BRAMBLETON BUZZ: LATEST NEWS & EVENTS IN LOUDOUN COUNTY

What’s Trending in Brambleton – March Edition

Posted March 17, 2016

Brambleton’s 2016 Healthy Living Initiative is in full swing!

The Brambleton Group’s Healthy Initiative is well underway with the ArmorUp 30-Day Fitness Challenge.  Feel free to join in on the Facebook Group page here if you have some health tips to share. It’s not too late to start your health journey either, we have created a playlist on our Youtube Channel that will guide you in the right direction to a healthier YOU! Below is a clip of the first ArmorUp Workout Challenge video we shared!

SAVE THE DATE – Brambleton’s Inaugural Health Expo on May 1st!

The Brambleton Group is on a mission to make our community – and all of Loudoun County – the healthiest it’s ever been!  But we can’t do it alone – we need your help to educate and inform our residents at the first-ever Brambleton Healthy Living Expo on Sunday, May 1st from 10 AM to 2 PM.  This event will take place in the Brambleton Town Center and will be held concurrently with the opening day of the Brambleton Farmers’ Market.  The event is FREE and open to the public.

We are looking for vendors to promote the many dimensions of well-being: i.e., physical, emotional, social, financial, environmental, etc.  There are over 4,500 homes in Brambleton and our residents love a community gathering.  All of their homes are located within an easy walk to the Brambleton Town Center – that’s over 15,000 potential customers to showcase your product or service!  

Won’t you join us?  To learn more and become a Healthy Living Expo sponsor, please contact the Brambleton Marketing department at 703-542-2925 or email bramtowncenter@gmail.com.

volunteer-in-loudoun

Humans of Brambleton – Karen Catella

LoCo’s Top Volunteer Is Your Neighbor by Sonya Farrell, BCA Communications Coordinator

Informal survey: how many volunteer hours did you log last week? Last month? Last year? Last 31 years?

For Karen Catella, the answer would be way too many to count. The long-time Brambleton resident and recent Bev Barker Award recipient has dedicated thousands of hours of her time to various causes.  Let’s see what she had to say about her experiences and ways for others to get involved here.

 

 

 Bands have been booked for Bambleton’s Sizzlin’ Summer Concerts!

Are you as excited about the summer as we are? The bands have been booked so let’s countdown to summer!  These FREE events are located at the Brambleton Town Center. Concerts start at 7:00 PM; gates open at 6:00 PM.  Bring your blankets and chairs, and pack a picnic or grab something delicious from one of our food trucks to enjoy a fun night of music. For more information, please go online.

Dates:
June 23rd:  Delta Spur – Modern Top 40 country

July 7th:  Vinyl Radio – Hits of the 70s
Food Truck:  The Frenchman

July 21st:  Under the Covers
Food Truck:  Union Dog

August 4th:  For The Win – Local party band playing Top 40 hits
Food Truck:  Tailgater Toby

August 18th:  Here’s To The Night – 90’s tribute band
Food Truck:  Conway BBQ

Akridge out as Brambleton developer assembles big chunk of Silver Line corridor 

The developer behind the massive Brambleton planned community has assembled 160 prime acres on Loudoun County’s Silver Line corridor that it will seek to redevelop as a transit-oriented project. And it will go it alone.

Detroit-based Soave Enterprises has asked Loudoun County planners for a meeting to discuss the imminent rezoning of vacant land fronting the south side of the Dulles Greenway, on either side of the Loudoun County Parkway to a point just north of Centergate Drive. Specific details of its proposal are not yet available, as the application has not been filed.

The site includes 120 acres, owned by Soave, that D.C.-based developer Akridge pitched more than two years ago as the 1.3 million-square-foot Loudoun Parkway Center South. But the Soave-Akridge joint venture has been unwound, and Akridge is out.

Realtors Save the Date: Brambleton’s Spring Realtor Event, March 29th, 12-2PM

SAVE THE DATE! It’s all fun and games at the Brambleton Spring Realtor Event on Tuesday, March 29th from 12-2PM! Prepare to entertain your inner child with our Brambleton-themed games while indulging your taste buds with the crisp taste of Lost Rhino Retreat’s locally-brewed craft beer and food!

Have you heard about Brambleton’s 2016 Healthy Living Initiative?  If you are not yet in our database, please send us your email to brambletoninfo@gmail.com and we will be sure to add you. *realtors only.


Meet Brambleton’s Spotlight Realtor of the Month, Kevin LaRue

A true real estate professional, Kevin has been serving clients in Virginia since 2004 as a top producing Realtor®. Over several successful years, Kevin has been an Award Winning Top Producing Realtor every year that he has been in real estate. Some of his accolades include Top 100 Century 21 Realtor in the United States 2013—2015 & Top 5 Individual Producer w/ Century 21 in the Mid-Atlantic States.  Kevin’s areas of specialty includes Loudoun, Fairfax & Prince William Counties. Kevin has built his real estate business on 4 principles: exceptional customer service, attention to detail, commitment, and honesty to every one of his clients.

