Rosemarie Linder, CMCA, AMS, PCAM –
Director of Administration & Services, Brambleton Community Association
We caught up with residents Chris & Adrianne Cook to find out about their Brambleton experiences and what motivates them as active volunteers.
How long have you lived in Brambleton? We have owned our home in Brambleton since Halloween of 2013, so almost 4 years!
What prompted you to choose Brambleton? Our previous home was in a neighborhood where the majority of the kids were older (high school age). We wanted our daughter, Sarah, to grow up where there were lots of younger kids around her age. We also were looking for a close-knit community for ourselves. Brambleton has been a perfect fit for us!
What experience or motivating factor compelled you to begin volunteering in the community? Adrianne: I’ve grown up volunteering, including being a sustaining member of the Junior League of Northern Virginia. Once our daughter was born, I wanted to find volunteer opportunities closer to home and ones that involved her, so my volunteer activities in the community include the Girl Scouts and the new Brambleton Library that is currently under construction.
Chris: I enjoy being able to contribute to the betterment of the community through action (not just words) and seeing the positive effect is the motivating factor for me. Volunteering my time on the Brambleton Covenants committee works towards fulfilling this goal. Volunteering in the community has also given me great insight into all the hard work that occurs behind the scenes by our HOA staff to make Brambleton a great community.
What have you learned through volunteering in Brambleton? The people in this community are amazing!
What would you suggest to someone considering living/working/ volunteering in Brambleton? Chris: If you want to fully be a part of the Brambleton community, I highly recommend joining an HOA committee or volunteering at a community event – you will form everlasting friendships and gain invaluable insight into what makes Brambleton a great place to live.
What is your favorite community event? We love the fun runs that Brambleton sponsors– who doesn’t love exploring their neighborhood? We also love Red White and Bram – it’s a great family event to bring all your friends and neighbors together!
What aspects of living/working/ volunteering in Brambleton do you enjoy the most? We love the sense of community. Our daughter just started at Legacy, and even though the school has over a thousand kids, it feels like a small town school. And, inevitably, anyone you start talking to knows someone you know. We also enjoy our church community that we found right here in Brambleton (Brambleton Presbyterian Church).
Do you have any Brambleton “insider” tips can you share? Definitely try and attend some community events like Red White and Bram, Brew Fest, and comedy night. Also try and keep up with the Brambleton HOA official Facebook page for community announcements, but also join the “non HOA” Brambleton Facebook (i.e. b_informed or b_resourceful) groups, if for no other reason, to keep in touch on what occurs around the neighborhood.
Do you have a favorite Brambleton spot? Where and why? Our daughter loves Legacy Park and the Stratford Landing kid pool.
Adrianne: I’m partial to Peet’s– amazing coffee.
Chris: Trails around the lakes/ponds are peaceful.
What is your guilty pleasure (TV show, sweet treat, technology, etc.)? Chris: New technology is my hobby. I love being among the first to try new gadgets and technologies such as new home automation tools or WiFi technologies. My friends love my tech garage sales….
What is your favorite app or social media outlet? Adrianne: I’m addicted to Facebook.
