STROLL Willowsford - August 2023

DON’T MISS OUR END OF SUMMER BASH AT FOXCROFT SCHOOL!

Join us for a family-friendly field day at Foxcroft School on Saturday, August 19 from 3-6 pm! Squeeze in one more adventure before summer ends with this festive afternoon on your calendar! Grab tickets here: https/foxcroftfamilyfun.eventbrite.com

YOU COULD WIN $100 VISA GIFT CARD NEXT MONTH!

Congratulations and thank you to our May 2023 “Testimonial Tuesday” winner, resident Jesse Kolfer, who submitted a testimonial for FC Virginia. For your chance to win each month, submit your testimonial for ANY of our amazing sponsors by submitting a review at https/bit.ly/StrollWFTestimonial , messaging us through our Facebook/Instagram pages, or emailing our Publication Manager, Billie Rose, at billie.rose@strollmag.com.

STROLL WILLOWSFORD OFFERS COMMUNITY 24/7 RESOURCES

Visit, join, like and follow Stroll Willowsford’s companion social media and other resources:

Hello, Little Stroller!

Exclusive Resident Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/ StrollWillowsford

Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/StrollWillowsford

Instagram:

E-Newsletter & Event Sign-Up: https/bit.ly/StrollWMailingList

Articles & Ideas Submissions: https/bit.ly/SWArticleForm

billie.rose@strollmag.com

“Testimonial Tuesday” form: https/bit.ly/StrollWFTestimonial

Linktree Page: https/linktr.ee/strollwillowsford

Many of your neighbors appreciate the opportunity to support you and the Willowsford community through. StrollWillowsford, identified by this special badge on their ads.

1. Dave Green’s testimonial of Amazing Outdoors

2. Chris and Jen Hansen’s testimonial of Pristine Acres

3. Ryan Sheplee’s testimonial of Holloway Company

4. Jesse Kolfer’s testimonial of FC Virginia

Say Hello to our NEW Sponsors!

We appreciate our Stroll Willowsford sponsors for helping to support the connections within our community. Here’s our newest members of the Stroll Willowsford network!

WELCOME TO OUR NEW STROLL WILLOWSFORD SPONSORS:

Apple Blossom Auto Boutique Mobile Detailing is your one-stop destination for premium car care services on the go. With high- quality chemicals and state-ofthe-art equipment, we bring the ultimate car detailing experience right to your doorstep. From meticulous exterior washes to comprehensive interior treatments, our full service detail packages are designed to restore your vehicle’s shine and protect it from the elements. With a focus on quality and customer satisfaction, Apple Blossom Auto Boutique ensures that every car receives personalized attention and emerges as a pristine masterpiece. Trust us to pamper your vehicle, leaving it in showroom-worthy condition, wherever you are.

Website: ababmobiledetail.com

FB:.facebook.com/ ababmobiledetail

IG: @ababmobiledetail

MANY THANKS TO OUR RENEWING STROLL WILLOWSFORD SPONSOR:

Burn Boot Camp South Riding is located at Tall Cedars Parkway and Gum Springs Parkway and offers energizing and challenging group workouts led by elite trainers who work one-on-one in a supportive group setting to achieve your goals. Workouts target different muscle groups throughout the week and are designed for all fitness levels (every exercise during camp can be modified up or down). Our high-intensity strength and cardio workouts will push you no matter where you are in your fitness journey. Childwatch is offered at select camp times so nothing will stand in the way of your fitness journey. Whatever your “why” is to join us at Burn Boot Camp, we’ll be here to help you crush all your goals!

Website: www.burnbootcamp.com/ south-riding-VA

FB: facebook.com/ burnbootcampsouthridingva

IG: @burnbootcampsouthridingva

Goodstone Inn & Restaurant is a premier hospitality and fine-dining destination nestled in the heart of Virginia’s renowned horse and wine country. Situated near Middleburg, our exclusive countryside resort spans over 265 acres of picturesque rolling hills, offering a serene retreat in the beauty of Virginia’s countryside. Discover our collection of luxurious cottages, providing an oasis of comfort and tranquility for your stay.

Goodstone Inn & Restaurant is committed to the art of farm-to-table freshness and providing an exceptional culinary experience. But the Goodstone experience extends far beyond our delectable cuisine. Our resort offers a true sanctuary, where you can rejuvenate your senses and escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Whether you’re seeking a romantic getaway, a celebration of life’s special moments, or simply a welldeserved break, Goodstone Inn & Restaurant is here to exceed your expectations.

Website: www.goodstone.com

FB: facebook.com/

GoodstoneInn

IG: @GoodstoneInn

This section is here to give our readers easier access when searching for a trusted neighborhood partner to use. Get to know the businesses that make this magazine possible. Please support them in return and thank them if you get the chance!

ACCOUNTING

Stitley & Karstetter, CPA’s (703) 802-2309 skcpas.com

ADVERTISING

STROLL Willowsford, Traci Pasqualone (703) 201-7550

AUTO MAINTENANCE/REPAIR

Hillyard Automotive (703) 828-3900 hillyardautomotive.com

AUTO REPAIR - IMPORTED

IMA motorwerke (703) 327-9858 imamotorwerke.com

BASEMENT WATERPROOFING

3 Pros Basement Systems (800) 604-2252 3prosbasementsystems.com

BOUTIQUES

The Global Local (571) 210-2324 globallocalshop.com

CHIROPRACTIC / SPORTS MEDICINE

Fortify Chiropractic and Sports Rehab (703) 755-0545 fortifyspine.com

CHIROPRACTIC CARE

Advanced Corrective Chiropractic (703) 858-1188 advancedcorrectivechiropractic.com

CLEANING SERVICE

Regal Maid Service (703) 796-6243 regalmaidservice.com/northern-virginia

CONSTRUCTION/GENERAL CONTRACTING

dellCor Contracting (571) 999-2285 dellcorcontracting.com

Macanson Construction (571) 330-1755 macanson.com

COOKING CLASSES/ PARTIES

Palate Sensations (703) 508-4811 palatesensationsdmv.com

CORPORATE GIFTS & JOYFUL VIRTUAL EVENTS

Cheers in a Box (703) 254-4635 cheersinabox.com

COSMETIC DERMATOLOGY/MEDSPA

Niyan MedSpa (703) 814-6232 niyanmedspa.com

COUNTRY CLUB - GOLF, TENNIS & POOL

Chantilly National Golf and Country Club (703) 631-9560 x5934 chantilly-national.com

CUSTOM CABINETS & CLOSETS

Closets by Design (703) 420-7475 closetsbydesign.com

CUSTOMER SERVICE TRAINING/EMCEE

Business Brand Ambassador (703) 400-8829 ericaprowe.com/elevated

DENTISTRY - FAMILY & COSMETIC Aldie Family & Cosmetic Dentistry (703) 327-9222 aldiedentist.com

Bloo Dental (703) 327-5533 bloo-dental.com

Bobbio Family Dental (571) 371-0767 bobbiofamilydental.com

Lux Dental Center (571) 485-2900 luxdentalcenter.com

DINING/LODGING/EVENTS

The Goodstone Inn (336) 362-7456 www.goodstone.com

DRAINAGE SOLUTIONS

Classic Drainage Inc (703) 724-1110 www.classicdrainage.com

EDUCATION

BeanTree Learning Ashburn (571) 223-3110 beantreelearning.com

BeanTree Learning Chantilly (703) 961-8222 beantreelearning.com

Foxcroft School (540) 687-5555 foxcroft.org

Loudoun Country Day School (703) 777-3841 lcds.org

Montessori of Chantilly - Casa Dei Bambini (703) 542-7676 mcdbc.com

The Hill School (540) 687-5897 thehillschool.org

The Ohana School (703) 828-3835 theohanaschool.com

Villa Montessori Stone Ridge (703) 327-0884 stoneridge.villamontessoripreschool.com

ELECTRIC BICYCLES

Pedego Electric Bikes Leesburg (703) 995-4575

www.pedegoelectricbikes.com/dealers/leesburg

FASHION BOUTIQUE & PERSONALIZED STYLING

Scout & Molly’s One Loudoun (703) 858-5600 oneloudoun.scoutandmollys.com

FENCING AND DECKS

MC Fence And Deck (571) 436-0498 mcfenceanddeck.com

FINANCIAL ADVISOR

Edward Jones - Stephen Ide (703) 777-8628 edwardjones.com/stephen-ide

FINANCIAL RESOURCES

Tax Advantage Protection Group (703) 909-8181 taxadvantageinfo.com

FINISHED BASEMENTS

Accommodations Home Services (571) 336-5247 accommodationshs.com

FITNESS - BOOTCAMP WITH CHILDCARE

Burn Boot Camp South Riding (704) 928-7330

burnbootcamp.com/south-riding-va

FLOOR/TEXTILE CLEANING & CARPET REPAIR

Mighty Clean Carpet Care (703) 373-7444

mightycleancarpetcare.com

FLOORING

Crown Floors (703) 817-9600

crownfloors.com

Floor Coverings International of South Loudoun, VA (571) 441-1799 southiad.floorcoveringsinternational.com

