Fairfax County Park Authority
Elly Doyle VIRTUAL PARK SERVICE AWARDS
Friday, November 19, 2021 7 p.m. Westfield High School, under the direction of Katie H. Pierce:
“The Star-Spangled Banner” Chamber Singers
“Still I Rise” Bel Canto Choir
Emcees
Dr. Cynthia Jacobs Carter, Mr. Ronald Kendall and Ms. Maggie Godbold
Table of Contents
Opening Remarks About the Emcees
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Cynthia Jacobs Carter, Ed.D. 5 Ronald Kendall 6 Maggie Godbold 7
Welcoming Remarks
William G. Bouie, Chairman, Fairfax County Park Authority Board
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Chairman’s Choice Awards
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The Harold L. Strickland Award
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2021 Awards
County Executive Bryan Hill 10 Fairfax County Director of Health, Dr. Gloria Addo-Ayensu 10 Sara K. Baldwin, FCPA Deputy Director/COO 11 Aimee L. Vosper FCPA Deputy Director/CBD 12 Jeffrey C. McKay, Chairman, Fairfax County Board of Supervisors 13 Ronnie Billodeaux, Ed Robichaud and Steve Williams
Keynote Address
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Jeffrey C. McKay, Chairman, Fairfax County Board of Supervisors
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Sally B. Ormsby Award
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Bob Dinse 18 Green Spring Extension Master Gardeners 19
Remarks
Jai Cole, Executive Director, Fairfax County Park Authority
20-21
2021 Outstanding Volunteers
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Elaine Sommer 23 Mark Maslyn 24 Dennis Carlton 25 Mary Claire Hess 26 Henry Champagne 27 Janet Hammes, Aimee Martin, and Liz Promen 28 Judy Dority 29 Brynn Walley 30 Nancy Turner 31 Jose Acosta 32 Pam Pontillo 33 Robert “Bob” Jarrell 34 Charles “Chuck” Basham 35 Lisbet McCarrick 36
Tom Eason Marcos Kolva James Wallar Eliot Soderholm Daniel Kim Larry Zenker
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Mayo Stuntz Cultural Stewardship Award
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Barbara Naef 44
Fairfax County Park Foundation 20th Anniversary FCFP 20th Anniversary Timeline
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FCFP 20th Anniversary Tribute
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Congressman Gerald “Gerry” Connolly
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20th Anniversary Tribute Presenters
Anita Herrera 50 Roberta A. “Bobbi” Longworth 51
Eakin Philanthropy Award Eakin Philanthropy Award Presenters
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Michael Gailliot 53 Laura Eakin Erlacher 54 Tim Eakin Walsh 55
Eakin Philanthropy Awards
Wayne, Angela and the Valis Family Fairfax Memorial Funeral Home and Fairfax Memorial Park Friends of Colvin Run Mill
56 57 58
Elly Doyle Park Service Awards
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Youth
Maddie Sizer 60 Nicole Wargel 61
Special Recognition Awards
The Oak Marr Rec Center Landscaping Group 62 Marion Scaffidi 63 Ann Marlow 64 Jennifer Grinnell Van de Vijver 65 Allen Yang 66
Elly Doyle Park Service Award
Dr. Jeffrey Kretsch 67 Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints D.C. South Mission 68 Friends of Accotink Creek 69
Closing Remarks and Thank You
70-72
Opening Remarks
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Cynthia CynthiaJacobs Jacobs Carter, Ed.D. Carter, Ed.D. Lee District Park Authority
Lee District Park Authority Representative, Board Member Emcee
Dr. Cynthia Jacobs Carter, serving as the Lee District Representative on the Park Board, was appointed for a second four-year term on Jan. 28, 2020. Dr. Carter is a senior advancement officer at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of African American History and Culture. She leads the museum’s gift planning efforts. These efforts include heading the Harriet Tubman Legacy Society and helping to build an endowment for the museum. Prior to joining the museum’s staff, Dr. Carter served at the Smithsonian as chief development officer in the Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage. She also was chief development/external affairs officer at Africare. Other positions were held at Howard University and at The George Washington University. Dr. Carter has taught at Georgetown University and at The George Washington University, both in Africana Women’s Studies. She is a National Geographic author of two books: “Africana Woman: Her Story Through Time” (Simon and Schuster) and “Freedom In My Heart: Voices From the United States National Slavery Museum” (Penguin Random House), which was nominated for the NAACP Image Awards for Best Literary work in 2010. Dr. Carter earned a Doctor of Education degree in Educational Leadership and a Master of Arts degree in International Education from The George Washington University. Her undergraduate degree is from Virginia State University.
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Cynthia Ronald Jacobs Kendall Mason District Park Authority Carter, Ed.D. Representative, Lee District Park Authority Emcee Board Member
Park Board member Ronald Kendall has been the Mason District representative since 2017. He was reappointed to the Board in November 2018 to a four-year term. Mr. Kendall served 30 years in the federal government. He served two years as a volunteer in Haiti with the Peace Corps and six years at Peace Corps headquarters in D.C., in administration and program support. He also worked for 22 years at the Environmental Protection Agency’s D.C. headquarters in the Office of Pesticide Programs. During his federal service, his duties included project management, grants management and regulatory oversight. He led teams in budget and work plan development, as well as program and process improvement. He received many awards during his tenure for collaboration, continuous improvement and promoting excellence in workplace relations. He served as liaison with state, tribal and municipal pesticide programs over many years. Mr. Kendall has served the Park Authority Board as a member of the Green Team advocacy group on passage of the 2016 and 2020 Park Bonds. He serves as the Boards trails representative, as well as vice chair on the Park Authority Awards Committee. Mr. Kendall was born in Richmond, Massachusetts. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism from the University of Massachusetts and a Master’s in Business from Central Michigan University.
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CynthiaGodbold Jacobs Maggie Sully Carter, District ParkEd.D. Authority
Representative, Lee District Park Authority Emcee Board Member
Maggie Godbold, was appointed to the Fairfax County Park Authority Board in 2016 and re-appointed in 2020. On the Board, Godbold serves as Vice Chair of the Budget Committee and Chair of the Resource Management Committee. She is also the Board liaison to the Environmental Roundtable/Land Trust. Godbold is a retiree and active community volunteer. Before she retired, she worked as a certified project management professional and was a consultant providing system engineering and management services for the federal government. Over the years she led several teams in assisting the government with large systems development and maintenance. She has worked for several firms throughout her career including Scitor Corporation, General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems and Veridian Information Solutions. Godbold grew up in Northern Virginia and has been a resident of the Sully District of Fairfax County for over 30 years, currently residing in Oak Hill, VA. She is an avid birdwatcher and environmentalist, and an amateur musician. She is passionate about increasing access to the outdoors and arts for all Fairfax residents.
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Welcoming Remarks Cynthia Jacobs
Carter, G. Ed.D. William Bouie LeePark District Park Authority Authority Board Board Member Chairman
Park Authority Board Chairman William G. Bouie joined the Park Authority in 2005 and is currently the president and CEO of Sky Communications Inc. He is an active volunteer involved in civic organizations. Mr. Bouie’s service includes past membership on the boards of Wolf Trap Center for the Performing Arts and the Reston Hospital Center Board of Trustees. He currently serves on the boards of Public Links Inc., the Reston Community Center Board of Governors, Public Art Reston and Leadership Fairfax. Well-known for his work with youth in the Northern Virginia area, Mr. Bouie remains active and involved. He is the assistant district administrator for Little League Baseball of Northern Virginia, was the Northern Virginia Little League Volunteer of the Year in 2007 and was a Project Gold team member with the United States Olympic Committee. He is a nationally ranked racquetball player. He is currently the president and CEO of Sky Communications Inc. Before that he served as a president for the public sector for Acuative Corporation; senior business development director for Siemens Enterprise Communications; senior vice president for business development with HCI Technologies of Sterling, Virginia; and director of telecommunications for Michigan Consolidated Gas. Born and raised in Detroit, Mr. Bouie received his bachelor’s degree in political science from Western Michigan University and his master’s degree in business management from Central Michigan University. He has participated and served on the research and development council at Bell Labs and has provided consulting services to other major vendors in the telecommunications marketplace. He and his wife Regina live in Reston, Virginia.
