| Recognizing The Fairfax County Federation Of Citizens Associations Honorees |
April 16, 2013 |
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Gerald Connolly, D-VA
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"Mr. Speaker, I rise to acknowledge the Fairfax County Federation of Citizens’ Associations and the honorees of its 63rd Annual Awards Banquet. The Fairfax County Federation of Citizens Associations is a coalition of civic and homeowners associations from across Fairfax County. Each year, the Federation honors a select few individuals for their extraordinary contributions to our community. Five individuals are being recognized for their dedication and years of service to the residents of Fairfax County. As a former two-term President of the Federation, as well as the former president of my own civic association in Mantua, I understand that those who volunteer their time, energies, and talents to civic activities play a role in why Fairfax County is ranked as one of the best communities in the nation to live, work and raise a family. I am honored to recognize the following individuals for their service to the community: 2012 Lifetime Achievement Award: Katherine Hanley for nearly 40 years of tireless efforts at every level of public service ranging from her local homeowners association board, to Chairman of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, to Secretary of the Commonwealth of Virginia. Ms. Hanley’s leadership has been pivotal in transforming Northern Virginia into a community that is envied and used as a model throughout the country. She has devoted herself to causes such as human services, homeless prevention, education, health care services, arts, education, and reduction of gang activity. She has also been a leader in the areas of transportation and the transformation of Tysons. Under her leadership as Chairman, Fairfax County was named “Best Managed County”. Ms. Hanley was also named a “Washingtonian of the Year” in 2000 by Washingtonian Magazine; and in 2002, she received the “Distinguished Service Award” from the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Washington. 2012 Fairfax County Citizen of the Year: Peter Murphy for his 30 years of service on the Fairfax County Planning Commission, 25 of which he has served as Chairman. During this time Mr. Murphy has been responsible for overseeing enormous growth and development and implementation of management policies and procedures. In recognition of his contributions, Mr. Murphy has received numerous awards including the Department of the Army Commander’s Award (Medal) for Public Service (2009); the 2007 Lawrence V. Fowler Award, the 2006 Katherine K. Hanley Public Service Award from Leadership Fairfax, Inc.; and the Times Courier Citizen of the Year Award. 2012 Citation of Merit: Rose Chu for her decades of service in the areas of health care, senior citizen assistance, and issues of importance to the Asian community. Since 1987, Ms. Chu has served on the Fairfax County Health Care Advisory Board. Ms. Chu is also Vice Chairman and Chairman of the Community Advisory Committee for the Community Health Care Network which provides primary health care serves for 20,000 Northern Virginia residents. In addition, Ms. Chu is one of the founders of the Coalition of Asian Pacific Americans of Virginia, CAPAVA, and currently serves as its Secretary. 2012 Citation of Merit: Phyllis Payne for her fervent work as an advocate for our children. Ms. Payne is a co-founder of Start Later for Excellence in Education Proposal, SLEEP, which she represents on the Northern Virginia Healthy Kids Coalition and the Partnership for a Healthier Fairfax. She is a founding member in the Fairfax Education Coalition and has served with PTA and PTSA/PTSO organizations. Ms. Payne was an at-large representative for the Fairfax County Public Schools, FCPS, School Health Advisory Committee, and a member of the FCPS Transportation Task Force. All children who have attended public school in Fairfax County have benefited from her efforts on their behalf. 2012 Special Gratitude Award: Kyle Talente for his dedication and contributions to Fairfax County’s community revitalization efforts. Mr. Talente served on the Southeast Fairfax Development Corporation, SFDC, Board of Directors for eight years, the final three as President. After stepping down in 2012, he continued to serve the SFDC on the Advisory Committee. Mr. Talente has also served on the Fairfax County Community Revitalization and Reinvestment Advisory Group and on the Hopkins House Academy Budget and Personnel Policy Committee. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in thanking these incredible individuals and in congratulating them on being honored by the Fairfax County Federation of Citizens Associations. Civic engagement is the root of a community, and due to these individuals, Fairfax County residents can enjoy an excellent quality of life. The contributions and leadership of these honorees have been a great benefit to our community and truly merit our highest praise."
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