Macanson Construction (571) 330-1755

macanson.com

FLORIST

Twinbrook Floral Design/Metro Flower Market (703) 978-3700

www.twinbrookfloraldesign.com

GARAGE - FLOORING/ORGANIZATION

Garage Experts of Northern Virginia (703) 861-3027

garageexperts.com/location/northern-virginia

HAIR SALON

Eclips Salon - Ashburn (703) 327-9408

eclipsashburn.com

Eclips Salon -South Riding (571) 367-3573

eclipsashburn.com

HAIR SALON & SPA

Salon Khouri (703) 273-7878

salonkhouri.com

HAIR SALON - KIDS

Sharkey’s Cuts For Kids Dulles (703) 740-6783

sharkeyscutsforkidsdulles.com

HANDYMAN SERVICES

Handyman on the Go & Associates (804) 937-7030

facebook.com/HandymanOTG

HARDSCAPES / OUTDOOR LIVING

Amazing Outdoors (540) 619-2334 amazingoutdoorsco.com

HOME ORGANIZER

The Styled Sort (571) 207-7895 thestyledsort.com

HOME PERFORMANCE

Comfenergy (800) 604-2252 comfenergy.com

HOME SOLAR Prospect Solar (703) 444-2447 prospectsolar.com

Radiant Solar (804) 656-5881 goradiantsolar.com

HVAC/PLUMBING

M.E. Flow (703) 574-6179 meflow.com

INSURANCE/FINANCIAL

Granger Financial (703) 879-1605

grangerfinancial.com

INTERIOR DECORATING

Sarah McCarty Interiors (703) 581-8098

sarahmccartyinteriors.com

INTERIOR DESIGN

Nalini + Co. Design (703) 345-8285

nalini.decoratingden.com

Elevate Your Event

Ignite Your Events with Erica P. Rowe, The eMCee Extraordinaire

We can take a crowded agenda and turn it into a high energy experience to leave your team or guests feeling good and proud to be a part of your organization or event! Whether it's moderating a panel discussion, facilitating a workshop, or eMCeeing; you are guaranteed a fun, productive, and memorable atmosphere for your event!

Business Brand Ambassador provides eMCeeing services to elevate your brand, engage your audience and create unforgettable experiences!

www.ericaprowe.com/emcee erica@ericaprowe.com

LAWN CARE

K&H Landscape and Grounds Maintenance (703) 849-0713

khlandscaping.com

NaturaLawn of America (571) 267-7353 NaturaLawn.com

LAWN CARE / TICK SERVICE

Turf’s Up (703) 386-7323 callturfsup.com

MEDICAL / PRIMARY CARE

Summit Direct Primary Care (571) 350-0929 summitdpc.com

MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELING

Evolve: A Behavioral Health Center (703) 375-9396 evolvebhc.org

MOBILE DETAILING

Apple Blossom Auto Boutique (703) 895-9676 ababmobiledetail.com

MORTGAGE LENDER

Melissa Bell- Atlantic Coast Mortgage (571) 419-6626 melissabellmortgage.com

MOVING SERVICES

My Guys Moving & Storage (703) 406-9605

MyGuysMoving.com

OUTDOOR LIVING

Accommodations Home Services (571) 336-5247 accommodationshs.com

Deckscapes of Virginia LLC (703) 365-0747

deckscapesofva.com

OUTDOOR LIVING PRODUCTS/MATERIALS

Outdoor Living Wholesale (703) 480-0964 outdoorlivingwholesale.com

OUTDOOR LIVING/OUTDOOR FURNITURE

Holloway Company (703) 996-8099 hollowaycompany.com

PAINTING

Brush Strokes Painting (703) 731-2421 brushstrokespaint.com

PEDIATRICIAN

South Riding Pediatrics (703) 327-0075 southridingpediatrics.com

PERMANENT HOLIDAY LIGHTING

Capital Trimlight (202) 650-7949 capitaltrimlight.com

PERMANENT MAKEUP AND MICROBLADING

European Aesthetic & Permanent Makeup Center (571) 445-5491 erikatutoni.com

PERSONAL CHEF SERVICES

Palate Sensations (703) 508-4811 palatesensationsdmv.com

PHOTOGRAPHY

Darlene’s Photography (540) 669-6600 darlenesphotography.com

Jenny Sessoms Photography (571) 437-9522 jennysessoms.com

PLASTIC & AESTHETIC SURGERY

The Virginia Institute for Surgical Arts (703) 327-8200 drvfacialplastics.com

POOL MAINTENANCE

Allegro Pools (703) 994-5572 allegropools.com

POOLS/ COMPLETE OUTDOOR LIVING

Amazing Outdoors (540) 619-2334 amazingoutdoorsco.com

Lewis Aquatech (703) 631-2800

lewis-aquatech.com

Pristine Acres (877) 333-5651 pristineacres.com

Rock Water Farm (703) 691-5507 rockwaterfarm.com

RADON MITIGATION

RDV Environmental Services (540) 303-7667 rdvenvironmental.com

REAL ESTATE GROUP

Viktorija Piano -The Piano Home Group (571) 926-2000

www.thepianohomegroup.com

REAL ESTATE - RESIDENTIAL/COMMERCIAL Ferris Eways (410) 245-6167 caseysamson.com

Homes by Sabeen (703) 403-6589

REALTOR/INTERIOR DESIGN

Jennifer Liwanag/Pearson Smith Realty (571) 330-1755 jenliwanag.us.psrhomesearch.com

ROOFING/SIDING/GUTTERS

Harriford Exterior Restoration (757) 705-3899 harrifordernova.com

SOCCER - REC TRAVEL

The St. James FC Virginia (703) 395-4728 fcvirginia.com

SPAS/OUTDOOR APPLIANCES/GRILLS

Outdoor Living Wholesale (703) 480-0964 outdoorlivingwholesale.com

SPORT COURTS

Sport Court of Washington, DC (703) 690-7678

www.SportCourtSystems.com

THERAPEUTIC RIDING CENTER

Sprout Therapeutic Riding & Education Center (571) 367-4555

sproutcenter.org

TICK SERVICE

NaturaLawn of America (571) 267-7353

NaturaLawn.com

TILE & GROUT CLEANING/RESTORATION

Looney’s Tile & Grout (703) 999-1933

looneystileandgrout.com

TRAVEL / VACATIONS

Jen Travis - Marvelous Mouse Travels (619) 787-2052

jentravismmt.com

WEALTH MANAGEMENT

Adam Huke with Cassaday & Company, Inc. (703) 506-8200

www.cassaday.com

WINDOW & DOORS SHOWPLACE

Window and Door Showplace (703) 736-9600

wdshowplace.com

WINDOW CLEANING

Regal Window Cleaning (703) 975-8738

regalmaidservice.com/northern-virginia

WINDOW COVERINGS

The Perfect Blind (703) 675-4111

facebook.com/theperfectblind4u

YOGA STUDIO

Yoga Shala (434) 339-4177

yogashala.life

MEET THE STROLL WILLOWSFORD TEAM

Contact our staff with any of your questions, ideas, contributions, stories, event attendance, photos, or requests. We are here to make Stroll Willowsford something you enjoy and love to read every month!

STROLL WILLOWSFORD DEDICATED JUNIOR WRITER TEAM

My name is Sydney Shaughnessy I am going into 6th grade at Willard Middle school. I enjoy cooking, reading and cleaning. I do horseback riding and I’m in a 4H club that meets monthly. I joined the Junior Writers Team because it was recommended by my friend (and fellow Junior writer) Hanna, and i had heard about it from people that are in/used to be in the writers club. I am excited to be joining the club and everyone in it.

strollmag.com

DISCLAIMER: This publication is also known as Front Porch Living, is owned by The N2 Company. Articles and advertisements in this publication and opinions expressed therein do not necessarily reflect the views of N2 but remain solely those of the author(s) or advertiser(s). The paid advertisements contained within this magazine are not endorsed or recommended by N2.

Maria Smietana Writer Lia Hobel Writer

Billie Rose Publication Manager 423-580-6142 billie.rose@strollmag.com

Traci Pasqualone Publisher/Owner 703-201-7550

Traci.Pasqualone @n2co.com

Jenny Sessoms Resident Photographer - Meet The Family Feature Jenny Sessoms Photography

Hope Zawaski Client Manager 708-655-0256 Hope.Zawaski@n2co.com

Darlene Shenier Events Photographer & Stroll Social Media Manager Darlene’s Photography

Devyn Anderson

Jayden Hillyard Madison Griffin

Carley Emilo Kiran Coryea

Samantha Astudillo Hayden Faulkner Junior Editor

Caleb Abdo Katie Astudillo

Madison Blake Myra Budhiraja Noelle Brinker

Colton Eways Morgan Gonzales-Iglesias

Ashna Kumar Cydney McMillian Ava Mitchell

Hanna Stolle Evelyn Rose Anna Rose

Lily O’Hara Gia Ramesh Kiaan Saraiya Henry Vooys Phoebe Monas

Delivering Neighborhood Connections © 2023 The N2 Company, Inc.

CELEBRATING SEVEN YEARS OF COMMUNITY AND CONNECTIONS

Hello, Willowsford community residents,

These heartfelt words echo the spirit of Stroll Willowsford—a testament to our commitment to bringing neighbors together. I am so proud to say that this issue marks our 7th year in print. It has been a remarkable journey connecting with each of you through our monthly magazine, social media platforms, junior writer team, resident events, networking opportunities, and personal connections.

