STROLL Willowsford - July 2025 by WillowsfordLife

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Get Social with Willowsford in July!

7/3: Mini Farm Stand at the Boat House

4 - 7 pm

The Greens

7/3: Willowsford Farm Stand

4 - 7 pm

The Grange

7/5: Willowsford Farm Stand

9 am - 1 pm

The Grange

7/10: Mini Farm Stand at the Boat House

4 - 7 pm

The Greens

7/10: Willowsford Farm Stand

4 - 7 pm

The Grange

7/12: Willowsford Farm Stand

9 am - 1 pm

The Grange

7/14 - 7/18: JCA Summer Series

9 am - 12 pm ages 5-8

1:30 pm - 4:30 pm ages 8-12

The Lodge

Details and registration available on the HOA website

7/17: Mini Farm Stand at the Boat House

4 - 7 pm

The Greens

7/17: Willowsford Farm Stand 4 - 7 pm

The Grange

7/18: Babysitter’s Training & First Aid/CPR 1 - 7 pm

Sycamore House

Details and registration available on the HOA website

7/18: Dive-In Movie

8:30 - 10 pm

Sycamore Pool (Rain Date is 7/25)

7/19: Willowsford Farm Stand

9 am - 1 pm

The Grange

7/19: Culinary Skills 12+ 12 - 3 pm

The Lodge

Details and registration available on the HOA website

7/21 - 7/25: Conservancy Summer Day Program

9 am - 4 pm

Cedar Pond Pavillion

Details and registration available at www.naturalleaders.com/ willowsford.html

7/24: Mini Farm Stand at the Boat House

4 - 7 pm

The Greens

7/24: Willowsford Farm Stand 4 - 7 pm

The Grange

7/26: Willowsford Farm Stand

9 am - 1 pm

The Grange

7/31: Mini Farm Stand at the Boat House

4 - 7 pm

The Greens

7/31: Willowsford Farm Stand 4 - 7 pm

The Grange

STROLL WILLOWSFORD OFFERS 24/7 COMMUNITY 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

WE APPRECIATE OUR STROLL SPONSORS

Thank you to our Stroll Willowsford sponsors for helping us bring neighbors together and strengthen connections in our community. Your support makes each issue — and the memories we create — possible.

THANK YOU TO OUR NEW STROLL WILLOWSFORD SPONSOR:

Dryer Vent Wizard of Northern Virginia is your local expert in dryer vent cleaning, repair, installation, and inspection. Serving homes and businesses throughout Willowsford and the area,, they help prevent dryer fires, improve appliance efficiency, and lower energy costs. Their trained technicians use specialized tools to remove lint buildup and ensure your system meets code. Whether it’s a quick clean or a full vent overhaul, they deliver prompt, professional service backed by the Neighborly Done Right Promise™. Breathe easier—your dryer’s in good hands.

Website: dryerventwizard.com

Facebook: facebook.com/DryerVentWizard

Monumental Pest Control, a Willowsford resident-owned business, is a trusted, customer-focused pest management company proudly serving Northern Virginia. Their trained professionals provide effective solutions for residential and commercial clients, including mosquito treatments, bird removal from vents, wildlife removal, and WDI inspections. With transparent pricing, services start at $65 for mosquito, tick, and flea treatments, and termite treatments begin at $350. Recognized with the 2024 Super Service Award, Monumental Pest Control stands out for its commitment to education, exceptional service, and long-lasting results.

Website: monumentalpest.com Facebook: facebook.com/monumentalpest Instagram: @monumentalpest

YOU COULD WIN $100 VISA GIFT CARD NEXT MONTH! Congratulations and thank you to our April 2025 “Testimonial Tuesday” winner, resident Marissa Holdorf who submitted a testimonial for Stone Springs Med Spa 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.

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.

The Picolet Family’s testimonial for The Hill School

Billie Rose’s testimonial for Salon Khouri

Marissa Holdorf’s testimonial for Stone Springs Med Spa

Jen Travis of Marvelous Mouse’s testimonial for Apple Blossom Mobile Auto Detailling.

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 / MARKETING

Publisher, Traci Pasqualone (703) 201-7550

AUTO MAINTENANCE

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

CHIROPRACTIC CARE

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

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

CLEANING SERVICE

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

CORPORATE GIFTS & JOYFUL VIRTUAL EVENTS

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

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

DRYER VENT CLEANING

Dryer Vent Wizard of Northern Virginia (540) 975-3005 dryerventwizard.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 Hill School (540) 687-5897 thehillschool.org

Vine and Branches Childcare Center (571) 267-5900 vineandbranches.school

Wakefield School (540) 253-7600 wakefieldschool.org

EDUCATION / CODING theCoderSchool (571) 918-4604 thecoderschool.com/locations/ashburn

FINANCIAL ADVISOR

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

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

HAIR SALON

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

HAIR SALON & SPA

Salon Khouri (703) 273-7878 salonkhouri.com

HOME PERFORMANCE Comfenergy (800) 604-2252 comfenergy.com

HVAC & PLUMBING

Cardinal Plumbing Heating & Air (703) 544-9479 cardinalplumbingva.com

INSURANCE AGENT

Michael Blakeley, State Farm Insurance Agent (571) 490-3772 www.dmvcoverage.com

INTERIOR DESIGN

Suzan Meredith Design & Color Consultation (571) 263-6289 suzanmeredithdesign.com

LANDSCAPING

GA Landscaping (703) 772-2297 galandscapingllc.com

Greenworks Landscaping (703) 327-2233 greenworkslandscaping.com

LAWN CARE / TICK SERVICE

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

LAWYER

Tuomey Law Firm (571) 565-5440 tuomeylawfirm.com

MED SPA

Stone Springs Med Spa (703) 858-3070 stonespringsmedspa.com

MEDICAL PRACTICE

Pediatric Housecalls (704) 591-7196 pedshousecalls.com

MEDICAL WEIGHT LOSS

Elevera Health (703) 952-3366 eleverahealth.com

MORTGAGE / LENDER

Ashley Smith Harris - Truist (703) 629-7020

AshleySmithTeam.com

MOVING SERVICES

MG Moving Services MyGuysMoving.com

ORTHODONTICSADULTS & CHILDREN

Northern Virginia Orthodontics (703) 574-2174 nvorthodontics.com

OUTDOOR LIGHTING AND AUDIO Dayloom (703) 636-5225 dayloom.com

OUTDOOR LIVING / DECKS / HARDSCAPES

Deckscapes of Virginia LLC (703) 365-0747 deckscapesofva.com

Holloway Company (703) 996-8099 hollowaycompany.com

OUTDOOR LIVING PRODUCTS/MATERIALS

Outdoor Living Way (703) 480-0964

outdoorlivingwholesale.com

PAINTING

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

Manor Works Painting (703) 339-6800 manorworks.com

PAVING & SEALCOATING

D & H Paving (301) 524-6378 dandhpaving.com

PERMANENT HOLIDAY LIGHTING

Capital Trimlight (202) 650-7949 capitaltrimlight.com

PEST SOLUTIONS

Monumental Pest (571) 421-1254 monumentalpest.com

PHOTOGRAPHY

Photos by Lis (443) 851-1257 photosbylis.com

PHYSICAL THERAPY

Rehab 2 Perform (301) 798-4838 rehab2perform.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

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

Pristine Acres (877) 333-5651 pristineacres.com

REALTORS

Ferris Eways (410) 245-6167 ewaysteam.com

Home with Shellie & Freda - Real Brokers (703) 629-1884 soldbyfreda.com

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

The Pearl Team - RE/MAX Allegiance (703) 568-7868 thepearlteam.com

Viktorija Piano -The Piano Home Group (571) 926-2000 thepianohomegroup.com

REMODELING/ GENERAL CONTRACTOR

Golden Rule Builders (540) 788-3539 GoldenRuleBuilders.com

ROOFING/EXTERIOR RENOVATIONS

BA Exteriors (571)441-0030 ba-ext.com

DryHome Roofing & Siding, Inc. (703) 230-7663 dryhome.com

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

Pond Roofing Company (703) 573-8000 pondroofing.com

SCREEN / RETRACTABLE SCREENS

Screenmobile of PW and Fairfax Counties (571) 833-9700 screenmobile.com/fairfax

SOCCER - REC TRAVEL

The St. James Football Club (703) 395-4728 thestjamessoccer.com

SOCIAL MEDIA / PHOTOGRAPHY

Darlene’s Multimedia (540) 669-6600 darlenesmultimedia.com

SPRAY TANNING

Glow and Go Organic Spray Tanning (703) 216-8771 glowgospraytanning.com

STORM DAMAGE RESTORATION

DryHome Roofing & Siding, Inc. (703) 230-7663 dryhome.com

THERAPEUTIC RIDING CENTER

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

TICK SERVICE

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

TITLE COMPANY

Kara Macdonald –Potomac Title Group (571) 432-9382 closewithpotomac.com

Kat Hoke - Allied Title and Escrow (443) 472-6711 alliedtitleandescrow.com

strollmag.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

Solon Vlasto, CFP® Modera Wealth Management (571) 562-7046 moderawealth.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

WINERY/EVENT SPACE

Fleetwood Farm Winery (703) 722-2124 fleetwoodfarmwinery.com

DISCLAIMER: This publication, 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.

We’re proud to showcase businesses that share our commitment to fostering local connections. When perusing our pages, keep an eye out for the “Local Sponsor” icon to identify articles highlighting these valuable partners. Please note that businesses profiled may have provided free products and / or services for the review.

