Helios HR's Kathy Albarado Saluted by the Fairfax Co. Board of Supervisors

Lord and Lady Fairfax Honorees

CHAIRMAN – AT LARGE
Ms. Kathy Albarado
Kathy Albarado is President and CEO of Helios HR, an award-winning Human Resource firm based in Reston. Kathy believes strongly in giving back to her community. She has volunteered her time and resources with Reston Interfaith, leading a winter coat drive; food drives and walks for the homeless. In 2009 Kathy was honored by the Washington Business Journal for her dedication to Community and Philanthropy. Helios was also recognized by the Reston Chamber as the “Best of Reston, corporate category.” Kathy is an enthusiastic member of the Governing Board to Prevent and End Homelessness. In an Op-ed piece in the Connection Newspapers Kathy wrote, “I am fortunate to now be in a position to support and give back to my community and I view it as a privilege to do so. Community outreach can and should become a part of an organization’s culture.”

On the Fairfax County seal are the Latin words “Fare Fac” which is roughly translated as “speak and act.” Kathy is a real example of backing up her words with action.

Mr. Delbert (Bill) Sheads
Bill Sheads is a lifelong resident of Fairfax County born in 1921. As a child, Bill, whose father Cam operated a portable saw mill in the area, helped out by hauling logs, sand and gravel. During high school (1938-1941) Bill left at 3:30 a.m. every Monday to pick up saw mill workers in Page and Fauquier County.

At 18 Bill joined the volunteer fire department, later becoming Chief. He was at Ossian Hall, one of the grand Fitzhugh manor homes in Annandale, when it was burned as training exercise, and remembers the fire fighters shedding tears as the magnificent home burned. For years, Bill has been documenting his life story – which is also the community’s story – with extraordinary detail. He draws detailed maps and pictures to preserve the past.

Bill has led a fascinating life and is gifted with amazing recall. He has generously shared his memories through his writings, oral histories and work with the Burke Historical Society and the A Look Back at Braddock History Project.
BRADDOCK DISTRICT

Ms. Tessie Wilson
Tessie Wilson came to the area as a student at American University and earned a degree in Overseas Business. As the mother of a son and daughter, she naturally gravitated toward activities involving her children. She has been active in both the Girls Scouts and Boy Scouts, served as an officer on the PTA of both Bonnie Brae ES and Robinson SS, and was the treasurer of the Education Foundation for Fairfax County Public Schools.

This led her to serve as the Braddock District representative to the Fairfax County School Board from 1999-2011.

She is the Chairman and Founder of College Access Fairfax, a non-profit organization that assists parents and students in completing the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid.

She currently serves on the board of the Woodbury Woods Civic Association, and runs her own business, CW Accounting. She and her husband live in Fairfax.

Mr. Doug Brammer
Doug Brammer serves as Verizon’s Government Affairs Manager in northern Virginia. In his current position, Mr. Brammer is responsible for representing Verizon at the local and state government level as well as managing corporate philanthropy.

Doug currently serves in leadership positions with a number of community organizations including the Northern Virginia Community College Education Foundation, the Fairfax Chamber of Commerce, the Arlington Chamber of Commerce, Leadership Arlington, and the Boy Scouts of America. He also currently serves as Chairman of the Board of the Fairfax County Chamber of Commerce VALOR Foundation. The Valor Awards ceremony was established in 1979 to honor and recognize Fairfax County’s First Responders for their heroic acts. The Valor Scholarship Fund was established in 1989. The Scholarship Fund provides post-secondary educational scholarships to the children of our community’s Medal of Valor recipients. He is also the immediate past Chairman of the Board for the Arts Council of Fairfax County. He and his family have lived in Fairfax for eleven years

DRANESVILLE DISTRICT

Ms. Jacqueline (Jackie) D. Taylor
Jackie Taylor is currently serving her fourth term as President of the Great Falls Citizens Association. Through improved member services and outreach, GFCA membership has increased 260% from 360 to 950 members.

Among the many GFCA accomplishments are the community-wide “2020″ vision survey to facilitate future planning and help communicate the desires of the community to elected officials, and a community project that inventoried and registered the community’s “Heritage Trees.” Ms. Taylor brought residents together to determine community support for a new fire station, traffic lights at Riverbend and Seneca, and other traffic calming projects.

Recently, the GFCA established a “senior service” task team to research the needs of local seniors and their caregivers and formulate a strategy to ensure that available resources are allocated to them.

Skilled at fostering collaborative and well-organized efforts, she has ensured that momentum in GFCA programs isn’t lost.

Mr. Robert H. Jackson
Rob Jackson served as president of the McLean Citizens Association from 2007-2012 and as secretary of the Greater McLean Chamber of Commerce. He also represents the McLean community on the board of the Tysons Partnership, which is coordinating with Fairfax County on the redevelopment of Tysons.

