Congratulations to the 2016 Fairfax County Volunteer Service Award Winners!

With the theme, Volunteers Are Shining Stars, Volunteer Fairfax, along with Chairman Sharon Bulova and the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, honored the impact of these deserving volunteers - during the 24th Annual Fairfax County Volunteer Service Awards. Click to view photos and a video from this celebration of volunteerism.

A number of additional special honors were bestowed at the event.

Volunteer Fairfax, a HandsOn Network Affiliate, was selected to host the presentation of the Friday, April 8, 2016 Point of Light Award at the Fairfax County Volunteer Service Awards. Jenny Lawson, VP of Corporate Strategy at Points of Light (an umbrella organization for the HandsOn Network, generationOn, Corporate Institute and Americorp Alums) was on hand to present the award to Kathy Hertz for her amazing contributions helping new arrivals at a refugee camp in Greece. Kathy also received a Volunteer Service Award for her service. Click to read more about her service.

Additionally, Fred Pitman received double honors at this year’s Fairfax County Volunteer Service Awards. Judges selected him to receive a Volunteer Service Award in the category Fairfax County Government Individual Volunteer Award for his service to Fairfax County Public Library. As an added honor, the generous folks at Cabot Creamery gifted Fred with an all-expense paid Alaskan Cruise for Two on Cabot’s “Community Celebrity Tour” in June 2017. Cabot Creamery Celebrity Awards Program honors volunteers across the country for making their communities better. Congratulations, Fred! Happy cruising!

Congratulations to the following individuals and groups who were recognized as Community Champions and those awarded a Fairfax County Volunteer Service Award in the competitive categories:

Community Champions
Competitive Winners
Benchmark Recipients
Competitive Award Category Nominees

Community Champions:

Each year, the members of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors have the honor of selecting a citizen volunteer within their District to be recognized with a Community Champions Award. This distinguished award recognizes volunteers who are committed to improving Fairfax County through their dedicated efforts of bringing the community together in order to work towards a common goal of addressing the concerns of County residents. Congratulations to the 2016 Community Champions!

Braddock District Jim Bertolini	Mount Vernon District Ron Fitzsimmons
Dranesville District Kathleen Murphy	Providence District The Greater Merrifield Business Association
Hunter Mill District Jeff Anderson	Springfield District George and Estella Lynch
Lee District Linda Waller	Sully District Gary Flather
Mason District Diane Kilbourne	At-Large Gary A. Ambrose

Supervisor John Cook Honors Jim Bertolini, Braddock District
Jim Bertolini grew up in the Ravensworth Farm area, and then moved back as an adult to ensure his parents could age in place. When an older neighbor’s home was cited for property maintenance issues, Jim was compelled to get the word out to the Ravensworth Farm community that a neighbor was in need of help. Community members were quick to respond -- holding bake sales to raise funds for the work needing to be done and then coming in and physically helping to clean up and make some of the repairs. Jim was there every step of the way. In addition to bringing their neighbor’s home into compliance, the community also benefitted from hearing their neighbor’s life stories and the things she had accomplished. Jim also coordinated with the local Girl Scouts and members of Emmanuel Bible Church, and because of their efforts, their neighbor can continue to live independently in her own home. Last year, Jim heard neighbors’ concerns about a young man who seemed to be sleeping in a nearby park. Jim became part of a group that learned his story and helped him find a place to stay and a bicycle. Another example of how Jim, who flies under the radar in many ways, spends his life helping others.

Supervisor Cook says, “Jim’s actions and attitude are an excellent example of what Community Engagement is all about. The ongoing concern he has shown for others in his community is what makes him a true Community Champion.”

Supervisor John Foust Honors Kathleen Murphy, Dranesville District
Kathleen Murphy serves as president of the Great Falls Historical Society. Her knowledge and enthusiasm are evident. She keeps the long and interesting history of Great Falls alive for residents of all ages through monthly programs on local history and people, preservation efforts, publication of historical essays, collection of artifacts and photographs, oral history interviews, genealogical research, and tours and dinners at historic sites. However, Ms. Murphy is also very much interested in the Great Falls of the present and the future. In the Great Falls 2020 Vision Survey, led by Ms. Murphy, local residents expressed a desire for a local farmers market as part of building a vibrant semi-rural village center. As one of the few markets in Fairfax County that is not county-sponsored, this markets provides a place for local vendors to market their products year-round. It attracts residents in and outside of Great Falls who want to purchase fresh produce, baked goodies, cheeses, and even chocolates in a friendly and fun environment; outside in the summer months and inside the historic Grange building during the winter.

Supervisor Foust says, “When I think of volunteers who go about their work quietly in Great Falls, I think of Ms. Murphy. She is that exceptional volunteer who cares deeply about the past, present and future of Dranesville.”

Supervisor Cathy Hudgins Honors Jeff Anderson, Hunter Mill District
In the beginning, Jeff was just interested in pursuing a bicycle rack for his child’s elementary school. An avid biker himself, Jeff wanted to instill that love in his children; however, even after the bicycle rack was installed, he noticed other missing pieces that would keep his children from riding to school safely. That led to Jeff’s now famous “bike train.” Jeff “conducts” the neighborhood children to school on a monthly basis in all weather conditions! What began with a couple of students grew by leaps and bounds over eight years, and as the bike train increased, the amount of auto traffic around the school decreased. Jeff’s bike train has garnered international acclaim, including coverage from The Washington Post, NPR, and Nickelodeon. Jeff has also worked with parents and faculty from surrounding schools to develop The Bike/Walk Challenge event during the spring. The Challenge has created a passionate following and is being emulated in other communities in Fairfax County. But, that’s not all, Jeff joined Safe Routes to School, and teamed up with others to help Fairfax County Public Schools secure a grant to add a dedicated staff position to help teach a bicycle safety curriculum. He has also been appointed as the Hunter Mill District representative for the Fairfax County Trails and Sidewalks Committee, advocating for infrastructure for pedestrian and bicycle facilities all over the County.

