June 11, 2019 - Issue: Vol. 165, No. 97 — Daily Edition116th Congress (2019 - 2020) - 1st Session
RECOGNIZING THE FAIRFAX FEDERATION OF CITIZENS ASSOCIATIONS 2019 CITIZEN OF THE YEAR AWARD RECIPIENTS; Congressional Record Vol. 165, No. 97
(Extensions of Remarks - June 11, 2019)
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[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. ____________________