As MCA president, he ensured the incorporation of community input to the revised Comprehensive Plan for Tysons. Mr. Jackson has been active on a number of other issues, including battling the City of Falls Church’s water rate hikes; improving communication with VDOT, MWAA and their contractors for the HOT Lanes and Dulles Rail Projects; working with county staff, planning commissioners, school board members, supervisors, state legislators, and members of Congress on numerous projects; and presenting the MCA’s views to local and national media. He has lived in McLean since 1987.

HUNTER MILL DISTRICT

Ms. Jenifer Joy Madden
In transportation issues, there is no one more tenacious in the Hunter Mill District than Jenifer Joy Madden. Jenifer serves as the Hunter Mill District representative and Vice Chair of the County’s Transportation Advisory Commission. In addition, she is a member of the Tysons Metrorail Station Access Study Group that is developing plans for multi-modal transportation improvement projects aimed at creating access to the Metrorail stations in Tyson’s Corner.

In her spare time, Jenifer is the coordinator and founder of the NoVi Trails Network, connecting people and places in northern Vienna. Her advocacy for Safe Routes to School has made the Hunter Mills Schools the model for the rest of Fairfax County.

Jenifer can always be counted on to have the story behind the facts. She does her homework and is always prepared and well-versed on the issues. The Hunter Mill District considers her the voice of the community when it comes to multi-modal transportation options.

Mr. Frank de la Fe
When it comes to the most difficult assignments in the Hunter Mill District, Frank de la Fe is known as the go-to guy. Frank was appointed as the Hunter Mill representative to the Planning Commission in 2001. During his tenure, he has been involved with nearly every big task force and committee dealing with planning and land use. He served on the Tysons Land Use Task Force, the Tysons Corner Committee, and regularly attends and participates in numerous Reston planning committees. Prior to his appointment to the Planning Commission, Frank served on the Park Authority Board and completed 5 years as the Board’s chairman.

With his professional decorum and friendly demeanor, Frank makes himself available to meet with citizens, contractors, staff, and politicians alike to come up with the best solutions. His strength is his ability to hear all sides of an issue and come to a decision that best serves the community and Fairfax County. Hunter Mill District is proud to have Frank de la Fe as this year’s Lord Fairfax

LEE DISTRICT

Ms. Martha Lloyd
Martha Lloyd is an exceptional volunteer. She has served on the Fairfax Falls Church Community Services Board for more than five years. In that capacity, she has been the chair of the Government and Community Relations Committee and served on the Executive Committee and has chaired the Community Services Board for two one-year terms-the maximum allowed.

Martha has also been in the New Horizons Neighborhood Advisory Board since 2007, on the Laurel Grove School Association Board since 2009, and a member of The Links, Inc. since 2011.

She has served on the Lee District Citizen Budget Advisory Board during our most difficult budget years and on the Workforce Committee for the Fairfax County Executive Strategic Plan.

Martha also finds time to work with organizations that support our troops and provide mentoring, scholarships, and holiday fundraising.

Mr. Don Hinman
Don Hinman has been president of the Huntington Grove HOA since 2002. An active board member of the Lee District Association of Civic Organizations since 2009, Don also represents Lee District on the Board of the Fairfax County Federation of Citizens Associations. He was vice president of the Federation for two years and now chairs its Citizen Association Services Committee. Don is also in his third year on the statewide board of the Virginia Legislative Action Committee of the Community Associations Institute.

As HOA president, Don advocates for increased use of native plants in landscaping and has helped obtain a county NEPP grant and coordinated installation of native plants in his townhouse community. Additionally, for almost every election since 2005, Don has served as Chief Election Officer in Lee District precincts. More recently, he represented HOA on the Penn Daw Special Study Task Force.

MASON DISTRICT

Ms. Sue Hotto
Sue Hotto chairs the Franconia Police Station Citizens Advisory Committee, a task she took on after a Bren Mar Park neighbor invited her to join Neighborhood Watch more than 20 years ago. Sue’s participation as a Volunteer in Police Service (VIPS) has led to many assignments within the department.

Perhaps Sue’s greatest claim to fame is the annual National Night Out celebration in her Bren Mar Park community, which has grown from a handful of neighbors to hundreds of citizens and police personnel who show up for Sue’s spectacular brand of hospitality.

When asked why she volunteers, she says the answer is simple: “My mom instilled in me the importance of being involved and giving back to the community.” Mom would be proud to know that Sue is Mason District’s Lady Fairfax for 2012.

Mr. Ben Hester
Ben Hester chairs the Mason Police Station Citizens Advisory Committee, providing input and advice to the station commander as well as the Chief of Police on behalf of the residents who receive police services from the Mason Station. The monthly CAC meetings are often standing room only! He is also a 2007 graduate of the Citizens Police Academy.

