DRBA Hands Out its Star Awards

Believing commerce in Del Ray is "doing well" despite the nation's economic downturn and that the neighborhood is holding strong, Jill Erber helped close the calendar year for the Del Ray Business Association at its holiday reception Monday at .

Erber, who served as DRBA president in 2010, thanked several attending members of the Alexandria City Council for doing their parts to help local businesses in the community.

But the luncheon was really about thanking DRBA members and others for their work over the past year.

The DRBA handed out its Star Awards, recognizing city personnel, citizens and association members who went above and beyond in planning and putting together events like the Alexandria Turkey Trot, the Halloween Parade and First Thursdays.

Kate Moran received the citizen Star Award for her work as chair of Del Ray Music Festival and for performing at several other events. In a tearful acceptance, Moran mentioned her aunt Nancy Dunning as reason she gives back to Del Ray. Dunning was responsible for planning some of the first annual events in the community. Dec. 5 marked the seventh anniversary of her murder, which remains unsolved.

"She's why I give back," Moran said. "So I can continue the growth she started."

Pam Fitzgerald also received a citizen Star Award for her work with the DRBA as its membership co-chair. Fitzgerald also helps plan and set up the association's monthly meetings and assists with major community events.

Mary Reid, formerly of Del Merei Grille and now of Ground Control Landscape Services, received the Star Award for outstanding member of the business community for her work with the Taste of Del Ray. The event was held as the final First Thursday this past summer. Because of its success, the Taste of Del Ray will be held as its own event next year on a weekend day.

Sergeant Joe Seskey of the Alexandria Police Department was handed the Star Award for outstanding city employee. Seskey handled a lot of the logistics concerning crowd control and staffing community events with proper police enforcement.

The Star Award for youth citizen went to members of Del Ray Cadette Troop 901. Members of the troop were a big help in folding bags for the luminarias event and assisting underprivileged kids chose free Halloween costumes that the association collected in the buildup to the Halloween Parade.

"The younger volunteers are really critical," said Gayle Reuter, chair of the DRBA event committee.

Erber closed the luncheon by singling out Reuter and Pat Miller, the DRBA marketing chair, with their own Shooting Star Awards for their continued hard work and devotion to the association.