Springtime in Paris: Parent & Child Culinary Workshops

Willowsford's Parent & Child Culinary Workshops provide residents the opportunity to work together with their children to create savory dishes and decadent desserts.  Join Willowsford Kitchen for Springtime in Paris to learn French pastry techniques for spring entertaining! French tarts are perfect for Mother’s Day brunch, graduation or holiday celebrations. 

Tuesday, April 9th, 5 PM to 7 PM at The Lodge
Ages 5-8  $90/Pair   Register Here

MENU (5-8)
Classic French Pie Dough
Cheese & Bacon French Tarts (bacon optional)
Lemon Madelines with Strawberries & Creme Chantily

Wednesday, April 10th, 5 PM to 7:30 PM at The Lodge
Ages 9-13  $100/Pair   Register Here

March 2019 Resident Board Member Update

Hello Everyone,
 
So - is everyone ready for spring? In case you missed it, the sun moved back onto our side of the planet last week. Yay!
 
We had our Association Annual Meeting last week at The Lodge and wanted to thank everyone who came out. We especially appreciate the Willowsford Club leaders who presented at the meeting. Once again, the Developer’s block of votes allowed us to meet our quorum to conduct business. We will lose that block within the next year or so, and we -as residents – will have step up to the plate, either in person or by proxy. Please be involved and don’t think, “my neighbor will take care of being there.”
 
At the Annual Meeting, Mike presented his Treasurer’s report for the HOA. While presenting the HOA in a good financial shape, including its strong start in funding the Association’s reserves, he drew attention to a couple of issues that we residents will keep an eye on over the next few years. Mike’s presentation slides are available in the Willowsford Document Center.
 
Remarkably, it’s already been a year since we joined the HOA BOD. Over the past year we have had a very positive experience interacting and working with the Developer, HOA staff, Conservancy staff, and most importantly, our neighbors. Thank you!
 
Let’s take a moment to review the agenda from the last year:  (Click here to continue reading)

Transportation Update Meeting

Join Supervisor Buffington on April 11, at 7 PM, at Madison's Trust Elementary School, for an update on current and planned road construction projects in the Brambleton, Willowsford, and Loudoun Valley Estates areas.

Board Meeting Summary

The Board met March 14^th, and the following notable actions were taken: The Board approved the 2019 Swim Team facility use agreement and is looking forward to another great year for the Willowsford Waves. The Board approved revisions to the Amenity Usage Guidelines as well as approved the installation of a new fob reader at each pool. Minutes and Amenity Usage Guidelines are available to view on WillowsfordLife.com.   

The Grange Utility Work

Dominion Energy will be installing a zinc ribbon line along the gas line in The Grange. Work is expected to commence in April weather pending.   

Organizational Meeting of the Board

Tuesday, April 2nd at 2:30 PM at Sycamore House.  The primary purpose of this meeting is for the Board to determine office positions for the coming year.  This is an open meeting.  

Board of Directors Meeting 

The Board of Directors meets every other month. The next board meeting is scheduled for Thursday, May 9th at 1:30 PM at Sycamore House.  There is a slight change to the order of business; Executive Session will be moved to the end of the meeting so please attend at 1:30 PM for Open Session including resident comment period and matters for decision.

Design Review

Throughout the busy season, the Committee meets more frequently, every three weeks. For DRC applications, Design Guidelines and more information, click here. 

• Application Deadline - April 3rd

• Pre-review Meeting - April 9th 

• DRC Meeting - April 17th 

Willowsford Flea Market

Saturday, May 18th from 8 AM to 1 PM at the Sycamore House parking lot. Mark your calendars for Willowsford's Annual Flea Market! This event will be similar to the Community Yard Sales that we've had in the past but are opening it up to folks that are interested in selling more than just their second-hand items. There are a lot of great business owners and talented crafters in our neighborhood, so this is a great opportunity to meet your neighbors along with other flea market goers to promote your product and/or service offerings. Register here to participate!  

