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Give back and volunteer around NOVA
Keeping Arlington au naturel. | Photo by @arlparksrec
Maybe you have some extra time on your hands, or maybe you’re just in the giving spirit.
All we know is there are more than enough great causes in NOVA to support with your time, whether you’re an animal lover, an artsy type, a natural mentor, or a healthcare enthusiast. Here are 30+ volunteer opportunities to get involved with around Arlington, Alexandria, and beyond. Campagna Center | Take part in serving 2,000+ families in Alexandria every year by tutoring school-aged kiddos K-5 or assisting its adult English language learning program for refugees and immigrants. Northern Virginia Bird Alliance | Rather than commit to a rolling schedule, sign up for one-off habitat restoration sessions with set weekly hours. Lucky Dog Animal Rescue | With nearly as many remote options as there are in-person ways to give back, this nonprofit needs volunteers willing to assist with fundraising, foster counseling, social media, and more.
Reading Partners | No prior experience is needed for in-person or virtual volunteers offering one-on-one instruction for a little over one hour each week.
Want to learn more about Virginia’s history? Take advantage of the Virginia 250 Passport through Wednesday, Dec. 31, to celebrate the United States’ 250th birthday. Track your adventures, receive discounts, and win prizes at sites across Virginia. Many of NOVA’s museums are participating — see which ones.
Try This
Virginia and the Department of Motor Vehicles are launching the Virginia Mobile ID, providing a more convenient way to carry your ID. It’s currently accepted at over 250 US airports, the Virginia state police, and DMV customer service centers.
Eat
Pink Saffron is officially open in Pentagon City at 1201 S. Joyce St. This Indian restaurant is serving a variety of curry dishes alongside shareable plates like garlic naan. Check out the full menu. (ARLnow)
Biz
Saunas are all the craze lately.SweatHouz, a business that features both cold plunges and infrared saunas, is coming to Leesburg. It will take a spot at the Marketplace at Potomac Station. Here are six saunas you can check out while you wait. (The Burn)
Open
Cheers, fellow beer lovers. Ornery Beer Company is currently soft opening a new public house in Herndon. This is the second public house location, following the first in Fairfax, along with a taproom in Bristow. (The Burn)
The Word
Contribution: a gift or payment to a common fund or collection. Your contribution to our giving campaign supports more than Editor Ava and NOVAtoday — it supports our colleagues in other cities, our account managers, and everyone who helps keep this newsletter coming to your inbox each morning. If you support our hardworking team, donate.
Travel
The $700 million Amtrak modernization project in DC broke ground. Along with some general improvements, it also includes the construction of a new maintenance facility, known as the Ivy City Rail Yard. This is expected to be completed by 2030. (Secret DC)
Environment
Earlier this week, Lake Cook saw a restock of the fish population — about 350 pounds of trout, to be exact — thanks to the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources. This is part of the Urban Fishing Program, an effort to allow locals to engage with the outdoors. (ALXnow)
Development
Chin Park Library is set to close on Wednesday, Nov. 26, for a renovation project and is expected to reopen summer 2026. During the closure, a temporary ‘library’ will open in the Administrative Support Center’s Trustee Conference Room of the Chin Park Library on Tuesday, Jan. 20. (InsideNOVA)
Outdoors
If you’re like me, you opened your phone yesterday morning to a ton of photos of the Northern Lights. If you missed seeing them IRL, like me, take a look at this photo gallery showcasing the natural phenomenon in Northern Virginia. (InsideNOVA)
Finance
Take a break from high-interest debt with this versatile card that offers 0% intro APR for 18 months on balance transfers. Plus, there’s no annual fee + you’ll earn cash back rewards on everyday purchases. Explore the perks.*
Before you get mad, I know this isn’t in NOVA. However, I do think it’s worth calling out because Baltimore is one of only two cities in America to get this new Chick-fil-A item. If you are hoping to try, you’re asked to call beforehand because supplies are limited. May the odds be ever in your favor.
Simplify holiday hosting with when you get everything you need at the click of a button from Omaha Steaks. Choose from dozens of top-rated options like slow-cooked ham, premium, ready-to-cook turkey, grass-fed beef, and delicious sides like scalloped potatoes, sausage and cranberry stuffing, garlic mashed potatoes, and green bean casserole to make your perfect holiday meal.
The fun doesn’t have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.
Don’t miss this spot for local comfort food. | Photo by NOVAtoday
Alright, NOVA — I tried another new restaurant and I’m here to report that you should definitely add this spot to your list. Saigon Noodles & Grill in Arlington offers a variety of dishes like pho, pad thai, and bahn mi sandwiches. For me, pho is the epitome of comfort food, perfect for the colder weather we’ve been having or if you’re feeling a little under the weather.
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