HERE’S WHAT’S HAPPENING THIS MONTH AT WILLOWSFORD!
Get Social with Willowsford in August!
8/1: Willowsford Mini Farm Stand @ Boathouse
4 pm - 6 pm featuring Nomz Food Truck
8/1: Willowsford Farm Stand
4 -7 pm featuring KT Pizza Food Truck Native Plant Sale 4 - 6 pm
8/2: Willowsford First Friday
Happy Hour & Concert
5:30 - 7:30 pm Sycamore House Pop Strings Trio
8/3: Willowsford Farm Stand
9 am - 1 pm featuring Weirddoughs Bagels & Brews Food Truck
8/8: Willowsford Mini Farm Stand @ Boathouse 4 - 6 pm featuring KT Pizza Food Truck
8/8: Willowsford Farm Stand 4 - 7 pm featuring Hangry Panda Food Truck
8/10: Willowsford Farm Stand
9 am - 1 pm featuring Weirddoughs Bagels & Brews Food Truck
Yoga at the Farmstand 9 -10 am; tickets available on Conservancy website
Contact: Billie Rose 423-580-6142 billie.rose@strollmag.com
8/15: Willowsford Mini Farm Stand @ Boathouse 4 - 6 pm featuring Dodge’s Filipino Food Truck
8/15: Willowsford Farm Stand 4 - 7 pm featuring KT Pizza Food Truck
8/16: Dive-In Movie, Lodge Pool
8:30 - 10pm
Come early to swim and stay through the movie! Registration not required; admission is handled on a first-come, first-served basis until the pool reaches capacity. Rain Date: 8/23
8/17: Willowsford Farm Stand
9 am - 1 pm featuring Weirddoughs Bagels & Brews Food Truck 9 am - 12 pm
Native Plant Sale 10 am - 1 pm Wagon Ride Farm Tours
8/22: Willowsford Mini Farm Stand @ Boathouse 4 - 6 pm featuring KT Pizza Food Truck
8/22: Willowsford Farm Stand 4 - 7 pm featuring Hangry Panda Food Truck Native Plant Sale 4 - 6 pm
8/22: Ice Cream Social at The Lodge Playground
3 - 5 pm
Choose your favorite toppings and create a delicious sundae to celebrate the start of the school year!
8/23: Back-to-School
Mimosas & Breakfast at The Lodge 9 - 11 am
Whether you are celebrating a newly quiet home or drowning your feelings of the last baby leaving the nest, gather with your fellow parent friends at The Lodge. Registration required, see HOA website for details.
8/24: Willowsford
Farm Stand 9 am - 1 pm featuring Weirddoughs Bagels & Brews Food Truck
8/24: Willowsford Farm
Meet the Chickens! 10 - 11 am Tickets available on Conservancy website
8/29: Willowsford Mini Farm Stand @ Boathouse 4 - 6 pm featuring Dodge’s Filipino Food Truck
8/29: Willowsford
Farm Stand
4 - 7 pm featuring KT Pizza Food Truck
8/31: Willowsford Farm Stand
9 am - 1 pm featuring Weirddoughs Bagels & Brews Food Truck
STROLL WILLOWSFORD OFFERS COMMUNITY 24/7 RESOURCES: Scan here for more information about Stroll Willowsford events and activities; submitting article ideas, signing up to be a cover family, and more! It’s your personal concierge for Stroll Willowsford: https://linktr.ee/strollwillowsford
CELEBRATING COMMUNITY SUPPORT!
We appreciate our Stroll Willowsford sponsors for making Stroll Willowsford possible. Thanks to the residents who send in testimonials to support our sponsors. Let’s say hello to our new and returning sponsors!
YOU COULD WIN $100 VISA GIFT CARD NEXT MONTH!
Congratulations and thank you to our June 2024 “Testimonial Tuesday” winner, resident Emily Faulkner, who submitted a testimonial for Salon Khouri. 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.
WELCOME TO OUR NEW STROLL WILLOWSFORD SPONSOR:
Stone Springs MedSpa by LMG offers a unique blend of advanced aesthetic technology and luxurious treatments, setting a new standard in skin and body care services conveniently close to home. Located in the Physician Office Building at the Stone Springs Hospital complex, a team of experienced providers await to create personalized treatment plans that feature non-surgical, minimally invasive, and dermatologic procedures. Clients enjoy state-of-the-art equipment and effective skincare products designed to address aesthetic concerns. The spa’s private, designerthemed treatment rooms and elegant lounge ensure a comfortable and indulgent experience. Discover personalized solutions for radiant skin and rejuvenation - book a consultation today!
Website: stonespringsmedspa.com Facebook: facebook.com/StoneSpringsMedSpa Instagram: @stonespringsmedspa
Many of your neighbors appreciate the opportunity to support you and the Willowsford community through Stroll Willowsford, identified by this special badge on their ads.
You’re Strolling, but are you
MANY THANKS TO OUR RENEWING STROLL WILLOWSFORD SPONSOR: Foxcroft School is a girls boarding and day school for grades 9-12 and post-grad in Middleburg, VA. Learning and living with girls from across the country and around the world, students at Foxcroft expand their worldview, practice empathy and understanding, and develop bonds of sisterhood that they cherish their whole lives. When they graduate, girls join a network of more than 3,000 alumnae around the globe.
Website: www.foxcroft.org/ Facebook: facebook.com/FoxcroftSchool Instagram: @FoxcroftSchool
Strollwillowsford
Ashley Rushing’s testimonial for Cheers in a Box.
Lauren H.’s testimonial for Jen Travis - Marvelous Mouse Travels
Jessica Shea’s testimonial for Apple Blossom Mobile Detailing
Emily Faulker’s testimonial for Salon Khouri.
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
Publisher, Traci Pasqualone (703) 201-7550
AUTO MAINTENANCE/REPAIR
Hillyard Automotive (703) 828-3900 hillyardautomotive.com
AUTO MOBILE DETAILING
Apple Blossom Auto Boutique (703) 895-9676 ababmobiledetail.com
AUTO REPAIR - IMPORTED
IMA Motorwerke (703) 327-9858 imamotorwerke.com
BASEMENT WATERPROOFING
3 Pros Basement Systems (800) 604-2252 3prosbasementsystems.com
BOUTIQUES
Loudoun Market (571) 215-6514 loudounmarket.com
CABINET PAINTING
The Spotted Leopard (571) 285-8151 thespottedleoparddesigns.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
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
DECKS, PATIOS, AND PORCHES
Accommodations Home Services (571) 336-5247 accommodationshs.com
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
DOG TRAINING
Wolffe Puppy Training (973) 953-2404 wolffepuppytraining.com
EDUCATION
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 Edlin School (703) 438-3990 edlinschool.com
The Hill School (540) 687-5897 thehillschool.org
Villa Montessori Stone Ridge (703) 327-0884 stoneridge.villamontessoripreschool.com
Vine and Branches Child Development Center (571) 267-5900 vineandbranches.school
EDUCATION / CODING
theCoderSchool (571) 918-4604 thecoderschool.com/ locations/ashburn
ELECTRIC BIKES - SALES/ RENTALS/SERVICE
Pedego Electric Bikes Leesburg (703) 995-4575 pedegoelectricbikes.com/ dealers/leesburg
EXTERIOR RENOVATIONS
Pond Roofing Company (703) 573-8000 pondroofing.com
FARM & MARKET
Kinloch Farm (540) 253-5266 kinlochfarm.com
FASHION BOUTIQUE & PERSONALIZED STYLING
Scout & Molly’s One Loudoun (703) 858-5600
oneloudoun.scoutandmollys.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
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
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 twinbrookfloraldesign.com
GARAGEFLOORING/ORGANIZATION
Garage Experts of Northern Virginia (703) 861-3027 garageexperts.com/ location/northern-virginia
GUTTER SYSTEMS
Classic Drainage Inc (703) 724-1110 classicdrainage.com
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
HARDSCAPES / OUTDOOR LIVING
Amazing Outdoors (540) 619-2334 amazingoutdoorsco.com
HOME PERFORMANCE
Comfenergy (800) 604-2252 comfenergy.com
INTERIOR DESIGN
Suzan Meredith Design & Color Consultation (571) 263-6289 suzanmeredithdesign.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
MED SPA
skYn by Dr. Moore (703) 258-0400 skynbydrmoore.com
MEDICAL / PRIMARY CARE
Summit Direct Care (571) 350-0929 summitdpc.com
MEDICAL AESTHETICS
Stone Springs Med Spa (703) 858-3070 stonespringsmedspa.com
MEDICAL WEIGHT LOSS
Elevera Health (703) 952-3366 eleverahealth.com
MORTGAGE LENDER
Melissa Bell- Atlantic Coast Mortgage (571) 419-6626 melissabellmortgage.com
MOVING SERVICES
MG Moving Services (703) 406-9605 MyGuysMoving.com
MOWING/LANDSCAPING
Amazing Outdoors (540) 619-2334 amazingoutdoorsco.com
ORTHODONTICSADULTS & CHILDREN Northern Virginia Orthodontics (703) 574-2174 nvorthodontics.com
OUTDOOR LIVING
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
OUTDOOR OASIS & KITCHENS
Accommodations Home Services (571) 336-5247 accommodationshs.com
PAINTING
Brush Strokes Painting (703) 731-2421 brushstrokespaint.com
Manor Works Painting (703) 339-6800 manorworks.com
PEDIATRICIAN
South Riding Pediatrics (703) 327-0075 southridingpediatrics.com
PERMANENT HOLIDAY LIGHTING
Capital Trimlight (202) 650-7949 capitaltrimlight.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
NVblu Pool Design Build Service (703) 968-8888 nvblu.com
POOLS/ COMPLETE OUTDOOR LIVING
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
The Pearl Team - RE/MAX Allegiance (703) 568-7868 Thepearlteam.com
REAL ESTATE -
RESIDENTIAL/COMMERCIAL
Ferris Eways (410) 245-6167 caseysamson.com
Homes by Sabeen (703) 403-6589
REAL ESTATE GROUP
Viktorija Piano -The Piano Home Group (571) 926-2000 thepianohomegroup.com
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
SCREEN / RETRACTABLE SCREENS
Screenmobile of PW and Fairfax Counties (571) 833-9700 screenmobile.com/fairfax/
SOCCER - REC TRAVEL
The St. James FC Virginia (703) 395-4728 fcvirginia.com
SPORT COURTS
Sport Court of Washington, DC (703) 690-7678 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
TRAVEL / VACATIONS
Jen Travis - Marvelous Mouse Travels (619) 787-2052
jentravismmt.com
WEALTH MANAGEMENT
Adam Huke with Cassaday & Company, Inc. (703) 506-8200 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
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!
