C lifton
JULY 2019
Living
An exclusive magazine serving the residents surrounding the Town of Clifton
ALSO INSIDE: The Battle of Sangster Station - pg. 10
Clifton in the American History Film Project - pg. 14 Congratulations, Class of 2019! - pg. 18
THE WEAVER-DULLS: In Love with the Land of Beautiful Virginia
Cover Photo by Stephanie Ascari Photography
LIVING LOVING LISTING
Clifton
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JULY 2019
D e a r Residents, Welcome to the July issue of Clifton Living!
P UB LICATION T EA M Publishers: Debbie and Michael Wykowski Content Coordinator: Sarah Midgley Designer: Olivia Gendusa Contributing Photographer: Stephanie Ascari ADVERTISIN G Contact: Debbie Wykowski Email: dwykowski@bestversionmedia.com Phone: 703-203-9130 FEEDBACK/ID EAS/SU BM I SS I O N S : Have feedback, ideas or submissions? We are always happy to hear from you! Deadlines for submissions are the 9th of each month. Go to www. bestversionmedia.com and click “Submit Content.” You may also email your thoughts, ideas and photos to: smidgley@bestversionmedia.com.
This month we feature the Weaver-Dull family, whose Northern Virginia roots and knowledge inspire their work and their appreciation of Clifton's beauty. See their story on pages 6-8. We're feeling patriotic this month, and in this issue we look back at the stories that shaped our town and the ways we're keeping those stories alive. From local historian and author Lynne Garvey-Hodge, learn about the Battle of Sangster Station and the commissioned monument commemorating the American lives lost in the fray. We also celebrate the work of Helena Zenyuh, a young film-maker, whose film project featuring interviews with notable Clifton residents was selected to be shown at the American History Film Project exhibition last month! Get a glimpse of this special night on pages 14-15. We hope you enjoy this month's issue, and if you have an event, a story, or an idea of something you'd like to see in our magazine, please do not hesitate to contact our content coordinator Sarah at smidgley@bestversionmedia.com.
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EXPERT CONTRIBUTORS To learn more about becoming an expert contributor, contact Michael and Debbie Wykowski at dwykowski@bestversionmedia.com or 703-203-9130. HOME EXTERIORS Charlie Fowler New Dominion Exteriors, Inc. Charlie Fowler has been providing residential and commercial customers with a high level of service since 2007 on interior and exterior jobs. With several IICRC disaster restoration certifications and a national Mold Remediator certification with the ACAC and a Master Shingler certification. Charlie has a more complete understanding of structures from his varied field experience and how to remedy their issues than your average contractor. 1-855-447-2525 | www.newdominionexteriors.com cfowler@newdominionexteriors.com NAILS, HAIR, MASSAGE, FACIALS, LASER HAIR REMOVAL Virginia Buersmeyer VA Spa & Salon Since 2010, Virginia Buersmeyer has been serving exclusive clients in Clifton and neighboring communities at VA Spa & Salon. It is the area’s finest boutique-style spa and salon, offering the latest beauty treatments in an upscale atmosphere. The salon offers everything from hair and nail care, to skincare, massage, hair removal, makeup, and more. Virginia’s emphasis is on high quality, "one to one" service. VA Spa and Salon is by appointment only. For customers’ convenience, all communications are via text message. Cell: 703-973-1933 (text only) | www.vaspa.biz | virginia@vaspa.biz
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REAL ESTATE 540.347.7322 540.347.7322 540.347.7322 Carrie Shokraei Associate Broker, CDPE WARRENTON WARRENTON WARRENTON 540.347.7322 RE/MAX Allegiance Carrie knows the most important person in a real estate transaction WARRENTON is YOU. A Clifton resident since 2006, Carrie knows the community exceptionally well. She understands that Clifton and Fairfax Station are unique in so many ways, so if you are looking to buy or sell in the area you really need someone who understands our community. Carrie is an Associate Broker and serves on Puffenbarger PuffenbargerQuarterPageAd.indd QuarterPageAd.indd 1 1 the Northern Virginia Association of Realtors Professional Standards Committee. Carrie & Co. Real Estate Group at RE/MAX Allegiance – Licensed in VA & MD Cell: 703-297-2109 | www.carriesoldme.com Puffenbarger QuarterPageAd.indd 1 carriesoldme@gmail.com
INSURANCE Jennifer Puffenbarger Puffenbarger Insurance & Financial Services Puffenbarger Insurance & Financial Services is locally-owned Insurance company who specializes in Home, Cars, Business, farms, wineries, Life, Financial and much more. The leadership team includes three generations of the Puffenbarger family. Being a family-run business, we’re well aware that each family has its own specific needs when it comes to insurance. Owner Keith Puffenbarger started the business in Gainesville, Virginia in May of 1989, and now has locations in Fairfax, Warrenton, and Culpeper serving clients in the District of Columbia, Virginia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Maryland, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania. 703-352-0707 | jennifer@pinsfs.com | www.pinsfs.com
