STROLL Willowsford - May 2023

Willowsford

THE MELLA FAMILY MEET YOUR NEIGHBORS

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JENNY SESSOMS PHOTOGRAPHY

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

Thurs., May 18, 9:30 a.m.

- 11 a.m.: Stroll Coffee & Connection at Willowsford (bimonthly networking breakfast for Willowsford residents and Stroll sponsors). RSVP at:  https://CoffeeandConnectionsWF.eventbrite.com

Sun., May 21, 3 - 5 p.m., Stroll Flow & Fizz, sponsored by Granger Financial and Yoga Shala, in Aldie Treat yourself to a special Sunday afternoon at Yoga Shala indulging in self-care because, of course, May is all about you. Join us for a short yoga class followed by bubbly, snacks, and other self-care surprises. There will be lots of giveaways and a

swag bag for all!  RSVP at: https://StrollFlowandFizz. eventbrite.com

You Could Win $100 Visa

Gift Card Next Month!

Congratulations and thank you to our March 2023 “Testimonial Tuesday” winner, resident Jessica Marquez, who submitted a testimonial for Virginia Institute. 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@n2co.com.

STROLL WILLOWSFORD OFFERS COMMUNITY 24/7 RESOURCES

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

Exclusive resident Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/ StrollWillowsford Facebook page. www.facebook.com/StrollWillowsford Instagram page. @strollwillowsford

E-newsletter and event sign-up: https://bit.ly/StrollWMailingList

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

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

Linktree Page: https://linktr.ee/strollwillowsford

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

Jessica Marquez’s testimonial for Virginia Institute

Heather Vagenieri’s testimonial for Cheers in a Box

Lisa Ellis’s testimonial for Envi Aesthetics

Jen Ebrat’s testimonial for The Styled Sort

Traci Pasqualone’s Testimonial for Advanced Corrective Chiropractic with Phil Sessoms

Say Hello to our 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:

Adam Huke at Cassaday & Company, Inc. With two decades of experience in the financial industry, Adam specializes in creating personalized financial plans and investment strategies for high-net-worth individuals and families. He helps his clients achieve their financial goals by leveraging Cassaday & Company’s expertise and resources. By embracing a model of integrated wealth management, Adam is able to look at each of his clients’ financial situations in a truly comprehensive manner, focusing on all facets of wealth management, including investments, taxes, insurance, and estate planning. Adam also concentrates on multigenerational counseling and cash flow generation. A Willowsford resident, he is a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®), Certified Investment Management Analyst (CIMA®) and Chartered Mutual Fund Counselor (CMFC®). He is dedicated to delivering exceptional service and building long-lasting relationships with his clients.

Website: www.cassaday.com

FB: https://www.facebook.com/CassadayAndCompanyInc

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/ company/cassaday-&-company-inc./

Brush Strokes Painting is a familyowned and operated company with a combined experience of over 25 years. They have proudly served their community since 2003. Since then, they have been awarded Best of Ashburn 2020-2023 and Best of Loudoun County 2023. From updating the interior of your home to increasing your exterior curb appeal, they have you covered. Brush Strokes Painting proudly uses top-of-the-line Sherwin Williams products to provide long-lasting results.

Website: www.brushstrokespaint.com

FB: www.facebook.com/BrushStrokesPaintingLLC

My Guys Moving & Storage is an awardwinning, full-service moving company offering local and long-distance moving, office moving, packing services, and storage solutions. With licensed, bonded, and insured movers, they provide free estimates and no hidden fees or charges, making them a trustworthy choice for all your moving needs. “Have Your Guys, Call My Guys!”

Website: www.MyGuysMoving.com

FB: facebook.com/MyGuysMovingCorporate

IG: @MyGuysMoving

The Ohana School: They believe in the power of personalized learning to set their learners up for success. Their preschool uses a personalized learning model that tailors educational activities and resources to the unique needs and abilities of each child. This approach allows them to create a supportive and engaging learning environment where children can develop at their own pace and according to their individual learning styles. They use a variety of tools and techniques, such as regular assessments and ongoing feedback, to track each child’s progress and adjust their learning plans accordingly. This ensures that every child at The Ohana School receives the support and guidance they need to succeed and reach their full potential.

Website: www.theohanaschool.com

FB: facebook.com/theohanaschool

IG: @theohanaschool

Summit Direct Primary Care is a healthcare provider in Chantilly, VA offering affordable and personalized primary & urgent care for all ages. They offer a wide collection of medical services and work closely with you to provide unique and personalized care without barriers or bureaucracy. With 24/7 access to your trusted doctor and a focus on patient satisfaction, Summit DPC offers a refreshing approach to healthcare that prioritizes building strong patient-doctor relationships.

Website: www.summitdpc.com

FB: facebook.com/summitdpc

IG: @summitdpc

MANY THANKS TO OUR RENEWING Stroll

WILLOWSFORD SPONSOR:

Jenny Sessoms Photography a Willowsford photographer with over 20 years of experience in capturing beautiful moments. Jenny specializes in family, maternity, and newborn photography, along with creating heartfelt family films that convey powerful emotions. With her expertise in composition, lighting, and color, Jenny creates unique and stunning images for her clients. When she’s not behind the camera, Jenny loves to explore new places and try new things - like learning to make pasta in Italy! Contact Jenny today to book your family photo session and create cherished memories that will last a lifetime.

Website: www.jennysessoms.com

FB: facebook.com/jenny.sessoms.photography

IG: @jenny.sessoms.photography

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

AMISH OUTDOOR FURNITURE

Mattingly’s in Hamilton (540) 338-2060

ANGUS BEEF- ALL NATURAL

Endless Harvest Farm (571) 437-8304

facebook.com/endlessharvestfarm

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

CAR SERVICE - LIMOS / PARTY BUS American Livery Link, Inc (703) 338-5516

americanliverylink.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

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

Envi Aesthetics (571) 244-0607 enviaesthetics.com

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

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 www.theohanaschool.com

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

EDUCATION / CODING

The Coder School of Ashburn (571) 918-4604 thecoderschool.com/locations/ashburn

FENCING AND DECKS

MC Fence And Deck (571) 436-0498

www.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

GARAGE - FLOORING/ORGANIZATION

Garage Experts of Northern Virginia (703) 861-3027 garageexperts.com/location/northern-virginia

HAIR SALON

Eclips Salon (703) 327-9408 www.eclipsashburn.com

Eclips Salon - Ashburn (571) 367-3573 www.eclipsashburn.com

HAIR SALON & SPA Salon Khouri (703) 273-7878 salonkhouri.com

HAIR SALON - KIDS

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

www.sharkeyscutsforkidsdulles.com

HANDYMAN SERVICES

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

facebook.com/HandymanOTG

HARDSCAPES / OUTDOOR LIVING

Amazing Outdoors (540) 619-2334

www.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 www.goradiantsolar.com

HOME THEATER, AUTOMATION, & SECURITY PowerHouseAV (703) 940-5399 powerhouseav.com