Traci Pasqualone Publisher/Owner 703-201-7550
Traci.Pasqualone @n2co.com
Billie Rose Publication Manager 423-580-6142
billie.rose@strollmag.com
Hope Zawaski Client Manager 708-655-0256
Hope.Zawaski@n2co.com
Events Photographer & Stroll Social Media Manager Darlene’s Photography
Jenny Sessoms Resident Photographer - Meet The Family Feature Jenny Sessoms Photography
DEDICATED JUNIOR WRITER TEAM
Cydney McMillian
Maria Smietana Writer Lia Hobel Writer
Darlene Shenier
Carley Emilo Kiran Coryea
Samantha Astudillo
Hayden Faulkner Junior Editor
Katie Astudillo
Myra Budhiraja
Colton Eways
Ashna Kumar
Ava Mitchell
Gia Ramesh
Hanna Stolle
Evelyn Rose Kiaan Saraiya
Henry Vooys
Gaby Reddan
Addyson Lang
Maks Hoffman Jackson Hoffman
Alex Macchiarolo Amelia Macchiarolo Presley McLaughlin
Scarlett Titchenell Cici Thomas
Ziyad Rafi
Emmy Reddy
Sydney Ayers
Dominick Halavik
Cole Hamaker
Pareen Sandhu
Willard and like to read, swim, bake.
MEDICAL WEIGHT LOSS THAT YOU CAN TRUST.
Celebrating 8 Years of Community Stories and Connections
“One of the marvelous things about community is that it enables us to welcome and help people in a way we couldn’t as individuals.”
- JEAN VANIER
Hello, Willowsford Community Residents,
As we celebrate the 8th anniversary of Stroll Willowsford, it’s a moment to reflect on the incredible journey you’ve shared with us. Over these years, your contributions have made this magazine a true reflection of the vibrant spirit of our community. Willowsford is more than just a collection of houses; it’s the bonds you create with your neighbors and the memories you are making with your families and friends that truly define our neighborhood.
August in Willowsford marks the final stretch of summer, a time to cherish last vacations and leisurely evening strolls as we create lasting memories of the 2024 season. It’s a
experiences, is like your personal Facebook in print—a place where you can share and cherish the essence of our community.
None of this would be possible without the incredible support of our Stroll Willowsford sponsors. These businesses, many owned by your neighbors, invest in your community and seek to earn your trust, your business, and your referrals. As you consider your needs for products and services, please support these sponsors who contribute so much to Willowsford’s strength and growth. If you’ve had a positive experience with any of our sponsors, please share your testimonial at https://bit.ly/StrollWFTestimonial or connect with us on Instagram and Facebook @strollwillowsford.
As we embark on this 8th year, I am filled with gratitude and pride. Thank you for making Stroll Willowsford a part of your lives. Your stories and experiences are the heartbeat of our publication.
Let’s continue to cherish and celebrate the spirit of Willowsford together as you stroll through August!
Ad Space + Spotlights + Digital Remarketing + Social Events
Willowsford
For advertising information, reach out to Traci Pasqualone |703-201-7550 traci.pasqualone@n2co.com
Traci Traci Pasqualone Publisher/Owner
Stroll Willowsford/ The N2 Company 703-201-7550
traci.pasqualone@n2co.com www.linktr.ee/strollwillowsford www.linkedin.com/in/traci-pasqualone-5822042b
Celebrating 8 years in print with Stroll Willowsford and 32 years of marriage to my college sweetheart, Frank, from Virginia Tech—my biggest cheerleader and unwavering supporter. Reflecting on our journey together, embracing community, and creating lasting memories.
Important Willowsford Contacts and Resources A Note from Tenant House
SYCAMORE HOUSE
23506 Founders Drive
Ashburn, VA 20148
571-297-2586
Monday-Friday.....................................................
BY REBECCA LYONS, CMCA®, PCAM®, LSM® WILLOWSFORD HOA COMMUNITY MANAGER
p.m. Saturday...............................................................
THE LODGE
41085 Willowsford Lane
Aldie, VA 20105
571-297-2584
Monday................................................................
a.m.-6 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: Tuesday & Friday; Recycling: Friday; Yard Waste: Wednesday
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
As we step into August, the neighborhood is buzzing with excitement and preparation for the upcoming school year. It’s a time of new beginnings for our children, and the sight of school buses and backpacks will soon be a familiar one. Please be extra patient and attentive near bus stops and crosswalks. We wish all our young students a fantastic and enriching year ahead!
On the administrative front, work on the 2025 budget is underway. This essential planning will ensure the Association continues to uphold the community’s standards for property values, amenities, and services. The proposed budget will be a key topic of discussion at our November Board Meeting. I encourage residents to participate and share their thoughts during the budget review process. Your input is invaluable in shaping a budget that reflects our collective needs and priorities.
In this issue, you will find an exciting article about our online shop (Willowsford Mercantile) featuring a new, resident-made product. This is a wonderful opportunity to showcase the talents and entrepreneurial spirit within our neighborhood. Whether you create handmade crafts, unique artworks, or specialty food items, we want to support and celebrate your creativity. Participating not only helps local artisans but also strengthens the sense of community among residents.
As always, our goal is to foster a vibrant, engaged, and supportive neighborhood. If you have any questions, suggestions, or would like to get involved in community activities, please reach out to the HOA office at HOA@willowsford.com. The mission of Willowsford HOA is to preserve, positively impact, and enhance lifestyle, programming, facilities, and community agrihood in order to deliver the unique Willowsford experience.
Wishing you all a cool August and a great start to the school year!
Photo by Tom Lussier
Willowsford Mercantile
BY ELLIE WALTERS, WILLOWSFORD HOA HOSPITALITY & COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER
Photo by Amanda Bayati
WILLOWSFORD IS A VERY UNIQUE PLACE to call home and we wanted to create a shop that residents could use to show off their community pride or even share it with family and friends through gifts. Willowsford Mercantile, our online boutique, is an exclusive shop featuring Willowsfordbranded items. From stemware and lunch bags to pool towels and t-shirts, we’ve got something for everyone!