MEET THE STROLL WILLOWSFORD TEAM

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

Shenier Events Photographer Social Media Manager Darlene’s Photography

Welcome

Lis Rohr

Lia Hobel Sponsor Spotlight Writer

Darlene

Anna Rose

Samantha Astudillo Katie Astudillo Hoffman Jackson Hoffman

Amelia Macchiarolo

Sydney Ayers

Dominick

Emmy Reddy

Cydney McMillian

Gaby Reddan

Presley McLaughlin

Ziyad Rafi Parker Weston McLaughlin

Adam Hersi

Zoe Facterman

AnnaKay Jordan

Shayda Windle Family Feature Writer

Hanna Stolle

Evelyn Rose

Henry Vooys

Scarlett Titchenell Cici Thomas

Pareen Sandhu

Rayyan Sheikh

Evelyn Vooys

Zakariya Sheikh

Scarlett Taylor

Madison Schmidt

Kimberly Spitz Staff Writer

Viraj Varakantam

Savoring the Spirit of Summer

Hello, Willowsford Community Residents,

“I got that sunshine in my pocket.”

JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE

703.201.7550 traci.pasqualone@n2co.com

When you think of the Fourth of July, chances are you’re picturing a grill full of burgers, coolers packed with frosty drinks, or Willowsford’s fireworks show that ends the night with a bang. That’s how most of us celebrate these days — loud, laid-back and surrounded by people who matter. But peel back the layers of history, and you’ll find a different kind of feast.

Historians say John and Abigail Adams marked the very first Independence Day with turtle soup, poached salmon and green peas. No hot dogs. No potato salad. Just a big, strange, celebratory meal. It’s a reminder that even our most familiar traditions had to start somewhere — and that every July, we get a chance to write our own.

July still hits with that same energy: high summer, high heat and the kind of freedom that comes with stepping outside the routine. Whether traveling, firing up the grill or simply pausing to take a deep breath, it’s a moment to reset and recharge.

Inside this issue, you’ll find stories that reflect that spirit — ideas worth borrowing, voices worth listening to and a few new ways to make the most of the season. We are especially grateful to our Preferred Partners and resident contributors who help bring Stroll Willowsford to life, and to you, our readers, who share your creativity and community spirit with us month after month.

Your stories and support are the spark behind everything we do. Thank you for being part of the Stroll Willowsford family. Here’s to a summer filled with sunshine, laughter, new traditions and memories made to last.

Best, Traci

Traci Pasqualone Publisher/Owner

Stroll Willowsford/The N2 Company 703-201-7550

traci.pasqualone@n2co.com www.linktr.ee/strollwillowsford www.linktr.ee/tracipasqualone

FSA money will run out soon, call today for your appointment

Important Willowsford Contacts and Resources

Sycamore House

23506 Founders Drive

Ashburn, VA 20148 571-297-2586

Monday-Friday.....................................................

Saturday...............................................................

The Lodge

41085 Willowsford Lane Aldie, VA 20105 571-297-2584

Monday-Friday.....................................................

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: Thursday

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 JULY 2025

BY STEVEN BLOOM, DIRECTOR-AT-LARGE, HOA BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Hi, my name is Steven Bloom, and I am your Director-at-Large on the HOA Board. I wanted to talk about the wonderful clubs we have at Willowsford. Currently, we have 10 registered clubs, which include the Archery Club, the Book Club, the Brew Club, the Bunco Club, the Community Garden Club, the Mountain Bike Club, the Shalom Willowsford Club, the Social Club, Willowsford Wheels, and finally, the Wine Club. Many of these clubs meet every month or more, and some use the wonderful amenities, including Sycamore House and The Lodge.

Personally, my wife Eileen and I are members of the Social Club. We meet with other families usually once a month to share some food and beverages together, and we all have a great time. My wife loves the Bunco Club too. She always takes a nice dessert to share, and everyone seems to enjoy that as well - sometimes I get some lucky leftovers! I also try to go to the Willowsford Wheels on Saturday mornings to see all the wonderful cars - old Corvettes, T-Birds, Mustangs, etc. - that residents have.

I know some of the other Board members are involved in the Archery Club, where they have a wonderful time. While I have not been to every club, I know we have a lot of people involved in these clubs to make it so pleasant for the families involved. So, my message to everyone would be to get involved, join a club, and maybe make it a family event. If you think there is a need and enough interest, please contact the HOA about starting a new club. These are all things to keep our neighborhood a wonderful and vibrant community, and where families can meet new people!

Thanks, Steven

Book Club

Social Club

Willowsford Wheels

Mountain Bike Club

Willowsford Mercantile in the Kitchen

BY ELLIE WALTERS, WILLOWSFORD HOA HOSPITALITY & COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER

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 Willowsford-branded items. From stemware and lunch bags to pool towels and t-shirts, we’ve got something for everyone!

We collaborated with resident artist, Brian Ducote, of MADWOOD Artistry to provide hand-crafted “W” cutting boards. These maple and cherry hardwood cutting boards are a must-have for any kitchen and pair perfectly with our new full-length canvas apron. Each board is 12” x 16” and 1.25” thick, perfect for all your cutting needs. The combination of materials not only adds a unique touch to your kitchen but also ensures durability and longevity. Read on for an excerpt from our interview with Brian and upgrade your cooking experience today!

Tell us a little bit about yourself!

I’ve been in Willowsford for about 4 years now with my wife and two kids; moving right in the middle of the pandemic. With the shutdowns and everything going on, I started up the business because I had time, and I wanted to show my kids that you can do fun stuff and enjoy it all while making money. It started as little projects like “award boards” for Cub Scouts, then one thing led to another. I’ve been steadily branching out from there since then!

What do you enjoy most about the art of woodworking?

It’s the creation aspect. It’s taking raw material that doesn’t look like anything and turning it into something. I start with rough lumber from a mill, and what it looks like rough is nothing close to what it looks like when I’m done with it. It’s a bit cliché, but you look at the raw material and it speaks to you; you can get the vibe of what the finished product is going to look like. That process of seeing undefined, raw material, then making it into something is what I enjoy most.

What workshops, courses, or training have you attended to enhance your skills?

I started getting into wood shop in school in about 6th grade, then was running machinery that they wouldn’t let the seniors use by the time I was halfway through 8th grade. The school I was in was a military-based school overseas.

I’ve been doing stuff with wood for ages; random projects like my grandparents’ and parents’ house renovations, etc. Then I started getting more into the finished side, the pretty stuff. It’s absolutely in my blood; my mom’s dad was a jack of every trade, and my grandfather on my dad’s side owned a construction company building houses.

What influences or inspires your work?

There’s something about wood that just works for me; I can’t draw or paint, but wood is just something. Every piece I do, from serving boards to a stovetop cover that multi-functions as a pizza board, is unique and different. I’ve done quite a few boards for Willowsford that are custom color combinations or odd shapes; those are fun for me. I’ll engrave names too, and it makes it a part of the family - that’s my goal; to make something that people show off when people visit, that becomes a part of the daily life.

Are there any upcoming projects you’re excited about?

The next big project that I’m really looking forward to is going to be a 9-foot by maybe 50-inch kitchen table with a removable top that has a space inside for puzzles or board games, so you can play, and when it’s time to eat, you just put the top back on. There are a couple of companies that make these types of things, but why do that when I can make it myself?!

Where can one learn more and shop for products?

You can find me on Instagram or Facebook @madwoodartistry and on my website MADWOODartistry.com. The “W” boards are available exclusively through the Willowsford Mercantile online shop at WillowsfordLife.com > Lifestyle > Willowsford Mercantile.

ORDER YOUR “W” CUTTING BOARD AND APRON AT: WillowsfordLife.com > Lifestyle > Willowsford Mercantile!

Boards are priced at $120.50 each; aprons at $34.50 each.

Earth Month Recap

THIS PAST APRIL, Willowsford Conservancy joined hands with the community to celebrate Earth Month! Earth Month gave us the opportunity to step outside our everyday routines, engage with the natural world, and reflect on our shared responsibility to take care of it. What we accomplished together was a reminder of the importance of every little action and how they come together to create a major impact. Read below to hear about what we did.

First, we kicked off Earth Month a bit early with our annual Let’s Talk Trash event on March 31st! This was our third year of the event, and each year we are more and more impressed by the community’s dedication to join us in keeping Willowsford beautiful! In total, we had over 104 volunteers working among the four Villages that helped pick up 743.49 lbs of trash. This equates to over 70 full bags! We are grateful to everyone who stepped up to help out and to Keep Loudoun Beautiful for partnering with us to lend us supplies and help make the event run smoothly. The goal of Let’s Talk Trash is not only to clean up our neighborhoods, but also to raise awareness of the litter issue and empower our community to take action!

Here are some small things you can do to make a difference:

• Don’t overfill your trash can! This can make it more prone to falling over, and suddenly, your trash is blown all over your street.

• Carry a small trash bag with you and pick up trash on your walks.

• Use reusable bags and water bottles; the single-use versions of these items are easily windblown and one of the most common litter items we’ve found as part of this initiative.

Then, on April 16th, the Conservancy hosted our Tree Planting for Earth Week in partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation and Amazon! 90 dedicated volunteers of all ages came together to help plant over 500 native trees in the meadow behind Lotus Pond Place in The Greens. Willowsford volunteers worked side by side with Conservancy staff and Amazon team members to create a green buffer that will benefit both the local ecosystem and the broader Willowsford community. This planting will support wildlife movement through Conservancy’s open space and serve as a natural screen between Lotus Pond Place and the future county park near Lightridge High School. We can’t say thank you enough to all the volunteers who showed up and to the Arbor Day Foundation and Amazon for making this planting possible.

