[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 78 (Wednesday, May 20, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1221-E1222]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    IN HONOR OF THE 15TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE NOVA-ANNANDALE SYMPHONY 
       ORCHESTRA AND IN RECOGNITION OF THE 2009 AWARDS RECIPIENTS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 19, 2009

  Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate 
the NOVA-Annandale Symphony Orchestra on the occasion of their 15th 
Anniversary and to pay tribute to their 2009 Award Recipients.
  In 1994, Dr. Claiborne Richardson of The Reunion Music Society and 
Dr. Gladys Watkins of the Northern Virginia Community College formed a 
partnership between the two organizations to create the NOVA-Annandale 
Symphony Orchestra. This orchestra combines the talents of local 
professional and amateur musicians and college students to develop 
their skills and to perform the music of different cultures and 
heritages. On April 17, 2009 during the NOVA-Annandale Symphony 
Orchestra's 15th Anniversary celebration, The Reunion Music Society 
announced the award recipients in two special categories: The 
Richardson-Watkins Founders Awards, which recognize persons or 
businesses from the community that have made significant contributions 
to the success of the Reunion Music Society's programs, and The 
Orchestra/Players Awards, which are given to musicians who have made 
significant contributions to the success and development of the 
Symphony over several years and are selected by their peers in the 
orchestra.
  The recipients of The Richardson-Watkins Founders Awards are:

[[Page E1222]]

  Annandale Florist, Inc. and Mr. Gary Sherfey for many years of 
providing complimentary flower arrangements displayed on the theater 
stage at the Symphony Orchestra concerts and for helping to promote 
concerts through displays at the florist shop.
  Mr. Norman Johnston, a long-time volunteer and one of the founding 
members of the RMS, who served on the Board of Directors for many 
years. He continues to support the Symphony Orchestra by serving as the 
organization's graphic artist as well as providing significant 
financial support both personally and through the solicitation of paid 
advertising.
  Dr. Bruce Mann, Dean of Liberal Arts at Northern Virginia Community 
College's Annandale campus, who serves as the college's liaison to the 
RMS. He oversees the music courses that involve college students and 
members of the Symphony Orchestra and coordinates the scheduling of 
concerts and rehearsals. In addition, he successfully solicits and 
obtains financial resources for concerts. Dr. Mann is presently serving 
his fourth year on RMS' Board of Directors.
  The recipients of The Orchestra/Players Awards are:
  Mr. Claiborne T. Richardson II: For the last 15 years ``Clai'' has 
generously contributed his time and talent to the Symphony Orchestra 
helping it to grow and thrive. As the orchestra's percussion and 
timpani section leader he leads and teaches his section, which is 
composed of many budding musicians, while encouraging and promoting the 
works of new young composers. Clai is a mainstay musician with the 
other RMS programs--the Annandale Brass, Reunion Music Society Jazz 
Orchestra, and the Chris Johnston Trio.
  Ms. Jody Smalley: Jody has been playing the violin with the Symphony 
Orchestra since it was formed 15 years ago. As vice president of the 
Orchestra's Board of Directors, Jody arranges for guest musicians to 
rehearse and perform with the Orchestra. Her production of CD's of 
music to assist other musicians with their individual practices and the 
Power Point presentation she prepares to accompany the annual ``Winter 
Wonderland'' program helps to ensure the high quality of the 
performances.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the 
NOVA-Annandale Symphony Orchestra on their 15th Anniversary and paying 
tribute to the recipients of The Richardson-Watkins Founder's Awards 
and of the Orchestra/Player Awards.

                          ____________________