Sycamore Hill Newsletter October 2015

7 Other Things to Do

with a Pumpkin

Bright Idea Traditional votives don’t hold a candle to these ambient pumpkin lights. Carve a miniature pumpkin and scoop out the seeds. Then, add a wick and melted wax to create your own rustic candle. For an even easier version, cut a hole in the pumpkin just big enough for a tea light that will lend a warm and cozy ambiance to a crisp, autumn night.

Soup’s On Most pumpkins become an empty shell of their former selves once the pulp is removed—but not this pumpkin serving bowl! Slice off the top of a pumpkin, scoop out the flesh and seeds, and fill the shells with your favorite soup (get a tempting recipe here). Your dinner guests will be tricked into a treat when they lift the lids on these unconventional tureens.

Chilling Out A DIY pumpkin cooler will give your festive drinks the chills. Carve out the seeds and pulp of a pumpkin to make room for a large glass bowl filled with ice cubes, soda cans, or wine bottles. Alternatively, use the pumpkin as a punch bowl that’s sure to be the star of your next party.

Fabled Table If you thought decorative gourds couldn't get any better, take a look at these gold-dipped pumpkins that can lend glamour to dining tables or end tables. White mini pumpkins dipped in a pan of gold acrylic paint (or taped and spray painted) create a magical tableau that you'll be proud to display at family dinners.

Mum-kin Patch Mum’s the word on this pro tip for a beautiful and low-maintenance fall planter. Place a mum or other plant, still in its plastic nursery pot, into a dry, hollowed-out pumpkin.

October 2015

Volume 15, Issue 10

Inside This Issue

1 7 Things to do with a Pumpkin

2 Annual HOA Meeting

3 Keep it Clean

3 Fall Yard Sale

4 Clean Windows Like a Pro

6 Community Project

7 Free Things to do

10 October Recipes

12 Kids Corner

13 Word Search

Sycamore Hill HOA

Kim Spiegel

402 Ginkgo Terrace NE,

Leesburg, VA 20176

Sycamore Hill Newsletter October 2015

(Keeping the plant in its plastic container will prevent the inside of the pumpkin from rotting as a result of direct soil exposure.) For an extra-special touch, adorn the planter with raffia, moss, or a vivid satin ribbon.

Dressed-Up Address

A spare moment and a pumpkin are all you need to provoke the envy of your neighbors with this house number pumpkin. Print out your address in a whimsical font before stenciling it onto a large, painted pumpkin. Color in the numbers with a Sharpie to make a bold statement on your front porch. To prevent ink runoff, ensure that the pumpkin is free of moisture before you get to work.

Name Calling

What’s in a name? In the case of these pretty place card holders, the name is celebrated by miniature pumpkins and a charming, personal touch. Make your kith and kin feel right at home with their own customized pumpkins, embellished with gold leaf.

Around each pumpkin's stem, tie a satin ribbon that has been thoughtfully emblazoned with a guest's name in metallic paint pen.

2015 Annual

Homeowners

Association Meeting

Where: J.W. Tolbert Elementary

School

When: Monday, October 19, 2015

Registration: 6:30 p.m.

Meeting time: 7:00 p.m.

Please join us for our

upcoming Annual Homeowners

Association Meeting. See what

has happened in 2015 and what

to expect in 2016.

Hope to see you there!

Sycamore Hill Newsletter October 2015

TRASH CANS/RECYCLING BINS

If you have a trash can or recycling bin and use it

on trash collection days, please do not store in

open view (i.e. in your driveway, in front of your

home) on non-trash collection days.

Please make arrangements to put your trash can

and recycling bin away out of open view.

TRASH CONTAINERS

The HOA Policy Resolution #1, Section K (Trash

cans and Recycling bins) states “Trash cans and

recycling bins must be stored out of sight. Trash

cans and recycling bins must be removed from the

front curb following emptying and are never to be

stored in front of the house or remain in public

view on non-collection days”.

