Readers' Choice: Best Oakton Resident

Trish Strat June 18, 2012 at 05:03 pm

I nominate Carol Cross for the "Best Oakton Resident" award. Carol serves the Oakton community as President of Friends of Vale Schoolhouse, Inc., a non-profit which oversees the maintenance of the historic Vale Schoolhouse property at the corner of Vale and Fox Mill Roads. In addition to her leadership skills in our small community, Carol serves on the Board of Directors of the Girl Scout Council of the Nation's Capitol. She also has taught archery for many years at GSCNC's Ashgrove Adventure day camp, which is at Camp Crowell in Oakton.

Kate Kennedy June 18, 2012 at 05:55 pm

I nominate Carol Cross for the "Best Oakton Resident" award. I have worked with Carol for over 8 years with the Girl Scout Council of the Nation's Capital, first as the Association Chair for western Fairfax including Oakton and now as a member of the Board of Directors. Carol is dedicated to her community and helping empower girls and young women. She works tirelessly to ensure as many Girl Scouts are served through our program and the Oakton area is one of the most successful Girl Scout communities in our council.

Cherie Lejeune June 21, 2012 at 01:47 pm

I nominate Linda Byrne for the "Best Oakton Resident” award. Her tireless volunteer hours and leadership in so many community organizations, has left a mark in many positive, measurable ways for years. Some of her activities: Helped facilitate the acquisition of the land for the Oakton Library from a private developer and Co-Founder of the Friends of Oakton Library; Former President and Current Secretary of The Oakton Women’s Club, a group that support through fundraising, local nonprofits like the Shepherd Center of Vienna-Oakton and The Virginia Autism Project; Past Board Member of Volunteer Fairfax, whose role is all about community partnerships; Board Member of Virginia Equine Center Foundation; Former Officer of The Fairfax County Federation of Women’s Clubs; Member of Womanade, women supporting local women in need; Member of the Hunter Mill Road Traffic Calming Committee; Co-Founder and Board Member of Fairfax4Horses Inc. a group that advocates to maintain public horseback riding facilities in the County, Past Officer of Hunter Valley Association and current Board Member of Oakton Manor Homeowners Association. I personally have been inspired by her energy and ease of service having participated in several organizations with her. Her welcoming, inclusive attitude encourages others not to just join an activity, but makes their participation, meaningful--time well spent.

Germaine Broussard August 15, 2012 at 02:56 am

I nominate Linda Byrne for best Oakton resident and all around wonderful person! We have worked together for many years on projects to make Oakton, Fairfax and Virginia much better for all, for current and generations to come. Linda has been involved in so many projects, without looking for the glory for herself. She is selfless and giving in so many ways. She has been an inspiration to me to be a better person, just being around her. She is a wonderful role model for me and has my utmost admiration. She is my hero!

Linda Byrne August 15, 2012 at 03:44 am

I am blown away by the accolades, to be nominated by such inspiring women,
and considered with Carol Cross.

Trish Strat August 15, 2012 at 12:22 pm

Our community is fortunate to have both of you!.

Ellen Cantor August 16, 2012 at 10:13 am

There are many who are qualified ... but my vote goes to Linda Byrne!

Janice E. Abney August 16, 2012 at 01:12 pm

I have known Linda Byrne since our early 20's. She has always been kind, generous, caring and giving. Linda donates her time to family, friends, neighbours, and in the last fifty years that I have known her has never asked for anything. What a loving person and your community is lucky to have her.
Janice Abney

Dominique Hoffman August 17, 2012 at 12:34 pm

I nominated Linda byrne because she is one in a TRILLION. She does so much for the community, her friends and neighbors. She is the one to call when you are going thru a crisis, she is the on you talk to when you need advice.
Linda has raised 2 beautiful and successful children. Her daughter is a gifted artist that I hope to hire some day to illustrate my book. Linda also takes care of her aging mother who is a delightful lady. Linda is an inspiring role model and I feel so fortunate to have her in my life.

Tania August 17, 2012 at 04:24 pm

I voted for Linda Byrne because she does not know how to give up on people and in her core is that authentic flame that gently yet firmly emits that people are inherently good and have much to give to their community. I have experienced this with a mere handful of people in my life. To give all of herself and ask for nothing in return is the quintessential Linda Byrne - a community leader whose value is priceless and whose talent is boundless. I am a fortunate friend to have such an astute, diplomatic and graceful friend, colleague and community leader as one of my inner circle of friends. Best regards to all, especially to Carol Cross on her community endeavors. Tania Hossain