[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 175 (Tuesday, December 6, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1594]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            COMMENDING THE 2016 BEST OF BRADDOCK RECIPIENTS

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                        HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 6, 2016

  Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the recipients of the 
2016 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. I am pleased to join the 
Braddock District Council of Community Associations in recognizing the 
following Recipients of the 2016 Best of Braddock Awards:


                          Citizens of the Year

  Casey McCollum, Olde Forge/Surrey Square Civic Association. For 10 
years, Ms. McCollum has worked with A Forever Home Rescue Foundation, 
providing safe and loving care for foster dogs, including pregnant dogs 
and those rescued from puppy mills and inhumane conditions. Her 
dedication and unconditional love for the dogs she fosters helps 
prepare them for their adoptive families and forever homes.
  Glen Erickson-Bell, Chapel Hill Civic Association. Mr. Erickson-Bell 
is the ``Steward of Oak Hill Park.'' When efforts to engage park 
personnel were fruitless, he took it upon himself to contact Friends of 
Accotink Creek for guidance. These efforts led to the formation of the 
Friends of Oak Hill Park which led efforts to clear the trails and 
clean up the trash so that residents were able to once again enjoy Oak 
Hill.
  Young Person of the Year: Bonnibelle Bishop. Since elementary school, 
Ms. Bishop has been involved in community service. She has traveled 
throughout the Commonwealth promoting her anti-bullying platform and 
participated in events for TAPS (Tragedy Assistance Program for 
Survivors.) She also has donated her time to various events in support 
of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) including its Children's 
Hospital.


  Clubs or Organizations Making a Difference in the Braddock District

  Holy Spirit Transportation Ministry. Richard and Maly Chobot formed 
the Transportation Ministry at Holy Spirit Church to help those who 
need rides to medical appointments or procedures. The entirely 
volunteer group provides a service that makes a difference in the 
everyday lives of members in the community.
  Boy Scout Troop 1965. In the past year, the 40 Scouts of Troop 1965 
have collectively completed more than 800 hours of service projects 
ranging from conservation projects to construction projects throughout 
the area. The members of Troop 1965 continue to serve those around them 
and the greater Braddock District.
  Staff, Volunteers and Friends of Kings Park Library. With the closure 
of Pohick Library for renovation, the Kings Park Library has seen an 
exponential increase in usage. The dedicated staff, volunteers, and 
friends of Kings Park Library have worked together to meet the 
increased demand without sacrificing service, making Kings Park one of 
the most cherished libraries in the county.
  Friends of Oak Hill Park. Instead of sitting back and waiting for 
someone else to solve a community problem, the Friends of Oak Hill Park 
took matters into their own hands. They united the communities 
surrounding Oak Hill Park and launched extensive clean-up and 
restoration projects, transforming it into a welcoming parkland for all 
to enjoy.


                          Special Recognition

  Paula McKinley, Olde Forge/Surrey Square Civic Association. While 
many celebrate Memorial Day and July 4th with picnics and parades, Ms. 
McKinley personally purchased more than 800 U.S. flags and oversaw 
their installation, ensuring that we remember our history and honor 
those who gave their lives for us all.
  Ron Luxenburg, Lake Braddock. The winter of 2015/16 was one for the 
record books. While most of us were home stranded, waiting for the 
plows to arrive, Mr. Luxenburg plowed his entire cul-de-sac, as well as 
his neighbors' driveways and sidewalks without being asked or paid. 
These efforts truly exhibit Mr. Luxenburg's generosity and passion for 
serving others.
  Don Wallace. Mr. Wallace sits on the board of Food for Others and 
since 2008, has actively worked to educate the community about the need 
to donate food for thousands of Northern Virginians who might otherwise 
go hungry. He has personally organized the collection and transfer of 
donated food to the Food for Others warehouse. His efforts have 
resulted in more than 9 tons of food being donated to this worthwhile 
organization.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating these 
outstanding individuals 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.

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