Supervisor Hudgins says, “Whoever said, ‘A tiny change today brings a dramatically different tomorrow’ definitely had Jeff Anderson in mind. In all challenges, Jeff keeps a positive attitude and works to find solutions that get children riding bicycles safely through their communities.
He is a fine example of an individual who started off working towards personal fulfillment, but soon became a community champion.”

Supervisor Jeff McKay Honors Linda Waller, Lee District
Linda Waller’s volunteerism has touched communities and people far and wide. Those benefitting from her generosity include Linda’s community (Springvale), Linda’s synagogue (Beth El Hebrew Congregation), the Lee District, Fairfax County, pet owners, business owners, county employees, the list goes on and on. Her dedication to the community has helped shape the area, and her commitment to community involvement is evident as she helps organize the Springfield Community BridgeWalk or the annual Springfield Days Celebration, as a member of the CERT team or out serving as a member of her homeowners’ association or her synagogue’s Board of Directors. No matter what, Linda has always put the community’s interests above her own. She actively seeks out opportunities to volunteer not only to learn more about certain topics, but also to find ways to incorporate her newly acquired skills or information into her community’s daily life.

Supervisor McKay say, “I have no doubt that if you opened up the dictionary to the V’s, you’d find a picture of Linda next to the word ‘volunteer.’ Our community will never be able to repay Linda for all her hard work.”

Supervisor Penny Gross Honors Diane Kilbourne, Mason District
As president of the Stuart Educational Foundation for the past five years, Diane Kilbourne has provided inspiration and guidance to the Foundation, its board members, and the diverse students at Jeb Stuart High School who are dedicated to furthering their education and achieving success for their future. During the ten years since the foundation was started, nearly $900,000 has been raised in the community, supporting more than 390 Stuart graduates. Diane is now retired, but has a rich history as a volunteer and advocate for children as a board member for the Seven Corner’s Children’s Center. She is a past president of the Lake Barcroft Woman’s Club -- helping to raise money for local charities, and deliver food for the ACCA Food Pantry.

Supervisor Gross says, “Diane’s dedication to helping students--many of whom are ESL students--achieve their dream of post-secondary education is inspiring to community members who are donors, students who are recipients, and volunteers who ensure that young people can succeed. Diane works quietly behind the scenes, but her contributions truly make a difference in many lives.”

Supervisor Daniel G. StorckHonors Ron Fitzsimmons, Mount Vernon District
Ron Fitzsimmons grew up knowing the challenges many of our neediest families have in the Mount Vernon District because as a child he lived it himself. Four years ago he founded Alice’s Kids, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing children facing hardship with a bit of financial assistance. Children raised in poverty often try to hide this from their peers. If there is a lack of food and utilities at home, it is hard to pay for a new pair of shoes, a school field trip or a musical instrument. Alice’s Kids takes referrals from school staff, charitable organizations, government social workers and churches. Through a totally anonymous process, Alice’s Kids, has provided many youngsters help paying for these relatively inexpensive items while preserving the dignity of the child. The credo of Alice’s Kids is, “We believe that a little help can go a long way.”

Supervisor Storck says, “I feel that Ron’s story of helping the district’s children is best told through the children. One letter of thanks reads: ‘Without…Alice’s Kids, I would not have had the school supplies and many items-- including a class ring--due to our lack of income. I have been able to successfully graduate high school and am looking forward to entering college to seek a degree that will hopefully lead to future success.’”

Supervisor Linda Smyth Honors The Greater Merrifield Business Association, Providence District
Remember when Merrifield was known for its industrial park and quirky retail landscape filled with traffic tie-ups and fast food restaurants? The members of the Greater Merrifield Business Association (GMBA) do, and they are the main reason it is now “a destination!” -- a vibrant community with a small-town neighborhood feel. They wanted a place where consumers want to spend time, where it’s unique and special with a thoughtful mix of top-tier national and local retailers, a place that now includes the development of the 31-acre Mosaic District. But, this did not happen overnight. A former GMBA President’s vision started with the goal of bringing in diverse businesses and professionals and encouraging more people to want to live in proximity to Merrifield. A subsequent president continued the concept and began a series of town meetings in the mid-90’s. A task force that was formed to develop a comprehensive plan was followed by a strategic plan that would have as little impact on traffic as possible and maintain as many community services as possible. The process stalled during the recession, but the Mosaic District opened in the fall of 2012. GMBA still has more in the works, but the goal of creating a walkable neighborhood perfect for living and working is nearing completion. And, if that weren’t enough, GMBA holds the annual Fall Festival and Taste of Merrifield, raises funds for Psychiatric Rehabilitation Services (PRS), and participates in a scholarship fund which sponsors an area student majoring in Business Administration, and helps with care packages for foster care students entering college.

Supervisor Smyth says, “Without the persistence of the Greater Merrifield Business Association, Merrifield would not be the huge success story that it is today. The GMBA’s community building efforts, along with their contributions and promotion of local non-profits, truly make the organization a Community Champion.”

Supervisor Pat Herrity Honors George and Estella Lynch, Springfield District
George and Estella Lynch became volunteers with the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board in 2003 at the CSB’s Crossroads residential treatment program. Crossroads is an enhanced residential treatment program that provides services to adults with co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders. George and Estella’s efforts have contributed to individuals achieving successful recovery. George helps residents and staff by driving residents to necessary errands and appointments. Getting to appointments without a personal vehicle can be very challenging, and missing appointments can delay services and assistance. George is not only a driver, but lends a caring ear and offers a word of support and/or reality that helps people move forward in resolving some of their issues. He is highly respected by the residents and staff at Crossroads. Estella, as a gardening volunteer, ensures that the greenhouse is maintained and teaches residents about gardening. Gardening can be stress relieving, and as residents gain confidence by learning new skills, they can feel a sense of pride and accomplishment as they grow plants from seeds. Estella’s kindness, patience, caring, and nonjudgmental persona provides a safe environment for Crossroads residents to take a needed break from the challenges of their lives.

Supervisor Herrity says of George and Estella, “(Their) work over the past thirteen years at Crossroads has truly made a huge impact on the lives of those that they encountered. Whether it was driving, gardening, or just being there to listen and talk with the residents, their work did not go unnoticed.”

