WHEREAS, Valerie Berman Kitchens, a dedicated conservationist, thoughtful philanthropist, and enthusiastic community advocate from Arlington, died on February 16, 2013; and

WHEREAS, a native of New Jersey, Valerie "Val" Kitchens developed at a young age a deep appreciation for the natural environment and wildlife, especially birds, that she would carry into her adult years; and

WHEREAS, a hardworking student, Val Kitchens graduated from Hackensack High School and earned bachelor's and master's degrees from The George Washington University; and

WHEREAS, Val Kitchens worked for the Library of Congress and settled in Arlington County, where she took an active role in community affairs as a member of the Arlington Committee of 100 and was involved in other community organizations; and

WHEREAS, a dynamic leader, Val Kitchens advocated for the preservation of Arlington County's public spaces, which provides important habitats for a wide range of wildlife; and

WHEREAS, Val Kitchens served in several capacities with the Northern Virginia Chapter of the Virginia Society of Ornithology, commonly known as the Northern Virginia Bird Club, and devoted countless hours to leading bird watching field trips and mentoring new "birders"; and

WHEREAS, Val Kitchens was also a generous supporter of such organizations as the Nature Conservancy, the Smithsonian National Zoological Park, and the Audubon Naturalist Society; and

WHEREAS, a firm believer in the equality of all Americans, Val Kitchens supported the Civil Rights movement, advocated for rights and opportunities for Native Americans, encouraged women to seek elected office, and supported quality education for all youth; and

WHEREAS, Val Kitchens showed her commitment to civic engagement as an election official for nearly two decades and as a volunteer for various campaigns and candidates; and

WHEREAS, Val Kitchens also supported the performing arts through attendance at performances held by a host of local theaters; and

WHEREAS, Val Kitchens enjoyed fellowship and worship with neighbors and friends for more than 30 years at the Church of the Covenant; and

WHEREAS, a dynamic woman and invaluable member of the Arlington community, Val Kitchens worked to preserve the area's great natural resources for future generations and touched the lives of countless individuals with her thoughtful generosity and commitment to making positive changes; and

WHEREAS, Val Kitchens will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by her children, Sharon and Jeffrey, and numerous other family members and friends; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby note with great sadness the loss of an admired citizen of the Commonwealth, Valerie Berman Kitchens; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Valerie Berman Kitchens as an expression of the General Assembly's respect for her memory.