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Chairman’s Choice Awards The Fairfax County Park Authority Board established the Chairman’s Choice Award in 2019 to recognize outstanding long-term support, service to and advocacy on behalf of the Park Authority. This award honors those whose efforts have provided a critical contribution to the agency and helped sustain and expand its nationally accredited facilities and programs. The contributions of the recipient of this award must support the One Fairfax policy. Chairman’s Choice recipients must demonstrate significant contributions to the Park Authority over a period of five years or more. The award will recognize outstanding, tangible support in areas such as land growth, facility development, financial management, financial support, legislation, or a combination of such factors. The award shall be given periodically as deemed appropriate by the Chairman of the Park Board and the members of the Park Authority Board. This award may recognize an individual or organization and is the only Park Authority Board award open to seated elected or appointed officials, as well as Park Authority Board members. The Chairman’s Choice Award is a tribute to public service, as well as volunteerism. This year there are five awardees; three already announced publicly and two others that were approved clandestinely and will only find out during the award ceremony that they are being honored by the Park Board.
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Bryan Hill Cynthia Jacobs County Executive Carter, Ed.D.
Lee District Park Authority Board Member
Fairfax County Executive Bryan Hill provided critical leadership and support for the Park Authority during the challenging COVID-19 pandemic, utilizing two very necessary tools -- information and hope. Board members noted, “You played a vital role in helping the Park Authority continue its mission to ‘enrich quality of life for all members of the community’ by encouraging employees affected by facility closures to enter the county Job Match process that provided options for reassignment.” The action gave the Park Authority much-needed coverage as residents flocked to parks and trails.
Dr. Gloria Addo-Ayensu
Fairfax County Director of Health
As the COVID-19 pandemic swept the nation, Fairfax County Director of Health Dr. Gloria Addo-Ayensu provided outstanding leadership and direction for public health during a critical time for the community and the Park Authority. The Park Board said Dr. Addo-Ayensu helped the agency continue its mission “by providing the guidance and support the Park Authority needed to respond appropriately to the COVID-19 threats, to adapt and create policies and procedures necessary to keep patrons and staff safe, and to reopen and restart facilities and programs as 1010 vaccinations ramped up and the initial threat of infection diminished.”
Cynthia Jacobs Sara Baldwin Carter, Ed.D. Deputy Director/
Chief of Operations Lee District Park Authority Board Member
It is not often that public servants are called upon to respond to a crisis such as this pandemic. Nor is it customary to assume the lead role as Acting Director twice in a short span of time; once when our former director was asked to fill a vacancy as County Executive for several months and a second time, upon the retirement of the Park Authority Director earlier this year. This scenario became real, and despite the loss of top leadership, the Park Authority was able to manage and in fact, thrive when Ms. Baldwin became Acting Director. Sara came prepared with a sense of purpose, dedication to increased internal and external communication and the benefit of committed staff assets and agency leadership. She led the Park Authority through the re-opening of the agency as vaccines and masks became available. She reached out to staff regularly, working with managers as well as field staff to problem solve. She made difficult decisions, pushing towards a return to normalcy while overseeing the national search for a new director, the approval of a new MOU and extension of the Park Authority’s enabling legislation with the Board of Supervisors, as well as a challenging fiscal situation.
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Cynthia Aimee Jacobs Vosper Carter, Ed.D. Deputy Director/
Lee District ParkDevelopment Authority Chief of Business Board Member
The Park Authority has always been an agency that requires pro-active, hands-on management. Deputy directors ease the way for leadership and staff when tough issues face us. In response to COVID-19 and its daily challenges, Deputy Director Aimee Vosper showed she is adept at resolving problems, innovating and keeping calm in the face of adversity. She addressed the need for virtual governance, working tirelessly to figure out the right way to hold virtual meetings, which were compliant with all rules and regulations. She was a driving force in completion of the MOU and Park Ordinance approvals. She accepted the challenges associated with keeping employees on the payroll despite site closures, addressing revenue shortfalls, and finding new ways to ensure staff and customer safety despite the dangers of this disease.
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Jeffrey C. McKay Chairman, Fairfax County Board of Supervisors
This year’s Chairman’s Choice Award category includes leadership at several levels of government. Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Jeff McKay provided effective leadership at the highest level in Fairfax County when the pandemic changed life for people around the globe, in our nation and here, in our community. He provided the vision and the hands-on guidance needed during COVID-19 that protected residents throughout the County and accommodated the many unique challenges facing the park system. It was his ability to get the job done that turned the tide for residents. He brought county staff together and made certain there was much needed and hard to find PPE available. During his tenure, the county worked hard to accommodate and manage flexible schedules for staff and create an effective telework program. Chairman McKay set a new standard for strong internal and external communications that kept people in the know and gave residents and staff members reassurance that the situation, though unprecedented and difficult, was well managed. Time and time again, Chairman McKay presented a calm, strong and reassuring presence. He gathered his staff to ensure continuity of governance during the worst of the shutdowns and pandemic’s threats. Fairfax County embraced virtual meetings and programming and provided the IT tools necessary to do it well. And through it all, he was the leader the Park Authority could count on to muster support for difficult decisions of the Park Authority Board and park staff even as crowds overran our parks, and later when we began to reopen and provide programming, concerts, etc. Since those most challenging days, he has encouraged his colleagues to help the Park Authority address the enormous financial gap created by the sustained closures and helped in securing CARES funding. Most recently, he offered stalwart support for the renewal of the Park Authority enabling Ordinance and a new MOU. Without a doubt, Chairman McKay has earned this designation as a Chairman’s Choice Awardee.
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Harold L. Strickland Award The Fairfax County Park Authority Board established the Harold L. Strickland Partnership and Collaboration Award in 2015 in honor of the retired Park Board member’s long service and significant contributions to the Park Authority. In the spirit of Strickland’s accomplishments, this award recognizes the value and importance of teamwork and cooperation necessary to provide residents with state-ofthe-art facilities in Fairfax County Parks, often at limited, reduced or no capital expense to the taxpayer. Harold L. Strickland Partnership and Collaboration Award nominees demonstrate significant long-term accomplishments that provide the residents of Fairfax County with tangible examples of the benefits of partnerships and collaborations that help to sustain or grow service to the community, while reducing the need for Fairfax County Park Authority financial resources to accomplish the service delivery. The Fairfax County Park Authority Board honors three individuals with the Harold L. Strickland Partnership and Collaboration Award this year for their work at Frying Pan Farm Park.
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Ronnie Billodeaux, Ed Robichaud and Steve Williams Over the winter, Ronnie Billodeaux, Ed Robichaud and Steve Williams, volunteer wagon ride drivers at Frying Pan Farm Park, joined forces to repair and expand picnic facilities at the park. The men sacrificed weekdays and weekends to ensure the site’s picnic tables were ready in time for the start of the spring birthday party and picnic rental season. Frying Pan’s picnic tables had fallen into poor condition, but it would have cost thousands of dollars to replace them. The volunteer trio saved the park the replacement costs and doubled the number of picnic tables available through their hard work deconstructing, reconstructing, and adding new tables. They disassembled the old tables, discarded unusable wood, and salvaged any hardware that could be reused. Using their own tools, they cut new boards, reassembled tables with the salvaged hardware, and built 10 new tables with new hardware. Steve Williams not pictured
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Keynote Address
Jeffrey C. McKay Fairfax County Chairman
Chairman Jeffrey C. McKay is a lifelong Fairfax County resident, born and raised on the historic Route One Corridor in Lee District. He is also a lover of parks and has served as an advocate and champion for development of new and reimagined recreational facilities such as the Lee District Family Recreation Area. During his tenure, the Board of Supervisors renewed the MOU between the Park Authority Board and the County, as well as passing legislation which provides for the continuation of the Park Authority for the next three decades. From kindergarten to eighth grade he attended two of our world-class public schools, Woodlawn Elementary School and Walt Whitman Middle School, before graduating from Bishop Ireton High School. Supervisor McKay earned a B.S. in Public Administration from James Madison University and is a graduate of the Sorensen Institute of Political Leadership at the University of Virginia. In Fairfax County, Supervisor McKay first served as then-Supervisor Dana Kauffman’s chief of staff for more than a decade before running and winning the election as Lee District Supervisor in November 2007. As Supervisor, Mr. McKay has been a champion for equity, education, affordable housing, transportation, revitalization and the environment in Fairfax County. He has chaired the Board’s Transportation, Revitalization, Budget and Legislative Committees. As Budget and Legislative chairman, he has fostered collaborative relationships with our federal and state elected officials, as well as our school board. Supervisor McKay lives in Lee District with his wife Crystal, his children Leann and Aidan, who attend Fairfax County Public Schools, and of course, their latest retired racing Greyhound, Pascal.
