VA Good News: Restaurant RAMMY Awards, Mega Millions, Nat'l Night Out

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:

Fan Vote To Decide Washington Commanders New Fight Song

Voting is now open to decide the exact lyrics of the Washington Commanders' new fight song. Fans have two options to choose from.

These Virginia Hospitals Are The State’s Best: U.S. News

Several Virginia hospitals are among the nation's best-performing, according to new rankings from U.S. News & World Report released Tuesday.

Crumbl Cookies Sets Opening Date In Falls Church

Crumbl Cookies is opening a new location at the Birch & Broad shopping center in Falls Church.

Alexandria Named Best Small City For Business Climate In Ranking

Among small cities, Alexandria has the best business climate, according to a new ranking from Business Facilities magazine.

Bun Papa Pop-Up In Alexandria Scores 2022 RAMMY Award

Bun Papa, a pop-up food concept with locations in Alexandria and Belle Haven, won a RAMMY award, which are given to businesses and individuals showing excellence in the DC region's food service industry.

Casual Restaurant Of The Year RAMMY Award Given To Arlington Eatery

Ruthie's All-Day, a family-friendly restaurant and bar in Arlington, won a RAMMY award, which are given to businesses and individuals showing excellence in the DC region's food service industry.

Honorary Milestone RAMMY Award Given To Mike’s American

The Honorary Milestone RAMMY Awards are given in addition to the judge-voted and public-voted awards. Mike's American in Springfield was recognized for its 35th anniversary.

Honorary Milestone RAMMY Awards Given To Falls Church Area Restaurants

Several Falls Church area restaurants are recipients of the Honorary Milestone RAMMY Award, given to restaurants with longstanding service to the DC region.

Lidl Holds Kids Drawing Competition To Benefit McLean Food Bank

Lidl is holding a drawing competition for children at its new McLean store as part of a benefit for the SHARE of McLean food bank.

Volunteers Pack 15K Meals At Chantilly High For Children In Need

Samson Cares, the philanthropic initiative of Samson Properties, and Generosity Feeds partnered for their annual meal creation event on Saturday to benefit children in need in Fairfax County.

Park Avenue Improvements Focus Of Upcoming Walking Tour

In place of a meeting next Monday, Falls Church City Council will host a walking tour of the Park Avenue improvements project.

Gainesville Ticket Wins $10K As Mega Millions Grows To $1 Billion

A lottery ticket purchased in Gainesville is now worth $10,000, the Virginia Lottery said. Lottery officials said the ticket was purchased at the 7-Eleven on Heathcote Boulevard in Gainesville.

Spotsylvania Ticket Wins $10K As Mega Millions Grows To $1 Billion

A lottery ticket purchased in Spotsylvania is now worth $10,000, the Virginia Lottery said. Lottery officials said the ticket was purchased at Giant Food on Courthouse Road in Spotsylvania.

New Kuhn Jet Center Now Open At Leesburg Executive Airport

The Kuhn Jet Center, which will offer fuel, maintenance, concierge, and courtesy cars for private pilots and passengers, is now open for business at the Leesburg Executive Airport.

Wait Times Reduced To 15 Minutes Between Metro Trains Starting Aug. 1

Metro riders on the Blue, Orange, and Silver lines soon won't have to wait as long for the next train to arrive. Starting Aug. 1, trains will begin arriving every 15 minutes on weekdays and even 5-8 minutes for stations that are served by all three lines, according to a Metro release.

Reston College Students Earn Accolades From Their Schools

Yusuf Hassan and Kira Ketelhut of Reston were among the 291 student athletes at Shenandoah University to be named Academic All-ODAC by the Old Dominion Athletic Conference. Student-athletes who posted at least a 3.25 GPA for the 2021-22 academic year were recognized with this honor.

Herndon College Students Earn Accolades From Their Schools

To shine a light on the academic achievements of college students from the Herndon area, Patch shares information provided by the students' families and Merit News.

Skincare Business Heyday Opening Along Alexandria's King Street

Heyday offers personalized facial services and sells skincare products. Started in New York, the brand now has 12 locations in the New York, Los Angeles and Philadelphia areas as well as Bethesda, Maryland, and Alexandria.

National Night Out Events Planned Around Alexandria In 2022

Neighborhoods around Alexandria will head outdoors for cookouts and block parties for National Night this upcoming Tuesday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.