Connie Moser Named State Neighborhood Advocate of the Year

by Mo Johnson
(Montclair, VA)

PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, VA – Connie Moser, President of the Dale City Civic Association, and an active member of the Prince William Clean Community Council and Prince William County Neighborhood Leaders Group, has been named “State Neighborhood Advocate of the Year” at the 11th Annual Virginia Statewide Neighborhood Conference in Roanoke, Virginia on September 25.

Individuals nominated for the award were judged on the significance of the impact they have made on their community during the past year, in one or multiple projects/roles. Individuals whose service is defined by its longevity were most appropriate for the award.

Other civic individuals recognized as award finalists for their tireless work to enhance the quality of life in their communities included Dwayne Lynch of Manassas, Dudley Colbert of Norfolk, and Valeria Alphin, Mary Jane Hurt and Diane Kelly of Roanoke.

Letters of support detailed Connie Moser’s work to start an annual Neighborhood Pride Week to clean up Dale City Boulevard before the Fourth of July Parade. Her continued work in graffiti abatement led to her recognition as Volunteer of the Year in 2009 by the Prince William Clean Community Council where she now serves as a board member. Connie has also identified neighbors in need of assistance and helped in executing projects for both Habitat for Humanity of Prince William County and Project Mend-a-House.

Connie has been instrumental in setting strategies and goals for the county’s Neighborhood Leaders Group. “We were looking for solutions to our problems and we’re learning from each other,” Connie has said about her fellow neighborhood leaders, who meet monthly at the McCoart Center. She maintains her own community website for the Lindendale community, publishes a monthly newsletter; sends out Crime Alerts; and reports property code violations. She also regularly attends meetings of the LOCCA/PELT (Lake Ridge Occoquan Coles Civic Association and Planning, Environment Land-Use Transportation); MIDCO (Mid-County Civic Association) and ODLUAC (Occoquan District Land-Use Advisory Committee).

Connie’s innovative projects that bring volunteers together and help build community include the renovation of the DCCA/CRB Commuter Lot. Once neglected, overgrown and trash-filled, the lot is now neatly landscaped and regularly maintained by volunteers.

“If she can’t get a community issue resolved through normal channels, Connie rolls up her sleeves and does it herself,” said Pat Reilly, Prince William County’s Division Chief, Neighborhood Services, in her nominating letter of support. “Whether it is removing graffiti, serving as a civic leader, or working her connections, Connie is a role model for any advocate hoping to improve a neighborhood.”

The Virginia Statewide Neighborhood Conference provides an opportunity for people from all locations, socio-economic levels, and sectors across the Commonwealth to learn best practices for addressing neighborhood issues of the times, attend workshops, network with one another, and share experiences and information toward building stronger communities. To learn more, visit www.vsnc.org.

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