2011 Service Award Winners

Community Champions

Braddock District- Skip Chaples
Dranesville District- Tim Hackman
Hunter Mill District- Sandra Amato
Lee District- Gary Gaal
Mason District- Karey Starnes
Mount Vernon District- John Byers
Providence District- Food for Others
Springfield District- John Ariale
Sully District- Fouad Qreitem
At-Large- Mary Lipsey

Competitive Category Winners

Adult Volunteer under 250 hours
Leslie Sigman

For the last year and a half, Leslie has been a volunteer with The Northern Virginia Training Center, conducting modified exercise groups and providing assistance to the Occupational Therapist Department. In 2008, Leslie was involved in a devastating automobile accident that left her unable to walk, speak or eat independently. She suffered a severe stroke while in the hospital that left her paralyzed on her left side. With the help of a personal aide, Leslie worked day and night to ultimately take care of her daily living tasks, as well as walk, eat and drive on her own. Even though she had accomplished great things, Leslie was still left with a feeling of emptiness. It was this feeling and her need to overcome her anxiety about going out in public that prompted Leslie to start volunteering at the Center, a facility that helps individuals living with severe intellectual disabilities.

“Leslie’s determination to prevail, during a time when many would give up, is inspiring to all that know her and a trait that we would all be blessed to have,” says Northern Virginia Training Center Facility Director, Dr. Mark Diorio. “Her motivation and dedication to helping those in need, when she has been through so much, is just one example of her ability and desire to continue living life to its full capacity.”

Adult Over 250 hours
Debbie Heitzer

Every Tuesday, Debbie can be found volunteering at the front desk of Food for Others, assisting as many as eighty families in one four-hour shift. Her patience and compassion has helped calm the fears of many first-time clients requesting food services. When not at the front desk, Debbie is usually in the warehouse sorting through the many donations the organization receives daily. Although Debbie has faced some personal adversities, her desire to help has never ceased. When she was recovering from glaucoma surgery, she refused to miss a shift at the warehouse. In an effort to continue her service, she bought a magnifying glass and checked the expiration dates on the donations. This is only a sample of Debbie’s commitment to the organization.

Nikki Clifford, Volunteer Coordinator of Food for Others, says “Debbie is the kind of person, much less volunteer that I would like to clone over and over again. Her kindness and caring for each client starts when they walk through the door, and her concern for their well being, continues long after they leave our offices. Her heart knows no bounds.”

Adult Volunteer Group
Springfield Mother/Daughter Group

When their Girl Scout troop disbanded, four enthusiastic eighth graders suggested creating a Mother/Daughter group in an effort to continue their community service together. Since 2008, the Group has volunteered with several programs through the Department of Family Services. By providing dinners and organizing gift drives, the Group has been able to serve the families who participate in the Parenting Education Program, as well as the Child Protective Services Support Group for sexually abused children. Those who participate in the programs are always very thankful for not only the meals, but also for the conversation these young women and their mothers provide when they come to visit.

Laurie Eytel, Volunteer Services Manager with the Department of Family Services says, “The Springfield Mother/Daughter Group exemplifies the true spirit of volunteerism on so many different levels. They serve as positive role models for the families that they assist, by modeling empathy, commitment, good communication and dependability – all traits the Parenting Program works to instill through its sessions.”

Family Volunteer
Vade and Janet Bolton

Vade and Janet’s contributions to Reston Interfaith are never-ending. They provide the homeless with a chance to overcome the despair of no food or shelter, opportunity at finding a job, and ability to recover the dignity and respect that comes from knowing someone cares. Since 1975, the two have served more than four thousand hours both individually and together. Not only has the Bolton family clearly seen the plight of the homeless and their unmet needs, but they have encouraged others to see as well. To meet the needs of the clients and the organization, they have coordinated a number of donation drives and volunteer recruitment efforts throughout their community, and have engaged their congregation, as well as local businesses, to assist in their efforts.

Kerrie Wilson, Chief Executive Officer of Reston Interfaith says, “In their family, volunteering is as routine as breathing, and just as vital to them. They aren’t in it for the glory. They are in it to make a difference in people’s lives, and they do, consistently.”

Senior Volunteer
Marion Edwards

On the busiest mornings of the week, Marion is at her station at the front desk of Reston Interfaith’s Embry Rucker Community Shelter. The eighty-three-year-old volunteer is the greeter, welcoming committee and information center, all rolled into one. For newcomers on Monday mornings, she is the initial point of contact, responsible for that critical first impression: a perfect combination of caring, knowledge, and patience. It is not easy for clients to understand homelessness and their new dependence on charity, even for a short spell, so Marion works hard to make it comfortable for them to accept a helping hand.

