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Fauquier board recognizes Cindy Burbank, issues human-trafficking prevention proclamation and hears senior-center update
Summary
At its Jan. 15 meeting the Fauquier County Board of Supervisors presented Cindy Burbank with a Citizen of the Year award, read a proclamation designating January as National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month (with a Jan. 21 candlelight vigil announced), and received public praise for a rapid senior-center relocation.
The Fauquier County Board of Supervisors used part of its Jan. 15 meeting for ceremonial recognitions and community updates. Supervisor Gearhart presented a Citizen of the Year plaque for the Cedar Run District to Cindy Burbank, who described a long career with the Virginia Department of Transportation and thanked colleagues and volunteers for county preservation work.
The chair read a proclamation designating January 2026 as National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month and recognizing Jan. 11 as Human Trafficking Awareness Day in Fauquier County. The proclamation named the Fauquier Anti-Trafficking Alliance (FASTA), a Rotary Club of Warrenton service project, and listed participating organizations including the Department of Social Services, the Fauquier County Sheriff’s Office, Fauquier County Public Schools, the FBI, Laurel Ridge Community College, Rappahannock Rapidan Community Services Board and local police and town partners.
Josephine Gilbert, who also spoke during citizens' time representing FASTA and as a Scott District resident, thanked the board for its response to the sudden closure of the county senior center before Thanksgiving. She said the community and local partners helped open a temporary location at 18 Court Street and that programming there was well attended: "Our new location is bright and beautiful. They are feeling the love," she said. Gilbert also announced a vigil in courthouse square on Jan. 21 at 5 p.m. to mark Human Trafficking Awareness Day.
Dave Furia of the FASTA team thanked the community and acknowledged Detective Candace Shaw of the sheriff's office for her work. The proclamation and community remarks drew expressions of appreciation from the board, and staff said they will continue planning for a permanent senior-center solution with Encompass Community Supports and partnering local organizations.
The board also presented a commemorative plaque to the prior year's chair (referred to in the record as Mister Connor) to thank him for his service.
The meeting proceeded to other agenda items after the recognitions and announcements.
