>Friends, family and City officials honor Armistice Turtora (in bright pink). Photo by Bonnie Hobbs.
Armistice Turtora is the very definition of a community activist and someone who cares deeply about the betterment of her city. For the past 60 years, she’s demonstrated it in her words and deeds.
And last Saturday, June 11, under a bright blue sky, the City of Fairfax honored her in a fitting way. From now on, the open field called “The Bowl” at Van Dyck Park will be known as Armistice Turtora Field.
“This is a great day – the sun is shining bright on Armistice Turtora,” said Fairfax Mayor Scott Silverthorne. Addressing her directly, he added, “What a great crowd – and that speaks volumes about you, Armistice.”
As if her parents knew their daughter was destined to someday accomplish significant things, they gave her a meaningful name. The United States formerly observed Nov. 11 as Armistice Day, in commemoration of the signing of the armistice (agreement) ending World War I in 1918. So when Turtora was born in the U.S. on Nov. 11, 1926, her immigrant parents of Armenian heritage named her Armistice.
Now 89, she’s lived in Fairfax since 1959. As a wife and mother, she became actively involved in her neighborhood as part of the newly created Country Club Hills Civic Association. She served as a block captain, newsletter editor and, eventually, president.
But that’s not all. Turtora organized and served as the first president of the City of Fairfax Federation of Citizens Assns., organized the Bicycle Path Committee and was a member and costume designer for the Fairfax Community Theatre. From 1959-84, she was a member of the City’s League of Women Voters and also served as its chairman. And she worked on voter-registration drives, as well as open-space and education studies.
Turtora was also the former chairman of the City of Fairfax Democratic Committee – which was groundbreaking then because she was the only woman in the bunch. In addition, she worked on many political campaigns and put in long hours at the polls on Election Day.
In 1969, she was the first chairman of Fairfax’s Parks and Recreation Board, which she helped establish, and she tirelessly advocated for the purchase and development of parks throughout the City. And for the past decade, she’s served on the Commission on the Arts.
SATURDAY AFTERNOON, family, friends and City officials gathered at Van Dyck Park for the unveiling of a marker with her name and picture on it, plus information about her many accomplishments. It reads, in part, “The Armistice Turtora Bowl, Van Dyck Park in the City of Fairfax, is named in honor and gratitude after Armistice Ask Turtora for her six decades of volunteer service to the City of Fairfax and its citizens.
“Armistice was a founding member of the City’s Parks and Recreation Board … Her unique vision was to reserve this bowl for unscheduled play and activities …
May all enjoy the “Armistice Turtora Bowl” … and may it remind us to dedicate ourselves, as well, to the betterment of this community, the City of Fairfax.”
During the ceremony, Silverthorne noted how active and involved Turtora has always been. “My dad [former City Mayor Fred Silverthorne] referred to her as ‘Army’ because she was able to accomplish what groups of 10-15 men couldn’t do,” he said. “She’s been active in civic affairs in the community for six decades – what a remarkable record of service.”
“Nobody has done more for this city than Armistice Turtora,” continued Silverthorne. “And on behalf of the City Council and the City of Fairfax, we are so grateful. In the ’60s, when this park was built, she fought to keep this bowl as [a place for] open and active recreation.” And, he told Turtora, “There’s no more fitting honor than naming this bowl after you.”
Also expressing appreciation was former Parks and Recreation Board Chairman Jon Stehle, who thanked Turtora on behalf of the Board. Then came the unveiling and remarks from the guest of honor, herself.
“I didn’t have a great plan when I started doing this,” said Turtora. “It just kind of grew, and I found a way to make good use of my time. [For example], we didn’t have any bicycle paths for my son to ride safely, so I worked for them. And from then on, whenever I saw a need, I tried to fill it. But I didn’t do it alone; I had lots of help and cooperation from so many people. Thank you so much for this day.”
AMONG TURTORA’S RELATIVES in attendance were her daughter, Janice Zagardo, and her family. Afterward, she said how impressed she was with “the people running this city who dug up all the research” on her mother.
“It’s important to honor people who’ve worked hard,” said Zagardo. “That’s what keeps the City running – people who volunteer and ask for nothing in return.” As for the field being named after her mom, she said, “It’s an incredible honor.”