Hey, y’all. It’s Amie.

Can you believe we’re already in the second week of December? It boggles my mind, but also makes me really, really excited about what’s to come: More decorating, Santa’s arrival, and time with family and friends. Let’s get our holiday cheer on together because 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.

My veteran husband gets mental health care from the VA. With these cuts, will he lose it?

Dear Grace,

My husband and I are both veterans. He served in a combat zone and has seen all kinds of horror. The transition to civilian life was….rough for him, to say the least. It got really dark before he finally went to the doctors. I won’t bore you with the details. We finally figured it out, and he has good doctors and medication, but it was a nightmare of paperwork. It took months to settle the VA claims and get everything covered (not to mention waiting for an appointment).

Anyway, I heard that Trump’s bill is doing layoffs at the VA, and now health care bills for veterans are gonna go up? I can’t imagine having to do all that over again…or how it could get any slower or worse. I just want him to still get his care and be okay. We served this country, why do I have to spend hours on the phone trying to get his meds covered? He wouldn’t even need them if he hadn’t gone.

— Feeling frustrated and betrayed in Missoula

Dear Frustrated and Betrayed,

First, thank you—to both you and your husband—for your service. What your family has been through is real, painful, and sometimes overwhelming, and the burden of navigating the system when you’re already exhausted is unfair. You, your husband, and all Americans deserve access to good care, dignity, and support.

Veterans should get what they were promised, and people in need of mental health care shouldn’t be left stranded. Here are some ideas for how to navigate this next chapter…

Read Grace’s response

Dogwood works to make Virginia’s news clearer and more accessible, breaking down the issues that affect daily life across the commonwealth. Our year-end drive continues through Dec. 16, and this period is critical to sustaining the journalism we produce year-round.

Your support helps keep this reporting free for everyone who relies on it.

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What's the No. 1 reason you voted this year?

It’s official. Gov. Glenn Youngkin has just over one month left in office before Governor-elect Abigail Spanberger will assume the role.

What would you like to see Youngkin do before his term ends? Write to me at amie@couriernewsroom.com, and your response could be featured in our Friday newsletter.

Virginia Events

We’re sharing a quick roundup of neat things to do over the weekend. Have an event you’d like to see featured? 💌 Send it my way!

Saturday, Dec. 13 at 10 a.m. (Charlottesville)

Want to get in the holly jolly spirit? You won’t want to miss Holly Days at Highland. The family-friendly event put on by James Monroe’s Highland and the Virginia Cooperative Extension offers guests warm beverages and a chance to learn about native Virginia plants while enjoying a variety of activities. Tickets are available here.

Saturday, Dec. 13 at 1 p.m. (Bealeton)

Hitch up your reindeer and fly on over to Morais Vineyards & Winery for the Virginia Sweet and Sparkle Wine Festival. The event features tasters’ choice of sweet or sparkling wines from some of Virginia’s finest wineries. Click here for tickets.

Sunday, Dec. 14 at 3:30 p.m. (Washington, DC)

Just across the Potomac River at the Ellipse in Washington, DC, the National Menorah Lighting will commence. Join the event for musical performances, special guests, and times of celebration. Find more info here.

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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 Paula Solis. Amie is a lifelong Virginia resident and mom to a fantastic 7-year-old who loves monster trucks.

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