Lastly, on April 25th, we held our Annual Earth Day Celebration! It was the perfect way to wrap up Earth Month and a phenomenal evening of enjoying the beautiful planet we call home. We had a great time picnicking on the lawn while meeting neighbors, enjoying tunes from the Knuckledusters, hearing from our new Board Chair Charles, and delicious picnic dinner boxes from Willowsford Kitchen. Plus, plenty of fun lawn games and seeding activities with our Farm Team. Plus, Honor Brewing and Stroll generously sponsored our drink station with Beer and Wine for all. This event is all about connection—coming together as neighbors, friends, and stewards of the land to celebrate the place we share together.

Celebrate Pollinators!

JULY IS ONE OF THE MOST exciting times of the year to witness our native pollinators in action! With wildflowers in full bloom and the summer sun warming the landscape, bees, butterflies, moths, hummingbirds, and other pollinators are out in force, busily visiting blossoms and helping our ecosystems thrive. Their tireless work supports not only the natural environment but also the food we eat! Some of our favorite vegetables at the Farm rely so heavily on pollination that our Farmers will plant flowers around our fields to attract more pollinators.

Pollinators are more than just beautiful additions to a sunny garden, they’re critical to biodiversity and the health of our ecosystem. Right now, if you walk through open fields, gardens, or meadows, you’ll see a flurry of wings and activity. From native bees zipping around a bush of mountain mint to butterflies resting and feeding on milkweed and coneflowers, there is a lot going on if you slow down and pay attention. Not only are these insects essential for pollination, but they are a

critical food source for birds and small mammals. Research has found that a single clutch of chickadees can consume over 6,000 caterpillars in the time it takes to reach maturity, with most chickadee parents feeding their young 300 to 500 caterpillars per day! In many ways, the best way to support our local birds is to support insects by planting natives and limiting pesticide use.

If you want to learn more about our native pollinators and see them up close, sign up for our upcoming Butterfly Walk we’re hosting with our friends at Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy on July 19th! We’ll walk through our Wet Meadow and Farm Loop Trail among blooming wildflowers like Joe Pye weed, swamp milkweed, wild bergamot, and more! Last year, we found over 15 different pollinator species, including monarchs, swallowtails, and plenty of species of skippers. We hope to see you there and can’t wait to see what we find this year!

Sisters that Sell

Q: What are easy

home

updates to make your home market-ready? Real Estate

Deborah: With newer homes, it’s not really about replacing finishes or making big changes. It’s about refining the details so the home feels elevated and move-in ready. Buyers are looking for a home that feels fresh, clean, and well cared for. That all starts with a deep clean: think windows, light switches, grout lines, ceiling fans, and all the little corners that often get overlooked. Even in newer homes, buyers notice if something feels dusty or just a little off. A home that sparkles gives off a great first impression.

Michelle: And once the home is clean, the next step is staging even if it’s already furnished. We help clients reposition furniture to open up the ﬂow, remove overly personal or bulky items, and add thoughtful touches that make a space feel current and inviting. Fresh white bedding, elegant decorative soaps, thoughtfully arranged kitchen displays, and a few strategically placed plants can make a big impact both in photos and during showings. It’s all about helping buyers picture themselves living there.

Deborah: Lighting plays a huge role in the overall experience. Even if your ﬁxtures are updated, make sure all your bulbs are consistent and emit a soft, warm white light. This small detail creates a welcoming, cohesive atmosphere throughout the home. For a fresh 2025 look, consider swapping kitchen island ﬁxtures for modern designs that complement your home’s style and brighten the space.

Welcome to our regular sponsored Q&A column with Michelle Perl Stanko and Deborah Perl Davis. As experienced Realtors, we bring valuable insights into market trends and topics speciﬁcally relevant to Willowsford, where Michelle Stanko and her family reside. Have questions? Send them to Michelle@thepearlteam.com for future columns. Enjoy!

Michelle: Another easy win? Touch-up paintand caulking. Even in newer homes, baseboards get scuffed and bathroom caulk can crack. A little effort here goes a long way in making the home feel crisp and well-maintained.

Deborah: One detail sellers often overlook is window treatments. We’ve had great success swapping heavy drapes for lighter curtains, or even removing blinds altogether to let in more natural light. Rooms feel bigger, brighter, and more cheerful. Brightness sells.

Michelle: And let’s not forget the outdoor spaces. Whether it’s a front porch, back patio, or small balcony, buyers want to see usable outdoor living space. Clean up the furniture, add a few fresh plants or ﬂowers, and maybe set the table to create a lifestyle moment. It helps people imagine themselves enjoying their morning coffee or entertaining friends and that’s powerful.

Deborah: All of these steps are simple and affordable, but they add up. They create an emotional connection, which is what sells homes. Buyers walk in and feel like, “This is it. This feels right.” And that’s always the goal.

Michelle: If you’re curious about what updates make the most sense for your home, we’re happy to stop by for a complimentary consultation. Whether you’re thinking about selling soon or just want expert advice on what’s worth doing, feel free to call or text me at 703-568-7868. We’re always here to help.

Honoring Nora Parrish

BY RESIDENTS AND JUNIOR WRITERS ALEX AND AMELIA MACCHIAROLO • THIS FEATURE SPONSORED BY THE VIRGINIA INSTITUTE FOR SURGICAL ARTS

If you are a part of the Hovatter community, you’ve probably seen or heard of Nora Parrish, more commonly known as Mrs. Parrish. But did you know that teachers have lives outside of school? No, really! So, my sister Amelia (the great), interviewed Mrs. Parrish to get to know her better.

Mrs. Parrish moved from the South Riding Community to Willowsford four and a half years ago. She loves the big community feel of Willowsford and that kids are always outside playing. She is a Notable Neighbor since she’s a teacher, really friendly, and a great mom. Mrs. Parrish has been teaching for 18 years. Former student Logan Boynton says, “[Mrs. Parrish] is a great teacher and neighbor because she’s kind, fun, and always hard-working.” Let’s get into the interview!

Rapid fire favorites…

• Book? “Because of Winn-Dixie”

• Color? Purple

• Food? Nachos

What do you like to do in your spare time?

In my spare time, I like to watch my kids play sports, read, journal, travel, and support my husband’s basketball team.

What are your goals in life?

My goals are to have a positive impact on my community and retire by the beach.

What is it like teaching your neighbors?

It’s so fun to see them at school and outside of school.

What are you most grateful for?

I am most grateful for my health, family, and friends.

What does friendship mean to you?

Friendship, to me, means being loyal and having fun–and laughing!

Well, that was a fun interview. Nice job, Amelia! We’re lucky to have neighbors like Mrs. Parrish, who make our community—and our classrooms—a better place every day.

“I always look forward to seeing Mrs. Parrish at school and in the community because she brightens my day with her kindness and enthusiasm!” -Resident Dominick Halavik

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.

The Virginia Institute for Surgical Arts

Pioneering aesthetic medicine and community outreach

WRITTEN BY STROLL WILLOWSFORD STAFF WRITER LIA HOBEL

The Virginia Institute for Surgical Arts is redefining aesthetic medicine with innovative treatments and a personalized approach to beauty and wellness. By focusing on preventative care, the institute helps patients maintain youthful, natural looks with tailored skincare routines, facials, and early treatments like Botox. These thoughtful solutions deliver subtle but lasting results, allowing patients to feel their best at every stage of life.

The Virginia Institute for Surgical Arts is excited to see a younger generation embracing these preventative measures and turning to the team for their expert advice. Alex, the master esthetician, offers a wide range of treatments including HydraFacials, advanced laser therapies, Ultherapy (a noninvasive skin lifting procedure using ultrasound), and Morpheus8 (a nonsurgical skin tightening treatment using microneedling with radiofrequency).

“Alex is widely loved in our community for her warm personality, expertise,

SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT

and the genuine care provided to each patient,” shares Mackenzie Hansel, a Willowsford resident and marketing director for The Virginia Institute. “Alex listens attentively to individual concerns, ensuring every treatment plan is tailored for optimal results.”

At the heart of the practice is Dr. Trang Thuy Vo-Nguyen, known to her patients as “Dr. V.” She’s a double-board-certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon. With extensive training in both head and neck surgery and facial plastic surgery, Dr. V brings a unique blend of artistry, precision, and a deep understanding of facial anatomy. Dr. V offers patients a full spectrum of aesthetic solutions, in addition to surgical procedures. Known for a meticulous approach and natural-looking results, Dr. V is deeply committed to helping patients feel confident and beautiful at every stage of life. Beyond technical expertise, Dr. V is passionate about patient education, ensuring everyone who walks through the doors feels

informed, heard, and empowered in their aesthetic journey.

Dr. V founded The Virginia Institute of Surgical Arts to provide accessible, high-quality surgical care and share medical aesthetic expertise with the community. Driven by a commitment to achieving the best patient outcomes, Dr. V prioritizes patient well-being and satisfaction. The institute embodies values of service, expertise, and dedication to enhancing the patient experience.

One of the many ways the team enriches their proficiency in aesthetic medicine is through continuous education on advancements and refining their skills. By consistently practicing precision and attention to detail, they ensure patient safety and achieve the best results. Additionally, ongoing refinement and innovation emphasize a dedication to staying at the forefront of healthcare practices. The institute is committed to patient needs, ensuring that it remains a leader in providing top-notch care.

