Stories for September 2020

Opinion: Commentary: Vote No on Question 1 in Virginia

The proposed process makes meaningful citizen input virtually impossible.

The rhetoric around Question 1 on the Virginia ballot is miles away from the actual redistricting process that would be frozen into constitutional language.

Voters Taking No Chances in Arlington

Voting is underway for the November Presidential election.

On Sept. 18, the official countdown begins in Arlington for the Nov. 3 Presidential election.

First you Say You Do, Then You Say You Don’t in Arlington

Arlington reverses social distancing ordinance

The repeal of the Arlington County Emergency Sidewalk Distancing Ordinance at the Sept. 15 Arlington County Board Meeting sits right in the middle of the widespread controversy.

ArPets: Meet Jackfruit, the Rat

Rats apparently make great pets. Truly. This isn't just another crazy 2020 thing. Or actually, maybe it is.

Celebrating National Hispanic and Latino Heritage Month

This month celebrates the cultural achievements and vast contributions the Latinx community has made to society for centuries.

Opinion: Commentary: We Need to Work Together to Avoid a Housing Crisis

On Sept. 1, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced a sweeping federal eviction moratorium for tenants who are unable to pay their rent due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

An Election about Elections

Voters to determine how redistricting works next year.

When Republicans were in charge of drawing political boundaries for the General Assembly and Congress, Democrats supported an amendment to the Virginia Constitution creating a new mapmaking commission. The idea was to take the power of political gerrymandering out of the hands of the majority and hand it over to a group that wouldn’t be quite so focused on screwing the opposition. But then Democrats seized control of the General Assembly, and most House Democrats flip flopped on the issue.

Mobilizing for the Biden-Harris Ticket

Virginia's former Governor, House of Delegate Speaker and Senate Majority Leader at Fairfax County Government Center.

The second and third day of early voting at Fairfax County Government Center brought enthusiastic voters exercising their rights to vote and more.

Getting in Shape at 60, 70 and 80

Starting where you are and staying consistent among suggestions from healthy and fit seniors.

Whether starting a fitness program after the age of 70 or restarting one after raising children and midlife career building, local seniors share inspiring stories of how achieving and maintaining fitness, health and wellness allows them to lead fulfilling, happy and active lives.

Opinion: Column: “Canceritis”

There are two generic types of cancer: the cancer that you have, and the cancer that has you.

Opinion: Column: And So It Begins

Eleven years, six months and two weeks, approximately, after being diagnosed with "terminal" cancer: stage IV non small cell lung cancer, I have begun my treatment for stage IV papillary thyroid cancer.

Kamala Harris Speaks at Fairfax 9-11 Remembrance Ceremony

At Fairfax County Public Safety Headquarters, County Fire Chief John S. Butler stepped to the podium at the 9-11 Remembrance Ceremony to commemorate lives lost on September 11, 2001.

Safe Spaces for Productive Racial Discussions

Components that should be included in effective forums.

As symbols of racial tension and injustice seemed ubiquitous this summer, a group of parishioners at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Alexandria began meeting virtually to engage in dialogues about the thorny issue of race.

Opinion: Commentary: Facilitating Voting, Adjusting the Budget and Tackling Criminal Justice

Over the last month, the Virginia General Assembly has been in what’s called a “special session” to address voting in the forthcoming election, the budget and criminal justice.

Opinion: Letter to the Editor: What Problem is Ban Solving?

To the members of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors who recently voted to move forward on a public hearing for a total ban on firearms in public places within Fairfax County, I ask a simple question: what problem is this solving?

Horses and the People they Help: A Six-Part Series

If you aren't familiar with how horses are helping people, read on.

Horses and the People they Help: A Six-Part Series

‘I Don't Care If the Horse Poops on Me!’

One mom's commitment to helping her son to get back to therapeutic riding.

"When your child is young and has a diagnosis, you try anything," says Rachel Kirkland.

Leading by Example

Equine Assisted Learning teaches critical life skills.

"The ability to be aware to have compassion; to be confident, but not arrogant; and to take joy in helping to create someone else's success."

Talking to Ty

The 21-year-old Paint Gelding is a great listener.

“Everyone gets her. Everyone accepts her. Everyone likes her. And that means a lot, as a parent.”

Turning Possible into Possibilities

When therapy was needed during quarantine, Sprouts provided a way.

“Riding takes my physical therapy to the next level.”

Horses as Co-Therapists?

Introducing Equine Assisted Psychotherapy

"I saw these kids coming from foster homes and oftentimes reading their charts, the amount of trauma and neglect [they had experienced] was horrifying. Where do you even start?"

Horses and the People They Help

If you aren't familiar with how horses are helping people, read on.

Perri Wight Green of McLean was riding horses before she could talk.

Everyone Loves a Good Parade in Arlington

Police cycles lead the parade down Four Mile Run Drive with antique cars wedged in the middle and two Arlington County fire engines, with sirens blaring, bookending the rear.

