Clifton in the American History Film Project

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. 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.

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.

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.

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.

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. CARPET RUGS & RUNNERS • HARDWOOD FLOORING LAMINATE FLOORING • VINYL FLOORING LUXURY VINYL TILE • TILE & STONE FLOORING

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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-

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Visit my Home Staging Company at 7145 Main St Suite 1D, Clifton VA, 20124 Karen S. Paris, REALTOR®, ASP® 571.220.7503

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 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/

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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Dispatch fee ONLY $30.00 Dispatch fee waived if service is performed on the same visit