“Dr. V founded The Virginia Institute of Surgical Arts to provide accessible, high-quality surgical care and share medical aesthetic expertise with the community. Driven by a commitment to achieving the best patient outcomes, Dr. V prioritizes patient well-being and satisfaction.”

Giving back to the community is also a core value at The Virginia Institute for Surgical Arts. “Every year, we participate in the Salvation Army Angel Tree program, adopting 100 children to ensure they receive gifts during the holiday season,” says Hansel. To encourage patients to get involved, the institute offers $100 gift cards redeemable for any service to those who participate.

The state-of-the-art office in South Riding is an important caveat to the overall experience. It’s thoughtfully designed for a patient’s comfort, convenience, and satisfaction. Located at 25055 Riding Plaza, suite 140 in Chantilly, The Virginia Institute is dedicated to advancing aesthetic medicine and positively impacting the community.

Join The Virginia Institute for Surgical Arts on this journey toward natural beauty and healthy aging by visiting them today.

The Virginia Institute for Surgical Arts 25055 Riding Plaza, Suite 140 Chantilly, VA 20152 thevirginiainstitute.com

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.

Fate Isn’t Always a Fair Match

Rebecca

Danzenbaker’s SOULMATCH

spins a sharp, romantic dystopia where your past lives can change your future.

BY RESIDENT AND JUNIOR WRITER SYDNEY AYERS

I had the pleasure recently of interviewing resident Rebecca Danzenbaker, who many people know from Willowsford Cares, and as a former Stroll Feature Family photographer. I had the honor of reading an advance copy of her Young Adult (YA) novel titled SOULMATCH published by Simon & Schuster, on bookshelves July 29th. Here are some of the questions I asked her.

What inspired you to write SOULMATCH?

I got the idea 15 years ago. It was out of the blue. I had never thought of writing a novel before. I was riding down the street and I passed a cemetery. Just randomly, I thought, I wonder if my past life is buried there. I wonder who they were and if we share any of the same things in common, like talents or skills. Wouldn’t it be cool if someday we had the technology to find who we were in our past lives? Now, this is 15 years ago, right after The Hunger Games. I was obsessed with it and dystopian novels in general. At the time, I was building my photography business and still had a corporate job. I didn’t have time to write a novel. I also had a toddler and a baby. So, I put that idea on hold. About ten years passed. Then, during COVID, I had to shut down my photography business. So, I said, let me figure out how to write this novel.

Photo by Candace Boissy

Please tell our readers a little about SOULMATCH.

SOULMATCH harkens back to early dystopia. I think people will see similarities to Divergent and Matched. In SOULMATCH, the main characters learn about their past lives and if they have a soulmate when they turn eighteen. There is also a love triangle that I won’t elaborate on, so there aren’t spoilers. Originally, I planned SOULMATCH as a two-book series, which is why it’s much longer than a normal YA novel. When I got an agent, she suggested I combine the two books into one, making it more exciting and fast-paced.

How did you come up with the characters’ names and personalities? From all different things. I wanted them to be unique and feel somewhat futuristic. Like the character Bardou is an Irish name. I remember reading the definition and thinking, that’s Bardou. The name must fit the personality. Then there were deeply personal ones. Vivi and Corah are modeled after my best friends growing up, Whitney and Carri. I wanted to find names that had the same cadence as theirs without using their names. Sivon, the main character, her name has a dual meaning, which is revealed in the book. I wanted something unique. Kind of like Katniss from The Hunger Games. I feel in some way that almost every character has a name that is meaningful to me.

So, I started querying again. It took about a month to get an agent. Then, I did a revision for my agent, which took six months. I had to take the two novels that I wrote and put them into one. My agent took it on something called submission where she starts pitching editors. It took another 20 months to get the book deal.

What was the writing process like? I searched CreativeLive for “How to write a novel” and found a workshop by Lisa Cron called “Wired for Story.” She’s very famous in the writing community for the way that she teaches authors how to write a good story. I went through a three-day online virtual workshop. By the end of it, I had an outline of all the scenes that I wanted to include in my story. Then I just started writing. I did it for me, for myself, for fun. I didn’t think about publishing it until after I was done writing.

When I finished, I called up a friend who recently published her first novel and she taught me all about the publishing business over a phone call. You must send query letters to literary agents. This is if you want to publish traditionally and get an agent. Each agent has different requirements. Some only want the first page, others, the first three or first five. Then, based on that, they will tell you if they want to read the whole thing. That went horribly for me from the start. So, I joined a writing community. I was on the outskirts, just talking to one person, and then I became involved in writing groups and found critique partners. We exchanged each other’s manuscripts so we could figure out what was wrong with them. I also joined pitch writing groups because you as an author not only have to write a whole novel you must learn how to pitch it to people. You have to say, if you take this and publish it, it will make your company money. If you’re selfpublishing, it’s different.

How did you choose the setting? People always say write what you know. I didn’t want to go and research a whole different geographic area. I worked in DC for 10 years. I worked at a company called Congressional Quarterly, which is a non-partisan news organization that reports on everything Congress does. That knowledge was super helpful for writing all the political stuff that happens in the book. Also, because some names of places were modified in the story, I felt like the name Ashburn was very dystopian. It’s Ash-burn. It sounds like it’s the remnants of society. I like setting things in our area because I love how we’re such a melting pot of different cultures and people and I want my stories to reflect that.

I loved this book SO much. When it gets turned into a movie, after being a massive bestseller, I would like Mrs. Danzenbaker to consider casting me for the role of Sivon! You won’t regret picking up your own copy and imagining who you were in your past life. Preorders are available through Middleburg Books and include a signed copy, free bookmarks, stickers, and character art: bit.ly/preorder-soulmatch.

Neighbors are also invited to attend the launch party on 7/29/25 (release day) at 6:30 pm at Fleetwood Farm Winery! It’s a free all-ages event, and books will be available for purchase on site. Preregistration is required due to space limitations: bit.ly/soulmatch-launch-event.

What’s new and exciting happening in our community? Let us know at billie.rose@strollmag.com!

Author Rebecca Danzenbaker with Junior Writer Sydney Ayers

Stroll Date Night at Fleetwood Farm Winery

A warm evening of wine, connection & community

BY PUBLISHER TRACI PASQUALONE • PHOTOS

BY DARLENE’S MULTIMEDIA • THIS FEATURE SPONSORED BY CAPITAL TRIMLIGHT

ON A WARM SPRING EVENING —Thursday, May 1, from 6 to 8 p.m.—Willowsford residents, friends, and community supporters gathered at the stunning Fleetwood Farm Winery for a one-ofa-kind Stroll Date Night. Set against the backdrop of rolling vineyards and a golden hour glow, this adults-only celebration blended award-winning wine, craft beer, gourmet bites, and a whole lot of laughter—all in support of a heartfelt cause.

Guests were welcomed into Fleetwood’s stunning Bar and Barrel room, a sophisticated space with moody lighting, dark wood, and rustic elegance. There, they picked up their complimentary glass— courtesy of Greenworks Landscaping, Fleetwood’s sister company and fellow Stroll sponsor—and chose between Fleetwood’s signature Chardonnay and Cabernet Franc to kick off the evening.

As a flavorful highlight, Lost Rhino Brewery offered complimentary tastings of three of their signature brews: Rhino Chasers Pilsner, Final Glide Hefeweizen, and Over the Falls Hazy IPA. These crowd-pleasing pours didn’t just refresh guests—they also served as inspiration for something brand new. Fleetwood is proud to be partnering with Lost Rhino to craft its very own line of beers, brewed exclusively for their winery. This collaboration officially launched over Memorial Day weekend, marking an exciting expansion of their offerings and a toast to more good times ahead.

private and corporate events. Excited to explore this hidden gem, guests found it the perfect spot for intimate conversations and enjoying the warm evening air. The area did not disappoint, offering cozy corners and a relaxed atmosphere for all to unwind. Others took the opportunity to compete in friendly games of cornhole, while some simply relaxed, listening to the music expertly provided by DJ L Boogie, who brought the energy with a perfect blend of tunes that set the vibe for the night.

Touching Heart is a nonprofit on a mission to inspire kids to live with purpose and compassion. Through hands-on workshops and one-on-one mentoring, children are guided to identify causes they care about— and then take action. From organizing fundraisers to leading service projects, they gain real-world skills in leadership, strategy, and problem-solving while discovering the power of their own voice. Funds raised through this event will help Touching Heart reach more young changemakers and expand programs that build empathy, confidence, and a lifelong commitment to giving back. Together, we can turn compassion into action—learn more and get involved at www.touchingheart.com.

Share your celebrations with us! Email billie.rose@strollmag.com.

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS

And then there was the food. Oh, the food! Catering by Monks wowed everyone with a creative, Southerninspired menu that had guests coming back for more. They kicked things off with seared shrimp over cheesy Southern grits, a rich and flavorful bite that combined the smoothness of the grits with a perfect hint of spice. Guests also enjoyed fresh blackberry and mozzarella skewers, drizzled with lemon basil oil for a light, refreshing contrast. The true highlight, however, was the gourmet assortment of sliders. The Buford Biscuits, a hidden gem from downtown Leesburg, featured pit ham and triple mustard, offering a savory

These generous sponsors made it possible to donate 100% of ticket sales to the non-profit, Touching Heart. We’re grateful for their support and proud to showcase these trusted local businesses:

Fleetwood Farm Winery fleetwoodfarmwinery.com | @fleetwoodfarmwinery

Willowsford’s neighbor, Fleetwood, offers a sophisticated winery experience with award-winning wines, a wine club program, a welcoming tasting room, and beautifully designed private, social, or corporate event spaces.