PLUMBING Marines Plumbing Ray Toz, USMC Veteran/Owner Ray, a third-generation Master Plumber and Master Gas Fitter with over 22 years of experience, started working as a professional plumber in 1997. Before making a career in plumbing, he served in the Marine Corps in 1993. In 2014, Ray opened Marines Plumbing with a vision to employ, and train U.S Veterans in the home-service industry. His vision also included a desire to build a staff who are not only respected for their quality service, but for their ability to transition their skill set into the civilian life after serving their country. With 30+ years in the industry, Ray believes there is no plumbing problem, large or small, that he and his team cannot handle. Marines Plumbing serves the Northern Virginia area with the customer-service goal of being known as an area leader of “Service done right!” Much of his success, in part, is due to the attributes and ideals that are so deeply embedded in becoming and being a Marine, “Semper Fi.” 703-331-2100 |service@marinesplumbing.com www.marinesplumbing.com
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JULY 2019
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Real Estate
SOLD
Real Estate
6303 BARSKY CT, FAIRFAX STATION ( Fairfax Station East)
$998,000
13503 BATTLEWOOD CT, CLIFTON ( Little Rocky Run)
$700,000
7300 BLUE DAN LN, CLIFTON (Redlac Forest)
$920,000
13109 BLUE WILLOW PL, CLIFTON (Clifton Farm)
$790,000
10456 BURKE LAKE RD, FAIRFAX STATION (Avon Forest)
$710,000
7513 CANNON FORT DR, CLIFTON (Balmoral Greens)
$985,000
10662 CANTERBERRY RD, FAIRFAX STATION (Wildwood Hills Estates)
$851,000
6005 CAPTAIN MARR CT, FAIRFAX STATION (Fairfax Station)
$650,000
13312 CASWELL CT, CLIFTON (Moores Hamlet)
$685,000
11820 CLARA WAY, FAIRFAX STATION (Innisvale)
$747,100
LOT 4 COLCHESTER RD, CLIFTON
$512,500
8620 CROSS CHASE CT, FAIRFAX STATION (Crosspointe)
$900,000
9415 CROSSPOINTE DR, FAIRFAX STATION (Crosspointe)
$890,000
11153 DEUAUGHN CT, FAIRFAX STATION (Fairfax Station)
$690,000
9417 ENGLEFIELD CT, FAIRFAX STATION (Barrington) 12150 FAIRFAX STATION RD, FAIRFAX STATION
$875,000 $1,070,000
12421 FAIRFAX STATION RD, CLIFTON
$850,000
6041 FOREST RUN DR, CLIFTON (Little Rocky Run)
$750,000
8725 FOXHALL TER, FAIRFAX STATION (Crosspointe)
$664,000
5663 GOSLING DR, CLIFTON (Centreville Green)
$435,000
8130 HADDINGTON CT, FAIRFAX STATION (Barrington Chase)
$832,000
9811 HAMPTON RD, FAIRFAX STATION (Hampton Woods West)
$1,050,000
10852 HAMPTON RD, FAIRFAX STATION (Sandy Run Estates)
$670,000
6515 HANOVER HEIGHTS TRL, CLIFTON (Southern Pines)
$450,000
6915 HEATHSTONE CT, FAIRFAX STATION (Ardmore Woods)
$925,000
11810 HENDERSON RD, CLIFTON
$500,000
11901 HENDERSON CT, CLIFTON (Ashleigh Of Clifton)
$810,000
8309 HOLLY HAVEN LN, FAIRFAX STATION (Giles Run)
$775,000
8105 JEFFREY CT, FAIRFAX STATION (Triple Ridge 2)
$689,000
8445 LAKE MIST WAY, FAIRFAX STATION (Crosspointe)
$811,000
9613 LAUREL OAK PL, FAIRFAX STATION (South Run Oaks)
$680,000
13840 LAUREL ROCK CT, CLIFTON (Little Rocky Run)
$752,000
8614 MEADOW EDGE TER, FAIRFAX STATION (Crosspointe)
$800,000
6815 OLD STONE FENCE RD, FAIRFAX STATION (Ardmore Woods)
$950,000
12402 OLD YATES FORD RD, CLIFTON
$925,000
13623 ORCHARD DR #3623, CLIFTON (Ponds At Centreville)
$259,900
6123 QUEENS BRIGADE CT, FAIRFAX (Colchester Hunt) 7528 RAMBLING RIDGE DR, FAIRFAX STATION (South Run)
$682,500 $1,029,000
13345 REGAL CREST DR, CLIFTON (Clifton Crest)
$760,000
11090 ROBERT CARTER RD, FAIRFAX STATION
$608,000
11104 ROBERT CARTER RD, FAIRFAX STATION (Fairfax Station)
$749,900
6502 ROCK CRYSTAL DR, CLIFTON ( Little Rocky Run)
$689,000
6645 ROCKLAND DR, CLIFTON ( Little Rocky Run)
$680,767
7605 RUSTLE RIDGE CT, FAIRFAX STATION (South Run)
$950,000
12023 RUSTY RD, FAIRFAX STATION (Colt Valley Farms)
$786,000
12025 SEVEN HILLS LN, CLIFTON (Seven Hills)
$970,000
13534 SIERRA DR, CLIFTON (Sequoia Lea)
$420,000
9721 SOUTH PARK CIR, FAIRFAX STATION (South Run)
$867,000
7604 SOUTH VALLEY DR, FAIRFAX STATION (South Run)
$885,000
8962 SPRUCE RIDGE RD, FAIRFAX STATION (Timber Ridge)
$784,000
6676 STONEBROOK DR, CLIFTON ( Little Rocky Run)
$685,000
Best Version Media does not guarantee the accuracy of the statistical data on this page. The data does not represent the listings of any one agent or agency but represents the activity of the entire real estate community in the area. Any real estate agent’s ad appearing in the magazine is separate from the statistical data provided which is in no way a part of their advertisement.
