BRAMBLETON BUZZ: LATEST NEWS & EVENTS IN LOUDOUN COUNTY

News & Events Around Ashburn – August Edition

Posted August 16, 2017

Top News Making Headlines

Brambleton Middle School Opens For Its First School Year!

Loudoun County students headed back to school on Thursday, August 24th, and the 1,100 students at the brand new Brambleton Middle School were greeted by teachers, dance music and pom-poms! Opening day coverage, including an interview with Principal Renee Dawson as well as the welcoming pep rally, was captured on Good Morning Washington by the local ABC news affiliate, WJLA. Brambleton Middle School is Loudoun County’s 90th school to open!

West Park Models Open This Weekend!

Celebrate the grand opening of two new model homes this Saturday in the West Park neighborhood: Miller & Smith’s Aria and Winchester Homes’ Radcliffe. Stop in for tours and light refreshments, and discover the connectedness and accessibility of this neighborhood with its close proximity to schools, pools, parks, trails, the Town Center and much more!

AhSo Plans Fall Opening

A new upscale restaurant will soon be opening its doors in the Brambleton Town Center. Gourmet chef Jason Maddens plans to open AhSo this fall as a place to relax and enjoy inspired food paired with great wine. Taking advantage of the close proximity to the Chesapeake Bay, thousands of acres of fertile agricultural areas and stellar wine-growing conditions, Maddens plans to use locally sourced product whenever possible. The menu will change as often as his creativity and the local supply from land and sea allow! “Like” and follow AhSo’s progress on their Facebook page and website.


Builder & Neighborhood Spotlight

West Park Models Now Open

Choosing a new home in West Park at Brambleton means easy access to amenities like pools, parks, play areas, sports courts and fitness stations, not to mention miles of interconnected trails through the beautiful Loudoun County countryside.  All 3 builders’ models are now open and ready for you to explore.

  • Miller & Smith – DECORATED ARIA MODEL NOW OPEN! Miller & Smith is back in Brambleton’s West Park neighborhood with a new fashioned home design perfect for today’s modern lifestyle. Just a stone’s throw away from fabulous new schools, West Park’s location is hard to top.  This single-family neighborhood is situated just a few minutes west of Brambleton Town Center with all the amenities the award winning community is known for, including 12 kids’ play areas, 5 swimming pools and over 15 miles of walking trails. The Aria offers 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, up to 4,200 sq ft, and is priced from the low $600s. Contact Eric Hansen for more info, 703-327-6601.
  • Van Metre Homes – Located at 23041 Canyon Oak Court, the Carlton is one of two single-family floor plans offered by Van Metre Homes in this the West Park neighborhood. Plans offer 4-6 bedrooms, 2.5-5.5 baths, 2-car garages, up to 3,120 square feet and are priced from the mid $600s. Contact Ann Carroll for more information, 703-764-5481.
  • Winchester Homes – GRAND OPENING OF ALL NEW RADCLIFFE MODEL AUGUST 26, 11 AM – 4 PM! Winchester is proud to offer first-of-their-kind home designs in West Park at Brambleton. These brick-front homes feature front-load garages and flexible floor plans. Sought-after homesites give you easy access to all of Brambleton’s amenities. Two plans are available, the York and Radcliffe, each with 4-6 bedrooms and up to 5,000 square feet of finished living space. The designs are available on select homesites, close to community amenities, and priced from the low $700’s. Visit the Radcliffe model at 23033 Canyon Oak Court or contact Heather Moesle at 703-542-7223.
Downtown Brambleton – Now Selling!

Make your move Downtown! This trendy new neighborhood features townhomes with modern designs and indoor/outdoor living. Fancy a rooftop terrace? How about an elevator to take you there? An urban experience awaits in these Knutson, Miller & Smith and Van Metre townhomes, all within walking distance to Brambleton’s Town Center. Connected. Modern. Walkable. Welcome to downtown living!Knutson Rooftop Terrace Brambleton Town Center

