Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an individual who has had a tremendous impact on Northern Virginia. Eileen Curtis, President and CEO of the Dulles Regional Chamber of Commerce, is retiring after leading the Chamber since 1994.

During her tenure, the Dulles Chamber has established itself as one of the leading business advocacy groups in the region, adding to the quality of life for our residents in the Dulles Corridor and beyond. I have been proud to work with the Chamber on a host of issues, perhaps most significant being Rail to Dulles. The Chamber was instrumental in the foundation of the Dulles Corridor Rail Association, which helped lobby for federal funding which was eventually secured to help construct the Silver Line. The 23-mile long Silver Line has spurred major economic development along the Dulles Corridor and has been singled out by Fairfax County executives as one of the main reasons behind Fairfax County's continued economic success.

In addition to Rail to Dulles, Eileen has worked with the Chamber to enhance the region in other ways including advocating for STEM education in our schools, forging partnerships with the business and education communities, creating greater opportunities for our immigrant community, and establishing new local festivals and events to bring the community together. These efforts are among the many reasons why Northern Virginia is routinely recognized as one of the best places in the United States in which to live, work, raise a family, and start a business.

Eileen's efforts have been drawn recognition from across the region. The Chamber's efforts in education have been honored by Fairfax County Public Schools on multiple occasions and the Washington Business Journal routinely lists the Dulles Chamber as being one of the largest in membership. Eileen herself has been recognized as Woman of the Year by the Herndon Business & Professional Women and as Executive of the Year by the Virginia Association of Chambers of Commerce Executives. These accolades speak to the strength of Eileen as a leader and the dedication that she has shown to our community. There can be no doubt of the positive impact that she has had on our community and our region is better for her efforts.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Eileen Curtis on her retirement and in thanking her for her outstanding service to Fairfax County and Northern Virginia. While she may be retiring, I am confident that she will remain engaged on the issues that are close to her heart. I wish her great success in all her future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize my good friend Daniel (Dan) Duncan as he steps down after serving for 10 years as President of the Northern Virginia Labor Federation, AFL-CIO (NoVA Labor.) As President of NoVA Labor, Dan led the largest labor council in the Commonwealth of Virginia and which represents nearly 70 unions and locals. In this role, he has been responsible for consolidating the missions and concerns of the various unions and their members into one unified voice while ensuring that all opinions are heard and respected.

Dan has dedicated his life to improving the lives of working families. He is committed to the mission of NoVA Labor which is to bring economic justice to the workplace and social justice to our communities. He learned these values from an early age--his grandfather was a shop steward at a shipyard in Cleveland, Ohio and his father was a rank and file Machinist. Dan joined his first union, the Retail Clerks Union, in 1973 at the age of 17 while working for a grocery store in Tennessee.

After graduating from the University of Chattanooga in 1978, Dan worked as a newspaper reporter. He later became director of the Fort Lauderdale senior employment program with the National Council of Senior Citizens (NCSC) which was formed in 1961 and evolved from the Senior Citizens for Kennedy organization. Working with the administration

of President John F. Kennedy, the NCSC was instrumental in rallying support for comprehensive health insurance for senior citizens. These efforts bore fruit when President Lyndon B. Johnson signed Medicare into law in 1965. NCSC's efforts were instrumental in passing this landmark legislation and the organization, now known as the Alliance for Retired Americans continues its fight to protect and preserve Medicare and Social Security.

Dan then accepted a position with the Seafarers International Union where he has served for 30 years in various positions. For the last six years, Dan has held the position of Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the Maritime Trades Department.

In his roles with individual unions as well as with the Northeast Florida Central Labor Council, the Northern Virginia Central Labor Council, and the NoVA Labor Federation, Dan has worked tirelessly to advocate for working families and support state and federal legislation that would even the playing field for the backbone of our society--the middle and lower class who deserve a fair wage for honest work and other employer related benefits.

