Tysons Casino Opponent Honored With Community Service Award

RESTON, VA — Lynne Mulston, president of the Reston Citizens Association, received the Martha Pennino Community Service Award from the Hunter Mill District Democratic Committee on Sunday night. The presentation took place during the 49th Annual Lasagna Dinner, which is the HMDDC's signature fundraising event.

Nicknamed "Mother Fairfax," Pennino served on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors for 24 years. She is credited with helping to bringing community parks and schools to Reston, as well as the Reston Regional Library and the Embry Rucker Community Shelter.

The award presented in Pennino's honor recognizes "exceptional service both within the Democratic Party and throughout our Hunter Mill District community," according to the HMDDC website.

As RCA chair president, Mulston helped lead the effort opposing redevelopment at Reston's two golf courses. She was also an early opponent of Comstock Holding Companies' plans to build a casino on Metro's Silver. She also served as campaign coordinator for Citizens Opposed to Reston Casino, which later became the No Fairfax Casino coalition.

In accepting the award, Mulston praised Supervisor Walter Alcorn (D-Hunter Mill) and Sen. Jennifer Boysko (D-Reston) for being examples of elected leaders who listen to their constituents and act on their behalf.

Acknowledging that the award wasn't earned alone, Mulston thanked her key collaborators, including Tammi Pertine (Reston Comprehensive Plan), Connie Hartke (protecting Reston's golf courses) and for No Fairfax Casino — Connie Hartke, Linda Walsh, Bill Comerford, Jennifer Falcone, Chuck Anderson, and Tracy McCarty.

"The award serves as a catalyst and motivator to fight to protect Reston's golf courses from any development and reinvigorate citizens for a renewed fight against a casino in Fairfax County," Mulston said, in an email to Patch.