Community is the heartbeat of a fulfilling life. It is through connections that we find the true essence of Willowsford— the opportunity to know our neighbors, build meaningful relationships, and foster a sense of belonging. Stroll Willowsford was born from this belief, aiming to enrich your lives and create personal and professional connections among residents. Cause

With my family (from left): My daughter, Haley, my husband, Frank (31 years married!), my son, Alex with his girlfriend, Taylor, on an amazing trip to the Riveria Maya, planned by Jen Travis of Marvelous Mouse Travels and my dress by Scout & Molly’s One Loudoun. I LOVE supporting our SW sponsors!!

I am proud to say that our publication is exclusively dedicated to the Willowsford community. It is a tapestry woven with your stories, captivating photos, and the essence of our shared experiences. In essence, Stroll Willowsford is your Facebook in print—a testament to the power of community. I want to remind you every single resident is invited to be part of it so please don’t hesitate to reach out!

None of this would be possible without the unwavering support of our Stroll Willowsford sponsors. These businesses, many of whom are your own neighbors, are carefully chosen and are investing in the Willowsford community for the opportunity to earn your trust, your business, and your referrals. As you consider your needs for products and services, I invite you to support these sponsors. If you’ve had a positive experience with any of our sponsors, we would love to hear your testimonial at https/bit.ly/ StrollWFTestimonial or through our social media channels, @strollwillowsford on IG & FB.

Thank you for allowing Stroll Willowsford to be welcome to reach out to me with questions, suggestions,

www.linktr.ee/strollwillowsford

everybody’s somebody’s neighbor”

Important Willowsford Contacts and Resources

SYCAMORE HOUSE

23506 Founders Drive

Ashburn, VA 20148

571-297-2586

Monday-Friday ..................................9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Saturday ........................................................ 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

Sunday ........................................................... 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

THE LODGE

41085 Willowsford Lane  Aldie, VA 20105

571-297-2584

Monday .................................................................CLOSED

Tuesday-Friday ...............................9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Saturday .....................................................11 a.m.-6 p.m.

Sunday ........................................................11 a.m.-4 p.m.

WILLOWSFORD CONTACTS

HOA@willowsford.com

HOA Questions, Comments and Concerns  DRC@willowsfordlife.com

Exterior Modification Applications  lifestyle@willowsford.com

Lifestyle Programming and Amenity Rentals  info@willowsfordconservancy.org

Conservancy, Trails and Campsites  farm@willowsfordfarm.com

Willowsford Farm Team

IMPORTANT CONTACTS

LCSO — Dial 911

LCSO Nonemergency — 703-777-1021

Animal Control — 703-777-0406

American Disposal — 703-368-0500

Trash Service: Tues. & Fri.; Recycling: Fri.; Yard Waste: Wed. NOVEC Electric — 703-335-0500

Washington Gas — 703-750-1000

Loudoun County Sanitation Authority — 571-291-7880

Verizon Fios Phone and Cable — 800-837-4966

Verizon Fios Internet — 800-438-3467  SFMC Inc. — 703-392-6006

weekend at the beach, a block party on your street, and spending time at the pools and parks in Willowsford. We hope you are especially enjoying the playground improvements throughout the community.

While I too start thinking of school shopping and working on the annual budget, this time of year always makes me reflect on my time at Willowsford. This August marks my seventh anniversary as your Community Manager. I’ve gotten to know and collaborate with so many of you over the years. Willowsford had only approximately 600 homes when I arrived and has grown to over 2,300 homes. Not to mention, some of the events that started 6 or 7 years ago have become community favorites (Wineries at Willowsford, Splash Parties, and Holiday Cheer). Much of the Willowsford lifestyle programming grew with Susan Walters who also came to Willowsford in 2016 and is now the Assistant Community Manager. We are fortunate to have such a dedicated and talented team working for Willowsford and Susan is just one example.

What is most exciting to me though is not the past, but to see where this community is going. For the past few months, the resident Strategic Planning Committee has been working hard to develop the future vision of Willowsford. They have been speaking to fellow residents figuring out what it really means to live in Willowsford. In the coming months, the committee will formalize the HOA’s strategic plan providing clear vision and direction for the future of Willowsford and I am excited to be a part of this next chapter. If we haven’t met yet, or you have a concern, please stop by the next Coffee & Conversation on August 4th for a chat.

Outdoor Pavilion Rentals

BY ELLIE WALTERS; WILLOWSFORD HOA HOSPITALITY & COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER PHOTOS BY MOLLY CASSON PHOTOGRAPHY

I don’t know about you, but one thing always comes to mind when I think about late summer and early fall— outdoor cookouts! Sunshine, lawn games, barbeque on the grill, and a refreshing beverage in hand.

It doesn’t get much better. While your own backyard can be a nice spot for a get-together, sometimes you need (or want) a little extra space. Here at Willowsford, we offer a couple of options for a casual gathering at our outdoor pavilions. And if you’re looking to ease the planning and prep work, opt for a catering package from Willowsford Kitchen!

LOCATIONS:

• Everfield Park Pavilion in The Grant 23558 Everfield Drive

Ashburn, VA 20147

• Pin Oak Park Pavilion in The Grove 24633 Lavender Grove Drive

Aldie, VA 20105

INCLUDED:

• Private use of pavilion space for a maximum of 50 people

• Picnic tables, covered fireplace, potable water, grill (tools not included)

• Private event signage

• Designated parking area

RENTAL BLOCK • TIME • PRICE

Full Day • 11 AM • 7 PM $150 (+ $150 Refundable Deposit)

A flat daily rate applies to pavilion reservations; at no time shall a reservation go beyond daylight hours.

WILLOWSFORD KITCHEN CATERING PACKAGE:

Grilling Party at the Pavilions - $950 (Serves 50)

• Farm Veggies & House-Made Ranch Dip (substitute potato chips for the veggies at no additional charge)

• 50 All-Beef Hot Dogs with Buns, Ketchup, Mustard

• 50 Marinated Chicken & Veggie Kabobs

• Choose Two: Creamy Potato Salad, BLT Pasta Salad, Watermelon Feta Salad, or Coleslaw

• Choose One: Chocolate Chip Cookies or S’mores Bars

• Includes 50 compostable luncheon-sized plates, 50 compostable dessert plates, disposable forks/knives/ napkins, disposable serving spoons/tongs

ONLINE BOOKING:

Ready to get started? Pavilions are available for reservation on a first-come, first-served basis for Members in good standing. Reservations must be booked online at least 14 days in advance, but no more than 60 days in advance. Visit the CivicRec Registration Catalog to book your pavilion party!

GROWING A BRIGHT FUTURE:

Welcoming our new Executive Director and Board President to lead the Conservancy towards sustainable success!

This year, we welcomed new leadership - Sophie Lambert, executive director, and Claudette Papathanasopoulos, board president, to the Willowsford Conservancy!

MEET SOPHIE LAMBERT, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR!

With over twenty years of experience in urban planning and nonprofit organizations, our new executive director, Sophie Lambert, joined the Willowsford Conservancy this past spring.

“I’m thrilled to join the amazing team driving such a hands-on, intentional connection between farming, land management, and community,” said Lambert. “The Willowsford Conservancy can be a model for how we live and sustain the environment in responsible and rewarding ways.”

Before her time at the Conservancy, Sophie served as vice president for the Urban Land Institute, a nonprofit organization focused on creating livable communities where she was responsible for the programming, operations, and strategy for UrbanPlan - an education program - which enables high school and university students, community members, and elected officials to redevelop a fictional site and engage in the complex tradeoffs that happen in the land use process every day in cities across the country. Before joining ULI in 2014, Sophie directed the LEED for Neighborhood Development program at the U.S. Green Building Council for six years, where she worked with experts and staff to create a rating system for evaluating sustainable neighborhood projects.

Before her time there, Sophie worked at various historic preservation and planning consulting firms and the U.S. EPA, where she researched the impacts of development on natural habitats. Sophie grew up in England and Canada but has lived in the U.S. since moving there to attend college. She has a B.A. from Smith College, an M.S. in Historic Preservation from Columbia University, and a master’s in urban planning from Virginia Tech.

Currently, Sophie volunteers on the board of Project GROWS. This nonprofit organization aims to improve children’s and youth’s health through garden-based education and access to healthy food in the Shenandoah Valley. Additionally, Sophie enjoys gardening, hiking, experimenting in the kitchen, running, whether a marathon or along a local trail and spending time with her two children, often cheering on their favorite soccer teams.

“Sophie has the organizational skills and creative vision we need to develop Willowsford as a new model for sustainable living,” said Board Chair Claudette Papathanasopoulos. “Her experience and grounding in urban planning, land use, and conservation are perfect for our vibrant ‘agrihood’ community.”

MEET CLAUDETTE PAPATHANASOPOULOS, WILLOWSFORD CONSERVANCY BOARD PRESIDENT!

Claudette and her family have lived in The Greens since 2015. When not volunteering for the Willowsford Conservancy, Papathanasopoulos works as the Technical Director of PR3, a project she co-founded to help scale solutions to the plastic waste crisis. Her work spans over 20 years of experience as an engineer and policy expert in the environmental movement. She has spent her career investigating environmental, human rights, and public health concerns across global supply chains and advocating for innovative design and policy solutions.

