The Connection

The Best of Braddock Awards (BOBs) and Braddock District Council Picnic were held on Wednesday, July 10, 2019, at Supervisor John C. Cook’s office. Since 1992, the awards, sponsored by the Braddock District Council – the council of homeowners and civic associations – have recognized those in the Braddock District who contribute to making the community a better place to live and work.

According to Cook, Braddock District Supervisor: “This is our annual awards ceremony for everyday people in the community who have stepped up to do something extra special in their own neighborhood. It’s always inspiring to hear the stories of what people have done and be able to recognize that and hope that that inspires others to step up and carry the torch.”

Added Sharon Bulova, Chairman of the Board of Supervisors: “I think the BOB Awards are just fantastic. Good deeds are contagious and when people do something that benefits the community, not only do they do something that benefits the community, but others learn from them and imitate and duplicate their good efforts. So, the BOBs do that, and I love every year listening to and learning about people’s contributions.”

“One thing about this event is it brings the community together to appreciate the volunteerism, the civic engagement that people have been doing the last year. It recognizes people from young ages from 8 to older ages. It’s to show that this community is tight,” said George Becerra, president of the Braddock District Council. “We see each other at the Giant; we see each other at Shoppers, at McDonalds, and at the high schools – so it all turns out just recognizing the good works that have been going on this past year.”

Added Del. David Bulova (D-37): “Well, our volunteers are the lifeblood of our community. One of the things I feel very fortunate about is that Braddock District has a lot of wonderful volunteers. I know this isn’t why they do it; they do it because they want to keep the community strong. But I love having the opportunity to honor those people who volunteer and give so much to our community.”

Best of Braddock Award Winners

• Braddock District Citizen of the Year – Joan Bishop, Olde Forge/Surrey Square Civic Association;

• Young Persons of the Year – Students from the North Springfield Community. Because the students nominated by the North Springfield Civic Association were of different ages and had different interests, it was the decision of the committee that they should all be recognized for their accomplishments and activities. The following eight students were honored: Elizabeth Porter, Anna Balbuena, Ella McGinty, Evyn VanBrunt, Megan Brown, Liam McGinty, Katie Pope, and James Kendall;

• Organization Making a Difference in the Braddock District – The Shepherd’s Center of Fairfax-Burke;

• Neighborhood Enhancement or Beautification – Individual – John “Craig” Willet, Burke Centre Conservancy;

• Neighborhood Enhancement or Beautification – Community Association – Melissa and Jarrett Stark, Hickory Farms Community Association;

• Outstanding Individual – Steven Shapiro, Burke Centre Conservancy;

• Outstanding Individual – John Firsching, Olde Forge/Surrey Square Civic Association;

• Outstanding Individual – Todd Skipper, Little Run Citizens Association;

• Outstanding Individual – Michael O’Dell