Hey, y’all. It’s Amie.

Do you remember how easy it was to make friends as kids? My first day of high school, I connected with a group of girls over our love for Troy Bolton, a character in High School Musical.

Then, adulthood happened—and sparking up friendships became a little more challenging, especially after becoming a mom in 2018. Then, in 2023, we accidentally went to church. I say “accidentally” because a local pastor, Bob, invited Colton to an Easter Egg hunt. He had fun, so we decided to go that Sunday. We liked it, so we went back the following Sunday. And we’ve been going back every week for three years.

That’s where I found my community. We might not all have the same ideas, might not all vote the same way, and might not all be in the same stage of life—but my circle went from two people to two hundred overnight. So to the person asking about connecting with others, I’d suggest going where the people are—church, a water aerobics class, a local event at a community center, or scrolling down to learn more about how to get civically engaged right here in Virginia—because I’m so glad you’re here.

Amie Knowles

Newsletter Editor, Dogwood

Chad Pickeral (left) and Amie Knowles strike a pose on the roof. (Amie Knowles/Dogwood)

Our 116-year-old Virginia home is a money pit—so we’re getting creative

By Amie Knowles

Living in a century-old house that has as many quirks as it does perks. Even though we bought this house as our forever home 10 years ago, the near-constant need for repairs had us recently browsing Zillow listings in our area.

In the past few months, we’ve:

finished paying off the repipe of our entire home ($6,000)
cut down an 85-foot rotting tree ($3,200)
installed a new water heater ($1,000)
renovated the upstairs bathroom where the pipes initially burst ($700)

The frustrating part isn’t just the repairs; it’s the math—and we’re not alone in feeling it. Across Virginia and the county at-large, home prices have climbed significantly over the past few years. Interest rates are up, too.

According to a Virginia Realtors report citing research from last month, “Home prices saw a modest increase across the state, but price trends varied widely across different regions. The statewide median sales price was $410,000 in February, going up $6,500 since last year, increasing by 1.6%.”

What used to feel within reach for middle-class families now comes with a much steeper entry point and far less margin for error.

I moved so I could afford to retire, but I don’t know anyone here. How do I meet people?

Dear Grace,

I’m 67, and I moved to Georgia when I retired because I could afford it better. I don’t know anyone. I’m alone down here, and it’s getting to me. My family is in New York, but I can’t move back to be near family because I can’t afford it on my fixed income.

I don’t need a man. I just want somewhere to go other than my house and a few women friends to visit with. I really don’t know what to do. Any suggestions?

— Just a Little Lonely in Georgia

Dear Just A Little Lonely,

Moving to a new place at any age is hard, and doing it in retirement makes it even tougher. You’re not the only senior who moved somewhere new in order to retire on a fixed income. Housing costs have skyrocketed, there’s a “cost of living crisis,” and fixed incomes that many retirees live on (pensions, social security, 401ks) just haven’t kept up.

I think many of us wish that seniors could take the retirement they deserve at home in their own communities. How resourceful of you to find a way to retire in spite of that! You are clearly strong, brave, and determined. All of those qualities will help you build a new community in your new home. Here’s some friendly advice…

Read Grace’s response

I don’t know about you, but I felt my stomach sink when my husband filled up our car and it cost $20 more than it did two weeks ago. That’s on a 12-year-old sedan that averages about 25 miles per gallon. If our truck was up and running properly, I think I’d probably faint at the pump.

It’s safe to say gas prices aren’t great down here in the Southside. How would you rate gas prices in your part of Virginia?

Feel free to email me your gas-driven grievances at the link below or any time at amie@couriernewsroom.com.

Join the conversation

Virginia Events

This week, I really want to empower y’all to go out and make a difference—and sometimes, that’s as simple as sharing local events created specifically to bring people together for a common cause.

I’m really impressed with our community organizer here at Dogwood, Ava Edwards. For the past several weeks, she’s tirelessly rounded up news on protests, civic-minded meetings, and progressive events to attend.

Here are three happening this week:

✅ Indivisible: No Kings 3 Sign Making Party (Mar. 23 in Reston, 4 – 6 pm) An event for sign-making in preparation for No Kings 3.

✅ Virginia Grassroots: Resist & Persist Weekly Protest (Mar. 25 in Virginia Beach, 7:30 – 9 am) A weekly protest at the corners of Independence and Virginia Beach Blvd.

✅ Fredericksburg Democratic Committee: No Kings Protest Sign Making Event (Mar. 26 in Fredericksburg, 6 – 7:30 pm) A sign-making event in preparation for No Kings 3.

Have an event to add? Email State Organizing Coordinator Ava Edwards at ava@couriernewsroom.com with details. Please send details at least one week before the event.

Are you enjoying this newsletter?

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 Ava Edwards and Galvanize Together. It was edited by Brook Bolen.

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