Claudette began her career serving in the U.S. Peace Corps in rural Zambia, supporting community-led water and agricultural programs. Her continued interest in sustainable and local food drew her and her family to Willowsford.

“Claudette has served on the Conservancy Board for the last five years, most recently as our Vice President and the staff and board are thrilled to have stepped into the President role. She brings thoughtful leadership, a commitment to conservation, and a true passion for Willowsford. She is the perfect leader in helping us become a world-class agrihood as we work to implement our strategic plan and improve our infrastructure on the farm and on our trails and natural habitats.”

Claudette and her husband are originally from Detroit but moved to Willowsford from Fairfax and are an active CSA Shareholder since they moved to the neighborhood.

“Our favorites are the potatoes – a few months ago, my son was really annoyed that he had to eat “grocery store” potatoes before the farm season opened because they didn’t taste anywhere near as good as what he’s used to,” said Claudette.

They have two children who spend their summers swimming for the Waves and fishing off the dock behind the Willowsford Boathouse. Claudette has filled her yard with native flowers and always seeks opportunities to exchange gardening tips with other native plant enthusiasts. She’s also a jogger and has run thousands of miles along sidewalks and trails in the Grove and Greens over the years. Her favorite route gives her a view of the flowering fields along Grassland Grove.

“I’m thrilled to join the amazing team driving such a hands-on, intentional connection between farming, land management, and community,”

- SOPHIE LAMBERT

Patel

Family!

BY MARIA SMIETANA

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JENNY SESSOMS PHOTOGRAPHY THIS

Before making Willowsford their home, Nishil and Meera Patel lived in Alexandria. “We enjoyed the semiurban lifestyle before children came into the picture and while they were still very young,” said Nishil, who grew up in Maryland and is a University of Maryland-College Park grad. “But once they started getting closer to school age, we loved the idea of having more space, a huge community for them to make friends and explore, as well as terrific schools to attend.”

The family moved to the Grant in December of 2019, just a few months before the Covid lockdowns went into place. “We feel so fortunate to have become great friends with many of our wonderful neighbors,” said Meera, a native Texan and alum of the University of Texas at Austin. It’s always a win-win when the children enjoy playing with each other and the parents can also get together and have their own fun.”

The Patels are Americans of Indian descent and living in a big multicultural neighborhood like Willowsford makes it easy to introduce cherished celebrations to other families while being introduced to theirs. “We’ve made it a tradition to celebrate various holidays throughout the year,” Nishil said. “In spring we did a streetwide Easter egg hunt hop from house-to-house, and for the past three years, we’ve celebrated Holi (the Indian festival of colors and the welcoming of spring) with our neighbors by throwing colored powder on each other while enjoying food, drinks and music outside.”

“Diwali is the Indian holiday the kids enjoy the most,” Meera added.” The kids make a “rangoli”; (a bright and colorful pattern usually made out of colored sand and/or rice which represents the happiness, positivity and liveliness of a household). And during the holiday [Christmas] season, we like to go drive around the neighborhood to see the lights and decorations.”

The Patel’s daughter Ayna, 8, has a strong creative side. She loves arts and crafts, journaling, and is already a good writer and storyteller. Dance is her big passion. “She takes Bollywood dance lessons at Moksha Arts, owned and directed by a Willowsford friend and neighbor, Punchali Khanna Kumar, and has gone to perform in NYC twice now for the studio’s annual recital,” said Meera. “She recently started playing tennis and is really enjoying it.”

Middle child Saiyan loves sports, and even though he’s only 6, he has already played soccer, flag football, basketball and baseball over the past few years. He’s also a Lego fan. When he’s outside, he plays with the neighborhood kids who have become his best buds. “He is super goofy and always knows how to make us laugh with his silly impressions and jokes,” said Nishil.

Shaylan, 2, “is our little troublemaker who always gets his way; the baby of the family who melts our hearts and has completed our little family,” said Mom. “Anyone who knows him knows that he has to have his Ellie (his elephantshaped lovey) around for comfort. He adores his big sister and brother and follows them around the house and participates in whatever antics they are getting into.”

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We feel so fortunate to have become great friends with many of our wonderful neighbors.”

“With three little kids, we don’t get much of a chance to relax,” Nishil laughed. “When we do, it’s usually after the kids get to bed and Meera and I can enjoy a quiet evening watching a movie. Meera also enjoys reading books and crafting, and I like staying on top of sports, cars, technology and investing. With the kids, we like to get away to the beach once or twice a year and we often take advantage of the great amenities the community has to

offer, especially the resort-style pools, walking trails, and the zipline. Ayna did the Junior Chef’s Academy last year and loved it!”

During summer break, the Patels make it a point to see as much of the world as they can. They have taken family trips to Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Paris, Italy, Greece, Scotland, London, Mexico, Bahamas, Hawaii and other parts of the U.S. Back at home, Friday pizza night and Saturday movie

and family sleepover night have become established traditions for the Patels.

“Our most recent favorite is Knead and Wine in Middleburg,” Meera said. “We also go strawberry picking every year at Wegmeyer Farms. It was one of the first activities we were able to get out and do after the COVID lockdowns and so have made it a point to go annually since.”

The Patels chose “adventurous, loving, and thankful” as the words to describe their family.

Would you like your family to be a Stroll Willowsford feature family? Email Publication Manager Billie Rose at billie.rose@strollmag.com to get on our waiting list!

With the kids, we like to get away to the beach once or twice a year and we often take advantage of the great amenities the community has to offer.”

PRECIOUS PETS

MEET BEAU AND BANDIT: Willowsford’s Puppy Brothers!

BY RESIDENT AND JUNIOR WRITER KATIE ASTUDILLO THIS FEATURE SPONSORED BY MIGHTY CLEAN CARPET CARE

Everyone loves dogs, right? Well, let me tell you a story about my neighbor’s dogs! I interviewed my neighbors, the Serafins and the Cords, and they each have a golden doodle. Not only do they have the same type of dog, but the dogs happen to be brothers from the same litter! One is named Beau and the other one is named Bandit. There was a total of seven puppies in their litter, but my neighbors made sure to choose the right dog for their family. The Cords shared that they chose Beau because of his brown eyes. The Serafins decided Bandit was the right one for their family because he was so calm!

Beau and Bandit have similar personalities but a few different features. Bandit has a black nose, dark brown eyes, and a flat coat of fur. Beau has a brown nose, light brown eyes, and more curly fur. They are both social and like to play. When Beau and Bandit play together, they like to eat socks. EWW! They also like to wrestle

and play tag. Bandit really likes to play lacrosse and Beau loves to play tug-ofwar! Beau and Bandit live in the Grove, directly across the street from each other, and have the best time together. The puppies were bred by Sapphire Doodles. A fun fact about them is that both the mom and aunt of Beau and Bandit live in Willowsford as well! All animals are sweet, but I really enjoy dogs. I think Beau and Bandit are super fun and make great company (and neighbors)! I think it’s special that two dogs from the same litter live so close to one another and get to play together throughout their whole lives. I hope that everyone gets to experience having a dog one day!

Jessica Hatfield, a Willowsford resident, owns Sapphire Doodles and familyraises mini and medium Goldendoodles for excellent health, temperament, and sociability. Be sure to visit their website at www.sapphiredoodles.com!

8 weeks old Newborn

Honoring Jon Gonzalez

Congratulations to this month’s Notable Neighbor honoree, Jon Gonzalez! Many residents recognize Jon from his volunteer work with the Willowsford Waves, serving as Vice-President, then as President while the team doubled in size in 5 years!

During his leadership, he worked to expand the program to include simultaneous practices at both locations, and worked closely with the HOA, vendors, parents and staff to ensure the highest quality experience for everyone involved with the team.

“Jon fostered an environment that promoted team camaderie and community involvement. He attended practice every day, encouraged swimmers, assisted the coaching staff, and engaged families with pep talks,” said swim coach Peyton Webb. “He inspired swimmers to support one another, too!”

Says swim coach Eric Bateman, “I had the opportunity to work closely with Jon, and he proved to be an outstanding leader for the team and provided invaluable organizational structure to help the group grow.”

THIS FEATURE SPONSORED BY THE VIRGINIA INSTITUTE FOR SURGICAL ARTS

“I had the opportunity to work closely with Jon, and he proved to be an outstanding leader for the team and provided invaluable organizational structure to help the group grow.”

Jon has also served for several years on the Old Dominion Swim League Board, providing guidance for 32 swim teams throughout Loudoun County. Eric adds, “his experience in organizational management was vital in helping the group navigate the challenges we faced during the Covid-19 pandemic.”

In addition to remaining a passionate volunteer for Willowsford activities, Jon has also helped to raise funds, awareness and advocacy for over 1,000 nonprofits in the DC area!

In his spare time, Jon loves to travel, visit wineries and distilleries, and especially loves exploring Disney with his wife Katie and four kids Allie, Maddie, Chase, and Everly!

BOBBIO FAMILY DENTAL Going Above and Beyond Perfecting Smiles:

WRITTEN BY STROLL WILLOWSFORD STAFF WRITER LIA HOBEL PHOTOS PROVIDED BY DARLENE’S PHOTOGRAPHY

What if we told you there was a dental practice that treated you like family rather than a business opportunity? In Brambleton, such a place does exist at Bobbio Family Dental. Dr. Jenni Bobbio says wellness, building relationships, integrity, impacting the community, and giving back are at their business core.

