Man of the Year –

This gentleman joined the Kiwanis Club of South Arlington in 2000.  He has been the president of the club from 2006 – 2009 and again 2011-12.  While the club has benefited and thrived under his leadership, it’s his service to the community and his abilities to reach out to the less fortunate and communicate their needs to others that have made our community a better place to live and why the Kiwanis Club of South Arlington nominated Andres Tobar as Man of the Year.

Andres currently serves as the Executive Director of the Shirlington Employment and Education Center, which helps day laborers and local residents who are looking for work and they have placed more than 2,000 jobs such as furniture moving, landscape and minor home repairs.

Andres started the “give a meal” program, collaborating with the faith community who helped prepare the meals.  He initiated a training program for immigrant women, which provides instruction in Green Housecleaning, which will help them become more marketable while using environmentally safe cleaning methods. 

Andres has also participated on the Advisory Board of Arlington Mill School, Arlington County Crime Solvers, AMEN (Arlingtonians Meeting Emergency Needs) and the Virginia Coalition of Latino Organizations.

For his service and dedication to the Kiwanis Club of  South Arlington and the Arlington Community, we congratulate Andres Tobar as Man of the Year.

Woman of the Year –

This wonderful woman has been a member of both the Better Sports Club of Arlington and the Arlington South Lions for many years.  She manages the Christmas Tree Lot with both hats on and through this work, raises money for both organizations to complete projects and their work in the community throughout the year.

For this reason, and many more, The Better Sports Club of Arlington has nominated Emily Carnes as Woman of the Year.

Emily has served in leadership roles in both clubs, as Secretary and Executive Board Member for Better Sports and the President and Secretary for the Arlington South Lions.

Emily is currently the 2012 District Governor for Lions District 24-A.

Both groups have honored her for her devotion and dedication with their awards – as an outstanding club members, a distinguished humanitarian award and the International President’s Leadership Medal, on of the Lions top honors.

One of her main accomplishments over the past 5 years has been her work with the Lions Assisted Medical Project which provides badly needed medical care for individuals and families in one of the poorest areas of Virginia and West Virginia.  For many of these folks, this is the only medical care they receive during the year.

Emily’s energy, friendliness and willingness to sacrifice her personal time are an inspiration to all who are fortunate to come into contact with her.

Please join me in congratulating Emily Carnes as Woman of the Year.