We recently collaborated with resident artist, Paloma Robinson Boynton, of Paloma Blanca Ceramics to provide hand-crafted “W” mugs. These wheel-thrown, stoneware mugs hold approximately 12-16 oz. and are microwave and dishwasher-safe. Each piece is uniquely hand-crafted so variations in size, shape, and/or glazing may occur and are celebrated. Read on to learn more about Paloma as she discusses her craft, influences, and more!
Q&A WITH PALOMA ROBINSON BOYNTON:
Tell us a little bit about yourself!
I took my first wheel throwing class about 6 years ago on a whim to have a creative outlet. I was instantly hooked! I still go to my pottery class because I love the community of artists that I’ve met and love sharing ideas and techniques with each other. A few years back I decided to create a small art studio for myself in the basement and it has become my little sanctuary where I can go to create and disconnect from the day-to-day chaos. It’s almost like therapy for me.
What do you enjoy most about the art of pottery making?
The feeling of creating a finished functional item out of a lump of clay is so exciting! There are so many different techniques and styles and forms and functions in ceramics that the possibilities are endless. If you ask 10 potters to create a mug you will get 10 very diverse styles and shapes. I just love that.
Walk us through the creative process from clay to finished piece.
Creating a hand-crafted ceramic item is a long process. I start with a piece of clay which I shape on my wheel into the basic form. The piece then needs to be dried carefully and evenly to “leather hard” stage; essentially not too dry and not too wet (the goldilocks zone) for trimming. When I trim, I’m removing any unwanted clay away from the form and refining to what the final shape will be. The piece is then dried fully and goes through its first firing in the kiln to prepare the
Order
piece for glazing. The piece is then glazed and then fired again at a higher temperature to fully vitrify the clay (make it watertight). Finally, the bottom of the item is sanded and the piece is inspected and checked for flaws. At any point in this process anything could go wrong and ruin the piece: cracks can appear if the piece dries too fast, items can explode in the kiln if they are not fully dry, glazes can run or cause pinholes. There are many things that could go wrong, which is why it’s so very satisfying when everything goes RIGHT! There’s a saying in the pottery community, “Don’t fall in love with a piece until it’s out of the glaze kiln”. Pottery certainly teaches patience and resilience.
What inspires or influences your work?
My style is ever evolving. I love to try out new techniques and make it my own. Most recently I’ve been really interested in creating large bowls with interesting rims and fun details on the foot. I also am definitely a “maximalist” when it comes to surface decoration. I love to add sprigs or etch beautiful florals on pieces. There is nothing minimalist about my style, haha. I also am very much a “functional” potter; meaning I love to create art that people will actually USE. It is so rewarding to hear from someone that they had their morning coffee in my mug. It makes my heart happy.
Are there any upcoming projects you’re excited about?
I’ve been very excited to collaborate with Willowsford to bring the community the “W” mugs and I really hope that they are well received. I already have ideas for different styles and items!
Where can one learn more and shop for products?
You can find me on Instagram or Facebook @ PalomaBlancaCeramics and on my website PalomaBlancaCeramics. com. The “W” mugs are available exclusively through the Willowsford Mercantile online shop at WillowsfordLife.com > Lifestyle > Willowsford Mercantile.
Lifestyle > Willowsford Mercantile! Choose from White or Smoky Blue. Mugs are priced at $45 each.
Photo by Ellie Walters
Photo by Amanda Bayati
You Are What You Eat, Eats
BY MEL DUNHAM
As a human who is nearing her mid-forties, I have grown more interested in what I put into my body. Health, something we all tend to take for granted in our youth, starts to become more of a focal point as we age. For some, this realization comes easily depending on early childhood lifestyle choices imposed by our family and cultural norms based on geography. At the Farm, we tend to think beyond simply what’s fueling our bodies to what’s fueling the plant or animal that we’re consuming.
Have you ever had those moments in time where you remember exactly where you were sitting when a lightbulb went off? One such time for me was during a farming conference listening to Angie Tagtow, a dietician and public health strategist with more than 30 years of industry experience, who shared an image of a head of lettuce during her presentation. I recall thinking how odd it was. After all, everyone knows what a head of lettuce is – maybe she was going to ask us to guess what type of heirloom variety it was, maybe she was going to provide her favorite salad recipe? Fortunately for me, it was one of those lightbulb moments in life, a moment that changed how I understood my relationship with food. Many of us have heard the saying ‘you are what you eat’ – and while true, during this presentation, Angie took it another step further, ‘you are what you eat, eats’. Meaning the quality of the head of lettuce is dependent on the quality of the soil it was grown in.
Here at Willowsford Farm, the quality of our Farm soil is a top priority. By utilizing cover crops, rotationally grazing the hens, minimizing tillage and by rotating crops to reduce pest pressure and build microbial life we are building healthy soil. Our improved soils provide our community with high-quality vegetables full of flavors and packed with nutrients. And while most people review their lifestyle choices in January, for parents the dawn of a new school year can be another time of year to reflect. With lunch box packing season quickly approaching – and ideas for filling them in short supply, we thought we’d share a few Farm favorites to help you keep your lunchbox food, for all ages, local and healthy.
The good news is that there’s no better time of year than August to start reimagining your food choices. It’s a time of year when the Farm is abundant with fresh food – tomatoes, onions, garlic, cucumbers, melons, potatoes, carrots, lunchbox peppers, greens, eggplant and more.
Source your lunch supplies from the Farm by scanning this QR code today!
PESTO QUINOA SALAD WITH TOMATOES & FRESH MOZZARELLA
• ½ cup pesto homemade with Farm-fresh basil or store-bought
• 3 tablespoons extravirgin olive oil
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• 2 ½ cups cooked Quinoa
• 1 pint quartered Willowsford Farm cherry or grape tomatoes
• 6 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese
• Salt to taste
Instructions:
In a large bowl, whisk together the pesto, extra-virgin olive oil and pepper. Add the cooked and cooled Quinoa, quartered tomatoes and fresh mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes. Season with salt and serve.
Recipe and image from GFreeFoodie.com
BAKED KALE CHIPS
• 1 bunch of Willowsford Farm kale, any variety
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• Nutritional yeast, optional
Instructions:
Preheat an oven to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Wash kale, removing stems and tear into bite size pieces. Drizzle kale leaves with olive oil and toss to combine. Spread out in an even layer on the baking sheet without overlapping and sprinkle with salt and the optional nutritional yeast. Let thoroughly cool and then add to your favorite lunch container for a healthy midday snack.
KALE, APPLE, & KALE SMOOTHIE
• 2 apples from Beechwood Orchard
• 2 large Willowsford Farm carrots
• ½ bunch of Willowsford Farm kale, any variety
Instructions:
Slice ingredients into juicer sized friendly portions. Add the kale, carrots and apples to the juicer and serve. You can also add lemon or celery to the mix.
Not ready to say goodbye to summer? Enjoy the last days of summer break around the campfire with these delicious farm-inspired recipes.
GRILLED BREAD WITH TOMATO
• 4 slices crusty sourdough bread (about 1 inch thick)
• 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
• 1 clove Willowsford Farm garlic, peeled and halved
• 4 medium Willowsford Farm tomatoes, halved
• 4 slices serrano ham or prosciutto
• Ground pepper for serving
Instructions:
Preheat a gas grill to medium, build a fire in a charcoal grill or build a campfire and let it burn down to medium heat (about 400 degrees F). Brush or drizzle both sides of bread with 2 tablespoons of oil. Grill the bread, flipping occasionally, until both sides are well toasted, 2 to 6 minutes total. Rub one side of each piece of toast with garlic, then rub each piece with two tomato halves, squeezing so all the juice and pulp is released into the toast. (You should be left with just the skin.) Drape the toasts with serrano ham (or prosciutto), drizzle with the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil and sprinkle with pepper, if desired.