I have personally known Dan Duncan and his wife Karen for many years and have thoroughly enjoyed our countless conversations and discussions on issues of importance. While we have on occasion disagreed, mainly on their terrible taste in baseball teams, but also occasionally on the best way to achieve a certain objective, we both know and understand that we share the same goals. These exchanges of ideas and opinions have been invaluable to both of us as we continue to represent and serve our constituencies.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in commending Dan Duncan for his efforts on behalf of the working men and women of our country and in thanking him for his service. Although he is stepping down from his position of President of NoVA Labor, I am confident that he will continue his efforts to strengthen and protect the rights and benefits of all and I wish him success in all of his future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Ellucian on the occasion of the grand opening of its new office space in Reston, Virginia. Based in Fairfax County since 1987, the opening of this new headquarters location speaks to the growing presence of technology companies in not only Fairfax County, but the Dulles Corridor as a whole. We are continually reminded of why this area is rapidly developing a reputation as the Silicon Valley of the East.

Established in 2012 by the merger of Datatel and SunGard Higher Education, Ellucian and its parent companies have been serving the higher education community since 1968. What began as a single office has expanded into 20 regional offices employing over 2,900 individuals all over the world.

As a former member and Chairman of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, I know firsthand that the quality of life we enjoy in Fairfax County is directly tied to the strength of our education system. This is especially true when it comes to higher education. Providing the gateways for students to succeed is essential and I commend the staff of Ellucian for working to create and maintain those opportunities.

Mr. Speaker, to prepare the leaders of tomorrow, institutions of higher education must have the services, tools, and technologies to engage and foster student success. For nearly fifty years, Ellucian has provided support to these institutions in order for them to achieve their goals. It is critical that our nation focus our sight on improving student outcomes to better compete in the world economy and I thank Ellucian and its dedicated staff for their efforts in this area. I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Ellucian on the grand opening of its new headquarters and in wishing it great success in all future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Fairfax Water on the occasion of its 60th anniversary. There are few human needs more precious and more critical than access to fresh and safe drinking water. Indeed, we have seen what can happen when those needs are neglected, as the tragedy in Flint, Michigan reminds us. Prior to the creation of the Fairfax County Water Authority (now known as Fairfax Water), water was supplied to Fairfax County through many small, mostly private water systems, and a limited number of public systems. There was no standardization between systems and each system maintained its own rate schedule and level of service. In order to improve service reliability, establish equitable rates, and provide effective fire protection throughout Fairfax County, the Board of Supervisors created Fairfax Water in September 1957 for the purpose of ``acquiring, constructing, operating and maintaining an integrated water system for supplying and distributing water.''

The acquisition of water systems began in 1959 with the purchase of the Annandale Water Company. Over the next eight years, Fairfax Water acquired an additional 17 systems and began to build a comprehensive water-supply system. By the end of 1967, Fairfax Water had 832 miles of mains, 3,354 fire hydrants, and 54,000 metered accounts serving more than 425,000 people. By 1982, that number had grown to more than 1,800 miles of mains, more than 10,300 fire hydrants and nearly 126,000 metered accounts serving more than 650,000 people. By 1994, it would reach more than 2,700 miles of water mains, more than 17,300 fire hydrants and more than 197,300 meters.

Those numbers show a county undergoing tremendous growth in both population and urbanization. The challenges associated with that are numerous and the temptation of providing service while overlooking the quality of that service is real. However, Fairfax Water has never allowed itself to fall into that trap. Instead, it has approached every new challenge with its mission in mind: providing safe, clean drinking water to Fairfax County residents and ensuring that the County's water supply is maintained. There have certainly been no shortage of challenges--from supply issues stemming from the use of a single source (the Occoquan River) to natural disasters to the threat of terrorism, Fairfax Water has risen to meet those challenges. Its work stands as testament to the strength and character of the ethos of public service in our community.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Phillip Allin, Charles Murray, the members of the Board of Directors and the entire staff of Fairfax Water. I thank them for their service to our community and for maintaining the proud legacy of this organization while adapting it to meet the challenges of the future.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the Oakton Library on the occasion of its 10th anniversary. This project represents the fulfillment of a promise I made to this community more than a decade ago, during my time as both Providence District Supervisor and Chairman of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors.