Clifton Living
5
Resident Feature
WE WOULD LIKE TO THANK LAWN DOCTOR FOR SPONSORING THIS MONTH'S FEATURE STORY.
THE WEAVER-DULLS:
In Love with the Land of Beautiful Virginia By Sarah Midgley | Photography by Stephanie Ascari Photography
O
nce in a blue moon you might venture on a cross-country road trip or win the lottery, or you might meet a remarkable family like the Weaver-Dulls who own Blue Moon Farm. Together they are a blended family of ten – Stan, Janet, and their children: Michelle and her husband Scott, Keith and his wife Mary, Dustin, Danielle, Dillon and Devin. Most members of the family live nearby, and they cherish the charming Clifton community and the natural beauty of the town’s rich landscape. 6
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Both Stan and Janet were born and raised in DC and Northern Virginia, and their shared interest in real estate and landscaping drew the couple together. “It all began over coffee,” says Janet. “It was a great fit. He was into landscaping, and I was into gardening; I was just getting into real estate, and he had been working in real estate.” Pretty soon the couple had invested in a property, renovated it and flipped it together. Janet recalls one of their favorite weekend activities, which they still enjoy today: “We spent a lot of time driving around to look at houses, with beautiful trips out to the country and the mountains.” In 2009 Janet and Stan were married at their house on Lake Anna in a summer outdoor ceremony, and they will soon celebrate their tenth wedding anniversary. Before Janet met Stan or began her real estate career, she worked for the Fairfax County Park Authority, where she directed land programming – camps, classes and special events – for all Fairfax County rec centers. “My career there lasted twenty-two years. I love working with young people, and I was able to watch returning camp counselors and college-age area directors grow as time passed.” While working with the Park Authority, Janet started her real estate business parttime, and three years ago she retired to focus on it full-time. Now she and her son Keith head up The Weaver Team, their residential real estate firm serving the greater Northern Virginia area. An entrepreneur from a young age, Stan launched his first business during his college years. He discovered some financial success mowing lawns, so he gathered some friends to start the Green Team and eventually grew the start-up into a thriving residential and commercial landscaping company. In operating the Green Team, Stan identified a need for commercial equipment storage in Northern Virginia, so he developed industrial storage facilities on land he bought in Prince William County. His interest in commercial real estate grew, and he began investing in heavy industrial real estate. Then, when the housing market crashed, Stan shifted his focus to residential real estate, buying and reselling foreclosure properties. Now Janet and Stan collab-
Resident Feature their dogs, their “girls” Jupiter and Camo.
orate well together: “He buys and renovates them, and I help him sell them! We work great together as a team.” Janet and Stan also work as a team when managing their six-acre farm, and Janet can explain how it got its name: “We ratified the property on a blue moon,” she laughs. The couple loves to garden, and on the farm they have not one but two large gardens. Stan says: "I do all the hard diggin', and Janet does all the pickin'!" The farm also hosts two boarder horses, the Weaver-Dulls’ pony Chance, eight chickens, three cats and one dog. Sometimes the Weaver-Dulls sell farmfresh eggs from their chickens, but they mostly enjoy spending time with their animals, particularly their pony Chance, whom they rescued themselves from a neglected property they bought. However, more than taking care of their farm or running their businesses, Janet and Stan love spending time with their children. Michelle, Janet’s daughter, graduated from Longwood University with a degree in special education, and she is currently the chair of the special education department at Lake Braddock Secondary School. “She loves her job and loves working with kids,” says Janet.
Dustin, Stan’s oldest son, also graduated from Longwood University with a degree in business management and was determined to start his own business in tennis, emulating his father in both interests — Stan was a talented tennis player as well as an entrepreneur. Dustin currently lives in Clifton and is working to grow his tennis training business.
She and her husband Scott, also a teacher for Prince William County, live in Centreville and enjoy walking outside on the weekends. Keith, Janet’s son, started his career with Stan’s business, Green Team, then worked for the Fairfax County Park Authority for thirteen years as a land surveyor. Now he manages The Weaver Team – “It’s growing, and he’s loving it!” Keith looks forward to next year when he will marry his love of thirteen years, Mary, whom he met while working at the Park Authority. Keith and Mary love spending time with
Danielle, Stan’s oldest daughter, graduated from George Mason University with an accounting degree and currently works for Northrop Grumman. “She loves her job, and it lets her travel a bit,” says Janet. “I went to London with her last December, which was very fun!” Danielle lives in Falls Church, and in her spare time she enjoys making pottery. Dillon, 24, graduated with an accounting degree from Virginia Commonwealth University, where he started a wrestling club team. He currently lives in Richmond and is also working on his own real estate investment business. He is in the process of renovating several properties he plans to resell, and he additionally owns a handful of rental properties. Devin, 20, just finished his sophomore year at Coastal Carolina University. He hasn’t officially declared a major yet, but he plans to
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Resident Feature study accounting. Like the rest of his real estate-savvy family, he has recently invested in a property near campus he is renovating to resell. While several family members follow the family tradition of developing real estate investments, all Weaver-Dulls share in a few important family customs. “At Christmastime, we hide a German pickle in the tree, and whoever finds it gets a prize,” says Janet. The family congregates at the Lake Anna house to celebrate Memorial Day Weekend every year, and they travel to the Outer Banks every summer to celebrate the Fourth of July. “It’s a long-standing tradition for Stan’s family,” says Janet. “His mother was born in the Outer Banks, and his parents retired there, so they’ve been making the annual trip since they were very young. Everyone looks forward to it every summer.” But the Weaver-Dulls always love spending time at home in Clifton. Describing her experience of Clifton living, Janet says, “It’s a little bit of country close to the city, a quaint little town that takes you back in time.” Blue Moon Farm is situated right next to Centreville High School – “We feel like we are in the country, but we can hear the football games in our backyard. We’re really close but feel far away.” Maybe that rare, special feeling is another reason for the Clifton farm's unique name. Do you know a neighbor who has a story to share? Nominate your neighbor to be featured in one of our upcoming issues! Contact us at smidgley@bestversionmedia.com.