Recipe adapted from eatingwell.com
SEASONAL CAMPFIRE GRILLED VEGGIES
• 1 Willowsford Farm eggplant, trimmed and diagonally cut into 2-inch pieces
• 1 pound sweet Willowsford Farm peppers, stemmed, seeded and halved lengthwise
• 2 medium Willowsford Farm zucchini, diagonally cut into 1/2-inch half-moons
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 3 cloves Farm-fresh garlic, finely chopped
• ¾ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground pepper
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 1 tablespoon chopped Farm-fresh flat-leaf parsley
• 1 teaspoon chopped Farm-fresh chives
Instructions:
Heat fire to 400 degrees. Toss eggplant, peppers and zucchini, oil, garlic, salt and pepper in a large bowl until evenly coated. Divide the mixture evenly among 6 sheets of foil. Working with 1 foil sheet at a time, bring up 2 sides of the foil to meet in the center. Create a tight 1/2-inch fold to seal. Fold over 1 more time, making sure to leave space in the packet between the vegetables and the foil. Fold the other sides of the foil in, creating a sealed foil rectangle. Place the foil packets, sealed-side up, on the grill rack for 6 minutes. Flip the packets; grill until the vegetables are tender, about 4 minutes more. Remove from the grill. Stir butter, parsley and chives together in a small bowl. Carefully open the foil packets. Place 1 teaspoon butter mixture in each packet; reseal the packets and let stand until the butter melts, about 1 minute.
Recipe adapted from eatingwell.com
Today we’re here to celebrate one of your neighbors, Jean Peretzman. Jean is currently a firstgrade teacher at Goshen Post Elementary School. She has been teaching for 20 years. In that time, Jean has been an instructional coach (teacher’s teacher) and a reading specialist. She has been living in Willowsford since 2019 and raised a family here. Jean has a husband, Josh, and two children, Quinn and
Mrs. Pertezman is currently going to school to get her Doctorate in Education. She attends Purdue University online. For anyone looking to get a higher degree in their profession, Jean suggests the online program. “It is a lot easier to multitask. I can do my work on my own time and still get the same education,” she says. But online school isn’t the only work she has put into continuing education. Peretzman lived and taught in China! What an amazing, and thought-provoking, adventure.
Her passion for education has been fueled by her family’s schooling. In fact, Jean is the first person in her family to attend and graduate college! Mrs. Peretzman’s long-term goal is to teach college students studying to become teachers. This way she can have some influence on their teaching styles. Better teachers mean better education. Peretzman said, “I want my students to feel relevant and involved in what they learn.” For now, Jean plans to stay in the classroom, since early education is so important to a child’s development. Everything we do before college and careers has an impact on what we do with our lives. Faculty members don’t always get the spotlight they deserve for their hard work and investment in our community.
So thanks to all of our teachers, especially Jean, for doing what they do!
Do you know somebody who consistently puts others before themselves and supports others in need, whether large or small, but often flies under the radar? To nominate a fellow neighbor for this honor, send an email to billie.rose@strollmag.com.
BY RESIDENT AND JUNIOR WRITER HANNA STOLLE
THIS FEATURE SPONSORED BY THE VIRGINIA INSTITUTE FOR SURGICAL ARTS
A pitch perfect couple winning together!
BY MARIA SMIETANA • PHOTOGRAPHY BY JENNY SESSOMS PHOTOGRAPHY • HAIRCUT AND STYLING
BY SALON KHOURI • THIS FEATURE SPONSORED BY CHANTILLY NATIONAL GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB
Ken and Karyn Moreland have spent a lot more time together than most married couples. The two retired civil engineers met while working for Fairfax County Public Works. Over three-plus decades, they commuted together, ran during lunch hour, and worked jointly on several local projects, including Metrorail’s Silver Line, the railway station in Burke Centre, the Fairfax County Government Center, Westfields Center, and the I-66 Express Lanes. And after work? They played softball with their fellow employees.
Their two sons, Kenny and Kevin, turned out to be very athletic, so much of the family’s time centered around the kids’ sports. “We both coached them in baseball, football, and basketball, and many of our family vacations included trips to championships,” said Ken, an Old Dominion grad who grew up in Springfield. “We were fortunate to compete in Tampa Bay as Little League Virginia State Champions twice, and traveled to Pennsylvania, New York, Nashville, and New Mexico for travel baseball tournaments.” As Karyn, a Chicago native and Notre Dame alum, now says with a laugh, “It’s been said of our family that when you get one Moreland, you get them all.”
Both boys now have families of their own. Kenny and his wife Brittany have lived in The Grove for 10 years with daughters Riley, 11, and Kennedy, 9. Ken and Karyn followed them to Willowsford, moving into the Greens 6 years ago. Kevin and Katie live on the Eastern Shore and are parents to the other set of Ken and Karyn’s granddaughters: Landon, 9, Parker, 7, and Remi, 5. Visits there involve a lot of boating, fishing, bonfire lighting, and of course, relaxing on the river.
“It’s been said of our family that when you get one Moreland, you get them all.”
Having celebrated their 30th anniversary in June, the Morelands clearly haven’t grown tired of each other’s company. Retirement has just given them the time to do more things together than ever. They’ve been at Opening Day, the 4th of July, and playoff games at Nationals Park and Camden Yards several times and enjoy other Washington-area pro ball games as often as possible. Still youthful enough to love the thrill of a good roller coaster ride, the two have season passes to Busch Gardens, where they also like Hallowscream and Christmas Town.
The Morelands love having their children and grandchildren close by, some even live in Willowsford too!
Would you like your family to be a Stroll Willowsford feature family? Email Publication Manager Billie Rose at billie.rose@strollmag.com!
Around home, the Morelands volunteer for Willowsford events and Karyn serves on the Conservancy Board and several HOA committees. They’ve made many friends at Willowsford Social Club gatherings and have become more active at Park Valley Church in Haymarket. “We’re part of the Legacy group and participate in Bible Study, Game Group, Night to Shine, and Summer Camp,” Karyn said.
Describing themselves as “athletic, outdoorsy, and loyal,” the Morelands are still hooked on coaching--These days, it’s granddaughter Kennedy’s softball team that gets the benefit of their time and dedication. On their daily walks through the Greens, “Many neighbors recognize us and stop to enjoy a conversation while we play with their canine friends,” said Ken. “You’ll probably recognize us by our ‘Good Morning!’ smile and wave!”
The Morelands stay involved with the Willowsford Social Club, pictured here at the annual Holiday Party!
The Morelands coach several Willowsford residents in Team Virginia softball!
SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT
South Riding Pediatrics
Expert Care Delivered by Pediatric Board-Certified Physicians
WRITTEN BY STROLL WILLOWSFORD
When selecting a pediatrician for your child, it’s important to choose a boardcertified professional with the right qualifications and experience who prioritizes building long-term, trusting relationships with families. South Riding Pediatrics checks all the boxes. Every patient appointment is with a pediatrics board-certified physician. The practice is conveniently located near Willowsford residents, making topnotch care accessible to the community.
South Riding Pediatrics is committed to building long-term relationships with families. They believe that strong doctor-patient relationships are key to effective communication and understanding. By adopting a “medical home” model, they emphasize a holistic approach to healthcare, where their practice coordinates all
aspects of your child’s health journey. This model ensures comprehensive, continuous, and personalized care tailored to each child’s needs.
This close connection empowers patients to feel comfortable sharing concerns, asking questions, and disclosing important health information. As a result, doctors can make accurate diagnoses, recommend treatment plans, and address specific risks. This positive relationship not only improves health outcomes and patient satisfaction but also reduces anxiety and fear around medical treatment. Ultimately, it creates a supportive environment for both patients and healthcare providers.
All the board-certified physicians ensure the highest standard of medical expertise and consistency in care. The
team accomplishes this continuity of care through a few various ways:
• Personalized Care: Boardcertified pediatricians develop individualized care plans tailored to each child’s needs, fostering strong, trusting relationships over time.
• Accessibility: The practice provides 24/7 advice and afterhours care through partnerships with telehealth service Hello Pediatrics, ensuring that families have support whenever needed.
• Consistent Communication: The practice offers open lines of communication and involves parents in all of their child’s medical care decisions.