Please take the time to place your trash can or

recycling bin in front of your home at the curb and

not your neighbors.

Also, please remember to pick-up your trash can

or recycling bin in a timely manner as it does not

remain in front of your home or on the common

element.

If you have any

questions

regarding this

information,

please contact the

onsite HOA office

at 703-669-2969.

Pet Pickup

When taking your dog out for a stroll through the

community, please keep in mind that your

neighbors are trying to keep their grass green,

mowed and their properties tidy. This includes not

having to clean up PET FECES from dogs they

DON’T own.

Also remember to clean up after your pet when

walking thru the common areas in the community.

I have noticed when out doing lawn inspections,

that obviously there are folks not picking up after

their pets. It is a common courtesy.

BIKES, SCOOTERS,

SKATEBOARDS, BASKETBALL

HOOPS

Please bring these items

inside when not in use.

These are not to be stored

in the front yard. They are

to be stored out of open

view.

Thank you!

Fall Community

Yard Sale Where: Throughout the

community

When: Saturday, October

17, 2015

Time: 8:00 a.m - 2:00 p.m.

Set up your tables outside of your

home and sell your goods. We

will be advertising on Facebook, in

the Leesburg Today, Ashburn

Today, we have two banners that

will be put up. You are more than

welcome to put up signs as long

as you take them back down.

Sycamore Hill Newsletter October 2015

Introduction: How to Clean

Windows Like a Pro

Ideally, windows should be washed twice a year,

but it's a task most people don't look forward to.

Part of what makes window washing such a chore

is that homeowners insist on doing it with wadded-

up paper towels or newspaper, spray cleaner, and

a ton of elbow grease. "All that rubbing isn't a good

idea," says Brent Weingard, owner of Expert

Window Cleaners in New York City. "You're just

moving dirt around from one spot to another and

putting a static charge on the glass, which attracts

dust and dirt. As soon as you finish, the window

looks dirty again."

As Weingard demonstrates, it's easier and more

effective to clean glass like the pros do: with a

squeegee and a few other readily available tools.

The techniques aren't complicated, he says, and

the results may surprise you. "I don't know of

anything that can transform living spaces so well.

You don't know what you're missing until you do

the windows," says Weingard. Here are two 3-step

methods; one for picture windows and another for

multipane windows. Got stubborn spots? Step 7

will help you with those.

Wash with a strip applicator (Picture

Window)

Picture windows call

for large tools. The

long cloth head of a

strip applicator soaks

up a lot of soapy

water and knocks dirt

loose without

scratching the glass.

For a cleaning

solution, Weingard usesjust a squirt of

dishwashing liquid in a bucket of warm water—the

less suds, the better.

Wipe clean with a squeegee (Picture

Window)

Starting at the top left, pull the squeegee over the

soapy pane in a

reverse-S pattern

(left-handers would

start at the top right).

At the end of each

stroke, wipe the

squeegee's blade

clean with a lint-free

rag. Cloth diapers or

old linen napkins are

perfect for this task.

Dry off remaining drips (Picture Window)

Remove any water

remaining on the edges

of the glass with a damp,

wrung-dry chamois,

which soaks up wetness

without leaving streaks.

Dry the windowsill with a

rag.

Customize the squeegee (Multipane)

To clean a divided-light window, you need a

squeegee that fits

the panes.

Weingard uses a

hacksaw to cut one

to size. He trims

the metal channel

¼ inch narrower

than the window

pane, then files the

cut edges smooth.

With a utility knife,

he cuts the rubber

blade to the pane's full width and fits it into the

channel so that it projects 1/8 inch at each end.

Sycamore Hill Newsletter October 2015

Scrub the panes (Multipane)

(Multipane) A handheld sponge or hog-bristle

brush works best on

multipane windows.

Weingard prefers

natural sponges.

"They're firmer and

more absorbent than

synthetics," he says.

