GOOD News: Shelter Dog Joins the Force, Summer Restaurant Week, Best Small Town + ALS Ice Bucket Challenge

Heartwarming and positive stories from our Patch sites in Northern Virginia and DC.

Metro Richmond Zoo Welcomes Endangered Baby Tapir

The Zoo announced the July 29 birth of an endangered Brazilian Tapir Monday.

GOOD News: Bao Bao's Birthday, Affordable Housing, Sunset Cinema + School Supply Drives

Heartwarming and positive stories from our Patch sites in Northern Virginia and DC.

GOOD News: Mayor Tribute, Scholarship Program Recognized, National Night Out Plans + Restaurant Openings

Plus, Springfield on FBI 'short list' for possible HQ and 'The Butler' author will hold lecture, book signing in Alexandria.

Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Recognizes Greenspring's Scholarship Program

In 2014, 32 students received $10,000 scholarships from Greenspring, a 60 percent increase from 2013.

Fairfax Library Foundation Awards Continuing Education Scholarships

Fairfax Library Foundation has awarded Continuing Education Scholarships to three Fairfax County Public Library employees and volunteers.

11 Years After 'Heaven,' What Life is Like for the Burpo Family

The movie, in stores July 22, is about a real-life boy who says he went to Heaven and met Jesus during surgery. We spoke with the family behind the film about how it can help start a discussion in your town.

24 Amazing Ways Residents Inspire Their Communities

Patch readers told us who the "Everyday Inspirations" in their communities are, and we're sharing their stories and the work they've done locally.

Everyday Inspirations: Incredible Ways People Give Back Locally

Patch readers told us who the "Everyday Inspirations" in their communities are, and we're sharing their stories and the work they've done locally.

'Coupon Queen' Gets $800 Grocery Bill Down to $7, Gives Savings Away

A New York woman is so good at bargain shopping that she's used her skills to donate groceries and other goods to charity. Learn how you can follow her lead locally.

Charitable Children: 'No Matter What Age You May Be, You Can Change the Life of Another'

As a part of our "Everyday Inspirations" series, we look at how children across the country are making big impacts locally.

Harp Healing: Woman Uses Music Therapy to Help Hospital Patients

After losing three people close to her in eight months, Edie Elkan picked up a harp for the first time in 28 years. Now she runs a program training others to play the instrument for patients in hospitals.

Nominate 'Everyday Inspirations' in Your Town

Patch wants to share stories about people who work every day to change others' lives for the better.

Man Steals from Coffee Shop—and You’ll Never Guess What Happened Next

Who says the punishment always has to fit the crime?

Second Grader’s “Buddy Bench” Goes Viral

Christian Bucks’ idea to foster friendship spreads to 32 states—and counting.

The Week's Best Good News: A Winning Wedding, 26 Days of Kindness and More

Here's our roundup of the most uplifting and feel-good stories from Patch towns across the country.

The Week's Best Good News: Man Finds $98K in Desk, Holocaust Survivor Reunited with Soldier

Here's our roundup of the most uplifting and feel-good stories from Patch towns across the country.

Butterball Turkey Hotline Helps Home Cooks Conquer Thanksgiving

Fifty turkey experts will answer questions on meal prep and turkey emergencies this holiday season.

How to Order Butterbeer at Starbucks

It's not on the menu, but customers can give baristas a special recipe that will produce a drink similar to the beverage enjoyed by the fictional witches and wizards from the Harry Potter books.

The Week's Best Good News

Here's our roundup of the most uplifting and feel-good stories from Patch towns across the country.

ICYMI: The Week's Best Good News

We rounded up the most uplifting stories trending across the country.

Black Cats Have Bad Luck Finding Homes, Fairfax Shelter Workers Say

Black cats and dark-colored animals in general are often overlooked at shelters, but the Fairfax County Animal Shelter aims to change that with this weekend's adoption event.

High School Student with Down Syndrome Scores Touchdown [VIDEO]

A football dream comes true for a high school senior in New York.

Center Without Walls Helps Seniors Get Moving

A program called the Burke/West Springfield Senior Center Without Walls aims to help older residents stay active through activities.

Weekend Planner: Fall for the Book, Bike Rodeo, Homes Tour and More

Friday, Sept. 28 through Sunday, Sept. 30, 2012

Federation of Citizens Associations Names Officers

The federation named the new officers at their first 2012-13 meeting.

National Suicide Prevention Week

Suicide is the tenth leading cause of death in the United States.

Burke Centre Festival in Photos

Sunday was day two of the 35th annual Burke Centre Festival.

Photos: Burke Centre Festival In Progress

The Burke Centre Festival continues through Sunday afternoon. Add your own photos to our gallery here!

Supervisor Cook, Boy Scouts Open Burke Centre Festival 2012

Fair-goers enjoy funnel cakes, train rides, local vendors. Fair food, balloons, local vendors.

Burke Centre Festival Guide

The 35th annual festival is Saturday and Sunday.

Burke Area Seniors Walking Club Seeks New Members

The Burke/West Springfield Senior Center Without Walls sponsors a free walking club.

Save the Bay Photo Contest

Vote by Friday for one of these nine images.