BRAMBLETON BUZZ: LATEST NEWS & EVENTS IN LOUDOUN COUNTY

What’s Trending in Brambleton – January 2017

Posted January 13, 2017

Welcome to 2017

Happy New Year from the Brambleton Group! We look forward to seeing you soon and sharing the vision for our growing community, including a new Loudoun County Public Library, residential neighborhoods, plus many more exciting projects.
But first we invite you to reflect on 2016 with our annual Year in Review video!


Brambleton Makes The Top 50 List!

RCLCO (formerly Robert Charles Lesser & Co.) just released their list of the 50 Top-Selling Master-Planned Communities of  2016. Brambleton is the ONLY Virginia and DC Metro area community that made this list, ranked at #47.

Welcome to Brambleton

2016 Season of Giving a Success!

Thank you to everyone who donated their time and resources this past holiday season. The community’s generosity and good cheer was appreciated by many local charities:

  • The Salvation Army Angel Tree program provided gifts to 92 children.
  • $6,000 was raised for the Cherry Blossom Breast Cancer Foundation through the Suzanne Eaton Christmas Tree stand, bringing the total donation to nearly $19,000 over the past 4 years of operating their tree stand in the Brambleton Town Center.
  • New and gently used coats were donated to the Brambleton Presbyterian Church and Touching Hearts Coat Drive.
  • The Arcola Volunteer Fire Department’s Santa Coalition Run collected toys and clothing for those less fortunate at Santa stops throughout the neighborhood.
  • And a special thank you to Nick’s Taverna for hosting a canned food drive.

What’s New In 2017?

  • Ground-Breaking of Loudoun County Public Library, Brambleton Branch
  • Grand Opening of Birchwood at Brambleton:  Life Refreshes at 55 — Are YOU old enough?
  • NEW Townhome & Single-Family neighborhoods
  • Site Development of Future Events Center & Amphitheater
  • Continued Healthy Living Initiatives through #MyBramHealth
  • Opening of Brambleton Middle School
  • Planning & Enhancements to nearby parks (Hanson Regional Park and Reservoir Park)
  • 2017 Events Calendar
  • Development Update Map

Wanted: Realtors for the Spotlight!

Realtor friends, want to be in the Brambleton spotlight? Sign up for our monthly “Spotlight Realtor” by sending an e-mail to brambletoninfo@gmail.com. Featured realtors will be asked to provide a flyer, video, bio and business cards to be displayed in the Welcome Center and on our website.


Town Center Spotlight

  • Get a sneak peek of the new look of Downtown Brambleton! Land development activity and construction began in the same week for the new Loudoun County Public Library, office and retail space building as well as Knutson Homes’ rooftop terrace townhomes. The library is anticipated to open 2Q18.
  • Need a great Valentine’s gift? Register your cutie for Bella Ballerina’s winter session by January 31 and receive a free tutu.  Use promo code 12HolidayTutu16 when registering online, or mention it when you call or visit, 703-850-6072.
  • Bloo Dental is a proud supporter of ArmorUp for LIFE, a local non-profit dedicated to helping cancer patients. In February come in and get a FREE oral cancer screening and schedule an appointment for Zoom Whitening for only $375.  100% of the cost will go directly to ArmorUp for LIFE to help outfit cancer patients with fitness gear right here in our area.
  • Blue Ridge Grill – Crab Cakes and 1/2 Price Wine Bottles are back on Mondays & Tuesdays through March 21st!
  • Little Smiles and Costa Family & Cosmetic Dentistry are gearing up for another successful Caps season with their Costa Cares Program, which was designed to pay it forward. For every regular season win the Washington Capitals get, Costa Cares will donate $100 to The Step Sisters, an organization whose mission is to improve the quality of life of those affected by breast cancer.
  • Brambleton’s Capital One Bank branch was recently renovated and is being used as a model for future branches as they transition over from the former Chevy Chase look to their new modern look!
  • SweetFrog is now serving hot cocoa through February for just $1.50.
  • Sport&Health Is Now Onelife Fitness – We’re excited to announce that Sport&Health has changed its name to Onelife Fitness at Brambleton Town Center. Since 2014, when Sport&Health partnered with Onelife Fitness, we’ve invested in several expansions at the club, including the Kidz Klub and all new functional and strength training areas! You’ll continue to see the same friendly team members, group fitness instructors, trainers and staff and experience the same great classes, equipment and amenities.  Our goal is to deliver the ultimate fitness experience to every member, every time.  Stop by and get your free trial pass so you make 2017 your best year ever.
  • Traffic Light at Northstar and Ryan Road – this much anticipated traffic light is currently being installed and should be fully operational within the next month.

