Community Corner

Look Back, Look Ahead: Fairfax County News to Know

Here are the top Patch headlines between Dec. 10 and Dec. 14.

The man accused of assaulting a 17-year-old woman in a bathroom at the Thomas Jefferson Library on Arlington Boulevard in Falls Church is in police custody.

Police Receive 14th Report in Series of Sexual Assaults

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Police said Friday morning they received a report of a 14th victim in a series of sexual assaults that have been happening in the Springfield area, according to an FCPD news release.

Police: Possible 13th Victim Attacked by Serial Groper

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A 23-year-old woman was reportedly groped Thursday while walking on Floyd Avenue near Erving Street in the Franconia area of Fairfax County.

Prosecutors Accused of Tainting Wolfe's New Trial

Attorneys for Justin Michael Wolfe argued during a hearing in federal court Thursday that a Sept. 11, 2012, confrontation between the original Prince William prosecutors and a key witness has so tainted the case that Wolfe cannot get a fair trial related to the March 15, 2001, murder of Daniel Robert Petrole Jr.

Vacant West Springfield Townhouse Damaged By Fire

An accidental fire Wednesday at a vacant townhouse in West Springfield has caused around $100,000 in damage, according to a news release from the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department.

Woodbridge Man Charged with Setting Vehicle on Fire

A Woodbridge resident has been charged with setting a tow truck on fire in Mount Vernon Wednesday.

According to a news release from the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department, fire investigators charged Reu Cruz Ortiz, 32, of Woodbridge, with intentionally setting a vehicle on fire.

Dog Rescued from Egyptian Streets on the Loose After Landing at Dulles

A Germantown, Md. couple who eagerly awaited the arrival of a street dog they rescued from Egypt is now trying to find the animal, which bolted from its crate while being taken through the parking lot at Dulles Airport on Wednesday night.

Would-be owners, David Scott and his wife—who Scott said was too distraught and did not want to be named—are waging a public campaign to find Ralphie, a German Shephard and Labrador mix.

Credit Card Thieves Targeting Cars in Parks

Detectives are currently investigating a series of credit card thefts from vehicles parked at area parks.

Many of the incidents occurred at Burke Lake Park. However, other crimes have happened at Wakefield and South Run Recreation Center, according to a recent news release from the Fairfax County Police Department.

ALDI Grocery Store Opens in Chantilly

ALDI, the minimalist German discount grocery store chain, held its grand opening Thursday at 13920 Lee Jackson Memorial Highway in Chantilly.

The Chantilly store handed out free samples Thursday as future customers were allowed to familiarize themselves with the selection before the store officially opened Friday.

Annandale Florist to Close Dec. 31

After 57 years in business, the Annandale Florist will close its doors at the end of the month.

Owner Gary Sherfey said he plans to retire. The store’s final operational business day will be Dec. 31. Until then, Sherfey said it will be business as usual at the shop as they prepare orders for the holiday season.

Fairfax County Election Commission to Start Work in 2013

A newly appointed election commission will examine efficiency at the polls in Fairfax County in an effort to prevent the long waits some residents dealt with Nov. 6. from happening again.

Sen.-Elect Tim Kaine Receives Committee Assignments

Senator-elect Tim Kaine, who will be sworn into office Jan. 3, will serve on three Senate committees important to Northern Virginia. His office announced he will serve on the following committees:

Fairfax Officials: Sequestration Would Impact Budget By Spring

Fairfax County is staring down projected budget deficits in both Fiscal Years 2014 and 2015, and officials are waiting anxiously for Congress to make a decision on sequestration cuts that would only make those gaps worse.

Fort Hunt Teen Wins Miss American Teenager Jr. Queen Pageant

Carl Sandburg Middle School student Lauren Watson recently won the title of Miss American Teenager Jr. Queen at the National Pageant this Thanksgiving weekend. 

Watson, an eighth-grader, was selected to represent Virginia as Miss Virginia American Teenager Jr. Queen. She competed in three categories: personal interview, swimsuit and evening wear. She also competed in the State Costume category, where she wore a sailor outfit representing the Department of Defense, Virginia's largest employer. Her platform was Nutrition and Fitness Awareness.

Patient First Opens in Kings Crossing

Patient First staff, Mount Vernon-Lee Chamber of Commerce members, and representatives from the Southeast Fairfax Development Corporation were on hand Thursday for the ribbon-cutting of Patient First at Kings Crossing.

Patient First, an urgent and primary care center, chose the Kings Crossing location due to its growth and activity.

Office Depot Relocating this Winter

The Office Depot in Beacon Mall will move to another location on Richmond Highway this winter.

According to an employee at the store, Office Depot will move to the former Rite Aid building at North Kings Highway and Richmond Highway. The move will take place in February, the employee told Patch.

Breakfast at Brion's with the Rotary Club of Burke

The Rotary Club of Burke will meet and dine at Brion's Grille, University Mall accross from GMU, 10621 Braddock Rd., Fairfax, VA 22030. The breakfast meetings usually include guest speakers involved in community activities.

Enter Our Holiday Lights Contest Here

Enter our holiday lights contest here! If you have a fabulous light display you want to show the world, you could win $500 toward your light bill and $100,000 for your school district. Find out all the contest details here.

Andy Cooney's Classic Irish Christmas

The magic and meaning of Christmas comes alive with Andy Cooney’s A Classic Irish Christmas. The Cooney charisma and charm have made Andy a favorite among American and Irish audiences. Andy has been called the Irish America’s Favorite Son by The New York Times. Andy Cooney and his guests will entertain you with the celebration of Christmas.

Fairview Elementary Gets Into Holiday Spirit With 'Warm Hands, Warm Hearts' Drive

Fairview Elementary School students are collecting mittens, gloves, hats and scarves for the annual "Warm Hands, Warm Hearts" drive.


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