Supervisor Kathy L. Smith Honors Gary Flather, Sully District
Gary Flather began volunteering with Southwestern Youth Association (SYA) in 1989 as a coach. He subsequently served as a Commissioner for Little League, Babe Ruth and basketball. In 1995 he joined the SYA Board and in 2000 became Treasurer. Since 2002 he’s been President of the organization, and has been instrumental in the establishment and construction of SYA’s 120 acre Sports Park which will eventually contain eleven ball fields and trails. Currently, SYA serves 13,000 children between the ages of four and nineteen by providing opportunities in thirteen different sports.

Supervisor Smith says, “Gary has devoted countless hours to the betterment of the youth of the Centreville community through his involvement with SYA. He did all of this while raising and coaching his own children. What’s also truly remarkable about Gary is that his children are grown and starting their own careers and families, and he still devotes his time to young people and continues to coach. It is through Gary’s efforts that there are opportunities for the young people in Sully District to be active and engaged, and to become better young men and women.”

Chairman Sharon Bulova Honors Gary A. Ambrose, Fairfax County
Gary Ambrose has positively impacted thousands of lives through his volunteer work. In 2015 alone, Gary served as Chairman of the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board and Chairman of the County’s Diversion First Initiative. The Diversion First Initiative was established as a program for nonviolent offenders, experiencing mental health crises, diverting them to treatment rather than holding them in jail. As a leader developing comprehensive policies, Gary knows how to balance conflicting demands, help his colleagues stay on target, and unite people from many different organizations and backgrounds. Driven by a family member’s serious mental illness, Gary has a special empathy and understanding of the challenges faced by those populations. He is personally invested in his volunteer work and constantly advocates for those who may not have the ability to speak for themselves. Gary served on Chairman Bulova’s Ad Hoc Police Practices Review Commission in 2015, and he is also an active advocate for mental illness on a national level. Gary also spends part of this time consulting with a service-disabled veteran-owned small business focused on helping veterans find careers in information technology. He has provided testimony before the Virginia General Assembly and is an active member of the National Alliance on Mental Illness-Northern Virginia.

Chairman Bulova says, “Gary has turned personal experiences involving mental illness into powerful and skillful advocacy. He fosters understanding and appreciation for the issues surrounding mental illness and is making a real difference in bringing about meaningful policy changes in Fairfax County.”

Competitive Award Winners:

Congratulations to the following individuals and groups who were awarded a Fairfax County Volunteer Service Award in the competitive categories:

Adult Volunteer under 250 hours
Michele Duell

There are a handful of large low-income neighborhoods in Fairfax County, and central Springfield is one of the top ones. Some of the elementary schools struggle, but they do not struggle alone! Michele Duell has galvanized the entire community as an individual and member of several non-profit organizations. The first thing you need to know about Michele is that she loves books! It was reading and going to the library that opened the entire world up to her as a child, so she is always looking for ways to get books into the hands of children. Asked by Friends of Richard Byrd Library three years ago for ideas in building stronger relationships with three neighborhood elementary schools, she created Educators Night. Her vision was to make sure teachers from these schools had plenty of books in their classroom libraries. The first year, teachers were invited for an evening of snacks, appreciation, and books. Teachers could select fifteen books for their classrooms. The next year principals were also invited, and in the third year, nearly 100 teachers took over 1,400 books to classroom libraries. In a thank you email, one teacher said, “I can’t tell you how much I appreciate your Teachers Night...Over the past years, I feel that more and more people are “teacher bashing,” and not making us feel very good as a profession. When I have received your invitation over the past few years, it makes me feel valued each time.” As for the cost of these books – a check from Michele will cover it! As you can guess by now, if something needs to be done to improve the lives of our children, Michele is ready to step in and step it up.

Chris Peterson, President of Friends of Richard Byrd Library says of Michele, “It takes a village to raise wonderful children -- especially if Michele is the village’s Mayor. She puts her time, money, and talents to work so Springfield children can flourish.”

Adult Over 250 hours
Kathy Hertz

This past Holiday Season while many of us were enjoying Fairfax County’s unseasonably warm weather, one of our citizens was standing on the shores of Lesvos, Greece, greeting, helping, feeding, and comforting thousands of Syrian refugees. Clifton resident, Kathy Hertz watched media coverage and saw the reality of refugees who fled their homes in Syria, Iraq, and Afghanistan, arriving in Greece wet, cold, hungry, and literally, homeless. Kathy wanted to do something and shared her desire with her cousin, Joanne. They decided that this holiday season their spirit and determination would achieve a small measure of “Peace on Earth.” After Kathy learned that most of the assistance to refugees was provided by individual volunteers who were unaffiliated with any organization, they got to work. Deciding that Lesvos, Greece was the initial landing point for 60% of the one million refugees who sought asylum in Europe last year, Kathy provided her own travel expenses and reached out to family and friends who contributed a total of $4,000. Another $4,000 was raised while on location in Greece. Her initial purchase of ninety-seven pairs of adult shoes, along with donations of winter coats, gloves, scarves, and socks lasted but one day! Not all the refugees were women and children. Men who took a stand against the forced conscription by ISIS, the Taliban, Assad’s Army or rebel forces, fled either alone or with their families. Kathy states, “Looking in people’s eyes, putting your hands on their arms or shoulders, or just giving them a hug was our primary way to communicate…. It was in those moments that I realized just how much these people were like me -- that this could be me in a different time and place…. running for their lives from horrors too awful to comprehend and without any idea what might lie ahead…” Kathy’s constant focus for days on end was helping out, keeping things moving in an orderly fashion, showing compassion, feeding and literally helping homeless people survive as “Strangers in a Strange Land.” Kathy’s volunteerism in Clifton has been well-known for over a decade, but now those Strangers in a Strange Land also know her energy, vision, compassion, and dedication; her drive, her commitment, and her extraordinary hard work in amazingly harsh and harrowing circumstances; and, above all, her kindness.

George Barker, Senator of the 39th District says "Almost no one else would do what (Kathy) did. She accomplished what she set out to do, helping those with the least.”

