[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 191 (Tuesday, December 13, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2244]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   RECOGNIZING THE WINNERS OF THE 2011 ELLY DOYLE PARK SERVICE AWARDS

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                        HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 13, 2011

  Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the 
recipients of the 2011 Elly Doyle Park Service Awards. These awards, 
sponsored by the Fairfax County Park Authority Board in cooperation 
with the Fairfax County Park Foundation Board, recognize individuals 
and organizations for their extraordinary contributions to our 
environment and public park system.
  Fairfax County is regarded as one of the best places in the country 
in which to live, work, and raise a family, and our nationally-
recognized park system has played a key role in that distinction. Our 
community has a strong commitment to promoting and preserving our 
environment, including our public parks and outdoor spaces. Each year 
thousands of volunteers donate their talents and time to protect our 
natural and cultural resources and enhance public educational and 
recreational services.
  The Elly Doyle Service Awards were established in 1988 in honor of 
former board member Ellamae Doyle's many years of outstanding service. 
In addition, recipients have also been named for the 2011 Eakin 
Philanthropy Award, named in honor of the Eakin family who donated the 
first parcels of parkland to the Park Authority over 50 years ago, and 
the 2011 Sally Ormsby Environmental Stewardship Award, named after the 
late Sally Ormsby who was a champion of environmental stewardship. I 
congratulate each of the 2011 recipients of these prestigious awards.
  2011 Eakin Philanthropy Award Recipients:
  Craig and Belinda Stevens for their generous financial support of 
numerous Park Foundation projects; and
  Cox Communications, for their ongoing funding of the Summer 
Entertainment Series.
  2011 Sally Ormsby Environmental Stewardship Award Recipient:
  Stella Koch, in recognition of the central role she has played in 
many environmental issues including development of policies and 
preservation of our natural resources.
  2011 Elly Doyle Service Award Recipients:
  Friends of the Hidden Oaks Nature Center--For their exceptional 
efforts in supporting programs, activities, and facilities at the 
Hidden Oaks Nature Center in Annandale.
  Charles and Jacque Olin--For the establishment of the Analemma 
Society in 1998 and their efforts in creating Observatory Park at 
Turner Farm.
  Chris Robichaux--For creating the Mason District Dog Opportunity 
Group in 2000 which worked with Park Authority staff to identify 
suitable parkland for an off-leash dog area.
  2011 Elly Doyle Special Recognition Awards Recipients: Jim Franks, 
Lynne Glasser, John Hopkins, James Jamison, and Judy Kirby, and student 
honoree, Morgan Volpe.
  I also commend the 18 individuals who comprise the Class of 2011 
Outstanding Volunteers.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating and 
thanking these honorees for their demonstrated commitment to our open 
spaces and public parks. Fairfax County is able to enjoy a high quality 
of life because of the efforts of these individuals and they are 
deserving of our praise and appreciation.

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