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Sally Ormsby Award The Sally B. Ormsby Environmental Stewardship Award was established by the Park Authority Board in 2007, in recognition of Sally B. Ormsby’s many years of service as a citizen steward. Her actions promoted the responsible and sustainable management of natural resources. This award recognizes individuals and organizations whose actions embody the spirit and values of stewardship and result in tangible environmental benefits. There are two Ormsby Awards to be presented this evening. It is a tribute to the quality of the work and the nominees that made it too difficult to select just one.
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Bob Dinse
Bob Dinse volunteers roughly 10 hours a week at Hidden Oaks Nature Center and has been active there for the past 12 years. Among his many contributions, Dinse maintains and improves the park’s Old Oak Trail, alleviates erosion and stream bank deterioration and creates and enhances gardens. He has donated hundreds of dollars’ worth of native ferns, native plants, nuts and birdseed. Wearing his Park Authority hat and Hidden Oaks logo shirt, he greets dog walkers and trail hikers by name during each of his 6 a.m. shifts. He happily answers questions about the park, its resources, programs and staff, and he meets with site management to provide updates and discuss current and future projects. Through his actions, he serves as a Park Authority ambassador and spreads the message that each person can make a positive difference.
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Green Spring Extension Master Gardeners
The Green Spring Extension Master Gardeners (GSEMG) program has been an integral part of Green Spring Gardens since its inception in 2002. It has trained more than 600 Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE) Master Gardeners to educate community members and promote environmentally sound horticulture practices throughout Fairfax County. Program participants educate the public on sustainable gardening practices and serve as volunteer instructors for the Green Spring Children’s Program on nature and gardening.
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Executive Director Jai Cole
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Jai Cole was named Executive Director of the Park Authority on September 14, 2021. Cole’s nomination by the Park Authority Board was unanimously confirmed by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. Cole, a park professional with more than two decades of leadership experience with award-winning recreation and park agencies, filled the vacancy created by the retirement of Park Authority Executive Director Kirk Kincannon earlier this year. Director Cole comes to the Park Authority from the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, Montgomery Parks (M-NCPPC, Montgomery Parks) where she served as Chief of the Park Planning and Stewardship Division since 2018. Park Authority Board Chairman Bill Bouie remarked, “Along with the rest of the Park Authority board, I am very excited to welcome Jai Cole as our new Executive Director. Jai has the experience and vision to lead the Park Authority staff and residents of Fairfax County as we continue our mission to support the changing needs in parks. At the forefront of that mission will be how we fully engage and support the One Fairfax policy, one of our major decision drivers moving forward. We look forward to working with Jai to define and implement that strategy.” In her role as Chief of the Park Planning and Stewardship Division, Cole provided overall strategic direction for long-range planning, natural resource management, cultural resource stewardship and interpretation, trail planning and construction, development review, and environmental project review for a 37,000 acre, nationally accredited, six-time Gold Medal winning park system. The M-NCPPC, Montgomery Parks has a $127 million annual budget and a $317 million, six-year Capital Improvement Program budget. Cole previously served with M-NCPPC, Montgomery Parks as their Natural Resource Manager and has held several other positions in that agency related to natural resource management and aquatic ecology beginning in 2005. Cole also worked as the Director of Adult Programs at Reston Community Center from 2003 until 2005. Cole grew up in Fairfax County, residing in Reston for 25 years. She attended South Lakes High School where she played youth softball, basketball and field hockey. She then went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts in biology at the University of North Carolina Greensboro where she played Division I basketball.
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Outstanding Volunteer Awards Volunteers offer invaluable services at county parks, recreation facilities, golf courses, nature centers and historic sites. Each year, Outstanding Volunteers are recognized for their service to our park system. The selection of these individuals, and occasionally groups, is made by their peers at the site level. It is a true expression of gratitude by those most familiar with their contributions and dedication to FCPA and the people who visit our parks. With the arrival of COVID-19 and the closure of the park system for many months, volunteer service came to a stop. However, since our reopening and the implementation of new procedures, practices and policies aimed at ensuring the safety of volunteers and those they are in contact with, the volunteer force has come back, eager to serve and willing to take on the new challenges we face. In fiscal year 2021, more than 4,000 volunteers provided 71,467 volunteer service hours to the Park Authority, even as volunteer service opportunities were limited by the COVID-19 pandemic. Volunteers who will be honored this year work at a wide variety of park locations and serve diverse needs.
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Elaine Sommer
Herndon, VA Volunteer at Riverbend Park Length of Service: 1.5 years Nature Education Program Volunteer
Elaine Sommer is always eager to help and lend a hand where needed. She arrives earlier than asked to help prep for programs and stays late to help clean up. She engages kindly with visitors and program participants and doesn’t shy away from the dirty work, whether it’s cleaning paint brushes or cleaning dishes. She is a joy to work with and a light to the programs at Riverbend Park. Sommer continued to help run programs throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, showing her love and dedication to the park with hand sanitizer in hand. Despite the potential risk, she helped Riverbend run programs safely. She prepared food and washed dishes for the Native American Campfire Cookouts and stayed until the end of the nighttime programs to make sure the naturalist got out of the park safely. Last fall, she was the first to raise a hand to help with the new Halloween Mystery at the Cabin program.
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Mark Maslyn
Fairfax Station, VA Volunteer at Laurel Hill Golf Club Length of Service: 5 years Starter
Mark Maslyn has been described as one of those volunteers who never lets you down. He is quiet, calm and efficient and always makes himself available when others need their shifts covered at Laurel Hill Golf Club. During COVID-19, staffing was very short at times. Maslyn had to work several weeks on his own and never skipped a beat. Maslyn always provides exceptional customer service and maintains his composure during stressful situations. He is well liked by Laurel Hill’s staff and patrons. He is a staple on Mondays and a leader for his shift mates.
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Dennis Carlton
Chantilly, VA Volunteer at Twin Lakes Golf Course Length of Service: 5 years Permanent Substitute
Dennis Carlton can best be described as a utility player who can be called on whenever needed to fill multiple volunteer positions at Twin Lakes Golf Course. He is a reliable permanent sub who can perform all three on-course positions in excellent fashion, and he worked multiple days a week when needed throughout the pandemic. Carlton is a true example of a team player who is always willing to help customers and fellow volunteers. When a new software system was launched for starters and tee coordinators, he learned the new system and was instrumental in training other volunteers. He goes the extra mile to ensure Twin Lakes golfers have a wonderful experience and will be repeat customers. With his positive attitude, he treats golfers in a courteous and respectful manner and is happy to share his knowledge of golf with customers. Carlton also eagerly helps with tournaments and other special events.
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Mary Claire Hess
Centreville, VA Volunteer at Cub Run Rec Center Length of Service: 7 years Front Desk
Mary Claire Hess is a long-standing volunteer at Cub Run Rec Center who is loved by staff and customers for her positive attitude. As a Front Desk/Health Screener, she has played an important role on the Rec Center’s busy Sunday mornings, always relaying essential information and ensuring that customers understand and feel comfortable. She was one of the first volunteers to return during the pandemic and has adapted to all the new changes that have been taking place. Hess is always willing to help wherever needed. Employees enjoy working with her because they know they have the added support of someone who is knowledgeable, experienced and dedicated. Everyone benefits from her kind and caring nature. It is clear she recognizes the impact and the importance of exceptional customer service, and she demonstrates it every Sunday morning that she is volunteering at Cub Run.
