Stranger Pays For Hotel, Top Pizzeria, Soccer Friendly: NoVA Good News

VIRGINIA — This week's good news stories in Northern Virginia include a stranger paying the hotel bill for a group of church volunteers from Vienna whose flight was canceled, Mount Vernon hosts a naturalization ceremony for 90 people on the Fourth of July, and a local pizza spot is named one of the 50 best pizzerias in the U.S.

Plus, a local artist creates a tote bag inspired by the Falls Church Farmers Market, Pupatella makes plans to open a new location in Alexandria, and Segra Field in Leesburg to host a friendly match between the men's national soccer teams from Ethiopia and Guyana.

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

Stranger Pays Hotel Bill For Vienna Volunteers After Canceled Flight

Vienna Presbyterian Church volunteers were trying to return from a mission trip last Friday when they were faced with flight delays and cancellations. Last Friday, American Airlines offered no assistance or compensation for the delayed flight but allowed them to book a flight for the next day. When a stranger from Illinois noticed the volunteers' frustrations, he offered to pay for their hotel and wrote a check to cover the hotel stay before he boarded his own flight.

July 4 Naturalization Ceremony For New Citizens Held At Mount Vernon

Ninety people from 53 countries had an extra meaningful reason to celebrate Independence Day this year. George Washington's Mount Vernon hosted a naturalization ceremony with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services for new U.S. citizens as part of its Independence Day celebration. The ceremony included the oath of allegiance by Kimberly Zanotti, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Washington Field Office director.

Artist Creates Bag Inspired By Falls Church Farmers Market

The Falls Church Farmers Market is a favorite for locals to visit year round, so it's no surprise it inspired an artist to create art for a tote bag. The artist, who goes by able6, is a former businessman who worked in consulting and went on to start and sell businesses, including the former Jerry's Subs & Pizza in Falls Church. His perspective changed when he suffered a heart attack while running.

NoVA Pizza Place Ranked As One Of The Best In U.S.

Virginia is home to one of the top 50 pizzerias in the United States, according to a ranking by Italian pizza experts. A Modo Mio, on Langston Boulevard in Arlington, was ranked the 48th best pizzeria in the country by 50 Top Pizza, a pizza evaluation site in Italy. Owned by restaurateur Joe Farruggio, A Modo Mio’s focus is on Neapolitan pizza. The restaurant also serves pasta, chicken and seafood dishes, and panini combos.

Biz News

• Five Guys Coming To Haymarket Development In 2024
• Eunik Interiors To Open In Downtown Manassas This Summer
• Pupatella Seeks To Open Alexandria Location
• Brilliant Earth Offers Personal Service For Clients In Mosaic District

Arts and Entertainment

• Shows Featuring Drag, Magic, Comedy Highlight Return Of Rosslyn Live
• 'Brunchin' With The Queens' Show Coming To The Commentary In Arlington
• Arlington's Gallery Underground Opens Show To Support Military Artists

More Good News Stories

• International Soccer Friendly Comes To Segra Field In Leesburg
• Pick Up Transformers, American Girl Dolls At Herndon Closet Toy Sale
• Arlington Ranks In Top 10 Of Best Cities For Renters In U.S.
• Alexandria Ranks In Top 50 Of Best Cities For Renters In U.S.