Flea Market Participant Details

 
REGISTRATION DEADLINE – FRIDAY, May 10th!  Registration is NOW OPEN to claim your spot at the Willowsford Flea Market! It’s time to gather up all those unused treasures and make some money - this resident-organized event will be advertised and is open to the public! Important details:  

• Each space is approx. 9-10 feet in width. 
• Spaces will be assigned in the order in which registrations are received.
• Spaces are only $10/each. More than one space may be purchased.
• Children and teens may bring lemonade, cookies and other items for sale if they wish.  Spaces for children are $5/each.  Please be sure they bring their own change and any supplies they may need, such as chairs, cups, napkins, tables and signage if desired. 
• Load-in and Set-Up time begins at 6:30 AM.  Sale begins promptly at 8 AM.  NO CARS WILL BE ALLOWED IN THE SALE AREA AFTER 8 AM.  Please arrive early and unload quickly!
• All items must be pre-priced and clearly labeled.  PLEASE- no broken or non-working items.
• Bring your own table for display purposes (if desired), and lawn chairs.
• Bring your own change!! We recommend a secure cash box with lots of $1, $5 and $10 bills. 
• Sale ends at 1 PM.   
Remember, all registrations MUST be received no later than 5 PM on Friday, May 10th.  Don’t miss your chance to sign up today!  

Swim Lessons

Enrichment Classes at Willowsford

Have a curious child?  Maybe a budding engineer or a mad scientist?  Willowsford is now offering fun and exciting enrichment classes at The Lodge and Sycamore House just in time for spring! Kids will apply real-world STEM concepts and learn critical thinking, teamwork, and goal setting.  

In the Little Mad Scientist Class, kids ages 3-5, will discover how science is involved in every day life.  Each session will provide the opportunity for kids to participate in different experiments from making lava lamps to elephant toothpaste and more!   $99/Child (6 Week Series)  Register here.

Willowsford Mercantile

Shop Willowsford Mercantile, our exclusive online boutique. Featured products include, wine glasses, backpacks, and other Willowsford-branded merchandise. Orders will be available for pick-up at Sycamore House; please allow one full week from date of purchase for your order to be processed. Please note, supplies are limited. SHOP WITH US!

Save-the-Date!

Willowsford Waves

Registration for the Big Waves
Registration opened for returning families on March 24th.  For new families, registration will begin on Sunday, March 31st at 8 AM via WiilowsfordWaves.com. 
If your swimmer is new to the team and has not participated in a summer swim prior to this season you must have attended evaluations on March 17th.  If you are still interested in the team but missed evaluations please email the swim team president directly at Joy@devost.net. 
 
Seeking Officials
We are always looking for summer swim stroke and turn Officials.  If you are coming from another team and are certified or new to the team this year and  interested in getting certified, please email Kara Beckman (kschwei1@gmail.com) and she can step you through the process. 
 
Team Outfitting
The Waves is transitioning to a new suit this year.  This suit will be a different cut and fit.  Our swim suit fitting is scheduled for May 4th at the Lodge from 12-2 PM. If you can not attend you must go to Cassels on your own to fit and purchase your suit. 
 
Cassels: 2816 Towerview Rd, Herndon, VA · (703) 435-4446
 
Mini Registration and Evaluations
Mini Evaluations will take place at Claude Moore, May 19th from 3 - 5 PM.  Sign up genius will be released the 15th of April for evaluations slots and included in that week’s weekly.
 
Registration for returning families and minis will open on Sunday, May 19th at 8 PM.  New families may register on Tuesday, May 21st at 8 PM.  Swimmers must have attended one of the evaluations on March 17th or May 19th and received a recommendation for the Mini waves program. 
We have expanded this program by twenty five percent this year but can not accommodate the whole community.  There are many learn to swim schools and programs in the area.  Our Mini program is for children that can swim and have the mechanics down but lack endurance that is required for the “Big” Wave team. 
 
Here are the requirements for the Mini Wave Program:

• Submerge completely for 5-10 seconds
• Float on front or back for 5-10 seconds unassisted in 5 ft water, 
• Swim at least 10 meters freestyle or backstroke unassisted in 4 ft water, 
• Be comfortable in the water without a parent
• Be comfortable in a group instruction environment and have necessary listening skills to be coachable
• Be fully potty trained

If you have any specific questions regarding the Mini Program please contact Lis Rohr (lis.rohr@gmail.com) or Justine Albus (justineparkeralbus@gmail.com)

Willowsford Cares

For those of you that may not have seen on Willowsford Cares Facebook page, we are organizing a Beautification Day April 6th at the Willing Warrior Retreat Houses. Serve Our Willing Warriors SOWW is an amazing non-profit organization that provides respite for wounded service men/women and their families. The residents of Willowsford will be planting flowers around the US flag and the Military Service Flags areas. Please visit the Willowsford Cares Facebook page to find all the details about donating, sponsoring a basket for a service member or volunteering! Use the Sign-Up Genius to sign up for your volunteer slot! Bring the whole family!