Community Spotlight

jess humans of brambletonHumans of Brambleton

This month we celebrate our neighbor, Jess Turicchi as our latest “Humans of Brambleton.” Thank you, Jess, for your commitment to our kids and community.

 


Step Sisters Announce Reorganization

Just three short years ago, The Step Sisters shifted focus in order to meet the practical needs of breast cancer patients in Loudoun County. Since that time, the Step Sisters’ organization has experienced tremendous growth, assisting breast cancer patients throughout Northern Virginia. In 2014, they started their mission with three services offered at one hospital. Today, their service area includes five hospitals with the recent addition of Inova Alexandria and Reston Hospital Center. Their expanded services now include pet care, drop-off childcare and delivery of freshly-prepared meals. They continue to work closely with their hospital partners to identify new quality-of-life services for patients. In order to further their mission and assist even more area patients, they have recently restructured their organization. Effective immediately, Ashley Campolattaro and Angela Fuentes will lead The Step Sisters, sharing the Executive Director position. Both Ashley and Angela have been instrumental in shaping and focusing the organization into what it is today and will continue this work in their new role. In addition, Sarah Strohecker will step into the role of President after being involved with The Step Sisters for several years.


Brambleton Builder News

Over 5,100 homes have been sold in Brambleton since the community opened for sales in 2001. There are 140 homes remaining in inventory in the current phase of development, with new neighborhoods opening this year.  For a list of all the builders’ products and pricing, as well as quick delivery homes, check out the Find Your New Home section on our website.

Camberley Homes

Only 2 English Manor Villas remain.  Choose from 2 Devon models, priced from the upper $500s. These villas each have 3 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, and are generously sized with over 4,000 sq ft!

Knutson Homes

Construction has begun on Knutson Homes’ rooftop terrace townhomes in the Brambleton Town Center.  Phase 1 is now over 75% sold out.  Base prices have been raised by $10-$20k, now starting at $639,990.

Miller & Smith

Discover The Perfect Place at Brambleton Evermont Trace, priced from the upper $400s
Courtesy of Miller & Smith’s blog team


With the type of community your family wants, and the type of home you want for your family, look no further than our new Evermont Trace townhomes right here in Brambleton, VA! And be sure to check out more interesting articles from the Miller & Smith Blog Team, including industry experts’ predictions for the 2017 housing market.

Van Metre Homes

West Grove at Brambleton now open – Affordable single-family homes priced from the $630s. Choose from 2 Van Metre floorplans, 4-6 bedrooms, up to 5.5 baths, 2,700 – 3,100 sq ft.
Berkshire Collection – Roof top terrace (elevator-optional) townhomes priced from the upper $500s
Evermont Trace – Singles packed with top quality features and upgraded amenities, from the upper $600s


Coming Soon:  Birchwood at Brambleton

We’re putting the final touches on our temporary sales center for Birchwood, Brambleton’s new 55+ community, and hope to be open to the general public by March. Be among the first to know by joining our VIP priority list.


2017 Events Calendar

Plan your year ahead and don’t miss any of the fun at our community’s 2017 events.  Note some new runs this year, including the Diabetes Walk in May and Zombie Run in October, but first we must show some love to our favorite Valentine’s sweeties!

Who’s Your Brambletine?

Who’s Your Brambletine photo contest returns this year with a $100 Brambleton Town Center gift at stake. Show off your Valentine sweetie by uploading their photo to Facebook or Instagram and tag it using #Brambletine. Contest runs February 1-14.

 

Van Metre Run 5-Mile Run: Saturday, April 1, 2017

Van Metre Companies’ Annual 5 Mile Run benefiting Children’s National Health System will celebrate its silver anniversary on Saturday, April 1, in Ashburn, Virginia.  As a spring staple in the Broadlands community, this event has annually seen over 500 participants from across the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan area, who, in conjunction with numerous race supporters and sponsors alike, have set a goal of over $150,000 in contributions each year.

