Hi there. It’s Amie.

I’ve made an egregious error. Remember in Wednesday’s spooky edition when I mentioned that Colton (5) and I were going to be monster truck drivers for Halloween? Well, that’s accurate. My mistake hinged on my dear husband’s costume. I thought Kody (not 5) was going to be Ranch dressing… until he read the newsletter in horror—horror, I tell you—and informed me that his costume was mayonnaise. Premium mayonnaise, to be exact. I apologize; the record is now set straight.

While I try to keep the conversation light and happy around here, there are certain instances that call for somber moments. Among them, the tragedy that occurred in Maine on Wednesday. Reports of individuals losing their lives to gun violence is deeply troubling, and our hearts go out to the families and friends impacted. Whenever a mass shooting incident occurs, we find it important to re-share this story from 2022: In the linked article, there are suggestions from trusted experts on how to talk to your kids about gun violence. It’s my continued hope that we never have to share this article again.

If you need to talk with someone about the tragedy, or if the news brought up personal wounds, help is available. Calling or texting 988 will connect you with a trained crisis counselor. The free service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Take care of yourselves.

Amie Knowles

Community Editor, Dogwood

8 Ghost Walks to Explore VA’s Haunted Historic Sites and More

Here’s what you need to know: Virginia is a great place to be during spooky season. With centuries of history, it has plenty of legends and myths spread throughout its historic sites, cemeteries, and towns. If you’re looking to explore Virginia’s spooky past, consider going on one of these eight ghost walks and trails. No matter which one you choose, you’ll surely find yourself in the Halloween spirit.

Our top pics:

Witches, Ghost, Murder and Mayhem Tour—Olde Towne Carriages offers ghoulish horse-drawn carriage rides through downtown Fredericksburg with a focus on witches, ghosts, thieves, murder, and mayhem. Tour highlights include the folklore of the ghost of Chatham, the ghost of Fielding Lewis, the woman in white, and demons in dark corners.
Haunts of Richmond—Six tours are offered, as well as tuk-tuk tours, dinners, and pub hops (all of which are haunted, of course). Perhaps the most obvious place to start when in search of the spooky in Richmond would be a tour of Capitol Hill. According to the description, “Richmond’s Capitol Hill hosts more than just elected officials and security guards amidst its hallowed halls, but also many spirits from beyond the veil.”
Ghosts of Virginia Beach—Histories & Haunts, offering its Ghosts of Virginia Beach walk since 2002, is run by local historian and author, Al Chewning. “As a friendly ‘scaryteller,’ he has entertained audiences of all ages with stories of the city’s historic beginnings and of the spirits who seem to linger on here,” according to the website.

Haunting for more? These true crime tales from Virginia will send chills up your spine

Read this article

Got a favorite spooky spot? We’re always searching for unique Virginia places to explore. Email me at amie@couriernewsroom.com or reply back to this email with your suggestions. Mine? Check out Gravity Hill on the Virginia-North Carolina line. If you put your car in neutral, it’ll roll backwards.

Early voting in Virginia has been underway for over a month, but until now, early voters could only cast ballots on weekdays. Starting this weekend, Virginians will be able to vote on Saturday, too.

On Saturday, Oct. 28, and Saturday, Nov. 4, voters statewide who want to vote early—but can’t make it work during the week—can cast their ballots at their local registrar’s office or a satellite voting location.

Read this article

~ ICYMI ~

House Republicans on Wednesday finally chose their new leader, electing Louisiana Congressman Mike Johnson as the new Speaker of the House. In Johnson, the party has selected one the most conservative House Speakers in history (READ MORE HERE).
Did you know that Virginia is actually the birthplace of American wine? During Virginia Wine Month, Dogwood correspondent Carly Maher is sharing fun facts about the state’s long and storied wine history—including how it first got started (WATCH HERE).
There’s no surprise that reproductive freedom, K-12 education, and the economy are some of the biggest issues Virginians are facing this November. Meet our new Dogwood Correspondent, @jesscraven101. Jessica digs into the numbers of what Virginians really think about the GOP position on these issues (WATCH HERE).

Your Commonwealth Connection

Our weekly #ThisIsVirginia shares spotlights of the people, places, and things that make us a commonwealth.

Si-Anna, a seven-year-old with a heart of gold, recently positively impacted someone she didn’t even know. Walking with her mom, Tiffany Campbell, into the Danville Walmart, Si-Anna noticed a man holding a sign, which read: “I need to eat.”

Si-Anna asked her mom if they could pick up something for the man while they were in the store. “Absolutely,” was Tiffany’s response.

Tiffany and her children got to work, selecting two sandwiches, a family-size bag of chips, a box of pop tarts, and some bottled water. Unfortunately, the man was nowhere in sight by the time they emerged from the store with the goods.

“Something told me to ride through the nearby parking lots,” Tiffany wrote about the experience in a Facebook post, highlighting her daughter’s kindness and willingness to help. “We found him with his tent hooked to his bike, and he was about to leave.”

Tiffany and Si-Anna sprung into action, handing over the things they’d purchased for the gentleman.

“He was so friendly and like a kid in a candy store to get food,” Tiffany wrote. “Just knowing my daughter automatically thought about him and had that big heart just lets me know I am doing something right.”

📸: Photo of Si-Anna submitted by Tiffany Campbell

This email is written by Amie Knowles, community editor at Dogwood, lifelong Virginia resident, and mom to a fantastic five-year-old who loves monster trucks.
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