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Henry Champagne Springfield, VA Volunteer at Audrey Moore & South Run Rec Centers Length of Service: 8-10 years Adapted Aquatics Assistant
Henry Champagne is an outstanding Rec Center volunteer because he takes such a personal interest in each of his customers while they are learning to swim. He takes pride in remembering each customer’s name and what they were working on the previous week. He makes everyone feel empowered by making note of their progress. Champagne is known to have a warm “grandpa” effect on the customers who love to listen and learn from him, and he is consistently caring, giving, and creative with each of his classes. He’s known for being “the fun guy,” too, letting the kids race with him or challenging them to “catch him” in the pool. Champagne was among the first volunteers to return after the COVID-19 shutdown, and his help was invaluable. He made certain that equipment was cleaned between classes, assisted customers as much as was allowed, and generally helped to keep programs on track.
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Janet Hammes Falls Church, VA
Volunteer at Green Spring Gardens Length of Service: Intermittent Special Projects Volunteer
Aimee Martin Vienna, VA
Volunteer at Green Spring Gardens Length of Service: 7 years Special Projects Volunteer
LizAlexandria, Promen VA
Volunteer at Green Spring Gardens Length of Service: 15 years Special Projects Volunteer
Three of Green Spring Gardens’ volunteers saw a need and answered it in a big way. When COVID-19 affected operations, staff at Green Spring needed cloth face masks to prevent the spread of the virus in the workplace. Janet Hammes, Aimee Martin and Liz Promen generously volunteered to make enough masks so that each staff member would have two to use in rotation.
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Staff members say the wonderful fabric patterns the volunteers used made the CDC requirement much more bearable. The masks even became part of a regular “show and tell” as staff modeled the latest donations. Green Spring sends a great, big thank you to the volunteers who stitched up masks to keep staff members safe.
Judy Dority Alexandria, VA
Volunteer at Huntley Meadows Park Length of Service: 4 years Native Plant Gardener, Herbarium Assistant, Resource Naturalist, Roving Trail Naturalist
In Judy Dority’s four years at Huntley, she has quietly risen as a steadfast, reliable, creative, and committed volunteer. She began as a Native Plant Gardener and hit the ground running. She’s taken ownership of the Native Plant Garden, researching, designing and planting with native pollinator plants. She rarely comes by the park without a new plant in hand and a trowel in her pocket and has changed the face of the Norma Hoffman Visitor Center, drawing in both visitors and pollinators with gorgeous, interesting plants. Dority is always willing to get her hands dirty, no matter what the project is, and she welcomes efforts by outside groups interested in doing beautification or support projects, such as watershed cleanups and invasive plant removal workdays. She supports Natural Resource Management by locating and identifying plants within the park, and she now volunteers in an interpretive role, too, helping to educate visitors as a Roving Trail Naturalist.
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Brynn Walley
Alexandria, VA Volunteer at Mount Vernon Rec Center & Lee District Rec Center Length of Service: 5 years General Support Assistant
Brynn Walley has a positive spirit and enjoys helping wherever she’s needed with outstanding patience, flexibility and dedication. She volunteers throughout the Rec Centers, working at the front desk, in skate rental and as a fitness monitor. She was among the first volunteers to return as COVID-19 restrictions were lifted and served as a greeter, taking precautions to make sure customers were checked in according to Fairfax County regulations. She directed the flow of foot traffic, cleaned equipment, and assisted managers on duty with customers. On the 6 a.m. shift, Walley greets early-risers with a smile, and customers who use the Mount Vernon and Lee District Rec Centers appreciate seeing her familiar face at both locations. She is kind and helpful, and if there’s an issue with a customer or something she can’t answer, she calmly refers the matter to the Front Desk Associate or manager on duty.
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Nancy Turner
Fairfax, VA Volunteer at Sully Historic Site Length of Service: 2 years Touring Docent, Special Events, Gardener, Museum Aide
Nancy Turner’s love of history led her to Sully Historic Site, where she quickly learned the history of the Lees and the enslaved population that called Sully home. In her entertaining and engaging way, she soon began sharing her knowledge with Sully’s visitors. She assists with special events, too, such as Candlelight Tours and Eggster Bunny programs and helps with set-up and clean-up for scout programs and Dairy Days. In addition, during COVID-19, she has been a key member of the gardening team working in the beautiful ornamental 1794 garden. Turner was one of the first volunteers to come back to Sully during the pandemic, volunteering more than what was expected and willing to step in wherever needed. She is always flexible and committed to the public, and this has made her one of Sully’s greatest assets. Her enthusiasm for the period of Sully is evident to everyone she meets, especially those on her house tours.
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Jose Acosta
Annandale, VA Volunteer at Hidden Oaks Nature Center Length of Service: 3 years Animal Care Volunteer
Jose Acosta provides exceptional care for the 17 tanks of snakes, turtles, amphibians, lizards and other critters at Hidden Oaks Nature Center. When COVID-19 limited the number of volunteers allowed to work in the center, Acosta became one of the three adults who covered all the animal needs – down from a typical volunteer staff of 18. He added even more hours to his schedule when one of the other adult volunteers was injured. His service enabled all the animals to have clean accommodations and remain healthy. At a time of staff and volunteer shortages due to the pandemic, Acosta stepped up to make a much-needed contribution. Without his help, the center staff could not have effectively and responsibly maintained the live animal exhibits as required. Visitors have benefited from having these live native animals to enhance their knowledge and appreciation of local wildlife and the importance of environmental stewardship.
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Pam Pontillo
Falls Church, VA Volunteer at Providence Rec Center Length of Service: 3 years Instructor Assistant, Adapted Fitness
Pam Pontillo has been a valued volunteer for several years, assisting with Providence Rec Center’s weekly Adapted Fitness class for teens and young adults with mild intellectual disabilities. When classes resumed after a long hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, she didn’t hesitate to jump back in to volunteer, never missing a class or the opportunity to provide encouragement and positive energy to the class participants. Pontillo has endeared herself to not only the youth in the class but also to their caretakers who have voiced their heartfelt thanks for providing this much-needed outlet. Pontillo takes time to go the extra step, following up with families who have missed class. Patrons and their caregivers appreciate her warmth and sincerity. She was particularly eager to resume with classes, even before vaccinations began taking place, citing how much this population needs an outlet for both physical and mental health. She is also credited with suggesting the popular Wallyball activity – a class highlight.
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Robert “Bob” Jarrell Fairfax Station, VA Volunteer at South Run Rec Center Length of Service: 3 years Front Desk Associate/Scouting Program Coordinator
As a front desk volunteer, Bob Jarrell gives customers their first taste of South Run Rec Center’s unique family atmosphere and outstanding facilities. He is friendly and helpful, and those who work with Jarrell say that when he comes on duty, “the whole place lights up.” His dependability, enthusiasm, and follow-up have done much to influence new customers to join, as well as keep current customers satisfied with South Run as their Rec Center-of-choice. As Scouting Program Coordinator, Jarrell has given freely of his time to help Eagle Scout candidates develop service projects that teach them about leadership, teamwork, and productivity and contribute to the stewardship of South Run Park. His contributions to each scout have made their projects truly memorable, and current and future Fairfax County residents have benefitted from scout efforts to save South Run’s forests.
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Charles “Chuck” Basham
McLean, VA Volunteer at Spring Hill Rec Center Length of Service: 15 years Fitness Room Monitor/Greeter
Chuck Basham is a delight to see around Spring Hill Rec Center. He has been a constant fixture for the last 15 years, never missing the chance to take the time to say hello to patrons and staff and assist however needed. He is a loyal volunteer and cares about the REC Center like one would care about their own home. Basham was one of the first volunteers to return after the COVID-19 shutdown, eager to get back into the routine and willing to modify procedures however necessary to make the Rec Center operate smoothly. He doesn’t volunteer just a few days a week, but EVERY SINGLE DAY of the week. He takes his role seriously and is reliable, positive and engaging. Patrons and staff alike look forward to seeing him each day, always with a smile, and always exuding professionalism. Dependable, knowledgeable and welcoming, he is the embodiment of a dedicated volunteer.
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Lisbet McCarrick
Alexandria, VA Volunteer at Lee District Rec Center Length of Service: 8 years Front Desk Associate
Lisbet McCarrick has always been an outstanding volunteer and was one of the first volunteers to return when Lee District Rec Center reopened after the COVID-19 closure. She exudes a friendly helpfulness in all her dealings with customers and staff and brings a positive spirit of giving back to the community. Always willing to lend a helping hand, her warm smile and calm demeanor are especially valued when assisting during busy check-in periods. She has a way of making customers feel both appreciated and important. McCarrick is always on time and in all ways sets a great example for other volunteers. She goes out of the way to learn what events and other activities are taking place so that she can be more helpful. Her extensive knowledge of Lee District Rec Center’s operations and her patience in dealing with customers significantly add to their overall satisfaction with the facility.
