President Column

Greetings Neighbors,

As we move into March, I want to share a few updates and highlight an important need within our community.

First, thank you to everyone who continues to volunteer time, attend meetings, and offer thoughtful input. A self-managed HOA only works because neighbors step up. That effort does not go unnoticed.

This month, our biggest focus is leadership support. We currently have three key openings: Vice President, Assistant Treasurer and ACC (Architectural Control Committee) Chair. These roles are essential to keeping our operations smooth, responsive, and aligned with our governing documents.

The Vice President helps ensure continuity of leadership and supports coordination across board activities. The ACC Chair plays a critical role in reviewing exterior modification requests and maintaining consistent community standards.

If you have ever considered getting more involved, this is the moment. These positions do not require perfection or prior board experience. They require reliability, fairness, and a willingness to participate.

I want to be candid: if we are unable to fill essential volunteer roles, we may need to explore hiring a professional management company to handle portions of the workload. While that can provide structure and support, it would also introduce additional costs to the association. Our preference is to remain community-led, but that only works if enough residents participate.

In addition to leadership recruitment, we will begin seasonal inspections as spring approaches. Please submit any maintenance concerns through the usual channel so they can be properly tracked.

As always, if you have questions, ideas, or are interested in one of the open roles, please reach out directly. Strong communities are built by participation, not by assumption. Thank you for your continued commitment to Hickory Farms.

Sincerely,
Steve Kubrak
HFCA President

2025 Annual Review of the Books and Accounting Practices

On January 24, 2026, the HFCA Treasurer, Judy Deng, and the HFCA Assistant Treasurer, Tad Weed, performed an annual review of the 2025 HFCA books and accounting practices via Microsoft Teams.

The review included detailed analysis of the accounting practices, financial statement with all income and expenses,receipts/invoices, deposits, and banking statements to include checking and money market accounts. This review is done under the authority and oversight of the HFCA board and in lieu of an audit by CPA firm which would cost the community$4,000-$6,000 a year.

All records and statements are in good order with no concerns. The use of MS Teams along with electronic banking provided increased transparency and efficiency for accounting transactions. Common practice includes every invoice being scrutinized for accuracy, then double reviewed prior to payment being authorized.

2025 Financial Statement Summary:

Total Income: $63,181
Total Expense: $62,599
Net: $582

One deposit of $5,586, budgeted and year-end surplus, in the combination of Capital Reserve Fund (money market) and Certification Deposit brought the Capital Reserve Fund balance to $96,432. The Capital Reserve Fund provides resources for repair/replacement of capital items and serves to protect HF residents from additional financial assessments if emergency repairs/replacements are needed that exceed operating funds.

In summary, the 2025 HFCA fiscal year reflected accurate accounting and sound business practices. Therefore, we, the undersigned, offer this annual report with no concerns of the bookkeeping practices, documents and statements for the 2025 fiscal year.

- Judy Deng, Treasurer
- Tad Weed, Asst. Treasurer

2025 End of Fiscal Year Report

The Birds of Hickory Farms

- By Bob Cosgriff

We were out of town during the severe snow and ice storm in late January and returned to find our backyard covered in “snowcrete” with very cold temperatures. All our feeders were empty, but as soon as we refilled them the birds appeared. This shows that birds are well-adapted to survive during periods of bad weather without human help. After all, birds were here long before humans!

That is not to say that extreme weather does not take its toll. Birds can and do die of hypothermia and starvation during the winter, but they have evolved to survive. One strategy that bluebirds (and other species) use is to enter empty nest boxes and huddle together to stay warm. Some birds will seek out natural cavities, thick stands of pines or holly, or brush piles that can shield them from the wind and provide pockets of warmth.Birds also reduce their overall activity during the day and even dial back their metabolic rate at night to save valuable energy. The most likely victims of cold weather are first-year birds or those with some sort of injury.

By the end of January, we had tallied 29 species. So far in February we have added Eastern Towhee, Cooper’s Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, and Barred Owl (heard at night in the common area near creek south of Cotton Farm Road) to bring our year-to-date total to 33. Our average total for January-February happens to be 33 species so we are right on target for this time of year. This is noteworthy because we logged only 14observation days in January and 23 days in February due to our being out of town. Of note, our January average daily species count was 16, with a high of 23 and a low of 14, whereas in February we increased to 20 species per day, with a high of 24 and a low of 16. The daily species totals are in line with our averages through February over the last few years. One interesting note is that as of the end of February we have already seen about half of the backyard species that we will record all year!

