Stories for December 2016

Police Say Burke and Springfield Homicides Appear to be Linked

Victims both 22, found with “upper body trauma”

On Dec. 22, Fairfax County Police responded to a call around 8:15 p.m. that Henok G. Yohannes, 22, had been found dead in his home in the 6400 block of Blarney Stone Ct. in Springfield.

Burke, Fairfax, Springfield: Del. Eileen Filler-Corn (D-41) joins ABLEnow in commemorating the opening of the first ABLEnow account in Virginia.

On Monday, December 19th, the 2nd year anniversary of the federal passage of the ABLE Act, Delegate Eileen Filler-Corn (D-41) joined ABLEnow for a press conference to commemorate the opening of the first ABLEnow account in Virginia. Fittingly, this account was opened for Natalie Beck, whose parents first came up with the idea for ABLE accounts several years ago.

Burke CARES Receives Toy Donation from Pack 1346

On Dec. 13, members of the Cub Scout Pack 1346 donated toys to the non-profit organization Burke CARES, that will then distribute them to children in need around the Burke Community. In addition to the annual gift drive, Burke CARES (Community Action Resources for Empowerment and Support) also partners with St. Mary of Sorrows Catholic Church in Fairfax each year to provide donated backpacks and school supplies to between 35 and 45 children in Burke.

Burke United Methodist Church hosts hypothermia prevention shelter.

Just before five p.m. on Dec. 14, the Burke United Methodist Church kitchen is bustling with volunteers. They’re preparing soup, snacks and dinner meals for between 25 and 30 homeless guests who will spend the night at the church.

Fairfax Station: Temple B’nai Shalom Students Build Canned Food Menorah

Hebrew School students at Temple B’Nai Shalom in Fairfax Station prepared for Chanukah by building a menorah from cans of food.

Fairfax County Sheriff’s Deputy Cleared in Fatal Shooting

Commonwealth’s Attorney: homicide was justified self-defense.

In a decision released Dec. 16, Commonwealth’s Attorney Ray Morrogh cleared Fairfax County Master Deputy Sheriff Patrick McPartlin of any criminal wrongdoing in the fatal shooting of Yovani Amaya Gomez that took place Aug. 15 outside Inova Fairfax Hospital.

Police Out to Catch Drunken Drivers in Fairfax County

Grant funds new DWI Enforcement Squad.

A new squad of police officers has started patrolling the county and they have only one mission: to combat impaired driving.

Holiday Grief

Workshop helps others deal with loss.

The holiday season is bittersweet for Jeanne Rorke.

Letter to the Editor: Protect the Consumer Protection Bureau

Consumer protection groups have grown increasingly concerned about Republican promises to cut back on financial regulations next year.

Commentary: Fairfax Police Reform Is Well Underway

I endorse the Connection Newspaper’s recent editorial on the progress Fairfax County has made implementing the recommendations of the Ad Hoc Police Practices Review Commission, on which I had the honor of serving as chairman of the Use of Force Subcommittee.

Commentary: Congress Coming Together to Find and Fund Faster Cures

On Dec. 8, I joined with a bipartisan group of House and Senate members, and the Speaker of the House, as the Speaker signed the 21st Century Cures Act.

Editorial: History in Police Reform Part 2

Civilian Review Panel — and they said it couldn’t be done ….

Last week, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors voted to establish a Civilian Review Panel, part of a two-pronged concept of independent oversight of law enforcement recommended unanimously by the Ad Hoc Police Practices Review Commission.

Fairfax County: Filling Oversight Positions

Supervisors outline procedures for bringing on police auditor and civilian review panel.

One week after voting to establish Fairfax County’s first Civilian Review Panel for police, Public Safety Committee chair supervisor John Cook (R-Braddock) and Board of Supervisors Chairman Sharon Bulova outlined steps to be taken to fill the nine-member panel, as well as hire an independent police auditor.

Lorton: Swim Teams Make Toys for Tots Splash

West Springfield High School varsity Swim & Dive teams

The South County and West Springfield High School varsity Swim & Dive teams donated gifts for the South Run RECenter Toys for Tots campaign prior to their meet against each other on Dec. 10.

Lorton: Exploring Pluto’s Secrets

Could Pluto once again be considered a planet?

Clifton scientist Dr. Michael Summers, also a professor of Planetary Science and Astronomy at George Mason University, said he still considers Pluto one of the nine major planets in the solar system. One of the foremost experts on Pluto, Summers is part of the New Horizon mission team, which has spent the last decade designing, preparing and maneuvering a space probe for the first ever close-up observation of Pluto.