Kevin enjoys walking sellers through the often complicated selling process and ensuring a smooth transition. This experience carries over to his work with buyers, ensuring that they are able to write a competitive contract and secure the home of their dreams at the best possible price!  Kevin approaches each client and situation in a kind and caring fashion, sharing his many years of experience and knowledge of the local market to help his clients to make the best decision for their family.

As a life-long resident of Northern Virginia, Kevin has seen first-hand the tremendous growth in Loudoun, Fairfax and Prince William counties and has watched them turn into wonderful places to live, work, and raise a family.  Kevin was a student of the Loudoun County Public School system and a graduate from Radford University with a Bachelors of Science in Health & Physical Education with a teaching degree.  Kevin owns a home in Ashburn and a few investment properties.  Real estate is not only his job, but his passion.

Visit Kevin’s website to search homes for sale, real estate information and more at www.KEVINLARUE.com.

Development Construction Update

New underpasses at Creighton Road and Northstar are NOW OPEN! Creighton Road extension to Evergreen Mills Road, future tennis courts and the new Madison’s Trust Elementary school are still under construction. For more information on our 2020 Vision, please visit our website here and for more construction photos, please go to our album on Facebook. The Loudoun County Government handbook on the latest transportation projects can be viewed here. Madison’s Trust Elementary boundary information can be found here.

Madison’s Trust Elementary has chosen their Mascot – the Mighty Macaws!
Follow their latest news on Twitter @MadisonsTrust16

Run (or Walk) for a Reason at the 9th Annual Ribbon Run!

The 9th annual Step Sisters’ Ribbon Run/Walk on Saturday, April 16, 2016 will bring together runners and walkers from the Brambleton community and beyond, united in an effort to support the Step Sisters’ mission to improve the quality of life for those impacted by breast cancer by funding needed support services in Loudoun County and the surrounding community.

Our new 5k course will minimize roads and wind through the scenic pathways of Brambleton. This award-winning event will also include a post-race “Grab-n-Go” breakfast catered by Blue Ridge Grill.

Every year, we see them – teams dressed in matching t-shirts or even tutus, holding signs or holding hands. But rarely are we privileged to get to know the powerful stories behind each team. We invite you to learn a little about some of our Ribbon Run teams that have formed so far by visiting: www.StepSisters.org/Teams

Grab a coworker, friend or neighbor. Form a team. Spread the word. Running for a cause is better together. Take things a step further and fundraise for the Step Sisters. Our top two fundraising teams receive:

• Team photo at Ribbon Run
• VIP Packet Pick-Up (organized for simple, one-person pick up)
• Special event shirts with “Top Fundraiser” on the sleeve
• Feature article in Step Sisters’ newsletter and on our website
• Recognition and trophy at Ribbon Run awards program

For more event details, or to sign-up, go to: www.StepSistersRibbonRun.com Registrants signed-up by March 16th will also be guaranteed a performance race shirt. Use coupon code BRAMTREND16 and save $3 off 5k registration before March 24th.

Town Center Tidbits
  • This Month’s Spotlight Tenant: Eclips Salon & Day Spa Take The Spotlight in March.  Read all about the Eclips styling team in the Brambleton Town Center’s March Newsletter. Stop by the Welcome Center and enter your name into a drawing for a free cut and color from Eclips Salon. For more information please visit Eclips on Facebook!
  • NVO Has Expanded –  Northern Virginia Orthodontics and the NVO Center for Invisalign are thrilled to announce that we’ve expanded our office to make your treatment experience even more incredible! Our adult patients will now enjoy a separate entrance and waiting room as well as additional private treatment rooms that will offer more convenient appointment times. We love our patients a latte, so we’ve also opened a Starbucks® Café that will serve free beverages to our patients! Come see why we’re named Top Orthodontist by Washingtonian and Northern Virginia Magazines.  Visit www.nvorthodontics.com or call 703-327-1718 for more information.
  • Lost Rhino Retreat is proud to announce the launch of our new, locally inspired menu!! Some new favorite additions are a hand cut ribeye and a Bourbon pork chop. Come join us for dinner and try out our new menu items! We launched our partnership with Murlarkey Spirits this past Friday night. Come try one of our 5 new tasty Lost Rhino Retreat Local Cocktail Creations! http://lostrhinoretreat.com/we-now/
  • Basketball Clinic at Sport&Health – Starts March 14th.  For ages 6-10, this six-week clinic is suitable for all levels.  Children will learn the fundamentals of dribbling, passing, shooting, and team building activities.  We’ll so review foot work and speed drills all while playing and having fun. 
  • Hot off the Press:The Brambleton Town Center Newsletter is now available. Read more on Brambleton’s Healthy Living Initiative, The Eclips Styling Team, and exciting news on the 9th Annual Step Sisters Ribbon Run.  All that and more in this month’s newsletter.