HVAC/PLUMBING

M.E. Flow (703) 537-5889 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

IRRIGATION & LAWN CARE

Campbell Lawn and Irrigation (703) 609-1093 campbellsva.com

LAWN CARE

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

www.khlandscaping.com

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

Organic Green Lawn Solutions (833) 616-8873 organicgreenlawnsolutions.com

LAWN CARE / TICK SERVICE

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

LAWN/SOD/MULCH

Bolyard Landscaping (571) 251-0635

bolyard-landscaping.com

MEDICAL / PRIMARY CARE

Summit Direct Primary Care (571) 350-0929

www.summitdpc.com

MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELING

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

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

www.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 www.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 - RESIDENTIAL/COMMERCIAL

Ferris Eways (410) 245-6167 caseysamson.com

Homes by Sabeen (703) 403-6589

REALTORS

Jennifer Liwanag/Pearson Smith Realty (571) 330-1755

jenliwanag.us.psrhomesearch.com

The Piano Home Group (703) 679-1700 www.thepianohomegroup.com

ROOFING/SIDING/GUTTERS

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

SALON/HAIR

Eclips Salon (703) 327-9408 www.eclipsashburn.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

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

WOMEN’S BOUTIQUE

Scout & Molly’s One Loudoun (703) 858-5600

Northbethesda.scoutandmollys.com

YOGA STUDIO

Yoga Shala (434) 339-4177

www.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!

703-201-7550

Traci.Pasqualone @n2co.com

423-580-6142 billie.rose@n2co.com

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

STROLL WILLOWSFORD DEDICATED JUNIOR WRITER TEAM

strollmag.com

Delivering Neighborhood Connections © 2023 The N2 Company, Inc.

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.

Hayden Faulkner Junior Editor

Devyn Anderson Caleb Abdo

Fia Cardamone

Morgan GonzalesIglesias Madison Griffin Kiran Coryea

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

Hope Zawaski Client Manager

Traci Pasqualone Publisher/Owner

Billie Rose Publication Manager

Lia Hobel Maria Smietana Writer

Jacqueline Louh Junior Editor

Ava Mitchell Cydney McMillian

Katie Astudillo Samantha Astudillo

Phoebe Monas

Henry Vooys Lucas Vooys Lily O’Hara

Evelyn Rose Hanna Stolle

Myra Budhiraja

Hello, Willowsford community residents,

Yay, it’s May! Time to put on those shades and soak up the sun because spring has sprung, and the flowers are blooming like crazy! We love being part of such an awesome community that knows how to have a good time!

At Stroll Willowsford, we’re all about bringing the love and connection that makes our community special. We’re your magazine, your photos, and your community! That means we want to hear from YOU! Share your stories, photos, and achievements with us so we can showcase all the amazing things happening in our community. You can write the article yourself, fill out a quick questionnaire, or one of the amazing Stroll junior writers can interview you (half of the articles in this issue are from the team!!)

We are passionate about bringing everyone together both personally and professionally through the pages of our magazine, our Stroll social media platforms, and our Stroll monthly resident event and bi-monthly networking gatherings, We believe that together, we can build a stronger, more united community that fosters a sense of togetherness, support, and empowerment.

We also want to give a big shoutout to our SW sponsors for investing in and supporting the Willowsford community. Without them, we wouldn’t have Stroll Willowsford. These dedicated local businesses are vetted and come recommended, and many of them are your own neighbors! Show them some love and support by referring them to your friends, neighbors, and networks.

Let’s keep the good times rolling this May by coming together, making new friends, and having some fun. We hope you have a happy, joyful, and oh-so-fabulous month!

Happy strolling!

Traci Pasqualone

Publisher and Owner,

The N2 Company

Stroll Willowsford (formerly Front Porch Living) 703-201-7550

traci.pasqualone@n2co.com, www.linkedin.com/in/traci-pasqualone-5822042b

“THE NEED FOR CONNECTION AND COMMUNITY IS PRIMAL, AS FUNDAMENTAL AS THE NEED FOR AIR, WATER, AND FOOD.” - DEAN ORNISH

My family - my son, Alex (25), my daughter, Haley (22), and my husband, Frank (30 years married).

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

Board Update May 2023

Hello neighbors and supporting businesses! The Willowsford Board of Directors are excited to provide an update in Stroll Willowsford as we move into the spring and summer months of 2023.

Here are some highlights to share: Playground Committee Update: A big thank you for all the hard work the Playground Improvement Committee put in over the last year. The committee brought a detailed proposal to the Board of Directors which was approved at the February board meeting. The approved equipment has been ordered with an expected late summer/early fall delivery. Replacements will be made to Bear Barn Treehouse (The Grange), Log Cabin Treehouse (The Grove), and the Lodge Pool playground area (The Greens). Improvements will be made to Paddock Gate Park (The Grange), Pin Oak Park (The Grove), Wild Plum Park (The Grant), and Everfield Park (The Grant).

With summer upon us, pool season is not far behind and our 2023 pool vendor is confirmed! Any necessary repairs will have been identified and completed by the pool opening. We want to wish the North and South Willowsford Waves another successful season!

As we get to warmer months of the year, we ask that you report any suspicious activity in the community. The Loudoun County non-emergency number is 703-777-1021.

We have several fun Lifestyle programs upcoming during the summer, as well as Camp Willowsford.

Please read the Willowsford Weekly and check Facebook and website calendars for upcoming events.

A huge thank you to Mike Russiello as he moves on. Mike served 5 crucial years as a volunteer on the Willowsford Board of Directors.

As always, please reach out to any of your resident Board or HOA team members with any ideas or concerns. We look forward to a great summer ahead!

Willowsford HOA

SPLISH SPLASH!

by Susan Walters, CMCA®, AMS® Willowsford HOA Assistant Community Manager

Pools open Memorial Day weekend! The Association Team and our contractor, High Sierra Pools, have been working diligently to ensure our resort-style pools are ready for you to enjoy. Be sure to check the website for pool hours and additional details. Some important information to remember…

SAFETY

The safety of our members and guests is our top priority. Please adhere to the instructions of the lifeguards and the pool policy found in the Amenity Usage Guidelines. Please remember, if your child is unable to swim, you must be within and arm's reach of your child at all times.

POOL & SPLASH PARK ACCESS & HOURS

Resident entry into the pools is monitored by key fob. Upon check-in, the guards will request each resident swipe their fob for entry. No additional pool passes are needed. Please note that the staff reserves the right to request additional identification. Pool hours are posted online.

GUEST PASSES

Residents are permitted to bring up to four (4) guests to the pool, per household, per visit at a cost of $5 per guest. You may pre-purchase a guest pass card (which includes 10 guest passes)

or pay-as-you-go at the pool check in desk. Please note that neither the Association nor the pool staff accept cash. Guest passes do not expire. Children under the age of 2 years old do not require a guest fee but do count toward the limit of four (4) guests per household.

SWIM LESSONS

We are pleased to announce that LetSwim will be our swim lesson provider again this year. Both daytime and evening lessons will be offered, beginning in June. Stay tuned to the Willowsford Weeklys for information regarding online registration.