Adult Volunteer Group
Girls on the Run of NOVA

Each and every coach for Girls on the Run of Northern Virginia is a volunteer! In a ten-week season, Girls on the Run of Northern Virginia helps girls gain the skills they need to be healthy, confident, and joyful as they are guided through running games and conversations designed to teach skills that will last a lifetime. At the end of each season, the girls complete a non-competitive 5K as their capstone achievement. Girls on the Run of Northern Virginia requires a small army of trained and dedicated volunteers. In 2015, over 2,750 girls participated in the program in Fairfax County alone, thanks to the support of more than 500 Fairfax County based Volunteer Coaches, many of them parents of current participants and teachers in partner schools. In order to launch a new Girls on the Run site, there must be approval from the school principal and other community leaders. This is best done with one or more advocates already connected to the school. These advocates often then become trained and dedicated Volunteer Coaches, integral to offering structure and encouragement, as well as continuity. This in turn helps build rapport and trust over the season. Not all of the girls who would benefit from Girls on the Run can afford the program, so Volunteer Coaches support financial aid efforts by going above and beyond in helping reach families in need of scholarships and other financial options, and then guiding them through the process. In a partnership with George Mason University, a study of more than 3,000 girls who completed the program were found more likely to engage in exercise, with a higher self-esteem, more satisfied with their body size, and feeling greater support of physical activity habits from their family, teachers and peers.

Katey Comerford, Executive Director of Girls on the Run of Northern Virginia, feels Coaches not only teach the skills but model them as well. “Our coaches are shining examples of strength, success, and commitment. Best of all, our coaches are all different and unique, with their own life stories...offering mentorship and diverse examples of leadership.”

Senior Volunteer
Les Esmond

Les Esmond has acted as chief cashier at Pender Re-Gift Thrift Store since May 2012, volunteering forty hours a week, fifty weeks a year. Pender Thrift Store, a wholly owned subsidiary of Pender United Methodist Church, accepts clients from government, nonprofits, and other churches for the distribution of material goods. When Les comes to work every day, he tries to make each and every person feel better -- he talks and laughs with the lonely. He has overcome computer phobia to learn two new software systems. He instructs others on how to “cashier.” He is diligent about learning the names of the customers, and if they have a minute, he regales them with a history lesson or relates a story of pride in his family of three children, two grandchildren. What this description doesn’t tell you is that Les Esmond has battled serious health issues for over fifteen years; however, despite adversity, but he tackles life with gusto! He buys lunch for others, provides bags and paper products for the store, offers rides and picks up groceries for others at the independent senior living facility where he stays.
Maryann Weber, Executive Administrator of Pender Re-gift Thrift Store is certain that their capacity to accomplish their mission would be diminished, if not impossible without Les Esmond’s continued and diligent service.

Maryann Weber says, “My own life has been enriched by knowing him. He reminds me of everything I take for granted, and retains a positive attitude in spite of all circumstances….My favorite quote is his favorite quote, ‘In life, you will experience some pain, discomfort, and disappointment. Misery, however, is optional!’”

Volunteer Program
Marshall High School Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA)

Junior Achievement of Greater Washington believes that they have a responsibility to transform the preparedness of youth from a mission into a movement, and that together they can inspire an entire generation to be financially capable and tenacious, equipped with 21st century skills to think outside the box, manage risk effectively, and welcome opportunity in a complex modern economy. Even though just reading that can take a bit of tenacity, the students at Marshall High School Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) have come to embody that mission. During 2015, Marshall students prepared and delivered full-day events for three groups of elementary students in Fairfax County. Club members prepared and delivered lessons related to financial literacy, work readiness, and entrepreneurship, including PowerPoint presentations, and materials necessary to teach five lessons in each classroom. They took over as teacher and led the experience for students. In addition to their work with Junior Achievement, two FBLA members organized a community service event, Operation: Pack It Up, coordinating and organizing a drive for care packages for the military, even making cards for the troops.

Elyssa Jeter, Senior Education Director of Junior Achievement feels that the high school students participating in the “High School Heroes” program “are always incredibly prepared, professional, and enthusiastic.” She says, “I love seeing them come back year after year. One of my favorite parts of this partnership is the fact that we have been doing this for so long that some of the high school students were actually recipients of the program in elementary school, and were so impacted and inspired that they sought out the business program so that they could give back when it was their ‘turn.’”

Youth Volunteer
Eunice Kwarteng
Eunice Kwarteng has been a consistent volunteer with Community Preservation and Development Corporation (CPDC) since 2012, and is a two-time Presidential Volunteer Service Award recipient. Established in 1989, (CPDC) is a nonprofit real estate developer focused on the acquisition, redevelopment, and operation of affordable housing in order to provide high-quality, tailored, site-based resident solutions that help residents and communities grow and thrive. Eunice Kwarteng is an active and successful senior at Mount Vernon High School who has had a significant impact on her community, especially on the youth population. In 2014 and 2015, Eunice served as a CPDC volunteer summer intern where she created an original educational summer camp for ages four through twelve. The two week camp was differentiated by age, with each day having a specific academic goal. In 2015, over 40 youth attended the camp, ten more than the previous year. Eunice works as a tutor and mentor, directly affecting over 100 young people in the community. She has also assisted in creating and running adult programs, from a Community Day for over 200 residents to food giveaway programs. Her efforts in creating a haunted house led to a $125 donation to Rebuilding Together Alexandria.

Ryan Barton, Community Impact Specialist says of Eunice, “Our volunteer program has become an incredible testament to the power of youth in service, and I give all the credit to Eunice. Without her, our community would not be anywhere near where it is today. She continues to inspire younger youth to give of themselves, and she herself has become an overwhelming proof as to the power of service.”