“We’re committed to providing dental care that not only improves our patient’s smile, but their quality of life,” says Dr. Bobbio. “Our philosophy is to exceed expectations with integrity, honesty, and professionalism all while bringing joy, laughter and fun to our office and the patient’s experience.” Dr. Bobbio also says the dental office takes pride in making sure every person they treat is comfortable during their visit and satisfied with the level of care they receive. “This means that we take time to discuss unique needs and preferences, transparency towards treatments, and available financing options,” she explains.

Their dentistry capabilities range from preventive care to restorative treatments that are “highly personalized” for each individual no matter the reason that brings them to the office. “When our patients first walk into our office, they are greeted by our incredible office manager, Priscilla. She welcomes our patients to make themselves feel right at home in our living room-like reception area. Patients can help themselves to coffee, and water, and even watch their favorite show or program on our smart TV while they wait for their appointment time. One of our friendly team members will then call our patient back to their operatory where we will review their dental and medical history and go over any primary concerns,” says Dr. Bobbio. From there, the staff takes necessary radiographs before performing a comprehensive exam that includes a thorough head and neck check for any lumps or bumps. A discussion is held afterward for any recommendations for oral treatment and care.

Some of the most common issues they see within families is clenching and grinding, which oftentimes are related to airway issues. “Clenching and grinding can lead to wear on the edges of our teeth, stress fractures, cracked teeth, and tender head and neck muscles,” says Dr. Bobbio. “We address this issue by doing a comprehensive head and neck exam, radiographs, and a thorough clinical exam. We will also ask patients about their stress levels, sleep habits, and if they snore or have a tendency to fall asleep during the day when they are at rest.” The team will address this issue in multiple ways. They’ll refer a patient to an ENT if they suspect an airway issue and give a referral for a sleep study. “We may recommend alignment of our patient’s teeth with clear aligner therapy, or we may recommend a nightguard to wear while sleeping. Our treatment options are customized to each patient’s needs and overall health.”

Although born in Lakewood, New Jersey, Dr. Bobbio was raised in Fairfax. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in biology, with a concentration in business at Virginia Tech. “The summer before graduation, I participated in an internship at a dental start-up practice in Centreville, working at the front desk,” recalls Dr. Bobbio. “It was my interest in dental care and positive clinical and chairside interactions that revealed my passion for dentistry.”

In 2010, she graduated from the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry, where she participated as the community service chair in philanthropic projects that focused on giving back to underserved people in the state of Virginia. Dr. Bobbio then went on to complete her general practice residency at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Baltimore, to further her education and practical training. “I have been practicing heartfelt, comprehensive dental care in Northern Virginia for over a decade, and I am devoted to continuing my education to better my patient’s overall dental wellness,” says Dr. Bobbio.

When away from perfecting smiles at the office, Dr. Bobbio spends time with her husband, Ryan, they live in Willowsford with their three children, Gabriella, Gavin, and Giuliana. Her favorite pastimes include gardening, yoga, exercising on the Peloton, and exploring Virginia’s wineries. She also says she loves getting to know fellow entrepreneurs and women business owners.

“I love connecting with my community because that is how I learn and grow to not only be a better business owner and dentist but how I also learn and grow as a wife and mom to my three children,” says Dr. Bobbio. “I am an extrovert and I get energized from my community’s energy.”

- BY WILLOWSFORD RESIDENT KARI OSBORNE

“I recently went to Bobbio Family Dental at Birchwood and I have nothing but good things to say about the place. Dr. Bobbio and her assistant were amazing by being efficient and gentle with my teeth. The place is also clean and close to home.”

One-Pot Quick Fix

A healthy and hearty weeknight meal created by a family, for the family!

BY RESIDENT AND JUNIOR WRITER KIAAN SARAIYA THIS FEATURE SPONSORED BY BEANTREE LEARNING

We are a vegetarian family and Mom says that being in competitive sports it’s of utmost importance for us to make sure we get our optimal protein intake for the day. Hence during covid, we came up with this recipe. This quinoa dish is loaded with veggies, flavors and protein It has been a family favorite for a few years now and we hope you’ll enjoy it as much as we do.

VEGETARIAN MEXICAN ONE-POT QUINOA

Prep to cooking time: around 25 mins

2 to 4 servings

Hey, kids! Thanks for showing us what superstars we have in the neighborhood. Do you want to be featured? Just email billie.rose@strollmag.com!

INGREDIENTS

• 2 10 oz. cans Old El Paso Enchilada Sauce

• 1 cup quinoa, uncooked

• 1 small onion, diced

• 1 small red bell pepper, diced

• 1 jalapeno, diced small

• 1/2 tsp cumin seeds

• 1 Tbsp Taco Seasoning

• 1/4 cup chopped scallions

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tbsp oil

• 2 Tbsp Sour Cream

• 1/4 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese

• 1 Can of Black Beans

• 1 Cup Corn.

• 1/2 Bunch of Spinach or Kale

• Optional: Fresh ripe avocado to top it with once served

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Heat a large skillet or pot over medium-high heat and add oil.

2. Add cumin to the pan and let it splutter. Add jalapeños and cook for about 1 minute.

3. Add onions, peppers, garlic and taco seasoning to the pan and saute until onions and peppers are slightly softened.

4. Add quinoa, beans, corn, your choice of greens (kale or spinach) & enchilada sauce and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover and let cook for about 15 minutes. Checkin and stir if necessary (add a splash of water if needed).

5. Once the quinoa has cooked, add in the scallions, cheese, sour cream and serve immediately while hot!

BUILDING DREAMS AND HOPES:

Windy Hill makes housing affordable for those in need, one home at a time.

BY RESIDENT BONNIE PIPER

DENTAL CENTER

Amid an unparalleled housing crisis, one local nonprofit is doing its part to make affordable housing more accessible to individuals and families right here in Loudoun County!

Windy Hill Foundation provides safe, affordable housing to lowerincome families and seniors in Loudoun and Fauquier Counties and empowers residents to cultivate self-sufficiency and personal advancement with supportive programs and services. When I learned of the work that Windy Hill was doing, I immediately wanted to get involved. I started as a volunteer and eventually became a board member. I was incredibly inspired by this extraordinary example of a community taking care of its people. Windy Hill is a community-driven effort to ensure stable housing for its most vulnerable citizens facing the affordable housing shortage – many of whom have lived and worked in our communities for decades.

YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD WILLOWSFORD DENTIST

Lynn Alexander, DDS

Jason Kiangsoontra, DDS, FACP

43761 Parkhurst Plaza, Ste. 132 Ashburn, VA 20147

571-485-2900

www.luxdentalcenter.com

Our team at Lux Dental Center takes great pride in our work, and we especially value our relationships with our patients. We never want our patients to feel like a number, and always want them to feel like they are heard and empowered to make well-informed dental decisions. As a Willowsford resident-owned business, Dr. Lynn Alexander and Dr. Jason Kiangsoontra feel privileged and grateful to be the dentists of many Willowsford families. We hope to change the way you feel about dentistry, one appointment at a time!

THE LUX DENTAL CENTER DIFFERENCE

The Lux Dental Center Team

Public Service Announcement from Kenleigh and Carter Laura Griffin with our dental hygienist Libby

Tara Greenwald with Dr. Alexander and dental assistant Joëlle

THIS FEATURE SPONSORED BY LUX

Resident Bonnie Piper with her family

Our entire community is impacted when the housing market cannot accommodate the diverse income ranges of the workers that support it. Now more than ever, people can no longer afford to live where they work – including many of our community’s most essential workers. Windy Hill strives to fill this gap to ensure affordable housing is accessible to more of these hardworking individuals and their families.

Over the last 40 years, Windy Hill Foundation has enabled nearly 1500 citizens across Middleburg, The Plains, Marshall, Brambleton, and Sterling to stay in the communities where they live and work with an affordable, dignified place to call home. The Foundation also offers services and programs to support the sustainable, ongoing success of our residents, including job training, afterschool care, scholarships, tutoring, health screenings, life skills workshops, financial emergency assistance as well as events and activities to encourage a sense of community among residents.

My husband, Kevin, and I chose Willowsford for our family because it was designed to create community and connection among its residents. This same concept is at the center of every Windy Hill community and together we can put the keys to an affordable home into the hands of more families in our county.

To get involved, visit www.windyhillfoundation.com to find out more about upcoming volunteer opportunities, community events or to donate. Follow Windy Hill Foundation on Instagram at @windyhillfoundation or Facebook at www.facebook.com/ windyhillfoundation.

I was incredibly inspired by this extraordinary example of a community taking care of its people.

BY

After living in their house in the Grant for three years, David Green and his family decided to remodel their entire backyard during the pandemic. “We had no idea what was going to happen, so we wanted a space outdoors that we could use for years to come if having social events inside wasn’t going to be an option.” Inspired by neighbors’ designs and wanting to host big parties for friends and family, they spent over a year working with Amazing Outdoors, combining their ideas with concepts from the company. “Amazing Outdoors design team was very closely tied to the logistic and construction teams so our expectations and reality were very similar. I still have the 3D video and renderings, and most people think the renderings are actual photos of the final project.”