UPCOMING POOL PROGRAMMING

• Splash Parties

Thursday, June 8th 5 -7 PM

Sycamore Pool & Lodge Pool

• Dive-In Movie

Friday, July 21st 8:30 PM (Rain Date: Friday, July 28th)

Sycamore Pool

• Dive-In Movie

Friday, August 18th 8:30 PM (Rain Date: Friday, August 25th)

Lodge Pool

• Ice Cream Social

Sunday, August 27th 2 - 3 PM

Willow Grove Splash Park

WILLOWSFORD WAVES SWIM TEAM

The Willowsford Waves swim teams are ready for their seventh season. Go Waves!

PHOTO BY TOM LUSSIER

We live in a remarkable place surrounded by acres of countryside. A natural oasis far from bustling city life, the Willowsford Agrihood provides an easy way to get closer to nature and farm-to-table living.

LEARN ABOUT FARMING

While our professional farm team manages the actual farming, there are many ways that Willowsford residents can get involved.

Get Your Hands Dirty or Have Some Fun! Choose from:  WAGON RIDES AT WILLOWSFORD FARM

Are you interested in learning more about the Farm?

Take a wagon ride Farm tour and see how your food is grown and what environmental initiatives we’ve implemented. This family-friendly event is open to all.  Meet at the Farm Stand on third Saturdays: May 20, June 17, July 15, August 19, & September 16.

EGG WASHING AND PACKING

Get to be a part of the Farm by volunteering to wash, pack and label our Farm fresh eggs! This role requires an ongoing commitment and can be more fun with company, so invite your friends to join you for an EGGciting time!  Volunteer two hours each week between Saturday-Thursday, 8am-430pm.  Volunteers must be able to lift 30 lbs. and follow directions to ensure food-safety rules are meticulously followed.  Note: Training is required for this role.

WILLOWSFORD FARM CSA SHARES

At Willowsford, our team offers a variety of CSA Shares from Farmer’s Choice, Custom, Flower, and Eggs. You can learn more about the many offerings by visiting our website. CSA Share deliveries start in May and run until January.

FARM STAND OPENING

Join us for the Farm Stand Opening on May 18!   The Farm Stand is open Thursday afternoons and Saturday mornings.  Come check out the organic produce, local honey, ice cream, local cheeses, and more.  Food trucks are also featured.   Come visit!

ACCESS TO WIDE OPEN SPACES

With over 2,000 acres, there is plenty of access to outdoor green spaces to enjoy time with family and friends. The miles of the trail allow time in the fresh air while enjoying exercise. According to the American Psychological Association, “There is mounting evidence, from dozens and dozens of researchers, that nature has benefits for both physical and psychological human wellbeing.”

FEATURED VOLUNTEER ACTIVITY:

BE A BLUEBIRD MONITOR!

Help monitor our bluebird nesting box trails this year! This yearly activity takes a dedicated group of volunteers and assistance from Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy. The nesting boxes encourage a variety of native cavity-nesting songbirds, including bluebirds, chickadees, titmice, tree swallows, and house wrens. During nesting season, volunteers work as part of a team and can coordinate their schedule with the other team members to either monitor as a group or go individually. Monitoring requires volunteers to take turns inspecting the bird boxes on our bluebird trails and noting any activity. We collect the data, and at the end of the season, the Conservancy compiles the information into a report that helps us and the county manage these birds. Training and materials provided.

You can find many more volunteer opportunities at Willowsford Conservancy and Farm on our website. Living in a thriving Agrihood is not just a group of homes next to the Farm - it’s a lifestyle. Reenergize your connection to Willowsford by volunteering, by becoming a CSA subscriber, or by joining us for a workshop or eco-training.

WILLOWSFORD RESIDENTS “TALK TRASH”!

Over 250 Willowsford residents gathered on a cold March morning to clean up litter all around the villages.  After a hard morning’s work of collecting more than 4 dumpsters’ worth of trash, neighbors gathered for refreshments and received a complimentary dozen eggs, fresh from the farm as a thankyou for their help!

Honoring Resident Alex Rivera

You spoke, and we listened! Based on feedback, our Resident Non-Sibi Award will now be known as the Notable Neighbor Award! Even though the name has changed, the spirit of the recognition remains the same: we seek to highlight people that support our community through their helpfulness, generosity and altruism!

Alex Rivera is a true inspiration to her community, and it is not difficult to see why she has been nominated as a Notable Neighbor. Her life

is infused with a heart for service, and her commitment to helping others is evident in all that she does.

One of Alex’s most notable achievements is her work as an advocate. She is the founder of FKBK (For Kids by Kids), a company she started with her older daughter Aria that sells apparel and provides no-cost fundraising for nonprofits and schools. “Born out of love and inspired by our daughters, we strive to make a measurable difference through awareness and action,” Alex explains when describing the business.

Raising awareness is close to her heart. Her youngest daughter, Penny, has Down Syndrome, and Alex understands the challenges that individuals with disabilities face and so she works tirelessly to create a more inclusive world. Recently, Alex organized a Masquerade Gala fundraiser for The National Down Syndrome Society through Willowsford Cares, the neighborhood community service group. Inspiring others to get involved and support the cause, she raised over $20,000 and partnered with many individuals in the community to make the event a success.

But Alex’s dedication to serving others doesn’t stop there. She is an Army veteran with more than 25 years of service, and is a successful entrepreneur, running two businesses helping others: AP Creative Solutions, and the newly opened Sharkey’s Cuts for Kids in Dulles. Despite her busy schedule, Alex is always available for support. “Alex is a great neighbor, caring and honest, and there to lend a hand or help out. She gives

THIS FEATURE SPONSORED BY THE VIRGINIA INSTITUTE FOR SURGICAL ARTS

Photo by Smeltzer Photography

a ton of her time and does not expect anything in return. She has helped me with some business marketing as well as answered simple questions when I know she has a very busy life and schedule,” said her friend and neighbor, Candy Andreoni.

One of the things that sets Alex apart is her genuine desire to make others happy. While working with her on the silent auction for the Masquerade Gala, Alex “gave so much of her time to planning this great event. She was very easy to work with and so flexible, great at making decisions, and straightforward. We had one item up for bid, a ‘margarita happy hour’ in which the gala organizers were to host. Alex decided to ‘throw’ the event herself so we could just enjoy it!” said Candy.

Added Nicole Harper, “Alex is a great combination of neighbor meets friend.” She can always be counted on to support others’ causes and charities too. Her kindness and generosity have touched many lives in our community and beyond. Alex Rivera is truly a remarkable person and a shining example of what it means to live a life dedicated to others.

BRIGHT, ATTRACTIVE, DURABLE AND EASYTO-CLEAN FLOOR COATINGS

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@n2co.com.

SNACK-IT BRACKET

Recipes compete to win the title of Best Bite at the Super Bowl party!

BY RESIDENT AND JUNIOR WRITER KIRAN CORYEA THIS FEATURE SPONSORED BY CAPITAL TRIMLIGHT

The winner of the 2023 Super Bowl Snack-It Bracket is…Peanut Butter Football Dip! You may be asking yourself, what is he talking about?

