Hey, y’all. It’s Amie.

It can be difficult to properly celebrate something the day-of when it falls on a weekday. For many of us, that means work, school, or other plans. So today? We’re wishing you a happy belated Earth Day (it was Wednesday) and shining a light on meaningful events happening this weekend to honor the day.

Also, have you seen our website redesign? We launched it yesterday and are super excited to show it off. You can access the crispness at vadogwoodnews.com—and let me know what you think at amie@couriernewsroom.com.

Enjoy your weekend and remember, I’m so glad you’re here.

Amie Knowles

Newsletter Editor, Dogwood

Several conservation-focused events will take place in Virginia over the weekend. (Nik/Unsplash)

Missed Earth Day? There’s still time to make a difference in VA

By Aila Boyd

Here’s what you need to know: If you missed out on the Earth Day festivities on April 22, fear not. There are still plenty of ways to make an impact in Virginia this weekend.

Our top picks:

From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sat. April 25, Hanson Park will serve as the backdrop for Earth Day Loudoun, a free, family-friendly festival. Participants will get to meet local scientists, farmers, and activists who engage in environmental preservation efforts. There will also be games, music, live ambassador animals, educational performances, and food.
This year marks the fifth annual Langston Boulevard Earth Day Every Day Festival. The family-friendly event promises to have something for everyone, including live music, art vendors, and local food, like Arrowine and Cheese and Snowflakes and Company. The event runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sun. April 26.
The Old Dominion University Earth Day 2026 event will focus on the theme “Planet vs. Plastics,” emphasizing the need to reduce plastic pollution to protect the planet. Participants will get to experience interactive activities, view planetarium shows, hear from local experts, and play in the Kids Zone. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sat. April 25 in the Oceanography/Physics Building.

The fun isn’t over. In some areas, it’s just beginning.

Access more Earth Day events →

Colton (from left), Kody, and Amie Knowles enjoy a photo shoot with bubbles in Java. (Taylor Coleman Photography)

Sometimes the best memories come from last-minute plans

By Amie Knowles

Last week, I saw that a friend who owns and operates Taylor Coleman Photography in Java, planned to have a bubble-blowing mini session over the weekend—and there were still slots available.

I promptly messaged her and we set up a time to do a family photo shoot. The night before, I rushed to Ross Dress for Less (my favorite chain retail store) where I found the perfect dress for $13.99 and a nice outfit for my kiddo for under $15.

Taylor had things set up so adorably. We met in an open field, positioned ourselves on a comfy blanket, and she cleverly hid a bubble machine in the background for a bit of extra fun.

Keepsakes—like a great batch of family photos—tend to be some of my most cherished investments. The next time you’re in the Southside and want to capture some beautiful memories, now you know who to call.

Behind the lens →

Earlier this week, we asked how your grocery costs have changed over the past year. For our household of three (two adults, one kid), it’s pretty easy for me to tell. About half the time, we use grocery pickup, so I can see my exact receipts from a year ago.

The closest year-to-date receipt I could find was a 40-item order placed on March 25, 2025—and I paid $94.60. I added the same brands and portion of the items to my cart today, and the total came to $99.77—granted, three items were no longer available for purchase, so the actual comparison would’ve been even higher.

So what’s $5.17? Well, we pick up groceries once a week. So 5.17×52 weeks is $268.84 in a year. That’s enough to pay our water bill for 1/3 of the year. Enough to buy 2 1/2 weeks worth of groceries. Or goodness forbid we treat ourselves to a speciality coffee once a week.

If these incremental increases are creeping up on you, too, I want to hear about it. Write to me at amie@couriernewsroom.com to tell me about the impact they’re having on you.

Share your take →

By Michael O’Connor

On April 21, Virginians approved a constitutional amendment to allow Democrats to redraw the state’s congressional districts as part of a national effort to push back on Republican partisan gerrymandering in other states.⁣

The following day, a Tazewell County judge issued an injunction against the referendum.

What that means for voters →

Virginia leaders just approved a stack of clean energy laws that expand shared solar, fast‑track rooftop and “balcony” solar, and boost battery storage so more people can plug into local renewables instead of volatile fossil fuels that drive up costs. (See post)
Gov. Abigail Spanberger signed several workers’ rights bills into law, but her proposed changes to legislation to create a Prescription Drug Affordability Board would delay the implementation of such a board. (Read more)
After 2028, the state minimum wage—currently $12.77—will continue to rise annually with inflation, as it does now. The minimum wage legislation was carried by state Del. Jeion Ward (D-Hampton) and Virginia Senate President L. Louise Lucas (D-Portsmouth). (See post)

Would you share this newsletter with a friend?

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 Aila Boyd, Michael O’Connor, and COURIER Newsroom. It was edited by Brook Bolen.

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

Support local news