[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 113 (Friday, July 6, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E972-E973]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   RECOGNIZING THE FAIRFAX FEDERATION OF CITIZENS ASSOCIATIONS 2018 
                  CITIZEN OF THE YEAR AWARD RECIPIENTS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, July 6, 2018

  Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the recipients of the 
Fairfax Federation of Citizens Associations Citizen of the Year Awards. 
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 individuals for their extraordinary 
contributions to our community. I am honored to recognize the following 
individuals for their service to our community:
  2018 Citizen of the Year: Gary Ambrose: A passionate advocate on 
behalf of those with mental illness and substance abuse disorders, Gary 
is an active member of National Alliance on Mental Illness, Concerned 
Fairfax, the Mental Health Subcommittee of the Fairfax County Ad Hoc 
Police Practices Review Commission, and the Steering Committee of the 
Fairfax County Veterans Treatment Docket. Since 2013, he has served on 
the board of directors for the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services 
Board, two years as chairman. He is also the Chairman of Fairfax 
County's Diversion First Stakeholders Group. In 2016, he was recognized 
by the Virginia Association of Community Services Boards with the 
Senator Joseph V. Gartlan, Jr. Award.
  Citation of Merit: Barbara Lippa: Following a 35-year career with the 
Fairfax County Planning Commission, including the last 14 years as 
Executive Director, since 2013 Barbara has focused her retirement 
activities primarily on women's empowerment. Barbara has served as the 
Sully District representative on the County Commission for Women since 
2013, and is currently its Vice-Chairwoman. Since 2014, Barbara has 
also served on the Executive Board of the National Association of 
Commission for Women, including 2 years as Treasurer. In addition, she 
has served in various capacities at the local, District, and 
International levels of Zonta International, which strives to advance 
the status of women through service and advocacy.
  Citation of Merit: Lyle ``Chet'' McLaren: Chet has served on the 
Fairfax County Park Authority, the Trails and Sidewalk Committee, the 
Environmental Quality Advisory Council, and the Tree Commission, to 
name a few . He has also served as President of the North Springfield 
Elementary School PTA, the Annandale High School PTA, the Annandale 
High School Band Boosters, the North Springfield Swim Club, and coach 
for the North Springfield Little League. In addition, Chet has also 
volunteered immeasurable hours to his North Springfield community and 
its nearby schools and parks, and was instrumental in the creation of 
the Friends of Lake Accotink Park.
  Citation of Merit: Richard Raines: Since October, 2003, Reserve 
Deputy Richard Raines has volunteered more than 23,500 hours with the 
Fairfax County Sheriff's Office. Initially assigned to review and 
update the Sheriff's Office emergency plans and standard operating 
procedures, he assisted in the submission of applications for federal 
grants for the enhancement of security of the Fairfax County judicial

[[Page E973]]

center. He and his partner formulated a plan for and conducted a full 
scale exercise for the emergency evacuation of the Fairfax County Adult 
Detention Center. This has become the basis for the National Sheriff's 
Associations class for the emergency evacuation of jails. The American 
Jail Association named him the association's volunteer of the year in 
2005. The Fairfax County Board designated March 25, 2014 Richard Raines 
Day in recognition of his service to the county.
  Special Gratitude Award: Earl Flanagan: Earl Flanagan has been active 
in our community for decades. He has served as Mount Vernon District 
representative to the Fairfax County Planning Commission and Fairfax 
County Transportation Advisory Commission. Earl has served as President 
of the Riverside Estates Civic Association and of the Mount Vernon 
Council of Citizens Associations, and on the boards of the Fairfax 
County Federation of Citizens Associations and the Southeast Fairfax 
Development Corporation. A World War II veteran and former Air Force 
Officer, Earl served in General Patton's 3rd Army and later in Korea. 
He currently serves as the President of the 71st lnfantry Division 
Association.
  Mr. Speaker, l 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 community, 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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