The 25th Annual 5 Mile Run will follow its classic format, using a ChronoTrack race timing system with a disposable D-tag on a USATF certified course.  Participants will include competitive runners, weekend and occasional joggers, walkers with strollers, and even pets!  New for 2017, the category of “Virtual Runner” will be available for participants who are unable to attend the April 1st event, allowing for individuals to continue their support of Van Metre’s great cause by enabling them to run from any remote location across the world!  Cash & door prizes, face painting and a post-race party will also add to the event’s fun.  Sign up for the race and take advantage of early bird price savings before January 31. Be sure to join us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram.


Healthy Living Corner

Staying Fit and Focused with MyBramHealth

Brambleton has challenged residents to remain focused on long term wellness with a new amenity, MyBramHealth.com. This website is a first-of-its-kind, community-based platform that provides residents with the opportunity to discover and become the best version of themselves, offering personalized recommendations, expert insights and motivating programs to help them live their healthiest lives. The website even includes an insightful RealAge® Test – find the true age of the body you’re living in!

As part of MyBramHealth, eight teams participated in a “Healthy for the Holidays” challenge last November, a four week challenge to see which team could log the most steps.  Altogether, there were over 100 Brambleton residents and employees competing in the challenge, and participants collectively logged over 27.5 million steps! Team leaders rallied everyone to move more while famed nutritionist and cookbook author, Frances Largeman-Roth, hosted Facebook LIVE chats with advice on healthy cooking and eating.

Congratulations to the winning team, “Restart Your Health, Bram,” which consisted of a husband and wife dynamic duo, Steve and Julianne Benson.

“Steven and I took the challenge very seriously.  We are huge walkers and bikers anyway, but now we “stepped” it up!  As newcomers to Brambleton, we love exploring  – either on wheels or walking.  Brambleton has such great walking paths and we so enjoy walking the ponds and exploring the new neighborhoods. We love to eat healthy (I am a Nutritional Therapist) and we understand how exercise and nutrition go hand-in-hand.  I Hope others were also inspired to “step up” to the challenge and notice the difference exercise makes.  We hope everyone has a healthy and happy New Year!  2017 looks bright!” -Julianne Benson

Stay tuned for the next challenge to get residents focused on improving their overall health!


Area News

Brambleton Middle School News: Shakes with the Principal, Jan 25

Drop in and treat yourself to a specialty shake and/or lunch at our favorite neighborhood 50’s diner, Johnny Rockets in Brambleton on Wednesday, January 25th! Good food and good company will be on the menu when you stop by to visit with Principal Dawson.

Beaverdam Reservoir Renovation Project Update

Great news for Brambleton residents:  another park is being planned along our borders!  Water access to Beaverdam Reservoir was temporarily closed in 2016 (no fishing, boating, paddling or other water activities permitted); however, marked trails remain open to the public daily from dawn to dusk.  The reservoir is scheduled to reopen permanently in 2019.  In the meantime, Loudoun Water and NOVA Parks are collaborating to open an adjacent park, complete with docks, a boardwalk, a pavilion, several shelter houses, walking paths and and 8-mile hiking trail circling the reservoir.  Reservoir Park would be situated behind the baseball fields at the intersection where Belmont Ridge turns as it meets Northstar. It would include 200 parking places and facilities for area rowing groups, including several high school rowing clubs, that use the reservoir for practice.

Metrorail on Track – Silver Line Progress Steady

Excerpt from January 2017 Dulles Corridor Metrorail Project Newsletter
Construction of Phase 2 of the Silver Line is moving steadily along, according to rail project officials. In recent weeks, Capital Rail Constructors, the project’s design-­build contractor, has reported significant progress on the aerial guideways that will carry the tracks through Washington Dulles International Airport.

According to John Kearney, project manager/construction manager of the rail project for the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority which is building the Silver line, the girders to support the future rail station at the airport are being put in along with station framing precast. And only 47 of the girders to support the aerial tracks are still to be made. Construction of the future Ashburn Station, at the end of the Phase 2 alignment, has ramped up.

Ashburn Job Growth Projected – Business Insider Article

Housing Shortage Projected – Loudoun Tribune Article

Brambleton Gas Station – The Burn Article

Brambleton Library – The Burn Article