South Riding Pediatrics distinguishes itself from other local providers
STAFF WRITER LIA HOBEL
through its unique qualities: Firstly, their Medical Home Model offers a centralized and coordinated approach to care, serving as the primary resource for all aspects of a child’s healthcare needs. Additionally, South Riding recognizes the crucial role of mental health in overall well-being by integrating behavioral health services into their practice to address both physical and emotional aspects. Moreover, the practice actively participates in the community by conducting educational workshops, organizing community events, and demonstrating a commitment to public health initiatives. Lastly, with a strong presence of over 25 years in serving the community, South Riding Pediatrics’ experience and unwavering dedication are evidenced by the trust and loyalty garnered from the families under their care.
to develop a unified and comprehensive treatment strategy.
Families who choose to establish and maintain a longterm connection with South Riding Pediatrics will reap the benefits of consistent, highquality care
When you choose South Riding Pediatrics, your child’s individual medical history and the specific needs of every child will be comprehensively understood and considered in their continuous medical treatment. To gain a deeper understanding, South Riding Pediatrics adheres to the following procedures:
• Thorough Medical Documentation: The practice meticulously maintains detailed and current medical records that are readily available to the medical staff.
• Team-based Approach: The team of certified physicians work in close collaboration with specialists and other healthcare professionals
Send us a testimonial about any of our Stroll Willowsford sponsors to billie.rose@n2co.com, or fill out the form here: bit.ly/StrollWFTestimonial. You will be entered to win a $100 Visa gift card that month.
• Frequent Evaluations: The practice conducts regular health assessments and personalized consultations to oversee progress and promptly address any emerging health issues that may arise.
South Riding Pediatrics is dedicated to assisting families in managing the adjustments and transitions that may arise, including shifts in healthcare requirements as children progress from early life to their teenage years. The practice offers a range of resources and support to help families throughout these pivotal stages. This includes:
• Developmental Guidance: Providing resources and guidance for different developmental stages, from infancy through adolescence.
• Educational Content: South Riding Pediatrics offers a wealth
of educational content, including blogs, articles, videos, reading recommendations, and social media content, to help families understand and manage each stage of their child’s development.=
• Open Communication: All families should feel supported and informed through continuous and open communication channels.
Families who choose to establish and maintain a long-term connection with South Riding Pediatrics will reap the benefits of consistent, high-quality care. They’ll benefit from the expertise of board-certified pediatricians who know the history of their child. This engenders trust and familiarity which is helpful with small children and the tricky teenage years. Furthermore, holistic support is offered to patients covering all aspects of a child’s health. This includes physical, mental, and emotional well-being which are addressed comprehensively.
When you choose South Riding Pediatrics as your child’s provider, you can relax knowing you’re in trusted hands. For a supportive and enriching healthcare experience for your family, contact South Riding Pediatrics today.
South Riding Pediatrics 25055 Riding Plaza Ste 150 South Riding, VA 20152
703-327-0075
SCHOOL’S OUT SHENANIGANS
Neighbors celebrate the start of summer!
The end of the school year is always jam-packed with celebration, right up to arriving at the bus stop at the end of the last day! Parents armed with super-soakers, chalkboards marking the milestones, posing with signs, popping in to pool parties...take a look at some of Willowsford’s traditions that welcome the start of summer!
THIS FEATURE SPONSORED BY BOBBIO FAMILY DENTAL
Share your adventures! Look for our picture request posts on Instagram, @strollwillowsford, and Facebook, www.facebook.com/groups/strollwillowsford, for a chance to be featured in “Around the Neighborhood”!
ELECTRIFYING FRIENDSHIPS
BY RESIDENT AND JUNIOR WRITER KIAAN SARAIYA THIS FEATURE SPONSORED BY HILLYARD AUTOMOTIVE
In our neighborhood, we have two awesome types of electric bikes that we all love to ride. First, my friends Yuvi and Kaiden own the Talaria X3 bikes, which are super fast and can reach speeds of up to 47 miles per hour! These bikes are sleek and powerful, making them a favorite among the kids who enjoy the thrill of riding quickly around the streets and parks.
Also, my friends Yash and Ari have Mototech bikes, which are also really cool but slightly slower, with a top speed of around 40 miles per hour, and come in various colors like pink, blue, and red. Even though they aren’t as fast as the Talaria X3, the Mototech bikes are
still a lot of fun to ride and perfect for exploring the neighborhood. Both types of bikes have become a big part of our community, bringing everyone on the street together this summer to have some fun.
Finally, I would like to add that my friend Kaiden Andreoni is a budding entrepreneur who has opened his small business of doing upgrades on these razor bikes - so feel free to reach out to him at andreonikaiden@ gmail.com or on Facebook at his page called NoVa Razor Repairs and Upgrades. If you have a bike that needs a new life; be sure to hit him up; he will make sure your bike will be up and running on the streets again.
"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.
billie.rose@strollmag.com to be featured!
Meet Magnificent Milo
A cavalier king charles cutie!
BY RESIDENT AND JUNIOR WRITER PRESLEY MCLAUGHLIN
THIS FEATURE SPONSORED BY MIGHTY CLEAN CARPET CARE
Have you ever heard of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel?
They’re a pretty cool breed of dog. If you don’t know much about the breed, you will find them sweet, snuggly, and certainly cute!
The dog I am introducing you to is a young male named Milo! Milo is owned by one of my amazing neighbors living in the grove, the Reed family! A couple character traits of Milo are that he is loving, playful and accepting of kids. He was born in Millersburg, Ohio by a breeder called ‘Carlisle Cavaliers.’ Milo was 4 months old in June 2024. At this puppy age, he is around 7 pounds and 6 inches tall. When he is fully grown, he will weigh about 15 pounds and stand 9 to 11 inches tall. If you’re interested in the breed, you might want to know a little bit more about them.
The reason why Danielle and Erik Reed picked this breed is because they were looking for a good family dog that can be fun but also calming to their family of 6, and they found the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel! The breed’s energy level is low but playful as a puppy. The breed is fairly common in the U.S.A. right now, ranking as 19th of 201 dog breeds in U.S. popularity, according to the American Kennel Club. They originated in Great Britain, and have been family dogs for centuries. Are you ready for a fun fact about the breed? Ok, here it is; the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel was originally bred for hunting, but now they are used for their paw-some companionship! Pretty cool, huh? Another fun fact about the breed is that they were named after King Charles II of England.
While the Reeds are making new memories and connections with their puppy, their favorite memory the family has with Milo so far is when they took him to Virginia Beach and he was chasing a group of chickens. That might be a part of his hunting skills; chasing prey animals! The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a really delightful breed that I learned a lot about. The Reed family is looking forward to many years of joy with their magnificent puppy Milo!
A Hidden Gem with a Mighty Mission
Right next door!
BY RESIDENT JEN SERAFIN
JUST 5 MINUTES EAST OF Willowsford’s Grove in Aldie, VA, sits the Ohana Preservation Foundation. Since its founding, owners Jim and Melissa Pankas have partnered with many organizations to help relieve the rising mental health crisis, prevent local development growth, and support reforestation, land conservation, and environmental quality programs.
The Ohana Preservation Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit with a mighty mission to serve vulnerable children, their families, and caregivers through equine, art, and horticultural programs. The Ohana Preservation Foundation operates out of the Ohana Equestrian Preserve, an 81-acre, full-service equestrian facility. Jim and Melissa recognized the mental health crisis in our country, and as they discovered more about the healing connection with horses, they formed the Foundation. Just in our community alone, far too many are suffering from anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation (just to name a few challenges). The Ohana Preservation Foundation aims to partner with local social workers, licensed professional counselors, equine mental health specialists, and
more to provide mental relief for youth crossing difficult life situations or mental health challenges, families with children admitted to hospice, battling cancer or a significant illness, families grieving the loss of a loved one, and caregivers struggling with compassion fatigue.
As we know, Aldie and the surrounding areas have been vulnerable to rapid population growth and the succeeding residential and commercial development, which has adversely affected travel burdens and thousands of acres of land, forest, wetland, wildlife habitats, and other natural resources. In addition to mental health assistance, the Ohana Preservation Foundation made efforts to help protect the land from further
THIS FEATURE SPONSORED BY LUX DENTAL CENTER
development and improve environmental quality, directly affecting our beautiful neighborhood and children.
The Pankas placed their entire property of 81 acres into the Conservation Easement through the Land Trust of Virginia (LTV), which protects and restricts future development of the land forever. LTV partners with private landowners to voluntarily protect and preserve their working farmland or natural lands with significant historical, scenic, and ecological value.
