The Arlington County Civic Federation marked its 110th anniversary with a call for continued vocal, but still civil, community engagement.
“We’re not a perfect organization, but we work really hard,” Civic Federation board of directors chair David Smith said at the organization’s annual awards dinner, which on April 24 drew more than 100 participants to Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall.
Attendees at the event were part of a long tradition of engagement, Smith said.
“We’re just a blip in the history of the Civic Federation,” he said, but “everyone in this room loves Arlington — we’ve got to do our part and do what we can to make Arlington strong.”
The organization’s highest annual award, the ARLnow Cup, was presented to Civic Federation president Nicholas Giacobbe.
“Long an influential force and consensus builder in his Aurora Highlands community … his initiative, vision and leadership have marked him for executive positions,” said former Civic Federation president John Ford, who led the nominations committee.
The award has been bestowed since 1938 under the sponsorship of a succession of media organizations: the Washington Evening Star, Journal Newspapers, Sun Gazette, GazetteLeader and, for the second year, Local News Now, ARLnow’s parent company.
Founded in 1916 by six civic associations, the Civic Federation has grown to more than 80 member groups representing both neighborhoods and community-wide organizations. The organization’s role in the community is secure, County Board Chair Matt de Ferranti said.
“All of us aspire to keep working with civility [and an] open heart,” he said.
Arlington Police Chief Andy Penn also received a special accolade, being presented with the Civic Hero Award.
“Andy epitomizes a progressive, engaging top law enforcement official. He has proven to be just what Arlington needs in difficult times,” Civic Federation vice president Jean Henceroth said in presenting the honor, which is bestowed under special circumstances.
Lizi Papinashvili, Dave Schutz, David Smith, Jacqueline Snelling, Nicole Merlene Toulouse and Todd Truitt were honored with President’s Awards. Giacobbe said each plays a vital behind-the-scenes role in moving the federation forward.
Honored with Community Impact Awards were the Center for Youth & Family Advocacy, Arlington Jaycees, the Arlington Food Assistance Center and, for advocacy on legislative issues, Celina Penovi and Francine Friedman.
The event also served as a rally in support of Arlington’s participation in the nation’s upcoming 250th birthday.
Peter Vaselopulos, president of the Arlington Historical Society, described plans including a May 9 History Fest at Kenmore Middle School.
The upcoming commemorations of national independence represent “a call to civic belonging, a shared commitment to one another,” Vaselopulos said.
He invited attendees to visit the recently renovated Arlington Historical Museum, which has “taken a major step forward in telling Arlington’s story.”
