
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.

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.

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.

Opinion: Many Reasons to ‘Keep the Greens’
In the last few days, homeowners abutting Reston National Golf Course have been alarmed to find red and white markings along the edges of their properties.
Column: Happy Fourth!
Our federal holiday the Fourth of July, or Independence Day, is known for fireworks, parades, picnics, concerts, baseball games, family reunions and of course retail sales.
Column: Democrats Unable to Field Team in Virginia
When it comes to winning control of the state legislature in Virginia, the Democratic Party of Virginia are the major league equivalent of a cellar-dweller, a last place finisher. At present, Democrats are unable to field a full team to even play the game.

Reston Area Restaurants Closing And Opening
New dining in the Reston area.
Spring brought several new restaurants to Reston Town Center, including the NEYLA Mediterranean Bistro which replaced Paulo’s Ristorante, and Barcelona Wine Bar, a Spanish tapas restaurant known for its wine list. Bartaco, a restaurant with a beachy vibe and cuisine rooted in Mexican tradition opened at 12021 Town Square St., and has received over one hundred reviews on review site Yelp.

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.
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.

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.
Column: Gone But Always Remembered
As Father’s Day approaches, (written Thursday, June 18th) I am reminded of one of my father’s standard lines which characterize his positive attitude on life, for which I am eternally grateful – because I inherited it.

Reston Prepares For World Police and Fire Games
Volunteers sign up to assist in national sports event.
This week, staff affiliated with the Fairfax World Police and Fire Games have been greeting and authorizing the volunteers and participants in the upcoming events at 1800 Cameron Glen Drive, Reston.
Call for Pet Connection Photos
The Pet Connection, a twice-yearly special edition, will publish on July 22, and photos and stories of your pets with you and your family should be submitted by July 15. Our favorite pictures include both pets and humans. We welcome short stories about how you got your pet, a noteworthy talent or anecdote about your pet, tales of the bonds between your family and your pet, plus drawings, paintings or other artwork of your pet by children or adults Please tell us a little bit about your creature, identify everyone in the photo, give a brief description what is happening in the photo, and include address and phone number (we will not publish your address or phone number, just your town name).
Editorial: Safe Planning for Independence
Talking and planning about celebrating July 4, and throughout the summer months.
Independence Day is a national celebration, and for many, that celebration includes alcohol. The summer overall and July 4 in particular are times of greater risk for drinking and driving.

Reston: ‘Blessed to Be a Part of It’
546 students graduated from South Lakes High School on Thursday, June 18.
English teacher Valerie Padgett sometimes consulted an urban dictionary to understand her South Lakes High School students. “You all made me laugh,” she said. “I have been blessed to be a part of it.” The senior class chose her to be the faculty member to give the commencement address at their once-in-a-lifetime commencement ceremony.
Reston Home Sales: May, 2015
In May, 2015, 111 Reston homes sold between $1,225,000-$119,000.
Reston Home Sales: May, 2015