GreenWorks Landscaping greenworkslandscaping.com | @greenworkslandscaping

Luxury outdoor living experts create custom landscapes and elegant design solutions. Fleetwood and several Willowsford homes showcase their exceptional craftsmanship.

Lost Rhino Brewery lostrhino.com | @lostrhino

A Loudoun original, known for bold, flavorful craft beers brewed with adventure in mind. Their Ashburn taproom features a rotating selection, live music, and a private event space. Plan a visit— Willowsford residents enjoy 10% off with mention of this article!

Catering by Monks monksbbq.com | @monksbbq

The catering arm of the popular Monk’s BBQ in Purcellville is known for bold, Southern-inspired flavors. A trusted partner for Fleetwood weddings and available for events of all sizes throughout Loudoun County.

Tipped Cow Creamery tippedcowcreamery.com | @tippedcowcreamery

Locally made small-batch ice cream and frozen treats in Purcellville with creative, crowd-pleasing flavors—perfect for events or a family treat.

and tangy delight. Alongside, guests devoured the sliced chicken slider with pickled onion and horseradish cream and the grilled tri-tip slider with crispy onions and tarragon aioli—each slider bursting with flavor and expertly crafted to complement the evening’s festive atmosphere.

The sweetest finish? Tipped Cow Creamery’s handcrafted ice cream sandwiches.

Best of all, 100% of ticket proceeds went to Touching Heart, a local nonprofit that empowers the next generation of kind, compassionate leaders. It was a night to remember— filled with flavor, fun, and heart.

Lenny Meyers, professionally known as “DJ L Boogie” @dj_l_boogie10473

High-energy DJ and MC is known for setting the vibe at weddings, private parties, and corporate events. He also offers photography, video, party buses, yacht events, and more.

BARK, BATH, AND BEYOND

Meet the Willowsford couple behind Scenthound, where every dog gets the VIP (Very Important Pup) treatment.

BY RESIDENT AND JUNIOR WRITER DOMINICK HALAVIK, THIS FEATURE SPONSORED BY LOUDOUN COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL

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

ARE YOU A DOG OWNER looking for a grooming company that not only cares about your dog’s appearance but also their overall wellness and happiness? This month, I had the opportunity to interview Willowsford residents, Chris and Samantha Dixon, owners of Scenthound Chantilly, to discuss Scenthound’s mission and approach to dog hygiene and wellness.

What sparked you to go into the dog hygiene and wellness business?

When we discovered Scenthound, we were drawn to the mission immediately. It wasn’t just about grooming – it was about total wellness. We saw a real opportunity to bring this essential, yet often overlooked, care to our community in a way that’s simple, affordable, and focused on what really matters: the health and happiness of our pups.

What is Scenthound’s mission, and how does its approach differ from traditional groomers?

Scenthound is all about routine dog care and basic hygiene. Our mission is to remove barriers to dog health and make it easy for parents to get the care their dogs need regularly, not just when they look shaggy. Unlike traditional grooming, which can focus heavily on appearance, our approach zeroes in on health. We look at the five core areas of dog care – Skin, Coat, Ears, Nails, and Teeth (SCENT) – and make sure your pup is clean, healthy, and feeling their best after every visit.

What services does Scenthound offer?

Every dog gets our signature Scent Check – an assessment of their skin, coat, ears, nails, and teeth – so we can tailor care to their specific needs. Our base service, includes a bath, ear cleaning, nail clip, and teeth brushing.

What kind of memberships are available at Scenthound?

Are you required to purchase a membership?

We offer several membership tiers based on how often your dog needs care, from monthly visits to more frequent packages for dogs with higher maintenance needs. Memberships are the best value and ensure your pup stays on a consistent hygiene routine, but they’re not required. We also welcome one-time visits and a la carte services, so dog parents have flexibility to choose what works best for their lifestyle.

What is your best-selling treatment package?

Our most popular option is the Basic Hygiene Package paired with a monthly membership. It hits all the essentials and fits into most dog parents’ routines seamlessly. For dogs with thicker coats or higher shedding, the Deshedding Add-On is also a big favorite – it helps keep their coat under control and your home a little less furry!

Does Scenthound accept all dog breeds? And to follow up, does Scenthound recommend certain services based on the breed?

Yes, we welcome all breeds! Our team is trained to handle everything from tiny Chihuahuas to giant towering Bernese Mountain Dogs. And yes, we definitely recommend services based on breed, coat type, and lifestyle. Everything starts with that Basic Hygiene package and can be personalized for what your dog needs.

What can pet owners learn from the Scenthound experience?

Education is a big part of our approach. Many dog parents are surprised at how much of their dog’s health is tied to regular hygiene. For example, regularly caring for your dog’s teeth can add 2-3 years to your dog’s life.

During each visit, we share insights from the Scent Check, helping parents stay on top of issues like ear infections, dental hygiene, or skin irritations before they become bigger problems.

Where is Scenthound Chantilly located?

Scenthound Chantilly is located in Franklin Farm Shopping center just a few minutes off Rt. 50 near Chantilly and about 20 minutes away from Willowsford. We’d love for you to stop by and meet our team – we’re always happy to chat and introduce you to what Scenthound is all about!

For more information, visit www.Scenthound.com!

our Eagles from preschool through 8th grade to become lifelong learners, to think critically and creatively, and to lead with courage, compassion, and character.

@strollwillowsford,

STRIKING WHILE THE IRON’S HOT

At Lawless Forge, Junior Writers learn the art of blacksmithing and the power of creating something by hand.

BY RESIDENT AND JUNIOR EDITOR HAYDEN FAULKNER, THIS FEATURE SPONSORED BY HARRIFORD EXTERIOR RESTORATION

HAVE YOU EVER WANTED TO experience traditional blacksmithing, hammering out tools from only a few pieces of metal? For the Junior Writer Team’s May meeting, we got that chance at Lawless Forge in Sterling. In just a few hours, our team experienced Lawless Forge’s Intro to Blacksmithing class, where we learned how to curl, taper, and corkscrew metal, each creating our own handmade bottle opener by the end of our meeting. The environment created by Lawless Forge was incredibly welcoming, with open space, quality equipment, and friendly instructors. In the heat of the forge, as we hammered metal out on anvils, we all got to experience the pride that comes from learning something new and creating something with our own two hands.

Are you interested in learning more about the Junior Writer team? Email billie.rose@strollmag.com!

“Blacksmithing is hot, smelly, loud, physically and mentally challenging...but it’s exactly these elements that make it a fantastic and memorable event to build family resilience, leadership, and teamwork. We came out of the class with a shared experience and extremely excited about our bottle openers. Highly recommend!”

RESIDENT PETE MACCHIAROLO

Lawless Forge is a blacksmithing experience that offers lessons to both small groups and individuals, as well as hosting corporate team-building events that offer memorable bonding moments for everyone involved! Their goal is to teach people how to blacksmith and in doing so, foster confidence, connection, and community. The Forge is open to people of all ages, but does prefer students to be at least six years old and requires students under fifteen to be accompanied by a trusted adult. No prior experience is needed to enjoy the art of blacksmithing, and the instructors at Lawless Forge expect that some of their students may have never held a hammer before, let alone work with fire! All safety equipment and materials are provided as a part of the lesson, and the staff is well equipped to make their space accessible to a wide range of physical abilities.

Brandon Harriford

Testing out the bottle opener as the final step

Irons in the fire: Junior Writers and parents start their projects in the 2,100+ degree oven!

Lawless Forge offers both public classes and private events with a variety of options for creations during the scheduled visit, including bottle openers, knives, hooks, and even metal flower bouquets! The Forge has hosted private events for large companies such as Google, Amazon, Apple, and Capital One, as well as many other corporations and teams in their efforts to build camaraderie and resilience.

The instructors and staff at Lawless Forge want to empower individuals by fostering the strength and dedication that is forged in the hearth. When one is working in the forge, hammering a piece of metal into its desired shape, each swing is part of the overall creation, a representation of the personal effort that goes into blacksmithing. The confidence to take a swing of the hammer onto an anvil, to proceed with trial and error, is one of the biggest powers and personal strengths brought on by blacksmithing.

standing next to you in the Forge are always willing to lend a hand. In fostering this welcoming and supportive community, Lawless Forge aims to create a ripple effect that spreads positivity, confidence, and connection beyond the confines of their forge. For

visit www.lawlessforge.com/sterling

Blacksmithing is a hobby and skill filled with collaboration, encouraging teamwork and communication between people that often ends with a shared feeling of accomplishment. Whether one has arrived with family and friends or is working without an established group, the people

Parents help Junior Writers with the “corkscrew” step

Bottle openers are finished!

Pints with Purpose

From local taps to national causes, the Cage family pours their heart into every brew and every act of service.

FOR RYAN CAGE, giving back isn’t just a mission—it’s a family legacy. A proud Willowsford resident for over 11 years, Ryan is also the CEO of Honor Brewing Company, a local brewery with deep roots in service, community, and compassion.

Founded by Ryan’s father, Allen Cage—a 24-year U.S. Army veteran— Honor Brewing was built with a dual purpose: to craft exceptional beer and to honor those who serve. After running a successful gym, PR Star Fitness, Ryan joined the family venture, bringing his business acumen to help expand its impact while giving Allen the opportunity to enjoy retirement.

