through this program, your family can have a truly memorable “hands-on” learning experience in the joys and responsibilities of caring for baby livestock animals. Available April 27 - May 4 with pick-up 11 AM – 2 PM at the Farm Stand. Cost: $30. Keep an eye on our social media for sign-ups this spring!

JustForKids

The Art Gallery April Showers Bring May Flowers

Sydney Sadowski, Age 6

Emili Sadowski, Age 7

Sonali Kapoor, Age 4

Nathan Ewaldsen, Age 11

Next Issue Want to be featured in the next issue of WillowsfordLife? It’s almost time for Camp Willowsford! Campers: please submit a drawing showing what you’re looking forward to this year, whether it’s kayaking on Willow Lake, cooking with Chef Bonnie in the kitchen, or something else entirely. Simply “fill the frame” on the opposite page and drop off artwork at Sycamore House or The Lodge by May 4th. On the back of submission please include: child’s name and age (may be published), plus parents’ names and address (used for verification purposes only). All submissions become the property of Willowsford HOA and may be published in a future issue.

Katie Clarke, Age 9

Springtime Fun Spring brings us many of our favorite things: birds, flowers, butterflies, and warmer weather. Here are some fun, outdoor activities to try this season! Go on a Ladybug hunt. Grab your magnifying glass and head off on a Ladybug hunt. When you find one, carefully count its spots and then gently let it go. Explore surprises along the trails. Enjoy some

WillowsfordLife

JustForKids

Want to be featured in the next issue of WillowsfordLife? Fill the frame!

fresh air and take a walk to discover Bear Barn Tree House, Log Cabin Tree House, and White Oak Tree House. Splash in the puddles. Don’t let the rainclouds get you down! Put on your raincoat and boots and go outside for a good ol’ splash in the puddles around the neighborhood. Press flowers. All you need are some fresh flower heads, plain paper, and a very heavy book. Sandwich the flowers between two sheet of paper and stick inside the book. After a few days you’ll

Spring2019

have beautiful dried flowers. Adventure awaits. Spend the afternoon at Overlook Knoll Park in The Grove which features a mini zipline and various adventure bridges arranged in a circuit surrounding a wooded picnic area. Plant seeds. There’s something special about squishing your fingers into the soil. Take great care to water daily and wait patiently for the first sign of green to pop through the soil.

JustForKids

2019 Camp Willowsford

WEEK 1

WEEK 4

6/10 – 6/14 Culinary Camp Location: The Lodge Ages: 5-8

7/8 – 7/12 Big Circus Art Camp Location: Sycamore House Ages: 5-8

Looking for an amazingly fun, one-of-a-kind experience for your child this summer? Camp Willowsford will instill in your child a lifelong love for nature, good food and healthy living, foster talents and explore unknown capabilities - all in your very own backyard. There’s not another camp like it. From time spent on the Farm and in the Kitchen to Willow Lake, from recreation spaces in Sycamore House and The Lodge, to the Conservancy’s new Cedar Pond Pavilion, learning opportunities at Willowsford have no bounds.

3D Art Camp Location: The Lodge Ages: 9-12

Discover Camp Location: Sycamore House Ages: 9-12

WEEK 2

WEEK 5

6/17 – 6/21 Culinary Camp Location: Sycamore House Ages: 5-8

7/15 – 7/19 Lego Brick Build Camp Location: The Lodge Ages: 5-8

Camp Willowsford registration is open! Sign up today at WillowsfordLife.com.

STEM Camp Location: Sycamore House Ages: 9-12

Discover Camp Location: The Lodge Ages: 9-12

WEEK 3

WEEK 6

6/24 – 6/28 Challenge Island Fort Island Camp Location: The Lodge Ages: 5-8

7/22 – 7/26 Farm Camp Location: Sycamore House Ages: 5-8

Culinary Camp Location: The Lodge Ages: 9-12

STEM Camp Location: Sycamore House Ages: 9-12

WillowsfordLife

WinterRoundup

Santa Visited Willowsford Santa and Mrs. Claus made a special visit to Sycamore House on Saturday, December 8th to hear holiday wishes and to take family photos. Here are some of our favorite moments from the day!

WillowsfordLife

WinterRoundup

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Willowsford

Homeowners Association, Inc. 23506 Founders Drive Ashburn, VA 20148