Do you know a neighbor who has a story to share? Nominate your neighbor to be featured in one of our upcoming issues! Contact us at smidgley@bestversionmedia.com
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JULY 2019
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Community
HIGHEST SALE IN
Clifton By Cory Molina
Located in Northern Virginia next to Bull Run Regional Park, the town of Clifton dates back to the Civil War, when it served as an important destination along the historic Orange & Alexandria Railroad. Today, Clifton is home to some of the Washington Metropolitan Area’s finest residences, including the extraordinary estate on 13768 Balmoral Greens Avenue, where lush landscapes meet small-town sophistication. This Balmoral Greens property stands in a class all its own, a 12+ acre equestrian & golf estate. Built to exacting standards replete with world-class finishes, design & furnishings, it took 5 years to build (1997-2002), in a collaboration between architect Mark Kohler and award-winning designer Barry Dixon. Custom built for AOL co-founder Ken Huntsman and his wife Marci, the estate encompasses a main estate residence; a carriage house; a swimming pool and pool house; an outdoor multi-sport court for tennis, volleyball and basketball; a horse stable with four stalls; an outdoor riding ring; and a screened-in pavilion with a stone fireplace, all situated in the heart of a private, serene woodland adjacent to The Westfields Golf Club. The main residence is over 12,000 square feet of interior living space, including six bedrooms, seven bathrooms, 20-seat movie theater, fitness center and sauna.
The estate was designed to the exacting specifications of the Huntsmans, whose passion for the natural landscape and surrounding environment informs the very foundation of the home. “Ken and Marci Huntsman not only preserved the tranquility and privacy of the estate, they also committed to extraordinary erosion controls and tree preservation efforts which gained them Fairfax County’s 2004 Land Conservation Award,” says Cory Molina, Real Estate Advisor at TTR Sotheby’s International Realty, listing agent for the Balmoral Greens estate and a Balmoral resident for over 20 years. The estate sold at $4,600,000 in February 2019. Featured in the Washingtonian Magazine as #3 of the 10 Most Expensive Homes Sold in Washington in February 2019, it also represents the largest sale in Clifton, Virginia in over a decade, and the #2 most expensive home sold in Clifton, Fairfax & Fairfax Station’s history. Mr. Huntsman spent about $20 million to build the Clifton property. He knew he was unlikely to recoup the investment. “In all the books they say you will never get the money out of a custom home,” he said. Now retired from AOL, Mr. Huntsman and his wife Marci, a pastor, moved into a church parsonage measuring about 1,600 square feet. That is smaller than the master suite of the house they left behind. “It’s been quite a change, but we’re enjoying it,” Mr. Huntsman said. The couple plan to eventually relocate to another property they own in Colorado.
Clifton Living
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Community
THE BATTLE OF SANGSTER STATION,
DECEMBER 17, 1863 By Lynne Garvey-Hodge, Author and Historian
So significant was the Battle of Sangster Station that in 1903 the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors received a letter petitioning the erection of a monument to the soldiers killed and wounded in the battle – from the Union Captain serving during this time and place. The “Tears and Love” monument was erected in 1904 near the County Poorhouse, which was located not far from the path of the O&A Railroad outside the newly incorporated Town of Clifton (1902). The Poorhouse had stood there at the time of the Battle of Sangster Station. Unfortunately, during the late 1950s and early 1960s, as the issue of Civil Rights heated up in the country, the monument was vandalized and subsequently taken down.
The "Tears and Love" Monument (All four sides of the monument are now placed permanently in the Fairfax Railroad Museum). The poem "The Blue and The Gray" by Francis Miles Finch (1827-1907) is quoted on the last plaque to the right.
This battle was significant, as 65 Union soldiers faced approximately 700-800 Confederate cavalry. In defending Sangster Station Union Captain John McAnally, of Company I of the 155th New York suffered four wounded and nine captured, and eight of the captured died as prisoners of war. The monument indicated that the Confederates lost two soldiers from Brigade Commander Brigadier General Thomas Rosser’s “Laurel” Brigade, Company B of the 7th, 11th, 12th Virginia Cavalry. The Union's resistance was broken during a fierce fight which ensued at 6:00pm in incredibly inclement weather – blinding and freezing rain, thunder and lightning. Soldiers from Company I reported that they buried four Confederate cavalry men the following day. The soldiers were buried at the scene of the engagement, and a member of Company I, Mike Casey, officiated at the funeral service. Confederate General Rosser later claimed to have captured the colors of the 164th New York and a bugle (actually, he found the colors in a box and a bugle left at the Poorhouse) at the Sangster Station battle. However, no one of the 164th New York was present at the Sangster Station engagement on December 17, 1863. Rosser was barely able to escape out to the Shenandoah Valley with his troops after the battle was ended.