Did you know the Brambleton Town Center is EXPANDING?

Brambleton Sport & Health, Northern Virginia Orthodontics, A&A Music, Little Smiles & Costa Family Dentistry are all expanding.
Here is NVO’s expansion which includes a Starbucks Cafe’ to serve complimentary beverages to their patients – latte anyone?

 

Builder Buzz

  • Home of the Week: Miller and Smith’s The Delancy – $524,990*, Homesite 3953. Price reduced $30k on this award-winning home and ready for immediate move-in!  The loft-inspired main level features a spacious dining room and a Top Chef kitchen that is complete with espresso cabinets with custom chimney hood, huge island with corian countertops, and stainless steel appliances.  The kitchen flows into the spacious great room that features a gas fireplace with striking tile surround, and huge sliding glass door that fills this main level with natural light.  Just off the great room is a fabulous rooftop terrace with an outdoor gas fireplace that overlooks the open-space park!  Upstairs you’ll find a master suite with two walk-in closets and luxury master bath with huge shower with frameless shower doors and upgraded ceramic tile.  The upper level also has two additional bedrooms.  The lower level has a large rec room, a library, and additional full bath.  This home has beautiful hardwood floors on the entire main and lower levels.  This incredible model home is filled with designer touches and custom finishes including: built-ins, wall coverings, moundings and trim, window treatments, and light fixtures.  This high-style model home is move-in ready!  Contact Debora Flora at 703.327.0736
  • Coming Soon: The Berkshire Collection at Brambleton by Van Metre Homes at 23517 Epperson Square, Brambleton, VA 20148. The Berkshire collection at Brambleton feature 4-level townhomes with 4,000+ square feet of living space, roof top terraces and optional elevators. Modern brick façades give way to light-filled, open spaces and upscale finishes.  The Berkshire Townhomes live like a single-family home but feature a low-maintenance lifestyle providing more free time to take advantage of the incredible amenities, community events and sense of camaraderie that are all just steps from the front door. Contact Brooks Sears for more information at bsears@vanmetrehomes.com.
  • Experience downtown living with Knutson‘s new townhomes in Brambleton, coming this Spring. Join their VIP list today: www.LiveDowntownBrambleton.com.  Sales Center Update: Anticipate opening in April, installation of the displays will be the first /second week of April then final touches.

Single-Family Homes:

  • The average base price of single-families in Brambleton = $688,320* (same as last month)
  • The average price of single-family homes has increased 5.9% over the past year (since March ’15).
  • Our two builders (Winchester & Van Metre) currently have 37 single-families in remaining inventory.

Town Homes:

  • The average base price of all townhomes in Brambleton = $476,603*
  • This represents a 0.3% decrease from last month, and 0.7% increase over this same time last year (March ’15).
  • Our builders currently have a total of 181 townhomes in inventory.

Brambleton Sales

2016 YTD Sales = 65

  • 2016 Year-to-Date single-family home sales = 10
  • 2016 Year-to-Date townhome sales = 55

PTD Sales = 4,963

  • Project-to-Date single-family home sales = 2,028
  • Project-to-Date townhome sales = 2,136
  • Project-to-Date condo sales = 799

*New contracts only, prices, terms, conditions subject to change

New Home Information Packet: www.issuu.com/brambleton
Model Home Map: www.issuu.com/brambleton
Brambleton’s Builder Model Home Video Tours can be viewed on our Youtube Playlist here.
Need a new home now? View a list of Brambleton’s Quick Delivery homes here.

Brambleton Community Association News

March Community 2016 Newsletter – This is the latest monthly community news from the Brambleton Community Association. Click here to view the March Newsletter and click here to view the 2016 New Resident Handbook (iPad friendly). You can also follow their latest news LIVE on Facebook

Advertising with BCA – If you are a business owner in or near Brambleton and would like to grow your business by getting your name in front of more than 4,500 subscribers, please contact Sonya Farrell to inquire about ad space availability in our monthly newsletter and New Resident Handbook. For the first time in years, a full-page space has become available in the Newsletter.  Please contact us today with any questions or to secure your space while it’s still available.

Got books? Our Little Free Library program has proven to be so popular that we need new books to replenish the various stations. If you’re thinking of getting rid of any books that your kids (or you) have outgrown, we’d be happy to help free up some space on your shelves. Stop by the BCA office anytime during normal business hours to drop off your books, or email programs@brambleton.org for more information. Thank you!

