[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 50 (Wednesday, April 29, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E697]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           HONORING THE BEST OF RESTON AWARD WINNERS FOR 1998

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                          HON. THOMAS M. DAVIS

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 29, 1998

  Mr. DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to 
rise today to pay tribute to this year's winner of the Best of Reston 
Community Service Awards. These awards are made annually by the Reston 
Chamber of Commerce and Reston Interfaith to honor businesses and 
individuals who have provided extraordinary service to others in the 
community.
  This year's winners are:
  Appalachian Spring for community outreach and leadership as a small 
business. Manager Gina Cocomello and her staff have made enormous 
contributions to the community by conducting food and supply drives for 
the Embry Rucker Community Shelter, selling tickets to Reston 
Interfaith events, and supporting South Lakes High School and the 
Northern Virginia Fine Arts Festival. They are also active in the 
Chamber's Small Business Counsel. Appalachian Spring has generously 
provided community support wherever needed.
  Atlantic Realty Companies for commitment to the belief that 
developers must help meet the needs of the communities in which they 
build and that a safety net of social services is important for the 
entire community. Atlantic Realty's contributions include supplying 
space for child care benefiting low-income families, a freshly mulched 
playground for homeless children, and a Village Center where senior 
Fellowship House residents can safely and conveniently shop. By joining 
their professional mission with the original vision of Reston, Atlantic 
Realty has improved the quality of life for those that work, live, and 
play in Reston.
  David M. Haas for continuous service and outstanding leadership as a 
civic leader and arts supporter. As a member of the Reston Association 
Board of Directors, the Reston Community Center Board of Governors, and 
the Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce, David has exercised 
intelligence, compassion, and fairness in balancing economic needs with 
good planning and community stewardship. His artistic contributions 
have been highlighted in his work with GRACE, the Arts Alliance of 
Reston, and the Reston Community Players. David has offered a wealth of 
enjoyment to the community through his artistic vision.
  Calvin Larson for advocating the legal rights of AIDS victims and for 
thirty years of service to the Reston Community. Cal has provided pro 
bono legal advice to the Whitman Walker Clinic in Northern Virginia, 
treating clients and their cases with compassion and sensitivity. He 
has served in leadership positions on the Reston Community Association 
Board, RA Pathways, RA Elections committees and the Save Lake Anna 
Committee. As a member of Friends of the Community Center, he started 
the Venture Mentoring Program, Cal has helped shape Reston through his 
service and generosity to others.
  Lynn Lilienthal for her lifetime of tireless work as a children's 
advocate and for her leadership in the Greater Reston Community. Lynn 
served on the Reston Interfaith Board for twelve years, including five 
years as President. She is co-owner and Executive Director of PALS 
Early Learning Center, and is chairperson of the Embry Rucker Community 
Shelter Citizens Support Committee. Her three decades of community 
service have touched thousands of lives in the community.
  Susan Spencer for recognizing the needs of under-privileged children 
in our community and for finding creative solutions to help the 
children and parents at Forest Edge Elementary School. A physical 
education teacher and technology specialist, Susan established the 
Community Service Club, to help students obtain holiday gifts for their 
families and friends. Sensing the need for students to be computer 
literate, she spent evenings, weekends, and holidays installing 
computer equipment and setting up computer labs. She donated her own 
money for equipment, then taught herself how to install it, bringing 
the Internet into the classroom. Susan's dedication to Forest Edge 
Elementary School has encouraged the hopes and dreams of its students 
and parents.
  Charles Veatch for his dedication to preserving Reston's past and 
improving Reston's future. Chuck's contributions include starting 
Ethics Day at South Lakes High School, creating an archival record at 
George Mason University detailing the Development of Reston, serving on 
the board of Reston Historic Trust for Community Revitalization, and 
donating the use of a large storage facility to the Embry Rucker 
Community Shelter for collecting food and supplies for those in need. 
Chuck has helped thousands in the community develop a sense of the past 
and of the success that the future may hold.
  Richard Williams for kindly and quietly supporting the less fortunate 
in the Greater Reston Community through an endless number of volunteer 
activities. Since retiring from the government, Richard dedicates his 
time to his family, his community, and those most in need. His efforts 
include donating food to a single parent undergoing chemotherapy, 
building a house with Habitat to Humanity, shopping for swimsuits for 
homeless children attending Laurel Learning Center, cooking dinner for 
Reston Interfaith-sponsored parenting classes, and providing rides for 
those needing transportation. Nicknamed ``Saint Richard'' by staff and 
children at Laurel Learning Center, Richard unassumingly touches the 
lives of hundreds of the community.
  Mr. Speaker, I know my colleagues join me in commending the Best of 
Reston Award winners for all of their hard work and dedication in 
making their community an outstanding place to live and work.

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