[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 80 (Thursday, May 11, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E421]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    RECOGNIZING THE RECIPIENTS OF THE 2021 AND 2022 FAIRFAX COUNTY 
    FEDERATION OF CITIZENS' ASSOCIATIONS CITIZEN OF THE YEAR AWARDS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 11, 2023

  Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the recipients of the 
2021 and 2022 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.
  Marco Johnson has been an expert in emergency preparedness for 
Fairfax County. Marco has worked with County government leaders and 
citizens across the county leading county teams, multi-county teams and 
integrated state teams for the Emergency Management Volunteer Corps, 
Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) and the American Red Cross in 
developing and implementing disaster preparedness programs. Mr. Johnson 
has represented the county public health department, the Fairfax County 
Citizen Corp Council, and public health leaders at all levels in 
designing and implementing County emergency awareness programs and 
projects to respond to emergency vulnerabilities.
  John Litzenberger sets an outstanding example of civic participation. 
John served on the Fairfax County Planning Commission from 2007 to 2015 
as the Sully District commissioner, and a member of its Housing 
Committee and Capital Improvement Committee. He previously served on 
the Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority for four years. 
John has been active in local land use committees and task forces for 
over 40 years, going back to the Centreville Core Study in 1982.
  Commissioner Peter F. ``Pete'' Murphy has been an active member of 
the community for many decades. In 1982, Pete was appointed to the 
Planning Commission by the Board of Supervisors, serving as its 
Chairman since 1989. During this time, he played a critical role in 
transforming the County from a sleepy bedroom community to the economic 
powerhouse it is today. He has been a leader in land use policy in 
Fairfax County as we know it from Springfield District cases like 
Fairfax Corner and Fair Lakes to countywide cases like the Tysons Plan.
  Michele Menapace has been serving Fairfax communities for over a 
dozen years. She has served on the Human Services Council advising the 
Board of Supervisors on budgetary matters. As well, she helps ensure 
that federal Community Service Block Grants are efficiently spent on 
the needs of people living in poverty via her appointment to the 
Community Action Advisory Board. Over the years, Michele has served on 
numerous other county boards.
  Linda Moore has dedicated years of time to the service of the 
elderly, emotionally and socially challenged adults, domestic and 
sexual violence. She has been very involved with the Medical Reserve 
Corps & Fairfax County Department of transportation events as a 
volunteer. She also has worked for four years with another group within 
the Department of Family Services, DSVS, helping them bring attention 
and awareness to the issues of domestic and sexual violence, stalking, 
and human trafficking. Linda Moore exemplifies courage in volunteering 
and serves as a role model for others.
  Paula Lettice has been a dedicated volunteer and board member of 
several organizations here in Fairfax County for over two decades and 
is a role model for her community. Since 2020, Paula has served as the 
President of the Board of Directors for Mount Vernon at Home, a local 
organization that serves residents aged 55 and over who are choosing to 
remain in their homes in Mount Vernon as they age and is a part of a 
national movement of senior Villages. During the pandemic, Ms. Lettice 
has been a true leader for the organization, helping shift their 
fundraising efforts to virtual events, while still utilizing local 
businesses.
  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 community, and Fairfax County 
residents enjoy an exceptional quality of life due in part to the 
efforts of these individuals.

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