Further, Jim and Melissa partnered with GreenTrees LLC and planted over 10,000 trees on 21 acres, creating a “nutrient bank.” A “nutrient bank” plants trees in sensitive areas through a program devised by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ.) The trees’ extensive root structure filters overused fertilizers from groundwater headed for the Chesapeake Bay. Pollution from agricultural lands that feed into the rivers and eventually into the Bay causes as significant as 80% of the poor water quality. The DEQ then placed an easement on the 21 acres, adding another security layer on top of the conservation easement.
Many families in our neighborhood have already personally benefited from the Foundation’s many programs and events. From well-planned grieving sessions to “Shedding your Fears,” a snake and reptile youth event, “Sip and Plant,” a horticultural therapy session, and “Sunset Yoga & Singing Bowl,” there is so much the Ohana Foundation offers to Willowsford. We are very fortunate to have them as our neighbors.
Willowsford loves highlighting people and organizations that help make a difference in our community. Share your story with us! Email billie.rose@strollmag.com.
How can we support Ohana’s efforts? Throughout July, August, and September, Lark Brewery Co., located off Rt. 15, will recognize the Ohana Preservation Foundation by donating $1 from each pint of a special pineapple wheat Ohana beer sold. Lark is a new favorite gathering spot not only because of the wide variety of beverages, including mocktails, but also because of the family and dog-friendly atmosphere, music, extensive menu, and overall fun-loving ambiance.
To take a tour or learn more about the Ohana Preservation Foundation, email ohanapreservationfoundation@gmail.com
Lynn Alexander, DDS
YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD WILLOWSFORD DENTIST
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!
Stroll
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 with Dr. Alexander and dental assistant Joëlle
I JUST CELEBRATED MY 10TH BIRTHDAY at one of the most magical places I could imagine—Cedar Pond Pavilion in The Greens. This isn’t just any pavilion; it’s a rustic hideaway finished in 2019, designed to complement the serene beauty of a nature preserve.
The pavilion is made from natural cedar posts, giving it a truly authentic and rustic charm. It’s perfectly nestled in a woodland setting overlooking the scenic Cedar Pond and is right next to the Bull Run Overlook trail. This location is a dream come true for anyone who loves wildlife watching, hiking, or mountain
biking. The structure’s beautiful cedar logs were handcrafted in Tennessee and constructed right here by the skilled craftsmen who built it.
For my birthday, the theme was ‘Camp Ciela,’ chosen by my mom, who decorated the space with colorful boho decor. It truly felt like a vibrant festival in the heart of the woods. Many fun activities were planned for my 17 closest friends and family members. We threw axes (safely, of course!), twisted ourselves into pretzels playing Twister, stacked giant Jenga blocks, and challenged each other in playful Connect Four battles. And with so many of us girls together, there was no shortage of singing and dancing, too!
As the sun set, the pavilion transformed into the perfect spot for a slumber party. We dimmed the lights, gathered around, and shared spooky stories that gave some of us goosebumps! Later, we cozied up to watch movies, a perfect end to an exciting day.
One of my favorite parts of the day was being so close to nature and on the water. It’s soothing to be surrounded by trees and water, making my birthday feel extra special.
If you’re curious about this beautiful spot and the programs it offers, check out the Willowsford Conservancy website. It’s available to rent for both Willowsford residents and guests. It’s a great place for gatherings and special occasions.
I’m so grateful for this birthday experience and everyone who came to celebrate with me. It was a day filled with laughter, adventure, and lots of love. Here’s to more adventures at
Say Goodbye to Paint Guesswork
Let Suzan take the headache out of choosing the right colors for your home.
Start your journey to a home that not only looks together, but feels uniquely yours. See how the right colors can change everything.
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Book a Consultation today! (571) 263-6289 suzanmeredithdesign.com suzanmeredithdesign@gmail.com
Suzan Meredith Design
Color Consultation
ARE YOU AWARE OF THE IMPORTANT REAL ESTATE CHANGES STARTING IN AUGUST?
Sisters that Sell
Meet Michelle Perl Stanko and Deborah Perl Davis - the two sisters behind Ask The Sisters That Sell. Together with their mother, Laurie Perl, they make up The Pearl Team. Drawing on their expertise as Realtors , they dive into market-specific topics relevant to Willowsford where Michelle and her family live.
If you’d like to discuss buying, selling or investing, reach out to Michelle at Michelle@thepearlteam.com or 703-568-7868.
What do we need to know about National Association of Realtors (NAR) proposed settlement practice changes coming this month?
Deborah: The real estate industry is implementing changes to increase transparency regarding buyer’s commissions. We expect to see 8 main practice changes to go into effect in our market August 17th, 2024. We are going to break them down for you:
Michelle: The first change is that offering commission to the buyer’s agents is no longer required through the participation of the Multiple Listing Services (MLS). The second change is commissions can no longer be listed on MLS.
Deborah: However, sellers can still offer commission to buyer’s agents and listing agents can advertise these commissions being offered in their marketing and on their agent and brokerage websites. Sellers may elect to list concessions on our local Bright MLS. While compensation is no longer required at all, sellers are free to offer concessions towards a buyer’s closing costs including commission for the buyer’s agent.
Michelle: Also, buyer’s may request sellers pay for their broker’s compensation but it has to be written in the contract. Concessions are subject to open negotiations in the purchase contract.
Deborah: That’s right. In addition, Buyer-Broker written agreements are required before touring a home. This is already a standard by Virginia Law that specifies how the buyer’s broker compensation is earned and received, but now these agreements are required prior to touring a property.
Michelle: With the new changes, what sellers offer will be a maximum commission. Even if the seller is offering more commission, buyer agent commission can only be as much as what is written in the Buyer-Broker agreement and contract.
Deborah: Changes made because of lawsuits and the 2024 settlement release National Association of Realtors (NAR), over one million NAR members, all state/territorial and local REALTOR® associations, all REALTOR® MLSs, and all brokerages with an NAR member as principal whose residential transaction volume in 2022 was $2 billion or below from liability for the types of claims brought in these cases on behalf of home sellers related to broker commissions.
Michelle: It’s important to know about these changes and we are happy to explain anything further as we all navigate this new landscape.
Courtyard Creation
Crafting a cool campus corner for Willard Middle School!
As we head into the new school year, outdoor facilities will be appreciated as the weather cools down. One such facility is the courtyard at Willard Middle School. This courtyard is a great outdoor learning space for classes at Willard. I asked one of the vice principals, Ms. Russell, for some information about this courtyard.
“The courtyard and the accompanying furniture was gifted to Willard from our amazing Parent Teacher Association (PTA) through a series of fundraisers over the course of the 2022-2023 school year.” Says Ms. Russell.
It was installed in the fall of 2023, with the intent of creating an additional space for students to work and learn. The courtyard is intended to be used by all in the school, who can go outside and take a break on a great day! More than 1,600 scholars have the opportunity to be able to have their classes outside. There is seating for 36 people, which is big enough for most classes at Willard. Even the furniture has school spirit… it is green! The courtyard was built by Accommodation Home Services, which is owned by local Willowsford resident and Stroll sponsor, Tommy Little. Without the PTA’s support, this would not be possible. They have always been so supportive of our community projects, and Willard cannot thank them enough.
Dr. Campiglia, Principal of Willard Middle School, is continuing the work for a garden in the near future!
Ms. Russell said, “Since our opening in 2018, we hoped to have a space for a community garden, but knew this would take some time.” Dr. Campiglia is partnering with the community, staff, and eventually students to help create a garden with both flowers and vegetables. This garden would benefit FACS (Family and Consumer Science) and before and after school cooking classes. FACS is a great program at Willard, as it provides cooking activities, home education, and safety.
If you’re one of the 1,600 scholars attending Willard this year, take a stroll through the courtyard during your free time, and ask your teacher to get outside and learn!
Orchestra & Ice
BY RESIDENT LIEZEL MUNSON
THIS FEATURE SPONSORED BY LOUDOUN COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL
In June, Ion Arena hosted One Planet, One Community concert. This evening celebrated the arts, with local community art on display, Olympic ice dancers, and live music from the Loudoun Symphony Orchestra featuring music from Star Wars, Star Trek, U2 and more! Many people don’t realize that in addition to being an expansive ice rink and training facility, Ion is also a great local venue for concerts and shows. Resident Liezel Munson won tickets during a Stroll Willowsford giveaway for her whole family to attend Ion’s latest production!
