[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 34 (Monday, February 27, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E237]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING THE 2017 GREENSPRING PRESIDENT'S VOLUNTEER SERVICE AWARD 
                               RECIPIENTS

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                        HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, February 27, 2017

  Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Greenspring 
Retirement Community of Springfield, Virginia as they host their annual 
President's Volunteer Service Awards reception. I have had the pleasure 
of visiting Greenspring on many occasions and am continually impressed 
by the community spirit displayed there.
   The 2017 President's Volunteer Service Awards will honor more than 
200 volunteers from the Greenspring community as well as the greater 
Springfield area with the Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards for Volunteer 
Service. In addition, three members of the Greenspring community are 
being honored with the Lifetime Service Award, having compiled more 
than 4,000 hours of community service during their time at Greenspring. 
In 2016, more than 750 volunteers contributed in excess of 140,000 
hours to Greenspring as well as the surrounding community. That 
averages to nearly 200 hours per volunteer--an amazing display of 
dedication and commitment to our neighbors and district.
   Greenspring residents volunteer their time in a variety of ways 
including teaching English to staff who are not native speakers as part 
of an award-winning ESL program, mentoring local elementary school 
students and preparing thousands of weekend food bags for distribution 
by organizations such as Food for Others to ensure that local children 
and families do not go hungry.
   Volunteers from the surrounding community also provide a large 
number of different services to Greenspring residents, such as visiting 
with residents, playing cards or board games and escorting residents to 
and from activities.
   The selfless participation of these individuals in volunteer 
activities enriches the lives of those around them and is truly worthy 
of our highest praise. I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating 
all of the 2017 award recipients and in thanking them for their 
exemplary service to our community.

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