Working with engaged citizens, we identified a need for new meeting space as well as a new library in the Oakton community. But we didn't stop there. We rolled up our sleeves and went to work. We worked with developers to secure the necessary land, with my colleagues on the Board to secure and pass the necessary bond referendums and with the community to raise awareness and support for this necessary addition. These efforts bore fruit and in 2007 we celebrated the dedication of the new Oakton Library. Ten years later, the library stands as a pillar of the Oakton community and I am confident that it will continue to serve that role for many more decades to come.

I wish to give special recognition to the members of the Friends of Oakton Library, who worked with myself and others side by side on every step of this project. Together, we guided what was once just a concept into a brick-and-mortar reality.

We are incredibly fortunate in Fairfax County to have such dedicated citizens, who go out of their way for the betterment of the lives of others. I have often said that local government is where the rubber meets the road. The level of accountability is absolute. You either solved the problem or you didn't . . . and everyone knows where you live and has your phone number! My colleagues on the Board of Supervisors and I accomplished a lot together during my time in Fairfax County government, but the completion of the Oakton Library remains one of my proudest moments in local government. A testament to what can happen when like-minded individuals are willing to back up their words and desires with concrete, often unglamorous actions. The Oakton community and indeed all of Fairfax County is better off today because people were willing to put in the work.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the Friends of Oakton Library and the entire Oakton community on this important anniversary. I commend them for their contributions to Fairfax County and wish them great success in all their future endeavors. I am confident that we will be observing many more anniversaries of this library still to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the recipients of the 26th Annual Best of Reston Awards for Community Service. These awards are the result of collaboration between Cornerstones and the Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce and are presented to individuals, organizations, and businesses whose extraordinary efforts make our community a better place.

I have been proud to represent this community since my days as Chairman of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. The level of civic engagement celebrated by these awards is a testament to the community spirit of Reston. I have often said that civic engagement is a key indicator of a healthy community and tonight's event proves that Reston is one of the healthiest communities in all of Northern Virginia! That is due in no small part to the actions of those honored here this evening and I extend my congratulations to all of tonight's honorees. I also wish to thank Kerrie Wilson of Cornerstones and Mark Ingrao of the Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce for their tireless efforts on behalf of others and in making our community one of the best places in the country in which to live, work and raise a family.

It is my honor to include in the Record the following recipients of the 2017 Best of Reston Awards:

Corporate/Business Leader:

Odin, Feldman and Pittleman, PC

Small Business Leader:

CST Group

Volunteerism Through Nonprofit Service:

Women Giving Back

Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts

Community Leader:

Bill Keefe

Gillian and Vincent Seskoe

Vade Bolton-Ann Rodriguez Legacy Award:

Herb Williams-Bafoe

Robert E. Simon Community Service Award:

Vicky Wingert

Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating the 2017 Best of Reston honorees for their tremendous contributions. I thank Cornerstones and the Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce for continuing this wonderful tradition, and I express my sincere gratitude to these individuals, businesses, and organizations for lending their time and energy to the betterment of our community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dr. Cherif Sadki, principal of Gar-Field Senior High School, as the 2017 Outstanding High School Principal of Virginia.

Each year, the Virginia Association of Secondary School Principals, which is the seventh largest school administrators' organization in the National Association of Secondary School Principals, selects a principal to represent the state as the nominee for the National Principal of the Year Program.

As the 2017 nominee, Dr. Sadki is commended for his ``creativity and imagination in bringing about positive change, improving the educational program and student achievement; ensuring a school climate that reflects high staff and student morale; and for involving the community in the life of the school.''

At the helm of Gar-Field Senior High School for the past five years, Dr. Sadki has implemented countless policy changes and program adjustments to address the needs of the increasingly diverse student population. Of the roughly 2,500 students enrolled in Gar-Field Senior High School last year, approximately half spoke a language other than English at home. One to never shy away from a challenge, Dr. Sadki rolled up his sleeves, transformed the teaching model, and embedded English instruction into the core curriculum to meet the needs of the diverse student body.

For his foresight, engagement of the community, and commitment to ensuring that all students receive a world-class education, it is my honor to include in the Record, Dr. Cherif Sadki.

Dr. Sadki is the standard-bearer at the regional and national level for educating English learners. He attributes much of his success in

reshaping the mission of Gar-Field Senior High School to the efforts of a supportive community, a focused group of educators, and a dedicated administrative staff. Instead of seeing students who embraced a failing attitude, he saw children who had not been given an opportunity to succeed. Dr. Sadki saw teachers who needed encouragement, training and support and a community that could be convinced that success was possible.

