Hey, y’all. It’s Amie.

Colton’s first season of instructional baseball—where kids no longer hit off the tee, and can get out—wrapped up earlier this week. I can tell you with absolute certainty that watching his first game was 10,000x more stressful than having an emergency C-section to bring him into this world. There wasn’t a single thing this mama could do when he struck out, except encourage him to get out there and smack it the next time (which he did).

This whole season, not just in baseball, has been different. We missed a few games in a row this spring, and when we went back to the ball field, C played with a tenacity I admired—one that I doubt I could’ve replicated. He stopped a couple balls in the outfield and had some great hits. At the end of his comeback game, Coach Paul presented Colton with the coveted game ball.

I’m consistently proud of our little dude, but that moment might just be at the tippy top. The wonder in his eyes, the excitement in his voice; that day isn’t one I’ll ever forget. While writing, I asked Colton if he had any advice for other baseball players, so here it is: “If you want to get the game ball, you gotta catch a lot and hit a lot.” The game ball isn’t my accomplishment, so I’m in no place to give advice. What I can offer is encouragement, so here it goes: If you love what you do, joy will find you. I enjoy all 28,000 of you tuning in to our little newsletter that could every week, and I’m so glad you’re here. 

Here’s what you need to know: Are you dreaming of a beach getaway with crystal-clear waters? You can find some of the most pristine beaches in the country on the coast of Virginia. From barrier islands to urban oases, Virginia offers a diverse array of clean beach destinations for you to explore.

• Assateague Island National Seashore is tucked away on Virginia’s Eastern Shore. As you meander along, you might have a chance to meet the famous wild ponies. You can also trek through the marshes and dunes. From kayaking through serene waters to spotting diverse wildlife that calls this haven home, Assateague Island offers an incredible barrier island experience.

• Colonial Beach is a picturesque waterfront town nestled on the banks of the Potomac River. Don’t let the size of the commonwealth’s second-largest beach fool you; it maintains an intimate, welcoming atmosphere that invites you to explore at your own pace.
• Buckroe Beach emerges as a splendid urban oasis amid Hampton’s hustle and bustle, offering a sanctuary with its impeccably clean shores right in the city’s embrace. The beach boasts wide-open picnic areas perfect for laying out a feast under the sun, and a playground perfect for kids with boundless energy.

Planning your summer vacation? Let our guide help inform your decision if you’re beach bound this season.

Memorial Day began as a way to honor fallen soldiers in the American Civil War. The federal holiday now honors the lives of the men and women who died while serving in the US military. We extend our most sincere thanks to those who serve(d) our country, and certainly to the brave service members who paid the ultimate sacrifice. 

From May 14-24, we are running our Supporter Drive, and we need your support to ensure we can continue to report local stories that matter most to Dogwood. 

You can join us by donating to our newsroom today! 

Any amount helps, and every dollar counts towards our goal.

You can also help by following Dogwood on our social media channels including Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok—or share our newsletter with your friends and family. Let them know why supporting local journalism is so important in Virginia.

Thanks, again, for being part of the Dogwood community!

In case you missed it: Nearly two in three Americans think former President Donald Trump committed a crime while in the White House, according to a recent poll from Navigator Research.

Trump, the frontrunner for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, faces 91 charges across four separate federal and state cases.

Trump faces federal charges over his plot to overturn the results of the 2020 election and over allegations that he illegally retained classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago estate.

He’s also charged in state court in Georgia with scheming to subvert that state’s 2020 election, and in New York in connection with hush money payments made to porn actor Stormy Daniels.

He has denied any wrongdoing.

*Statistics from January 2024

• May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month—and with upcoming warm weather and frequent beach trips in mind, it’s important to take precautions to protect yourself and your family from the sun (READ MORE HERE).

• Former president Donald Trump said he was looking at the possibility of restricting access to birth control, but also alluded to a state-by-state approach to limiting contraception access. The controversial move came just days after Virginia’s Gov. Glenn Youngkin vetoed a bill which would’ve protected birth control access (READ MORE HERE).

• The White House Executive Pastry Chef, Susie Morrison, started at the executive mansion as a contract pastry employee in 1995 while she was working at a hotel in northern Virginia. She’s now the first woman to hold the coveted confectionary position (READ MORE HERE).

This week, we’re featuring a special community spotlight! If you’d like to see your team’s accomplishments broadcast on Dogwood’d platforms, send a note and photo to amie@couriernewsroom.com or reply to this message. Just be sure you have permission to share from all of the proper sources—players/guardians, photographers, and coaches/schools, to name a few.

Photo by Patrick & Henry Community College

For the first time in program history, Patrick & Henry Community College’s Lady Pats softball team will head to the NJCAA Softball World Series. The local softball program had its first batter up in 2009.

Starting May 22 and going through May 25, the team will play in the national championship in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

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