[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 169 (Thursday, October 19, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1392]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   RECOGNIZING THE FAIRFAX FEDERATION OF CITIZENS ASSOCIATIONS 2017 
                  CITIZEN OF THE YEAR AWARD RECIPIENTS

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                        HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 19, 2017

  Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the Fairfax Federation 
of Citizens Associations on the occasion of its 67th Annual Citizen of 
the Year Awards Banquet. The Federation is a coalition of civic and 
homeowners associations who work together to promote and support 
initiatives that will benefit all. Each year, the Federation honors a 
few select individuals for their extraordinary contributions to our 
community. As a former two-term President of the Federation, I 
understand that those who volunteer their time, energies, and talents 
to civic activities play a vital role in making Fairfax County one of 
the best places in the nation in which to live, work, and raise a 
family. I am honored to recognize the following individuals for their 
service to our community:
  2017 Citizen of the Year: Joseph Chudzik: ``A model citizen with a 
passion for serving his community.'' A more apt description could not 
be found. Joe's contributions to his community are many and varied, 
from Boy Scouts to the Mason Neck Lions Club to serving as a volunteer 
at polling stations on Election Day. Joe's passion for service also 
extends far beyond the borders of Fairfax County. He has served in the 
Peace Corps, as a Foreign Service Officer in the U.S. Department of 
State and in the U.S. Air Force. One would not think it was possible to 
find so many different ways to serve, but Joe has shown that it is. We 
should all strive to mirror his example.
  Citation of Merit: Cheryl Ellsworth: Cheryl is receiving this 
citation for an issue that is close to my heart, namely affordable 
housing. During my time on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, I 
worked to address this important issue in conjunction with combatting 
homelessness. Cheryl has shown similar dedication to these causes 
through her work with Good Shepherd Housing and Family Services. Her 
work has received numerous accolades, including the Washington Post 
Award for Excellence in Nonprofit Management and the Fairfax County 
Nonprofit of the Year Award.
  Citation of Merit: Emily McCoy: Emily is currently serving her 35th 
year on the Fairfax County Commission for Women and has spent her 
entire career fighting for the rights of women and girls. Emily has 
also been a leader in Fairfax County's efforts to combat the scourge of 
domestic violence and served as the representative for the Commission 
for Women to the County's Domestic Violence Prevention, Policy and 
Coordinating Council for five years.
  Citation of Merit: Ken Balbuena: Ken has distinguished himself as a 
tireless and effective advocate for his community. As President of the 
North Springfield Civic Association, he has worked to revive County 
ordinances regarding the upkeep of lawns in neighborhoods, established 
traffic calming measures to combat speeding and successfully lobbied 
for the local crossing guard to receive traffic control training. In 
each of these instances, as well as many others, Ken has kept the 
community informed on his progress and successfully solicited their 
input to guide the process according to the will of the neighborhood. 
He is truly a testament to effective volunteer leadership.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in thanking these 
incredible individuals and in congratulating them on being honored by 
the Fairfax County Federation of Citizens' Associations. Civic 
engagement is the foundation of a healthy conununity, and Fairfax 
County residents enjoy an exceptional quality of life due in part to 
the efforts of these individuals. The contributions and leadership of 
these honorees have been a great benefit to our community and truly 
merit our highest praise.

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