The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday (Sept. 30) lauded the service of Joseph Heastie on issues related to local seniors.
But the ceremony quickly moved beyond the topic at hand, as Heastie was also celebrated for his service on additional issues ranging from George Mason University, where he was rector of the board of visitors, to community development.
“Joe is one of those people who is always listening,” Providence District Supervisor Dalia Palchik said, calling him sometimes silent but always effective.
Heastie is departing after 20 years of service as the Providence District representative on the Fairfax County Commission on Aging, which triggered the celebration.
Springfield District Supervisor Pat Herrity highlighted Heastie’s “very meaningful, important service” as a community member instrumental in crafting the county’s 50+ Community Action Plan, which identified initiatives to support older adults.
Hunter Mill District Supervisor Walter Alcorn noted that Heastie’s advocacy work coincided with more emphasis being placed on providing services to the growing population of senior adults in the county.
“The Commission on Aging has really stepped up in recent years,” he said.
Heastie, who recently turned 84 years old, was accompanied to the dais by his wife Ernestine, a former Providence District representative on the Fairfax County School Board.
In his remarks, Heastie said he believed Fairfax was “among the best in the country in public service.”
“You’ve sought the needs and you’ve worked tirelessly — tirelessly — in supporting policy to support us,” he told supervisors.
Heastie came to Northern Virginia in 1974 and is a graduate of George Mason University, later serving on its board of visitors.
Palchick said supervisors are hopeful Heastie will continue being active in Fairfax County, but that already “he has left it a better place.”
At the Sept. 30 meeting, supervisors also designated September as National Preparedness Month in Fairfax County and the week of Oct. 5-11 as Fire Prevention Week in Fairfax County.
Supervisors memorialize former Foust chief of staff
At this week’s meeting, the Board of Supervisors also honored the life of Jane Edmondson, who died Sept. 19 at the age of 79 from complications resulting from heart surgery.
Edmondson served for nearly 16 years on the staff of then-Dranesville District Supervisor John Foust, rising to become his chief of staff.
“She was a joy to work with. Just a first-class individual,” Board Chair Jeff McKay said at the Sept. 30 board meeting. He praised Edmondson’s rare combination of being both charming and strong-willed, and lamented her death.
“She had so much more to give to our county,” McKay said.
Current Dranesville District Supervisor Jimmy Bierman, Foust’s successor, noted that Edmondson was “dogged and passionate in getting projects done — a force to be reckoned with.”
Newly elected, Foust hired Edmondson in 2007 as one of his seven original staff members. Her initial duties included handling housing as well as economic and community development issues, including coordination of the redevelopment of McLean’s commercial core.
After Foust’s retirement, Edmondson stayed briefly to smooth the transition to Bierman.
“She helped get my office off the ground,” he said.
Edmondson is survived by her husband, Jim; four children; and 11 grandchildren. A celebration of life is slated to be held on Saturday, Oct. 11 at 11 a.m. at Lewinsville Presbyterian Church, with attendees asked to wear bright colors in honor of her sunny disposition.
Memorial contributions can be made to the nonprofit Chesterbrook Residences.
