Community Corner
Best Friends Inspire Students, Holiday Contest Winners: NoVA Good News
Good news in NoVA this week includes two auto shop teachers making a difference, Little City Gift Cards get replenished and fare-free Metro.

VIRGINIA — This week's good news stories in Virginia include two long-time friends and teachers making a difference at Lake Braddock Secondary School in Burke, fare-free Metro rides on New Year's Eve and additional funding for Falls Church's Little City Gift Card program.
Plus, read about Vienna's holiday decorating contest winners; a nonprofit employee winning a disability inclusion award; and heroes and star athletes from Northern Virginia.
Here are some of this week's good news headlines:
Find out what's happening in Arlingtonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Long-Time FCPS Auto Tech Teachers Mentor New Generation Of Students
Two auto shop teachers and long-time friends recount decades of making a difference for students at Lake Braddock Secondary School and taking auto shop class together as teenagers in the 1980s at South Lakes High School.
Little City Gift Card Program Finds Early Success In Falls Church
After a successful launch of the Little City Gift Card in the City of Falls Church, $50,000 in additional funding has been added to support the initiative.
Find out what's happening in Arlingtonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Fare-Free Metro Offered During Last Hours Of New Year's Eve 2022
Free Metro rides will be an option during the last hours of 2022. Metro announced extended hours to 2 a.m. on Sunday, Jan. 1 and free fares from 8 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 31 through closing.
Vienna 2022 Holiday Decorating Contest Winners Named
A record number of votes came in to decide the best home displays in Vienna. Judges also chose their top three business displays.
Recipients Of Best Of Braddock Awards Honored At Reception In Burke
The winners of the 2022 Best of Braddock Awards “exemplify the spirit of service and collaboration that make this such a special place,” Braddock District Supervisor James Walkinshaw.
Vienna Nonprofit Employee Earns Disability Inclusion Award
A director at Vienna-based Langley Residential Support Services was honored with a disability inclusion award for her work helping people with developmental disabilities.
More Local Heroes
- Local Hero: Andrea Baumann Helps Keep Arlington Seniors Strong, Mobile
- Patch Local Hero: Ruszkowski A Diligent Advocate Of Fairfax's Homeless
Star Athletes
- Star Athlete In Greater Alexandria Has Selfless Attitude, High GPA
- Annandale Star Athlete Shines As Basketball Co-Captain, IB Student
Eating Out On Christmas
- Del Ray Restaurants Open Christmas Day Or Christmas Eve 2022
- Old Town Alexandria Restaurants Open Christmas Day, Christmas Eve 2022
- Greater Alexandria Restaurants Open Christmas Day, Christmas Eve 2022
- Falls Church Restaurants Open Christmas Day Or Christmas Eve 2022
- Restaurants Open Christmas Day And Christmas Eve 2022 In Arlington
- Restaurants Open Christmas Day And Christmas Eve 2022 In Fairfax City
- Restaurants Open Christmas Day And Christmas Eve 2022 In Herndon
- Restaurants Open Christmas Day And Christmas Eve 2022 In Reston
A Few More Good News Stories:
- Northern Virginia Nonprofits: Share Your Wish List For 2023
- Christmas Concerts, Holiday Lights: Upcoming Events Around Vienna
- Del Ray Holiday Decorating Contest 2022 Nominees Announced
- Traffic Safety Jingle Contest Includes Fredericksburg Competitors
- Reston Mother Pens Book To Help Children Battling Critical Illnesses
- Silver Diner Ballston Holds Raffle, Auctions Memorabilia For Nonprofit
- Lego Center Groundbreaking Marks Springfield's Ongoing Economic Growth
- Marco's Pizza Franchisee Signs Deal To Open 8 More Locations In NoVA
- Heart + Paw Expands Ballston Staff, Plans Tours At Holiday Dog Party
- House Passes Bill To Rename Arlington Post Office After Letter Carrier
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.