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JULY 2019
John Singleton Mosby and his men. While Mosby was not directly involved in the Battle of Sangster Station, he knew this area of the Orange & Alexandria Railroad line well. Several of his men retired to the Clifton area after the Civil War and attended Clifton Baptist Church. The photo includes from left to right: Rangers Dickson, Watkins, Mosby, Thomas, Smith, Carlisle, Carter and an unknown Ranger. (photo courtesy of Don Hakenson and David Goetz)
The "Tears and Love" Monument c. 1958 before it was vandalized and removed.
A surviving gentleman of this battle, Union Captain John McAnally petitioned the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors on July 4, 1903, from Buffalo, New York for a marker to be placed in what is now the property of Dr. Dyer on Fairfax Station Rd. – near the “Bunnyman Bridge".
The petition was recorded in the August 1903 Board of Supervisor’s minutes as follows:
Gentlemen, I respectfully ask permission from Your Honorable Board to erect a monument on the grounds of the Alms House at Clifton in Fairfax County. Clifton was formerly known as Sangster’s Station, and was so known when my Company was engaged with General Thomas Rosser’s Brigade of Cavalry, on December the 17th, 1863. I beg to state in connection with my request, as above, that I have had some correspondence with Superintendent Ford, and if your Honorable Board could arrange a conference with Mr. Ford regarding the subject matter herein, I am sure that he could furnish gladly some very valuable information. When I wrote to Superintendent Ford requesting as to whom to apply for permission to erect the Monument, he informed me that he well remembered me, and refreshed my memory very pleasantly with some reminiscences that occurred during the time our camp was pitched at Sangster’s Station, and referred me to Your Honorable Board for the necessary permission. If I can succeed in my object, i.e., the obtainment of your very kind permission to erect this Monument, I will be highly honored and will be glad to meet your Honorable Board at its Dedication. Also I would be especially honored if I could meet at its Dedication some of the members of the Brave and Gallant SEVENTEENTH VIRGINIA, with whom my Company had a sharp encounter at the siege of Suffolk on the morning of April 15, 1863. The members of the 17th Virginia were raised mostly in Fairfax County and I would esteem it a priceless privilege and great honor to greet them at the Dedicatory ceremonies. Should Your Honorable Board grant my request, I will be pleased to submit for your approval the details of the design and other information about the proposed Monument that Your Honorable Board may desire. I beg to subscribe myself, Very Sincerely Yours,
John McAnally,
Late Captain, Company I, 155th New York Volunteers American Infantry Legion, No. 437, Breckenridge Street, Buffalo, New York
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Occoquan Reservoir
Clifton and Fairfax Station:
DEFENDERS OF THE OCCOQUAN! By Margaret Fisher
A
s the population of Fairfax County rose in the 1960s and 1970s, sewage and other pollutants began to compromise the Occoquan Reservoir. The reservoir provides drinking water to more than half of county residents, so action was needed. Sewage treatment and water purification facilities were improved, and much of the shoreline was protected by Fountainhead, Hemlock Overlook, and Bull Run regional parks. In addition, 41,000 acres in western Fairfax County were down-zoned in 1982 to limit nutrient and sediment runoff. The resultant low-density development benefited the county budget, which could then concentrate government services on the east side of the county, but it also had huge benefits for the humans and other animals that make Clifton their home. A visit to any of the parks along Bull Run and the Occoquan reveals hundreds of acres of beauty, including long stretch-
Two Geese
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JULY 2019
es of Virginia Bluebells and other natural wonders, as well as recreational opportunities. A closer look, though, also reveals disturbing quantities of plastic and other garbage. The lucky human residents of our oasis within suburbia may be unaware of the downstream consequences resulting from what we do on our properties. It is rather interesting to see how far objects large and small can migrate just as a result of rainstorms. As they say, everything rolls downhill, including trash, debris, lawn chemicals, road salt, pet excrement and hazardous wastes. It is up to us to keep these things from reaching the creeks. There are a number of steps residents can take to keep the water clean, so that it remains drinkable and aquatic life can flourish. It is obviously necessary to pick up trash, debris and dog poop and to take hazardous wastes to the county drop-off points. We should only use as much salt in the winter as we really need, because sodium levels in the local waterways have been increasing and water treatment plants cannot remove it. Our lawn practices are also important. We should limit the use of fertilizer as much as possible and time any applications of it so it is not washed away, as fertilizer causes excess growth of algae. The more trees
Green Heron
and other native plants we have on our properties, and the less lawn, the more our stormwater will percolate into the ground water and be filtered before reaching the creeks. All these recommendations are detailed by the Northern Virginia Clean Water Partners at OnlyRain.org. Those of us who are fortunate enough to live near a pond, lake, Virginia Bluebell floodplain, creek or intermittent stream have a particular responsibility. It is recommended that we refrain from mowing or other land-disturbing activities within 100 feet of waterways and that we maintain or create a wide buffer to capture stormwater and pollutants. In fact, it is illegal to do land-disturbing activities within Resource Protection Areas without a permit. If you are wondering whether any part of your property falls within such an area, you can go to the Waterways section of the Wild About Clifton website (www.wildaboutclifton.org) and follow the instructions to find the right map.