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 Team

Public Service Announcement from Kenleigh and Carter Laura Griffin with our dental hygienist Libby Tara with Dr. Alexander and dental assistant Joëlle

CEO Ryan Cage

Today, Honor Brewing is widely recognized not just for its craft brews but for its meaningful contributions to the community. Their monthly Charity Tap Line donates 10% of proceeds from their best-selling Classic Lager to a featured nonprofit, recently supporting Loudoun Hunger Relief. The brewery also collaborates with Hop & Wine Beverage, donating $1 per case of beer sold to organizations focused on veterans and first responders.

In 2025, Honor Brewing rolled out a Charity Beer Line Up, spotlighting a different cause each quarter. Among the beneficiaries are LAWS Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services, CJ3 Foundation, Tunnel to Towers, and Boulder Crest Foundation. The company also organizes quarterly volunteer days for staff, most recently at Boulder Crest, helping with property upkeep and community support.

As longtime Willowsford residents—one of the first seven families to move into the neighborhood—the Cage family values community deeply. “Willowsford checked all the boxes for us,” Ryan shares. “We love being active in the local schools, sports teams, and fundraisers.” Rachel Cage, Chief Financial Officer of Honor Brewing Company and Ryan’s wife, plays a key role in coordinating the brewery’s philanthropic efforts. Honor Brewing has supported the Willowsford Conservancy’s Earth Day Celebration, and often donates space or sales proceeds to local causes like Dulles South Food Pantry and DP Reimagined.

At its heart, Honor Brewing is about more than beer. “We want to be known for our atmosphere and our beer,” Ryan says, “but most importantly, for our dedication to helping our community.” The Cages are the kind of neighbors who remind us that community is built not just by where you live, but by how you give.

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

Check Presentation to Loudoun First Responders Foundation

Check Presentation to Soldier’s Angels

The Cage Family: Ryan, Isabella, David, Lucy, Rachel

PAWSITIVELY HARPER

BY RESIDENT AND JUNIOR WRITER GABY REDDAN, THIS FEATURE SPONSORED BY MIGHTY CLEAN CARPET CARE

Harper, a lovable mixed breed with an unknown birthday who lives with the Nilsons in Willowsford, is as complex as she is charming. With her super-furry coat that seems to shed all the time, she’s both a fierce protector of her family and ironically, a complete scaredy cat when it comes to household terrors like the vacuum. Her favorite human foods include steak and pizza. When she’s not showcasing her impressive repertoire of tricks—fetching, sitting, lying down, and shaking hands—Harper can be found on long walks, thoroughly investigating every scent that crosses her path. Despite not enjoying car rides due to motion sickness, Harper’s adventurous spirit shines through when exploring new environments, such as beaches and mountains. Winter holds a special place in her heart, as she loves running through the snow, especially during the days when her favorite people go sledding. Her enthusiasm for fetch matches her love for the outdoors. Her loving nature and playful demeanor make her an irreplaceable member of the family. I know that the Nilsen family feels blessed to have this wonderful dog in their life. Share your pet pics with us! Email billie.rose@strollmag.com.

BUYING OR SELLING?

Get to know Resident Realtor Ferris Eways

WRITTEN BY STROLL WILLOWSFORD

When it comes to real estate in Willowsford, few know the community as intimately as Ferris Eways. Having moved to The Greens in October 2017 with his wife, Amy, and their two boys, Colton and Landon, Ferris has become a familiar face in the neighborhood. “Willowsford is a special place, and we take great pride in where we live and the people we know,” he shares.

Living in Willowsford gives Ferris a unique advantage to represent a seller or homebuyer. “I live here, I know this community intimately, and I genuinely care about the families that call Willowsford home,” he emphasizes. His local knowledge and dedication to the community make him a trusted partner for anyone looking to buy or sell in the area.

Ferris’s deep understanding of Willowsford’s unique amenities and lifestyle is a key factor in his success. “Buyers who understand the lifestyle Willowsford offers are the ones who’ll pay top dollar,” he says. His expertise ensures that homes are priced and positioned correctly in the market.

His family is often seen enjoying the many amenities Willowsford offers making him a credible source for representing a seller or buyer. Whether it’s a day at the pool, fishing at the pond, hiking the trails, or neighborhood bike rides, his family embraces the community’s lifestyle. “We also enjoy entertaining and truly cherish the relationships we’ve built here,” Ferris adds.

“Whatever the destination, you need an agent who knows the local market and how to price and position your home.”

Real estate runs in Ferris’s blood. “My mom has been a realtor for over 35 years. I used to tag along with her as a kid and was always fascinated by how unique every home was,” he recalls. This early exposure planted the seed for his future career. Before diving into real estate full-time, however, Ferris pursued another passion—football. He spent years coaching at the high school and college levels, including Centreville, Park View, and Oakton High Schools, and even at Michigan State as a Graduate Assistant. “Coaching taught me valuable lessons: hard work, education, and great communication—skills I now use daily in my real estate business,” he says.

Today, Ferris is the proud owner of The Eways Team with Samson Properties in Chantilly, leading a team of five passionate real estate consultants. Two of the team’s biggest strengths are communication and negotiation. “We offer full service for less cost—3% full-service listings. We’ve helped thousands of clients across Northern Virginia and the DC area for over 30 years,” Ferris explains. Their commitment to outstanding customer service is evident in their approach.

NAVIGATING THE WILLOWSFORD HOUSING MARKET

The popularity of Willowsford has grown significantly over the years, with home prices increasing by 52% since 2019. Ferris notes the importance of having a main-level bedroom and full bathroom, especially with the rise of multigenerational families. “That’s a huge value-add,” he says.

As a realtor and neighbor, Ferris knows building trust is the key to delivering the desired results. “You need to know your client—why are they selling? What matters to them? Build the relationship first,” he advises. His approach has paid off, as seen in a recent success story where a family trusted his advice and made an extra $185,000 on their home sale.

Ferris and his team offer a comprehensive approach to home preparation. From decluttering and staging to professional cleaning and specific updates, they ensure every

home is ready to hit the market. “We’ve got a home prep specialist, a trusted contractor, and a stager who can use their own furniture or yours,” he explains.

As the Willowsford housing market continues to evolve, Ferris remains committed to helping families navigate their real estate journeys. Whether moving within Northern Virginia or beyond, his local knowledge and dedication to client success make him a valuable resource for the community. “Whatever the destination, you need an agent who knows the local market and how to price and position your home.”

Ferris adds, “The last five homes I sold all went under contract the first weekend with multiple offers with an average of $102,000 over list. That doesn’t just happen—you’ve got to know your inventory, the market shifts, and how to properly prepare a home for sale,” he emphasizes.

The numbers speak for themselves as to why Ferris is an expert on Willowsford and real estate surrounding the neighborhood. Contact his office today to start your real estate journey with a trusted local expert.

Ferris Eways - The Eways Team

14291 Park Meadow Dr., Suite 500, Chantilly, VA 20151 (410) 245-6167

You walk in, and the sweet smell of popcorn hits you in the face. You hear fans ringing cowbells and the announcer hyping up one of the players. This is what the atmosphere was like at the Virginia Valley Vipers basketball game I attended on April 27th against the Frederick Flying Cows.

As a Willowsford community family, we are always looking for fun things to do nearby, and it was fun to learn about a pro basketball team in Purcellville. I went as press for the Stroll Junior Writer Team, which made it even more exciting.

The Virginia Valley Vipers are part of The Basketball League (TBL), a professional basketball league and the third largest in the United States. The Vipers were established in 2022 by Rodney, Tina, and Rze Culbreath and have been growing exponentially since.

As soon as I walked in, I was greeted by Vipers players shooting around and Vipers staff finishing up last-minute preparations. The players would come up and give fans high-fives, talk to staff, and even talk to some Vipers Fans. After shooting around for a little bit and getting some shots from the court, they started to do some dribbling, shooting, and passing lanes. I decided to go to the stands and interview a few fans. I asked them a few simple questions like:

• Is this your first time at a Vipers game?

• Where did you hear about the Vipers?

• Do you like the atmosphere and game so far?

PRO BASKETBALL IN LOUDOUN COUNTY

Rivalry game + a cause worth cheering for

RESIDENT AND JUNIOR WRITER HENRY

VOOYS, THIS FEATURE SPONSORED BY THE ST. JAMES FOOTBALL CLUB

The vast majority of people said that they heard about the Vipers from social media, radio, or word of mouth. Of the 7 families/people I interviewed, about 50% said it was their first time, while the other 50% said they had been to a game before. All of the people I interviewed said the atmosphere in Patrick Henry College was absolutely awesome, with music playing, and the Vipers Hype Squad pumping up the crowd.

The game got underway with the Virginia Valley Vipers and Frederick Flying Cows battling it out. The Vipers and Cows are really big rivals, so this game was competitive. With points going up for both sides and fans yelling, the whistle blew for halftime.

This game was a special-themed “Hometown Hero: Jordan Miller x Industry 11” Night, with 11% of ticket sales donated to support Jordan’s

nonprofit, 1NDUSTRYE1EVEN11.

Jordan Miller, a 2018 Loudoun Valley High School graduate and current Los Angeles Clippers player, couldn’t attend in person due to preparing for Game Five of the NBA playoffs. Still, he shared a heartfelt video message highlighting the importance of community engagement and his nonprofit’s mission. 1NDUSTRYE1EVEN11— a cause close to Jordan’s heart — provides financial assistance for Loudoun kids who can’t afford to participate in youth sports. Visit 1ndustrye1even11. com for more information.