  •  – “Open Your Walls to the Outdoors!” Views included and good times guaranteed on your private rooftop terrace. Knutson at Downtown Brambleton boasts style and sophistication, inside and out. As an extension of your living space, you’ll love having an outdoor area to lounge, entertain and enjoy the warm weather. Not to mention the front row seat to all of Brambleton’s concerts and events. Visit the Luna model to discover the Knutson difference reshaping Loudoun County. Priced from the low $600s, model located at 42389 Willow Creek Way. Contact Joanne Fisher, 703-665-1234.
  • Miller & Smith – “Introducing the Sunnier Side of Modern.” Unveiling modern designs with fabulous indoor/outdoor spaces seamlessly integrated throughout. Six stunning new homes have been designed exclusively for Brambleton with an innovative mix of posh spaces for entertaining and private spaces for unwinding. Modern brick facades featuring black windows and distinctive architectural details created especially for this area. Priced from the low $500s to mid $600s. Visit the Tatton model located at 42310 Porter Ridge Terrace. Five new models opening September 9! Contact AnnTrisha Ramrattan or Jennifer Liwanag for additional information, 703-327-0080.
  • Van Metre – “Move In And Go To Town!” City living takes on a whole new meaning at Downtown Brambleton. These contemporary townhomes feature brick and concrete exteriors. Dramatic, industrial-inspired windows set the scene for elegant, open interiors. Close proximity to the shops and restaurants of Brambleton Town Center allow you to leave your car in the garage, and step out. Walk to great parks, coffee shops, the movies, or the neighborhood gym. Then come home to your private rooftop terrace, or your relaxing view of the lake. At Downtown Brambleton, you’ll never run out of things to do. Take advantage of special pre-model pricing of these 4-story townhomes from the $500s. Now booking appointments for model home hard hat tours! Schedule by calling 703-764-5415. Visit the sales center located at 22855 Brambleton Plaza, #108. Contact Ernie Kyger or Grace Strother.
Helpful Resources

For a complete list of all new homes available in Brambleton, check out www.brambleton.com/findyournewhome.


Save The Dates For Model Home Grand Openings & Tours 

Fall is the time of year for fun weekends of apple picking, festivals, planning your Halloween costume and… house hunting! If design-gazing is a day well spent, then we’ve got good news, Brambleton will soon have 13 new model homes for you to tour! Mark your calendars for these upcoming openings and events!
  • August 26: Winchester Homes’ Radcliffe model grand opening in West Park, 11 AM – 4 PM
  • September 9: Miller & Smith Garden District Model Openings, Downtown Brambleton,
  • September 26: Realtor Sneak Peek Luncheon, 11 AM – 1 PM. Realtor friends, plan to tour all the new model homes, hear the latest development news, enter to win door prizes and enjoy a special lunch provided by the newest Brambleton Town Center tenant, AhSo Restaurant! Receive your special invitation from our website by simply checking the “I’m a Realtor” box and leaving your e.mail address.
  • September 30 & October 1: Fall Model Home Tour. Visit 13 model homes Saturday and Sunday, September 30 & October 1. Begin your tour at our Welcome Center and receive a map and giveaway to get your day started off just right. Light refreshments will be available.

Community News

Ribbon Cutting Date Set For Loudoun County Parkway

The Loudoun County Parkway is set to open through Brambleton on September 6, creating a major link between Route 7 to the north and Route 50 to the south. The opening of this road extension will also bring the operation of new traffic signals at these intersections:

  • Creighton Road
  • Shreveport Drive
  • Route 606 (northbound 606 traffic will have a ramp that bypasses the stoplights)
Brambleton’s Runner-Friendly Community Status Renewed 

In 2012 Brambleton was designated a Runner-Friendly Community by the Road Runners Club of America (RRCA). RRCA has recently renewed Brambleton’s status, thanks in part to over 15 miles of paved trails that meander through the neighborhoods, connecting residents to an array of community parks and amenities. Discover the trails on your own or by joining an organized walk, run or bike ride!