3rd Annual Smashing Walnuts Crack the Cure Gala – March 19th, 6:00 PM. Founded by Loudoun’s own Gabriella Miller, Smashing Walnuts exists to cure childhood brain cancer by funding scientific research and clinical trials. Join us for the Shamrock Smash, a memorable evening full of fun for a great cause. More details and ticket sales at www.smashingwalnuts.org.

Seeking Volunteers for Brew FestMay 21st.  That’s right, we’re bringing Brew Fest back!  And we need your help to make it great.  Volunteers will get free admission to the event, t-shirt, sample glass, 6 5oz beer samples (21 and over only), and access to the hospitality tent.  

Registration for Brambleton Bettas Swim Team to Open – March 12th for returning swimmers, April 2nd for new swimmers.  Registration and FAQ’s are available at brambletonswimteam.com.  Cost is $180/swimmer.  All swimmers must be able to complete a length of the pool independently in order to join the team.  There will be no Mini Bettas program in 2016.  For questions, please contact Kelly Nelson at kelly.m.nelson@gmail.com.


Brambleton’s Bluebird and Garden Club

In 2008 the Brambleton Bluebird and Garden Club (BBGC) was created to dedicate volunteer efforts to the establishment and monitoring of the Eastern Bluebirds in our fast growing community of newly constructed homes. We currently now have installed 40+ donated nest boxes scattered around the neighborhood. With addition of the new community and public trails we now have established a true bluebird trail easily accessible by foot and bike. This is great opportunity for families and school groups to participate in our monitoring efforts while still monitoring our established nest boxes. Of note is that many other cavity nest species benefit from our efforts. To date we have successful fledge rates in excess of; Bluebirds (351), Chickadees (30), Tree Swallows (50), and Wrens (5). Our monitor data is complied yearly into a county wide total by the Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy county coordinator 

Brambleton has the 2nd largest monitoring program in Loudoun County with over 1,000 bluebirds being successfully fledged countywide last year.

Upcoming Eventsvirginia is a great place for local brew fests

March 29th     Spring Realtor Event
April 2nd         Bunny Trail*
April 16th        Brambleton Ribbon Run
April 23rd       Lost Rhino Retreat’s Countdown to Summer Beach Party for LLS
April 23rd       Spring Yard Sale
May 1st            Healthy Living Expo
May 15th         Loudoun Lyme Race
May 21st          Brambleton BrewFest

Brambleton’s 2016 event calendar can be found here.

MS-9 Has a Name: Brambleton Middle School

A months-long debate over what to name Loudoun County’s next middle school is finally settled. In a split vote Tuesday the School Board agreed to call it Brambleton Middle School.

The board initially voted last June to name the school after former Virginia House of Delegates Speaker John F. Ryan, following the recommendation of a naming committee. It later reversed its decision after community members brought to light that Ryan might have ushered in racial segregation laws. Their alternate choice, naming the school after Mathias Giordano, a Leesburg student who died of bone cancer in December 2014, was also rejected. The board had concerns about honoring one student but leaving out so many others who have died young.

The naming committee was asked to go back to the drawing board, and seven months later, its members put forward Brambleton Middle School as its final recommendation.  Read more here.

StoneSprings Hospital Center Celebrates First Robotic Surgery

DULLES, VA – Dr. C. Bernard Cross performed the first robotic single site laparoscopic cholecystectomy at StoneSprings Hospital Center. The procedure was performed via the innovative da Vinci® Surgical System removing the patient’s gallbladder.

“Typically this surgery has been most commonly performed laparoscopically with several incision sites,” said Dr. Cross. But with the advancement of technology using the robotic-assisted method, can now be performed laparoscopically using only one incision through which specialized instruments are used to perform the same surgery. This allows for more precision during the surgery and faster recovery for the patient.

“We’re excited to offer this technology to our patients,” says Mark Rader, CEO of StoneSprings Hospital Center. “The ability to replace open procedures with minimally invasive ones means we can provide our patients with better clinical outcomes so they can return to their active lifestyles more quickly.”

 

Silver Line Comprehensive Plan Amendment – March 17, 2016

The Loudoun County Board of Supervisors is expected to consider the Transportation and Land Use Committee’s recommendation on Thursday, March 17, 2016 at its business meeting which is scheduled to begin at 5:00 p.m. in the Board Room on the first floor of the Loudoun County Government Center. 1 Harrison Street, S.E., in Leesburg. The meeting will be televised on Comcast Government Channel 23, Open Band Channel 40, and Verizon FiOS Channel 40. It will also be available for viewing through the Loudoun County webcast system

The county continues to prepare for the arrival of rail service and the opening of two Loudoun County Metro stations, Loudoun Gateway (formerly known as Route 606) and Ashburn (formerly known as Route 772).  Service to the Loudoun Gateway and Ashburn Stations is expected to begin in 2020. To keep up to date on the project, visit: www.loudoun.gov/dullesrail. Learn more about the Silver Line: www.dullesmetro.com