VA Good News: Man Drafted By NY Mets+Special Pup Adopted

VIRGINIA — Tired of all the "doom and gloom" stories that come across your TV screen when you turn on the news or pull up a news site on your computer? We get it. It can be pretty depressing.

That's why every week Patch makes a point to highlight the good news happening in your community.

Here are more than a dozen stories from the past week that highlight the positive things taking place in and around Virginia communities:

McLean Resident Drafted By New York Mets In MLB Draft

A McLean resident and 2022 graduate of Gonzaga College High School was chosen in the second round of the Major League Baseball draft on Monday by the New York Mets.

Free Catalytic Converter Etching Available For Fairfax Prius Owners

Two businesses in Merrifield and McLean are teaming up with the Fairfax County Police Department's McLean District Station to provide etching services for Toyota Prius owners who wish to protect their cars from catalytic converters thefts.

Never Say Die Attitude Propels NFC All Stars To Florida Tournament

Northern Fairfax County Babe Ruth 14 U All Stars, a youth baseball team made up of players from Reston, Herndon and Chantilly, were the first-runners up in the Virginia State Championship. This qualified them to represent Virginia next week's Southeast Region Tournament in Tallahassee, Florida.

Toys 'R' Us Coming To VA Macy’s Stores In Time For Holidays

Macy's, in partnership with Toys "R" Us parent company WHP Global, announced plans this week to bring the beloved Toys "R" Us brand to every Macy's store in America over the next few months.

After 700 Days In VA Shelter, Shinobi The Dog Finds Forever Home

After spending nearly two years in the care of Lynchburg Humane Society staff, the organization's longest-tenured tenant has finally found his forever home.

Donutchew Brings Mochi Donuts, Bubble Tea To Vienna

Donutchew, a Northern Virginia-based business, is open at 107 Maple Ave W. As the business name suggests, the featured menu item is the mochi donut, a dense and chewy donut with a ring shape and made with glutinous rice flour.

Greater Reston Chamber Of Commerce Awards Given, New Board Installed

On Thursday, July 14, the Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce hosted its Awards for Chamber Excellence (ACE) Luncheon. During the luncheon, the Chamber recognized companies and individuals who demonstrated excellence, industry innovation and Chamber support throughout the year.

Arlandria Small Area Plan, Landmark Mall Redevelopment Win Awards

Two planning initiatives in the City of Alexandria have won planning awards from the American Planning Association's Virginia chapter.

Burke Civil Air Patrol Squadron Takes Third At National Competition

Burke's own Civil Air Patrol squadron has won the state level cadet competition before, and now it has placed in a national competition. The Burke Cadet Competition Team finished third overall at the Civil Air Patrol National Cadet Competition.

Benny's Pizza Opens In Manassas, Runs Out Of Food In Opening Weekend

Benny Capolago's, the latest location for the Benny's Pizza chain, celebrated a successful grand opening in Manassas over the weekend. The opening was so successful that the restaurant ran out of food and had to close unexpectedly on Sunday.

Frank's Pepe, Creator Of New Haven-Style Pizza, Opens In Alexandria

In the early 1900s, Frank Pepe immigrated from Italy to the U.S., where he worked on creating his own pizza inspired by his hometown. In New Haven, Connecticut, he established the first New Haven-style pizza, known for being cooked by coal oven and for its thin crust.

Groundbreaking Held For GW Parkway's First Major Upgrade Since 1962

Top federal and local officials participated in a groundbreaking ceremony Monday morning on a $161 project to upgrade the northern section of the George Washington Memorial Parkway in Northern Virginia.

Now Hiring: New Reston Wegmans Market Seeks 100 Full-Time Workers

Wegmans Food Markets will be hosting a virtual hiring event Thursday to fill 100 full-time positions at its new Reston grocery store, which is set to open in early 2023.

Arlington Credit Union Awards $30K In Grants To Local Nonprofits

Arlington Community Federal Credit Union awarded $30,000 in grants to organizations in Northern Virginia focused on housing opportunity, financial education and workforce development.

Book Buddies Program Helps Alexandria Student Shine In Reading

The Book Buddies program did just receive a boost from a $10,000 donation by Dominion Energy to Alexandria Tutoring Consortium.