[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 97 (Tuesday, June 11, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E741]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   RECOGNIZING THE FAIRFAX FEDERATION OF CITIZENS ASSOCIATIONS 2019 
                  CITIZEN OF THE YEAR AWARD RECIPIENTS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 11, 2019

  Mr. CONNOLLY. Madam 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. It is my honor to 
include in the Record the following individuals:
   2019 Citizen of the Year: Catherine Ledec: Cathy Ledec has lived a 
lifetime of volunteerism that began when she was 14. She volunteers 
with several Fairfax County Park Authority programs and is actively 
engaged in numerous citizen science activities with both the Fairfax 
County Park Authority and the National Audubon Society. In January 
2019, Cathy was elected as Chair of the Fairfax County Tree Commission. 
She is also an active leader in her HOA, Pavilions at Huntington Metro 
Community Association, leading landscaping efforts and converting to 
all native plants and trees. Cathy also led the re-landscaping of the 
Mt. Vernon Government Center and led the installation of two native 
pollinator meadows at Mt. Eagle Park and within her neighborhood. In 
addition, Cathy led two significant and complex conservation efforts at 
Huntley Meadows Park, resulting in the protection of rare natural and 
historic resources for present and future generations to enjoy. Cathy 
conducts massive public outreach at community events, enthusiastically 
inspiring others to come experience the natural world here in Fairfax 
County. She passionately fulfills the purpose of the nature-oriented 
certifications and designations she has earned, including Certification 
as a Fairfax Master Naturalist and Audubon-at-Home Program Ambassador.
   Citation of Merit: Alberto Figueiredo-Sangiorgio: Alberto 
Figueiredo-Sangiorgio serves as the executive chef and general manager 
for Wildflour Caterers. Wildflour operates as a bakery and deli shop, 
and primarily employs individuals with developmental disabilities. 
Overseeing the chef-in-training program at Wildflour as well as daily 
operations, Chef Alberto ensures that these individuals receive 
valuable training and employment in a positive and accepting 
environment that allows them to build independence, strengthen their 
skill sets, and have a strong sense of community in their daily lives. 
The operations of Wildflour Catering serve as an example for the 
business community across the region to follow. For over 23 years, Chef 
Alberto has ensured that individuals with developmental disabilities 
not only have a place to work, but are provided with skills and 
opportunities to ensure a better quality of life going forward.
   Citation of Merit: Tania Hossain: Tania Hossain has worked with 
various organizations as a volunteer leader for over two decades to 
enhance the quality of life for all county residents. Tania led the 
Fairfax County Federation of Citizens' Associations to fulfill her 
vision to ensure each Magisterial District had their own district 
council--a platform for the community to engage and act on issues that 
are important to them. In her role as President, Tania was instrumental 
in revitalizing not only the Federation's organizational effectiveness 
but also in promoting the revitalization of the Providence, Mason, Lee, 
and Springfield District Councils. Tania has served on numerous other 
boards, commissions, and organizations in leadership roles as well. She 
served as Chair of the Fairfax Cooperative Extension Leadership Council 
where she was responsible for advocating and fundraising for programs 
such as the 4-H Clubs and Master Gardeners. In addition, she served two 
terms as At-Large Advocacy Chair for the Commonwealth's Cooperative 
Extension Leadership Council. Tania represented Providence District on 
the Fairfax County Commission for Women, where she served as Vice-Chair 
of the Women's Voices Forum that led the first significant survey 
conducted on issues facing women and girls in Fairfax County. Tania was 
also the liaison for the Commission to the Commonwealth's Task Force on 
Human Trafficking. Most recently, Tania has served as President of the 
Providence District Council. In that role, she established leadership 
development for future officers to ensure the continuity of the 
organization. Tania also led extensive membership outreach and 
increased online visibility to Providence District residents which has 
led the PDC being one of the most active and engaged District Councils 
in Fairfax County.
   Special Gratitude Award: John F. Ribble III: John F. Ribble III has 
been a member of the Fairfax County Board of Zoning Appeals since 1982, 
serving as Vice-Chairman for several years and as Chairman since 2012. 
John has also been active in Riverside Gardens Civic Association in 
Alexandria, serving as President four times. He remains active in the 
Mount Vernon Council of Citizens Associations, currently serving as one 
of the organization's co-chairs. He has also served in leadership on 
numerous other groups. He served as Co-Chair of the Mount Vernon 
Visionary Task Force and as a member of Fairfax County Council of the 
Arts, now known as ArtsFairfax. He has served in multiple other 
positions, such as Past President of Belle Haven Country Club and as a 
volunteer firefighter for Arlington County. In addition to his 
extensive civic engagement, he is also the President of Old Dominion 
Title in Alexandria.
   Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in thanking these 
incredible individuals and in congratulating them on their awards. 
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 greatly benefitted our community and truly merit 
our highest praise.

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