[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 55 (Tuesday, April 17, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E563]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      TO RECOGNIZE THE 2012 FAIRFAX COUNTY FEDERATION OF CITIZENS 
                         ASSOCIATIONS HONOREES

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 17, 2012

  Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the 2012 
honorees of the Fairfax County Federation of Citizens Associations 
Awards Banquet.
  The Fairfax County Federation of Citizens Associations is a coalition 
of civic and homeowners associations from across Fairfax County. 
Through the Federation, individual communities collaborate with other 
associations to ensure that their voices are heard and that their 
communities stay strong.
  Each year, the Federation honors a select few individuals for 
extraordinary contributions to the community that have resulted in 
tangible improvements in our neighborhoods, schools, businesses and 
local government. This is the 62nd Annual Awards Banquet, and this 
year's honorees each have dedicated years of service to their 
neighbors, their community and all of Fairfax County.
  It is my pleasure to recognize the following individuals for their 
service to the community:
  2011 Citizen of the Year: Walter Alcorn for his 14 years of service 
on the Fairfax County Planning Commission. During his tenure, he has 
chaired the Tysons Corner Committee since 2008, chaired the 
Environmental Committee from 1997 2006, and served as Vice-Chair of the 
Planning Commission since being appointed in 1997. Mr. Alcorn also has 
been involved in his Reston community through his involvement with the 
United Christian Parish and also as a little league coach.
  2011 Citation of Merit: Ellie Ashford for her professional community 
journalism, tirelessly working to produce the Annandale Blog 
(annandaleblog.com), an exceptional local blog that was recently 
recognized by The Washington Post as a ``must read.'' Ms. Ashford also 
has received top honors from the Society for National Association 
Publications, the Association of Educational Publications, the American 
Society of Association Executives, and the International Association of 
Business Communicators.
  2011 Citation of Merit: Corazon Foley for her efforts to establish 
the Burke/West Springfield Senior Center Without Walls (BWSSCWoW). Due 
to her tireless efforts, the Center has succeeded in providing programs 
for more than 450 seniors in Fairfax County. Mrs. Foley also was named 
Lady Fairfax in 2009 for founding the Asian American History Project.
  2011 Citation of Merit: Terry Maynard for his work in development 
issues and planning for the Reston community. He has served on the 
Board of Directors for the Reston Citizens Association (RCA) and the 
Reston 2020 Committee. As the RCA representative to the ongoing Reston 
Master Plan Special Study Task Force, Mr. Maynard has been an outspoken 
advocate for reasoned, balanced, smart growth policies along the Silver 
Line Metro expansion.
  2011 Special Gratitude Award: Suzanne Harsel for her years of service 
representing the Braddock District on the Fairfax County Planning 
Commission. First appointed in 1982, Ms. Harsel was reappointed 7 times 
and served with distinction until her retirement in December 2011. 
Having served for nearly 30 years, Ms. Harsel had the longest 
continuous service on the Planning Commission.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in thanking these 
individuals and in congratulating them on being honored by the Fairfax 
County Federation of Citizens Associations. Civic engagement defines a 
community, and it is thanks to these individuals that Fairfax County 
residents enjoy such an excellent quality of life. The contributions 
and leadership of these honorees have been a great benefit to our 
community and truly merit our highest praise.