I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Dr. Cherif Sadki, principal of Gar-Field Senior High School on his selection as the 2017 Outstanding High School Principal for Virginia. His leadership and dedication to the students, teachers, and faculty as he works to ensure a bright future for all who pass through the doors of Gar-Field Senior High School is truly commendable and worthy of our highest praise.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an outstanding group of individuals in Northern Virginia. These individuals have demonstrated superior dedication to public safety and to their community and are being recognized by the Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce at their annual Above and Beyond Breakfast.

This event recognizes first responders in the Greater Springfield area who better their community by quietly volunteering personal time, energy, and financial support to fill a need outside of their day-to- day duties. In addition to honoring first responders, a portion of the proceeds raised at the Above and Beyond Breakfast are donated to charitable organizations designated by the honorees.

This year, three members of the public safety community are being honored by the Chamber. It is my honor to include in the Record the names of the following individuals:

Private First Class Tom Black, Fairfax County Sheriff's Office, for his work with seniors, Camp Sunshine and World Vision

Private First Class Anthony Capizzi, Fairfax County Police Department, for his work with the Boy Scouts of America

Mr. John ``JJ'' Jackson, Greater Springfield Volunteer Fire Department, for his faithful operation of Canteen 422, Fire Station 12

Mr. Speaker, I congratulate the 2017 Above and Beyond Breakfast first responder award recipients, and thank each of the men and women who serve in the Fairfax County Sheriff's Office, Fairfax County Police Department and the Greater Springfield Volunteer Fire Department. Their efforts, made on behalf of the citizens of our community, are selfless acts of heroism and truly merit our highest praise. I ask my colleagues to join me in applauding this group of remarkable citizens and in thanking them for their dedication to the safety and protection of our residents, businesses, and properties

Mr. Speaker, I rise in recognition of Literacy Volunteers of America-Prince William, Incorporated, and their 26 years of service to the adult learners residing in the Greater Prince William Area.

Founded in June 1991, by beloved librarian Dona M. Swanson, Literacy Volunteers of America-Prince William, Inc. is one of 1200 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations affiliated with ProLiteracy America, a nationwide organization dedicated to empowering, educating, and connecting adults through the establishment of a safer, stronger, and sustainable society.

Since its inception, Literacy Volunteers of America-Prince William, Inc. has served over 8500 adults and positively impacted the social and economic wellbeing of 35,000 family

members. Last year, the organization served over 700 adult learners with the assistance of more than 220 trained volunteer tutors. Community volunteers are trained to become tutors and are matched based on the needs of adults seeking to improve their literacy or English language skills. Provided services include small and large classroom tutoring, one-on-one tutoring, pre-GED and GED classes, basic literacy for English speakers and English as a second language learners, conversation classes, Naturalization test preparation, and job readiness training.

Each year, the dedicated staff reviews the progress of each student and asks tutors and students to provide feedback. This year, 93 percent of students have met a personal development goal. Feedback generally aligns with the organization's mission statement to teach adults the life-changing skills of reading, writing and speaking English that will enable them to confidently participate and prosper in society. I have the distinct pleasure of including in the Record the 2017 Literacy Volunteers of America-Prince William, Inc. honorees:

Student of the Year: Noris Quintanilla

Born and raised in El Salvador, Noris has lived in the United States of America for the past 17 years and is a U.S. citizen. In 2012, Noris obtained her GED certificate and sought the assistance of Literacy Volunteers of America-Prince William to further her education and transition into a career in office administration. Today, Noris volunteers at Literacy Volunteers of America-Prince William, Inc. where she never misses the opportunity to learn something new. Her commitment to instruction and volunteerism has helped Noris hone her language skills, build her confidence, and inspire her peers.

Tutor of the Year: Amy Feinberg

Amy has volunteered with Literacy Volunteers of America-Prince William, Inc. for the past six years where she has tutored in both classroom and individual settings. Over the past year, Amy has taught more than 100 students and provided more than 250 volunteer hours to the program. Amy inspires students with her kindness, patience, and compassion. As an active community volunteer, Amy takes great pride in helping others to succeed and her role in building a stronger, more vibrant community.

