Heart Of Del Ray, Free Little Art Gallery, Springsteen: NoVA Good News

VIRGINIA — This week's good news stories in Virginia include the Heart of Del Ray award winner, a Free Little Art Gallery ribbon-cutting in Reston, and a Saturday night VIP dance party in Herndon.

Plus, read about Vienna taking its star turn in a new episode of WETA's "If You Lived Here" series, $700,000 getting appropriated to help fund the redevelopment of the Hy-Way Motel in Fairfax City for permanent low-income housing, and ALDI nearing the opening of its newest location at the South Alex development along Fairfax County's Richmond Highway corridor.

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

Del Ray Farmers Market Wins 2023 Heart Of Del Ray Award

The Del Ray Farmers Market, a year-round, volunteer-organized event, is the winner of the 2023 Heart of Del Ray award. The Del Ray Business Association presents the annual award to a business or organization representing the "heart and soul of Del Ray." Nearly 1,000 people participated in the online public voting to choose the winner.

Free Little Art Gallery Aims To Spark Creativity Of Southgate Area

Neighbors of the Cathy Hudgins Community Center at Southgate got a Valentine's Day gift on Tuesday evening. Local officials gathered for a ribbon-cutting of a new Free Little Art Gallery, a miniature cabinet containing items meant to spark creativity within the community. Anyone is free to take one of the items or contribute something for others.

Vienna Landmarks, Listings Featured On 'If You Lived Here'

A variety of properties on the real estate market in the Vienna area were featured in the latest episode of "If You Lived Here" on PBS station WETA Monday night. "If You Lived Here" is a real estate-focused series highlighting neighborhoods and houses in the DC region. As hosts Christine Louise and John Begeny explore listings at different price points with real estate agents, they also explore the neighborhoods' characteristics and history.

Photos: Saturday Night Was For Dancing At Herndon Community Center

More than 130 people showed up Feb. 11 at the Herndon Community Center to take part in the VIP Dance, which was hosted by the Town of Herndon Parks & Recreation Department. Childtime Learning Center and Nothing Bundt Cakes of Herndon-Reston sponsored the dance, with the Reston Community Players and Herndon High School Theater class providing support.

$700K Approved To Fund Lamb Center's Hy-Way Motel Redevelopment

Fairfax City Council voted unanimously to approve a $700,000 appropriation to help fund the redevelopment of the Hy-Way Motel property on Fairfax Boulevard for permanent low-income housing. The funds were part of a supplemental appropriation resolution of $3,301,388 that council members approved to cover expenditures in the second quarter of Fiscal Year 2023.

Other Fairfax City Good News

• Celebrate Women's History Month In Fairfax City With Title IX Discussion
• Fairfax City Awards Grants To Human Service Safety Net Nonprofits
• Help Shape The City Of Fairfax's Title VI Program

Star Students

• Fairfax College Students Receive Academic Honors From Their Schools
• Ashburn Star Student Excels In The Classroom, Helps Others Learn
• Ashburn Star Student Is A Creative Soul Who Stands Up For What's Right
• Teen Inspires Fellow Students To Make Valentines For The Seriously Ill
• Star Student In Mount Vernon Works In Outreach Programs

Arts & Entertainment

• Cappies Review: McLean High School Turns 'Claudio Quest' Into Reality
• Bruce Springsteen Adds Shows At Nationals Park, Camden Yards To Tour

In the Good News Biz

• New ALDI Store Opening At South Alex Development In Groveton
• La Coop Coffee Celebrates Grand Opening Of New Arlington Coffee Shop
• Herndon's Deltek Ranks Among Best Mid-Sized Employers On Forbes List

A Few More Good News Stories:

• Free Fairfax Connector Rides For More Kids Proposed In Fairfax County
• Rescue Me: Pupcake Is A Sweetheart Who Loves To Snuggle
• Worldgate Athletic Club Teams With Inova To Host Feb. 25 Blood Drive
• Solar Panels Coming To 12 Prince William County Schools
• Developments, New Trail, Tourism: What's New In Mount Vernon