Youth Volunteer Group
Stony Brook Junior Volunteers

Stony Brook Junior Volunteers create holiday cards for senior citizens, revitalized an abandoned plot to create a community garden and gathering space, and have received nearly $10,000 in new Hasbro toys to distribute to peers in need -- just for a start! All of this by a group of over fifty active six to seventeen-year olds performing service projects in the South County community. Working with Community Preservation and Development Corporation (CPDC), Stony Brook Junior Volunteers have helped CPDC fulfill their mission -- to develop vibrant communities through innovation and partnership. The main benefactors of Stony Brook Junior Volunteers have been the 600+ community members of the Stony Brook Apartments in Alexandria, VA. Over 100 different children have attended at least one session of Story Book, a monthly early childhood reading program. Nearly twenty adults have graduated from their computer education course, most of those being ESL adults. Their community clean-up saw sixty residents of the South County area pick up over eighty bags of litter. They not only work in their own community, but they have also raised money for Rebuilding Together Alexandria, the Make a Wish Foundation, and the Joy Maker campaign. Receiving local and national awards for their work only seems to make them work harder.

Jennifer Fauss, Director of Volunteer Engagement for CPDC cannot say enough about this group, “Having worked with (them) since 2012, I can say beyond a shadow of a doubt that I have never worked with a group that cares more about others than these amazing young people. From the youngest child to the oldest teen, when someone is in need, there is an army there to help. Our youngest are blossoming into the superstar volunteers of tomorrow, while our older teens are heading off into the world with the knowledge that even a small effort can truly make a difference in a person’s life….A favorite quote of mine says that, ‘Volunteering is the ultimate exercise in democracy. You vote in elections once a year, but when you volunteer, you vote every day about the kind of community you want to live in.’ Every day the young people at Stony Brook volunteer to make their community better!”

Family Volunteer
The Hegland Family

Nancy and Kenny Hegland are a mother and son duo who began volunteering at United Community Ministries (UCM) in October, 2014. Nancy and Kenny have volunteered for many tasks, but their huge contribution has been the development of a dock management system and its daily operation. UCM’s rear loading dock, open to the varying and often extreme weather of our region is where thousands of pounds of food is processed each week before entering UCM’s food pantry for distribution. Nancy and Kenny took on this task with great success. Every day they volunteer, they perform a variety of difficult duties -- from moving and sorting heavy boxes filled with donations to breaking down hundreds of cardboard boxes, to staging the many containers in order to be ready for incoming donations, to food drives and monthly free vegetable distributions, to sweeping the dock and emptying trash. Together they have volunteered more than 2,400 hours this past year! And, they take on other jobs besides the loading dock. Once, when a truck wasn’t available, Nancy brought her personal SUV trailer so that a new client in the program for survivors of domestic violence received furniture as promised.

NichelleMitchem, DSQ, Executive Director of United Community Ministries says, “UCM is extremely fortunate to have Nancy and her son, Kenny, as volunteers at our agency. They are extremely generous with time and resources. No job is too great or too small for Nancy and Kenny. It is my sincere hope that they will continue to volunteer for our agency for many years to come.”

Intégrate
Juan Hernandez

Juan Hernandez’s star shines brightly throughout his volunteerism with Cornerstones! Cornerstones is a nonprofit organization that promotes self-sufficiency by providing support and advocacy for those in need of food, shelter, affordable housing, quality childcare, and other human services. Juan’s friendly manner quickly makes clients feel more comfortable, especially since he can answer questions in their primary language. During the Annual Holiday registration he assists in directing clients, and completing registration forms. He volunteers in the food pantry weekly, accepting and sorting donations, checks expiration dates, and stocking shelves. During the Lake Anne’s Farmer’s Market from May through November he volunteers, answering questions about using Food Stamps with vendors and processing payments. From November through Mid-March, Juan volunteers several times a month distributing coats at the Hunter Mill District Winter Coat Closet. Year round Juan can be found at the Herndon Neighborhood resource Center where free haircuts are available. He sets up chairs, clears areas for the stylists and later returns to clean up and restore order. Since he is a regular volunteer and familiar with all of Cornerstone’s programs and program sites, he often assists in moving donations and supplies between programs, especially taking food or snacks to ESL classes from the Food Pantry in Reston. Juan enjoys using his bilingual and other skills to help those in need in the community.

Minnie Orozco, Program Manager for Cornerstones’ Urgent Needs and Life Skills, says, “Juan’s unselfish and noble actions make a huge difference in the community; especially for those who would otherwise have difficulty accessing services because of a language barrier.”

Integrate Group
Volunteer Interpreter Program (VIP)

In 1994, the Volunteer Interpreters Program (VIP) was created through the efforts of the Fairfax Bar Association and the Fairfax County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court. The goal of this program is to help individuals for whom English is a barrier so they may be able to access appropriate court services and to help staff process these clients more effectively. VIP began by helping the Hispanic Community; however, since its inception, interpretations in all languages are available as necessary. During 2015, VIP provided 3,971 volunteered hours so that Fairfax County saved almost $99,000 in language interpreters.
Volunteers are recruited to assist Fairfax County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court staff and clients who encounter communications obstacles due to language differences. After applicants have attended VIP training and have been interviewed, each is carefully evaluated by the VIP Coordinator to make a suitable placement. VIP training includes an initial “Overview,” volunteers “shadowing” a seasoned interpreter, reviewing domestic relations issues and procedures, a court system overview, and discussions related to confidentiality, ethics and courtroom demeanor. The primary goal of each interpreter is to ensure that the interpreted proceedings are accurately and completely rendered, and it is extremely important that the interpreter possess knowledge and fluency in both languages, specialized cognitive and motor skills, good judgment, and strict adherence to the requirements of appropriate professional conduct. In spite of the often disturbing details that the interpreters listen to during intakes, family counseling, parent groups, and hearings, they keep volunteering year after year to help clients. Many of them came to this country not knowing English, so they KNOW how it feels not to understand!

Loida E. Gibbs, Volunteer Interpreter Program Coordinator says of VIP, they are “an elite group of diversified people of different Latin countries that freely give of their skilled services. They willingly, unselfishly are always ready to provide assistance; I admire them so much for their devotion to the Program and to the Juvenile Courthouse clients.”

