Members of the Fairfax Community Improvement Foundation are pictured with their first project, a sign to honor Fairfax’s John Gilbert. Pictured above (left to right) are: Mandy Smith, Krys Carlock, Jill Kingery, Crystal Woodring, Marilyn and Bob Alldredge and Ginny and Jack Vernon.

Submitted by Marilyn Alldredge

Fairfax Community Improvement Foundation is about to complete their first project, an honorary sign to be erected on the southeast side of Fairfax R-3 School. The significance of the sign is to honor John Gilbert, a 2005 Fairfax alumnus, who was part of the Gold Medalist Paralympic Wheelchair Basketball Team in Brazil last year.
John came to the school in January to present a program to the students and public on his achievements, by overcoming his personal immobility and receiving honors on the Olympic level.
Members of the Fairfax Improvement Foundation felt this was an extraordinary accomplishment and pursued a way to acknowledge it. Thanks to many donations by both Fairfax and community friends near and far, the sign became a reality. Once the framework is complete the sign will be put in place.
The group’s next project is in the planning process to include an upgrade of playground equipment in the Fairfax City Park. Many decisions will have to be made and funds raised to support the effort. This project may have to be done in different stages. The group will keep the public informed of the proposed progress on this matter.