We are still hoping to see Fox Sparrows, which typically show up in late February, as well as Ruby-crowned Kinglets. It is likely that we will see Red-Shouldered Hawks and Black Vultures soaring above our yard as well. The spring migration will begin in early April with Chipping Sparrow,Gray Catbird, and House Wren. Purple Martins should return in mid- to late April along with Tree Swallows. By late March into April, bluebirds will begin nesting. So there is much to look forward to here in Hickory Farms as spring approaches.

Our Bird of the Month for February is Eastern Towhee. Sometimes referred to as “Ground Robin” because the male bird superficially resembles a robin with its rusty-colored breast, or “Chewink” because of its sharp, two-syllable call, the towhee is actually a large sparrow. The female sports a different plumage but is equally attractive. Towhees are usually seen vigorously scratching in the leaf litter to turn up seeds and invertebrates, but often sing from low branches, especially in breeding season. The towhee’s song is described as “drink-your-tea!” with the “tea” part usually trilled and drawn out. Both male and female birds use this song. As you go through the common areas, listen for the “chewink” call or the “drink-your-tea” song to locate this bird which breeds here in Hickory Farms. Learn more about our Bird of the Month at https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Eastern_Towhee/overview

Until next time, “think spring” and look forward to warming weather. This will bring more birds to fill the trees, fields, and backyards of Hickory Farms!

Interested in a Community Yard Sale?

After taking a break, we’re considering having a Community Yard Sale this year. We know a bunch of people have moved in to theneighborhood in the last two years, and it’s possible that others may also have stuff to sell. If we do have the yard sale, Pete Scala iswilling to run it, and we plan to hold it on a Saturday in late May (or early June?), from 8 am to noon.

Let Pete or the HFCA know if you want to participate in a Yard Sale and when you could do it. He’s looking for at least 10participants to make it worthwhile. Call or email Pete Scala [(703) 764-0730 (landline), (703) 909-6341 (text) or scalapr@verizon.net] OR Melissa Stark (commonareas@hickoryfarms.org).

As in past years, HFCA does the advertising, posts signs, and distributes maps showing yard sale locations (but not names). Because we usually have many families participating, we always get a much better customer turnout than single family or 2 or 3 family yardsales.

The way it works is; that Saturday morning you put out your items for sale in your front yard, and shoppers use the map we provide to go to participating houses. HFCA thinks that they can make this a zero-cost effort for partiapants.

Save the Date: Spring Egg Hunt

Hickory Farm will be hosting the annual Spring Egg Hunt on March 21st at 3 pm in the lower commons. Everyone is welcome to come!

The Social Committee is collecting empty plastic eggs if anyone would want to drop off to reuse. Juliette Giordano will have a container on her front porch from February 1st - March 7th at 4357 Harvester Farm Lane.

Thank you so much!

Laura Bucher and Juliette Giordano
Social Committee Chair, Hickory Farms Community Association

HFCA Board Vacancies - We're Looking for Volunteers

Open Position: Vice President

This is a Board of Director position that helps keep our association running smoothly.

Key responsibilities include:

• Representing HFCA at the Braddock District Council
• Reviewing and signing VPOAA documents on behalf of HFCA for homeowners selling their homes, with input from the ACC and Treasurer
• Ensuring the language in VPOAA Parts 1 and 2 is kept up to date in accordance with DPOR Common Interest Community (CIC) Board requirements
• Completing and submitting the annual registration renewal to the DPOR – Common Interest Community (CIC) Board

Open Position: Assistant Treasurer

This role assists the Treasurer and helps ensure the financial operations of the association run smoothly. This position may be either a Board of Director role or an Officer position.

Key responsibilities include:

• Reviewing and concurring with payment of invoices and reimbursements submitted by the Treasurer
• Learning the responsibilities of the Treasurer throughout the year in order to serve as Acting Treasurer if needed
• Conducting the annual review of HFCA bookkeeping

Open Position: Architectural Control Committee Chair

Key responsibilities include:

• Coordinate the actions of the ACC in reviewing and approving all requests for exterior change to homes.
• Ensure that all restrictive covenants pertaining to appearance, including issues on streets, common grounds (in coordination with Grounds Chair) and properties are enforced in accordance with HFCA procedures, including conducting an annual community-wide house-to-house review/inspection by the ACC and other volunteers.
• Provide VPOAA Part 1 inspection and compliance.

If you’re interested in serving your community or would like more information about these roles, please visit
hickoryfarms.org/board-of-directors and reach out to the HFCA Board at hfca@hickoryfarms.org.