Weekly Trail Runs & Bike Rides

  • Tuesdays: Rhino Chasers Run Club, 6 PM
    Meet at Lost Rhino Retreat every Tuesday at 6 PM (weather permitting). Go for an organized run, then meet back at the Retreat for drinks, food, and camaraderie with fellow run and beer enthusiasts. All paces and ages welcome for the run.
  • Wednesdays: Bicycle Outfitters’ Family Bike Rides, 6 PM
    Set out to discover Brambleton’s trails with a family bike ride led by the staff at Bicycle Outfitters. Meet at their Brambleton store on Wednesdays at 5:45 PM with your family, bikes & helmets for all. And don’t forget a water bottle! The ride will start promptly at 6 PM. Call the store for more details: 703-327-3222.
  • Fridays: Bike & Brew, 6 PM
    This one hour bike ride begins at Bicycle Outfitters where you’ll be led along 8-10 miles of Brambleton’s trails, and ends at Lost Rhino Retreat. Riders of all levels welcome, helmets required.
  • Brambleton Road Runners is a non-profit club affiliated with the Road Runners Club of America. The Club was founded in November 2012 by local residents to promote and encourage distance running in the community and surrounding communities as a sport to get fit, stay fit, improve one’s health, and physical and mental well-being. Toward those goals, BRR holds weekly group runs to encourage and motivate athletes at all levels, provides information and clinics on running, holds social events to encourage camaraderie, and voluntarily serves the community.

Race Brambleton Series

Race Brambleton Events are Year Round

The Race Brambleton Series was inspired by the many runners in the community who make use of the trails. It began in 2013 with the idea of promoting several family-friendly events throughout the year to include 5Ks, 10Ks and even a Kids’ Triathlon, while proceeds from all the races will directly benefit one or more local organizations. In addition, the series promotes a Triple Crown Finisher medal, which is custom-made each year and is awarded to participants who complete at least three races in the series. There’s still time to get your Triple Crown with this year’s remaining races:

  • Two By Four Race Against Childhood & Canine Cancers – Registration is now open for this inaugural race to be held on Sunday, October 1st in the Brambleton Town Center. Your involvement will help to further critical research that can move the needle towards better medicines and a cure. 100% of net proceeds will go to support the work of the Canines-N-Kids Foundation and Smashing Walnuts Foundation in their missions to fight cancer in our most vulnerable populations – children and man’s best friend.
  • Zombie Run – October 28, 5:30-9 PM. In this slightly scary timed 5k race, you can race through our tunnels and trails dodging zombies, or live out your nightmares of being a zombie and chase runners while you try and eat their brains (or flags in this case). Registration is now open and includes an event t-shirt, race bib, finisher’s medal stating “infected” or “survivor,” plus an invite to the after party at Lost Rhino Retreat!
  • Lace Up For Learning – Saturday, November 11th. Register today for this family-oriented fundraising event designed to encourage a healthy lifestyle and engage local communities in support of their schools. Race benefits Brambleton’s schools – the more people who run for a school, the more money the school gets!

Town Center News

Catch up on this month’s news & events in the latest edition of the Brambleton Town Center Newsletter. Copies are available for pick up in the Welcome Center.

Congratulations Are In Order

Brambleton Best Residential COmmunity Winner

The votes are in! PoshSEVEN readers voted for their favorite Northern Virginia businesses in the Best of Suburbia 2017 Survey, and these Brambleton Town Center stand-outs were voted TOPS in their categories:

The Brambleton Town Center won the Editor’s Choice for BEST PLACE FOR FAMILIES ON FRIDAY NIGHT!

Check out all the winners of the Best of Suburbia 2017 Survey in the August edition of
PoshSEVEN magazine, available on newsstands now!

Mark Your Calendars

Friday, August 25 – Last day for Peet’s beverage BOGO deal (buy one, get one free), 1-3 PM. No coupon required.

Tuesday, September 5 – Library storytime returns to the Community Center at 42645 Regal Wood Drive, 10 AM.

August 31:  Wrap up summer with FREE Chips & Queso at the Brambleton Town Center California Tortilla!

September 16: Lost Rhino’s RhinO’fest – Join us for our RhinO’fest 2017 beer festival from 12-6 PM hosted by Lost Rhino Brewing Co. and Lost Rhino Retreat in the Brambleton Town Center. We’ll be tapping our Gold Medal winning RhinO’fest Märzen Lager for the season as well as featuring various tents with unique beers from our Genius Loci sour beer series and beers that have been brewed in-house at Lost Rhino Retreat. Live music, kid and family-friendly activities, plus local food vendors and authentic German-style fare! Free admission, food and drink tickets available for purchase on site.

