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“RECOGNIZING THE 2014 HONOREES OF THE FAIRFAX COUNTY FEDERATION OF CITIZENS' ASSOCIATIONS” mentioning the U.S. Dept. of Transportation was published in the Extensions of Remarks section on pages E1039-E1040 on July 10, 2015.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
RECOGNIZING THE 2014 HONOREES OF THE FAIRFAX COUNTY FEDERATION OF
CITIZENS' ASSOCIATIONS
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HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY
of virginia
in the house of representatives
Friday, July 10, 2015
Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to acknowledge the Fairfax County Federation of Citizens' Associations (the ``Federation'') and the honorees of its 65th Annual Awards Banquet. The Federation is a coalition of civic and homeowners associations. Each year, the Federation honors a few select individuals for their extraordinary contributions to our community. As a former two-term President of the Federation, I understand that those who volunteer their time, energies, and talents to civic activities play a vital role in making Fairfax County one of the best places in the nation in which to live, work, and raise a family. I am honored to recognize the following individuals for their service to our community:
2014 Citizen of the Year: Michael O'Reilly. A lifelong resident of Fairfax County, Michael O'Reilly is a true ``model citizen'' who never fails to heed the call to public service. Mr. O'Reilly served as Mayor of the Town of Herndon from 2004-2006. In 2009 he helped create the Governing Board of the Fairfax-Falls Church Partnership to Prevent and End Homelessness and has chaired the Board since its inception. He also currently serves as President of the Herndon Council for the Arts and as Co-chair of the Herndon Committee of the Dulles Regional Chamber.
Lifetime Achievement Award: Mary Agee. For the past 43 years, Mary Agee has made an enormous difference in the lives of Northern Virginians, particularly the low income and struggling. Joining Northern Virginia Family Service (NVFS) in 1972, Ms. Agee became the organization's leader 27 years ago. Under her leadership, NVFS has grown into a regional resource that employs 350 people, has approximately 3,400 volunteers, and provides assistance to more than 34,000 Northern Virginia residents every year. Although Ms. Agee is retiring from her position as President and Chief Executive of NVFS, her contributions and impact have left a permanent imprint on our community that will continue to help future generations of Fairfax residents.
Citation of Merit: Connie Hartke. Connie Hartke is best known as President of Rescue Reston, a grassroots organization formed to protect open space. Under her leadership, Rescue Reston secured more than 4,200 signatures in opposition to the construction of homes on the Reston National Golf Course and led citizen engagement efforts with the Board of Supervisors and Board of Zoning Appeals. Ms. Hartke is also a valued supporter of the Walker Nature Center, participating in numerous education programs including hikes, presentations, and environmental film nights.
Citation of Merit: Bruce Wright. Bruce Wright commutes by bicycle to most of the many meetings he attends as Chairman of Fairfax Advocates for Better Bicycling (FABB). Since 2005, Mr. Wright and FABB members have worked with Fairfax County and the Virginia Department of Transportation to ensure that bicycling is an integral part of the county's transportation network. Under his leadership, FABB advocated for the county's first Bicycle Master Plan. He has served on the Hunter Mill District Land Use Committee, the Reston Planning and Zoning Committee, the Tysons Land Use Task Force, the Fairfax County Trails & Sidewalks Committee, and on the Washington Area Bicyclist Association.
Special Gratitude Honoree: Supervisor Michael Frey. Supervisor Frey has represented the Sully District on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors since the Sully District was created in 1991, and I was proud to serve with him during my 14 years on the Board. Prior to that, he worked for former Board Chairman Jack Herrity and former Springfield District Supervisor Elaine McConnell. Since the beginning of his tenure, Mr. Frey oversaw enormous growth and change in the Centreville/
Chantilly area. His expertise in land use and development issues helped guide the area through this transitional period. His notable accomplishments include the creation of the Centreville Historic District, the acquisition of over 2,000 acres of parkland, and the establishment of a day labor center in Centreville. Mr. Frey has worked tirelessly for transportation improvements in western Fairfax to improve mobility and reduce congestion. A strong proponent of youth activities and opportunities for young children, Mr. Frey has been a leading advocate of youth sports. In addition, Mr. Frey was a strong supporter of the bid by Fairfax County to host the 2015 World Police and Fire Games and currently serves on the Board of Directors for the organization. Mr. Frey is retiring later this year from the Board of Supervisors, and I wish him well in his retirement and thank him for his 24 years of service to the County and the residents of the Sully District.
Special Gratitude Honoree: Supervisor Gerald ``Gerry'' Hyland. Supervisor Gerry Hyland has represented the Mount Vernon District on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors since 1988, and I was proud to serve with him during my 14 years on the Board. As one of the longest-
serving supervisors, Mr. Hyland has helped shape the tremendous growth and development of southern Fairfax County. He has been a force for renewal within the Mount Vernon District, working tirelessly on such major projects as the revitalization of the Route 1 corridor, the massive expansion of Fort Belvoir required under BRAC, and the transformation of Lorton from an industrial area once known for a prison and landfill into a thriving community known for its parkland, premier golf course, and the Workhouse Art Center. A tireless advocate for his constituents, he has helped manage the explosive growth of Mount Vernon to ensure that the quality of life enjoyed by the residents would not be diminished, but would rather be enhanced by this reinvention of the community. Mr. Hyland is retiring later this year from the Board of Supervisors, and I wish him well in his retirement and thank him for his 27 years of service to the County and the residents of the Mount Vernon District.
Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in thanking these incredible individuals and in congratulating them on being honored by the Fairfax County Federation of Citizens' Associations. Civic engagement is the root of a community, and Fairfax County residents enjoy an exceptional quality of life due in part to the efforts of these individuals. The contributions and leadership of these honorees have been a great benefit to our community and truly merit our highest praise.
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