[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E747-E748]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          RECOGNIZING THE 2019 BEST OF RESTON 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 28th Annual Best of Reston Awards for Community Service. These 
awards are the result of collaboration between Cornerstones and the 
Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce and are presented to individuals, 
organizations, and businesses whose extraordinary efforts make our 
community a better place.
  I have been proud to represent this community since my days as 
Chairman of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. The level of civic 
engagement celebrated by these awards is a testament to the community 
spirit of Reston. I have often said that civic engagement is a key 
indicator of a healthy community and tonight's event proves that Reston 
continues to be one of the healthiest communities in all of Northern 
Virginia! That is due in no small part to the actions of those honored 
here this evening and I extend my congratulations to all of tonight's 
honorees. I also wish to thank John Thomas and Kerrie Wilson of 
Cornerstones and Charlene Wheeless and Mark Ingrao of the Greater 
Reston Chamber of Commerce for their tireless efforts on behalf of 
others and in making our community one of the best places in the 
country in which to live, work and raise a family.
  It is my honor to include in the Record the names of the recipients 
of the 2019 Best of Reston Awards:
  Bob Schnapp--Feeding Families--One Green Bag after Another
  Mike and Ellen Jennings--Expertise that Makes a Difference--It's 
Their Thing
  Omicron Kappa Kappa Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity/OKK 
Foundation, Inc.--The Colors of Their Service are Purple and Gold
  Maggie Parker--Passion that Leads to Lasting Success
  Roz Rakoff--An Essential Community Kindness Connector
  Kurt Rose--A Sparkling Gem of Community Spirit
  Synergy Design & Construction (Mina and Mark Fies)--Constructing 
Better Lives by Design
  The 2019 Vade Bolton-Ann Rodriguez Legacy Award--Entrusting Our 
Community's Future Recipient: Touching Heart (Helen and

[[Page E748]]

Taylor Yi)--Generations Inspiring Gifts of Love from Open Hearts
  Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating the 
2019 Best of Reston honorees for their tremendous contributions. l 
thank Cornerstones and the Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce for 
continuing this wonderful tradition, and I express my sincere gratitude 
to these individuals, businesses, and organizations for lending their 
time and energy to the betterment of our community.

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