C lifton C lifton
Photo by Diana Belleck Photography An exclusive magazine serving the residents surrounding the Town of Clifton and nearby Fairfax Station
PUBLICATION TEAM
Publisher: Abbey Nasino
Content Coordinator: Carla Olivo
Designer: Jennifer Hodge
Contributing Photographer: Diana Bellack Photography
ADVERTISING
Contact: Abbey Nasino
Email: anasino@bestversionmedia.com
FEEDBACK/IDEAS/SUBMISSIONS: 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 Carla at colivo@bestversionmedia.com.
IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS: Emergency 911 Police Department 703-830-3105 Fire Department 703-830-1901
Make It A Year To Remember Hello Neighbors!
We are off to a busy start for 2025 here at Clifton Living magazine. We are featuring the South Fairfax Chamber's Member of Watch award winner, Brian Gottlieb and his wife Meghan this month. Brian talks about his involvement in the local real estate and business community.
We also have a recap of some of the holiday celebrations across NoVa from last month. Pond Roofing gives away a new roof to one deserving South Fairfax resident and we have details on a local pet spa!
Want to get your event listed in the magazine or have your family grace our cover? Send your information and photos to colivo@bestversionmedia.com.
Carla Olivo Content Coordinator
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REAL ESTATE
Carrie Shokraei
Associate Broker, CDPE
RE/MAX Allegiance
Carrie knows the most important person in a real estate transaction 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 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 carriesoldme@gmail.com
We Need YOU in 2025!
By Carla Olivo
As we start an exciting new year here at Clifton Living magazine, we hope this is the year you decide to get involved! We are dependent on YOUR participation to make the magazine fun, entertaining, and informative each and every month.
We are always looking for great content to fill the pages of this magazine! And we need families to grace our cover. Being on the cover of Clifton Living magazine offers your family a treasured family keepsake for years to come! And the process is easy! A nice bonus to being one of our cover families is that you receive a photo session with a professional photographer! Let your neighbors get to know your family a bit better by sharing your story.
Your neighbors also enjoy reading about your favorite hobbies and activities. Please keep sending us your neighborhood and school events. While we can't attend every event, send us your photos and some
of the details and we will share it with your neighbors!
There are also opportunities for rising writers and photographers to have their work published. Reach out to Content Coordinator Carla Olivo at colivo@bestversionmedia.com to submit your ideas for an article or photo spread. This is a great resume builder for those hoping to get published.
And finally, this magazine would not be possible without our Expert Contributors and Sponsors. Share your expertise and your business with the community through the pages of Clifton Living magazine. We depend on the local community to help us make it a helpful, informative and entertaining monthly magazine. Please contact us today at colivo@ bestversionmedia.com.
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Embracing a New Chapter with the Gottliebs
By Carla Olivo
Brian and Meghan Donohoe Gottlieb have always prioritized family vacations as a way to bond with their three children Hayes, Dylan, and Quinn and explore new destinations together. “Meghan and I always wanted to include our children in our family vacations,” says Brian. “Sometimes we visited their grandparents in West Palm Beach, Florida or Saratoga Springs, New York and other times we set off on adventures as a family of five.”
One of the family’s favorite winter getaways is Wisp Resort in Maryland where the kids learned to ski. “Our goal was to get them to learn to ski on the east coast so we could take a west coast trip,” Brian recalls.
Their trips weren’t without challenges. Brian recounts a particularly icy morning when Meghan needed to catch a flight. “The parking lot was a skating rink, and we thought the roads would be better. We were wrong!”
The family set off in the suburban, navigating treacherous conditions until the vehicle slid into a 180-degree spin. “We were sliding down the mountain backwards without any steering and apparently, according to Meghan, I used this time as a ‘teaching moment’ to tell the kids what do to when you lose control of a vehicle. Needless to say, nobody was listening since we were headed backwards into a snowbank.”
Fortunately, the snowbank stopped their descent, and they made it safely down the mountain. “As we progressed down, we passed the salt trucks who were stuck, unable to get up the steep incline. Maybe we should have slept in!”
