Chris Long donates thousands of books to CCS through his new nonprofit

Good News Notes: “One Charlottesville City school had a special guest Friday morning. Former NFL player Chris Long read to students and made a big donation at Burnley-Moran Elementary School. Chris Long is opening the next chapter of his nonprofit EdZone. He’s trying to solve equity gaps in schools. “It’s really gratifying to see the…

World’s first backyard compostable K-cups made in Chesterfield County

Good News Notes: “It’s no secret that single-use plastic coffee pods have created massive waste across the world. Gary and Julie Haynes Kratzer started Green Pod Coffee Packing in Chesterfield County to help combat the pollution. The Midlothian couple partnered with ICA, an innovative Italian company, to bring 100% compostable coffee pods to the specialty coffee industry…

‘Miracle’ baby born at just 22 weeks goes home after 4 months in NICU

Good News Notes: “A premature baby born in Virginia is defying the odds and astonishing doctors. Little Leilani was born at 22 weeks, weighing just about one pound. Now, she is finally home after four months in the NICU. Her mother, Shantel Allmon, told WWBT she knew something wasn’t right when her water broke only five and…

Valley car dealership donates blankets to local nonprofit

Good News Notes: “Thanks to a Valley car dealership, many people are going to be more prepared for cold nights. CMA Valley Subaru donated 80 blankets to Valley Mission Wednesday, Dec. 15. Valley Mission Executive Director Susan Richardson said winter is very busy for them. “We really need help keeping our folks warm. We have…

Ursula Landsrath Animal Rescue Fund Awards $57K in Grants

Good News Notes: “The Ursula Landsrath Animal Rescue Fund and the Community Foundation for Loudoun and Northern Fauquier Counties have awarded grants totaling $57,000 to 24 nonprofit animal rescue organizations across Virginia. Ursula Landsrath created the Animal Rescue Fund of Virginia as an independent organization in 2008, distributing more than $1 million to Virginia-based animal…

Experts Optimistic Coral Reefs Will Survive

Good News Notes: ‘“Coral reefs are amazing and beautiful, and we must conserve them,” Sam Purkis, chair of the department of marine geosciences at the University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, told VOA. Although coral reefs only cover 0.1% of the ocean floor, they are a lifeline for the planet. With…

8 rescued after boat sinks on York River

Good News Notes:  “Eight people aboard a sinking boat were rescued Tuesday afternoon on the York River. Abingdon Volunteer Fire and Rescue was notified just after 3 p.m. and responded with two rescue boats. A Virginia Marine Police boat was able to reach the sinking boat first and rescue the passengers with no injuries. AFVR’s…