Fairfax County Government Volunteer
Fred Pitman

Most Fairfax County Public Library volunteers work in only one volunteer position, but not Fred Pitman. Fred is extraordinary because he has taken on so many roles both at the Oakton Library and with the Marketing Department. Over time, Fred increased his commitment to the Oakton Library -- as leader for an English conversation group, an Adopt-a-Shelf volunteer, an assistant with programs, and as treasurer of the Friends of the Oakton Library. As an English conversation group leader, Fred’s calm and easygoing manner provides the perfect setting for people working to learn the nuances of the English language. As an Adopt-A-Shelf volunteer, Fred works in the non-fiction section of the library. He looks through all the books, checking items for condition, removing bookmarks, fixing dog-eared pages, and making sure the books are in order. Serving as treasurer for the Friends of the Oakton Library is a huge responsibility. He keeps track of member dues as well as the funds earned during the Friends’ ongoing book sales. He also completes the required financial paperwork for the Friends, which is a separate not-for-profit organization. Yet even with all this on his plate, Fred recently added the Marketing Department to his volunteerism -- taking pictures of all twenty-three branches of the library spread throughout the county, including photos of individual events and people. He made an early morning trip to City of Fairfax Regional Library to get a photo of the beautiful building without the usual crush of traffic. He then returned for another photo from a different angle, including the festive holidays lights in the park opposite the library. Fred also uploaded his photos, including information for location, event, etc. for use by the Marketing Department.

Erin Chernisky, Volunteer Program Manager says, “Fred exemplifies the spirit of volunteerism. His dedication and commitment to the Fairfax County Public Library is truly remarkable, and we are grateful for his service.”

Fairfax County Government Volunteer Program
Fairfax County Public Library

Over 1,500 volunteers selflessly give of their time each year, annually donating over 126,000 hours of service to the Fairfax County Public Library (FCPL) system. Of the one million plus residents of Fairfax County and Fairfax City, 450,000 are library card holders, and account for the 12.2 million books and other materials that were circulated within the library system in the last year. 1.5 million items were placed on hold by library customers. And, if these statistics aren’t enough to boggle your mind, I just have to tell you that a description of the actual tasks library volunteers do every single day could go on for hours. How to even give you a sense of what volunteers do within the library system defies the time and space allotted here. Just a few examples-- In the library’s circulation workroom, volunteers spend hours every day scanning items individually and using computers to properly process each. A customer’s online book reservation triggers a labor intensive process, starting with the twice-daily computer-generated list of all the items placed on hold. Volunteers then diligently locate items and prepare them for distribution. Circulation desk volunteers provide direct service to customers helping them check-out, renew and return items as well as dealing with library account related issues. Then there are the Adopt-A-Shelf volunteers who each keep one particular section of library shelves in order. Page volunteers begin the organizing process by getting the books sorted onto carts where they are then wheeled out to the shelves, often a physically demanding task. Gardening volunteers have made huge improvements to the exteriors of many library branches. The Ready to Read program focuses on the essential first steps in fostering literacy, with volunteers visiting child care centers and Head Start programs. Volunteer English conversation group leaders explain the intricacies of such puzzling expressions as “out of the woods” or “bite the bullet” to English language learners. Other volunteer-led programs include: a writers group, a chess club for youth, a Pokémon league, a Reading Buddies program, a Lego program, book discussion groups, and a canasta group.

Sam Clay, Fairfax County Library Director says, “The variety of tasks that our volunteer corps perform confirms my belief. The Fairfax County public Library could not survive without our skilled volunteers and the dedicated volunteer management staff that works with them.”

Corporate Volunteer Program
Excella Consulting

Excella Consulting’s website states that they “help organizations use technology to transform big problems into lasting solutions.” As its primary charitable partner, Homestretch knows just how much impact these words can have. Homestretch seeks to have a powerful impact by helping families experiencing homelessness in Falls Church and Fairfax County. This tends to be single mothers, earning less than 30% of the area median income, many of whom have survived domestic violence, human trafficking or violence in other nations. Some are veterans, and over 40% have disabilities. Where does Excella come in? In 2015 alone, Excella Consulting devoted 952 hours to Homestretch, translating into nearly $90,000, and more in actual dollars. Excella hosted the Extravaganza, an amazing winter festival on Martin Luther King Day, during which over 250 children and parents from local shelters and nonprofits were treated to numerous activities, and provided transportation to and from the event. On that same day, teams of Excella volunteers painted and cleaned five different facilities of other nonprofit agencies working with the homeless. Excella has worked on developing a new, custom client database for Homestretch, hosted an ongoing technology working group which has completely replenished and refurbished all of Homestretch’s IT needs. In addition Excella donated over sixty computers for homeless families. Excella has helped in refurbishing living spaces and donated cars; developed strategies and participated in fund-raising; and led a symposium on best practices, forging a coalition to influence policy for nonprofits in this sector. Managing Partner Burton White gives generously of his time to speak at events where the Excella model of philanthropy might inspire other businesses.

Christopher Fay, Executive Director of Homestretch says, “In my over thirty years of experience in running nonprofits, I have never seen a more impactful and dedicated group of volunteers. Excella has helped transform Homestretch from a small, struggling nonprofit... into one of the most effective programs for the homeless in the nation. Excella’s model of selecting one nonprofit to maximally impact should be replicated by the corporate community everywhere.”

Rising Star
Jeff Ye

Jeff, affectionately known to the scouts as Mr. Ye, became active in Boy Scout Troop 55 when his son joined in February of 2014. When families come into the Troop, it can be overwhelming with all there is to learn and understand, but this was not true for Mr. Ye. He immediately expressed an interest in being an adult leader and quickly completed all the required -- and time-consuming -- training in Youth Protection, First Aid/CPR/AED, and Introduction to Outdoor Leadership. Next he jumped into the effort of pushing Troop 55 scouts and scouters for community service success, and through Mr. Ye’s leadership, the troop contributed 5,600 hours to the Fairfax County community in 2014 - 2015. In 2015, Troop 55 was listed as the #1 unit contributor in the National Capitol Area Council for community service hours. Mr. Ye and the scouts sponsored and supported: “Scouting for Food” events benefitting Fairfax local food pantries; The Math Kangaroo International Competition events; a first time camper program at Wolf Trap; and Science Night events at two Fairfax elementary schools. They coordinated camp fires, field trips, and other events with two local Cub Scout Packs, along with clean-up and litter pick-up at Great Falls and other parks and facilities, plus many Eagle service projects.

