[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 123 (Friday, July 31, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1194-E1195]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       RECOGNIZING RECIPIENTS OF THE 2015 BEST OF BRADDOCK AWARDS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, July 31, 2015

  Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the recipients of the 
2015 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 our community.

[[Page E1195]]

  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 2015 Best 
of Braddock Awards:
  Citizens of the Year:
  Amy Zydel for her selfless devotion of time and talent to foster care 
children and foster care parents in the Braddock District and all of 
Fairfax County. She also is a key supporter of ``Let's Help Kids,'' a 
local charity aimed at giving a helping hand to elementary school 
children whose parents are suffering financial hardship.
  Duwain Ketch for his many years of working with the Kings Park and 
Burke Centre Libraries. He currently serves on the Executive Board of 
the Fairfax Library Foundation and heads the Foundation's Scholarship 
Committee. Mr. Ketch previously has served as a member of the Burke 
Centre Conservancy Board of Trustees, and he is a member of the Rotary 
Club of Burke.
  Young Person of the Year: Jonathan McCarty--a member of Boy Scout 
Troop 1115--for his Eagle Scout project. Jonathan led a group of 
volunteers in completing trail improvements in Accotink Park by digging 
a ditch next to the trail which will help reduce the amount of standing 
water on the trail after rainstorms. All of the work was done by hand 
because it is located in an area of archeological importance.
  Most ``Can-Do'' Public Employee: Dennis Barton of the Fairfax County 
Park Authority (FCPA) for volunteering to work overtime with Jonathan 
McCarty to haul away thirteen cubic feet of dirt that was removed when 
digging a trail ditch. Without his help, the project couldn't have been 
completed.
  Club or Organization Making a Difference in the Braddock District: 
Friends of Long Branch Stream Valley. Less than a year old, this group 
organized itself for the express purpose of improving both 
environmental and recreational opportunities in the Long Branch Stream 
Valley, a part of the Accotink Watershed.
  Neighborhood Enhancement or Beautification in the Braddock District 
(2 honorees):
  The Commonwealth Swim Club. When declining membership and tight 
budgets caused the pool board to cut back on grounds maintenance funds, 
the grounds began to show signs of neglect. James Watkins, a member of 
the club and a handyman, offered his time and resources to remedy the 
problems. He repaired the entrance to the pool, restored the primary 
storm water runoff channel, installed new lighting, and landscaped and 
beautified the area leading to the clubhouse.
  Kings Park West Townhouses HOA. When Marilyn Stoney's property began 
experiencing flooding, she came to the board with a simple request 
which led to a community-wide storm water management project. Ms. 
Stoney volunteered her experience as a program manager to research the 
problems, develop solutions, solicit bids, oversee the work, and obtain 
a grant to assist with replanting once construction was completed. A 
dozen members of the community assisted with the planting.
  Special Recognition also is being given to the employees of the 
Fairfax County Park Authority who worked with the residents of Olde 
Forge/Surrey Square to build the new community playground.
  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 are deserving of our 
highest praise.

                          ____________________