“Marion gives much more to Reston Interfaith than just her service hours,” says Nate King, Community Resource Associate of Reston Interfaith. “She is a Holocaust survivor who escaped from Nazi Germany with her stepfather when she was twelve. Most of her family died in the concentration camps, so she understands hardship and fear of what tomorrow will bring. She also understands the importance of hope for a better, safer future. That gives her special powers of empathy for those who are facing challenges and trials of their own. You can always count on Marion.”

Volunteer Program
Annandale Christian Community for Action (ACCA)

For more than forty three years, Annandale Christian Community for Action, or ACCA, has been solely operated by volunteers. Originally founded by a small group of community members, the program has grown to acquire more than four hundred volunteers to operate its wide range of services, in partnership with twenty-six local churches and human service agencies. Similar to other nonprofits in 2010, ACCA continued to face challenges created by economic conditions and increasing needs of the community. However, due to the strong manpower of the volunteers, the organization was still able to provide day care and early education for two hundred and sixty five infants and children, deliver food to two thousand, eight hundred fifty-nine clients, and provide furniture to one thousand three hundred and forty individuals throughout the County.

Mary Anne Lecos, President of ACCA, says, “Through the support of our volunteers, 2010 has proven to be the strongest year for the organization, allowing us to serve more of our neighbors by providing immediate assistance to help them avoid hunger, homelessness, illness, and squalid living conditions. Additionally, the spirit of service through ACCA volunteers has also increased youth involvement in our ministries through food drives and other volunteer opportunities.”

Youth Volunteer
Janie Willner

Janie’s advocacy for the deaf community began with her interest in American Sign Language three years ago. As a result, Janie created an organization called “Listening,” to educate local teens about the needs and concerns of the deaf community, as well as facilitate better communication and understanding between them. Through her efforts, she has developed and implemented a series of workshops, volunteering events, and other outreach opportunities to fill the gap. As president of her high school’s ASL club, she has harnessed the resources of the teen volunteers to work at “Listening” events. Her projects have also benefited Mantua Elementary School’s Total Communications program, as well as local libraries. Continuing her outreach last summer, Janie volunteered as a counselor for the hearing impaired at Deaf Camps, Inc., where she lived and taught in a deaf environment.

Kathleen Dameo, Hearing Specialist for Fairfax County, says, “Janie’s energy level and enthusiasm is outstanding. She is an incredibly mature and highly responsible young woman. I see her making huge contributions to persons and programs for those who are deaf or hard of hearing. It certainly has been a rewarding experience for me working with this exceptional young woman.”

Youth Volunteer Group
McLean TOP Soccer

McLean TOP Soccer is led by seven high school seniors who share the goal of teaching the game of soccer to children with special needs. The program recruits volunteer "buddies" from local high school, travel, and recreation soccer teams and pairs them with special need players to teach them how to dribble, pass, score, and, most importantly, have fun being part of a team. The seven leaders are responsible for coordinating the “buddies,” as well as creating lesson plans for each week’s practice. The program, primarily due to its leaders, has increased the participating players’ physical well-being and self-esteem, providing an exciting atmosphere for the children to put on their jerseys and play soccer with their friends and teammates.

“Over the last five years, the seniors have excelled as leaders, caregivers, teachers, friends, and mentors. They have taken the time to make a difference in the lives of some extraordinary children and their families,” says Eric Olson, Director of McLean TOP Soccer. “These seven young men and women have carved out time from their busy Saturday afternoons in the spring and fall to help some very special children learn the joy of playing soccer and being part of a team.”

Fairfax County Government Volunteer
Lisa Payne-Chesley

Since 2006, Lisa has been one of the Fairfax County Department of Family Service’s Parenting Education Program facilitators. She is a gifted trainer and connects easily with families in the program. Her ability to relate to the groups she works with over a twenty-one week period has provided a safe and trusted environment for the twelve families who attend the classes. In an effort to emphasize the importance of each lesson, Lisa has incorporated several creative techniques, such as role playing and a “library on wheels,” to make the material taught more tangible. Ultimately, Lisa’s goal as a facilitator is to send each parent home with more “tools” in their parenting toolbox than what they had when they started the program.

Cheryl Keiper, Supervisor of the Parenting Education Programs, says, “The families turn to her for support and come away knowing she truly cares about them. She comes from a place of giving, and provides love for those who have struggled with personal problems. She models the highest form of giving for other volunteers.”

