Lego Discovery Center | 'Pooch Parking' | Lady Liberty: NoVA Good News

VIRGINIA — This week's good news stories in Northern Virginia include an ice cream shop wins an award from an advocacy group for people with disabilities, residents welcome the arrival of the "Reclining Liberty" statue, and The Police's Andy Summers is coming to town.

Plus, selfie contest winners show love for parks and recreation, "pooch parking" helps attract pet owners to an area farmers market, the newest Lego Discovery Center opens.

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

Jake's Ice Cream Owner Snags Statewide Award

Retirement hasn't slowed down life for Robin Rinearson as she sets a standard for employers to hire people with disabilities. After opening Jake's Ice Cream Shop to employ people with disabilities, a similar concept called Jake's Gourmet Popcorn has a soft opening in Seven Corners.

Residents Celebrate Parks And Recreation With Selfies

The Fairfax County Park Authority announced the winners of its selfie photo contest to celebrate National Park and Recreation Month. The photos were "connected by the common theme that Fairfax County residents find enjoyment, relaxation and strengthen their connection to family, neighborhoods and communities through Fairfax County’s park system," the park authority said.

'Reclining Liberty' Statue Begins Yearlong Residency

The Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington welcomed “Reclining Liberty” to Arlington at an event where the public got a chance to meet the artist behind the statue and learn about the statue’s meaning. “Reclining Liberty,” a 25-foot-long statue depicting the Statue of Liberty in a lounging pose by artist Zaq Landsberg, will be on display though July 28, 2024.

'Pooch Parking' A New Service For Farmers Market

Under Virginia's health code, animals other than service animals are not allowed at farmers markets. But at the Vienna Farmers Market, a recently introduced service lets residents shop while volunteers watch their dogs.

The Police's Andy Summers Among Barns At Wolf Trap Performers

The famed guitarist (and photographer) from The Police will be among the top names appearing at the Barns at Wolf Trap for the 2023-2024 season at the Barns at Wolf Trap, a 382-seat indoor venue. The season will kick off with Andy Summers on Oct. 13 followed by performances by artists representing various genres.

Fun and Games

• Lego Discovery Center DC Opens At Springfield Town Center
• Hello Kitty Cafe Truck To Make Stop In NoVA On East Coast Tour

Arts and Entertainment

• El Rey's Live Performance Venue In Ballston To Hold Grand Opening
• Fall For The Book Festival To Celebrate 25th Year This Fall
• Music, Dance, Opera, Theater Return To GMU's Center For The Arts
• RCC Professional Touring Artist Series Tickets Sales Open To Public

Good Food News

• Taim Mediterranean Kitchen Opens Fairfax City Location On Friday
• New Coffee Guide To Highlight Alexandria's Locally-Owned Shops
• Restaurants, Retail Announced For West Falls Development
• Tango Pastry Café Brings Argentine Flavors To Vienna
• New Lena's Loft Concept Brings Cuban Flair And Flavors
• New Cookie Shop Opening In Old Town Alexandria

Local History

• American Horticultural Society Looks Back With 50 Years At River Farm

More Good News Stories

• Culpepper Garden Gets Grant From Field To Table To Build Food Pantry
• DASH To Celebrate Record Ridership Milestone Under Fare-Fare Policy
• Retired Sheriff's Impact Continues: Alexandria Community Leader
• Mega Million Tickets From Richmond Highway Corridor Wins $10K