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Clifton Living
13
Community
CLIFTON IN THE AMERICAN HISTORY FILM PROJECT
EXHIBITION 2019 By Kimberli Costabile & Heidi Zenyuh Photography by Janet Wamsley What is more patriotic than students making and sharing films about each other’s hometown history? A short film on Clifton’s history was among three films added to a national exhibition and permanent archive called American History Film Project (AHFP). It will be online in July at www.americanhistoryfilmproject.org and on the AHFP YouTube channel. Using the keywords Kids Film History brings up the social media links. Nothing beats seeing one’s work on the big screen, however. So in June the junior historian who made the film had a chance to walk the red carpet for the DC area premier and eat red, white and blue cupcakes. Helena Zenyuh, 11, who is a rising Cadet in Girl Scout troop #797 based in Clifton at St. Andrews on Union Mill Road, chose to interview four local leaders about Clifton history. Her mother Heidi Zenyuh said the daughter fell in love with Clifton history after several scout field trips in the area.
Martha Barnes, president; Doortje LeGrande, secretary; and Kimberli Costabile, executive director, stand in front of the Angelika Film Center marquee just after the 5th annual exhibition of the American History Film Project (AHFP).
Martha Barnes, AHP Founder, and her mother.
Heidi and Helena Zenyuh pose on the red carpet at the Angelika Film Center just after the American History Film Project Exhibition June 1.
While other people her age might have chosen to do historic cosplay and don historic attire, or use stop motion photography and dolls, Helena decided to approach her topic journalistically and ask serious questions. She spoke to a historian, former mayor, current Virginia delegate, and local business leader about what formed Clifton’s past and where that might lead in the future. And Mr. Nickum, Ms. Khosravi, and Mr. Peterson seemed comfortable answering those questions. “Our exhibition encourages youth to interview their elders about local history and record local stories (oral histories) or the local angle on a national event,” AHFP executive director and Fairfax Station resident Kimberli Costabile explained. “We are not as concerned about film-making technique as we are about starting a dialog between youth and local historians." Parents and family members are allowed to jump in and help, and some people do like to add dramatic flare, but it is not required. We require students to list primary and secondary research sources, music used, and add to the rolling credits the names of all who helped. Helena approached Clifton history from four different angles. That was an impressive start. Since there is so much history in Clifton, she can go a bit further next year, or other students can explore other Clifton stories.
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After receiving medals during the American History Film Project exhibition, students from Clifton, Burke, Centreville, Fairfax, Annandale and Falls Church pose in front of a flag given to Martha Barnes in honor of her father who served in WWII. The annual exhibition gathers students grades K-12 who take part in group or solo efforts to document their hometown history. Their films will be archived on www.americanhistoryfilmproject.org, putting their hometowns on a digital map. Students in 9 other states have participated in the past five years, and interest is growing. Beginning in 2019, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts may also earn a badge for their efforts if the film is done under supervision or approval of their leader.
Executive director Kimberli Costabile of Fairfax Station and AHFP Founder Martha Barnes of Annandale announce raffle winners at the film center's after party. Prizes included art books, history books and two dinner-for-three gift certificates at Nando's Peri Peri.
Fourth interview with Tom Peterson.
Patriotic cupcakes, ribbons and medals are all set for the awards reception.
According to Martha Barnes, the founder of AHFP, the American History Film Project is a 501 (c) 3 non- profit that seeks to help students develop a yearning to learn by providing a creative outlet to showcase the finest films made by students about their respective locations. The goal of the project is to teach students that they are an integral part of their community and history. ABOUT HELENA Helena Zenyuh first fell in love with Clifton history while attending St. Andrews School on Union Mill Road in Clifton. After moving to Centreville, she continued to attend activities at St. Andrews Church, including Girl Scout Troop #797, for which she completed this film as a Junior Girl Scout and rising Cadet. She is now in 5th grade at St. Timothy's Catholic School where she is on the honor roll and plays basketball, lacrosse, and competes in swimming year-round. In February at the Potomac Valley Jr. Olympic qualifying meet, Helena finished 1st in four different races in the Girls 10 and Under category. Last year she broke her summer pool's record for 25 meter butterfly in the 10 & under group. Helena chose film-making as her subject for a "Make Your Own" badge at the Junior level of Girl Scouts. Several topics were tossed around, but the American History Film Project seeking students to capture local history really piqued Helena's interest. Once she discovered more about the American History Film Project, Helena knew she wanted to explore Historic Clifton, Va. Based out of St. Andrews in Clifton, Va., Helena's Girl Scout Troop 797 had spent a lot of time in Historic Clifton. In particular, the troop had raised money from the community, purchased native Virginia Blue Bells and planted them at the edge of the Clifton Creek near the Red Barn as their Bronze Award project to help save endangered bees. The troop completed the project on Earth Day in 2018.
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Located near the place where the troop planted the flowers was Tim Hugo's Clifton office, and he had put the troop in touch with all the right people to make the planting project happen. Realizing Tim Hugo knew many people in town and knew much about Historic Clifton, Helena interviewed him first. He then suggested Margo Khosravi as a great neighbor and historian of the area. Wayne Nickum was also suggested as a knowledgeable source, since he was a former Mayor of Clifton. Also, Tom Peterson has been instrumental in maintaining the attraction of Peterson's Ice Cream in Historic Clifton. It's a wonderful gathering spot for locals and visitors with delicious food and handcrafted ice cream. Tom Peterson's commentary on the recent revitalization of Historic Clifton area was insightful. See the interviews at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QI1NbTK1tPI. This film clip was one of several played at the American History Film Project's red carpet event at the Angelika Film Center in the Mosaic District Fairfax, VA on June 1st, 2019.