The space has a combination of unique aesthetic features like firebowls and water shears and practical features, such as the turf play area and outdoor granite bar. Their favorite part of the renovation is the pool and porch. When asked about advice for sprucing up a living space, David says, “Come up with a good plan, get your ideas together, work with a professional company - but then be decisive. If you change your mind throughout the project, it requires different materials and skill sets to complete.”

Despite the luxurious glow-up, David says three simple words describe their backyard now: “Outside is heaven!”

RESIDENT AND PUBLICATION MANAGER BILLIE ROSE

THIS FEATURE SPONSORED BY HARRIFORD EXTERIOR RESTORATION

Couples

Race to Victory:

Girl Scouts take on the Pinewood Derby with creativity!

BY RESIDENT AND JUNIOR WRITER LUCAS VOOYS THIS FEATURE SPONSORED BY HILLYARD AUTOMOTIVE

Have you ever heard of a Pinewood Derby? Well, now you have! A Pinewood Derby is when Boy or Girl Scouts construct their own car from a car kit. The car is made out of wood and you can design it however you want. To help the car roll down the track faster you need to add weight to the back of the car. In a Pinewood Derby there are different rounds consisting of several races.

This spring, the Girl Scout Troops around Loudon County competed in a Pinewood Derby at Hovatter Elementary. The event was very well decorated with green and blue. There were also concessions. The name of the concession stand was The Silver Cafe. They had water, juice boxes, candy, and snacks.

Some of the cars at the race were super creative-looking. There was one car that looked like a banana, a hot dog, and even one that was covered with eyeballs. There were so many shapes, colors, and decorations. The race track started up high and ended in the middle of the cafeteria. At the start, there were little poles that stuck up to stop the cars from rolling down. But, when it was time to go you would count down, hit a switch, and off they went!

It was a great event for the girls to participate in. It was a lot of fun and I’m sure that others who were there would agree. I hope the Girls Scouts hold another Pinewood Derby next year!

CHARLOTTE GOODFRIEND

I got to interview Charlotte Goodfriend, a Girl Scout and the maker of a crazy car. She has participated in many Derbys and is really good at making the cars.

What is your name and what troop are you in? Charlotte Goodfriend, Troop 4792

How long have you been a Girl Scout? 10 years

How many Pinewood Derbys have you participated in? 3 Derbys

Have you ever won a Pinewood Derby? My first year, I won an award for creative design. It was a car made of candy.

What is some advice you would give to build the best derby car? The weight of the car is important. I glued coins on the back of my car to make it faster.

What is the craziest car that you have made? The candy car was my first car, and probably the craziest. The first time down the track candy started flying!

"Our family knows the high cost of repairing and maintaining your vehicle. My experience gained at a major auto dealership I know to exceed the expectation of each customer that comes through the door, whether for the first time or for a return visit. Let us care for you and your car. "

- Mike Hillyard.

Do you have a favorite ride, work with or have a hobby involving cars, boats, planes or more? Email billie.rose@strollmag.com to be featured!

Getting a Boost with IV Therapy!

Alison Demmie was a winner of Stroll’s Love Yourself Giveaway, and received IV therapies from Niyan Medspa! She says, “Dr. Roy took the time to listen to my concerns, goals and past health history. She reviewed lab work and discussed options that would be beneficial for my overall health.” The next step was to determine a plan that worked for her. “I specifically have issues with chronic fatigue and she was able to recommend a specific IV solution that I would benefit from the most to help conquer my fatigue. We were able to come up with a schedule together moving forward to consistently help my body stay hydrated, and energized!”

Alison has observed improvements after receiving the IV treatment! “I have noticed increased hydration and energy from the IV therapy. Especially with the hot summer days ahead, being ahead of staying hydrated was one of my main goals.” In fact, she has continued using Niyan MedSpa even after her giveaway prize sessions wrapped up! “I have continued using Niyan MedSpa for weeks now after my first session. Dr. Roy is absolutely amazing at listening and making any additional changes to the IV treatment as needed. For example, prior to traveling, she can give an extra boost of vitamin C to help with keeping my immune system up to fight any germs on the flights. I love how these treatments are truly customizable for my needs and Dr. Roy has been so accommodating in coming up with a weekly plan for IV treatments that works best with my schedule.”

THIS FEATURE SPONSORED BY EUROPEAN AESTHETIC & PERMANENT MAKEUP CENTER

For the Junior Writer Team’s June meeting, we learned about the Willowsford Archery Club! We visited the Archery Range, which is located by the Cedar Pond Pavillion in the Greens, and were given a basic lesson about eye dominance, safety, and basic shooting technique before we were given a chance to take a shot!

This is similar to the “Intro to Archery” course the Willowsford Archery Club hosts each spring. They are small classes, with a high instructor/student ratio, which cover topics including an introduction to the Willowsford Archery Club, shooting styles, safety, eye dominance assessment, basic shooting technique, and equipment purchase advice. All equipment is provided for the introductory classes, although students are welcome to bring their own. The minimum age to participate in the class is 8 years old.

The Willowsford Archery Club is a non-profit organization that promotes the sport of Archery to Willowsford residents. After the initial donation of the pavilion and targets by the Conservancy, the club has been self-sufficient, not requiring any additional Conservancy funds to operate. The club evolved over time to add features and activities such as regularly scheduled shoots, the club website through which residents can join the club, pay dues ($70 for an individual membership, $85 for a household membership), submit required waivers/forms, log volunteer hours, and checkin when they visit the range, 3D targets, and an elevated shooting position. Willowsford Archery Range is open from dawn to dusk to WAC Members, all year round. It has targets at 10, 20, 30, 40, and 60 yards, with shooting positions under a pavilion roof, along with some picnic tables. In September, the club hosts an annual picnic where kids and adults shoot balloons and swinging targets, and share food and comradery!

For more information about the range or the club, visit www.willowsfordarcheryclub.com.

Junior Writers Madison Griffin (L) and Hanna Stolle (R) were excited to show their features in the latest issue during the meeting discussion!

Make Your Home Stand Out with dellCor Contracting

WRITTEN BY STROLL WILLOWSFORD STAFF WRITER LIA HOBEL

Adding value to your home goes beyond monetary gain; it’s about enhancing your living experience and quality of life. If you have projects in mind that can elevate your home, look no further than dellCor Contracting, a local contracting company owned and operated by Willowsford residents. With a team of professionals boasting over 20 years of experience each in their respective trades, dellCor Contracting handles a wide range of services. From kitchens and bathrooms to basement finishing,

custom woodworking, and outdoor living spaces such as patios, porches, and decks, they have the expertise to handle it all. Based in Loudoun County, dellCor primarily serves the Northern Virginia area and has plans to expand into Maryland and Washington, D.C. Cordell and Letitia Yates, the owners of dellCor Contracting, are deeply rooted in the community. They understand the unique needs and aspirations of homeowners in the area, and their company is dedicated to bringing their clients’ visions to life.

Many of dellCor’s skilled and licensed workers have been with Cordell and Letitia from the beginning, reflecting their commitment to building a trustworthy, loyal, and hardworking team. Superior craftsmanship and delivering a high-quality finished project are paramount to dellCor Contracting. “We take pride in having a team that embodies our values,” said Cordell. Furthermore, their goal is to establish long-term relationships with customers and serve as the go-to contractor for all their home improvement needs.

In addition to their comprehensive services, dellCor offers full design and architectural support. Their team includes designers, architects, and structural engineers capable of tackling any design or structural idea. From interior to exterior projects, dellCor approaches every endeavor with the same level of care, regardless of size. As Cordell explains, “Honesty, fairness, and commitment are the core values that define dellCor Contracting. Clear communication is essential to successfully bringing a project from start to finish.”

When customers choose to work with dellCor Contracting, they can rest assured they are receiving fair pricing and the highest quality workmanship. Letitia emphasizes their dedication to customer satisfaction, saying, “We strive to ensure that our customers are not only thrilled with the end result but also delighted with their overall experience working with our company.”

The positive feedback from satisfied customers often comes in the form of referrals and social media posts showcasing their improved homes. In addition to renovations and remodels, dellCor Contracting has exciting plans to expand into custom home builds in 2024.

Whether you’re looking to optimize your mudroom’s functionality, create a stunning patio for entertaining, or upgrade your kitchen or primary bath, the possibilities are endless with dellCor Contracting. Cordell and Letitia understand the unique charm and requirements of the community, making them the ideal choice for your home improvement projects.

dellCor Contracting makes the process smooth and rewarding for customers by partnering with reputable vendors who offer quality products and reliable warranties. Alongside the manufacturer warranties accompanying the products used in

Website: http/dellcorcontracting.com/

FB: https/www.facebook. com/dellcorcontracting

IG: @dellcorcontracting.com

DAHLIA MANOR RESIDENTS REUNITE!

Neighbors stay in touch, even after they live on the same street!

BY RESIDENT

CARLEY

I recently visited Buffalo to see my best friend who used to live on my street here in Willowsford, and it was so much fun! We went to Niagara Falls, plus we got to swim and ride dirt bikes. We even went to this really cool park!