According to Lisa Hodge, Troop Committee Chair, “Due to Mr. Ye’s leadership in community service at BSA Troop 55, in the past two years many local newspapers highlighted the community service success at Troop 55. Mr. Ye continues to get requests from across the country asking about the Troop’s community service program so they can be replicated in other Scout Troops. Mr. Ye demands that scouts give their best effort to community service. His attention to detail and motivating persona have led to hundreds of additional hours of community service by scouts from Troop 55 and across the nation.”

Lifetime Achievement
Alan Schuman

The mission of Fairfax Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) is to advocate for the best interests of each child referred by the Fairfax County Juvenile & Domestic Relations District court through the promotion and support of quality volunteer representation. The objective of Great Falls Basketball is to serve the youth of Great Falls and the surrounding community by providing an outlet for healthful activity and training under good leadership… These two organizations are a perfect fit for Al Schuman. After starting his career as a juvenile probation officer, advancing to Director of Social Services for the Superior Courts, and running an organizational consulting business of his own, Al Schuman started volunteering as a youth basketball coach for Great Falls Basketball in 2000. In 2002, after completing training, he was sworn in as a Fairfax CASA volunteer. Between 2002 and 2005, Al was appointed as the volunteer to three separate families involving six Fairfax county children. His level of commitment to the children on his cases was exceptional. He vigorously advocated for their best interests in court, staying with his cases until closing, making a difference in their lives and keeping his promise to them. However, he has further impacted thousands of Fairfax County children and their families by providing exceptional leadership to the CASA organization since joining the Board of Directors, assisting three Executive Directors and leading the Board in his role as president. Because of Al’s service, Fairfax CASA has strengthened its financial footing, successfully overhauled its volunteer recruitment practices and attracted incredible community leaders to its Board. Al has even recruited his family into being a part of CASA -- his wife Joyce, his daughter, his daughter-in-law, and other children have supported CASA through volunteerism, sponsorship, and donations.

Darcy Cunningham, Executive Director of Fairfax CASA, says, “AL knows that the children CASA serves deserve and need an advocate. Because of his professional experience, he has seen first-hand the importance of interventions and wrap-around services. He is a champion for CASA in the Community. He comes to every event, be it in Fairfax or Richmond, and he will share his love of CASA with anyone who will listen!”

Benchmark Awardees:

The Benchmark Awards were created to recognize volunteers for the number of volunteer hours they completed over the course of the year prior. Volunteers can be nominated for a Benchmark Award in one of 4 categories: Youth 100 hours, RSVP Benchmark 200 hours, 250 hours, 500 hours, and 1000 hours.

Youth Benchmark 100

Kelly Biladeau, Camp Hutchinson, Grace Ministries, FACETS Hypothermia Program

Stephanie Introne, The Northern Virginia Therapeutic Riding Program

Eunice Kwarteng, Community Preservation and Development Corporation

Muhammad Malik, Community Preservation and Development Corporation

Valerie Nguyen, GIVE, Katherine Hanley Family shelter

Wesley Pan, BSA Troop 55

Mitchell Pan, BSA Troop 55

Daniel Reuss, BSA Troop 55

Andrew Savino, Lorton Community Action Center

Ashley Steffen, The Northern Virginia Therapeutic Riding Program

James Ye, BSA Troop 55

RSVP Benchmark 200

Sue Dietrich, Volunteer Fairfax

Salvatore Manno, World Police & Fire Games

Michael McCormick, National Park Service & VITA

Kristin Ramkey, PRS, Inc. & Volunteer Fairfax

Francis (Frank) Pallone, Hogar Immigrant Services

Elizabeth (Beth) Pokorny, Insight Memory Care Center

Benchmark 250

Kathi Baker, Fairfax Pets on Wheels, Inc.

Ruth Benker, Fairfax Pets on Wheels, Inc.

Mark Cohen, George Mason Regional Library

Suzanne El Shaer, Fairfax County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court

Stephen Folena, Fairfax County Sheriff's Office

Mary Harrigan, The Shepherd's Center of Oakton-Vienna

Rosemary Hofford, Patrick Henry Library

Sungkeun Hong, Fairfax Co Sheriff's Office

Jim Jenkins, Fairfax County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court

Junko Kaneko, Lewinsville Adult Day Health Care Center

David Kline, Stronger Together

Gabrielle Levy, Caring Kids Cards

Aiden Levy, Caring Kids Cards

Elizabeth Mile, FACETS

Matthew Nagurney, Patrick Henry Library

Shreya Papneja, Children's Health Awareness Program in Schools

Karen Pellerin, Patrick Henry Library

Alcira Pernot, Fairfax County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court

Hugh Plunkett, Park Services/ Audrey Moore Rec Center

Peggy Plunkett, Park Services/ Audrey Moore Rec Center

Maureen Riddel, The Shepherd Center of Oakton-Vienna

Lisa Taylor, Fairfax County Public Library, Technical Operations Center

Helen Yi, Touching Heart

Benchmark 500

Hilda Alvarez, Fairfax County Sheriff's Office

Toora Arsala, NVCC College Democrats

Jean Bastien, The Shepherd's Center Oakton-Vienna

Eileen Foxwell, Fairfax CASA

Howard Frame, Fairfax County Sheriff's Office

John O'Connor, Fairfax County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court

Maria Schaart, Fairfax County Health Department

William Stieglitz, OAR

Benchmark 1000

Michele DeMocker, Messiah United Methodist Church

Les Esmond, Pender Regift Thrift Store

Nancy Hegland, United Community Ministries, Inc.

Kenny Hegland, United Community Ministries, Inc.