After the video, his mother, Donna Miller, took the microphone and reminded everyone that Jordan doesn’t see himself as the center of attention. She shared that he believes God placed him in this position to serve others and give back to the community. Her words encouraged fans to do the same—to support and uplift the next generation however they can. The Vipers’ values align closely with the Millers’, and the halftime message clearly resonated with the crowd.

After halftime was over, the action was back on. The Virginia Valley Vipers also offer concessions, with everything from hotdogs to walking tacos to the best popcorn around. After a grueling comeback, the Vipers ended up losing 108-100, pushing the Flying Cows to 15-0.

After the game, I had the privilege to interview TBL All-Star Quentin Scott, who finished with 34 points, about his experience playing in Loudoun County, and I got some really good

Do you have a story about athletics, fitness, or sports? Share with us! billie.rose@strollmag.com

feedback. He said that he loves the atmosphere, support, and loyalty of the community and fanbase of the Vipers. He loves residing here and can’t wait to see what the future holds for him.

I also got the pleasure of interviewing Dorian Benford Jr, #23 of the Vipers. He said that although he is new to the team and to the area, he loves playing here and is excited to level up

his game and improve while playing for the Virginia Valley Vipers!

WANT TO LEARN HOW JORDAN MILLER WENT FROM LOUDOUN YOUTH LEAGUES TO AN $8.3M CLIPPERS CONTRACT?

Read his story on page 46 of Stroll’s sister publication, BeLocal Loudoun County, at BeLocalLoudounCounty.com.

HAVE A 3RD–8TH GRADE BALLER READY TO LEVEL UP?

If you’re looking for something fun and new to do, and want to help grow the Vipers community, make sure to keep them in mind for next season! The 2026–2027 season will be here before you know it.

Follow @va_viperstbl on Instagram or visit virginiavalleyvipers.com for updates, info, and tickets. Go Vipers!

Sign up for the 2025 Jordan Miller Basketball Camp, August 11–15 at Loudoun Valley High, 9 AM–2 PM. Email 1NDUSTRYE1EVEN11@gmail.com to register.

Making Waves and Memories

One Willowsford family’s boating adventure goes full throttle—no experience required.

BY RESIDENT AND JUNIOR WRITER HANNA STOLLE, THIS FEATURE SPONSORED BY HILLYARD AUTOMOTIVE

WHAT DRIVES US is quite a play on words when it comes to this article. Today, I’m going to explain how the machines that literally drive us can be connected to our motivations in life. Resident Fred Stolle (my Dad) has recently become a very dedicated boat captain. Last August, Mr. Stolle bought his first watercraft, a jet ski called the Yamaha Waverunner. It’s beautiful, with bright blue and green paint. It was the first of many shiny toys to come. Our family had a tragedy this past July when my Dad’s brother suddenly passed away. We nicknamed our jet ski

“Punto 1,” which was a nickname my Dad gave my Uncle Garrett. The tragedy made my Dad more aware of the little time we had as a family and the meaning of life. His motivation was to find something the family would all enjoy doing. His exact words were “I wanted to force my family to spend time together, in a good way, of course! Spending time with my family is now a number one priority.” However, to be with the whole family (cousins, aunts, uncles, and grandparents), he wanted to buy something that would fit everyone. In November of 2024, he purchased the Yamaha 195S Jet boat. Named “This Escalated Quickly” to symbolize how quickly we went from having no experience with boating to going almost every weekend so far this season!

Before I leave you today, Mr. Stolle has instructed me to share some boating tips. First, Lake Anna is the best place to store watercraft, and it is only an hour and a half away. Buying a wet slip is a great option for boat storage, as it keeps your boat out of the water when not in use. Naming your watercraft is also a fun family activity, and there are lots of websites to purchase custom boat items. You can purchase 3D registration numbers from jetboatpilot.com, and customcaptain.com makes great stickers with the name on your boat. We even all have clothing customized with “This Escalated Quickly” from customcaptain.com. Some boaters’ advice when tubing or

"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.

water skiing with your jetski: DON’T run over your own rope - we made that mistake and it’s not fun! We had to get towed into the dock. The boating community is also very friendly and will help you with almost anything. Down at the lake, strangers become friends, friends become family, and the family just keeps growing. That brings us back to what drove Mr. Stolle to make this big decision. “To most people, B.O.A.T. means ‘Bust Out Another Thousand.’ The word boat to me means making memories with my family that no money can buy.”

Do you have a passion for a particular subject, hobby, or activity? Whether it’s a career or a pastime, we want to know what inspires you! Email billie.rose@strollmag.com to be featured!

NURTURED HERE, READY FOR ANYWHERE Meet the Class of 2025!

The tassels have turned, and the future is calling! Meet the inspiring graduates of Willowsford — a class full of talent, ambition, and endless possibility.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY PHOTOS BY LIS, THIS FEATURE SPONSORED BY CHANTILLY NATIONAL GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB

Hannah Lyn Corbitt

Stroll Willowsford Junior Editor

Parents: Meghan and Timothy Corbitt

Village: Grange

Graduating From: Independence

High School

Interests: Photography, reading, journalism, traveling

After Graduation, I’ll Be: Attending Syracuse University, majoring in journalism at the Newhouse School of Public Communications, with a minor in public relations. I’m excited to start my college journey with the support of my amazing family and friends.

Photo by Rebecca Danzenbaker

Photography

Hayden Faulkner

Stroll Willowsford Junior Editor

Parents: Emily and Charles Faulkner

Village: Grove

Graduating From: Wakefield School

Interests: Theater

After Graduation, I’ll Be: Attending The College of William & Mary.

Photo by Irish Eyes Photography by Toby

Nathan Canonico

Parents: Kathy and Pete Canonico

Village: Grange

Graduating From: Independence High School

Interests: Hiking, working out, skiing, and reading

After Graduation, I’ll Be: Studying mechanical engineering at Virginia Tech.

Photo by Photos by Lis

You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose!”

—DR. SEUSS

Brendan Charen

Parents: Sara and Jon Charen

Village: Grant

Chase Danzenbaker

Parents: Rebecca and Mark Danzenbaker

Village: Grange

Graduating From: Loudoun School for Advanced Studies

Interests: Video Games

After Graduation, I’ll Be: Attending the University of Richmond to study Computer Science.

Graduating From: Independence High School

Interests: Guitar, Theatre

After Graduation, I’ll Be: Going to college for Musical Theatre—can’t wait to perform more!

Lindsay Alexis Fetterman

Parents: Lori and Trevor Fetterman

Village: Grove

Graduating From: Lightridge High School

Interests: Going to concerts and traveling After Graduation, I’ll Be: Going to the College of Charleston to study Commercial Real Estate Finance.

Photo by 4 Chix Photography

Kaelyn Grace Gardner

Parents: Todd and Christine Gardner

Village: Grove

Graduating From: Trinity Christian School

Interests: Dance, hiking, sailing After Graduation, I’ll Be: Vacationing with my family and then heading to UVA in the fall!

Photo by Lovefusion Photography

Lilli Lubic

Parents: Jason and Lisa Lubic

Village: Grange

Graduating From: Independence High School

Interests: Soccer

After Graduation, I’ll Be: Studying Cyber Security Engineering in the honors/ engineering college at the University of Delaware and playing soccer.

Dalya Louh

Parents: Nick and Nyla Louh

Village: Grove

Graduating From: Lightridge High School

Interests: Theatre, Chorus, Videography After Graduation, I’ll Be: Studying Media Arts & Design at James Madison University.

Photo by Emily Kalbaugh

Sierra Khan

Parents: Rana and Sha Khan

Village: Grove

Graduating From: Lightridge High School

Interests: Singing at my church, reading, hanging out with friends.

After Graduation, I’ll Be: Attending Clemson University and majoring in Language and International Business.

Photo by Lizzie Brittingham

Gabriella Mathew

Parents: Sajin and Reena Mathew

Village: Grant

Graduating From: Independence High School

Interests: Basketball, reading, baking, traveling, and spending time with friends and family.

After Graduation, I’ll Be: Attending UVA in the fall, majoring in Politics, Philosophy, and Law with plans to go down the prelaw track.

Photo by Jessica Tap Scott Photography

Natalie Isabelle Monroe

Parents: James and Carol Monroe Village: Greens

Graduating From: St. Paul VI Catholic High School

Interests: Softball, fun with friends, loves Bruno Mars & sushi

After Graduation, I’ll Be: Playing softball at Bucknell.

Photo by CherryintheSnow Photography

Cooper Nyce

Parents: Allison Sahin and Chad Nyce Village: Grange

Graduating From: Independence High School

Interests: Cars and Photography

After Graduation, I’ll Be: Attending the University of Kentucky studying Business Management.

Photo by Victor O’Neill

James Richard Pierce

Parents: Courtney Ryan and Rich Pierce Village: Greens

Graduating From: Lightridge High School

Interests: Football (Team Captain), Orchestra (cello), Track & Field, Hiking, Camping, Piano, Guitar

After Graduation, I’ll Be: Attending Virginia Tech School of Engineering to study Computer Science this fall. I plan to go on a backcountry hiking and camping trip out West at the end of the summer. I also have some summer beach trips planned with family and friends.