Ben is a very engaged member of the Bailey’s Crossroads Rotary Club, where he is a chairman of the Fundraising Committee (ask him about the annual Classic Mustang Car drawing and he’ll sell you a ticket!) and the club communications officer.

Ben is an organizer-the Technology Summit at James Lee Center, the Thanksgiving Food Basket Delivery Program, and the toy drive for the Police Department’s Santa Ride-have all benefited from Ben’s expertise as a dedicated volunteer and Mason District’s Lord Fairfax for 2012.

MT. VERNON DISTRICT

Ms. Diana York
Diana York has led many efforts in the South County Community, especially those related to helping children. Diana has been a driving force between the Gunston Tutoring Program, the Gunston Christmas Mart, and other programs geared to assist children in need.

From the opening of the South County Secondary School in 2005, Diana has been extremely involved with the PTSO and has had a major role in fundraising money for student scholarships. Dr. Jane Lipp, SCSS principal, says, “Diana is our ultimate volunteer! We are very fortunate to have her.”

Diana has also assisted the South Fairfax Chamber of Commerce by acting as its official photographer, attending every important Chamber function. She has also led the chamber Challenge 10k race for three years, helping boost community involvement. Diana has made so many contributions to the community over the years, and although you may never see her on stage with a microphone, you have likely enjoyed and benefited from an event that she has organized for the community.

Mr. James (Jim) C. Rees
No one since President George Washington has done more to shape Mount Vernon. Jim Rees, President of the Mount Vernon Estate, has successfully overseen Mount Vernon Estate and Gardens and led the campaign to bring George Washington back into the spotlight. It was Jim’s bold vision for Mount Vernon’s future that led to the opening of cutting-edge Ford Orientation and Donald W. Reynolds Museum & Education Center buildings in 2006. During Jim’s tenure, he has led the Estate through restoration and reconstruction projects, continuing the preservation of the Estate.

Jim served as the director of development and associate director at Mount Vernon from 1983 until his appointment as president in 1991. During his tenure, the staff has nearly doubled in size and Mount Vernon’s endowment has grown from $4 million to $125 million.

Jim currently serves on the board of directors for Fairfax County Convention and Visitors Corporation and the Piedmont Environmental Council of Virginia. He holds undergraduate and honorary doctorate degrees from the College of William & Mary and a master’s degree in Public Administration from George Washington University.

PROVIDENCE DISTRICT

Ms. Vivian Morgan-Mendez
Vivian Morgan-Mendez created The Friends of Nottoway, a group dedicated to preserving and enhancing the heavily used 84 acre Nottoway Park. She and her “Friends” manage park events including the Nottoway Nights concert series and the annual Easter Egg Hunt. They adopted the flower beds at the front and rear of Hunter House, a turn-of-the-century historic mansion located on park grounds, buying, planting, and maintaining the beds. To assist with stewardship and resource protection, she and the “Friends” helped conduct a survey of plants, wildlife, and bird sightings and researched the Park’s history.

Her dedication to the beauty and ecological value of Nottoway Park includes serving since 2008 as site leader overseeing the restoration of over an acre of parkland. She works with volunteers, including scout groups, starting each workday going over what volunteers will be working on and why their work is important to a healthy and functioning ecosystem. She identifies undesirable non-native, invasive plants, removing them manually and restoring native plants to the habitat.

Mr. Mark D. Meana
When you think youth sports in Fairfax and Vienna, think Mark Meana. When you see artificial turf fields in Fairfax and Vienna, thank Mark Meana. Mark is a 30 year veteran of the Fairfax County Youth Football League, one of Mid-Atlantic’s most successful youth football leagues. He was appointed to the USA Football Committee in 2008, which is the sport’s national governing body in the US and the official youth football development partner of the NFL and NFL Players Association. Mark is also head coach of the US Under-15 Development Team. He is First Vice President of Vienna Youth, Inc. (VYI). VYI offers eight sports programs to children from 5-18 and funds an annual college scholarship program.

Mark also serves on the Providence Athletic Fields Task Force and the Fairfax County Athletic Council, which is responsible for assisting in the management and planning of county athletic resources. He has been a tireless advocate for synthetic fields which have greatly extended playing time for our youth.

SPRINGFIELD DISTRICT

Ms. Breeana G. Bornhorst
Breeana Bornhorst is the Executive Director of the Northern Virginia Riding Program located in Clifton. Over the past 11 years, Breeana’s skills have served to energize and grow a program with two horses, 15 riders, one instructor, and limited volunteers to one with 14 horses, over 100 riders per week, nine instructors, three therapists, and a database of over 700 volunteers. NVTRP offers therapeutic riding and hippotherapy to children and adults with disabilities, youth-at-risk, and military service personnel and their families in an inclusive community setting. NVTRP also offers therapeutic riding and community lessons through the Fairfax County Partakes. In 2011, NVTRP provided over 3,100 lessons to 262 riders with more than 20,000 volunteer hours. As Chairman of the County’s Equestrian Task Force, Breeana has become a champion for the equestrian community by identifying opportunities for horses and their riders.

