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2011 SESSION

11105345D
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 978
Offered February 21, 2011
Commending Howard Herman.
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Patrons-- Scott, J.M.; Senator: Whipple
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WHEREAS, Howard Herman, the General Manager of the Community Services Department and Director of Recreation and Parks for the City of Falls Church, will retire on April 1, 2011, after over 40 years of exemplary service; and

WHEREAS, Howard Herman began his distinguished career working part-time for the Recreation and Parks Department as a teenager while attending George Mason High School; and

WHEREAS, over the years, Howard Herman’s strong work ethic and commitment to serving the citizens of Falls Church led to his advancement to assistant director of the Recreation and Parks Department in 1989 before his appointment as director in 1990; and

WHEREAS, in 2007 Howard Herman was named general manager of the Community Services Division, overseeing the Department of Housing and Human Services, the Mary Riley Styles Public Library, and the Court Services Division, in addition to the Recreation and Parks Department; and

WHEREAS, an innovative leader, Howard Herman launched the City’s nationally recognized “America’s Favorite” Farmers Market and reduced the Recreation and Parks Department’s reliance on taxpayer-supported funding through the creation of a user fee structure; and

WHEREAS, recognizing the importance of additional recreational opportunities to meet the needs of the growing population, Howard Herman expanded the Memorial Day activities from a parade to a day-long festival of entertainment and family activities; created the Holiday Craft Show and Farm Day Events; and added more special events, summer camps, and sports programs; and

WHEREAS, Howard Herman played a vital role in increasing and improving the City of Falls Church’s recreational facilities and chaired numerous task forces and committees aimed at improving the quality of life of local residents; and

WHEREAS, an exemplary role model, Howard Herman coached countless youth for the Recreation and Parks basketball program and the junior varsity and varsity girls’ basketball teams at George Mason High School; and

WHEREAS, a Certified Park and Recreation Professional, Howard Herman has shared his experience and expertise with other recreation professionals as a member of the Virginia Recreation and Park Society, the National Recreation and Park Association, and the American Society for Public Administration; and

WHEREAS, in 1988 Howard Herman was named the City of Falls Church’s Employee of the Year, a fitting award for a man whose vast contributions have greatly benefited the lives of local residents and established a firm foundation upon which further growth and development can occur; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly commend Howard Herman for his distinguished service on the occasion of his retirement; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Howard Herman as an expression of the General Assembly’s congratulations and admiration for his devotion to the citizens of Falls Church for the past four decades.