Subject
title
Recognize and Present the 2026 Rockville Recreation and Parks Foundation Community Achievement Awards.
end
Department
Recreation & Parks
Recommendation
Staff recommend the Mayor and Council, along with the Rockville Recreation and Parks Foundation President, Chip Boylan, recognize and present the 2026 Rockville Recreation and Parks Foundation Community Achievement Awards to the recipients.
Discussion
The Rockville Recreation and Parks Foundation is proud to partner with the City of Rockville to enhance parks, facilities, and recreation programs each year. In 2015, the Foundation established the Community Achievement Awards to recognize community members and organizations whose generous contributions enrich the lives of Rockville residents through recreation and parks. The recipients of the 2026 Rockville Recreation and Parks Foundation Community Achievement Awards are:
Individual Category: Lily (Lillian) Fischer
Lily has been part of the Croydon Creek Nature Center community since she first joined us as a young camper. After aging out of many of our programs, she chose to remain involved by becoming a volunteer, continuing the connection she built here as a child.
For the past four and a half years, Lily has served as a dedicated animal care volunteer, coming in every week to help care for our animal ambassadors. Over the past two summers, she expanded her role by volunteering with our camps, helping create the same meaningful experiences she once enjoyed as a participant.
Lily has contributed more than 230 hours of service. Staff is incredibly proud of her growth, her commitment, and her enthusiasm. Lily has made a lasting positive impact on our staff, our animals, and the community we serve. Her dedication truly makes the Nature Center a better place, and we are honored to recognize her as a community award recipient.
Business Category: Montcare Potomac (Montcare)
Montcare is an exceptional business partner whose generosity and commitment greatly enhance programs and services at the Rockville Senior Center. Each year, they support more than twenty events, providing in-kind contributions ranging from t-shirts for Turkey Trot participants to giveaway items for the annual Health Fair. Their support extends beyond the Senior Center, they also contribute to the Villages program and events throughout our neighborhoods by supplying bands, tents, food, and other key resources.
During Heart Healthy Month, Montcare generously provides food for celebrations and ensures a representative is present to engage with participants at our Heart Health events. They also coordinate the Better Breathers Club by organizing monthly meetings, coordinating presentations, and often volunteering after regular work hours. Their representative even serves on the Board for the Village Support Network, further demonstrating their dedication to our community.
Montcare also plays an important role in our seasonal Housing Tours, helping seniors explore local senior living options. But their impact goes far beyond in-kind support-it’s the way they show up. Their representative, Kerri Donnely, attends activities, sits with seniors, and jumps in to support staff whenever needed. Montcare is not only a generous partner, but they are also a true champion of Rockville Senior Services and the senior community. It is with sincere appreciation that we recognize and honor their outstanding contributions.
Non-Profit Category: Capital Area Food Bank
The Capital Area Food Bank has been an outstanding partner to the Rockville community for the past three years. Each month, they provide fresh produce to residents in need, focusing on supporting individuals rather than relying on strict income requirements. Their thoughtful selection of both fresh and shelf-stable foods brings a sense of dignity and joy to participants, many of whom look forward to their distribution day.
Serving more than 300 people monthly, the Capital Area Food Bank plays a vital role in ensuring that our neighbors have access to nutritious food. The City of Rockville is deeply grateful for their commitment, compassion, and dedication to reducing hunger and strengthening our community. Their partnership is truly valued and worthy of recognition.
Congratulations to the 2026 Community Achievement Award recipients.
Mayor and Council History
The Rockville Recreation and Parks Foundation have recognized community members with Community Achievement awards at a Mayor and Council meeting each year since 2015.
Public Notification and Engagement
Community members and organizations are nominated by recreation and parks staff for their volunteer contributions toward advancing recreation and parks efforts in Rockville.
Boards and Commissions Review
The Rockville Recreation and Parks Foundation representative provides a report on the organization’s activities to the Recreation and Park Advisory Board at each monthly meeting.
Next Steps
Recognize and hand out the Rockville Recreation and Parks Foundation’s 2026 Community Achievement Awards to Lily Fischer, Montcare Potomac, and the Capital Area Food Bank for their volunteer contributions to the Rockville community.