Clifton Living
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Calendar of Events
JULY & AUGUST 2019
Sponsored by Karen S. Paris, REALTOR® • Karen Paris & Associates at KWCP SAT & SUN, JUNE The Paradise Springs Winery Experience @Paradise Springs Winery, 13219 Yates Ford Road, Clifton Join us on our signature Experience Tour and Tasting with a first-hand look at how wine is made at Paradise Springs. The tour will take you through the historic log cabin, outside to the vineyard, through production rooms, and ultimately end with a full tasting of our entire flight of wines including our fortified port style wine, Swagger. No reservations needed but can be taken over the phone (prepayment required). First come, first serve. Please check in at the main tasting counter. Groups of 8 or more will need to reserve a prepaid private appointment time. Time: Sat: 2pm & 4pm, Sun: 3pm Cost: $25 paradisespringswinery.com/Events TUES, JULY 16 Villagio Passport Dinner Series: Chile @Trattoria Villagio, 7145 Main Street, Clifton You’re invited to dine with us during our monthly wine & food expedition through Europe and South America. Each month, the Villagio Culinary Team will craft a menu celebrating the authentic food, wine (and/ or beer or scotch) and culture of a featured country. Upon your first Passport Dinner, you will receive a passport. Each visit after, you will gain a stamp of the country visited, the more stamps you collect the more prizes
you receive … including a chance to win a trip for two to Europe! Time: 7pm Cost: $95/person Contact: For information or to RSVP call (703) 543-2030 or email Allison Linane at a.linane@villagiogroup.com — space is limited. trattoriavillagio.com/passport/ FRI, JULY 19 20th Annual NoVA SAME Scholarship Golf Tournament @Westfields Golf Club, 13940 Balmoral Greens Avenue, Clifton Included in registration: greens fees, cart, lunch, drink tickets, raffle, networking, silent auction, door prizes. Prizes awarded for Longest Drive, Closest to the Pin, Straightest Drive and Hole-in-One. A raffle and silent auction will include autographed items from pro golfer Fred Couples and NASCAR drivers Dale Jr., Jeff Gordon, Darrell Waltrip, and others. For non-golfers, free golf clinic with pro golfer from 11:30-1:30pm. Time: • Registration & Driving Range — 7am • Continental Breakfast — 7-9am • Shotgun Start — 9am • Buffet Lunch, Awards & Happy Hour — 2:30pm Cost: $130/player; $80/active military-government; $40/lunch only Contact: Jenny Bowers, jenny.bowers@ breeassociates.com, (571) 635-7056
eventbrite.com/e/same-join-the-celebration-20th-annual-nova-same-golfscholarship-tournament-2019-tickets-58993602453 SAT, JULY 20 Generosity Feeds, Fairfax, VA @Sidney Lanier Middle School, 3801 Jermantown Road, Fairfax 27% of children in Fairfax County struggle with hunger. Fairfax, you can change the math in child hunger! This July, be a Hunger Hero by joining us for a meal creation event to package 10,000 meals to fight child hunger locally. Invite your friends and family to join you and get ready to change the math in child hunger! Time: 10-12pm Cost: Free eventbrite.com/e/generosity-feeds-fairfax-va-registration-58656005692 SAT, JULY 20 Summer Wine Pairing Dinner 2019 @The Winery at Bull Run, 15950 Lee Highway, Centreville Visit the webpage below to view the exquisite menu planned for this cocktail hour and four-course dinner. Catering by Main Event Caterers. Time: Cocktail Hour begins at 6:45pm Cost: $139.99 per person/$116.99 Wine Club Members for reception-style banquet round seating $275 per couple/$247.50 Wine Club Mem-
Licensed in Virginia • Luxury Home Specialist Accredited Staging Professional • Certified Military Residential Specialist Proud Sponsor and Member of the Clifton Community Women’s Club Chapter Leader of the Clifton Heartlink Network Visit my Home Staging Company at 7145 Main St Suite 1D, Clifton VA, 20124
Karen S. Paris, REALTOR®, ASP®
571.220.7503
Karen@KarenParis.Realtor | KarenParis.Realtor
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JULY 2019
bers for a sweetheart table for two wineryatbullrun.com/product/Summer-Wine-Pairing-Dinner-2019 SUN, JULY 21 Vinyasa & Vino in Paradise: Yoga at Paradise Springs Winery @Paradise Springs Winery, 13219 Yates Ford Road, Clifton Roll out your mat in Paradise—the beautiful landscape of Paradise Springs Winery in Clifton, VA. Enjoy a refreshing vinyasa yoga flow al fresco that will connect your inner beauty and strength to the elements of your natural surroundings. The yoga class welcomes all levels, from beginners to advanced, and will be followed by a glass of Paradise Spring's handcrafted, award-winning wine. Online tickets are $30 and include yoga class and a glass of wine; If space is available, walk-in tickets are $40. BYO mat. Yoga taught with love and laughter by Erin Sonn, M.Ed., E-RYT, owner of eat.YOGA.drink., which brings traditional styles of yoga and mindfulness to nontraditional spaces. Namaste & Cheers! Time: 10:30-12pm Cost: $30 online; $40 at the door www.eventbrite.com/e/vinyasa-vino-in-paradise-yoga-at-paradise-springs-winery-tickets-58593924004 THURS, JULY 25 The Heartlink Network, Clifton Chapter — Women's Networking @Office of Karen Paris, 7145 Main Street, Clifton (Side entrance from parking lot) Join us for this awesome networking opportunity. Heartlink Network is designed for women business owners to network with other women business owners to facilitate growth of customer base, sharing of information and fostering of friendships. We share a lovely meal and discuss business-related talking points each month. Contact chapter leader