Andrew Levy, Caring Kids Cards and other community organizations

Joanne Lustre, Operation Paws for Homes

Elaine Miletta, Pets Ltd

Richard Raines, Fairfax County Sheriff's Office

Competitive Award Category Nominees:

Adult Volunteer 250 Hours & Under

Darrel Brown, Insight Memory Care Center

Sharon Chambers, The Northern Virginia Therapeutic Riding Program

Jay Dowling. Junior Achievement of Greater Washington

Michele Duell, Friends of Richard Byrd Library

Camilla Gawlak, Centreville Labor Resource Center

Brian Green-Carino, FACETS

DeAnna Haggett, The Northern Virginia Therapeutic Riding Program

Mary Hollis, FACETS

Jeniffer Juardo Flores, FACETS

Ken Kozloff, Junior Achievement

Kathleen (Kitty) Stapleton, Centreville Labor Resource Center

Tom Stefanick, Homestretch

Darlene Szudera, Sully Historic Site (Fairfax County Park Authority)

Scott Tennent, BeFriend-A-Child

Diane Tollefson, United Community Ministries

Jorge Trasmonte, FACETS

Joseph Wach, FACETS

Linda Walker, Fairfax-Falls Church Community Service Board

Tamara Washington, Junior League of Northern Virginia

Kirsten Wittkowski, Centreville Labor Resource Center

Adult Volunteer 250 Hours & Over

Toora Arsala, NVCC College Democrats

Diane Barth, Food for Others

Patricia Cake, Pets Bring Joy

Lougenia Littlejohn Carnell, Northern Virginia Family Service's Bailey's Crossroads Shelter

Joseph Conti, United Community Ministries

Michele DeMocker, Messiah United Methodist Church

Anh Du, Northern Virginia Family Service

Thomas Eversole, Shepherd's Center of McLean-Arlington-Falls Church

Eileen Foxwell, Fairfax CASA

Nancy Griffin, Fairfax County Animal Shelter

Kathy Hertz, Moria Refugee Camp in Lesvos, Greece & Clifton Community Events

Dee Dee Krause, Fairfax County Animal Shelter

Elizabeth Miles, FACETS

Melissa-Ann Norton, Junior League of Northern Virginia

Kara Reich, Fairfax County Animal Shelter

Helen Yi, Touching Heart

Adult Volunteer Group

Ambassador Bible Church

Adapted Aquatics Volunteers

David H. Lawson Foundation Board

Dirty Knee Club

Fairfax Co Sheriff’s Office Reserve Deputy Program

First Baptist Church of Springfield

Girls on the Run of NOVA Coaches

GMU Community Engagement for Social Change Class

NVFS Board of Directors

OAR Volunteers

The Children's Science Center Community Programming Team

Weekly Ladies Group

Corporate Volunteer Program

Accenture, LLP

Applied Engineering Management

Deloitte LLP Corporate Citizenship Program

DLT Solutions

Excella Consulting

PwC Washington Metro

Fairfax County Government Individual Volunteer

Vicky Chu, Fairfax Library Foundation

Janet Dwire, Fairfax County Park Authority Farmers Markets

Brian Gritte, Park Authority - Headquarters

Doug Kramer, Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board

Fred Pitman, Fairfax County Public Library

Maria Schaart, Fairfax County Health Department

Fairfax County Government Volunteer Program

Fairfax County Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)

Fairfax County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court, Supervised Visitation and Exchange

Fairfax County Public Library

Fairfax Pets on Wheels, Inc.

Volunteer Solutions

Family Volunteer

Cain Family, Fairfax County Animal Shelter

Hegland Family, United Community Ministries, Inc.

Hettinger Family, Homeward Trails Animal Rescue

Kelly Family, Cornerstones

Levy Family, Foster Care to Success

Nashman Family, Jewish Foundation for Group Homes (JFGH)

Richardson Family, Sully Historic Site (Fairfax County Park Authority)

Smith Family, Lee District RECenter (Fairfax County Park Authority)

Intégrate Group

Centreville Labor Resource Center Directiva de Trabajadores

Fairfax County Juvenile Court Volunteer Interpreter Program

Intégrate Individual

Juan Hernandez, Cornerstones

Lifetime Achievement

Ann Hopke, The Koinonia Foundation, Inc.

Beverly Horton, Sully Historic Site (Fairfax County Park Authority)

Victoria P.Kirby, Humane Society of Fairfax County

Daniel Kurtenbach, Sully District Boy Scouts of America

Lennis Montague, Cornerstones

Martha Prine , The Northern Virginia Therapeutic Riding Program

Alan Schuman, Fairfax Court Appointed Special Advocates

Kieran Sharpe, Homestretch

Rising Star

Leigh Weed, The Northern Virginia Therapeutic Riding Program

JiangFeng Ye, BSA Troop 55

Senior Volunteer

Helen Aguera, MVLE

Patricia Camp, Cornerstones

James Dillon, Rebuilding Together - Arlington Fairfax Falls Church

Les Esmond, Pender Regift Thrift Store

Laura Greenspan, Naomi Project, a Program of Our Daily Bread

Nancy Minter, Wesley Housing Development Corporation (WHDC)

Mark Murphy, Children's Science Center

Denise Ochsenschlager, Navy Marine Coast Guard Residence Foundation

Tom Ochsenschlager, Homestretch

Susan Percy, Navy Marine Coast Guard Residence Foundation

Mary Ann Philipp, Sully Historic Site (Fairfax County Park Authority)

Alice Shirley, Fairfax County Supervised Visitation Services

Glen Sjoblum, Great Falls Citizens Association

Daniel Snider, Northern Virginia Family Service

Pamela Swain, Navy Marine Coast Guard Residence Foundation

Sheryl Watson, FACETS

Volunteer Program

Culmore Cleanup

Fairfax County Park Authority

Fairfax County Sheriff's Office Reserve Deputy Program

Fairfax County Council of PTAs (FCCPTA)

Homestretch Volunteer Program

Marshall HS FBLA

Shepherd's Center of Western Fairfax County (SCWFC)

Youth Volunteer

Kelly Biladeau, FACETS, Camp Hutchinson, Floris Methodist Church, Grace Ministries

Hannah DiGiovine, Homestretch

Anya Karaman, Junior Achievement

Eunice Kwarteng, Community Preservation and Development Corporation

Valerie Nguyen, GIVE, Katherine Hanley Family Shelter, Wildcats vs. Cancer club Centreville HS

Shreya Papneja, Children's Health Awareness Program in Schools

Jessica Ross, The Northern Virginia Therapeutic Riding Program

Youth Volunteer Group

Burke Centre Library Teen Advisory Board

Stony Brook Junior Volunteers