Using the same

solution of asquirt

of liquid soap in

water, he rubs each

pane from left to

right, top to bottom, working the sponge edges or

brush bristles into the corners to loosen dirt.

Wipe clean with a squeegee (Multipane)

Pull the squeegee down each pane in a single

stroke from top to

bottom. After each

stroke, clean the blade

with a rag so it doesn't

leave streaks. (If the

squeegee squeaks a lot,

add a bit more soap to

the water.) As above,

remove any streaks on

the glass with a

chamois, and dry the muntins and sill with a rag.

Get rid of stubborn spots

Over time, hard-water runoff from masonry or rain falling through metal window screens leaves stubborn mineral stains on glass that normal washing can't erase. So after a regular cleaning, Weingard wets the glass and gently "supercleans" it either with fine 000 steel wool (if the panes are small) or with the cleansing powders Zud or Barkeeper's Friend, which contain oxalic acid. (Other brands of powder may scratch the glass or fail to remove stains.) He mixes the powder into a paste on a wet towel, rubs away the stains, then rinses and squeegees the glass twice to remove the residue.

Even with that treatment, the staining generally comes back in about six months. To get rid of stains for good, Weingard recommends the

application of 3 Star Barrier Glass Surface Protectant, a clear polymer coating. "After the stains are gone, you just put the coating on with a strip applicator and squeegee it off," he says. Protection against staining is permanent, as long as the polymer is reapplied after each regular cleaning.

Sycamore Hill Newsletter October 2015

COMMUNITY PROJECT

SECOND NOTICE - October 6, 2015

We are set to begin our fall project for re-striping, numbering all parking

spaces along with painting fire lanes.

This will begin on Monday, October 26, 2015 and end on Friday October 30,

2015. All vehicles will need to move out of the designated section for the

assigned day no later than 8:00AM until 5:00PM that day.

I have arranged parking at Fort Evans Plaza located directly across from

Sycamore Hill HOA on Fort Evans Road. You may park in the open parking

areas located in the plaza parking near Bed, Bath and Beyond, Five & Below,

Ashley Home Furniture, Bank of America. Please do not interfere with parking

close to businesses as they will need to conduct business during normal

working hours.

I have attached a map with the scheduled plan for the week. Please locate your

address and make arrangements to move your vehicle(s) on the appropriate

day. If it rains on your day, it will be moved to the end of the schedule.

All vehicles not moved in a timely manner will be towed at the owners expense.

Day One: Tuliptree Square, Kalmia Square

500 Addresses of Lilac Terrace, Ginkgo Terrace, and Sparkleberry

Terrace

Day Two: Silverbell Terrace, Golden Larch Terrace

400 Addresses of Lilac Terrace and Sparkleberry Terrace.

401-428 Ginkgo Terrace

Day Three: Pearlbush Square, Andromeda Terrace

430-469 Gingko Terrace

Please see the attached map as a reference.

Sycamore Hill Newsletter October 2015

Free Things to Do

SO MUCH FUN FOR FALL The weather is turning cooler, leaves are falling

from the trees,

and pumpkins are

a hot commodity.

Fall is a beautiful

time in many

parts of the

country and

inspires many

activities to keep

children

entertained. Even better, these kid-friendly fall

activities won't put a dent in the budget.

PLAY IN THE LEAVES Take the kids outside, rake the leaves into piles

together, and make an afternoon of jumping in.

Children love this activity, and it can even turn into

a game of

bagging

the leaves

afterward,

resulting

in a tidy

yard --

can't beat

that. (If

your

neighborhood is prone to ticks, and especially if

your home borders the woods, keep in mind that

jumping in leaves may not be safe in temperatures

above 40 degrees.)

GO ON A SCAVENGER HUNT Make a list of fall items: an acorn, a pinecone,

leaves of

different

colors (green,

brown,

orange), a

scarecrow,

etc. Print it

out or keep it

open on a

phone and

take the kids

on a walk around the neighborhood. See who can

spot the items and check them off the list first.