What is a Snackit Bracket? A Snack-It Bracket is basically like any tournament, except instead of sports teams, food items are pitted against each other! People have asked me how I came up with the idea. Well, it is not my idea! Back in 2020 during the presidential elections, we were watching a whole bunch of news like a lot of families at that time, specifically NBC. And one

your

guy I constantly saw was Steve Kornacki. He is a journalist and presenter for their news station and every night would break down the candidates with all of these different statistics. I thought he was really interesting to watch and started following him and realized he made “tournaments” for all sorts of things using statistics!

My favorite thing that Steve Kornacki does is his version of the Snack-It Bracket. He does it for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and of course the Super Bowl! He inspired me to hold these brackets for every big family event in our home using all of the foods prepared by my family and guests. I take a video in advance detailing all of the food items and do a mock-up tournament of each item pitted against each other and choose who I think is going to win, and then on game day all attendees place their actual votes and we see how my predictions fared. It’s always a lot of fun and brings extra entertainment to what is already a great day!

Scan the code to get the recipe for Kiran’s Winning Super Bowl Snack!

Making Math Marvelous

Resident math tutor helps students find the solution!

BY RESIDENT AND JUNIOR WRITER FIA CARDAMONE THIS FEATURE SPONSORED BY VILLA MONTESSORI STONE RIDGE

Grace Suh, or Ms. Grace to her students, is a very helpful tutor and math teacher who lives in the Willowsford Greens. Ms. Grace moved from Korea when she was in 5th grade and soon fell in love with math. At first, it was hard for her to communicate but she liked math because she was able to do it better than the other kids. “I was the first one to complete any math assignment so I gained confidence in mathematics,” Ms. Grace said. Ms. Grace started understanding math when she lived in Korea. “I began learning math concepts at home before I began kindergarten with counting and number sense. This is why I am pretty good with mental math,” she said. She first started teaching in Fairfax County in 1987 before she went back to school to receive a master’s degree.

Ms. Grace majored in elementary education and taught 4th grade but decided to also get a middle school math certification around 10 years ago because she loved teaching math. After living in Kentucky, Ms. Grace and her family moved back to Virginia in 2019 right before the pandemic.

When she moved back, Ms. Grace started substitute teaching to test out and see if she wanted to go back to public school teaching. To her surprise, Ms. Grace started getting many tutoring requests because students were struggling with math, and she has been tutoring ever since! Ms. Grace shares, “Tutoring is a perfect combination of my love of mathematics and teaching without discipline issues as it would be in a classroom.” Her favorite part about teaching is when, in Ms. Grace’s words, “the light bulbs go on ‘’ and the students GET the subject. She likes to teach because of those “Aha” moments. Ms. Grace’s favorite math course is Algebra 1 and her favorite topics are solving equations and factoring. She has been teaching for six years after working in public schools and as a director of a youth ministry. When asked if she could be in any other profession, Ms. Grace answered, “I would choose a field in computers (IT) because everything uses computers.” Ms. Grace is loved and appreciated by many families and scholars in the community because of her outreach and impact on many students.

Do you have an event, topic or educator that should be highlighted in our “Education” feature? Email billie.rose@n2co.com!

BOOKCASE BONANZA!

We asked Willowsford residents to show us their bookcases, built-ins and libraries for some book storage and style inspiration!

THIS FEATURE SPONSORED BY FERRIS EWAYS

Erica P. Rowe Chief Training Consultant

MELLA FAMILY! Meet the

BY MARIA SMIETANA

THIS FEATURE SPONSORED BY CHANTILLY NATIONAL GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JENNY SESSOMS PHOTOGRAPHY

Amber and Matt Mella owe their relationship to a card game and a sister, which might explain why game nights are still a big part of their family fun. Amber, a native Canadian who grew up in upstate New York and Bel Air, MD, met Matt’s sister Heather at Christopher Newport University. By the time Amber graduated with her BS in business administration with a concentration in management and a leadership minor, the two ladies had become close friends. Heather went on to earn a master’s degree, and it was at her graduation celebration that Amber first met Matt over a lively round of “Apples to Apples.” Within two months, they were dating.

Fast forward a bit, and the Mellas, who’ve lived in the Greens for nearly four years, are mom and dad to Madilyn (Madi), age 8, and Hunter, who is 5. Madi is a cheer and gymnastics enthusiast who would rather navigate the world via cartwheels than on two feet. She’ll shortly finish second grade, where she’s found a love of math and art. Her parents describe her as an outgoing kid who thinks it’s great that the neighborhood is filled with her friends and so many fun events! Hunter is in pre-K and is an avid learner who loves to play T-ball and being outdoors with his friends. If he’s not outside, he’s likely to be playing Sonic. His mom says he’s getting really good at Mario Kart and Super Smash Brothers, too.

S p e n d 2 0 2 3 a t

c h a n t i l l y n a t i o n a l

Matt grew up in Oakton, VA, where his parents still live. He earned his BS in information systems from VCU and now works as a solutions architect at a local technology company. Computers and technology have always been one of Matt’s passions. “I got into it by building my first computer at the age of 6,” he said. “I enjoy learning how things work and finding solutions to problems that involve technology.” In his current role he gets to work with people from across all areas of the business and be a technical liaison between the business processes and the technology solutions that are implemented at his company. Amber, a self-described people person, is an accounts payable manager for an electrical contractor. As a team leader who has always liked working with numbers, she says she “loves creating a supportive work environment for my staff and being able to help the company reach its goals.”

Amber has also turned a couple of her favorite pastimes into successful side businesses. Over the past six years, she has built Amber Rose Photography and Events. “I do lifestyle photography and love being able to work with families to capture sweet memories,” she said. “As the business has grown, I’m happy to have repeat clients that I see year after year.” Additionally, she shares her love of reading as an

independent rep for a book company. “It’s so great to be able to bring new books into family’s homes to grow the next generation of readers,” she said.

Matt spends his hours outside of work across a dizzying array of niche hobbies. He is an avid home brewer, amateur woodworker, and home-improvement buff, so he just finished building out a 10-tap bar in the basement. As a member of several local brewing clubs, he gathers with fellow hops-and-foam connoisseurs to try different beer styles and “geek out” about beer! “Most of all though”, he said, “I enjoy being a dad to two awesome kids and watching them grow, learn and experience life in the wonderful community we’re fortunate to raise them in.”

The Mellas both believe strongly in community involvement. “We have a difficult time saying ‘no’ when someone asks for help or we see a need,” Matt said. Amber somehow has made more time in a day than should be possible and does her best to give back to the community through both her photography and book consulting businesses-she does multiple fundraisers each year for local organizations and schools. She is very involved in the PTA at Hovatter Elementary and as a troop leader for Madi’s Girl Scout

troop. Matt, an Eagle Scout, is looking forward to being involved in scouting again when Hunter is old enough to join a troop. Meanwhile, he’s mentoring others in leadership and technology. Fittingly, the three words the Mellas chose to describe their family are loving, giving, and happy!