Adventure even followed the Gottliebs to warmer weather when they spent a week in Hawaii over Christmas one year. “We visited the beaches on both sides of the island, toured Pearl Harbor and Hayes learned to surf,” says Brian. “During our stay, there was a storm while we were visiting the Polynesian Cultural Center on the north side. The power went out on the entire island. It was a crazy drive back to the hotel in the rain without any streetlights.”
Meghan and Brian are long-time residents of Fairfax County having spent 18 years living in Kings Park. They upsized to a 5-bedroom, 4.5 bath home in Fairfax Station for a few years and then as the kids were flying the nest, Brian and Meghan moved to a brand new to townhome in Liberty in 2019.
“We were excited at the prospect of buying new
Diana Bellack Photography
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construction and picking our finishes,” says Brian. “Then Covid hit and everyone moved back in. So much for downsizing!”
Despite the unexpected return of their children, the move brought new opportunities. “Our neighbors are amazing,” Meghan says. “We’ve become close friends and support each other through life’s ups and downs.”
Brian, who initially worried about the lack of privacy in a townhouse, quickly embraced the community spirit. The alley behind their home became a social hub. “We strung lights between the homes on our side of the alley. We have social gatherings and enjoy hanging out around a firepit or in a garage converted to an entertainment room.”
One of their favorite traditions is “Alleyween,” a Halloween celebration born during the pandemic when traditional trickor-treating was limited. “We set up tables with candy, and kids paraded through in costumes,” says Brian. “Now, it’s an annual event with spooky garage decorations and families from across Liberty joining in the fun.”
The Gottlieb kids have all graduated from Lake Braddock Secondary School. 27-yearold Hayes played four years of baseball at Lake Braddock and another two years at the University of Mary Washington. He loves the game and is currently coaching kids. He has a degree in Physics from UMW.
25-year-old Dylan’s passion is theatre. He was nominated for a Cappie during his time at Lake Braddock. He enjoys acting, writing and directing. His play, Golem, is currently a semi-finalist in the 14th National Jewish Playwriting Contest. He lives with his high school sweetheart, Neyla Downs in Brooklyn, New York.
22-year-old Quinn, the youngest of the Gottlieb kids, is a stylist at Volume 13 in Mt Vernon. Last May, Quinn and her high school boyfriend Jordan Cobb brought
the first Gottlieb grandchild into the world. Meghan says Isaiah James Cobb is the joy of their lives!
Eleven-year-old Snickers, a mixed breed as a puppy from the Lost Dog Rescue Foundation rounds out the Gottlieb family. “We lost his brother, Chappy a couple of years ago,” Meghan shares. “He was 17!”
Many summers, the Gottliebs kick off the season with a trip to the Outer Banks, staying near Corolla and the Timbuck II shopping center. The family also travels to Cape Cod to visit Brian’s parents “And eat lots of lobstah!” says Brian. After visiting the Cape they drive to Saratoga Springs, New York to see the grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. “We try to attend the annual Travers Stakes at the Saratoga Racetrack,” says Meghan.
For more than two decades, Meghan has served as the chief operating officer for the American Intellectual Property Law Association (AIPLA). AIPLA is a voluntary bar association supporting intellectual property professionals involved in the practice of patent, trademark, copyright, trade secrets and unfair competition law. She holds a bachelor’s in economics and Russian area studies from William Smith College in New York and an M.A. in Russian area studies from Georgetown University.
Brian graduated from Hobart College in 1991 with a degree in Political Science and went on to earn a Master of Arts in Political Science from American University. He began his career interning for the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, then working for Congressman Peter Torkildsen (R-MA) in the 102nd and 103rd Congresses. Following that, he worked for several associations including the American Society for Microbiology and the American Chemistry Council. He left ACC to work for Voter / Consumer Research, a polling firm in Washington, DC. The firm handled clients such as President
Photos providedby the family
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George W Bush, Mitt Romney and Arnold Schwarzenegger. Brian then started his own polling firm, Got-Focus LLC, before working for Purple Strategies and then went back out on his own with Gottlieb Strategic Research. “In 2019 I decided that I was traveling too much and wanted to spend more time with my family, friends and to become part of the community,” says Brian. He became a realtor and is currently with Berkshire Hathaway Home Services PenFed Realty. “I couldn’t be happier. I love having the opportunity to help people find their next home or maybe their first home. It’s the most rewarding career I’ve ever had.”
