[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 161 (2015), Part 5]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 6150]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




   RECOGNIZING HERNDON-RESTON FISH, INC. AND THE 2015 ``STAR FISH'' 
                                HONOREES

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 1, 2015

  Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Herndon-Reston FISH, 
Inc. and the 2015 ``Star Fish'' Honorees.
  Since 1969, Herndon-Reston FISH, Inc. has provided Friendly, Instant, 
Sympathetic Help for neighbors in need in Reston and Herndon. FISH 
meets immediate critical needs for rental assistance, furniture, 
utilities, medical care, and other emergencies. FISH also manages a 
thrift shop, operates an information and referral service, and offers 
financial workshops to provide clients with the tools necessary to 
achieve and maintain self-sufficiency.
  During fiscal year 2014, FISH assisted a total of 2,337 families 
(5,665 people), gave emergency financial assistance to 1,328 families, 
and helped 180 families by providing them with used furniture and/or 
other household necessities. FISH collected, assembled, and distributed 
Thanksgiving food baskets for 965 people and holiday food and gift 
baskets in December for 967 people. More than 800 volunteer hours were 
spent working at United Christian Parish on these two projects in 
coordination with other human service providers in Fairfax County. In 
addition, volunteer drivers provided 294 free rides for the elderly and 
other needy individuals to and from their medical appointments.
  At its annual gala, FISH recognizes individuals and companies who 
have made extraordinary contributions over the past year. I am pleased 
to submit the names of the 2015 ``Star Fish'' honorees:
  Jocelyn Colao has been a volunteer pricer at FISH's thrift shop, The 
Bargain Loft, for over 20 years. Jocelyn specializes in identifying, 
cleaning, pricing, and displaying donated linens. Her careful handling 
of vintage lace and fragile fabrics greatly increases their value. In 
addition to her work with donated linens, Jocelyn's lifetime of 
traveling makes her an indispensable part of the pricing team. The 
years she lived in Europe and Africa make her a great resource when 
identifying unusual and valuable donations.
  Jane and Mike Drewes were long-time Reston residents who volunteered 
in the community in many capacities. In 2007 they moved to 
Shepherdstown, WV but continued to drive to Reston for volunteer 
activities. They started volunteering for FISH in 2006, the year of the 
first FISH Fling Gala and Fundraiser. Jane designed the decorations and 
they built the huge FISH sign that has been used behind the band at 
every Fling Gala. Mike created an auction check-out program that 
accelerates the check-out process and has been used at many charitable 
events.
  Diane Mandel manages the huge tasks of establishing and maintaining 
the schedule of Assistance Workers who handle the client requests for 
financial assistance from FISH. These volunteers make FISH's 
``Instant'' help a reality. Diane makes certain the volunteers are 
trained and ready to take calls and she serves as a phone volunteer 
herself.
  Chuck Veatch, owner of Charles A. Veatch & Associates, provided three 
storage units for FISH free of charge for many years and is well known 
throughout the community for his support of a wide variety of 
organizations and causes.
  CDW is a leading provider of integrated information technology 
solutions in the U.S. and Canada and has been a FISH Fling sponsor 
since 2008. CDW has provided many fabulous electronic products for our 
games and for both our silent and live auctions.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in commending Herndon-
Reston FISH for 46 years of service. I also extend my personal 
congratulations to this year's honorees and express my sincere 
appreciation to these individuals for contributing their time and 
energy to helping the most vulnerable in our community.

                          ____________________