Hey, y’all. It’s Amie.

Am I the only one who wonders who starts chopping onions when Steve Hartman’s “On the Road” stories play? Well, a few days ago, I saw one about a retired man who sought a new job.

The former FBI agent heard about a shortage of school bus drivers in his area, so he applied for the position. When he took a call from the school district, it wasn’t an automatic interview; instead, it was a question about qualifications.

I won’t spoil the heartwarming ending for you (you can watch the story here), but it made me think about the question posed to Grace in today’s Q&A segment. If you’re searching for something new, I hope you find it—or maybe, just maybe, it’ll find you. I’m so glad you’re here.

Amie Knowles

Newsletter Editor, Dogwood

Welcome to our weekly advice column, courtesy of Grace: She’s the big sister who shares her own mistakes so you can avoid making them, the coworker who builds you up to ask for the raise you deserve, and the friend who is always happy to listen.

We all need someone like Grace in our corner. Submit your own questions here.

Why is it so hard to get a job right now? Is anyone else struggling?

Dear Grace,

Thank you for the opportunity to express a concern I have. I am 55 years old and I am having difficulty finding a job. It’s not like I’m applying for “out of my league” jobs; I qualify for the role and have experience. To be quite honest, it’s never been so difficult.

Is it my age? Is it that I’m not as pretty? Or is it simply just how sad our state of the economy is? I can’t help but feel a bit of ageism. Do you get many letters with this type of concern? Any advice on certain websites that can maybe help? Thanks.

— Not Too Old To Work, from California

Dear Not Too Old,

First of all—you are not alone. I get hundreds of questions every week asking me, “Why is it so hard to get a job right now?” I hear from folks in so many industries…restaurant workers, hospital staff, teachers, women who work in technology, marketing, science. I hear from people well into their careers like yourself, as well as students looking for their first job right out of school. Most people are struggling to find work right now.

So let’s talk about how you (and so many women in your shoes) can get through this challenging time in our economy…

Read Grace’s response

Many of us are still shoveling our way out of the snow today. So that begs the question: What’s your favorite snow day memory?

I’ll share one from my grandpa, who passed away a few years ago, but grew up in Franklin County on land that later became part of the Smith Mountain Lake area. He told me that when he was growing up in the 1930s, area ponds would freeze so solidly, he went ice skating on them.

In fact, Herman Maxie told a lifetime of stories. Admittedly, many of them—for quite some time—seemed like tall tales for this area. Northern Lights in southern Virginia? Several feet of snow at one time? Sure, grandpa, sure.

But over the past decade, those seemingly tall tales have proved true time and time again. I’ve seen the aurora borealis with my own eyes. I’ve played in 18 inches of snow in Southside. And now, I’m looking at ice skates on Amazon—because now, I have no doubt that the local pond’s freezing over pretty soon.

Share your snow stories with me at amie@couriernewsroom.com, and your response could be featured in Friday’s newsletter.

Virginia Events

Here’s a quick roundup of neat things to do over the next few days. Have an event you’d like to see featured? Send it my way! 💌

Cabin Fever Film Festival; Friday and Saturday, Jan. 30 & 31 (Purcellville)

The Franklin Park Performing and Visual Arts Center and the Town of Purcellville Arts Council are hosting the ninth annual Cabin Fever Film Festival. The event highlights films made by Loudoun County residents. Tickets are $10 for Friday and $5 for Saturday.

Snowflake Ball; Saturday, Jan. 31 (Lovettsville)

Have kids and a healthy dose of imagination? The Snowflake Ball at the Lovettsville Community Center can help make all your royal dreams come true. Dress your party in their fanciest clothing for an opportunity to make kid-friendly crafts like wands and crowns. Tickets are $15 per person.

Snow Globe Soirée; Saturday, Jan. 31 (Gloucester)

Not many Virginians can say they’ve dined in an igloo. But now, you can—well, sort of. The Snow Globe Soirée event at Under the Stars Farm combines the unique ambiance of a dome-shaped structure with the elegant flavors of the area. Book your spot for this unique dining experience.

Do you want to support Dogwood’s mission while showcasing your products or services to an engaged audience of 18,000+ subscribers?

Email advertise@couriernewsroom.com for more information.

Are you enjoying this newsletter?

Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Amie Knowles, with content from Galvanize Together. It was edited by Kimberly Lawson. Amie is a lifelong Virginia resident and mom to a fantastic 8-year-old who loves Pokémon.

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