GO APPLE PICKING Apples are in season -- and, therefore, abundant

and cheap.

Make an

afternoon of

wandering

through the

orchard,

plucking

apples from

the trees,

and bring home a bushel -- there's lots to do with

these.

CONDUCT AN APPLE TASTE TEST With so many apple varieties on the market, fall is

the

perfect

time to

discover

family

favorites.

Choose

several

different

kinds,

cut them

up, and arrange a blind taste test. Have the

children rank the apples from most favorite to

least and incorporate a math lesson: Make a chart

of who likes which apples the best and determine

the most and least liked.

MAKE CARAMEL APPLES Caramel apples are a relatively cheap, easy treat

children will enjoy making. All you need are small

apples, caramel candies, and wooden skewers;

sweet toppings are optional. Wash the apples well,

remove the

stems, and

skewer with

the wood

sticks. Next,

melt the

caramels

over low heat.

In separate

bowls, set out

the toppings -- crushed cookies, sprinkles,

chocolate chips, nuts, mini M and Ms, and the like.

Dip the apples into the melted caramel, then into

the toppings. Be prepared for things to get a little

messy -- that's part of the fun. Cool the apples on

wax paper in the refrigerator until the caramel and

toppings set.

Sycamore Hill Newsletter October 2015

BOB FOR APPLES When the children have friends over, fill a large

tub, bucket, or kiddie pool and throw in about a

dozen

apples

(depending

on the

number of

children).

Use a

stopwatch

and give

each child

three

minutes to see how many they can snare.

VISIT THE PUMPKIN PATCH This costs a few bucks, but it's worth it for the fun

of picking

out

pumpkins

with the

kids. Many

pumpkin

patches

host fall-

themed

games,

snacks, and hayrides. Choose one that offers all

these for less to get the most value for your money

and get into the fall spirit.

CARVE PUMPKINS Once the pumpkins are picked out, it's time to

carve them. This fall tradition is always a hit, and

even the

youngest

children can

take part. Let

them scoop

out the

insides and

pick out a

design to

carve. Or, to

avoid using knives, let children paint the

pumpkins.

BAKE PUMPKIN SEEDS Once the pumpkins are carved, bake the seeds.

Start by rinsing them off and dumping them in

boiling, salted water. Boil for about 10 minutes and

rinse again.

Season to your

liking (olive oil,

salt, pepper,

cayenne pepper,

butter, sugar,

cinnamon --

whichever combo

the family prefers)

and spread them on a baking sheet. Roast at 400

degrees until the seeds are white and crispy,

usually about 10 to 15 minutes.

HIT A FARMERS MARKET Summer farmers markets are a riot of color and

activity but

often too hot

and crowded

for kids to

enjoy. Now the

local farmers

market should

be brimming

with fall

produce on the cheap. Look for free samples of

favorites such as apples, apple cider, doughnuts,

pumpkin pie, and more.

SPLASH IN RAIN PUDDLES Fall brings some rainy days. Once the skies clear,

take the kids out

for a walk to let

out some energy

and be sure

everyone is

wearing rain

boots. Children

will have a blast

looking for the

biggest puddles and jumping right in.

Sycamore Hill Newsletter October 2015

DECORATE THE FRONT DOOR To get the whole family and visiting trick-or-

treaters into the

Halloween spirit, turn

the front door into a

monster or mummy.

Use white streamers

and double-sided tape

to wrap it like a

mummy, with

instructions from the

blog Honey and Fitz.

White paper plates

and black contact

paper can become

eyes, and construction

paper can be turned

into other monster

facial features.

MUMMIFY THE KIDS Have a few extra minutes while dinner is in the

oven? Grab a roll of toilet paper and wrap up your

kids like

mummies. If

they're a little

older, let them

try to wrap

themselves (it's

challenging!).

