Tanya Surtees and David Hansz are friendly new faces around the farm! As neighbors and community advocates, we are pleased to spotlight Tanya and David in this edition of our Member Moment Series.
Originally from Cape Town, South Africa, Tanya, an Arts Manager with a history in dance, has a love for arts and the community. David is originally from Alexandria, VA and has lived in the Moyaone neighborhood since 2010.
During the pandemic, Tanya and David spent ample time taking walks and were impressed with the beauty of the Foundation’s surrounding neighborhood. After attending Pinot on the Potomac, the couple became members!
In addition to the amenities of the serene property, several aspects of the mission of AFF appeal to Tanya and David. David says, “For me it’s the conservancy, the natural aspect, and the history of Alice Ferguson, herself. Keeping that up is paramount. It’s just so rare that you have a figure like that, that we can get behind. For her to blaze this trail…and to have us benefit from that is something worth supporting.” Tanya agrees that the community, supporting the arts, and preserving Alice’s legacy is what interests her as well.
In addition to appreciating the peacefulness of the woods, some of Tanya and David’s favorite pastimes include walking their dogs along the boardwalk, attending theater performances, geo-caching, and smoking cigars during their evening walks. Tanya also enjoys crocheting, and David is a budding ultra runner and enjoys woodworking in his spare time. And as goat owners themselves, they are no strangers to farm life! Tanya and David are happy owners of two goats, Vladimir and Estragon, named after Samuel Beckett’s play, Waiting for Godot.
As avid community and arts supporters, both Tanya and David are excited to get more involved with the neighborhood and the Alice Ferguson Foundation!