Would you like your family to be a Stroll Willowsford feature family? Email Publication Manager Billie Rose at billie.rose@n2co.com to get on our waiting list!

The three words the Mellas chose to describe their family are loving, giving, and happy!

FRIENDLY, FUN, FOXTAIL FIELDS!

BY RESIDENT AND JUNIOR WRITER GIA RAMESH THIS FEATURE SPONSORED BY NALINI + CO.

Welcome to the Grove! Well, not just the Grove; if you drive further into that Village, you will find Foxtail Fields Drive! There is something special about this street because the people who live here are so energetic. During Easter, the streets are festooned with eggs and the Easter Bunny makes a special appearance to entertain the little ones. Houses are decorated for Halloween to mark the spooky season. There is even a haunted trail where kids scare people who are walking by. For Christmas, neighbors spend hours beautifying their houses for the festive season. People do a lot of hard work just to decorate with lights, I am thankful that I live on a street that looks like a winter

wonderland during the holiday season! Also, not to brag, but the Foxtail Field houses are featured in the holiday light contest every year! No matter what you celebrate, whether it is Diwali, Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanza, etc., the holiday spirit is here. It’s a joy to be part of this neighborhood. The people here are so kind, and there are block parties for all important occasions, like the last day of school, the end of summer, Halloween, and more. Foxtail Fields in the Grove is impressive. After reading this, I’m guessing some of you may want to move here. It’s fine, the more the merrier!

Foxtail Fields lit up for the holidays!

Neighbors create a Haunted Trail on Foxtail Fields on Halloween night, and kids provide the spooks and scares!

Going Green

BY RESIDENT AND JUNIOR WRITER NOELLE BRINKER THIS FEATURE SPONSORED BY HILLYARD AUTOMOTIVE

Have you ever felt the thunderous rumble of a sports car? Well, Eric Emilo has! Eric lives in the Greens, and is the owner of a 2016 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray. In April 2020, Eric decided to buy a sportscar. He had inherited the love of Corvettes from his parents, who bought their first Corvette in 1973 and several others over the years. Eric had always wanted a Corvette of his own and when COVID hit, he knew it was time to start looking. He knew that he wanted a black, C7 body style and it took him about 2 months to find the right car.

Some of Eric’s favorite features of this car are the power of the engine and the rumbling roar it makes. He says he’s never been in any other car like it. Eric says the maintenance routine is pretty much the same as any other car and that all of the upgrades that he’s had done have been completed

"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.

“Willowsford Wheels” meet-ups or the Cars and Coffee weekends at Dunkin Donuts.

Eric says that he likes driving his car on sunny days best with the top down and that one day in the future he would like to get the new Corvette C8 model, or perhaps an Audi RS6. With the arrival of spring, keep your eyes peeled for Eric cruising through the neighborhood with the top down and a big smile on his face.

We clean windows and gutters tooCALL TODAY!

703-796-6243

Fundraising From The Heart

Supporting programs that support our youth.

BY RESIDENT AND PUBLICATION MANAGER BILLIE ROSE THIS FEATURE SPONSORED BY LUX DENTAL CENTER

There are so many opportunities in our world to support charities and several right here in our own community. One we would like to highlight is The Ryan Bartel Foundation! The organization helps our teens get through the rough times in their lives so they don’t get so overwhelmed or hopeless that they want to give up. Kinga Ulery is a Willowsford resident who lives in the Greens with her husband and 3 kids, ages 16, 14, and 12. She has been volunteering with the Ryan Bartel Foundation for 9 months. The statistics compelled her to get involved.

“It’s really shocking how prevalent suicide is and what a young age it is impacting right here in our community,” she said.

Kinga and a group of colleagues decided to create a kickball tournament at her company to help fundraise for the charity. “We organized a large corporate kickball tournament during our month of service that promoted the foundation as well as brought the teams together to build awareness and camaraderie, and celebrated our successes with our partners and the team…”it was the perfect mix!” she explained. “We had over 130 attendees who donated more than $35,000 to support the upstream youth suicide prevention programs that The Ryan Bartel Foundation provides to teens and families throughout Loudoun County,” she said.

The event didn’t just pay off in dollars. When asked about the benefit she gets from volunteering with The Ryan Bartel Foundation, she replied, “it’s the fulfillment

that I’m advocating for an amazing cause to raise awareness of teen suicide prevention and support the youth in our community.” The team was so excited to have made such an impact and the winning kickballers were able to present the check to the foundation!

If neighbors would like to get involved, she said that residents can “help spread the word about the Ryan Bartel Foundation’s monthly upstream youth suicide prevention programs, volunteer for events, and donate to provide financial assistance. Take a look at the weekly Loudoun County Schools Announcements that share the details of the FORTitude workshop for example and get involved.” She added, “Our kids and families have so much to deal with, let’s spread love and kindness so everyone feels welcome in this big world!

The Ryan Bartel Foundation provides upstream youth suicide prevention programs for all young people to help them build resilience to get through the challenges teens face. For more information please visit: www.ryanbartelfoundation.org

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

Stroll Willowsford loves highlighting people and organizations that help make a difference in our community. Share your story with us! billie.rose@n2co.com.

Suzie Bartel, Ryan Bartel Foundation Founder and Board Chair and Board Members are presented the check by Kinga & her colleagues.

TWIRLING AND TRENDY

Dance recitals provide a chance to sparkle with style!

BY RESIDENTS AND JUNIOR WRITERS KATIE AND SAMANTHA ASTUDILLO THIS FEATURE SPONSORED BY EUROPEAN AESTHETIC & PERMANENT MAKEUP CENTER

We started dancing when we were two years old, and we have been dancing ever since! Our Mom used to dance, and our grandma works at a dance store, so it runs in the family! We take multiple dance classes a week and we also go to local competitions. Every season we have new dances to learn, and we buy stylish, glamorous, and beautiful costumes to wear at competitions. We also get to wear fancy makeup! To go to a competition, we must get up super early, do our hair and makeup, and get ourselves to the dance floor. Makeup and costumes are hard things to master but after a while, it gets easier.

Being a dancer and having all the shiny costumes is hard to keep track of but we enjoy it so much that it has become easy for us. If you’re interested in dancing, you should take a few classes and see if you like it. If you really enjoy it, you can join a studio competition team! You will need a bunch of different shoes, depending on the class you take. You will also need some dance clothes. For ballet, we wear leotards and tights with ballet slippers. For other classes, like jazz, we wear half soles, also known as turning shoes. We get to wear any comfortable clothing for jazz, tap, and acrobatics.

We dance at Axis Dance and Acro and we love it there. Our team has a great time at competitions, and we’ve made wonderful friends! We both have solos this year and love competing. Dance has become a big part of our lives and we enjoy it so much. We think everyone can dance if they try!