Willowsford Garden Club

Calling all gardeners…the 2019 Community Garden Growing Season is right around the corner!   
 
The Community Garden is an amenity open to all Willowsford residents. The Willowsford Homeowners Association manages the plot rental process and the Community Garden Group overseas the plot assignments and day-to-day operations of the garden.
 
The Community Garden growing season runs from 1 April to 31 October.  Garden plot rental rate is $50 with a deposit is $50 (deposit checks will be voided by HOA at the end of the season if plot is maintained throughout the growing season) Separate checks are required.  The plot rental application form can be found in the Community Garden Guidelines.
 
Prior year plot holders can begin pre-registering for this seasons plots beginning March 1st. Open registration for remaining Willowsford residents begins March 15th.
 
Stayed tuned for more information on “Spring Garden Prep” sessions in March and early April.  Anyone who’s interested in helping prepare the garden for this upcoming growing season is welcome!

If you’re interested in learning more about the Community Garden check-out our Facebook page or contact Christine Somer (somertcn@verizon.net).
 

Bunco Babes

Thursday, April 4th at 7 PM at Sycamore House.  Come join a great bunch of Willowsford ladies for a night of fun and laughter!  You don't have to know how to play.  We are happy to help you learn!  Please bring an appetizer or dessert to share and whatever you'd like to drink.  Players will also need $10 for Bunco and $3 to play Left, Center, Right.  Hope to see you there. Check the Willowsford Bunco Babes Facebook page for more information.

For Community Club events and information, click here!

Let Yourself Bloom: Mind/Body Retreat

Saturday, May 11th at The Lodge from 9 AM until 4:30 PM. What would it look like to let yourself bloom?  This full-day retreat invites you to spend a day tending to your inner garden, to create space for YOU to bloom and grow.  Break free of old patterns that are growing like weeds, cultivate a growth mindset, and be guided by clarity, strength, and curiosity.  You'll leave the day rooted in what is most important, and guided by your heart rather than your thoughts.    Space is limited.  $160/person* Register here

*Includes yoga, guided visualization, group coaching and activities led by Elena Sonnino.  Also included:  journals and materials for each participant, lunch and snacks.

What to bring:  yoga mat, water bottle

The Day's Menu Includes
Morning Refreshments
Herbal Tea and Fruit Water
Date, Walnut, and Coconut Energy Bites

Lunch
Spinach Salad with Strawberries & Pecans
Sweet Potatoes Stuffed with Garam Masala Roasted Chickpeas 
Spinach Topped with Mango Chutney Yogurt

Afternoon Refreshments
Herbal Tea and Fruit Water
Chocolate Chia Mousse

Children's Yoga
Kids are growing up in a very busy, hurry up world, and stress physically and emotionally is starting so much younger.  With busy schedules, school pressures, competitive sports and social media our kids need to learn the techniques at an early age to stay centered and grounded. Yoga brings an awareness to themselves and others, in a practice of mindful movement both physically and emotionally.  Treehouse Fit Kids is now offering classes for Willowsford residents.  Class activities are designed to instill body awareness, techniques and self-esteem as well as functional strength/coordination through movement.  Each class is designed with age appropriate movement, theme and music. Together let's empower the kids to build their strength from the inside out!
 
Benefits include:

• Increased strength and flexibility
• Improved concentration, focus and attention
• Improved body awareness and coordination
• Management of stress through breathing, mediation and movement
• Learning to live a healthy lifestyle - physically, mentally and emotionall
• Becoming part of a group that is both non-competitive and non judgmental
• Increased respect for self and others

Classes will be offered at Sycamore House on the following days. Register here.
(Type in Treehouse Fit when prompted and create a login to register for classes)

Ages 4-5 Thursdays 1:30 to 2:15 PM
Ages 6-9 Tuesdays 4 to 4:45 PM
Ages 10-12 Thursdays 4:30 to 5:15 PM 

Join the WillowsfordFit Facebook page!