[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 47 (Wednesday, March 24, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E471]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


     RECOGNIZING THE DISTINGUISHED SERVICE OF DR. JUDITH FALKENRATH

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                        HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 24, 2010

  Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Madam Speaker, it is my great honor to rise 
today to recognize Dr. Judith Falkenrath for her distinguished service 
to the Annandale Christian Community for Action (ACCA) and her years of 
dedicated service to the well-being and educational development of 
children in Northern Virginia.
  During the last 24 years, Dr. Falkenrath has had immeasurable impacts 
on the lives of countless children and their families. Beginning in 
1986 and continuing for 12 years, Dr. Falkenrath worked with the 
Fairfax County Office for Children. There she served as Early Childhood 
Specialist for Community Education as well as Education Coordinator for 
Fairfax County Head Start.
  In 1998, Dr. Falkenrath joined ACCA. Founded in 1967, ACCA was 
created to address the needs of the working poor in our community. 
Since that time, ACCA has grown and diversified the services that they 
offer. Currently ACCA is an alliance of 26 churches in the Annandale 
area and together they provide assistance in areas such as Child 
Development Center, Family Emergency Services, Housing Repair, 
Furniture, Meals on Wheels, Scholarships, Shelter Assistance, and 
Transportation.
  Believing that all children deserve quality care and education, Dr. 
Falkenrath, as Director of the Child Development Center, has provided 
leadership and dedication in providing quality preschool education and 
in furthering the goals of ACCA in reaching out to the poor and 
disadvantaged in our community. All children are accepted regardless of 
their circumstances or background.
  Although Dr. Falkenrath is retiring from ACCA, where I know she will 
be sorely missed, I am pleased to note she is continuing to serve the 
children of Fairfax County as a member of the Child Care Advisory 
Council.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in thanking Dr. Judith 
Falkenrath for her years of service and also in congratulating her on 
the occasion of her retirement. Her efforts and leadership have been a 
great benefit to the children of our community, and truly merit our 
highest praise.

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