GRIT AND GRACE:

BY STROLL WILLOWSFORD STAFF WRITER LIA HOBEL

An estimated two out of three homes in America don’t have enough insurance coverage, according to a national report. Local firm, Granger Financial, can attest to that statistic and says, “we often find that our neighbors are left grossly under-protected.” With Loudoun County being among the wealthiest counties, Granger Financial has a goal to “ensure that our community is properly educated on the risks and that their most important assets are protected while also maximizing their individual success.”

As a husband-and-wife team at the helm of Granger Financial, clients can be assured that their recommendations come from passion and purpose. Jeff and Eboné Granger offer their expertise in insurance and as a financial brokerage firm with private client services for high-networth customers. “At Granger Financial we provide services to include your everyday personal insurance coverages like home, auto, renters, to financial services, business management solutions, and private client services,” they shared. “We pride ourselves on providing our clients with white glove service through a team of dynamic insurance professionals who will focus on the closing of protection gaps rather than the close of sale.”

Granger Financial is Here to Protect Neighbors by Limiting Risks

So why should you assess your risks? The owners make the parallel to the tragic sinking of the Titanic where oftentimes the things we don’t see can create catastrophic losses. “People should assess risk to ensure asset protection. It is our job as insurance professionals to help uncover potential gaps in coverage and to help our clients navigate through the ever-changing stages of life while protecting them from the unexpected.”

The business couple, love the quote, “Success is one thing. Impact is another,” by football player, Ray Lewis. Essentially their job and commitment to clients is to deliver solid education on how to best protect their family, retire with ease, and leave a meaningful legacy. The firm has access to a wide range of carriers and will work to bring clients the most extensive coverage required to meet the needs of the individual and family. Ever-evolving needs require ongoing attention, and Granger Financial is committed to being there every step of the way.

Jeff has served clients in the insurance industry for almost 15 years now. He is a former MDRT qualifier (one of the highest accolades for standards of excellence in the financial services industry). Jeff is a former athlete and

played basketball at the professional level beyond his NCAA D1 Collegiate tenure and is also a former assistant men’s basketball coach at John Champe High School.

Eboné has a background in the field of psychology and counseling but shifted gears, serving clients alongside her husband for over five years. She has been the driving force to the philanthropic work of Granger Financial and utilizes her skillset to provide executive coaching services for their clients. Her personal philosophy is to live a life of authenticity and service.

The Grangers live in the Willowsford community with their four beautiful daughters. The couple says their home is known as the “Halloween House” on Marigold. “We love our community and take an active role in it,” says Eboné. They also actively volunteer with Willowsford Cares. Their daughters are Destine’, who is a junior majoring in computer science and cyber security at Hampton University, (the couple’s alma mater), Jordyn, 13, who is “our former elite gymnast turned competitive cheerleader and house chef,” Parker, 9, “our future CEO and already a serial entrepreneur who also plays travel soccer,” and Eva Rose, 5, “who knows no stranger, plays soccer and basketball”. They also have Cairo, their poodle mix who brings them incredible joy as the only baby boy in the household.

The Grangers love connecting with Willowsford neighbors as it has become the longest place, they have called home. “We love the fact that each of our kids have created lifelong friendships and the same for us.” In the insurance industry, we talk a lot about being there for our customers through the ever-changing stages of life, and honestly, Willowsford gives you the feeling that we’re all in this together,” they shared. “Life is hard but living around amazing neighbors that

you can laugh, cry, and create lasting memories with is priceless for us.”

The Granger Financial team says Stroll magazine is the perfect platform to not only learn about neighbors but find people within the community to trust for personal needs and services. The Grangers are always looking to expand their team. If you’re energetic, goal-oriented, and hardworking and want to make an impact on those around you, please contact the Grangers at (703)-879-1705 or info@grangerfinancial.com.

Granger Financial 703-879-1605

23430 Rockhaven Way

Suite 220

Sterling, VA 20166

Life is hard but living around amazing neighbors that you can laugh, cry, and create lasting memories with is priceless for us.

Strategy, Strikes and Stamina:

The Junior Writers got to take on an exciting challenge for their March meeting at T.A.G. Muay Thai. The gym, located in Sterling, provided an engaging class for the Writers where they learned techniques like blocks, kicks, and punches, led by Willowsford resident Christopher M. Aboy.

Muay Thai is a form of martial arts that takes hard work, discipline, and a good workout. But it became something much more than that to Christopher M. Aboy, head instructor and founder of T.A.G. Muay Thai. His martial arts journey started off in 2006 in his garage, and with an accomplished resume of hard work in the police force, and extensive training and experience, he was able to build his passion into the T.A.G. Muay Thai gym it is today.

Hands-on learning about the art of Muay Thai!

BY RESIDENT AND JUNIOR EDITOR HANNAH CORBITT THIS FEATURE SPONSORED BY THE ST. JAMES FC VIRGINIA

T.A.G. Muay Thai also hosts seminars with world-class champions, self-defense classes for women running groups, sororities, Girl Scouts, and The White House employees. In addition to classes and programs, they’ve brought in successful fighters like UFC Champion Glover Teixeira and Supergirl, a popular fighter in Thailand.

“People think that we just do martial arts, but the reality is that we teach people life skills.” Chris proudly explains. “We have all kinds of people, but when they walk through the door everybody’s the same.” You can read more about Chris Aboy and his Muay Thai essentials in his book: Conquering Muay Thai. To find out more about Chris’ Muay Thai classes, visit the gym online at www.tagmuaythai.com.

Pool Party Perfection

BY RESIDENT AND JUNIOR WRITER CYDNEY MCMILLIAN THIS FEATURE SPONSORED BY HARRIFORD EXTERIOR RESTORATION

Have you ever been on vacation and dreaded coming back home? If your backyard looked like the Moseleys, returning wouldn’t seem so bad! The Moseleys have lived in the Greens since January 2020, and just recently finished their amazing outdoor oasis. It is a beautiful modern space, with unique touches that include a sleek pool with Bluetooth lighting and temperature control, a spa corner, a louvered pergola, and an outdoor grill area. The Moseleys built their space large enough to host their many neighbors and friends with a perfect flow that avoids bottlenecks and tight spaces during parties.

“Our inspiration was getting outside and enjoying the beautiful natural surroundings of Willowsford”, Christina says. Christina is also a Studio McGee fan (a well-known interior design firm owned by Shea McGee featured on the Netflix show “Dream Makeover”) and used similar materials from their most recent pool project. If you are thinking about beginning a backyard project like this, the Moseley family’s advice is to “think about how you want to use the space and consider a natural palette so you can outlive recent trends.”

Three words to describe their backyard now would be “family, fun, and friends”! In fact, one of the most memorable moments this summer was a MOMS ONLY pool day. “No dads and no kids!” Christina said. “We moms had a blast!”

Thoughtful details make this backyard celebration-ready!

ALPINE GETAWAY

Combining a family visit with a ski trip makes for a brilliant Winter Break!