Mr. Robert Scott Brown
Scott Brown, owner of Cardinal Plaza Shell and former West Springfield High School graduate, is a hero for our community. Whether it’s through his station’s elaborate seasonal décor enjoyed by the young and old, or providing the water and space for fundraising car washes, or giving his time and money to the local Little League, Scott loves to give back to his neighbors. Additionally, Scott has worked with local organizations such as the Springfield Youth Club, First Responders of Springfield, and West Springfield High School. He has also raised money for national and international charities which include Fisher House, Operation Starfish, and St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. By upholding the long-held values and traditions of our area, he has continued to make West Springfield a wonderful place to live.

SULLY DISTRICT

Ms. Jennifer Campbell
For more than 17 years, Jennifer has given countless hours to Fairfax County schools as a dedicated PTA volunteer. As a member of the Executive Board, she worked on boundary changes, honors classes, and safety issues. As a substitute teacher, Jennifer learned that she had a love for serving as a mentor, communicator, teacher and advocate.

She was heavily involved with the Westfield Community Coalition where she formed a substance abuse prevention education group. She currently works as a Transcript Assistant at Westfield High School where for the past 7 years; she has also poured her heart and soul into the Westfield PTSA. Last year, she was named the Virginia PTA Secondary Volunteer of the Year.

She and her husband, Ron, have two children, Olivia and Ben. Jennifer’s tireless dedication to Sully District schools makes her an excellent representative for Lady Fairfax.

Mr. John R. Cleveland
John Cleveland has devoted countless hours of his volunteer time to serve as the President of the Westfield High School Athletic Booster Club. In this capacity, he has been responsible for the $1.5 M Capital Improvements Campaign that has funded critical projects such as the Turf Athletic Field in the main stadium, a comfort station, and a lacrosse wall.

In addition, the Booster Club has contributed much needed equipment, uniforms and supplies for various sports programs. John also championed the selection and awarding of more than $75,000 in scholarships to deserving WHS athletes. John has also been active with the WHS PTA, Our Neighbor’s Child, Fairfax Church of Christ and SYA.

He currently works for ExxonMobil and he and his wife, Beth, have three daughters, Megan, Courtney and Kellie. John’s remarkable contributions to the community make him an excellent representative for Lord Fairfax

James M. Scott Community Spirit Award

The National Capital Trackers

In June of 1994, the then three-year old 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, National Capital Trackers, made their first appearance at the Fairfax Fair. Featuring “O” Gauge model railroads, members displays produced by the National Capital Trackers were immediately among the most popular attractions at the Fair.

Almost twenty years later, the National Capital Trackers are a Fair institution. Presenting their popular exhibits with no payment in return, organization members have donated their time, energy, knowledge and love of model trains to the estimated 1.5 million Fair visitors since their initial participation.

For more than 20 years, the National Capital Trackers have been a valued part of the Fairfax community, providing tens of thousands of hours of support to the Celebrate Fairfax! Festival, Fall for Fairfax KidsFest and other area events. Started by just five members in December of 1990, the organization has been featured at the Smithsonian Institution, the Fairfax Station Railroad Museum, on the Ellipse at the National Christmas Tree, at the National Museum of the Marine Corps, and many other area events.

The Board of Directors for Celebrate Fairfax, Inc. is proud to recognize the National Capital Trackers as the 2012 James M. Scott Community Spirit Award recipient.

Volunteer of the Year Award

Scott W. Fridy

Scott Fridy has served as the Children’s Stage Manager for almost twenty years, acting as both emcee and stage manager for much of that time. His dedication and commitment to providing arts education is at the heart of the Children’s Stage success.

A vital member of the Fairfax County arts community, Scott’s links to many of the performers in the area can be tied to his current as the Director of Performing Arts at the Workhouse Arts Center in Lorton, Virginia. As such he manages the Workhouse performing arts department which features two professional theater programs, a film program, and a dance and movement program. In addition, he produces several Workhouse series and events such as the ArtNotes concert series, the Ballroom Social Dances, and the annual Youth Arts Celebration.

Prior to his arrival at the Workhouse Arts Center, he served as the Director of Performing Arts Programs & Operations with the Arts Council of Fairfax County where his responsibilities included directing the annual International Children’s Festival at Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts.

The Board of Directors for Celebrate Fairfax, Inc. is extremely happy to present the honor of Volunteer of the Year to Mr. Scott Fridy.

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For more information call (703) 324-3247 or visit the website at www.celebratefairfax.com.