Verizon Wireless Anticipates an October 2017 Opening

InSight Eye Optique News
  • Dr. Jill Bierweiler has been a wonderful part of our practice for the past three years; however, she will be leaving the InSight Eye Optique family this August to spend more time at home with her own growing family. She will continue to have appointments available on Saturdays throughout the year, so please ask about availability. Dr. Meera looks forward to continuing to provide excellent care for all of our patients. We truly appreciate your understanding and support as we implement these changes. We look forward to seeing you soon and taking care of the eye care needs of you and your family!
  • Effective Monday, August 21, InSight’s new hours will be Monday – Friday, 9 AM – 6 PM, and Saturday, 9 AM – 3 PM. Weekday optical hours may be available after 6 PM by appointment only, so please don’t hesitate to ask! Call us at 703-962-1010.
Costa Cares Supports The Step Sisters

After pledging to donate to the Step Sisters for every Washington Capitals win during the 2016-17 season, the Costa Cares program recently donated $7,100 to the organization whose mission is to improve the quality of life for those impacted by breast cancer.

Help Wanted

Work close to home with a job at the Brambleton Town Center. See page 7 of the August Brambleton Town Center newsletter to learn which positions are available.


School & Area News

“Principal of Loudoun’s newest school talks about building a community”
By Jim Barnes | The Washington Post | August 21, 2017

Renée Dawson, a 16-year veteran of Loudoun County public schools, will be at the helm when the newest one, Brambleton Middle School in Ashburn, opens Thursday with 1,124 students. A native of Charles Town, W.Va., the first-time principal taught French and Spanish before moving into an administrative role. She was on the staff for the opening of Harper Park and Smart’s Mill middle schools, and most recently was an assistant principal at Woodgrove High School. Dawson, who has degrees from Eastern Kentucky and Shenandoah universities, is working on a doctorate in educational leadership. We recently met with Dawson to discuss the opening of the school. Read on for excerpts from that conversation.

Independence High School — Opening Fall 2019

Independence High School received funding in Fiscal Year 2017, and will open at the start of the 2019-20 academic year. The high school will be built using the protypical two-story high school design. The estimated 282,064 square foot building will serve students in grades 9 through 12. With an anticipated program capacity of 1,800, the high school will include classrooms, a media center, cafeteria, auditorium, gymnasium, auxiliary gymnasium, outdoor physical education fields and other associated spaces to support the high school program. Independence High School will be located on a proffered site within the Brambleton development and co-located with Brambleton Middle School/MS 9 in the Dulles North Planning District.

From the office of Supervisor Tony Buffington

Stay in-the-know on news and events affecting Loudoun County by subscribing to Supervisor Tony Buffington’s Blue Ridge District Newsletter.

Twenty-Four of the Fastest-Growing U.S. Companies are in Loudoun County

By Loudoun Economic Development | August 18, 2017

Inc. has released its 2017 list of the 5000 fastest-growing companies in America, and 24 of them are in Loudoun County, Virginia. “These companies have contributed to the Bureau of Labor Statistics naming Loudoun #3 in job growth in the U.S.,” said Loudoun Economic Development’s Executive Director, Buddy Rizer. Congratulations to the full list of winners.


Upcoming Area Events

August 26: StoneSprings Hospital Center’s Pediatric Emergency Room Grand Opening

Celebrate the grand opening of StoneSprings Hospital Center’s Pediatric ER on Saturday, August 26th from 10 AM – 2 PM. The Open House will include fun for the whole family with activities and entertainment, food and refreshments. Bring the kids dressed as their favorite superhero! Learn more on their Facebook Events page.

  • Superhero Meet and Greet
  • Face Painting
  • Caricatures
  • Teddy Bear Clinic
  • Ambulance, Fire Truck and Helicopter Tours

Find detailed info on more Community events and specials online.

September 6: Coffee & Conversation

StoneSprings Hospital Center is pleased to host a monthly “Coffee & Conversation” discussion group. Each month, join the conversation with a community healthcare provider to learn more about healthcare topics that matter to you. In September, orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Rahman Kandil, will discuss health and injury prevention in the young athlete. There is no cost to attend but registration is required. Register by calling 855-226-7344. This event will be held on Sept 6 from 7-8 PM at Mug ‘n Muffin in the Stone Ridge Village Center.


Healthy Living

Restart Your Health

Julianne Benson, Certified Nutritional Therapy Consultant and winner of the MyBramHealth Challenge, is hosting a 5-week “Restart Your Health” class September 11 – October 9. Participants will meet on Mondays at 6:30 PM at the Brambleton Community Center. Registration is now open.