Tutor of the Year: Alison Prevost

Alison has served as a volunteer with Literacy Volunteers of America- Prince William, Inc. for the past 4 years. She has provided classroom tutoring to more than 100 students and has donated over 300 volunteer hours to adult literacy over the past year. Alison takes great pride in helping adults improve their literacy skills and become self-sufficient and active members of the community through Literacy Volunteers of America-Prince William, Inc. and other community-based organizations.

Volunteer of the Year: Patti J. Beattie

For the past 15 years, Patti has shared her time and service with Literacy Volunteers of America-Prince William, Inc. and its adult learners through multiple capacities as a volunteer tutor, dedicated member of the Board of Directors, tutor trainer, employee, and literacy advocate. In honor of her tireless efforts to our community, the Volunteer of the Year Award has been renamed in her honor. Patti is an active community volunteer, serving in multiple service organizations donating hundreds of hours each year to serve our local community. It is my honor to recognize Patti as the inaugural recipient of the Patti J. Beattie Volunteer of the Year Award recipient.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in commending the 2017 Literacy Volunteers of America-Prince William, Incorporated honorees and in thanking all students, tutors, volunteers, Board of Directors, and staff for their dedication, generosity, and commitment to adult literacy and its lasting impact on the Greater Prince William Area.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the Joyce-Gillespie- Harrington Charitable and Educational Foundation and the Zeta Upsilon Lambda Chapter of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity on the occasion of their 37th annual Black and Gold Scholarship Ball.

Since 1980, these two organizations have made tremendous contributions to promoting academic opportunities for youth in Northern Virginia and in the greater Washington, D.C., metropolitan region.

The programs offered by the foundation are vital to the success of our students. This year's Black and Gold Scholarship Ball will support scholarships for ten college-bound high school students. During the last nineteen years, one-hundred students have received scholarships awarded by the foundation and have attended some of the top colleges and universities in the country. With the typical college graduate's debt averaging about $30,000, the foundation's continued support of these students is absolutely crucial.

I am pleased to include in the Record the following names of the 2017 scholarship winners:

Jordyn Bingham (Westfield HS)

Ibrahim Eltahir (Falls Church HS)

Nathanial Herbert (Dominion HS)

Morgan Hobson (Fairfax HS)

Kevin Lacey (Rock Ridge HS)

Andrew Lewis (Riverside HS)

Nicole Monlyn (Rock Ridge HS)

Justin Shelby (South Lakes HS)

Elijah Williamson (Herndon HS)

Mathewos Yiheyis (Hayfield SS)

Mr. Speaker, these students represent our country's next generation of gifted leaders who will have great impact on our society and future. I thank the Joyce-Gillespie-Harrington Charitable and Education Foundation and the Zeta Upsilon Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity for their dedicated commitment to fostering success in our youth and commend all of the scholarship winners for their academic excellence. I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating these talented students and in wishing them great success in all their future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the recipients of the annual Best of Braddock Awards. These awards are the result of collaboration between the Braddock District Council and Braddock District Supervisor and are presented to individuals and organizations whose extraordinary efforts make our community a better place.

I have been proud to represent this community since my days as Chairman of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. The level of civic engagement celebrated by these awards is a testament to the community spirit of Braddock District. I have often said that civic engagement is a key indicator of a healthy community and tonight's event proves that Braddock District is one of the healthiest communities in all of Northern Virginia. That is due in no small part to the actions of those honored here this evening. I extend my congratulations to all of tonight's honorees and commend them for their efforts on behalf of others and in making our community one of the best places in the country in which to live, work and raise a family.

It is my honor to include in the Record the following recipients of the 2017 Best of Braddock Awards:

Katie Pope--This Annandale High School student has an impressive record of community service to a number of civic, church and charitable organizations.

The Friends of Lake Accotink Park (FLAP)--This organization takes responsibility for supporting all of the numerous upkeep activities necessary to maintain a 493 acre park.

Meghan Walker--The organizer and manager of all of the FLAP activities in support of the Park.