Rabbit Run Remediation Project Update

Jim Waters with the Fairfax County Department of Public Works and Environmental Services presented on the Rabbit Branch Stream Restoration – 35% Design on February 26th. If you missed it, the presentation will be uploaded to the link below in the beginning of March.

Keep connected on the progress of the Rabbit Branch Tributary at Hickory Farms on Fairfax County’s website
https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/publicworks/stormwater/plans-projects/rabbit-branch-tributary-hickory-farms

March Garden, Tree & Lawn Maintenance Checklist

Adapted from Merrifield Garden Center Calendar

Garden Beds & Trees

Prep & Mulch

• Edge beds and apply 1–2” of mulch to improve soil and block weeds.
• Apply a pre-emergent (like Preen) to prevent new weed growth.

Pruning

• Cut dormant perennials and ornamental grasses nearly to the ground.
• Prune evergreens (boxwoods, hollies) and summer-bloomers (panicle hydrangeas, crape myrtles, roses).

Tree Care

• Remove invasive ivy—it traps moisture, causes decay, and adds dangerous weight. Consult a licensed arborist for a free health check to identify weak or crossing branches.
• Consult a licensed Arborist to take a look at tree health on your property and thin out crossing branches within the canopy to avoid limb breakage.

Fertilize trees and shrubs in the spring (March-May)

This step is crucial to replenish nutrients, fueling new, vigorous growth, and strengthening root systems for the upcoming growing season. It prepares plants to withstand summer stress, such as drought or pest infestation, while promoting healthy foliage, vibrant flowers, and improved overall health.

• Bulbs: Use Bulb-tone as daffodils and tulips emerge.
• Flowering Trees/Shrubs: Feed azaleas, cherries, and dogwoods flowering plant food.
• Evergreens/Deciduous: Feed arborvitae, maples, and oaks tree & shrub food.

Lawn Care

• Frost Warning: Avoid walking on frozen morning grass; stepping on frost-covered blades can break and damage the lawn.
• Restoration: Scratch up bare patches, add grass seed, and cover with a thin layer of compost.
  Note: Do not use weed control on new seed until it has been mowed twice.
• Weed Prevention: Apply pre-emergent (like Preen Lawn Crabgrass Control) to established areas.
• Soil Health: Test your pH if you haven't in 5 years. If it’s below 6.0, apply lime at 50 lbs. per 1,000 sq. ft.

Need a Hand?

Mulch: Support BSA Troop 1865 by ordering bags online by March 11th for late-March delivery. Order here at https://www.bsatroop1865.org/product-page/bag-of-mulch.

Hire Out: If you’re short on time, many local companies offer seasonal "spring clean-up" packages to handle these tasks for you.

Common Areas Update

Lawn Care & Spring Clean-Up:

For the 2026 season, the HFCA Board of Directors has renewed our mowing agreement with Green Zone Landscaping and our weed management contract with TruGreen.

Save the Date: Spring Clean-Up

When: March 21st at 9:00 AM
Where: Lower Commons (off Still Meadow)
Task: Stick pick-up in the Upper and Lower Commons to prep for mowing and events.
Note: Sign up to volunteer here! We are happy to award volunteer hours for participation!

Bluebird Trail Improvements

We’ve been busy upgrading our Bluebird Trail! Due to natural deterioration, we have replaced 9 of our 10 nesting boxes. While these boxes typically last about 5 years, Bob Cosgriff’s maintenance helped them last even longer.

• New Models: Based on the success of our sparrow-resistant slot nesting box, we have transitioned the majority of the trail tothis design.
• Predator Protection: We replaced four handmade baffles from the early 2000s with 8” flat-top predator baffles. All 10 boxes arenow equipped to deter squirrels and snakes.
• Infrastructure: We replaced one metal pole and are adding metal edging around select boxes. This creates a small foliage habitat and protects the posts from mower damage.

Daffodil Project

Since 2024, the CAC has been planting daffodil bulbs to define our woodland borders, prevent erosion, and welcome spring. Afterplanting 250 bulbs in 2024 and 50 in 2025, our goal this year is to plant at least 200 more to continue the edging along theCommons and the Northern Path.

How You Can Help:

• Walk the Grounds: Take a stroll through the Upper and Lower Commons to see the project in bloom!
• Donate Bulbs: Want to help us stretch the budget? We welcome daffodil bulb donations! Please contact cac@hickoryfarms.org to coordinate a drop-off.