They'll get a

kick out of this

simple activity.

DO FALL CRAFTS There are thousands of craft ideas to do with

children to mark the fall season. Browsing

Pinterest yields tons of ideas for any age, from a

leaf collage to a paper-bag turkey puppet.

PLAY A GAME OF FLAG FOOTBALL One way to burn off energy, take advantage of a

crisp fall day,

and spend

time with

family is to

organize a

game of flag

football. Ask

another

family with

children the

same age to play the opposing team. This is also a

fun activity for gatherings of extended family.

FAMILY HALLOWEEN COSTUME Children are especially thrilled when mom and dad

get in on the

action. Think of

creative ways to

turn your family

into Sesame Street

characters,

minions, or

superheroes.

Keep costs down

by using materials

on hand and making costumes rather than buying

them ready-made.

CHECK OUT FALL FOLIAGE City dwellers may have to drive a little ways, but

there are so

many places

to marvel at

the beauty of

fall. Take

some time

and take in

the spectacle

with your

kids.

MAKE S'MORES Bonfires and s'mores go hand in hand, and cool fall

evenings are the prime setting. Whether over a

campfire, a

backyard fire

pit, or a grill,

these treats

are easy and

cheap to pull

off.

Sycamore Hill Newsletter October 2015

October Recipes

Another Presidential Take on Texas Chili

by Sara Yoo 5/31/12

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil 1 onion, chopped 5 small garlic cloves, minced 1 pound ground beef 1 teaspoon dried Mexican oregano 1 teaspoon ground cumin 2 tablespoons Mexican chili powder 1 1/2 cups canned tomatoes 2-6 dashes hot sauce or to taste Salt, to taste

Directions

Serve this chili with your choice of accoutrements. I like pouring it over long-grain rice and topping it with cheese, sour cream, Fritos, and cilantro.

1. Heat oil over medium heat in a Dutch oven or pot. Add onion and garlic and cook until soft, about 7 minutes.

2. Add ground beef and cook, breaking up with a wooden spoon, until no longer pink, about 5 minutes.

3. Add oregano, cumin, chili powder, tomatoes, hot sauce, salt, and 1/2 cup hot water. Bring to a boil, cover, lower heat, and simmer for about 1 hour, skimming off the fat as it cooks.

Serves 4.

Baked Butternut-Squash Rigatoni

By Carrie Purcell

Ingredients

1 large butternut squash 3 clove garlic 2 tbsp. olive oil 1 lb. rigatoni ½ c. heavy cream 3 c. shredded fontina 2 tbsp. chopped fresh sage 1 tbsp. salt 1 tsp. Freshly ground pepper 1 c. panko breadcrumbs

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, toss squash, garlic, and olive oil to coat. Place on a large, rimmed baking sheet and roast until tender, about 1 hour. Transfer pan to a wire rack and let cool slightly, about 10 minutes. Reduce oven to 350 degrees F.

2. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook rigatoni according to package directions. Drain and set aside.

3. Using a blender or food processor, purée reserved squash with heavy cream until smooth.

4. In a large bowl, toss squash puree with reserved rigatoni, 2 cups fontina, sage, salt, and pepper. Brush bottom and sides of a 9- by 13-inch baking dish with olive oil. Transfer rigatoni-squash mixture to dish.

5. In a small bowl, combine remaining fontina and panko. Sprinkle over pasta and bake until golden brown, 20 to 25 minutes.

