Bearded Dragon, 335-Hole Golf Marathon, Wine Lovers: NoVA Good News

VIRGINIA — This week's good news stories in Northern Virginia include a Fairfax City police officer reuniting a missing bearded dragon with its owner, a high school freshman from Herndon raises money to purchase school supplies for underprivileged children, and a Reston golf pro completes a record-breaking golf marathon to raise money for wounded veterans.

Plus, law enforcement who helped to peacefully end a days-long barricade are honored by Fairfax County, restaurants across Northern Virginia are recognized for their excellence in wine lists, and Alexandria and Arlington receive top rankings for their public transit options.

Here are some of this week's good news headlines:

Missing Bearded Dragon Reunited With Owner Thanks To Fairfax Police

A missing bearded dragon was reunited with its owner on Wednesday thanks to the intervention of the City of Fairfax Police. On Tuesday, Officer Emerson trapped the lizard in a city resident's garden and transported it to the Fairfax County Animal Shelter. The lizard's owner, Everett Vann Eberhardt II, saw a social media post with a picture of Emerson holding his missing reptile, named Mary Ormand.

Herndon Student Launches GoFundMe To Purchase Back To School Supplies

Sanya Bhalla believes strongly in the importance of giving back to the community. "Throughout my childhood, I've always been active in the service of our community by holding various essential drives," the rising high school freshman told Patch on Monday. As a way of continuing her charitable efforts, the Oak Hill resident recently launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise money to purchase school supplies for underprivileged children in the area.

Golf Pro Breaks Hidden Creek Club's Record In 335-Hole Marathon Game

Anthony McNamara, the golf pro at Hidden Creek County Club in Reston, completed a record-breaking golf marathon on June 23, playing a total of 335 holes in a single day. "He played non-stop speed golf from dawn to almost darkness — playing 16 hours and 12 minutes breaking the Hidden Creek record of 333 holes played in one day by 2 holes," said Toby Marquez, who organized the event. McNamara's effort was not just for show. His herculean demonstration of linksmanship helped raise over $20,000 for Segs4Vets, a local charity helping wounded military veterans.

Justice Grad Earns Scholarship Honoring Late Laura Ashley Piper

Each year, the Fairfax County School Board awards a scholarship to a student leader to honor the late Laura Ashley Piper, a former student representative to the School Board who served in the Air Force and was killed in action over Iraq in 1994. This year, the Laura Ashley Piper Scholarship winner is Sofia Ielmini, a Justice High School graduate. Ricardy Anderson, who represents the Mason District where Justice High School is located, presented the resolution to honor Ielmini.

Law Enforcement Praised For Peaceful End To Richmond Highway Standoff

Never before has Fairfax County Police Chief Kevin Davis seen cigarettes delivered by robot to a person in crisis. But that's what happened in late March when a woman in a mental health crisis barricaded herself in her car, shutting down Richmond Highway for more than 34 hours. On Tuesday, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors praised the law enforcement officers who contributed to the peaceful resolution of the standoff. Officers who responded to the days-long barricade were on hand to receive a resolution.

Arts and Entertainment

• Falls Church Arts To Open Street Life: Real Life Reimagined Exhibit
• Reston Community Players Recognized For Winning 13 WATCH Awards
• Fairfax Actor To Play Lead In Prince William Little Theatre's 'Oliver'
• Frying Pan Farm Park To Host Summer Concerts, Children's Entertainment

Wine Lovers

• 4 McLean Restaurants Among Wine Spectator's 2023 Award Winners
• Arlington Restaurant Among Wine Spectator's 2023 Award Winners
• Alexandria Restaurant Among Wine Spectator's 2023 Award Winners
• Vienna Area Restaurants Among Wine Spectator's 2023 Award Winners
• Fairfax Restaurant Among Wine Spectator's 2023 Award Winners
• 3 Reston Restaurants Among Wine Spectator's 2023 Award Winners
• Manassas Restaurant Among Wine Spectator's 2023 Award Winners
• Occoquan Restaurant Among Wine Spectator's 2023 Award Winners
• Leesburg Restaurants Among Wine Spectator's 2023 Award Winners
• 2 Ashburn Restaurants Among Wine Spectator's 2023 Award Winners
• Fredericksburg Restaurant Ranks Among Wine Spectator's Best Of 2023

Stores and Restaurants

• New Dunkin' Under Construction In Woodbridge
• Boot Barn Now Open In Woodbridge
• Alexandria Restaurant Week, Summer Sidewalk Sale Announced For 2023

More Good News Stories

• Alexandria Ranked Among Best Places To Live Without A Car
• Arlington Ranks Among Best Places To Live Without A Car
• 3 Vienna Sports Teams Championships Hailed By Board Of Supervisors