Karen Paris for more information. Time: 11:30-1:30pm Cost: $20/prepaid, $25/at the door Contact: Karen Paris, (571) 220-7503 SAT, AUG 3 & SUN, AUG 4 Civil War Weekend! @The Winery at Bull Run, 15950 Lee Highway, Centreville Mark your calendar and join us for our favorite event of the year—Civil War Weekend! Experience living history with Civil War reenactors, cannons, live music, food trucks, and more! Saturday 12–2 PM, 3–5 PM: Live Bluegrass Music: Sweet Yonder Sweet Yonder is a fired-up, all-women, bluegrass band. They deliver a soulful punch in every performance with straight-up instrumental attitude and truly inspiring vocal harmonies. Sunday 12–2 PM, 3–5 PM: Live Music: The 8th GM Division Band from George Mason University The band performs the music on modern instruments and gives relevant context, historical background, and interesting facts about the music and the history of the brass band throughout the 19th century. Time: 11-7pm Cost: Free admission! No tickets required. wineryatbullrun.com/events/Civil-War-Weekend-2019 TUES, AUG 20 Villagio Passport Dinner Series: Portugal @Trattoria Villagio, 7145 Main Street, Clifton You’re invited to dine with us during our monthly wine & food expedition through Europe and South America. Each month, the Villagio Culinary Team will craft a menu celebrating the authentic food, wine (and/or beer or scotch) and culture of a featured country. Upon your first Passport Dinner, you will receive a pass-
WE KNOW WHAT
SERVICE IS!
port. Each visit after, you will gain a stamp of the country visited, the more stamps you collect the more prizes you receive … including a chance to win a trip for two to Europe! Time: 7pm Cost: $95/person Contact: For information or to RSVP call (703) 543-2030 or email Allison Linane at a.linane@ villagiogroup.com — space is limited. trattoriavillagio.com/passport/
My Lunch Box: Summer Cooking Camp Clifton, Virginia
My Lunch Box summer camp teaches kids how to explore food in a simple and fun manner. There are 3 sessions to choose from, and each session is 3 days in length. Each day begins at 10am and concludes at 2pm.
The camp includes:
- A field trip to Whitehall Farm to learn about farming practices and the path from farm to market to table - A field trip to Wegman's to learn about ingredients, how to read food labels, and more - A day in the kitchen with the chef to prepare a multi-course dinner for the campers' families
Camp Dates
Session 1: July 16, 17 and 18 Session 2: July 23, 24 and 25 Session 3: July 30, 31 and Aug 1 Cost: $420/camp session; discounts available for siblings/friends or multiple sessions Contact: For more details and to register, email chef and Clifton resident Lucy Taylor at mysimplicitykitchen@gmail.com.
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(703) 331-2100 MARINESPLUMBING.COM Clifton Living
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Congratulations, Class of 2019! By Sarah Midgley
We are so proud of all of this year's Clifton graduates, and here you'll get to meet just a few! Congratulations, Class of 2019, from all of us here at Clifton Living!
JACQUELIWE JACQUELINE
ZOE KAISER KAISER ZOE
Graduated:
Graduated:
Centreville High School (CVHS)
Centreville High School (CVHS)
Centreville High School (CVHS)
Activities:
Activities: National Charity League, Virginia Bluebell Chapter; theater, volleyball
National Charity League, Virginia Bluebell Chapter; She Rocks the World (global leadership network)
College:
College:
University of Alabama (Roll Tide!), with plans to study hospitality management and event planning
James Madison University, with plans to study psychology, particularly child psychology
University of South Carolina, Honors College
ASHLEY PAIGE ASHLEY BERGSTEDT
Activities: National Charity League, Virginia Bluebell Chapter; Twisters All Star Cheer; CVHS Varsity Cheerleading
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JULY 2019
TAYLOR DURHAM
Graduated:
College:
Pet Corner Sponsored by The Weaver Team • Keller Williams Fairfax Gateway
MEET YOUR FURRY NEIGHB RS! By Sarah Midgley
I
jazzi
n Clifton and Fairfax Station, we love our pets! Here are a few of our furry family members submitted by local residents. If you would like your dog, cat, horse, or any pet featured on our Pet Corner, email your pics to smidgley@bestversionmedia.com! Be sure to include a high-resolution photo (650 KB minimum), along with his or her name, age and a short introduction. We look forward to meeting our four-legged residents and sharing them with you.
From the Meyer family: We got Jazzi as a rescue two years ago when she was eight years old. She lost an eye to glaucoma, but that has not slowed her down a bit. She loves chasing skinks in the front garden. This is her favorite pose which she assumes every evening while we are eating. It’s hard to resist giving her treats when she looks so cute. She is such a good-natured, sweet creature. We are so lucky we found each other.
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Keller Williams Fairfax Gateway 12700 Fair Lakes Circle, Fairfax, VA, 22033
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703-980-9836 www.TeamWeaverVA.com Clifton Living
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C lifton 3181
Living
