Korean War Veteran Helped, Down Syndrome Honoree: NoVA Good News

VIRGINIA — This week's good news stories in Virginia include a local nonprofit performing upgrades on the home of a Korean War veteran from Falls Church to make it more accessible and a Vienna man who advocates for people with Down syndrome receiving the prestigious Quincy Jones Exceptional Advocacy Award.

Plus, read about Patch helping an Arlington woman find her lost dog; new movie theaters coming to Falls Church after the original movie theater company filed for bankruptcy; and Fairfax Fire & Rescue participating in the annual Toys for Tots Campaign.

And don't forget to read about local star student athletes in Virginia who are also doing great work in the community.

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

Falls Church Veteran Helped By Critical Home Repairs From Volunteers

Korean War veteran John Rinehart and his wife of 42 years, Delia Rinehart, have lived in their Pimmit Hills home for 36 years. But getting around has been harder for John after an accident following his Army service. But because money is tight for the couple, their home wasn't updated to help John easily get around. That changed when nonprofit Rebuilding Together Arlington/Fairfax/Falls Church teamed up with the company Lockheed Martin to provide needed interior and exterior home repairs for the Rineharts.

Dog Who Went Missing In Columbia Forest Area In Arlington Located

Ellie, a 25-pound, white, skittish dog who went missing around midnight on Nov. 6 in the Columbia Forest area, has been located. Maggie Fogarty, who had moved into Columbia Forest on the same day, lost Ellie as she was walking her between Giant Food and Wakefield High School. Last Monday evening, Fogarty's mother, Anne Mercurio Koski, contacted Arlington Patch through its Facebook page, asking that we help get information out about the search for Ellie. The next day, Ellie was found and reunited with Fogarty.

Vienna Advocate For People With Down Syndrome Receives Award

Vienna resident David Egan will add to his accomplishments as an advocate for people with Down syndrome by receiving the prestigious Quincy Jones Exceptional Advocacy Award. The award will be given during the Global Down Syndrome Foundation's Be Beautiful Be Yourself Fashion Show on Nov. 12 in Denver. The award has been given to actors, politicians, self-advocates and others. Egan, who has Down syndrome, will be given the 2022 award along with actor Eric Dane.

Paragon Theaters Will Bring Movie Theater To Falls Church

Paragon Theaters will officially open at Founders Row, developer Mill Creek announced ;sdy Monday. The announcement is a step forward after a previous movie theater plan fell through. Studio Movie Grill had been planned to be part of Founders Row until it filed for bankruptcy. The replacement, Paragon Theaters, will join residential and retail uses at the mixed-use development at W. Broad and N. West Streets.

Toys For Tots Collections Begin At Fairfax County Fire Stations

Fairfax County Fire and Rescue will be collecting toys for children in need as part of the regional Toys for Tots Campaign. Collections are underway and will continue through Dec. 11. The county fire department is collecting toy donations at all of its fire and rescue stations. Collection boxes will be placed outside fire stations in the morning and be available until 8 p.m. daily. Only new, unwrapped toys will be accepted and cannot include toys considered to be weapons.

Star Student Athletes:

• McLean Student Shows His Greatness On The Field And As A Kind Person
• Star Student Athlete: Logan Among 'Best Of The Best' Football Kickers
• Star Student Athlete Christopher Competes In Multiple Sports In Reston
• Reston Star Student Athlete: Big-Hearted Lila Is A Hard-Working Skater
• Reston Star Student Athlete: 'Hayden Excels In Sports, Academics'
• Fairfax City Star Athlete: Sydney Helps Teammates Excel In Golf
• Star Student Athlete: 'Emma Works Hard Every Day To Get Better'

A Few More Good News Stories:

• Free Food For A Year Promotion Planned For New Route 1 Wendy's
• Alexandria Film Festival 2022 Features Virtual, In Person Events
• Art On The Avenue Proceeds With Rescheduled Date In Del Ray
• Burke Volunteer Fire & Rescue To Hold Final Blood Drive Of 2022
• CAN the Bird 5K Turkey Trot Coming To Kingstowne On Thanksgiving Day
• Winter Exhibits Ready For Unveiling By McLean Project For The Arts