The Munson family kids had never gone to a performance on ice before so going to the Ion International Training Center was a pure delight! We saw Olympic skaters as well as local groups perform. From the talent on the ice to the live music from the Loudoun Orchestra… it was magical!
inspire our Eagles from preschool through 8th grade to become lifelong learners, to think critically and creatively, and to lead with courage, compassion, and character.
Viktorija Piano is the CEO and founder of The Piano Home Group and is consistently ranked as one of the top realtors in the area. She has a wealth of knowledge in buying, selling, investments, and is a savvy marketer and negotiator. Viktorija effectively guides her team to achieve remarkable and consistent success that surpasses previous records.
Although radiating with achievements, this isn’t an overnight success story. It took grit to overcome the challenges of being an immigrant when Viktorija arrived in 2004. Born and raised in the former Yugoslavia (now Croatia, Serbia, Macedonia, Slovenia, Monte Negro and Bosnia
Your Neighbor, Your Realtor
and Herzegovina), Viktorija faced many obstacles including finding employment due to not holding a U.S. degree and not speaking English as her first language.
Reflecting on her past, Viktorija shares, “Being a single mom and an immigrant brought many challenges and struggles. Those same struggles made me relentless and even more determined.”
Prior to transitioning to the real estate sector, Viktorija had a background in automotive sales. Nevertheless, a significant event in her professional journey steered her
path towards the real estate realm. “The builder I worked for cut my pay without disclosing it prior,” she recalls. Despite receiving commendable accolades, such as securing the esteemed Rookie of the Year GALA AWARDS in 2013 across the entire metropolitan area, Viktorija came to the realization that she needed to leverage her full potential by venturing into self-employment.
Motivated by an ambition to explore vast opportunities and achieve remarkable accomplishments, Viktorija discovered her passion for the real estate industry. “In real estate, the sky’s the limit,” Viktorija shares. “To discover my full potential, I needed to be in a place where success was always possible. After talking to many successful people, I realized that real estate is where I belong,” she explains.
Fast forward to today, Viktorija is living her dream with The Piano Home Group- a one-stop shop for real estate. As Viktorija shares, “We are not just here to list your home on MLS and get paid. The Piano Home Group gets involved in every single part of the transaction, from the moment we meet a new client, to the moment we remove the For Sale sign.”
Success for a client is also the success for The Piano Home Group. As Viktorija shares, “No client is the same as the past one and no client is just a client to us. “When we get a new listing or a new buyer client, we always set expectations, have clear communication between our team and our client, we listen and understand what our client’s needs are and we personalized a plan for each situation.”
Viktorija understands the market and knows what sets her team apart from others. The Piano Home Group always works together to get a project ready to be active on the market.
“It’s all hands-on deck or nothing and our team delivers every time,” she says. “Our Team goes above and beyond to help a client’s home get ready for the big debut. We bring a team that includes cleaners, movers, interior designer, different contractors, videographers, and photographers. Our director of operations oversees all the project steps and the end result is what you see all over social
media: An amazing home that makes everyone want to move into it.”
This commitment is the product of individuals that simply gravitate towards each other at The Piano Home Group, shares Viktorija. “We always have each other’s back and we share one mission: execute, overdeliver, and outwork.”
Finding a single story to share
“Each and every family that ended up working with us, I feel created a special bond and their own story in my life.”
about a client is difficult for Viktorija as each family she’s had the pleasure to represent has touched her deeply. “Each and every family that ended up working with us, I feel created a special bond and their own story in my life. Getting to know their kids, their passions, fears, goals and what really matters to them, made me realize how God is great. I just hope they know how special this is to me and my team.”
As a Willowsford resident, Viktorija understands why it’s one of the best neighborhoods locally and beyond. Her insider knowledge and market expertise make her a perfect match to list and bring clients to the place she calls home. “Willowsford has everything any family would love to have in their community. It’s a place you can find anything for anyone. From amazing nature walks to great community gathering, it simply offers all.”
One of her fondest sounds in the neighborhood is of children playing. “This is a place where our kids make memories and truly have a childhood. It takes one kid to run out in front of our homes and all the rest of the kids will join in minutes,” she says.
As for herself, Viktorija enjoys going for a bike ride and taking their dog on a walk, acknowledging it’s the little things that bring the most joy. She’s made the best of friends that she is happy to call family. “My neighbors that make me an amazing meal and drop it off because they’re simply kind and want to share their food with us, makes me never want to leave this place.”
Also bringing the neighborhood full circle is Stroll magazine, as Viktorija calls it “yet another important piece to the puzzle to this great community.”
THE PIANO HOME GROUP
Keller Williams Reston 11700 Plaza America Dr. Ste 710 Reston VA 20190
WRESTLING WISDOM
Coaches cornered for an insightful interview!
BY RESIDENT AND JUNIOR WRITER COLE HAMAKER • THIS FEATURE
COACH ANDREW DEW
Wrestling helps you improve physically and mentally. It teaches you perseverance and to not “get in your head.” I think every kid should try wrestling. Wrestling is a really fun experience, so let’s see what the Dulles Youth Sports coaches have to say about the sport!
What made you start coaching?
Time is short and I wanted to be part of the fun experiences that sports bring to my kids and their friends. Because my kids are very active in sports and extracurricular activities, coaching is a way to be part of the game vs. sitting on the sidelines.
Why should kids join Dulles Youth Sports Wrestling?
DYS is a great organization that allows growth for all experiences. It is a fun atmosphere as we mix in drills with fun activities like dodgeball. DYS Wrestling allows parents to help and be part of the experience.
What is your favorite coaching memory?
Watching kids overcome obstacles, pushing boundaries, and gaining confidence on the mat and in everyday life. Seeing the difference between when my son started to now is night and day on how much he has grown from year to year.
What life lessons do you learn from wrestling?
Wrestling is a great sport for elementary kids as it will make them gain confidence quickly as it is 1 on 1. It is a sport where you can’t blame others for not putting in the work which helps kids learn humility in defeat and to be graceful in winning.
SPONSORED BY THE ST. JAMES FC VIRGINIA
What is your background in wrestling?
I did not grow up wrestling. My son started wrestling during Covid as everything else was shut down. He and I learned the sport together with a lot of YouTube videos and googling the rules.
COACH KEVIN HAMAKER (MY DAD)
What made you start coaching?
My dad always coached my sports so I wanted to do the same with you. I always wanted to coach. Originally, I wanted to be a High School Coach.
Why should kids join DYS wrestling?
Because we have coaches who respect kids, we root for and cheer on successes and help them up when they lose. When you join DYS wrestling it is like joining a family.
What is your favorite coaching memory?
Seeing the journey and progress kids make from the moment they start to when they finish the season.
What life lessons do you learn from wrestling?
Number one lesson is hard work. What you put into it is what you get out of it, and you will need to accept defeat. It teaches accountability. There is no one else to blame than yourself when things go good or bad.
What is your wrestling background?
I started wrestling in my freshman year of high school. I won 1 match and lost 19 while in Varsity year one. I went on to wrestle my entire high school career, becoming a two time state placer with multiple offers to wrestle in college.
For more information or to register for DYS wrestling: www. dullesyouthsports.com/wrestling
Do you have a story about athletics, fitness or sports? Share with us! billie.rose@strollmag.com
FOAM FRENZY
Junior Writers try out the latest trend in parties!
BY RESIDENT AND JUNIOR WRITER
SAMMY ASTUDILLO • THIS FEATURE SPONSORED BY ADAM HUKE WITH CASSADY & COMPANY, INC.
This month our Junior Stroll writing team went to the Hidden Meadow Campground in Willowsford, and we celebrated the start of summer with a foam party hosted by Nova Parties! At the beginning of the meeting, we met up and talked about business first: we discussed future ideas and assigned writers to articles. Everyone got to enjoy a snack as well. Finally, we discussed the foam party - we found out it is safe for kids, pets, and grass, and is biodegradable, scent and dye-free! Afterward, the foam cannon was ready to blow! All of the Junior Writers ran out into the grassy area, where it looked like a blizzard when you can’t even see the roads while driving! Foam was everywhere and gosh did we get covered.
