[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 172 (Friday, October 2, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E920-E921]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   RECOGNIZING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE MIDDLERIDGE COMMUNITY OF 
                             FAIRFAX COUNTY

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 2, 2020

  Mr. CONNOLLY. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize the 50th anniversary 
of the Middleridge community.
  Located in the heart of Fairfax County and the 11th Congressional 
District of Virginia, Middleridge is a tight-knit community and the 
land on which it is built is steeped in history. The very name of 
Middleridge was derived from a 1766 decision of the Vestry of Truro 
Parish, including George Washington and Colonel George William Fairfax, 
to establish the new Payne's Church at the ``middle Ridge'' of Ox Road.
  On July 17, 1970 the grand opening of Section 1 Middleridge, 
consisting of 39 lots, was announced in The Evening Star. It was 
advertised by the developer as being in ``the best of Virginian 
tradition.'' ``Surrounded by the rich history of the county, its homes 
radiate with old charm and aristocratic character.'' Today the 
community consists of 578 homes situated on approximately ninety-five 
acres and boasts amenities including a lake, large park, basketball and 
tennis courts, and swimming pool.

[[Page E921]]

  The all-volunteer Middleridge Civic Association was formed in 1973. 
The civic association promotes an exceptionally strong sense of 
community that greets new residents with open arms, providing welcoming 
gifts to the newest neighbors. The Civic Association coordinates 
regular stream clean-ups and awards annual scholarships to high school 
seniors. Annual events include an Easter egg hunt, home and garden 
tours, Halloween parade, a holiday light decorating contest and 
community movie nights.
  In 2002, Middleridge established a National Night Out celebration in 
partnership with the Fairfax County Police Department. Of the scores of 
NNO events held each year, the Middleridge National Night Out has been 
recognized as the largest event in the entire county--again a testament 
to the community spirit and activism of Middleridge residents.
  As the former president of the Mantua civic association, I know 
firsthand that a community is more than houses in a development. In 
fact, the health and well-being of a region can be measured by the 
involvement of its citizens. When residents invest their time, care, 
and energies, a true community is created to the benefit of all. 
Fairfax County is considered one of the best places in the nation in 
which to live, work and raise a family, largely because of the 
willingness of so many to become actively involved. Middleridge Civic 
Association and the residents of this neighborhood provide an excellent 
example of how to create a thriving, energetic, and welcoming place to 
call home.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in commemorating the 
50th Anniversary of Middleridge and in thanking the residents and civic 
association members and officers for their contributions and service to 
our community.

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