Body Found in Fair Oaks

Fairfax County firefighters responded to an outside fire, Sunday, April 7, around 12:05 p.m., at Route 50 and the Fairfax County Parkway in Fair Oaks. While battling the blaze, they discovered the body of an unidentified adult male. Tuesday afternoon, police identified him as Handel Vincent Stephen-Dowd, 24, of Fairfax.

Upon arrival, firefighters encountered grass, brush and several trees on fire near the eastbound ramp of Route 50 leading to the parkway. After quickly bringing the fire under control, they found the body in the area of the fire.

Fire investigators and police are jointly investigating the incident. The medical examiner will determine the cause and manner of death following an autopsy. Police had no further information regarding Stephen-Dowd’s family or occupation.

Apple, Vantria Federal Credit Unions Announce Merger

Apple Federal Credit Union (Apple) and Vantria Federal Credit Union (Vantria) announced that they have received approval by the National Credit Union Administration to merge in early May 2013. Apple is headquartered in Fairfax, with a branch network extending throughout Northern Virginia. Vantria is also headquartered in Fairfax County with one branch (Springfield) serving the county.

Apple will absorb Vantria, including all of its employees and its branch, so there are no expected layoffs or branch closings related to this merger.

“Apple will benefit from a larger member base and a slightly broader branch network, resulting in greater convenience for members of both credit unions,” says Larry Kelly, president and chief executive officer of Apple. “In addition, Vantria shares many of our core values including a strong membership focus and sense of community.”

Vantria members will automatically assume Apple membership and immediate access to their full line of products and services.