BY BILLIE ROSE, RESIDENT AND PUBLICATION MANAGER

The Wiesbauer family’s holiday break was double the fun when they combined a European family visit with a ski trip to the Austrian Alps! Says Anna, “In Austria, we spent Christmas with my husband’s family. Our children met their aunts, uncles, grandparents, and cousins. It was a nice winter break.” She added, “the best time for me in Europe is Christmas. You get the whole Christmas atmosphere, traditional food, and Christmas markets. Also, just spending time with family and exploring together is the best gift you can give to your children. They will remember it forever.”

After Christmas, The Wiesbauers drove 2.5 hours to Schladming, located in Upper Austria, and spent a week skiing. Anna, her husband Mathias, and daughters Sophia (11) and Amelie (8), never ran out of things to do: “when we were at the skiing resort, there were a lot of winter activities other than skiing. The kids went ice skating one day and went night tobogganing (sledding). The children had so much fun tobogganing; we’d have to use a lift to take us all the way to the top of the Hochwurzen mountain, then sled 7 kilometers downhill. It was an adrenaline rush!”

Anna recommends planning a European trip ahead of time. “Exploring is very easy when you have an itinerary. I learned that traveling by train is the fastest and easiest transport. Explore your options when you choose an airport. We did multi-city and took the trains in between countries and just got a rental car for our skiing trip. If you plan to ski in Europe, it’s a great experience with breathtaking views, the lift pass can take you mostly to all mountains that are right next to each other.”

The best part of the trip for Anna was “spending time with my family and also making wonderful memories with our children. My husband is an avid skier and it’s great to experience skiing in the Austrian alps!”

THIS FEATURE SPONSORED BY FORTIFY CHIROPRACTIC AND SPORTS REHAB

Piano With Patience

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

Looking for a fun, kind piano teacher? Well, we have a great one. Ms. Renea Duelm is a great piano teacher. She is a loving, delightful instructor, who loves to talk to her students. Ms. Renea has been teaching piano for 24 years after college, but she started at the age of 15. She was inspired to teach piano from her very own piano teacher, and that has been part of her career most of her life.

She has a big family at home including her four daughters Abby, Emma, Aubrey, Ava, and her two cats, Milo and Oliver. Renea also played other instruments in the past including flute, organ, and of course, piano. Overall, her favorite part of teaching piano is being able to connect and bond with her students as well as seeing growth in her students. In all the piano songs she has heard, her all-time favorite is Concerto No.1 in E minor, by Frédéric Chopin. She teaches six students in Willowsford, and many more outside the community. Besides piano, Ms. Renea has a job as an office manager at Cohere. Additionally, she loves to sew and design quilts. All in all, Ms. Renea Duelm is a kind, loving piano teacher who anyone will love.

Hey, kids! Thanks for showing us what superstars we have in the neighborhood. Do you want to be featured? Just email billie.rose@n2co.com!

kind teacher proves that gentle guidance is the key to making music!

Cheerful Connections

Merriment abounds at the latest networking event!

BY RESIDENT AND PUBLICATION MANAGER BILLIE ROSE

THIS ARTICLE SPONSORED BY ADAM LUKE WITH CASSADAY & COMPANY

Stroll Willowsford’s latest Coffee & Connections was held at resident-owned Cheers in a Box headquarters in March. Even though it was a weekday morning gathering, the event had a laid-back, happy hour vibe! Willowsford resident business owners mingled with Stroll Willowsford sponsors while enjoying a light breakfast, including unique product samples from Cheers in a Box. Attendees were also welcome to tour the facility and learn more about the company.

Corporate events emcee extraordinaire Erica P. Rowe kept everyone engaged with dynamic networking activities that were customized to take advantage of the location, put the group at ease, and keep everyone from sliding into the dreaded, “So what do you do?” small talk. The lively conversation

didn’t stop even after raffle prizes were awarded and final comments made; several attendees stayed and continued to network!

Many thanks to Cheers in a Box for being an excellent host with a bright and fun event space, and providing perfect refreshments and swag for everyone!

Coffee & Connections are bi-monthly events hosted by Stroll Willowsford and are open to Willowsford residents and Stroll Willowsford sponsors. We hope you’ll join us this month on Thursday, May 18 at 9:30 am at Willowsford: https://CoffeeandConnectionsWF.eventbrite.com

Empowering Your Child’s Learning Journey

Montessori of Chantilly- Casa dei Bambini

BY STROLL WILLOWSFORD STAFF WRITER LIA HOBEL

What if you could set your child on a path to success through education?

Montessori of Chantilly – Casa dei Bambini prides itself on offering top-notch teachings and care for each child, no matter where they are on their journey.

Montessori of Chantilly - Casa dei Bambini has been serving families in the Chantilly and South Riding community since 2005, with its community growing every day. “In 2018, we kicked off a new chapter in our school’s history when we moved to a brand-new custom-built building located next door to Stone Springs Hospital,” said Lisa Turner, the assistant director of the school. “This move enabled us to extend our reach to families in the Stone Ridge, Willowsford, Aldie and Brambleton neighborhoods.”

Nestled on a private two-acre lot, the building exudes a feeling of a “home away from home” for students and their families. The school features large windows with abundant natural light and natural wood furnishings. “Our classrooms are a wellorganized hive of exploration and discovery where children learn at their own pace, develop their strengths, and find their talents,” said Turner. “Our highly tenured teachers use their knowledge of child development and academic outcomes to prepare an environment that is simultaneously stimulating and academically, physically, socially, and emotionally accessible. They develop an individualized learning plan for each child, based on his or her unique interests and abilities,” she further explained.

Children from infant, toddler, primary and kindergarten age groups grow and learn in a stimulating and nurturing environment. Montessoricertified lead teachers (AMS/AMI) guide and observe children while they learn at their own pace and level. A low student-to-teacher ratio and mixed-age classrooms help children to blossom to their full potential.

The school offers daily independent and uninterrupted work time with Montessori materials while they “explore in a safe, secure, peaceful, childcentered environment,” said Turner. Children are immersed in weekly Spanish, music, and yoga classes. As for play, children engage in both natural and traditional playgrounds and a specific toddler-designed play area. There are also outdoor garden boxes for every classroom. The fun goes beyond these activities, too. Students can participate in creative art and cooking projects, as well as science experiments. Furthermore, the school brings in educational entertainment, such as storytellers, puppets and live reptile shows.

Aiding to the success of Montessori of Chantilly- Casa dei Bambini is the active and engaging Parent Guild Organization. The Parent Guild works to build a sense of community amongst their families, such as hosting a family Valentine’s Dance and End of School Year Picnic. There are also opportunities for past students to return and share their talent and time with current students. Parent Education sessions are offered on relevant topics such as Montessori philosophy, toileting, teaching independence, etc.

Turner said children are encouraged to be independent and develop positive feelings towards themselves and others and strive to develop the child through the educational principles of Dr. Maria Montessori— the Italian physician who developed the educational method that’s been practiced for more than a century. Several key elements of the approach meet the educational goals today’s parents have for their children, including growing into capable people who will have a strong sense of self, the ability to connect with others, and the potential to be productive throughout their lives. At Montessori of Chantilly, that growth starts early. The early years (birth through age 6) are a critical time to set a strong foundation for who a child will become and the role they will play in the future.

