[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 133 (Wednesday, September 17, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1435-E1436]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       RECOGNIZING RECIPIENTS OF THE 2014 BEST OF BRADDOCK AWARDS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 17, 2014

  Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the recipients of the 
2014 Best of Braddock Awards, presented by the Braddock District 
Council of Community Associations. These awards are given annually to 
deserving individuals, organizations, and companies in the Braddock 
Magisterial District of Fairfax County, Virginia, who have demonstrated 
an outstanding commitment to the community.
   The goal of the Braddock District Council is to promote the civic, 
community, and general welfare of the citizens of the Braddock 
District. The Council represents the interests of community 
associations, facilitates cooperation and coordination between 
associations, and provides a path of communications between 
associations and officials or elected representatives of the Braddock 
District.
   I am pleased to join the Braddock District Council of Community 
Associations in recognizing the following Recipients of the 2014 Best 
of Braddock Awards:
   Citizen of the Year--Norma Heck, founding member and immediate past 
president of the North Springfield Civic Association, for nearly 40 
years of extensive involvement in the community. Norma is well known 
for her dedicated service and although she has reached an age at which 
most people decide to slow down a bit, she plans to become even more 
active on the NSCA board and in Braddock District Council programs.
   Young Person of the Year--Elizabeth Banks, who is a student at 
Robinson Secondary School, for her many efforts on behalf of others 
including working with children, volunteering for Second Chance 
Employment

[[Page E1436]]

Services, which assists victims of domestic violence, assisting in the 
renovation of an orphanage in the Dominican Republic, and organizing a 
Special Olympics basketball game at Robinson. As a volunteer at the 
medical neurology lab at Georgetown University, she participated in 
efforts to create a protein that could be used by others to test its 
role in Parkinson's disease. She will no doubt continue to remain 
involved and engaged in her community at the University of Virginia 
next year.
   Most ``Can-Do'' Public Employee--Julie Tahan, Lake Accotink Park 
Supervisor, for her management that has allowed Lake Accotink to be one 
of the most outstanding parks in Fairfax County, and for her 
outstanding leadership capabilities demonstrated through her 
coordination of the efforts to recover from tropical storms and 
organization of the annual Cardboard Boat Regatta.
   Neighborhood Enhancement or Beautification by a Homeowner--Paula and 
David McKinley, for their beautiful and extensive rose garden that has 
included more than 75 varieties of roses. Their spectacular garden has 
enhanced the aesthetics of the neighborhood since the early 1990s.
   Neighborhood Enhancement or Beautification by a Community--Greg 
Sykes of Kings Park West for his commitment to the environment through 
teaching volunteers about the impacts of non-native invasive species, 
replanting native vegetation, giving nature walks around Royals Lake, 
and contributing to the Kings Park West Herald, other publications, and 
his website.
   Organizations Making a Difference in the Community--The David R. 
Pinn Center for creating a welcoming environment and dynamic programs 
for all members of the community, including senior citizens and 
students. Sarah Tinsley is receiving special recognition for her work 
with teens and the establishment of the ``Stand Up, Step Up, Speak Up 
(S3UP) program which focuses on leadership training, citizenship and 
job-readiness, and is the only community center based S3UP program in 
the county.
   Special Recognition--Rohil Bhinge, student at Mosby Woods Elementary 
School, for leading efforts to complete a fully accessible playground 
in the Braddock District. Rohil organized fun runs in 2012, 2013, and 
2014 to raise funds and community support for a regional facility where 
children of all abilities can play.
   Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating these 
outstanding residents and organizations and also in thanking them for 
their service to our community. Their efforts and leadership have been 
a great benefit to the Braddock District and the rest of Northern 
Virginia and truly merit our highest praise.

                          ____________________