Goatz Sportz Cardz Officially Opens
Community News at a Glance
Capturing the people, places, and businesses of Fairfax County.
Life in Fairfax County can be viewed through a steady rhythm of diverse stories that define its residents, businesses, organizations and government. Compiled and written by Mercia Hobson, staff reporter for The Connection Newspapers. Submit news items for consideration to mhobson@connectionnewspapers.com and include up to two photos with captions identifying people from left, their community, a description of the event, and credit lines as appropriate.
Goatz Sportz Cardz Officially Opens:
Bryan Janick, owner of Goatz Sportz Cardz at 208 Elden St., Ste. 102, in Herndon, helps a customer on the store's official opening day, Jan. 3. Janick launched the business to serve as a local hub for the growing community of trading card and memorabilia enthusiasts in Fairfax County. The shop offers a wide selection of trading cards, sealed boxes, memorabilia, and hobby supplies.
Vienna Town Council Sworn In:
Vienna’s 2026 Town Council stands together after being sworn in by Hon. Steve Shannon, Councilmembers Doug Francis, Jessica Ramakis, Dann Nash, Howard Springsteen, Mayor Linda Colbert, Councilmembers Roy Baldwin, Chuck Anderson, Town Clerk Shelley Kozlowski, Town Attorney Steve Briglia and Town Manager Mercury Payton.
Goodbye Love Sign:
Dozens of local dignitaries and community members pose for a photo next to the temporary LOVE sign near the Vienna Town Green on Jan. 4, 2026, during a special ceremony to commemorate the nation’s 250th anniversary year. Jan. 5 marked the final day in for visitors in Vienna to see the iconic LOVE sign at the Memorial Fountain before it travels to its next destination in Virginia
Vienna 250 Kickoff:
Vienna residents and elected officials, including Councilmember Chuck Anderson dressed as Colonial-era Vienna Resident Col. Charles Broadwater, attend a patriotic bell-ringing event near the Vienna Town Green to commemorate the nation’s 250th anniversary year on Jan. 4, 2026. “We’re delighted such an enthusiastic crowd turned out to literally ring in the new year during our commemorative ViennaVA250 bell-ringing event,” said Vienna Town Councilmember and ViennaVA250 co-chair Chuck Anderson. “Our patriotic theme to commemorate our nation’s 250th birth year included a singalong of the ‘Star Spangled Banner,’ ‘My Country ‘Tiz of Thee,’ and ‘Yankee Doodle,’ and the event was only one of many commemorative activities we’re planning in Vienna for the coming year.” More information: www.historicviennainc.org/vienna250.
Fire in Great Falls:
Fairfax County firefighters battle a two-alarm blaze in the 11100 block of Rich Meadow Drive in Great Falls during the early morning hours of Jan. 1. Flames extended from the rear of the home into the attic. Two residents and one firefighter were evaluated for non-life-threatening injuries.
Respiratory Update:
The Fairfax Health District reports that respiratory illness activity has hit a new high and warns residents of a new "subclade K" variant of H3N2 influenza strain spreading in the region. The current 2025-2026 flu vaccine is a trivalent vaccine that protects against two Influenza A strains (H1N1 and H3N2) and one Influenza B strain. It’s not too late to get your flu shot.
Countywide Public Safety
Traffic Safety Initiative 2026: On Jan. 2, the FCPD officially launched its first major safety initiative of the year. Focused on reducing fatal and serious-injury crashes, the initial phase during the early weeks of 2026 includes Targeted Impaired Driving Enforcement.” Officers will be focused on identifying and stopping impaired drivers, removing dangerous behavior from our roadways, and reinforcing the message that driving under the influence is never acceptable,” police say on their Jan. 2 online post.
Reaching New Heights: The holiday magic might seem like a distant event for most people, but not for these children and their families. Members of the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Technical Rescue Operations Team brought holiday magic to young patients at Inova L.J. Murphy Children's Hospital. On Dec. 17, the team’s rappelling specialists dressed as Santa Claus and other holiday characters descended from the hospital’s 12-story rooftop, stopping at patient windows to wave and spread cheer.