<bt>Arlyn Black has been a fixture in Loudoun County since he opened his first service station and became one of the first residents of Sterling Park in 1965. It was not something that he set out to do, however.
"Sometimes some things just happen." Black said. "One opportunity has just led to another."
All of these opportunities were brought to light on June 12, when Black was presented with the Distinguished Citizen Award at the fourth annual Distinguished Citizen luncheon. The luncheon was put on by the Boy Scouts of America and the Claude Moore Charitable Foundation.
Black is the founder and chief executive officer of AKB Enterprises, which has a number of companies in Loudoun County, most notably Sweetwater Splash car wash. However, Black's award stems from his community involvement.
Black has served as a director of the Loudoun County Industrial Revenue Bond Authority and is a member of the Loudoun Healthcare/Loudoun Hospital Center Institutional Review Board. He is also the chairman of the Sterling Park Agricultural Control Committee. Black has served on numerous other boards, civic organizations and trade associations.
A few years ago, Black received a liver transplant. Since then, he has been involved in promoting organ transplant awareness throughout the Washington metropolitan area. At speaking engagements, he offers himself as "living proof" of the importance of organ transplant.
"It's important for people to know about it, because without my transplant I would not be here today," said Black.
BLACK WAS born in North Carolina, but he grew up and attended high school in Washington, D.C, where he met his wife of more than 40 years, Patricia. The couple have four children who still reside in Sterling.
"The special thing about Arlyn is that he has never looked for the spotlight," said Paul Drainey, the chairman of the luncheon and Black's long-time friend. "He was taught to give back to his community, and that is what he has done."
"I thought it (community service) was just what you are supposed to do," said Black.
Senator Bill Mims (R-33rd) has known Black for 15 years, ever since they served together on a Loudoun County board.
"He's basically like the mayor of Sterling Park," said Mims. "He's given more to the community than he has taken from it. He's one of the most generous hearts I have ever known."
As for now, Black is just going to take it as it comes. "I am kind of at a lull right now," he said. "I need to step back and see what is next. My family is most important to me."