Fairfax Volunteer Program
Fairfax County Public Library

Whether participating in the Adopt-A-Shelf Program or assisting Collections Management, the one thousand, three hundred volunteers of the Fairfax County Public Library are always busy! With budget reductions, the libraries have endured a very difficult decrease in personnel and shifting of staff among branches. In light of all of this, the Program volunteers have been working harder than ever. With library hours being reduced throughout the week, many volunteers willingly changed their schedules to accommodate the new times, and have taken on additional responsibilities. The volunteers are always ready to help, even at a moment’s notice when asked to come in last minute to cover a shift, or spend part of a holiday weekend helping with an overflowing book drop.

“The Fairfax County Public Library could not survive without our skilled volunteers and the management staff that works with them. Our volunteers not only give generously of their time and skills, but they act as ambassadors for libraries in their communities,” says Edwin Clay, Fairfax County Public Library Director. “Without our dedicated and irreplaceable volunteers, we couldn’t offer the residents of Fairfax County and the City of Fairfax the outstanding service they deserve.”

Corporate Volunteer Program
Vantage Fitness

Vantage Fitness, located in Falls Church, is not an ordinary health club or fitness facility. The people who comprise the company have an extraordinary commitment to their local community, sponsoring nonprofits and promoting fundraising efforts for multiple causes. Over the last two years, the Club has partnered with Homestretch Incorporated, a transitional housing organization, by participating in the holiday adoption program, as well as providing health and wellness education classes. Additionally, Homestretch’s clients have benefited by receiving free memberships to the facility. Vantage’s extraordinary commitment to the improvement of physical, mental and emotional health through diet and exercise has also improved the self-esteem of the clients who come through Homestretch every day.

“I am in awe of the generosity and creativity that pours out from Vantage Fitness,” says Christopher Fay, Executive Director of Homestretch. “I see what is truly possible when a company wants to make a positive impact in their community.”

Rising Star
Peter Mory

Peter has consistently demonstrated incredible commitment, dedication and passion in his volunteer efforts through the Lewinsville Adult Day Health Care Center. Although many of the Center’s participants have some degree of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, Peter is able to connect with them in a way that many volunteers are unable to achieve. His willingness to help, amazing sense of humor and extraordinary compassion for others are reflected in the smiles and laughs he brings during his visits. Many of the participants know Peter by name, and visibly show their excitement when he comes to the Center.

Mariellen Combs, Volunteer Coordinator for the Center, says, “Our team has truly benefited from his talent, dedication and overwhelming kindness for others. He has forever touched the lives of so many of us here with his kind words, generosity and service. He exemplifies the heart and soul of volunteerism, giving so much of himself without ever expecting anything in return.”

Peter’s hard work and commitment gives the Lewinsville Adult Day Health Care Center an opportunity to provide a more safe and positive environment for individuals who need supervision during the day. The Center and County look forward to seeing what comes next from this Rising Star.

Lifetime Achievement
Jonathan Wood

Chief Wood’s relationship with Fairfax County began almost forty years ago with the Greater Springfield Volunteer Fire Department, where he also served as its Chief for three years. Over the course of his career, Chief Wood has provided well over ten thousand hours of volunteer service, and has worn many different hats, including: serving as an officer on the ambulance and engine, an instructor at the fire academy, and in several different leadership roles in the Fairfax County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association. Most recently, he has served as fire chief to the Fair Oaks Volunteer Fire and Rescue. Although a computer programmer during the day, the Chief has provided invaluable services to the citizens of Fairfax County from rescuing a cat out of a tree, to leading his engine crew into a fire to search for victims.

Hana Brilliant, President of Fair Oaks Volunteer Fire and Rescue, says, “Chief Wood has dedicated an impressive thirty-nine years of service towards the betterment of the fire department, and towards providing emergency medical and fire services to the citizens of Fairfax County. Fair Oaks Volunteer Fire and Rescue thanks Jonathan Wood for serving as its Chief for the past fourteen years.”

Established in 1993, the Fairfax County Volunteer Service Awards serve as a community-wide celebration of volunteerism. The ceremony recognizes individuals, groups and organizations from Fairfax County whose dedicated efforts, in a wide array of realms, set them apart in the volunteer sector. Over the last 18 years, Volunteer Fairfax has recognized more than 2,000 individuals, families, civic groups and companies for their commitment to the community.

Volunteer Fairfax is building a better community through service. As a respected leader of community volunteerism for more than 36 years, Volunteer Fairfax connects individuals, youth, seniors, families and corporations to volunteer opportunities at more than 900 organizations in the metro area.