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Tom Eason
Vienna, VA Volunteer at Oak Marr Rec Center Length of Service: 1+ years Landscaping Assistant
Tom Eason is a reliable volunteer who did not let the pandemic deter his interest in offering his time and skills to help maintain and improve the gardens at Oak Marr. Working with the landscaping group, he weeds, mulches, waters, plants and prunes, always finding time to add finishing touches to projects. As landscaping staff member Laurie Short says, “Tom is our quality control; he always does a great job!” Ready with his own tools, Eason has been a proactive participant in the installation of plants and decorations in and around Oak Marr. His understanding of gardening methods and techniques has complemented and enhanced the knowledge and skills of others in the landscaping group, as well as customers and staff members who observe his work as they come and go from the Rec Center. He initiates projects which not only enhance the beauty of the gardens but also add opportunities for interesting recreational activities, such as lawn games.
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Marcos Kolva
Springfield, VA Volunteer at Hidden Pond Nature Center Length of Service: 3 years Assistant Naturalist
Marcos Kolva has proven time and again his willingness and flexibility to adapt to the different aspects of park operations at Hidden Pond Nature Center. He has excelled in every area in which he has participated and has won the admiration of both staff and volunteers. He is also an outstanding mentor to younger volunteers. Kolva has assisted with public programs and nature walks and has worked on the arduous task of pulling out by hand the invasive aquatic Parrot Feather plant that began clogging Hidden Pond. He also assists with the site’s popular Pohick Ranger Nature series. He works well with younger children and is able to reach many who are easily distracted, using his firm but calm demeanor to get them back on track. He is one of the many reasons Hidden Pond and the park agency remain popular with the citizens of Fairfax County.
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James Wallar
Fairfax, VA Volunteer at Colvin Run Mill Length of Service: 3 years Gardener and Tour Docent
James Wallar is an outstanding volunteer because of his dedication to identifying needs and working to satisfy them. He is a gardening volunteer as well as a touring docent, and he gives his all in both areas. Wallar genuinely cares for Colvin Run Mill and provides visitors with a memorable experience. When the Park Authority lifted the pandemic restrictions on volunteers, he returned immediately to weeding, planting bulbs, trimming, and making sure the grounds were beautiful for the public. When tours of the mill were allowed again, he enthusiastically shared his knowledge of and love for the mill and its history. Wallar always brings a cheerful, enthusiastic attitude to his work, going above and beyond what is expected to further the site’s goals and mission. When Colvin Run hosted an event to display its new water wheel, the grounds were well cared for in large part due to Wallar’s work.
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Eliot Soderholm
Reston, VA Volunteer at Ellanor C. Lawrence Park Length of Service: 1 year Resource Naturalist
Eliot Soderholm’s work at Ellanor C. Lawrence Park has resulted in healthier forests for native plants and animals and the protection of an important historic cultural site. Many happy patrons have commented on the excellent shape of the trails. He leads by example, and his true love of working at the park inspires everyone around him to take pride and joy in their work. He is always ready to tackle difficult tasks and is an integral part of the ECLP team. Soderholm has helped remove hundreds of invasive plants from around the Walney Visitor Center and Historic Loop Trail. He has been active in trail maintenance, trimming overhanging branches and vines, mowing trails, and clearing culverts to improve drainage. He also helped clear the historic barn site of damaging vegetation and worked to prepare a new section of the forest for a controlled burn. His dedication has significantly impacted the amount of work the Natural Resource department has been able to perform.
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Daniel Kim
Fairfax, VA Volunteer at Ellanor C. Lawrence Park Length of Service: 3.5 years Animal Caretaker
Daniel Kim is an efficient, committed volunteer who can always be counted on to take excellent care of the animals at Ellanor C. Lawrence Park. He is quick to alert staff if there appears to be anything wrong with the animals in his care and is good about letting staff know if there will be any changes in his schedule. This teen volunteer finds a way to balance his volunteer work with school and ROTC training. Kim not only does a wonderful job keeping the animal cages clean, but he also helps clean the visitor center too. His work at the visitor center is important because it is the front face of the park to the public, and he helps ECLP make a good impression.
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Larry Zenker
Springfield, VA Volunteer at Audrey Moore Rec Center Length of Service: 13 years General Support Assistant/ Fitness Room Monitor
Larry Zenker can be counted on to help with just about any task and to provide a bit of levity for staff and patrons alike. He has been volunteering for years and knows Audrey Moore Rec Center well, having even served on the staff many moons ago. He carries out his duties with pride and takes ownership in the property. Whether engaging staff with his gentle banter or chatting with customers as he tidies up, seeing Zenker around Audrey Moore is sure to brighten the day. Zenker took it upon himself to expand his role to cleaning up the skateboard park, not only picking up trash but taking the time to separate the recycling and disposing of debris appropriately. He had done the same in the Rec Center. His recycling efforts make Audrey Moore a bit greener, and his humor and positivity make the whole environment a bit brighter.
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Mayo Stuntz Cultural Stewardship Award
The Fairfax County Park Authority Board established the Mayo Stuntz Cultural Stewardship Award in 2013. This award honors historian, volunteer and acclaimed author Mayo S. Stuntz, one of the original members of the Fairfax County History Commission. Stuntz served from 1969 to 2012. He assisted in the establishment of the Landmarks Preservation Committee, worked with others to record and preserve county history and served on the Sully Foundation Ltd. This award recognizes significant contributions made by individuals, organizations or businesses promoting the preservation/stewardship of cultural resources in Fairfax County.
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Barbara Naef
After a long career with the Park Authority in Historic Preservation, Historic Properties Rental Service, Archaeology, and Historic Collections, Barbara Naef continues to serve the Park Authority and the history community in Fairfax County as a volunteer and in supporting roles on the History Commission and Friends of Fairfax County Archaeology and Cultural Resources (FOFA). She volunteered with the Park Authority’s Historic Collections for many years after her retirement, was a vital member of the team for the most recent American Alliance of Museums reaccreditation, was a founding member of FOFA, and has served on the History Commission for nearly 20 years representing archaeology. In addition, Naef serves as the co-chair of the African American History Initiative for the History Commission, and she continues to serve and advocate for archaeology in numerous settings. Nearly every previous and existing historical program that exists in Fairfax County has benefitted from her input. Naef is the consummate professional and is described as “Park Authority through and through.” Nearly 20 years after her retirement, she still uses the pronoun “we” when advocating for the Park Authority and its programs.
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Fairfax County Park Foundation 20th Anniversary
The Fairfax County Park Foundation is the fundraising arm that supports the Park Authority by raising private funds, obtaining grants, and creating partnerships that supplement tax dollars to meet our community’s needs for parkland, facilities, and services. This 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation, run by a dedicated volunteer Board of Directors and small, dedicated staff, is recognized by Guidestar with the highest Platinum Seal of Transparency. The Park Foundation highlights for Fiscal Years 2020 and 2019 include: $662,144 total donations raised by FCPF in FY2020 and $1.76 million raised by FCPF in FY2019 Nearly 2,500 donations received from individuals, corporations, foundations and organizations in FY2019 Summer camp scholarships for 2,138 children during the summer of 2021 PACT camp scholarships that provided 345 weeks of camp for children in supportive housing during summer 2021 Support provided for 124 Park Authority parks, events, and projects by FCPF gifts in FY2020.
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Timeline
2000 – In April, the Park Authority Board approves the establishment of a dedicated Foundation. The first volunteer Board of Directors was formed to help raise funds, obtain grants and form partnerships. By December the Foundation received its not-forprofit designation and was incorporated by Virginia. 2001 – FCPF begins accepting gifts and opens the Open Space Land Preservation Fund.
2003 -Clemyjontri Park becomes the Foundation’s first high profile project. 2008 – Park Foundation establishes the Eakin Philanthropy Award to recognize significant contributors.
2011 – The Foundation receives NRPA’s National Corporate Humanitarian Award for development of Chessie’s Big Backyard, accessible treehouse and carousel.