Molly Raiguel

Parents: Jill Raiguel and Darren Raiguel Village: Greens

Graduating From: St. Paul VI Catholic High School

Interests: Creating art (watercolors, colored pencils, etc.), history, traveling, community service

After Graduation, I’ll Be: Planning to study economics at the University of Virginia.

Photo by Brianna Monroe Photography

“Pursue the things you love doing, and then do them so well that people can’t take their eyes off you.”

—MAYA ANGELOU

Lauren Ryu

Parents: Edmond and Penny Ryu

Village: Grove

Graduating From: Lightridge High School

Interests: I love doing activities with friends, watching movies, trying new restaurants, and relaxing

After Graduation, I’ll Be: Going to Virginia Tech to study biological science.

Photo by Hayoung Chung Photography

Brendan Stewart

Parents: Kevin and Rachel Stewart

Village: Grange

Graduating From: Cortona Academy Interests: Music

After Graduation, I’ll Be: Studying Business and Psychology at Christopher Newport University.

Hayden Wright

Parents: Lanchi and Frank Wright

Village: Grant

Graduating From: Independence

High School

Interests: Taekwondo and Baking

After Graduation, I’ll Be: Experiencing college life at James Madison University.

A Birthday Above the Clouds

Our Dream Celebration in the Maldives

BY RESIDENTS SONIA AND REYAAN SINGH

Some moments in life feel like they belong in a movie—and for my husband’s birthday this March, that’s exactly what I hoped to create. We weren’t just marking a milestone; we were setting out to make every step unforgettable, from 35,000 feet in the sky to the sparkling shores of Furaveri Island in the Maldives.

It all began as we boarded our flight, crossing time zones toward paradise. At midnight, by Eastern Standard Time, as my husband dozed off midair, I quietly orchestrated a surprise with the flight crew. My nine-year-old son, sworn to secrecy, grinned beside me as the crew prepared. Just as breakfast trays arrived, four smiling attendants approached, singing and bearing a handwritten birthday card, a tray of desserts, and a bottle of champagne. My husband looked up, stunned, as we toasted his special day soaring above the clouds. A celebration at 35,000 feet—truly one for the books.

When we landed in Malé, the adventure continued. I had arranged ahead with our hotel to Greet us with chilled welcome drinks, alongside a warm note wishing my husband a happy birthday. Soon, we were whisked to the seaplane terminal, where we reunited with my sister for the next leg of our journey. The seaplane itself was an experience: flying low over the turquoise atolls, we marveled at the chain of islands scattered below us— did you know the Maldives consists of 1,192 islands, around 200 of which are inhabited—while many of the others remain unspoiled, scattered like jewels across the Indian Ocean?

Our home for the week was the stunning Furaveri Island, in an expansive villa perched over the water, complete with infinity pool and direct access to the reef. My son wasted no time jumping in, making the pool his personal playground while we soaked in the views. Each morning began with the gentle sounds of waves beneath our villa and ended with magical sunsets that painted the sky in warm pinks, oranges, and golds.

Every day brought its own adventure. On our first full day, we soaked in the serenity of our private infinity pool, its edge blending seamlessly into the endless ocean beyond. Instead of snorkeling at the house reef, we chose to explore the island on foot, wandering along powdery white-sand paths shaded by palm trees. The beach was a constant source of wonder—each walk revealed something new, from the gentle waves lapping the shore to baby sharks swimming playfully in the shallows just steps from our villa.

Midweek, my husband and sister set out on a scuba diving adventure. They returned exhilarated, describing the surreal experience of descending into the deep blue, where they encountered reef sharks, sea turtles, and stunning coral walls. Meanwhile, I treated myself to a spa afternoon with my sister—opting for a traditional Maldivian deep tissue massage followed by a quiet hour in the open-air relaxation lounge. With birds chirping and the scent of frangipani in the air, I felt entirely renewed.

Another highlight was our adventure on the water. My husband and I went jet-skiing together, skimming across the turquoise waves with the sun on our backs and laughter echoing in the open air. The thrill of speeding along the shoreline was unforgettable. While I relaxed afterward, my husband took things further with a seabob session— zipping beneath the surface like a fish, getting an up-close view of the vibrant marine life without needing to dive.

One afternoon, we took a sunset cruise in hopes of spotting dolphins. While the dolphins proved elusive, the golden sky, the gentle sea breeze, and the sense of togetherness made the evening unforgettable. As we sailed back toward the island, Reyaan shouted with excitement, pointing to flying fish leaping beside the boat. His joy was contagious, and we laughed together, grateful for nature’s surprises.

Do you have an adventure in traveling you’d love to share? Email billie.rose@strollmag.com!

arranged a special birthday dinner under the stars. With the sand beneath our feet and lanterns flickering around us, we dined on a beautifully curated meal. The restaurant surprised my husband with a decadent cake, topped with fresh fruits and creamy layers— exactly to his liking. We toasted to

The Maldives is the kind of place that

leaves an imprint on your heart, a sense of serenity and joy that lingers long after you’ve left its shores. Looking back, it wasn’t just a birthday trip. It was a celebration of life, love, and family—a collection of moments that we’ll carry forever. And isn’t that what travel is all about?

BELOW ARE SOME ANSWERS FROM MY SON, REYAAN

What was your favorite thing about staying in the Maldives?

The infinity pool at our villa! I swam so much I felt like I was in a water version of a basketball court.

What was the coolest animal or fish you saw while snorkeling or swimming? There was this fish—or maybe it was some sea animal—that looked exactly like a rock! I stared at it for a while, and then it moved! It was so cool how it blended in with everything. I felt like a real explorer.

If you could bring one thing home from Furaveri Island, what would it be and why?

The whole beach! But if I had to pick one thing… maybe the soft sand, so I could build a mini court on it.

What would you tell your friends about celebrating Dad’s birthday in the Maldives?

Best. Trip. Ever. We surprised him on the plane, had cake under the stars, and I got to swim and explore all day!

STROLL COFFEE & CONNECTIONS

A MORNING MADE FOR MEANINGFUL CONNECTIONS

Stroll Coffee & Connections

There’s something special about starting your day surrounded by vineyard views, fresh coffee in hand, and good company all around. That’s exactly what guests experienced at Old Farm Winery at Hartland during the latest Stroll Coffee & Connections—a gathering that brings together Willowsford residents and local business sponsors in a spirit of connection, community, and collaboration.

Hosted by Golden Rule Builders, the May event was equal parts relaxed and energizing, set in the winery’s inviting indoor space with sunlight spilling through the windows and easy conversation filling the air. It’s the kind of morning that reminds you how refreshing it can be to step away from the daily rush and engage with others in a meaningful way.

Attendees were treated to a thoughtfully prepared breakfast provided by Golden Rule Builders from 3 Hearts Catering featuring quiche, yogurt parfait bowls, fresh fruit, muffins, and plenty of hot coffee—fuel for the warm conversations and new relationships taking shape around the room.

This isn’t your average networking event. It’s a space where conversations flow naturally, connections are genuine, and community takes center stage. From longtime residents to new sponsors, everyone finds value in coming together with purpose and leaving with more than just a name tag.

“We had an incredible time being the sponsor for the Stroll Coffee and Connections. The genuine interest in our business from attendees was very touching and we made a handful of possible collaborations in the near future and some interest in projects. The networking is always top-notch, and we love being part of it. The location (Old Farm Winery) is welcoming and spacious. We catered with 3 Hearts Catering and the timely delivery, set up, and yummy food tied it all together. We love being part of Stroll Willowsford and highly recommend it for networking and advertising.”

STEPHANIE KENNEDY, GOLDEN RULE BUILDERS

Golden Rule Builders added a fun and memorable twist to their hosting duties by gifting attendees with branded goodie bags and a crowd-favorite item: a yardstick (a surprisingly popular keepsake!). The gesture, much like the hosts themselves, blended practicality with a personal touch.

Coffee & Connections wouldn’t be complete without its signature door prize tradition. Guests arrived with thoughtful goodies in hand, ready to introduce themselves and add a personal touch to the gathering. These mini moments lit up the room—part business intro, part show-and-tell, all heart. For the lucky winners, each prize was a delightful surprise and a different way to get to know one another beyond the usual introductions.

A special thank-you goes to Old Farm Winery at Hartland, whose scenic space and welcoming team provided the perfect backdrop for these growing connections. Their generous support helped create a beautiful, relaxed, and communityfocused atmosphere.

Coffee & Connections goes beyond networking to build a true sense of community. It’s a gathering where people connect authentically, support one another, and foster the relationships that make Willowsford a place where everyone feels they belong.

Mark your calendar for our Fall Coffee & Connections on September 18th at 9:30 a.m.! Stay tuned for updates by following us on Facebook and Instagram, and don’t forget to check our Noteworthy News page for all the details.

ABOUT OUR HOST Golden Rule Builders

With over 37 years of dedication to Northern Virginia, Golden Rule Builders is the trusted name in transforming visions into exquisite realities. Our longstanding presence in Northern Virginia is a testament to our unwavering commitment to trust, integrity, and the fulfillment of our clients’ dreams.

Voted one of the Top 3 Home Builders by Living Virginia Magazine, we proudly combine time-honored building practices with innovative techniques, ensuring your project is completed to the highest standards and stands as a beacon of modern craftsmanship. As a leader in sustainable building, we go beyond conventional practices to create homes that are environmentally friendly while significantly reducing energy costs and your carbon footprint.

Whether it’s a new home, kitchen remodel, a luxurious bathroom, a spacious home addition, or a home thoughtfully designed and constructed for aging in

Dr. Haress Rahim