Me and my friends had an awesome time jumping in the foam. There was music blasting and beach balls for us to play with. Nova Parties and Mrs. Billie were amazing at hosting this event! It was super fun and all we did was talk and play with our friends for over an hour. As one of our other Stroll writers, Katie Astudillo, stated, “My favorite part of the party was getting to hang out with my friends doing something fun.” Personally, that was my favorite part too! A foam party was a great way to celebrate the end of school and the start of summer, and having it at Hidden Meadow Campground was a perfect spot for it, too! If you’re looking to host an event and need entertainment, Nova Parties is the way to go! Ready to book? Contact Meaghan at booking@novaparties.com!
FROM THE GROUND UP
BY RESIDENT AND JUNIOR WRITER ALEX MACCHIAROLO
You may not realize this but one of the “workhorses” of a home is the floor. Sometimes people change their floors because they are damaged and sometimes floors are replaced to match a person’s style. Recently, our Stroll Event Photographer, Darlene Shenier, had new floors installed. She was kind enough to answer my question about the experience.
Tell us about your floor remodel! What company did you use?
Floor Coverings International, owned by Dan Lyman. They happen to be a Stroll sponsor, too!
Why did you choose that company?
I had had previous companies give me an estimate and I also had companies who just didn’t respond to my inquiry.
After two years of putting the project to the side, I was at a Stroll Coffee & Connections networking event, and Dan happened to be at two of those networking events on that particular day and I thought, I have to talk to Dan and I know he’ll be responsive and actually do the work because his commitment to networking and promoting the work that he and his company do. I just knew he was the person.
Did you know what type of flooring you wanted when you hired the company?
When I had originally purchased the house in 2016, the hardwood floors had damage on them at that time and I knew that I would have to get the floors done. But eight years flew by and by then, I knew that I did not want to refinish the floors and wanted to install brand new floors that were much more durable for my busy household with kids and dogs instead. I knew that I would want the latest high-quality products available.
THIS FEATURE SPONSORED BY HARRIFORD EXTERIOR RESTORATION
How did they help you choose the flooring?
Dan and his staff Andrew have a mobile showroom. On the initial consultation, they came to my home and assessed and measured everything. After asking us a few questions about what we were looking for, they were able to show us so many samples that would fit our lifestyle. They listened to our needs and provided us with options to match, and we made the choice on the floors that we wanted within 15 minutes of the consultation! The new floors installed were Cali Floors Breakwater Oak Windansea Vinyl flooring. They are modern, durable, 100% waterproof and easy to clean, making them perfect for busy families. They truly know their products. They made looking at samples and choosing the floor fun!
What was the best part of the process?
The level of communication was outstanding! From start to finish, they kept me in the loop and kept me updated every single day that the crew was out. They told me what happened that day and what the plan was for the next day. From Dan calling me every day, to Andrew checking in on the project and Brandy in the office communicating to me when the crew was coming out and the times, it was all a very coordinated and well-communicated effort.
And, if you have time, just for fun questions: What details do you like photographing?
I love working with businesses and capturing photos that help build their brand reputation and connect with their audience.
What is your favorite food? Mexican food!
BY RESIDENT AND JUNIOR WRITER ZIYAD RAFI • THIS FEATURE SPONSORED BY FORTIFY CHIROPRACTIC AND SPORTS REHAB
Hi there, today I’m going to tell you about my trip to Canada in May with my family. In Canada, we first went to Toronto to meet friends and family, and I made new friends! We explored the city and also it was my first time going to Niagara Falls on the Canadian side. It was so cool to see the U-shaped Niagara Falls. The boat ride took us near the Falls and the splash made us sooo wet. We took hundreds of pictures for memories. After that we went to a restaurant and had kabob with rice.
Did you know there are more bald eagles in Canada than in America even though it is USA’s national bird? Also, USA has more Canadian geese than Canada!
The next leg of the journey was flying to Calgary which is in another province of Canada. We rented a car and drove for around 2 hours to get to a hotel in Banff. Banff was amazing. It is famous for its snow-covered mountains, lakes, waterfalls, and wildlife. We went on the gondola ride, which is a chair lift and brings you up to the Sulfur mountain, where there was fun stuff that we did. We climbed up at least 350 stairs to get to the top of the lookout and had hot chocolate because it was sooooo cold. The next day, we explored the town of Banff and went to the Columbia Icefield Adventure tour where they take you on a ride to the Athabasca Glacier. It was so cool to taste the glacier ice, but this wasn’t just regular ice - this ice was special because it has 90 percent water and 10 percent air which is denser than freezer ice. Later, we also explored the world-famous Lake Louise. It was breathtaking, the lake was between the mountains and the water color was turquoise. Some parts of the lake were frozen. We also went to the Lake Minnewanka for a cruise. There we saw a bald eagle trying to get its prey fish out of the water. Did you know there are more bald eagles in Canada than in America even though it is USA’s national bird? Also, USA has more Canadian geese than Canada! The trip to the Canadian Rockies was amazing. I had a great time and would love to go back again.
HEALTHY LIVING
PERFECTLY PIE-TASTIC
Crafting a crave-worthy, health-conscious apple pie!
BY RESIDENT AND JUNIOR WRITER PAREEN SANDHU
THIS FEATURE SPONSORED BY THE ST. JAMES FC VIRGINIA
With its flaky, buttery crust, tart-sweet apples, and wonderful cinnamon aroma, this apple pie recipe is the perfect end to any meal, from casual lunch to elegant dinner. The secret to this pie’s exceptional taste lies in the large variety of spices, which infuse the filling with a comforting, nostalgic essence.
Another great thing is that this pie uses honey instead of sugar or artificial sweeteners!
INGREDIENTS
Crust:
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 10 Tablespoons shortening, chilled and cubed
• 8 Tablespoons unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 6 Tablespoons ice water
Filling:
• 8 cups peeled, cored, and sliced apples
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon allspice
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 Tablespoons butter(Optional)
• One lightly beaten egg
INSTRUCTIONS
Crust
1. Measure flour into the processor with the regular blade attached. Add chilled and cubed shortening and unsalted butter. Add salt, close the lid, and pulse three times with three counts per pulse to lightly mix the ingredients.
2. With the motor running, pour ice water into the food processor bowl just until the dough just starts to get noticeably crumbly. Don’t wait until it is a big clump or it will be way too wet and will turn out tough.
3. Transfer the crumbly dough into a bowl, and form it into a ball with your hand, squeezing it a bit to make it stick together. If it just won’t form a ball, add a tiny bit more water.
4. Once you’ve made it into a ball, split the ball into two pieces one a bit bigger than the other. The bigger one will be used for the bottom crust and the smaller one for the top crust. Wrap each ball of dough dough in wax paper or plastic wrap and chill it for about 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
Follow the rest of the recipe for rolling and baking.
Filling & Assembling:
1. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C).
Line a 9-inch pie plate with bottom crust.
2. Combine apples, honey, ginger, allspice, flour, cinnamon, salt and nutmeg in a bowl. Place mixture into the prepared pie plate. Dot with butter (optional).
3. Roll out the top crust then cover over the filling with it. Cut 3 holes in the top crust to allow venting and Prick the edge of the crust.
4. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes.
5. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees, egg wash the pie, and bake in the preheated oven again for 15-30 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and filling is bubbly. Enjoy!
Do you have a story about healthy lifestyle habits, athletics, fitness, or sports? Share with us! billie.rose@strollmag.com
WHERE ARE THEY NOW?
Stroll Willowsford revisits the first issue’s cover family!
To celebrate Stroll Willowsford’s 8th anniversary, we checked in on our very first cover family to see what’s changed, and what’s stayed the same since that first issue so long ago!
It turns out that the Baird family continues to cherish their life in Willowsford and the strong friendships they’ve built here. They have expanded their family with the addition of Pumpkin, a three-year-old Havanese dog. Gianna, now heading into seventh grade, has developed a passion for golf, showcasing her diverse interests and growth. JP has transitioned to a new role at the American College of Cardiology, while Krista remains dedicated to her longstanding career at the American College of Radiology, eagerly counting down to retirement after 28 years.
Despite these changes, some things remain constant for the Bairds—their favorite place to be (besides Willowsford) is still at the beach!
Dr. Haress Rahim
The Piano Home Group is the top real estate team in Willowsford. Founder and CEO Viktorija Piano is a
“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
A Publication for the Residents of Willowsford