Week in Review: Sam Savia Dies,Negative Outlook for Vienna Bond Rating

Viewing and funeral services have been set for Sam Savia, a longtime resident perhaps most well known for his 70 years of service with the

, just down the road from the Center Street department he began to volunteer with when he was 15 years old.

Savia was president of the department from 1966 to 1967 and again from 1981 to 1985. He remained active up until his death, most recently helping to run the department's weekly Sunday bingo fundraiser.

A viewing will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at, 171 Maple Avenue West, Vienna.

A funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday at St Marks Catholic Church, 9970 Vale Road, Vienna, with internment at National Memorial Park in Falls Church. A reception will follow at the

A full story about Sam Savia will be published Tuesday. To share stories or memories, email erica.hendry at patch.com.

--

Jurisdictions across Northern Virginia are calling Moody's Investor Service's judgment "shortsighted" after its decision Wednesday to keep a negative outlook on local bond ratings.

Vienna Mayor Jane Seeman and Fairfax County Chairwoman Sharon Bulova were among a group of eight local government leaders who issued a joint statement Wednesday in response to a Moody's review of 161 local Aaa-rated jurisdictions "indirectly linked" to the U.S. federal government,

The local governments  because it generally reduces interest rates when they borrow, saving their taxpayers money.

"[This outlook] in no way reflects the continuing strength and sound fiscal management of our local communities. These ratings will increase the cost of borrowing for us all, forcing governments across Northern Virginia to reevaluate and perhaps curtail capital spending. The ripple effect of this situation on our local budgets could threaten basic services, just as we are slowly emerging from the multi-year, cyclical economic downturn," the leaders said in the statement.

NEWS

. Policy would have fined business owners for not clearing sidewalks in specified time frame

Woman killed near Spring Hill Road

. Bulova, York and Stewart say counties should not pick up rest of road tab

. Stephanie Schwab, 26, would have been in danger on the street, attorney says.

Officers recovered items during arrest on Thanksgiving Day

. Authorization from Fairfax County final step in agreement to move forward with above-ground station, lower price tag for Metro.

Ice cream shop faced similar charges earlier this year

. Section of road between Branch Road and Glyndon Street closed until 5 p.m. Tuesday, police say

Year-long study will examine navigating the highway by public transportation, bike and roadways.

Open house in Reston a time for public to check in on Toll Road, Metrorail, improvements.

Concerns about devolution dominate discussion between supervisors, legislators

County forgives about $24 million in real estate taxes annually for about 8,000 residents

. A weekly list of incidents taken from the Fairfax County arrest log. An arrest does not indicate a conviction.

Dominion Power says high winds are the culprit; restoration time varies

Galloping Way to Hunter Mill Road closed until about 3 p.m.

SCHOOLS/SPORTS

. Get out the lights and holly. A photo of your decorated house could earn $100,000 for local schools and $500 for your electric bill.

. Marshall High School standout to continue lacrosse career for Division-I school next year

Awards ceremony recognizes national merit semifinalists, those with 4.0 GPAs

Five players contribute at least eight points each as depth carries Marshall to best start in four years.

COMMUNITY/ARTS

Vienna, Fairfax County alumni studying at the university reflect on Thursday shooting that left two dead

The campus returns to normal following Thursday's deadly events.

Animal activists spoke out at Tuesday's Board of Supervisors meeting

. Restaurant a finalist for Independent We Stand's local business of the year

Cleaning Up the Median Springfield Supervisor Herrity presents ideas for making county medians free of campaign placard

Pack 987 learns about food at the market at Unity Church of Fairfax

We are always on the prowl in our communities for great photos and local stories. This week we captured the performing arts center's annual holiday celebration.