[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 53 (Tuesday, April 23, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E601]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
HONORING THE BEST OF RESTON AWARD WINNERS FOR 1996
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HON. THOMAS M. DAVIS
of virginia
in the house of representatives
Tuesday, April 23, 1996
Mr. DAVIS. Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to rise today to
pay tribute to the individuals and businesses who are this years
winners of the Best of Reston Awards. The Best of Reston Community
Service Award was created to recognize companies, organizations and
individuals who have made outstanding contributions to community
service, and/or who have improved the lives of people in need in
Reston, VA.
Tom Bartelt for his 25 years of service to the Greater Reston
community through his role as the television eyes and ears of the
community. As community program manager for Warner Cable, Tom Bartelt
was there at the beginning, first as a volunteer, and then as staff,
covering events big and small. He also helps local charities, giving
selflessly of his time and talents to encourage young people in the
broadcasting field and keeping community television alive and directed
in the right spirit.
James Cleveland for his unique and direct impact on the quality of
life in Reston and for serving as a role model for others in his
approach to community service. As a driving force behind Mobile Land,
Jim Cleveland has created the atmosphere for corporate pride and
participation in support of civic causes as demonstrated in Reston's
status as an internationally recognized example of excellence in
community planning. He has also demonstrated a true sense of community
and civic affairs, including Greater Reston Arts Center, YMCA of
Metropolitan Washington, Washington Airports Task Force, Northern
Virginia Transportation Alliance and the Greater Reston Chamber of
Commerce. By both his positioning of Reston Land as a good corporate
citizen and through his own leadership role in the community, Jim
Cleveland has served the social, artistic, and business fabric of the
Reston community.
Judy Duncan for her selfless dedication and willingness to go above
and beyond to serve the needs for those in crisis through her Duncan
Answering Service and the Herndon-Reston F.I.S.H. (Friendly, Instant,
Sympathetic Help). Judy Duncan has been a key part of F.I.S.H. for many
years and has touched and assisted hundreds of people during those
years. From her initial role as one needing help during a medical
crisis to being a volunteer to becoming the person who initiated a way
for others to receive help through an answering service, Judy Duncan is
one of the quiet people who make things happen. When a void developed,
Judy created the Duncan Answering Service to field the many calls
F.I.S.H. receives from those in need. On average, 75 to 100 calls are
received daily and are referred to appropriate agencies or individuals
to assist. For her role in volunteering and creating this selfless
service, we honor Judy Duncan.
Lee A. Rau for years of consistent volunteer and community
involvement. Motivated by a strong desire to give back, Lee has made a
lifetime commitment to making Reston a better place. He is a longtime
supporter of Reston Interfaith and the Greater Reston Arts Center and
has served as President of the Board of both organizations. He
supported early efforts to establish both Laurel Learning Center and
the Embry Rucker Community Shelter. Early on, Lee recognized a need for
more affordable housing and he has worked tirelessly for over 20 years
to see that it would be built. Currently and concurrently, he is taking
a lead to develop a permanent home for GRACE. Lee Rau is a dedicated
member of the community and is honored for his work in many areas.
Patriot National Bank is honored for its role as a good corporate
citizen and for going beyond the purpose of a business to help, care
and contribute to the quality of life of all citizens of the community,
not just its customers. Patriot National Bank has demonstrated its
commitment through many avenues: number one provider of SBA loans in
Reston area; providing funding for the Market in the Woods; providing
below market funding for homeowner's associations and South Lakes High
School student bank; and encouraging service on community boards and
committees by its officers and employees. The activities and outreach
of Patriot National Bank, a ``homegrown bank,'' have made Reston a
better place to live and work.
Reston Hospital Center for its role as a corporate leader in
community service and for its commitment to improve the health of our
entire community by an extensive outreach program of health and
wellness. Since its inception, Reston Hospital Center has demonstrated
its concern for the welfare of others in the community through active
participation in the United Way Campaign, American Heart Association,
area religious organizations, Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce,
Reston Interfaith, Meals on Wheels, Reston Triatholon, Red Cross blood
drives. In 1995, Reston Hospital Center provided millions of dollars in
taxes, charity and uncompensated care to the community. The hospital
employs more than 800 area residents, have over 200 weekly volunteers
and has a dedicated staff which contributes to local high school health
care scholarship programs. More than 5,000 people benefited from
screening and health programs sponsored by the hospital in 1995. As an
integral part of the community, Reston Hospital Center provides
unsurpassed care and reaches out to all citizens as an exemplary health
care resource.
Reston Town Center Associates for further developing Reston's sense
of community by providing a vibrant place for people to come together
and for their support of worthy causes. Reston Town Center Associates
have always been willing to offer a gathering place and to support many
groups who do volunteer and non-profit work. They have improved the
quality of life of all members of the community, especially the elderly
and children through free events such as Take-a-Break Concerts, the
Holiday Parade, Meet Me at the Movies, and Mother's and Father's Day
events. They have supported many worthy causes such as GRACE, Cystic
Fibrosis, American Diabetes, Reston Interfaith, Children's Hospital and
the Multiple Sclerosis Society. More than $309,385 has been raised for
non-profit groups. In addition, another $17,900 has been donated to
local non-profit groups by the Mobil Foundation and the Mercury
Foundation. In 1995 more than 5 million people visited Reston Town
Center.
Mr. Speaker, I know my colleagues join me in honoring the ``Best of
Reston'' Award winners for all of their hard work in making their
community a better place to live.
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