2011 – FCPF funds free summer concerts and performances in nine magisterial districts.
2013 – The Foundation supports FCPA’s Laurel Hill Golf Club as it hosts the 88th Annual U.S. Amateur Public Links Championship.
2013 – FCPF earns the National Trust for Historic Preservation Partners in Preservation Grant to help restore Colvin Run Mill.
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2014 – With funding from Northrop Grumman via the Park Foundation, Hidden Oaks Nature Center provides the Meaningful Watershed Educational Experience for youngsters.
2014 – The Park Authority Board dedicates the Gerry Connolly Cross County Trail, with funds from the Bill Vesey Trails Fund.
2015 – The Lt. Col. Gary F. Smith turf field is commemorated at Grist Mill Park to honor this soccer coach whose life ended at the Pentagon on 9/11. Gifts provide veterans and their families with complimentary passes to park facilities on Veteran’s Day. 2016 – Via the Park Foundation, Jean and Ric Edelman fund a high powered telescope at the Roll-Top Observatory at Turner Farm.
2017 – The TrackMan indoor golf simulator goes live and the Valis Family Golf Learning Center is established at Pinecrest Golf Course thanks to contributions from Wayne and Angela Valis and the Valis Family. 2018 – The Washington Nationals Baseball Team and its Dream Foundation Legacy Fields program provides $1 million in a turnkey baseball field complex. The electronic scoreboards, dugouts, batting cages and other features inspire young players at Mason District and Fred Crabtree Parks. 2018 – The FCPF Board establishes the Leadership Society of Benefactors and is later honored with the 2018 Jim Potter Memorial Award for the expansion of the Legacy Circle membership. 2019 – The Park Foundation exceeds the $1 million mark in monetary giving in a single fiscal year. 2020 – FCPF embarks on a multi-year campaign to fund STEAM features at The Sully Woodlands Stewardship Education Center. 2021- The Park Foundation successfully completes a multi-year campaign to fund two new picnic shelter at Burke Lake Park.
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Fairfax County Park Foundation
20th Anniversary Tribute Congressman Gerald “Gerry” Connolly
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Congressman Gerald E. “Gerry” Connolly is serving his seventh term in the U.S. House of Representatives from Virginia’s 11th District, which includes parts of Fairfax and Prince William Counties, and the City of Fairfax in Northern Virginia. Prior to his election to Congress, he served 14 years on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, including five years as Chairman. Throughout his career, protecting and growing Northern Virginia’s economy has been his top priority. In Congress, he has played a key role in securing federal dollars for transportation improvements in Northern Virginia, including completion of the Fairfax County Parkway, widening the Prince William County Parkway, providing ongoing support for Rail to Dulles, and securing the annual federal commitment of $150 million for the regional Metro system. Congressman Connolly is a senior member of the House Committee on Oversight and Reform and serves as the Chairman of the Subcommittee on Government Operations. In this role, he is responsible for shaping government-wide policy for a broad range of issues, including federal workforce and federal agency oversight, federal procurement and information policy, national drug policy, regulatory reform, the United States Postal Service, the United States Census Bureau, and the District of Columbia. Congressman Connolly also serves on the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. Using his extensive background in foreign policy, including as a senior staff member on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, he has become a leading voice on foreign assistance reform, war powers, embassy security, and democracy promotion abroad. Prior to his election to Congress, Congressman Connolly served as Chairman of the Board of Supervisors in Fairfax County, the largest jurisdiction in the Washington, D.C. metro area with more than 1.1 million residents. He earned a reputation as a pragmatic leader for his initiatives to expand affordable housing opportunities, reduce gang violence, promote reusable energy, and advance critical transportation improvements. He has always been a friend to parks and was instrumental in several key decisions that encouraged acquisition of parkland, creation of trails and dog parks and allowed the Park Authority to prosper during his tenure and beyond. Congressman Connolly received an M.A. in Public Administration from Harvard University in 1979. He received a B.A. in Literature from Maryknoll College in Glen Ellyn, Illinois. He resides in Fairfax County with his wife, Smitty, and has a daughter, Caitlin.
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20th Anniversary Tribute Presenter
Anita Herrera
Anita Herrera is the General Counsel for Nodal Exchange, LLC and Nodal Clear, LLC. She has over 20 years of legal experience in energy and commodities trading. Ms. Herrera joined Nodal Exchange as the Chief Compliance Officer in October 2008. At Nodal Exchange’s Tysons Corner offices, Ms. Herrera oversees legal, compliance and regulatory matters. Ms. Herrera was previously the founder and Managing Partner of OTC Legal, LLC focusing on business law and compliance matters. She was an attorney for both the Commodity Futures Trading Commission and the Federal Regulatory Energy Commission. Ms. Herrera was formerly Trading Counsel for Statoil Energy and was Counsel for the law firms of McGuireWoods and Sutherland. She is an active member of the bar in Virginia and Washington, D.C., and a Certified Public Accountant (inactive). Ms. Herrera holds a Juris Doctorate from Temple University Beasley School of Law and a B.B.A. in Business Management from the College of William & Mary. She serves as Treasurer and a Board Director of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) of Northern Virginia, which is a position she has held for over 10 years. She is also a 2003 graduate of the Leadership Fairfax Signature program. Ms. Herrera has been a resident of Fairfax County for over 20 years and lives in McLean. She enjoys the Fairfax County golf facilities and often is exploring various local park facilities on foot and by bicycle.
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20 Anniversary Cynthia Jacobs Tribute Presenter Carter, Ed.D. Roberta A. Lee District Park Authority Longworth Board Member th
Roberta (Bobbi) Longworth is the Executive Director of the Fairfax County Park Foundation (FCPF). She leads a team of dedicated professionals and collaborates with Board Directors to support the Park Authority by raising private funds, obtaining grants and creating partnerships. During her tenure at FCPF, annual giving has increased by more than 250%, which helps bridge the gap between public funding and Fairfax County’s needs for park land, facilities and outreach programs. Before joining FCPF in 2010, Ms. Longworth led the Fairfax Library Foundation where annual revenue grew fivefold over a decade. Her non-profit management career began as Director of Fundraising with the United Way of the National Capital Area. She previously held private sector positions in financial accounting and corporate tax compliance at a $6 billion Fortune 500 company. Ms. Longworth is a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) and is Blackbaud certified. She is a Class of 2003 graduate of the Leadership Fairfax Signature program. Ms. Longworth holds a Graduate Certificate in Local Government Management from Virginia Tech and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration from Widener University. Professional studies include distance learning at the Wharton School of Business. Ms. Longworth’s primary professional interest is to support the One Fairfax joint racial and social equity policy to ensure that all county citizens can attain a high quality of life through Fairfax County’s award-winning park system.
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Eakin Philanthropy Awards
The Eakin Philanthropy Award, established in 2009 by the Fairfax County Park Foundation, is named in honor of the Eakin family, donors of the first parcels of parkland to the Park Authority more than 50 years ago. The annual award recognizes individuals and organizations whose financial or inkind contributions have significantly enhanced Fairfax County parks through the Foundation. The impact of Eakin awardee-supported projects have long-term benefit to the community, and visionary contributions create new programs or facilities and provide a creative approach to addressing community needs.
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Cynthia Jacobs Eakin Philanthropy Carter,Presenter Ed.D. Award
Lee District Park Authority Michael Gailliot Board Member
Michael Gailliot is a real estate professional leading Michael Gailliot Homes with Century 21 New Millennium in Alexandria, VA. He is a Realtor® who earned his Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS) Designation through the National Association of Realtors. Michael is also the president of Hilltop Sand and Gravel Company, Inc., a position held since 1994. Prior professional experience includes two years in project management with Environmental Science and Engineering, Inc. He served as an associate scientist with Midwest Research Institute from 1989-1992. Mr. Gailliot holds an MBA in Finance from Marymount University and a BS in Geology from George Mason University. Mr. Gailliot was honored as Chamber Citizen of the Year by The Mount Vernon-Lee Chamber of Commerce in December 2015. He accepted the Eakin Philanthropy Award from Fairfax County Park Foundation in November 2012. Hilltop Sand & Gravel supported PACT, the Summer Entertainment Series, and Lee District Park. Mr. Gailliot’s areas of interest include real estate development, the golf industry, solid waste industry, triathlons, and biking.