I’m very proud of myself because I flew back home on a plane all by myself! You’re probably thinking, “That kind of sounds crazy!” It may be, but it’s actually not all that scary. Truthfully, it was quite fun. I got great treats from one of the flight attendants (a person who serves drinks and snacks and helps passengers on a plane.) And my best friend’s mom walked me to my gate. She was a big help! I would say if you ever have to travel alone, let the flight attendant know if you need anything (mine was very kind) and if you have a good movie to watch on the plane, it’ll be just fine!

AND JUNIOR WRITER

EMILO THIS FEATURE SPONSORED BY NALINI + CO.

GOING THE DISTANCE AS A COUPLE: An Intimate Discussion

BY RESIDENT AMANDA STOERMER THIS FEATURE SPONSORED BY SOUTH RIDING PEDIATRICS

Two months ago I shared an intimate discussion on mental health and teenagers with a local Aldie resident and dedicated Stroll Willowsford sponsor, Ashley Rushing. Ashley is a licensed professional counselor and owner of Evolve: A Behavioral Health Center, who works in mental health and couples counseling. I am a current high school teacher in my 27th year of education, a volunteer with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), and I am passionate about mental health.

This month, Ashley and I wanted to share a discussion on couples and mental health. We know that when we go through significant life changes or stressors, it can impact our relationships. Couples may start to argue more, have less positive interactions, and even experience a lack of intimacy. Some couples may even turn to substances to cope. It’s essential to seek counseling to navigate these shifts and process how they’re affecting the relationship. It’s always helpful to hear an unbiased perspective on how to handle these stressors as they impact the couple as a whole.

This past April, my husband Lee and I celebrated our 32nd wedding anniversary. Our friends asked us what it was like to be together longer than we have been apart. It’s been a journey filled with love, respect, children, happiness, child loss, hard work and growth. We learned to manage our schedules with Lee’s career as a firefighter and mine as a school teacher and made time as a couple and a family. As I reflected on our marriage, I realized that there is so much more than just love. Let’s be honest, during the early stages of dating and marriage, we trusted The Beatles that “All we need is love, but know that there’s much more than that. In our case, God has been the center of our marriage success!

Traci Pasqualone and I discussed that there are many Willowsford residents who could share their personal tips to help other couples. I enjoyed interviewing resident couples about their marriages and am thankful for allowing me to share their stories. It was amazing to listen to different advice they shared and no matter how different their marriages are, there were some common factors that have allowed them to have successful marriages. Hopefully, these messages of true love encourage our younger couples. Here are their stories:

Hi Garry and Karen, I hope you’re both healthy and in good spirits. I personally know that you both are such an amazing couple and wanted to ask that you share some tips for our younger couples.

How long have you been married?

We are actually celebrating our 7 year wedding anniversary today! (6/24/2016)

I understand you are a blended family, how have you made your marriage work for you as a couple, as well as for your children?

I started dating Garry 6 years after my children’s father, Gene, and I divorced. Right from the very beginning of our separation, Gene and I promised to work together and provide the kids some semblance of a family as we both experienced nasty divorces growing up as children. So when we separated, rather than using lawyers, we worked together to divide all the assets and agreed on 5050 custody of the children. We celebrated all Christmas’, Thanksgivings and birthdays etc as a family to minimize the pain and loss our children felt by our divorce. When their stepmom and Garry came into our lives, they were accepted as part of our family. We all parented together and celebrated occasions together. To this day, we are all friends as we worked hard together to raise our now adult children.

So you ask how were we able to do this?

With much patience, acceptance and letting go of the pain and resentment we felt toward one another—by putting the children first. Don’t get me wrong, it wasn’t always easy, but by giving our kids the best possible version of ourselves, we were able to put our children’s needs above our own. It has paid off!

Lee and Amanda Stoermer - 32 years of marriage

What do you feel is the secret to making a marriage work for a lifetime?

First off we believe that marriage is a journey. It is ever-changing just as we are as individuals. You either grow and change together or you fight it and grow part. It’s about compromise and balance.

It’s important to keep your individuality, while also blending as one. Finally, it’s important to be friends who are kind and respectful of one another. Oh and LAUGH A LOT! Remember to laugh and smile. It could melt away a lot of the nasty stuff that pops up in every relationship.

What are ways in which you spend quality time together?

We have worked hard to create a home that we consider to be our oasis. We have spaces in our home each can go to when we need time alone, but many areas of our home where we get to enjoy each other’s company. Whether it’s sitting on our back porch listening to the birds sing or watching the hummingbirds feed, or playing pool and watching a movie in our new media room, we always find time to enjoy each other’s company. We find ways to fill each other’s proverbial love tank by spending quality time doing the things we love together.

Are there traditions that you had to combine into your blended family?

As mentioned above, both parental units have shared special occasions as one big family unit, while also creating our own individual family traditions like going on vacations separate from my ex husband and his wife. When the kids were with us, we created many memories apart from their dad and stepmom.

What has been the most challenging time during your relationship and what did you learn about each other?

The most challenging time was the very beginning of the marriage. Learning how to live together when you are older and set in your ways requires patience and compromise. So there were growing pains the first couple of years. We actually didn’t think we would make it together. On our first anniversary we had

a very difficult conversation about whether or not getting married was a mistake. We are both good people, but perhaps too different to make it work. We decided that our marriage was (is) worth fighting for, so we put in the hard work of compromising, forgiving, listening, validating, and balancing. As we celebrate our 7 year anniversary today, we are so thankful we never gave up. Marriage is definitely hard. But when you work together, you build a strong foundation that can survive even the hardest trials and tribulations.

What marriage advice do you have for younger couples?

First I would say, really know and love yourself. Don’t expect your partner to fulfill your every need because they will fall short—you have to be able to love and fulfill yourself and everything else is gravy. We all have baggage from our past to carry. The key is to help each other carry that baggage without resentment and judgement.

Secondly, listen to your partner and validate your partner’s feelings. As difficult as it may be to do this at times, I believe it’s essential in keeping the positive connections in tact.

Lastly, forgiveness and letting go of the little things is crucial. We are not perfect as individuals and there is no such thing as a perfect marriage. We are perfectly imperfect. Accept this, and forgive each other when it warrants, and you are on your way to achieving a peaceful, and loving marriage.

Garry and Karen Klegin - a beautiful blended family

Hi Brendan and Lynn, I hope you’re both healthy and in good spirits. I am interviewing Willowsford residents to celebrate National Couples Day in August. I personally know that you both are such an amazing couple and wanted to ask that you share some tips for our younger couples.

Tell me what you both do for work.

Brendan is a senior data engineering manager and Lynn is a prosthodontist (dentist with specialty training in prosthodontics).

How long have you been married?

We’ve been together for ten years, and married for six years.

What do you feel is the secret to making a marriage work for a lifetime?

We feel communication is key, as well as compromise and patience.

How do you successfully balance work/home life?

We try to get as many household errands completed on the weekdays, so that our weekends can be spent with our family with minimal interruptions or external obligations. It allows us to be fully present with each other and our kids on the weekends.

Please let us in on how you spend quality time together. As working parents with two young kids, we try to carve out as much quality time for each other, even if it doesn’t involve big plans or grand gestures. We try to dedicate time together after the kids go to bed, even if it just means doing the dishes together, playing a game together, or watching a movie together.

Are there traditions from your family of origin that you bring into your marriage?

Lynn’s family is originally from Thailand, so we eat a lot of Thai food in our house. We also try to incorporate Thai holidays and customs into our kids’ lives by visiting local Thai temples for Songkran (Thai new year), where they can partake in traditional festivities. Brendan is originally from Rhode Island, so summer trips up north with Del’s Lemonade is an annual tradition in our house.

What has been the most challenging time during your relationship and what did you learn about each other?

Some of the most challenging times in our relationship have involved family death/sickness and the birth of our children. The former involved an adjustment to grief and loss, and the latter involved an immense change in routine and a new way of life (not to mention much less sleep!). Dealing with loss taught us about our capacity for support and empathy, and becoming parents taught us about our resilience, our ability to adapt, and the shared joy of parenthood.

How do you work out your differences?

To resolve our differences, we focus on communication, compromise, and remembering we’re always on the same team.

What marriage advice do you have for younger couples? Prioritize open communication, embrace your differences, support each other through the highs and lows (of which life will send you many!), and ensure you’re growing together.

Ashley, this was great advice from residents! Do you have any tips to add as a counselor?

1. Regular, conversational check-ins with your spouse or partner are a good idea to ensure both are in line with how the relationship or marriage is progressing.

2. It is ok to ask for what you want emotionally

3. Try to remember during difficult conversations that the person on the other side is your person, you choose them and they choose you... you are on the same team!

Brendan and Lynn Alexander in Thailand

Do you have a “Healthy Living” story or event you would for us to feature? Please email billie.rose@strollmag.com!

Ashley Rushing and Richard Johnson

Wineries at Willowsford

Residents gather in the garden to sample local vintners’ favorites!

BY RESIDENT AND PUBLICATION MANAGER BILLIE ROSE PHOTOS BY JENNY SESSOMS PHOTOGRAPHY

THIS FEATURE SPONSORED BY CAPITAL TRIMLIGHT

Willowsford HOA kicked off the summer by bringing the winery experience to the neighborhood! Residents spent a Saturday in early June in the gardens at the Sycamore House, sampling varietals from Boxwood Winery, Cana Vineyards & Winery, Carriage House Wineworks, Endhardt Vineyards, Fleetwood Farm Winery, and Iron Will Winery.

