Over the weekend, I decided I am uniquely qualified to build a floating deck. Not because I have any skill in the carpentry area, but because I have ambition. This is not an advisable tactic. However, my little community came together when I put out an ask on Facebook about where to purchase lumber that wasn’t a big box store. 

My husband called the local spots people suggested, and we found all the materials for literally half the price as the larger stores. Next weekend, I suppose it’ll be deck-building time. While my ADHD brain tells me I can clearly do this all by myself in a two-day span, I have a sneaking suspicion there will be a very passionate column coming out on the subject of not being afraid to ask for help by the end of the project. Time will tell.

And speaking of time, all good things come to an end—and this time, that’s our Dear Grace section. It’s been such a joy to collaborate with the Galvanize Together team over the years, and while I’ll miss featuring their creativity here on a weekly basis, I’m really excited to see their newest iteration of Dear Grace blossom. I’ll personally be cheering them on, and I encourage you to as well. There’s more info on how to keep in touch in today’s newsletter, and I’m so glad you’re here to read it.

Dogwood wants to hear from you. Please take our quick 5- to 10-minute survey to help guide our reporting and improve what we send readers.

Thank you for participating!

By Ava Edwards

Want to get politically engaged this week? The commonwealth is full of opportunity. 

✅ (June3) Virginia Grassroots: Resist & Persist Protest in Virginia Beach from 7:30-9 a.m.

✅ (June 3) Working Families Party: Wednesday Meeting in a virtual setting from 8-9 p.m.

✅ (June 4) Rebel Cafe: June Meetup in Alexandria from 7-8:30 p.m.

Have an event to add? Email Ava, our state organizing coordinator, the details. Please send details at least one week before the event.

Hi there, friend. I have an announcement to share.

Staying anonymous behind my pen name all these years has helped me connect with you and hundreds of thousands of readers so deeply. But I’ve decided to challenge myself and show you who I really am.

This week, I am finally sharing my face, my story, and my life with you on social media, inspired by the bravery and vulnerability that I witness from you all each and every day. I am stepping out of my comfort zone to share my advice with you in new ways on new platforms and I could really use your encouragement and support as I get started!

Though I won’t be showing up in these newsletters anymore, I hope you’ll keep up with me and the rest of this community of readers either on Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok. Watch me step in front of the camera for the first time here and comment what you think—I could use your support!

I’m so excited to start this new chapter with you.

Your friend and neighborhood advice columnist,

Grace

Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Amie Knowles. Amie is a lifelong Virginia resident and mom to a fantastic 8-year-old who loves Pokémon. This edition includes stories from Galvanize Together and Ava Edwards. It was edited by Paula Solis.

Dogwood is free for everyone. Your support makes our work possible.