Recognizing the Recipients of the 2021 and 2022 Fairfax County Federation of Citizens' Associations Citizen of the Year Awards

Floor Speech

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Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the recipients of the 2021 and 2022 Fairfax Federation of Citizens' Associations Citizen of the Year Awards.

The Federation is a coalition of civic and homeowners' associations who work together to promote and support initiatives that will benefit all. Each year, the Federation honors individuals for their extraordinary contributions to our community. It is my honor to include in the Record the following individuals.

Marco Johnson has been an expert in emergency preparedness for Fairfax County. Marco has worked with County government leaders and citizens across the county leading county teams, multi-county teams and integrated state teams for the Emergency Management Volunteer Corps, Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) and the American Red Cross in developing and implementing disaster preparedness programs. Mr. Johnson has represented the county public health department, the Fairfax County Citizen Corp Council, and public health leaders at all levels in designing and implementing County emergency awareness programs and projects to respond to emergency vulnerabilities.

John Litzenberger sets an outstanding example of civic participation. John served on the Fairfax County Planning Commission from 2007 to 2015 as the Sully District commissioner, and a member of its Housing Committee and Capital Improvement Committee. He previously served on the Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority for four years. John has been active in local land use committees and task forces for over 40 years, going back to the Centreville Core Study in 1982.

Commissioner Peter F. ``Pete'' Murphy has been an active member of the community for many decades. In 1982, Pete was appointed to the Planning Commission by the Board of Supervisors, serving as its Chairman since 1989. During this time, he played a critical role in transforming the County from a sleepy bedroom community to the economic powerhouse it is today. He has been a leader in land use policy in Fairfax County as we know it from Springfield District cases like Fairfax Corner and Fair Lakes to countywide cases like the Tysons Plan.

Michele Menapace has been serving Fairfax communities for over a dozen years. She has served on the Human Services Council advising the Board of Supervisors on budgetary matters. As well, she helps ensure that federal Community Service Block Grants are efficiently spent on the needs of people living in poverty via her appointment to the Community Action Advisory Board. Over the years, Michele has served on numerous other county boards.

Linda Moore has dedicated years of time to the service of the elderly, emotionally and socially challenged adults, domestic and sexual violence. She has been very involved with the Medical Reserve Corps & Fairfax County Department of transportation events as a volunteer. She also has worked for four years with another group within the Department of Family Services, DSVS, helping them bring attention and awareness to the issues of domestic and sexual violence, stalking, and human trafficking. Linda Moore exemplifies courage in volunteering and serves as a role model for others.

Paula Lettice has been a dedicated volunteer and board member of several organizations here in Fairfax County for over two decades and is a role model for her community. Since 2020, Paula has served as the President of the Board of Directors for Mount Vernon at Home, a local organization that serves residents aged 55 and over who are choosing to remain in their homes in Mount Vernon as they age and is a part of a national movement of senior Villages. During the pandemic, Ms. Lettice has been a true leader for the organization, helping shift their fundraising efforts to virtual events, while still utilizing local businesses.

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 foundation of a healthy community, and Fairfax County residents enjoy an exceptional quality of life due in part to the efforts of these individuals.

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