Stand Up and Be Counted in Arlington

Arlington’s Census Palooza II hosts tables at Barcroft Apartments, Buckingham Gates of Ballston Community Center and Green Valley Charles Drew Community Center on Saturday, Sept. 12.

Drop-Box Election

Pandemic protocols rewrite rules on voting.

When absentee ballots are distributed in the next two weeks, voters will have a new option to exercise their franchise: a drop box, which will be installed outside the Registrar’s office on North Royal Street.

Opinion: Letter to the Editor: Vote Yes on Amendment 1

As a volunteer over the last four years advocating to end gerrymandering and reform the way our legislative districts are drawn, I wanted to let you know that we have a chance to approve a state constitutional amendment to create the Commonwealth’s first ever redistricting commission.

Upton Hill’s New Parking Lot Is Full of Cyclists

Park in transition serves young and old, but shade trees are gone.

On the Friday before the long Labor Day weekend, Tomás Weber, his sister Vera Weber, and their cousin, Jonathan Melo, and grandfather “Papí” (Elvis) were enjoying the smooth, unscathed new enlarged blacktop parking lot at the Upton Hill Regional Park, along with several other young cyclists who were reveling in the near empty lot so they could show off their bike riding skills.

Moore’s Barber Shop Open, Staying Safe in Arlington

Older, vulnerable residents look for low-volume barbers who go the extra mile.

Jim Moore was finally able to open his barber shop, Moore’s Barber Shop, on May 29th, when Virginia gave the green light to hair salons and barber shops.

Bridges to Independence Merges

Green Valley Neighborhood will benefit from merger.

Bridges to Independence announced a merger with Bonder & Amanda Johnson Community Development Corporation (BAJCDC) last week.

Arrest Made in Arlington Trail Assaults

Over the weekend, the community provided numerous tips and investigative leads which led to the identity of the suspect involved in a series of incidents along Arlington trails.

ArPets: Meet Khale

Let's help her find her forever home.

I was devastated when mom and dad told me they had to leave me behind.

Opinion: Letter to the Editor: For Some Workers, Nothing Leisurely About This Labor Day

Workers lucky enough to have a job face the double bind of fearing the risk of COVID-19 and being laid off.

There will be nothing leisurely about this Labor Day for many working families, not least for essential workers.

The Fight for Paid Leave

After effort for paid sick days falters, lawmakers move toward paid quarantine leave.

The fight for paid sick days is on hold for now, and advocates have moved to a fallback position for the special session of the Virginia General Assembly: quarantine leave.

Opinion: Column: Cancer For Dummies: Me

As I was telling my long-time friend, Rita, over the phone on Saturday afternoon, as a cancer patient – and I know this is going to sound ridiculous, short-sighted and stupid, I am not always forthcoming and honest when it comes to sharing new symptoms with my doctors, particularly my oncologist.

Last Chance to See the ASPIRE HOUSE in McLean

Design showhouse closes on Sunday, Sept. 13.

Designing a dream home can be likened to assembling a haute couture wardrobe.

Things to Know About Coronavirus Testing

If you think you have coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) or have been exposed to someone who was confirmed to have the disease, contact your health care provider or visit one of the testing sites listed here.

Opinion: Commentary: Protecting The Postal Service

Hundreds of calls and emails from constituents urging Congress to stop efforts to sabotage the USPS.

This August the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) unexpectedly became a center of national attention.

Around Arlington

Five New Voting Sites—The Arlington County Board approved five satellite offices for early voting in the Nov. 3 Presidential election in order to offer more opportunities for voting during the coronavirus pandemic.

Tick and Mosquito Control without Spraying

Master Gardeners and Naturalists take the long view of pest control.

Kasha Helget, Arlington Regional Master Naturalist, busted a few myths about mosquitoes and ticks when she gave a talk for Encore Learning in April.

Need a Covid-19 Test?

Testing and guidance in the same package, with fast results, at Arlington Mill.

They say the third time's the charm, and it was.

ArPets: Hogan Hovsepian

Deciding to get the dog was easy.

Don’t Rain on This Parade in Arlington

It’s on. It’s off. It’s on. It’s raining.

Impact of Extended Social Isolation on Teens and Tweens

Psychiatrists and psychologists say that missing opportunities to connect with peers can cause long-term damage.

After a summer of postponed vacations, closed pools and limited summer camps, all a byproduct of COVID-19, parents are concerned about the wellbeing of their children.

Virginia Assembly Bills to Protect Right to Vote

On Friday, Aug. 28, the Virginia General Assembly Senate and House of Delegates passed budget bills supporting safe elections during the pandemic.

Opinion: Letter to the Editor: A Time for a Good Gun Safety Law

Back on Sept. 13, 2019, state Senator Scott Surovell, wrote an opinion article in the Connection newspapers about his father and son feeling scared and intimidated by four armed men walking through a farmer’s market carrying AR-15s.