Santa Runs | Restaurant Openings | Dog Park With A Bar: NoVA Good News

VIRGINIA — This week's good news stories in Northern Virginia include a robotics team makes a return trip to national competition, police and fire personnel honored with first responder awards, and an indoor dog park with a bar for dog owners plans its grand opening.

Plus, a woman picking up a prescription wins a $1 million lottery prize, a new bookstore features holiday gifts, and Santa gets ready to make neighborhood dashes aboard fire engines.

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

Robotics Team Wins Regionals, Heads To Nationals In Texas

Students from Reston's Ideaventions Academy for Mathematics and Science are traveling to Arlington, Texas to compete in the Bell Advanced Vertical Robotics national championships. This is the second year in a row that the school's robotics team has made it to the nationals.

Police, Fire First Responders Recognized With Local Awards

Unsung first responder heroes received recognition for their impacts on public service at Mount Vernon Springfield Chamber of Commerce's 18th annual Police & Firefighters Tribute. The tribute included stories of how each first responder made a difference and went beyond their job duties.

Woman Wins $1M Prize From Virginia Lottery

A Stafford woman won a $1 million prize from the Virginia Lottery earlier this month. Marie Edwards scratched off the lucky ticket in the $1 Million Spectacular game.

Fonts Books & Gifts To Celebrate Grand Opening

Fonts Books & Gifts is holding a grand opening celebration at its location in Chesterbrook Plaza in McLean. The new bookstore is owned by Amber Taylor, who previously worked at Arlington’s One More Page Books.

Snouts & Stouts Ready For Its Grand Opening Party

Snouts & Stouts, an indoor dog park and bar, is holding a grand opening celebration at its Shirlington location. The dog park portion of Snouts & Stouts is made with specialized K9 turf. This “means that no matter the weather, your dog will be able to play and not need a bath afterward,” Snouts & Stouts says on its website.

New 'Family Friendly' Thai Restaurant To Open In 2024

Sorn Thai, a restaurant owned by the team behind Donsak, a popular Thai eatery in Washington, D.C., is set to open in McLean in 2024. The restaurant, located in the Chesterbrook Shopping Center at 6260 Old Dominion Drive, will showcase the rich flavors of southern Thailand.

• New Upscale Restaurant The Maple Room Opens
• Best Buns Bakery and Burgers Opening New Location
• Honeygrow Opening New Location
• Paris Baguette Brings Freshly Baked Pastries To Arrowbrook Centre

Holiday Season

• Little City Gift Card Relaunched During 2023 Holiday Season
• Holiday Wish Catalog Features Smaller Nonprofit Groups
• Santa To Visit McLean Neighborhoods Aboard Antique Fire Engine
• Christmas, Hanukkah Events In Leesburg: Parades, Tree Lightings, More
• Christmas Events In Fredericksburg: Parades, Tree Lightings, More
• Holiday Displays Chosen By Lottery Installed On Vienna Town Green
• Holiday Gift Show, Tree Fest Arrive In Falls Church For Weekend
• Christmas, Hanukkah Events In Rockville, Tree Lightings, Music
• Grad Student Gets His Kicks With The Rockettes In NYC Practicum

Santa Runs

• Santa To Visit Neighborhoods Aboard Antique Fire Engine
• Santa Runs By Volunteer Fire & Rescue To Kick Off Holiday Season
• Santamobile 2023: See Schedule For Visits Around Town
• Santa Runs 2023: Where To See Santa Atop Fire Engine

More Good News Stories

• French, Italian-Inspired Boutique Plans Opening
• New Inova Urgent Care Facility Opens In Ashburn
• Pet Of The Week: Gentle Senior Needs Home For Holidays

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