Kiley Foster--This energetic first grader (one of the youngest Honorees ever) has started on an exemplary path of community service through her contributions to her church, charitable organizations, and other service groups such as ``Girls on the Run.''

Irene Merrill--Nominated by the Briarwood Court Condo Association, Irene has continuously improved and produced the Association newsletter for over 10 years.

Jeremiah Bethea--This All-Conference, All-Regional, and All-State pole vault competitor also finds time outside of athletics to earn service awards from his neighborhood, write for the student newspaper, participate in student Government, and qualify for Math and Social Studies Honor Societies.

Suzanne Metz--This physical education teacher is the organizer of ``Walk to School'' and ``Bike to School'' days. She has also been instrumental working with the PTA to establish a summer camp.

Norene Gerstner--This avid gardener has served the Braddock District for 21 years as a volunteer working in and around the Kings Park Library. She has been a leader in conceptualizing and implementing the unique garden surrounding the library along with her ``Gardening Friends of Kings Park Library'' Group.

Morton Berger--The first posthumous honoree, he volunteered thousands of hours with VIPS (Volunteers in Police Service) to memorialize through photograph numerous police activities for the Fairfax County Police Department.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the 2017 Best of Braddock honorees for their tremendous contributions to Fairfax County and Northern Virginia. I also wish to extend special recognition to George Klein, the chair of the Braddock District Council, for his work in organizing this event and for his tireless efforts on behalf of others in our community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the Centreville Immigration Forum on the occasion of its 3rd Annual Dinner. The theme of this year's gala is ``Celebrating Our Global Community'' and will recognize the rich diversity of cultures in Northern Virginia.

Northern Virginia is blessed by its diversity. In Fairfax County, nearly 1 in 4 residents is foreign born. More than 100 languages are spoken in our schools, and we are home to more minority-owned technology firms than anywhere else in the nation. Our variety of cultures and heritages do not divide us; they make us stronger.

Three exceptional individuals will be honored during this gala who have gone above and beyond in ensuring that everyone, regardless of their country of origin, has full access to the benefits and opportunities this community and our nation provide. I am pleased to include in the Record the names of the following 2017 Annual Dinner honorees:

Ms. Diana Katz

Ms. Katz is a co-founder of the Giving Circle of Hope which provides grants to area non-profits with budgets below $2 million. She also co- founded NoVIE, a member driven, CEO-level forum that brings together ideas, knowledge and support to benefit the health and viability of social good organizations. She was the driving force behind the NV Rides program that provides transportation for the elderly, and has recently co-founded the Latino Engagement and Achievement Fund under the umbrella of the Community Foundation of Northern Virginia. The Latino Engagement and Achievement Fund will be awarding its first grant this year.

Mr. Mukit Hossain (posthumously)

Mr. Hossain was a telecommunications executive in northern Virginia who became a grass-roots activist following the September 11 terrorist attacks. He was instrumental in encouraging fellow Muslims to become more politically engaged through his role as president of the Virginia Muslim Political Action Committee. In 2006, he joined with Jewish leaders to push successfully for a Virginia state law that made it illegal to falsely label kosher and halal foods. He started Food Source, an organization to feed the homeless in Fairfax, and used his organizing skills on behalf of undocumented workers--particularly as immigration became a defining political issue in Prince William and Loudoun counties. Prior to his sudden death in 2010 he was named Herndon Citizen of the Year in and recognized for his community efforts in a joint resolution from the Virginia General Assembly.

Mr. Kofi Dennis

A Master Teaching Artist with Wolf Trap Institute for Early Learning through Arts since 1998, Mr. Dennis has shared his skills in drumming and story-telling with children and adults of all ages. He provides Arts Integrated classroom residencies and professional development workshops in music and creative drama for early childhood educators locally, nationally and internationally. He has also brought drumming and storytelling to juveniles and prisoners in area jails. This past summer, he was part of a team of Wolf Trap master teaching artists and administrators who spent three weeks in Singapore. In collaboration with the National Arts Council and Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA), this team led programs to train, facilitate workshops, and conduct STEM residencies in arts integration for teachers, administrators and artists.