Bottles were also available for purchase and take home after sampling. Everyone was welcome to bring a picnic, and many residents took advantage of custom grazing boxes created by Chef Emily Worth. It was a wonderful way to explore local wineries, trading in the driving for more time to socialize with friends and neighbors!

Share your celebrations with us!

Email billie.rose@strollmag.com

Trimlight provides bright, beautiful holiday and year round lighting at night, which is hardly noticeable during the day so the system can be left up all year, every year!

here for a recipe from one of Chef Emily’s Wine Picnic Grazing Boxes!

TWISTERS TRIUMPH: Victory Worth Cheering For!

BY RESIDENT AND JUNIOR WRITER JAYDEN HILLYARD THIS FEATURE SPONSORED BY THE ST. JAMES FC VIRGINIA

The Maryland Twisters 2022-2023 season took 28 teams from 3 of their locations, Hanover, Sterling and MoCo to compete at the All-Star cheer championships in Orlando, Florida at the end of April. These teams earned bids to The Summit and The One Finals.

The Summit championship is a chance to compete against the best of the best in all levels of competition across the globe. Junior and Senior level teams compete against 20+ teams in the wildcard/semi-finals. The top 5 make it to the finals to compete for the championship. Nine of Maryland Twisters teams placed among the top 10 in their divisions between the semi-final and final rounds! This was my first year attending Summit. I am on a Junior Level 1 team and our team earned a paid bid to the Summit which advanced us to the semi-final round. There were a total of 71 teams in our division and we finished 8th in the country! It was such an amazing experience and I will never forget the memories I made. I was so amazed by all the teamscompeting. They were the best of the best competing against each other. Ella Riccio, who competed on Junior level 1, Haze this season said, “my favorite part was competing with my team in front of the Summit judges. Also, making it to finals as a top 5 team.”

The One Cheer & Dance finals is an end-of-season event offered to cheer and dance teams. Many competitions that we compete in offer exclusive bids to The One Finals. This is a two-day competition with hundreds of teams from the Southeast region. Maryland Twisters had 15 teams from the 3 locations compete at The One in Orlando Florida. Eleven of those teams placed in the top 3 for their division. This season

I competed on two teams. My second team, a Youth Level 2, earned a bid to compete at The One. This was my second time competing at this event. We competed against 7 other teams and earned 3rd place. It was a very tough competition.

Everley Bianchetta, competed on the Youth Level 1 team. This was Everley’s first year competing at The One Finals. She said, “Competing in Orlando was a great experience. I enjoyed seeing all of the teams from across the country and the high level of competition. It was really fun to meet some of the older girls on teams that I look up to. Swimming and going to Disney with teammates made it extra special.” Arianna Keiser from the Tiny Level 1 team said, “Florida was the best and biggest competition of the year. We hit zero both days! We beat a big competition team and even got to go to Disney after it was over. It was a great experience.”

BY RESIDENT AND JUNIOR WRITER AVA MITCHELL THIS FEATURE SPONSORED BY FORTIFY CHIROPRACTIC AND SPORTS REHAB

For all you Disney fans and enthusiasts out there wondering if Disney’s newest cruise ship, “The Wish” lives up to its reviews… it definitely does! Our first experience was magical; exploring the kids club, riding down the slide, and eating unlimited soft-serve ice cream are all great but my favorite part was lounging on the top deck by the pool. The most delicious food options for kids in my opinion were at “Mickey’s Festival of Foods” on the pool deck (us kids found the rotational dining rooms were “mid” though the adults really enjoyed their entrees.) It is amazing that they have so many great options like Mexican food, Pizza, American food, Barbecue and as I said earlier UNLIMITED soft-serve ice cream! Now let’s move on to Disney’s Magical Private Island called Castaway Cay! This beach has beautiful crystal clear water and many activities like a ropes course, snorkeling, water slides and more. Castaway Key is amazing, and I definitely recommend it.

unimpressed I was with the staff’s patience but overall it was very fun. They held a bunch of events and you could get dropped off and picked up at any time. There was also a slide leading down to it, which made it so fun but now it’s time to move on to the spas. There were three different places to go to get pampered and one of them was called “Senses Spa.” This place was for adults and they had massages and other treatments. Next is “The Bippity Boppity Boutique” where your son or daughter could be turned into a Disney character of their dreams. The last place is “Untangled” where you could get mani-pedis or your hair done.

Now let’s move on to the last part of my review, performances! There are so many great live performances and shows but you could also sit on the top deck watching a family-friendly Disney movie! As you might know in rotational dining, many of them have shows. I wish the shows had a little more pizzazz but overall it was a great experience and a lot of fun for the family. I would recommend a Disney Cruise for your next family vacation, because it is fun, familyfriendly, and makes all your wishes come true!

Willowsford residents enjoyed the ultimate self-care Sunday afternoon at Yoga Shala in Aldie for our Stroll Flow & Fizz event on May 21, sponsored by Granger Financial, in support of LAWS (Loudoun Abused Women’s Shelter). As Ebone’ Granger, Willowsford resident and co-owner of Granger Financial said, “As women, we often wear so many hats; we are moms, wives, sisters, daughters, and friends. We are often pouring into everyone before ourselves so we were happy to offer this time

Flow & Fizz:

An ultimate self-care Sunday for a great cause!

PHOTOGRAPHY

PHOTOS BY DARLENE’S

THIS FEATURE SPONSORED BY: ADAM HUKE WITH CASSADAY & COMPANY, INC.

Our special guest, Ashley Rushing of Evolve: A Behavioral Health Center, started us off with a breathing and mindfulness exercise then Yoga Shala’s owner and certified instructor, Lisa Kimrey, spent 30 minutes teaching us all the art of stretching, relaxation, and finding your center! After the “Flow,” local-favorite Rebel Taco offered an incredible assortment of margaritas, bubby, and delicious small bites for guests to enjoy. The Virginia Institute’s Alex Ferdenzi provided their top skincare products and tips for the summer and donated 10% to LAWS from any skincare purchases.

To wrap up the afternoon, Ebone’ circled back to the welcome message of wearing many hats: with an assortment of hats on display labeled as different careers, the group took turns trying to accurately guess average salaries for each job. Ebone distributed prizes for those with the best guesses and led the group in a discussion about taking steps to appreciate the value of their unpaid and underpaid work done to make their families’ lives run smoothly. Before departing, door prize winners were announced, and everyone received a fabulous swag bag, curated by awe-inspiring local women-owned businesses!

Thanks to these businesses for their generous contributions towards the swag bags and door prizes!

Yoga Shala www.yogashala.life

Bobbio Family Dental www.bobbiofamilydental.com

Cheers In A Box www.cheersinabox.com

Curasalve www.curasalve.com

Darlene’s Photography www.darlenesphotography.com

Eclips Salon Ashburn & South Riding www.eclipsashburn.com

Erica P. Rowe - Elevated Customer Service Training www.ericaprowe.com

Envi Aesthetics www.enviaesthetics.com

Granger Financial www.grangerfinancial.com

Jasmine www.ournameisjasmine.com

Jenn Travis - Marvelous Mouse Travels www.marvelousmousetravels.com

Metro Realty Group www.thenikalettelee propertygroup.com Lana’s Cookies www.littlelanascookies.com

Niyan Medspa www.niyanmedspa.com

Sprout Therapeutic Riding & Education Center www.sproutcenter.org Rebel Taco www.rebeltaco.com

Stroll Willowsford www.linktr.ee/strollwillowsford

The Boujie Mom www.theboujiemom.com

The Global Local www.globallocalshop.com

The Piano Home Group www.thepianohomegroup.com

The Virginia Institute For Surgical Arts www.drvfacialplastics.com

SCHOOL’S OUT FOR SUMMER!

THIS FEATURE SPONSORED BY BOBBIO FAMILY DENTAL

Neighbors commemorate the end of the school year with signs, water balloon fights, tacos and pictures!

The Piano Home Group is the top real estate team in Willowsford. Founder and CEO Viktorija Piano is a passionate Willowsford resident and relentless advocate for her family, community and clients. She is an expert in buying and selling, investments, a master negotiator and marketing guru. With this experience she leads her Team to deliver consistent record-breaking results. For The Piano Home Group, there is only one option, SUCCESS for our clients.

“I highly recommend Viktorija Piano as a luxury home realtor who exemplifies excellence in understanding the market and the needs of her customers. Viktorija possesses an exceptional talent for selling premium houses in record time, consistently delivering outstanding results.”

Willowsford Resident Gopal Rajagopalan

"Viktorija turned a chaotic process into a less stressful experience by providing reliable resources for packing/moving, repairs, cleaning, staging etc. To top it off, we under contract above list price within 24 hours and able to close in less than 30 days.

Viktorija is an excellent negotiator with a very personalized touch. Al and I happy to recommend the Piano Group!"

Willowsford Resident Patricia Crews

TOP 100 US Agents | Keller Williams Nationwide Award 2022

TOP 100 NOVA Agents 2022 & 2023 | BEST of 2022 Business Reston Award Washingtonian Magazine’s TOP Real Estate Agents 2020 & 2021

Call her today 571.926.2000 |