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Eakin Philanthropy Cynthia Jacobs Award Presenter Carter, Ed.D.
Laura Eakin Erlacher
Lee District Park Authority Board Member
Laura Eakin Erlacher is the Director of Government Affairs & Policy for GE Gas Power. She analyzes domestic and global energy trends and climate policies and provides strategic guidance on federal and state legislation and regulations of importance to the natural gas industry. Prior to her current position, Ms. Eakin Erlacher was the Washington DC publicist of the Emilie Brzezinski Sculpture where she coordinated, promoted, and installed two successful art exhibits of monumental wood sculptures at Jim Kempner Fine Art (NYC) and the Katzen Art Center, American University (WDC). Ms. Eakin Erlacher served as PPL Corporation Manager of Federal Government Relations in Washington, DC where she advocated Fortune 500 electric and gas utility corporate positions on key federal legislative and regulatory issues before U.S. Congressional members, senior federal government officials, and international government representatives. Ms. Eakin Erlacher earned her Master of Business Administration from Boston University School of Management. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Foreign Affairs from the University of Virginia. She was the first member to represent the Eakin Family on the Park Foundation Board, having served on the inaugural Board from 2001-2004. During that time, she supported the Fairfax County Park Authority by raising supplemental funds from the private sector, grants and collaborative partnerships. The major fundraising initiative was Clemyjontri Park, a two-acre accessible playground in McLean, Virginia.
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Cynthia Jacobs Eakin Philanthropy Carter,Presenter Ed.D. Award
Lee District Park Authority Tim Eakin Walsh Board Member
Tim Eakin Walsh is a fourth generation member of the LeRoy Eakin family who donated the first parcel of land to Fairfax County and the Fairfax County Park Authority. From the initial 15 acre parcel donation, additional land donations were made by the family over the years helping to create or expand Eakin Community Park, Eakin Mantua Park and the Accotink Stream Valley Park. Mr. Eakin Walsh is honored to serve on his family’s behalf. He is the third Eakin family member to serve on the Foundation’s Board since its inception. Involved in real estate since 1992, Mr. Eakin Walsh is currently a real estate investor and Realtor with Samson Properties specializing in selling new homes and land development. Mr. Eakin Walsh works full time in residential real estate with his wife Ayda, and other Realtor team members. He created Your New Home Team to focus his energies in creating smooth transactions and utilizing technology, experience and teamwork. Mr. Eakin Walsh has lived in Northern Virginia all his life and enjoyed many County parks (especially those with soccer fields and basketball courts!) when growing up in McLean, Virginia. Mr. Eakin Walsh hopes to help encourage other individuals, families and companies to follow in his family’s footsteps by creating a legacy through donating land to the Park Authority and/or establishing a trust fund through the Park Foundation. The Eakin family also established a trust fund for the ongoing maintenance and repair of Eakin Park.
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Cynthia IndividualJacobs Award Carter,Angela Ed.D. and Wayne, Lee District Park Authority theBoard Valis Family Member
Wayne and Angela and the Valis Family are the 2021 recipients of the Individual Eakin Philanthropy Award. Wayne’s love of Fairfax County Parks began in the 1950s when he learned to play golf on the then private Pinecrest golf course. Years later, Valis donated original framed scorecards to Pinecrest, as well as memorabilia from the course’s grand reopening as a Fairfax County Park Authority course on May 18, 1986. In 2012, Wayne donated a bench in honor of the Valis Family. Both Angela and Wayne’s daughter, Maura, learned to play golf at Pinecrest. Together, Wayne and Angela donated $50,000 via appreciated stock to the Fairfax County Park Foundation to create The Valis Family Golf Learning Center, the instructional area of the Pinecrest Golf Course’s featuring a TrackMan indoor golf simulator, and to help build two much-needed picnic celebration shelters at Burke Lake Park, where his grandchildren had fun riding the train. Five generations of Valis Family members enjoyed Fairfax County parks. Wayne is a vocal advocate to encourage others to donate to the Fairfax County Park Foundation. As the Valises look forward, they have a shared vision of ensuring that Fairfax County families can enjoy the Pinecrest course, Burke Lake Park, and other parks for generations to come.
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Cynthia Jacobs Carter, Ed.D. Organization Award Lee District Park Authority Fairfax Memorial Board Member Funeral Home and Fairfax Memorial Park
Fairfax Memorial Funeral Home and Fairfax Memorial Park are the 2021 recipients of the Organization Eakin Philanthropy Award. Since 2003, Fairfax Memorial donated $78,000 to the Park Authority’s popular Summer Entertainment Series, which provides weekly concerts, movies, and children’s entertainment in parks at no charge to public audiences. Funding is provided by corporate and individual donors through the Fairfax County Park Foundation. In 2020, Fairfax Memorial decided to increase its contribution to support both the evening concerts and a new Braddock District children’s Arts in the Parks entertainment series initiated by Supervisor James Walkinshaw. As an active participant in the community and one of the first sponsors, Fairfax Memorial’s support of Braddock Nights is integral to their philosophy of giving back to the community it serves.
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Cynthia Jacobs Friends Group/ Carter, Ed.D.
Lee District Authority Park Volunteer Team Park Award
Friends Board of Member Colvin Run Mill
The Friends of Colvin Run Mill are the 2021 recipients for the Friends Group/Park Volunteer Team Eakin Philanthropy Award. Colvin Run Mill is the sole surviving operational 19th century water-powered mill in the metropolitan area. The Friends of Colvin Run Mill solidified their support of the park by signing a Memorandum of Understanding with FCPA in 2019. A very active group of volunteers who help to maintain and enhance the Mill, and fund programs and activities, the Friends have documented impact of more than $110,000, including a $60,000 donation for capital improvements. In addition, they have donated white oak tree plantings through the Park Foundation. Contributions over the years include significant in-kind gifts of furnishings and educational training. Additionally, the Friends assisted with the Partners in Preservation Social Media Contest sponsored by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The contest resulted in the Fairfax County Park Foundation winning a $75,000 grant to restore Colvin Run Mill to a fully operational gristmill.
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Elly Doyle Park Service Awards The Elly Doyle Park Service Award was established by the Fairfax County Park Authority in 1988, in recognition of former Park Authority Board Chairman and member Ellamae Doyle’s years of outstanding service toward the preservation of parkland and establishment of natural and recreational areas for the benefit of Fairfax County residents. There are three Elly Doyle categories, including a Student or Youth Honoree and Special Recognition, as well as the agency’s top award – the Elly Doyle Park Service Award presented to no more than three recipients annually. The purpose of the award is to publicly recognize a volunteer or group of volunteers for outstanding contributions to Fairfax County parks.
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Cynthia Jacobs Carter, Ed.D. Maddie SizerPark Authority Lee District Youth Award
Board Member
Maddie Sizer volunteers in animal care, visitor support and assisting with interpretive talks at Hidden Pond Nature Center. The Burke youth has been involved in a wide range of program offerings, such as the long-running Pohick Rangers program, and is praised for showing “a genuine appreciation” for the subjects she discusses, whether it’s a reptile she’s showing to a group of children or a question she’s answering from a park visitor. Sizer has helped with the care of live exhibits during the pandemic and worked to remove invasive plants at the pond and other park locations. She is described as the “the go-to person for programs, contributing more than 200 hours to the site and her community, and has helped set the standard for what is expected from the animal care volunteers.”
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Cynthia Jacobs Carter, Youth Ed.D. Award Nicole Wargel Lee District Park Authority Board Member
Nicole Wargel is a “dependable, steadfast volunteer” at every event sponsored by the Friends of Lake Accotink Park (FLAP), despite the many demands on her time, talents and skills. While juggling law school and a two-month internship with the Office of the Navy Judge Advocate General (JAG), the Springfield volunteer continued to perform her duties as FLAP’s communications director without missing a beat. She also led teams of volunteers in the removal of trash at Lake Accotink. As communications director, she crafted FLAP’s social media content to ensure message integrity, while striving for outreach that is positive, increasing the number of site volunteers. Wargel’s nomination noted that her work has “contributed to the removal of more trash, leading to a cleaner, more attractive and a safer place for people and wildlife.”