Mr. Speaker, the efforts of these individuals are noteworthy not only because they are rooted in an appreciation for our region's cultural and ethnic diversity, but also because they help to strengthen the bonds of friendship and cooperation in our community. I congratulate them on their awards and ask my colleagues to join me in commending them for their service to the Northern Virginia region.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a momentous anniversary. This year marks the 275th anniversary of Fairfax County, which I am proud to represent in this Chamber and which I represented prior to my election to this body for 14 years on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, including five years as Chairman.

In 1737, Lord Thomas Fairfax of Cameron took possession of a piece of land that included all of what is now Loudoun, Arlington and Fairfax Counties in addition to the cities of Falls Church, Fairfax and Alexandria. At the time, all of this land was part of Prince William County. Installing his cousin William as the managing agent for that land, Lord Fairfax departed back to England to cement his claim. In 1742, William arranged for that piece of land to be officially designated as Fairfax County.

This new county was home to many Americans who would have an impact on our country, most notably future President George Washington. In addition, Fairfax was home to

the man who many credit with the creation of the Bill of Rights, George Mason. Working with a member of Virginia's congressional district (and future President himself) James Madison, Mason argued for the creation of amendments to the newly created U.S. Constitution to protect individual freedoms. Indeed, Mason was one of only three delegates to the Constitutional Convention to refuse to sign the new document because of his concerns that the federal government would be abusive of its authority absent a document like the Bill of Rights.

Fairfax County also played a role in another pivotal time on our Nation's history, the Civil War. The courthouse in Fairfax City served as a headquarters for the U.S. Army and the remains of several forts can still be found throughout the county today. The founder of the Red Cross, Clara Barton, treated wounded soldiers at St. Mary's Church in Fairfax Station, an experience that would eventually lead her to found that organization. While the county was largely spared from major battles (with the exception of the Battle of Ox Hill in 1862), raids and skirmishes between Union and Confederate forces were frequent and portions of the county changed hands several times over the course of the war.

Mr. Speaker, the history of Fairfax County is intimately intertwined with the history of the United States. Although the founders of this county could not have known the future that awaited their holdings, I suspect the evolution from a rural farming community to today's suburban community of over 1 million would please them greatly. Fairfax County has consistently been rated among the best places in the country in which to live, work, raise a family and start a business. Indeed, it stands as an example of a community that consistently sees beyond the years. I was proud to serve on the Board of Supervisors and have been proud to represent it in this body. I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Fairfax County on this important anniversary.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Fairfax County Health Department. Through a century of continuous service the department has distinguished itself as a national leader and a model public health department working to protect, promote and improve the quality of life for all its residents.

The origins of the Fairfax County Health Department can be traced back to April 1917, when the county launched a campaign for better health in the very same week that the United States would enter World War I. When the first public health physician and his successor were sent off to war, it left only one public health nurse to provide services for the entire county. Shortly after war's end the staff consisted of a full time health officer, one full time sanitation officer, one full time nurse and a part-time clerk, with funding provided by the Virginia State Health Department, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, the County Chapter of the Red Cross, the Tuberculosis Association, and donations from private citizens.

In the early years, the Health Department was primarily concerned with the spread of infectious diseases like diphtheria, smallpox, tuberculosis and typhoid fever. With better sanitation, education, and immunization practices, many of these threats began to wane and the department's services began to expand to accommodate the county's growing population.

With more facilities and staff, the department was able to offer maternal and child health clinics, home health care, speech and hearing, dental, and school health services. At the same time, a systematic program of environmental health was developed to include sewage disposal, protection of water supplies, fly and mosquito control, and general cleanliness of dwellings, tourist places and food establishments.

Due to its long history of financial and leadership support for public health, in 1995, Fairfax County sought and was granted the authority to operate its own health department by an act of the Virginia General Assembly. Since that change in legislative authority more than 20 years ago, the Fairfax County Health Department has become more efficient, effective, and responsive.

Throughout its history, the Health Department has been a leader in the prevention and control of communicable diseases. During the polio epidemic of the 1950s, Fairfax County participated in the Salk vaccine trials and became the first county in the United States to provide polio vaccine to its grade school children. In 1960s, it was the first department in the nation to participate in a mass measles vaccination trial program. And in 1989, when there was an outbreak of Ebola virus in monkeys at a laboratory in Reston, Virginia--an event dramatized in Richard Preston's book ``The Hot Zone''--Fairfax County Health Department was once again on the front lines of an emerging disease threat.