Brian is also very active in the South Fairfax Chamber of Commerce and recently earned the Chamber’s “Member to Watch” award. “The Chamber has introduced me to incredible business owners and given me a chance to support our community,” Brian says. “The SFCC is growing, and it’s an exciting time to be a part of it.”
Brian was recently elected to be the SFCC’s Vice Chairman, heading up the Chamber’s efforts to defeat the County Board of Supervisors proposal for a meals tax on all restaurant and prepared food in the county. Local businesses interested in learning more about the Chamber’s efforts on the proposed meals tax can go to the Chamber’s website www.southfairfaxchamber. org or contact Brian at 703-337-3751. “I’m excited about the future and the opportunity to give back to a community that has given so much to my family.”
With a life rich in adventure, community, and family, the Gottliebs continue to embrace each new chapter, always ready for the next journey.
Photos provided by the family
Fairfax Mystery Writer Honored
By Carla Olivo
The Mystery Writers of America (MWA) has awarded Fairfax Station resident I.S. Berry the Edgar Award for Best First Novel by an American Author for The Peacock and the Sparrow (Simon & Schuster – Atria Books) at a ceremony held recently at the Marriott Marquis New York in Times Square.
The Edgar Awards, or “Edgars,” as they are commonly known, are named after MWA’s patron saint Edgar Allan Poe and are presented to authors of distinguished work in various categories. MWA is the premier organization for mystery writers, professionals allied to the crime-writing field, aspiring crime writers, and those who are devoted to the genre. The organization encompasses some 3,000 members including authors of fiction and non-fiction books, screen and television writers, as well as publishers, editors, and literary agents.
The Peacock and the Sparrow follows Shane Collins, an aging American spy, stationed in Bahrain off the coast of Saudi Arabia. His final mission goes dangerously awry. Caught in the crosswinds of the Arab Spring—entangled in murder, consuming love, and an unpredictable revolution—he’s ultimately forced to shed his indifference and choose sides, only to face the startling consequences of his decisions. The Peacock and the Sparrow explores the hazards of involvement, the elusiveness of truth, and the power and perils of belief.
I.S. Berry spent six years as an operations officer for the CIA, serving in wartime Baghdad and elsewhere. She has lived and worked throughout Europe and the Middle East, including two years in Bahrain during the Arab Spring. She is one of only a few women in the field of espionage literature and in the even narrower category of female spy novelists who were actually spies. The CIA is producing a short film about Berry and her book.
NoVa Celebrates the Holidays!
By Carla Olivo • Photos Courtesy Lorton Extravaganza
Huge crowds converged in South Fairfax last month to celebrate the holiday season! Santa made several appearances across NoVa neighborhoods. On a chilly Saturday, the Lorton Volunteer Fire Department delivered the big guy in red to Stallion Stadium. The fire engine arrived with lights and sirens blaring to delight of the crowd of youngsters anxiously awaiting his arrival. Santa was also spotted on a motorcycle in several subdivisions, and he awaited the participants in the 8th annual Candy Cane Kids' Fun Run, high fiving those who crossed the finish line.
For shoppers, the 19th annual Lorton Holiday Extravaganza featured 170 handcraft vendors who came from as far as North Carolina and Pennsylvania. New this year were hourly drawings for prizes. All those who attended were given a complimentary Great Extravaganza Giveaway ticket at the door and were eligible to win a variety of prizes. Event Director Renee Flynn says, "Everyone enjoyed the fabulous shopping, the entertainment, and the food trucks!" She says they are already planning next year's event which will be their 20th.
Santa and two of his fans!
High fives from Santa!
Getting ready to run!