Benchmark Awards

Youth Benchmark 100

Kara Jonach, Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts
Katie Junghenn, Timber Lane School
Daniel Kamdem, Mount Vernon Elementary School
Youjung Kim, American Red Cross Blood Services
Gabrielle Levy, Caring Kids Cards
Aiden Levy, Caring Kids Cards
Kali Liang, Yesterday's Rose Thrift Shop
Annette Miller, Fancy Cats Rescue Team
Sarah Parshley, Fancy Cats Rescue Team
Jenny Peng, Pathway Homes, Inc.
Ambar Pinto-Gomez, Educacion Para Nuestro Futuro
Zack Sanders, McLean Community Center
Erin Suidikas, Northern Virginia Therapeutic Riding Program
Hannah Swenson, Northern Virginia Therapeutic Riding Program
Mrinmayee Takle, Reston Hospital Center
Jenna Truong, Audrey Moore RECenter
Janie Willner, Listening/McLean Local Heroes
Jessica Woolson, Shelter House

Benchmark 250

Hilda Alvarez, Fairfax County Sheriff's Office
Gretchen Anderson, Northern Virginia Therapeutic Riding Program
Dorthea Brueckner, Sherwood Regional Library
Irwin Chu, Toys for Tots Foundation
Stephanie Dorman, Council for the Arts of Herndon
Robert (Skip) Dutrow, Cub Run RECenter
William Gilbert, Herndon Fortnightly Library
Debbie Heitzer, Food for Others
Jennie Hibbert, Fairfax County Department of Family Services
James Houston, Oakton Community Library
Susan Jedry, OAR of Fairfax County, Inc.
James Jenkins, Fairfax County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court
Tom Kennedy, Audrey Moore RECenter
J.K. Klimek, Audrey Moore RECenter
Cathy Lanni, Council for the Arts of Herndon
Suzanne Lloyd, Thomas Jefferson Community Library
Joanna Mahoney, Childhelp Children's Center of Virginia
Marlis McCollum, Fairfax County Department of Family Services
Denise McInerney, Our Neighbor's Child
Mary Frances Moriarty, Langley Residential Support Services, Inc.
Peter Mory, Lewsinsville Adult Day Health Care Center
Peter Nichols, Oakton Community Library
Maria Paz de Juan, Volunteer Interpreter Program
Keith Peyton, Fairfax County Park Authority
Linda Powell, Lewinsville Adult Day Health Care Center
Karen Ralph, FACETS
Nicole Rogers, Our Neighbor's Child
Arnold Redakewych, Fairfax County Sheriff's Office
Sarah Samuel, FACETS
Gillian Sescoe, Reston Interfaith, Inc.
Vince Sescoe, Northern Virginia Family Service
Elizabeth Shaffer, FACETS
Sheila Sheehan, Sherwood Regional Library
Alice Shirley, Fairfax County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court
Christine Shurts, Childhelp Children's Center of Virginia
Carmen Sitoe, FACETS
Hanh Tran, Oakton Community Library
Mike Turk, Kingstowne Library
Maya Virani, ASHA for Women
Barbara Williams, Sherwood Regional Library
Mary Ann Woolerton, FACETS

Benchmark 500

Toora Arsala, Organizing for America
Jennifer Campbell, Virginia PTSA
Marcia Dake, Greenspring
Susan Duka, FACETS
Tony Ferraro, Northern Virginia Family Service
Evelyn Jackson, Greenspring
Andrew Levy, Caring Kids Cards
Omar Mahmood, Northern Virginia Family Service
Zinaida "Zina" Mandrusova, Lewinsville Adult Day Health Care Center
Kim Moden, Shepherd's Center of Fairfax-Burke
Stella Norman, Fairfax County Sheriff's Office
Hazel Poole, Greenspring
Ted Ralph, FACETS
Franklin Richardson, Greenspring
Crystal Ronan, Fancy Cats Rescue Team
Dien Tran, Lewinsville Adult Day Health Care Center
Lisa Warner, Fairfax County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court
Grace Wolf, Council for the Arts of Herndon
Jonathan Wood, Fair Oaks Volunteer Fire and Rescue

Benchmark 1,000

Karin Arnette, Homestretch, Inc.
William Brill, Greenspring
Mona Coulter, Greenspring
Ronda Dalton, Fancy Cats Rescue Team
Paulette Damm, Greenspring
Josephine De Meo, Greenspring
Marion Edwards, Reston Interfaith, Inc.
Susan Hitch, Sherwood Regional Library
Linda Martz, Greenspring
Barbara McGilvray, FACETS
Richard Raines, Fairfax County Sheriff's Office
John "Rex" Rexford, Greenspring