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Cynthia Jacobs Special Recognition Carter, Ed.D. Award
District Park Authority Oak MarrLeeRec Center Member Landscaping Board Group
The Oak Marr Rec Center Landscaping group, led by Oak Marr Rec Center Landscape Manager Laurie Short and longtime volunteer Bob Rogers, coordinates the design, acquisition and installation of plants and decorations at this Park Authority facility. The volunteers work year-round to create vibrant, inviting displays of color and texture with a variety of plants and structures. Volunteers Lisa Dickenson, Tom Eason, Debbie Humphreys, Mary Lee Loda, Bob Rogers, Alice Schipf and Linda Weissenborn consistently create a positive and inviting visual impact with beautiful and vibrant gardens that are welcoming to all.
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Special Recognition Award
Marion Scaffidi
Marion Scaffidi, a resident of Springfield, has volunteered at Frying Pan Farm Park for more than 50 years, and she is not done yet. This year the Friends of Frying Pan Farm Park Board celebrated Scaffidi’s 96th birthday as she still participates with the group and provides a unique vantage point regarding agriculture in Fairfax County. She served on the supervisory board at Frying Pan long before there was an official Friends group, and in recent years, has served as corresponding secretary. She is known for handwriting thank-you notes to donors, a much-appreciated skill in this time when cursive is no longer taught in many schools.
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Cynthia Jacobs Special Recognition Carter, Ed.D. Award Lee District Park Authority Board Member Ann Marlow
Ann Marlow, of Fairfax Station, has volunteered on behalf of Frying Pan Farm Park for more than 30 years, including many years of service as vice president of the board of the Friends of Frying Pan Farm Park. Marlow was an important part of the team that helped author and successfully complete a Memorandum of Understanding with the Park Authority. As a former Fairfax County 4-H agent, she also helped form, sustain and grow a tradition of support for that program, including forming 4-H clubs that have met at the park for years and hosting the annual 4-H Fair.
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Cynthia Jacobs Special Carter, Ed.D.Recognition Award
Lee District Park Authority Board Member
Jennifer Grinnell Van de Vijver
Jennifer Grinnell Van de Vijver, of Centreville, is president of Ellanor C. Lawrence Park Friends Inc. and was the driving force behind the formation of the group in October 2019. The brand developer has provided pro bono design services for Park Authority projects, including the design for the new Sully Woodlands Stewardship Education Center signage. She tirelessly fundraises, working to obtain sponsorships for educational exhibits at the center, and already has secured several large donations for sponsorships of exhibits. She has strengthened ties between the park and local businesses.
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Cynthia Jacobs Special Recognition Carter, Ed.D.
Lee District Park Authority Award Board Member
Allen Yang
Allen Yang, of Centreville, has volunteered at Arrowhead Park for more than seven years and is the volunteer site leader for the Invasive Management Area (IMA) Program. His dedication to the health and beauty of Arrowhead Park is apparent to those who walk down the asphalt path and see the incredible diversity of native species. He has made great progress in the restoration of habitat and has increased the aesthetic value of the park. Arrowhead Park is now thriving with diverse native species, and it is in large part thanks to Yang’s efforts over the years.
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Cynthia Jacobs Carter, Elly Ed.D.Doyle Park
Lee District Park Authority Board Member
Service Award
Dr. Jeffrey Kretsch
Since 2012, Dr. Jeffrey Kretsch has logged more than 1,784 hours as a volunteer on duty at Observatory Park at Turner Farm. As part of the volunteer group from The Analemma Society, an organization devoted to promoting the study of science through astronomy, Dr. Kretsch and the team host regular observation programs at the park’s observatory that are free to the public most Friday nights. During the pandemic, Dr. Kretsch helped the Park Authority transition to virtual programming and personally led virtual lectures and encouraged other volunteers to do the same. He also spent considerable time helping the Park Authority prepare an application to become an international Urban Dark Sky place. Dr. Kretsch was the 2021 recipient of the Virginia Recreation and Parks Society Outstanding Volunteer. Dr. Kretch received the honor in October at the annual VRPS conference held in Harrisonburg, VA.
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Cynthia Elly Doyle Park Jacobs Carter, Ed.D. Service Award
Lee District Park Authority Church of Jesus Christ of Board Member Latter-Day Saints D.C. South Mission
Over the course of the past year, volunteers from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints D.C. South Mission have cleared an area at Lake Accotink Park in Springfield of invasive plant species, and then planted native plants. The group worked every Saturday morning, painstakingly removing invasive plants that have overrun the area, sometimes working square-foot-by-square-foot to remove intricate root systems. In addition, the numerous volunteers have done everything from cutting back invasives to making protective wire “cages” to prevent deer browse to ensure the success of the young trees. With the group’s assistance, more than 360 native plants were planted over two fall plantings.
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Elly Doyle Park Cynthia Jacobs Carter, Ed.D. Service Award Lee District Park Authority Friends Board Member of Accotink Creek The Friends of Accotink Creek have used a variety of means to protect the watershed, educate future environmental stewards and make positive change in the natural world. One of several things The Friends of Accotink Creek have recently done is sponsor a speaker to visit the area and monitor the local vernal pools where frogs and salamanders breed. The group filmed the event to distribute short videos to local teachers. The friends group addresses climate change at a grassroots level by removing invasive plants and planting dozens of native trees, which supports Fairfax County’s commitment to reduce carbon emissions. Volunteers have removed more than 1,500 bags of trash from the local watershed. The group aims to protect environmental and recreational areas, while ensuring that there is also an educational component.
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Closing and Thank you
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Special Thanks
It takes lots of time and effort to coordinate and prepare both the awards and the celebration of these Park Authority Board and Park Foundation awards. The following individuals were instrumental in the success of tonight’s program and the overall recognition of these worthy, unselfish, and giving volunteers.
Dr. Cynthia Jacobs Carter Ed.D – Chair Mr. Ronald Kendall – Vice Chair
Park Authority Staff Elly Doyle Team
Judy Pedersen, Chair Cristin Bratt Cindy Fortuno Elizabeth Gallagher Hanna Kras Roberta A. “Bobbi” Longworth
John Mandell Tammy Schwab Kristina Stanton Don Sweeney Margaret Thaxton
Special Thanks
Pam Gardner, Channel 16
Fairfax County Park Foundation Westfield High School Chamber Singers & Bel Canto Choir Katie H. Pierce, Director Joe Jasper and Hanna Kras, PIO Video Team
Dave Ochs, Voice Over Susan Eggerton, Green Spring Gardens Alda Krinsman, Green Springs FROGS
Brooke Nielsen and Howard Albers, FCPF Finance and Research Team
Fairfax County Park Authority Board William G. Bouie, Chairman, Hunter Mill Ken Quincy, Vice Chairman, Providence Michael Thompson, Jr., Secretary, Springfield Timothy B. Hackman, Treasurer, Dranesville Abena A. Aidoo, Ph.D., Member-at-Large Cynthia Jacobs Carter, Ed.D., Lee Marguerite F. Godbold, Sully Linwood Gorham, Mt. Vernon Ronald Kendall, Mason Faisal Khan, Member-at-Large Kiel Stone, Braddock James P. Zook, Member-at-Large Jai Cole, FCPA Executive Director
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Fairfax County Park Foundation Board of Directors Officers
Michael Gailliot, CIPS, Chair Anita Herrera, Vice Chair Thomas Chennikara Laura Eakin Erlacher Harrison A. Glasgow Gary W. Kirkbride Cameron Mayer
Rich Harpe, CPA, Treasurer Amy Sonderman, Secretary
Directors
John E. Osborn Kevin Ta, CFP, CTFA, AEP Robin Walker Tim Eakin Walsh
Directors Emeritus Gerald L. Gordon, Ph.D. Bruce D. McLeod Stephen C. Thormahlen
Ex-Officio Directors
William G. Bouie, Chair, Fairfax County Park Authority Board Cynthia Jacobs Carter, Ed.D., Fairfax County Park Authority Board Liaison Jai Cole, Executive Director, Fairfax County Park Authority Aimee L. Vosper, PLA, Fairfax County Park Authority Liaison Roberta A. “Bobbi” Longworth, CFRE
Executive Director, Fairfax County Park Foundation
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