While the emphasis on communicable disease control and prevention has not changed, the Health Department has dedicated more of its resources to population-based health services that address disparities within its increasingly diverse community. The Health Department's Adult Day Health Care, Community Health Care Network, Skin Deep Tattoo Removal Program, HIV case management program, and Homeless Health Care program have been a model for other departments in Virginia and around the country.

Research on newer and better methods of onsite sewage disposal have often originated in Fairfax County. The department's laboratory is the largest local public health laboratory in the Commonwealth, performing more than 200,000 scientific tests annually.

Since the terrorist acts of September 11, 2001, the Health Department has assumed a first responder role with significant responsibility for a wide range of disaster planning and response activities. In response to lessons learned from the anthrax crisis, the Health Department organized a Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) unit, a cadre of trained volunteers, to augment surge capacity during public health emergencies. In the years since, the Health Department has activated its Incident Management Team and the MRC in response to natural disasters such as floods and hurricanes, H1N1 influenza pandemic, Ebola virus, Zika virus and other outbreak investigations.

The Fairfax County Health Department has achieved and sustained a well-earned reputation for excellence due in part to the dedication and compassion of its well-trained workforce, the quality and innovation of its programs and services, and the commitment of its leadership to continuous quality improvement. That commitment was demonstrated again in 2016 when the department achieved national accreditation by the Public Health Accreditation Board.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in recognizing the Fairfax County Health Department for a century of protecting, promoting and improving the health and quality of life for all in Fairfax County. Their selfless efforts, made on behalf of all citizens of our community are truly worthy of our highest praise.

Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize Volunteer Fairfax and express my sincere appreciation to recipients of the 25th Annual Fairfax County Volunteer Service Awards.

Established more than 40 years ago, Volunteer Fairfax matches the skills and interests of thousands of volunteers with the needs of local non-profit organizations. The success of this model and its impact on delivery of needed services is beyond question; Volunteer Fairfax has been rated as one of the most effective community service organizations in the nation.

Last year alone, over 15,000 individuals volunteered directly through Volunteer Fairfax; an additional 1,700 employees volunteered through their employers' BusinessLink program and the value of volunteer services provided exceeded $4.5 million.

Each year, Volunteer Fairfax selects a few exceptional individuals, groups, or organizations to receive special recognition. It is my great pleasure to include in the Record the following names of the 2017 Fairfax County Volunteer Service Awards honorees:

Community Champions:

Braddock District: David Curtis

Dranesville District: Penny Halpern

Hunter Mill District: Raul and Maria Garza-Chapa

Lee District: Michel Margosis

Mason District: Gail Coleman

Mount Vernon District: Whitney Minnich

Providence District: Friends of Oakton Library

Springfield District: John Pellegrin

Sully District: Karrie Delaney

At-Large: John K. Wood

Adult Volunteer 250 Hours & Over: Gary Pan

Adult Volunteer 250 Hours & Under: Kate Walter

Adult Volunteer Group: Friends of Huntley Meadows

Corporate Volunteer Program: Deloitte LLP

Fairfax County Volunteer: Karla Jamir

Fairfax County Volunteer Program: CERT

Family Volunteer: Young Family

Integrate Individual: Carolina Calderon

Lifetime Achievement: Marie Monsen

Rising Star: Shannon Dart

RSVP Northern Virginia: Denise Mackey-Smith

Senior Volunteer: Bard Jackson

Volunteer Program: Wolf Trap First Time Campers Program

Youth Volunteer: Emma Houston

Youth Volunteer Group: Stony Brook Jr. Volunteers

In addition, Benchmark Honors will be awarded in four different categories to commend those who have contributed 100, 250, 500, or 1,000 hours of volunteer time to our community.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in commending Volunteer Fairfax for its decades of outstanding community service. I congratulate the recipients of the 2017 Fairfax County Volunteer Service Awards and thank them and the thousands of other local volunteers for their incredible contributions to our community. Their selfless dedication is worthy of our highest praise and is one of the main reasons that our community is often ranked as one of the best places in the country to live, work, and raise a family