MEET LISA TURNER

Turner is a local to Northern Virginia. She grew up in Reston, and said the community’s motto was “live, work, and play.” She views Willowsford in the same light. “Especially in the spirit of connection and inclusion that make both Reston and Willowsford special places to grow up and live,” she explained.

She is a graduate of South Lakes High School and William and Mary. Turner has two sons and has called South Riding home for over twenty years. Both boys attended Montessori of Chantilly for preschool before attending public school.

“In my free time, I love to watch my boys play sports. I have spent most weekends at Freedom High School or Loudoun Soccer Park cheering on my sons at a track meet, football, or soccer game. Over the last six years, I have also served with both of my sons in the Young Men’s Service

League (YMSL) where we work together to help serve those in need in our local community.”

For physical wellness, Turner enjoys Inergy/Kelly’s Boot in South Riding. “I enjoy going on walks with friends in my neighborhood or taking family hikes on nearby trails. My husband and I enjoy checking out all the local wineries and breweries, especially if it involves a breathtaking Loudoun sunset,” she added.

Montessori of Chantilly - Casa dei Bambini truly builds a community that lasts a lifetime and is an important part of the Willowsford community. “Wherever I am in Loudoun I tend to run into our Montessori of Chantilly / Willowsford families – whether it is on the sideline of a field, at a local restaurant or at the new Hansen Park. It is great to live, work and play with our Montessori of Chantilly families in this special corner of Loudoun County that we all call home.”

EXPLORE MONTESSORI OF CHANTILLY- CASA

DEI BAMBINI

Interested in learning more about Montessori of ChantillyCasa dei Bambini? Schedule a tour today. “We help our students develop independence, a sense of empathy and social justice and a lifelong love of learning,” said Turner. “All of these traits make them extraordinary young Willowsford residents who will leave the community being able to think critically, work collaboratively and act boldly –a remarkable skill set for the 21st century.”

Montessori of Chantilly- Casa dei Bambini

42200 Glascock Field Drive

Dulles, VA (703) 542-7676

Our classrooms are a well-organized hive of exploration and discovery where children learn at their own pace, develop their strengths, and find their talents

LEARN A LITTLE ABOUT

BY RESIDENT AND JUNIOR WRITER CARLEY EMILO THIS FEATURE SPONSORED BY MIGHTY CLEAN CARPET CARE

Lottie is my brand-new puppy, we got her on my mom’s birthday! It was actually a surprise: my dad was holding a phone and told me to read it. It said “Pug puppy for adoption,” and I immediately knew what that meant! My mom has always wanted a Pug. A cool fact is that she’s my uncle’s dog’s brother and his other dog’s cousin. She is 11 weeks old. If you see her you may think, “awe what a cute little puppy,” but that’s not what I think!

She is sweet but she can be a terror, especially when she’s in “shark mode”! You may be wondering “what’s shark mode”? Well, shark mode is something I call one of Lottie’s moods. She can be Nappy Pup, Demon, Shark Mode, Sweet, or Cuddly. Shark mode is when she chases me and my brother (and sometimes my mom and dad) around the house. When she finally manages to catch us she “bites” and even though it’s a puppy bite it can be painful! She can also be in that mood when my mom and I are taking Lottie on a walk. I usually wear Crocs, and Lottie HATES Crocs! She likes to attack my Crocs while growling. I don’t even know why! But Lottie’s not always a terror. Sometimes she is the sweetest pup ever! Like when she’s feeling cuddly and sweet, she’ll snuggle up with you! (But it doesn’t make up for the fact that she POOPS on my beanbag chair!) No matter her mood though, she is a part of our family!

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Empowering Girls Through Running:

BY RESIDENT AND JUNIOR WRITER ANNA ROSE

THIS FEATURE SPONSORED BY SOUTH RIDING PEDIATRICS

Girls on the Run is an afterschool program that meets twice a week. Girls in third, fourth, and fifth grade are able to participate. It’s not just a club for running though! We also do fun stuff, like learning new games about exercising. Every meeting starts off with a healthy snack, then we do a few warm-ups that include exercising and discussing ways to be kind and encouraging to ourselves and each other. We talk about “Star Power” and how were are strong and capable of reaching our goals! Next, we set our goals for running that afternoon. Then the running begins!

We started off running for really short amounts of time, and every meeting, we increase the amount of time and distance that we run, little by little. We use bracelets to track our laps (unfortunately, we don’t get to keep them!) This training gets us ready to run a community 5k race with Girls on the Run groups from other schools in our area. Also at the end of the program, we do a Community Impact Project to help meet a need in our community! We have a group of coaches that help us each meeting with our activities, direct us where to go, and even run with us!

My favorite part of participating in Girls on the Run is running with my friends. Everyone is really encouraging. For example, some girls choose to highfive each other when they pass. I like running a lot better now, especially with a friend!

Do you have a “Healthy Living” story or event you would for us to feature?

Please email billie.rose@n2co.com!

Benefits of Girls on the Run!

“I love being a part of the Hovatter GOTR program and feel so lucky to get to help the girls set goals and achieve them each week.”

- NICOLE O’HARA, RESIDENT AND PARENT VOLUNTEER COACH

" I am so impressed with this group of girls: they are insightful, energetic and hard-working. We are proud to have a Girls on the Run program at Hovatter!"

- KIMBERLY VAN ACKER, DEAN AND COACH

BY RESIDENT AND JUNIOR WRITER EVELYN ROSE

CANDYTOPIA:

Sweet tips for your trip to a candy museum!

SCHOOL

THIS FEATURE SPONSORED BY LOUDOUN COUNTRY DAY

Candytopia opened in mid-March at Tyson’s Corner Center. This candy-filled experience has lots of exciting things to see and do, like jumping into a foam marshmallow pit, playing in the confetti that shoots out of cannons, swinging on crazy swings, looking at masterpieces made out of candy, and collecting candy to take home! Here are some tips if you decide to visit:

• Candytopia is a series of rooms to explore. Make sure you spend lots of time enjoying the room you’re in because once you move on to the next room, you can’t go back!

• Bring a bag to put your candy in! Every room has a treasure chest full of candy, with a different variety in each room.

In some rooms, you can take more than one piece of candy from the chest!

• Be prepared to take pictures! There’s lots of fun photo opportunities with your own camera, and you can scan a QR code for an automatic photo in every room.

• Keep your mouth closed when the confetti cannons are turned on! The confetti is definitely NOT sweet!

• There’s a gift shop at the end to buy even more candy and other souvenirs!

Candytopia is open during mall hours through the end of May. Tickets are available online at www.candytopia.com.

Where is your favorite spot or event in our community? Let us know at billie.rose@n2co.com!

A giant thank you to Dr. Rahim, yourself, and the entire team at Bloo Dental for being lifesavers for me this week! I so appreciate the quick scheduling and incredible work and attention to detail from Dr. Rahim and the entire staff who always does it with a smile and I am so in awe at how it is looking.

Dr. Haress Rahim

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