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Column: My Manifesto, Sort Of

Being diagnosed with a terminal form of cancer (no, they’re not all “terminal”) is “a heck of a thing,” to extrapolate a bit from Jim Valvano’s memorable 1993 ESPY Awards speech given a few months before he succumbed to his cancer.

Commentary: Legislation Combats Sex Trafficking

On July 1, legislation that I sponsored, HB1964, went into effect. This new law is Virginia’s first stand-alone human trafficking statute and creates stricter penalties for traffickers, greater protections for sex trafficking victims, and provides needed tools for prosecutors and law enforcement to stop human trafficking in Virginia.

Letter: Celebrating Marriage Equality

Letter to the Editor

To the Editor: Today, we rejoice in the decision of the U.S. Supreme Court upholding the federal right of same sex partners to legal marriage in the cases of Obergefell v. Hodges, Tanco v. Haslam, DeBoer v. Snyder, Bourke v. Beshear.


Letter: Questioning VDOT On I-66 Plan

Letter to the Editor

The following is a statement by the 66 Alliance at the Virginia Department of Transportation’s public information meeting on the “Transform 66 Inside the Beltway Project” at the Arlington Public Library on June 17.

Commentary: Braddock Nights Concerts Kick Off July 10

Summer concerts series Friday evenings at both Royal Lake and Lake Accotink Parks.

Most people have fond, nostalgic memories of visits to the park. Perhaps celebrating family picnics and reunions, playing little league baseball games, enjoying quiet evenings in nature or even fishing and hiking with friends and family.

Fairfax: ‘A Spoonful of Sugar’ Plus Magic

Robinson senior has title role in “Mary Poppins.”

Featuring a cast and crew of nearly 50, Westfield Summer Stage is bringing the beloved Disney musical, “Mary Poppins,” to life. And playing the lead role is a rising senior at Robinson Secondary School.


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A House by the Sea

Design ideas for beach homes.

As the sweaty days of summer slog on, many are dreaming about a home by the sea, a wistful retreat where cares flow as freely as an ocean breeze.

Editorial: Yes to Nonpartisan Redistricting

Politicians shouldn’t be choosing voters.

Virginia’s Congressional map is unconstitutional because African American voters are packed into District 3, according to the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia. The problem will have to be remedied by drawing new boundaries.

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Coming Home to Queen of Peace in Springfield

Residents with disabilities move into new group house on Gresham Street.

Ten months ago, the unassuming single-level house on Gresham Street in north Springfield was a private residence. Today it’s the permanent home of four individuals with disabilities, and a fifth is on the way.


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Burke Optometrist Celebrates 30th Anniversary

In 30 years, Dr. Rick Katz has had over 100,000 patients. In some cases, he’s helped five generations of the same family to see better.

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Fourth of July Weekend Fun in Fairfax County

A roundup of entertaining things to do this weekend: July 3-5, 2015.

A roundup of fun things to do this weekend in Fairfax county.

Column: Quality of Life

Throughout my nearly six and a half years of cancer treatment, starting at the initial Team Lourie meeting on February 27, 2009, when my oncologist suggested I take that vacation I’ve always dreamed of (to which I exclaimed “WHAT!?”), my quality of life has always been important to him.


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TJ Grad Hits Bulls Eye Against Lyme Disease

As a Thomas Jefferson High School student in 2010, Temple Douglas recognized the possibility for a better Lyme Disease test. Several members of her family had Lyme disease and “I recognized the need,” she said.

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Leaving Fairfax With Something to Remember

Tawny Hammond led shelter to place 95 percent of animals in adoptive homes.

At some point in life, every person should hear gratitude the way the members of the Board of Supervisors expressed theirs to Tawny Hammond.

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July 4th Safety

From swimming to fireworks, safety precautions for a festive Independence Day.

It was a near accident at camp last summer that sparked action by one parent. Elementary school-aged campers splashed in the pool. Everyone was having fun. Then tragedy almost struck.


Fairfax County: Deferring to Noise

New standards will wait until after the November election.

The Board of Supervisors wants to spend more time with noise. Last Tuesday, June 23, the Board deferred action on the proposed changes to the county’s noise ordinance until Nov. 17, 2015.

Editorial: Open Letter to Elected Officials and Candidates

Spend some of your campaign dollars in newspapers.

Here at the Connection, our email boxes are filling up with messages from people running for office. It’s not surprising, since in November, virtually every state and local office in the commonwealth is on the ballot.

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Health Curriculum To More Closely Align with State

School Board approves recommendations from advisers, with amendments.

Though it was the second packed house in as many months, it may be early yet to call crowded Fairfax County School Board meetings a trend.


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Weekend Fun in Fairfax County - June 26-28, 2015

A roundup of entertaining things to do this weekend.

A roundup of fun things to do this weekend in Fairfax county.

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Fairfax County: Police Release Use of Force Review

Review explained at latest Ad Hoc Police Practices Review Commission meeting.

Nearly a year ago, Fairfax County sought an outside opinion on its police department’s use of force. That July 2014 assignment went to the Washington, D.C.-based Police Executive Research Forum.