Community Corner

Hitting Jackpot, Miss Fairfax Volunteer, Free Bus Ride: NoVA Good News

Good news in NoVA this week includes Falls Church's grand marshal, Miss Fairfax Volunteer's positive message and free bus rides for kids.

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Miss Fairfax Volunteer Christina Blake appeared at Springfield Town Center’s inaugural Blossom Fest, promoting the Miss Volunteer America organization's mission of volunteerism and empowerment.
Miss Fairfax Volunteer Christina Blake appeared at Springfield Town Center’s inaugural Blossom Fest, promoting the Miss Volunteer America organization's mission of volunteerism and empowerment. (Mark Hand/Patch)

VIRGINIA — This week's good news stories in Northern Virginia include the co-owner of Clare and Don's getting picked as the grand marshal of Falls Church's Memorial Day Parade, a children's book author competes in the Miss Virginia Volunteer competition, and the community raises more than $30,000 for the family of a Woodbridge girl who was hit by a car.

Plus, more children will be able to ride the Fairfax Connector bus for free, a high school English teaches wins $385,000 in the Virginia Lottery, and several area runners are heading to Boston to run in the marathon on Monday.

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

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

Clare And Don's Co-Owner Named Memorial Day Parade Grand Marshal

The grand marshal of Falls Church's 41st Memorial Day Parade and Festival will be Rebecca Tax, who co-owns Clare and Don’s Beach Shack and Lazy Mike’s Deli with her brother, Dave. She was selected for her community contributions to Falls Church City Public Schools and the Falls Church Homeless Shelter.

Free Fairfax Connector For Additional Kids Approved By Supervisors

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

More children will be able to ride the Fairfax Connector bus for free in Fairfax County after an approval by the Board of Supervisors Tuesday. Starting May 1, children 12 and under can ride for free on Fairfax Connector with a paying adult. With the new policy and others, Fairfax Connector is free for all youth in Fairfax County.

'It's Amazing:' $38K Raised For Family Of Woodbridge Girl Hit By Car

In three days, a GoFundMe has raised more than $30,000 for the family of a Woodbridge girl who was hit by a car. On Thursday, her family told Patch that they have been amazed by the community's support. On Wednesday night, Jordynn Manning opened her eyes and blinked for the first time since she was hit by a car. Jordynn is still heavily sedated in the intensive care unit.

Miss Fairfax Volunteer 2023 Spreads Message Of Service At Blossom Fest

Among the special guests at Springfield Town Center’s inaugural Blossom Fest was Miss Fairfax Volunteer Christina Blake, who started a nonprofit organization when she was in high school to address the unequal distribution of academic resources. As the reigning Miss Fairfax Volunteer, Blake will be competing at the Miss Virginia Volunteer pageant at the Academy Center of the Arts in Lynchburg in August.

Arlington Honors Legacy Of Elizabeth Campbell At Shirlington Library

Arlington Public Library hosted the unveiling of a new exhibit at its Shirlington Library on Friday that honors the life and legacy of Elizabeth Campbell, who helped to found WETA, the first public television station in the Washington, D.C., area. The centerpiece of the new exhibit is the desk that Campbell used during her decades working at WETA in Arlington.

Lottery Players Win the Jackpot

Farmers Markets Open 2023 Season

Top-Ranked Towns and Businesses

Boston Bound

Community Cleanups

Expos and Festivals

Ribbon-Cuttings

More Good News Stories:

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