Community Corner

Crumbl Cookies | Thingamajig Convention | Hug Pillows: NoVA Good News

Good news in NoVA this week includes a business' 70th anniversary, a women's club fills backpacks, and a college whiz mentors young people.

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The Woman’s Club of McLean raised $1,300 this summer to purchase and outfit backpacks for school-aged children involved in Second Story, a Fairfax County nonprofit for young mothers and their children.
The Woman’s Club of McLean raised $1,300 this summer to purchase and outfit backpacks for school-aged children involved in Second Story, a Fairfax County nonprofit for young mothers and their children. (Courtesy of Libby Russler)

VIRGINIA — This week's good news stories in Northern Virginia include an amazing recent high school graduate shares her knowledge to help adults and young people find success, a new Crumbl Cookies provides delicious treats and job opportunities for young people, and a great line-up of festivals coming this fall.

Plus, Cosmetics brand Merle Norman celebrates its 70th anniversary, a dog bakery prepares for doggie trick-or-treating, a local woman wins the top prize in a Virginia Lottery game.

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

Find out what's happening in Arlingtonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Recent grad Helps Teens Stay Tuned Into Hard-To-Find Opportunities

A 2023 graduate of Wakefield High School in Arlington spent the summer working with the YMCA of Metropolitan Washington as part of an internship sponsored by Bank of America, culminating with her helping to organize the YMCA’s Thingamajig Invention Convention.

Zero Waste Store Honored For Waste-Reducing Efforts

Trace the Zero Waste Store was recognized for providing alternative products to reduce plastic waste and helping customers learn how to do so. Owner Mala Persaud got a shout-out for educating customers through the store's website and community events. One of these events is a "Recycling: Ask Me Anything" event with Fairfax County's Solid Waste division.

Find out what's happening in Arlingtonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Merle Norman Celebrates 70-Year Anniversary

Cosmetics brand Merle Norman already has a storied history dating back to 1931. Its Vienna location is also one of the oldest businesses in town. Merle Norman Cosmetics of Vienna celebrated its 70th anniversary with a community celebration on Saturday. To celebrate the occasion, customers were treated to sales, prizes and refreshments.

Woman's Club Raises $1,300 To Fill Student Backpacks

The Woman's Club of McLean raised $1,300 this summer to purchase and outfit backpacks for school-aged children involved in a program for young mothers and their children. The program is operated by Second Story, a nonprofit group in Fairfax County that provide counseling and residential housing for teens, young mothers, and their children who are living in unsafe residential situations.

Crumbl Cookies Hopes To Connect Community Members

A new Crumbl Cookies location is now open in Stonebridge at Potomac Town Center. Franchisees, Cory and Joanna Ellis said they wanted to help provide job opportunities for youth and young adults in the area. "It’s also important for us to bring people together for an uplifting and positive work environment," the Ellises said. "If we can do that while providing the community with a delicious treat, it’s a great combination!"

Restaurants Openings and Expansions

Halloween Is Coming

Falls Festivals

Teacher Spotlight

National Merit Semifinalists

More Good News Stories

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