Sycamore Hill Newsletter October 2015

Chicken & Wild Rice Soup

by Iowa Girl Eats

Ingredients

2 Tablespoons butter

1/2 small onion or 1 large shallot,

chopped

2 celery stalks, chopped

2 small carrots, chopped

salt & pepper

2 garlic cloves, minced

1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

8 cups chicken broth

2 chicken breasts, cut in half

3/4 cup wild/brown rice blend

1 cup milk

1/4 cup flour

Directions

Melt butter in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add onion, celery, and carrots, season with salt & pepper, then saute until tender, about 10 minutes. Add garlic and thyme then saute for 1 more minute. Add chicken broth then increase heat to high and bring to a boil. Add chicken breast halves and cook until no longer pink in the center, about 10 minutes, then remove to a plate and set aside. Shred when cool enough to handle. Add wild/brown rice blend to the pot then place a lid on top, turn heat down to medium-low and simmer for 40-50 minutes or until rice is tender. In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup milk with flour until smooth then add remaining milk. Slowly drizzle into soup while stirring. Add chicken then simmer soup for 10 more minutes uncovered and serve.

Mac&Cheese Cups

Author: Nikki

Ingredients

½ pound elbow macaroni 2 Tablespoons butter 2 Tablespoons flour 1½ cups milk 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese 2 ounces cream cheese ½ teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon pepper 1 egg beaten

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. 2. Spray mini muffin tins with cooking

spray. 3. Cook pasta according to packaged

directions and set aside. 4. In a medium size pan combine butter

and flour over medium heat. Whisk until butter is melted and mixture is smooth. Slowly add milk and bring to a simmer. Add 1½ cups of the cheese, cream cheese, salt and pepper. Stir until smooth and creamy. Remove from heat.

5. In a large mixing bowl, carefully stir pasta, cheese sauce, and egg until evenly mixed and pasta is evenly coated.

6. Spoon mac and cheese into mini muffin tins and top each with a small pinch of remaining cheese. Bake at 400 degrees F for 15 minutes or until golden brown.

7. Allow to cool 5 minutes before gently removing the bites.

Sycamore Hill Newsletter October 2015

Kid's Corner Halloween Health and Safety Tips

Fall celebrations like Halloween and Harvest Day

are fun times for children, who can dress up in

costumes, enjoy

parties, and eat

yummy treats.

These

celebrations also

provide a chance

to give out

healthy snacks,

get physical

activity, and focus on safety.

Check out these tips to help make the festivities

fun and safe for trick-or-treaters and party guests

Going trick-or-treating?

words, knives, and other costume

accessories should be short, soft, and flexible.

void trick-or-treating alone. Walk in groups or with a trusted adult.

asten reflective tape to costumes and bags to help drivers see you.

xamine all treats for choking hazards and tampering before eating them. Limit the amount of treats you eat.

old a flashlight while trick-or-treating to

help you see and others see you. Always WALK

and don't run from house to house.

lways test make-up in a small area first. Remove it before bedtime to prevent possible skin and eye irritation.

ook both ways before crossing the street. Use established crosswalks wherever possible.

ower your risk for serious eye injury by not wearing decorative contact lenses.

nly walk on sidewalks whenever possible, or on the far edge of the road facing traffic to stay safe.

ear well-fitting masks, costumes, and shoes to avoid blocked vision, trips, and falls.

at only factory-wrapped treats. Avoid

eating homemade treats made by strangers.

nter homes only if you're with a trusted

adult. Only visit well-lit houses. Never accept

rides from strangers.

ever walk near lit candles or luminaries.

Be sure to wear flame-resistant costumes.

Expecting trick-or-treaters or party guests?

Follow these tips to help make the festivities fun and safe for everyone:

Provide healthier treats for trick-or-treaters such as low-calorie treats and drinks. For party guests, offer a variety of fruits, vegetables, and cheeses.

Use party games and trick-or-treat time as an opportunity for kids to get their daily dose of 60 minutes of physical activity.

Be sure walking areas and stairs are well-lit and free of obstacles that could result in falls.

Keep candle-lit jack o'lanterns and luminaries away from doorsteps, walkways, landings, and curtains. Place them on sturdy tables, keep them out of the reach of pets and small children, and never leave them unattended.

Remind drivers to watch out for trick-or-treaters and to drive safely.

Sycamore Hill Newsletter October 2015