Fairfax: ‘Just Pause and Don’t Do It’

Residents debate University Drive extension

The City’s proposal to extend University Drive has sparked strong feelings in Fairfax residents. They spoke both for and against it at the Nov. 1 community outreach meeting and before the Nov. 8 City Council meeting. But most of the speakers during Tuesday night’s public hearing were firmly opposed.

Fairfax: University Drive Decision Postponed

Council to mull community’s comments, get more information.

After 29 residents – the vast majority in opposition – spoke about it, the Council decided it needed more time to consider the community’s comments, see if a grid network in Northfax is really needed and obtain more information about its options.

Burke: Surviving Brain Injury

New book shares stories of strength and inspiration.

A new resource is available to those who’ve been touched by traumatic brain injury (TBI) called “Surviving Brain Injury: Stories of Strength and Inspiration.” A collection of 90 stories, mostly by TBI survivors, “Surviving Brain Injury” personalizes life’s trajectory after a blast to the head, a fall or stroke.

Burke: Legislative Forum Held at Accotink Unitarian Universalist Church

The art of the possible

At the free public forum, Grow, Rhee and Bowers-Lanier stressed the importance for people who are concerned about climate change, immigration and economic justice, health care and other social justice issues to be both active and vigilant as these issues come before state and federal lawmakers in 2017.

Police Chief’s Cruiser Hit by Drunken Driver

News

Fairfax County Police Department Chief Col. Edwin Roessler Jr. was rear-ended by a drunken driver in Centreville on Monday night, Dec. 12.

Ad Hoc Commission Recommendations: 88 Percent Implemented

Public Safety Committee hears from Recruitment, Diversity and Vetting subcommittee chair.

The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors is well on its way to implementing all recommendations from the Ad Hoc Police Practices Review Commission. At the Dec. 13 meeting of the board’s Public Safety Committee, they announced 88 percent of the commission recommendations have been implemented or are soon to be so.

Burke Home Sales: November, 2016

In November, 2016, 47 Burke homes sold between $799,000-$128,000.

Burke Home Sales: November, 2016

Fairfax County: Filling Oversight Positions

Supervisors outline procedures for bringing on police auditor and civilian review panel.

One week after voting to establish Fairfax County’s first Civilian Review Panel for police, Public Safety Committee chair supervisor John Cook (R-Braddock) and Board of Supervisors Chairman Sharon Bulova outlined steps to be taken to fill the nine-member panel, as well as hire an independent police auditor.

Classified Advertising December 14, 2016

Read the latest ads here!

Free Holiday Cab Rides Help Prevent Drunk Driving

Combating that holiday period which the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says is a “dangerous time to be on the road due to a high number of drunk drivers behind the wheel,” a local nonprofit organization will offer free cab rides to would-be drunk drivers throughout the Washington-metropolitan area during the winter holidays.

New Catholic Bishop: To Listen and Learn

A ministry to the faithful and the community beyond.

The Most Rev. Michael Burbidge assumed full authority last week as the new bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Arlington.

Open Floor Plan Provides Holiday Entertainment Solution

Open house helps homeowners looking for ideas.

It's one thing to talk a good game; quite another to put your ideas to the test by inviting a long list of perceptive critics to inspect your wares.

2017 Color of the Year: Greenery

Pantone says color will evoke reinvigoration.

When Reston-based interior designer Annie Elliott’s home office began to feel lackluster, she draped the windows with green Roman shades to infuse a burst of color into the muted space.

‘Infamy’: Springfield Resident Remembers Pearl Harbor

Survivor recalls Pearl Harbor attack on 75th anniversary.

“To do our duty was all that mattered. We responded to the challenge.”

Fairfax City: >Red-Light Cameras for Three More Locations

The goal is to increase driver and pedestrian safety.

City Council has given Police Chief Carl Pardiny the go-ahead to have red-light cameras installed at three more City intersections.

Fairfax: Three Council Members Are Vying for Mayor

Politics

Three members of the Fairfax City Council have tossed their hats in the ring to become the City’s next mayor. Vying in the Feb. 7, 2017 special election will be Council members Michael DeMarco, David Meyer and Ellie Schmidt.

Fairfax: Festival of Lights and Carols

Holiday

The City of Fairfax’s annual Festival of Lights and Carols was Saturday, Dec. 3.