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Sponsor Casey Whitmarsh, State Farm agent
Sponsor
Santa's arrival courtesy of the LVFD
ZOOMIN GROOMIN
Bringing the Spa to Your Pet
By Mallory Hardgrove • Photos submitted by Zoomin Groomin
When it comes to pet grooming, convenience and care make all the difference. For Ellie and Parke McManis, owners of Zoomin Groomin, the mission is simple: to create a stressfree, high-quality grooming experience for dogs and cats in their community. As Ellie explains, “We are a mobile pet spa that brings stress-free, high-quality grooming services for dogs and cats right to your doorstep. Using eco-friendly products and a gentle approach, we ensure your pets are happy, clean, and comfortable while saving you time and hassle.”
A Passion for Pets and Community
Ellie and Parke, married in 2023, share a lifelong love for animals that inspired their business. Ellie recalls, “Growing up, I
dreamed of becoming a dolphin trainer, while Parke aspired to be a veterinarian.” Though their careers—Ellie as a pediatric hematology/oncology nurse practitioner and Parke as a lawyer—took different paths, their passion for animals has remained constant. When the opportunity to start a mobile pet spa arose, they knew it was the perfect way to combine their love for pets with community service. “Since launching last year, we’ve been incredibly fortunate to work alongside a talented groomer with over 10 years of experience,” Ellie shares.
Tailoring Care to Every Pet’s Needs
At Zoomin Groomin, no pet is too big, small, or unique for their expert care. Ellie proudly notes, “We do not have a weight limit; we believe that every pup should get the chance to enjoy our stress-free mobile service.” Their philosophy centers around treating each pet like family, focusing on individualized care. “We strive to treat each pet as if they were our own, catering to their individual needs—whether
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they’re older, nervous, or need extra care,” she says.
The team takes special pride in welcoming pets who are often turned away by other salons due to size, age, or special needs. “Providing care for these pets is especially meaningful to us,” Ellie adds. At Zoomin Groomin, every pet is not just welcomed, but cherished. "We are committed to serving all pets, regardless of their size, age, or special needs."
Making Every Day an Adventure
A typical day at Zoomin Groomin is filled with joy and the occasional dose of hilarity. Ellie recounts a particularly memorable moment: “Parke did a ride-along with our groomer and encountered a husky mix, Daisy, singing along to the dryer in the middle of a ‘furnado.’ It was unforgettable!”
Beyond the laughter, what keeps them motivated is the bond between pets and their owners. “There’s nothing like the wagging tails, happy purrs, or the relieved smiles of pet parents when they see their beloved animals looking and feeling their best,” Ellie says.
As Ellie and Parke prepare to welcome their first child in March, their commitment to pets and their community only grows. “Thank you for letting us serve your furry friends with love and care,” Ellie concludes.
Zoomin Groomin is Fairfax’s trusted choice for personalized grooming that prioritizes pets. To make an appointment, call 703-574-0577 or email CentralFairfaxVA@zoomingroomin.com today!
'NEIGHBORHOOD MOM' RECEIVES FREE ROOF FROM POND ROOFING & EXTERIORS
By Taylor Carroll • Photos courtesy Pond Roofing & Exteriors
To mark its 60th anniversary, Pond Roofing & Exteriors has provided a new roof free of charge to Mrs. Tilton, a well-loved and deserving member of the community. Known as the “neighborhood mom,” Mrs. Tilton has spent years opening her home to local children, offering them a safe and supportive environment.
A retired school bus driver and cancer survivor, Mrs. Tilton has touched many lives with her kindness and resilience. Despite her efforts, recent challenges made it difficult for her to maintain her home, leaving her in need of assistance. Recognizing her contributions and current circumstances, Pond Roofing chose her as the 2024 Roof Giveaway Recipient.
“Mrs. Tilton has given so much to others, and we’re honored to support her now when she needs it most,” said Patrick Readyhough, President, Pond Roofing & Exteriors.
By Carla Olivo • Photos courtesy of the South Fairfax Chamber of Commerce
one year in business
Petite Smiles Boutique Pediatric Dentistry is celebrating one year in business, a major milestone! At a recent open house young kids and adults alike couldn't get enough of the special
entire team's hard work, dedication, and the value they bring to their clients, says South Fairfax Chamber of Commerce Chair Casey Whitmarsh. "In just one year, they’ve made an
Dr Heba Rashed and Carla Olivo
Celebrating
