The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors presented resolutions to honor Abigail Akyea, a finalist for the Boys and Girls Club of America National Youth of the Year Award; Dr. Jerry and Alice Foltz, founders of the Centreville Immigration Forum; and John Fee, chair of the Fairfax County Consumer Protection Commission.
The Board approved 16 administrative items, including authorizing the Fairfax County Police Department to seek state funds to protect organizations from hate crimes. The fund will be used to increase security for a synagogue, community center, and school in the interests of deterring and detecting threats and attacks to reduce or eliminate damage.
Based on County Executive Bryan Hill's suggestion, the Board authorized the Fairfax County Police Department to apply for and accept grant funding from the Department of Criminal Justice Services, FY 2024 Combating Hate, in the amount of $139,250. The award is valid from January 1 to December 31, 2024.
For a complete listing of all board actions taken at the November 21 Board of Supervisors see the summary of board actions that is available sometime during the week of Nov. 27.
The Board approved a resolution to recognize Abigail Akyea, a finalist in the Boys and Girls Clubs of America’s National Youth of the Year Award. Supervisor Rodney L. Lusk (D-Franconia) said that Abigail, the daughter of first-generation immigrants from Ghana, participated in the Murraygate Boys and Girls Club where staff taught Abigail to appreciate her heritage and individuality, sparking a passion for inclusivity. That led Abigail to start the West Potomac Change — a club that promotes inclusivity and diversity at West Potomac High School.
The Board of Supervisors approved a resolution to recognize Alice and Jerry Foltz for their contributions to the community. The Foltz’s are founders of the Centreville Immigration Forum, a nonprofit dedicated to improving the lives of local immigrants.
The Board of Supervisors approved a resolution to recognize John Fee, chair of the Fairfax County Consumer Protection Commission. Chairman Jeff McKay said that stepping up and serving as a community volunteer is what makes Fairfax County such a great place to live. “Few people have done it as extensively and for as long as you have, John, and we can’t thank you enough.”