Fairfax County Office of Public Affairs
12000 Government Center Parkway, Suite 551
Fairfax, VA 22035-0065
Contact: Merni Fitzgerald, Director of Public Affairs
703-324-3187, TTY 711, Fax 703-324-2010
Media Pager: 703-324-NEWS (6397)
publicaffairs@fairfaxcounty.gov
Oct. 20, 2006
Board of Supervisors to Issue Proclamations and Certificates to Residents at Oct. 23 Meeting
Note to editor: A downloadable photo and synopsis of each presentation will be posted on the county’s Web site at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/opa/presentations.htm on Monday, Oct. 23. These photos will remain on the Web site until the next board meeting with presentations on Monday, Nov. 20.
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, at its meeting on Monday, Oct. 23, scheduled to begin at 9 a.m., will recognize the following members of the public and staff for their service to Fairfax County, and issue the proclamations as listed below. For more information, call 703-324-3187, TTY 711.
Pedestrian Safety Month
The Board of Supervisors will designate October as Pedestrian Safety
Month in Fairfax County. This year-to-date the number of pedestrian
fatalities in Fairfax County is higher than last year, with 12 pedestrian
fatalities versus 10 pedestrian fatalities in all of last year. The Board
of Supervisors urges the community and all residents to embrace this
major public safety awareness challenge. All drivers, cyclists and
pedestrians need to work together to prevent future pedestrian and
bicycle injuries and fatalities.
November Is Adoption Awareness Month
The Board of Supervisors will designate the month of November as
Adoption Awareness Month in Fairfax County. In the past year, 37 special
needs children were adopted through Fairfax County. Observance of this
month shows appreciation to the judges, lawyers, social workers and
volunteers in the community who help children and families with adoption.
The Board of Supervisors urges residents to celebrate adoption, honor
families who have adopted children, gain further awareness on the
benefits of adoption and focus attention on finding permanent homes for
children who may still need them.
Head Start Awareness Month
The Board of Supervisors will designate October as Head Start Awareness
Month in Fairfax County. The Head Start program was established in May
1965 and has provided health, educational and social services to more
than 22 million children and families in every state and territory of the
United States for the last 40 years. Residents are encouraged to increase
their awareness of this unique program.
2006 Public Official of the Year
The Board of Supervisors will recognize John T. Frey, clerk of the
Fairfax County Circuit Court, who was named 2006 Public Official of the
Year by the National Association of County Recorders, Election Officials
and Clerks. Frey was cited for his outstanding commitment to excellence,
exemplary service to the community and noteworthy participation
throughout the industry.
Warding Off the Winds of Winter
The Board of Supervisors will recognize Reston Interfaith and public and
private organizations that contributed to the support of the 2005-2006
Hunter Mill District Winter Coat Closet. The outstanding commitment and
noteworthy support of staff, volunteers and contributors to the Coat
Closet resulted in the distribution of more than 2,700 coats and nearly
1,000 hats, gloves and scarves to those in need.
Vienna Halloween Parade Committee
The Board of Supervisors will recognize the Vienna Halloween Parade
Committee for its commitment to the community to maintain a public
tradition anticipated and enjoyed by residents of all ages. The Vienna
Halloween Parade celebrates its 60th anniversary this year.
Encore Theatrical Arts Project
The Board of Supervisors will recognize the Encore Theatrical Arts
Project for its invitation to perform at the Chinese Arts Cultural
Tourism Festival held in China during September 2006. The project’s
commitment to provide the community with professional quality musical
theater and the development of project members as performing artists led
to it being the only organization from the United States invited to
perform.
VolunteerFest Day 2006
The Board of Supervisors will designate Oct. 28, 2006, as VolunteerFest
Day in Fairfax County. Many donate their time, talents and personal
commitment to better the community, while inspiring those with whom they
serve. The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, Volunteer Fairfax,
nonprofits and public agencies have joined together to promote this
annual day of doing good to celebrate and reinforce the spirit of
volunteer service. Residents are urged to observe this day by connecting
with neighbors, friends, co-workers, family, and faith-based school and
civic groups to engage in volunteer projects for the good of the
community.
Southgate Advisory Council Recognized
The Board of Supervisors will recognize the Southgate Advisory Council,
representatives of community organizations and county agencies for their
efforts to define comprehensive community services, as well as
recreational, educational and cultural activities to serve the residents
of the Southgate and the greater Reston community.
November Is American Indian Heritage Month
The Board of Supervisors will designate November as American Indian
Heritage Month in Fairfax County. November is traditionally a time of
thanksgiving and it is appropriate to set aside this month to celebrate
and honor American Indians, Native Alaskans and Native Hawaiians for
their heritage and accomplishments, recognizing how important they are to
our country’s past and present. Residents are urged to join in
recognizing members of the Native American community in Fairfax County
and throughout the United States.
America Recycles
The Board of Supervisors will designate Nov. 15, 2006, as America
Recycles Day. Recycling prevents pollution, saves energy, creates jobs
and is recognized as an essential component of the Board of Supervisors’
Environmental Agenda and the Potomac Watershed Trash Treaty. Fairfax
County effectively exceeds the commonwealth of Virginia’s requirement to
recycle 25 percent of all trash generated and supports recycling at all
residential and non-residential establishments. Residents are urged to
practice environmental stewardship by recycling and purchasing products
that include recycled content.
Substance Abuse Awareness Week
The Board of Supervisors will designate Nov. 13-17, 2006, as Substance Abuse Awareness Week in Fairfax County. Fairfax County Alcohol and Drug Services treated more than 5,200 individuals for substance use disorders and more than 48,000 Fairfax County residents participated in programs designed to prevent substance use disorders in the 2005 fiscal year. The Board of Supervisors believes the best response to substance use disorders is to bring people together to increase awareness and unify efforts for a positive solution. Residents are encouraged to gain awareness and knowledge about substance use disorders and join together in a common effort to create a healthy, happy and hope-filled community.
###