Quarterback Promotes ‘Phones Down. Touchdown.’ Initiative

Redskins’ quarterback urges region to put phones down while behind the wheel.

“If I get sacked in a game, I can get back up and move onto the next play — for the most part,” he said. “But when you text and drive, you might not get back up.”

Burke, Fairfax Station, Springfield: Great Dads Turns 20

Nonprofit celebrates two decades training fathers to be better parents.

“I remember leaving the conference and driving past the exit for my office,” Stafford said, “looking back and seeing my briefcase, thinking about all the things I needed to get done, or thought I did.” But Stafford passed the exit, drove home and surprised his wife. He announced the family would be going to the zoo, “a nice little daycation.”

Classified Advertising December 7, 2016

Read the latest ads here!

Supervisors Establish Fairfax County’s First Police Civilian Review Panel

As complement to police auditor, panel will review abuse and misconduct complaints.

The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors voted 9-1 on Tuesday, Dec. 6 to establish a Civilian Review Panel to provide oversight of Fairfax County Police and to hear complaints of police misconduct or abuse of authority.

Taking a Fantasy Flight to the North Pole from Northern Virginia

In spirit of season, community organizations and businesses donate hundreds of service hours and supplies.

One hundred twenty-five children with life-challenging illnesses, their families and a support team of doctors, nurses and volunteers, for a total of 216 people, arrived at Gate 7, Terminal D at Dulles International Airport, Dec. 3, and headed for the hottest destination of the season.

Updated List of Shelters for the Homeless

Shelter Information

NVRC has updated the list of shelters for the homeless, drop in centers and winter shelters in the region: Visit http://www.novaregion.org/index.aspx?NID=174

Springfield: Richard Byrd Library Hosts Book Sale

The Friends of Springfield’s Richard Byrd Library host their largest annual book sale Dec. 1 - 3. Visitors can shop over 10,000 books, covering every genre. In addition CDs, DVDs, vinyl, puzzles, games, comic books and graphic novels are also available.

Bumped, Bruised, Better

Springfield man recovers from mid-race Ironman accident.

Bill Vitaletti of Springfield had fractured his jaw in three places, broken a bone in his eye socket, chipped a tooth and cracked two other teeth that would eventually have to be pulled. But he didn’t know any of that at the time. What he knew was he still had at least 20 miles left to bike and 26.2 miles to run before completing his first Ironman triathlon.

Springfield's Ironman

Springfield man recovers from mid-triathlon biking accident.

Bill Vitaletti of Springfield had fractured his jaw in three places, broken a bone in his eye socket, chipped a tooth and cracked two other teeth that would eventually have to be pulled.

Lorton: Holiday Homes Tour ‘Warm Hospitality’

Clifton residents welcome visitors for Holiday Homes Tour.

The Currans had the old house demolished and a new one built in its place. One that would fit the character of the historic neighborhood.

Fairfax: Holidays Come to City Concerts, Plays, Santa and S’mores

City of Fairfax ushers in the holiday season.

Christmas in the City of Fairfax is always special. And a full slate of activities from Dec. 3-19 is sure to make holiday spirits bright.

Fairfax Station: Thirtieth Joint Thanksgiving Eve Service Held at Temple B’Nai Shalom

Temple B’nai Shalom in Fairfax Station and Lutheran Church of the Abiding Presence in Burke held a 30th consecutive joint Thanksgiving Eve service Nov. 23 at the Jewish congregation’s synagogue.

Fairfax: Getting into Holiday Spirit with Encore

Musical extravaganza, ‘Christmas Undercover,’ takes the stage.

“It’s a really cute plot with a detective feel to it, plus Santa Claus,” said Director Raynor van der Merwe. “There’s a strong storyline that sets up beautiful vocal and dance numbers that further tell the story. It’s a very entertaining show for the whole family. For two hours, the youngest to the oldest will be transported to a different world.”

Celebrating Diversity in Burke

33rd Interfaith Thanksgiving service at Burke Presbyterian Church celebrates differences.

“You can lament about the hate in the country right now,” she said, “but there’s a great sense of readiness to act in a different way, that we’re capable of being different and being together.” Co-pastors at Burke Presbyterian Church Rev. Meg Peery McLaughlin and her husband Rev. Jarrett insist the interfaith Thanksgiving service held in their worship hall on Nov. 22 was not in response to any perceived disunity in the country following the Presidential election.