This Week In The Commonwealth

Apr 27, 2024
“This week, we celebrate the legacy of the great Virginian Barbara Johns. By standing up for what she knew was right, she helped cement a better future for the Commonwealth, and in doing so perfectly showcased the Spirit of Virginia. We honor her image hung in the Executive Mansion as well as memorials across Capitol Square.” - Governor Glenn Youngkin

Gubernatorial Salary Donated to Benefit Little Learners

Governor Glenn Youngkin and First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin donated a quarter of the Governor’s salary to The New E3 School in Norfolk, Virginia. The Governor and First Lady have pledged to donate the entirety of the gubernatorial annual salary to nonprofit organizations doing great work across Virginia and this salary donation furthers that promise.

 

E3:Elevate Early Education + The New E3 School raise awareness, advocate and create innovative initiatives to give children and families equitable access to high-quality early education. Their work started in 2005 as one of the first early education initiatives in Virginia. Along with many public-private partners, they have worked to increase equitable access to quality for thousands of children, families and early learning programs. The early years are a critical time in language and literacy development and build a strong foundation for learning. Learn more about their early literacy initiatives, the Kids Need to Read campaign and BIG WINS for Kids at e3va.org.

 

This salary donation continues the commitment of Governor Youngkin and First Lady Suzanne Youngkin to provide Virginia families and all of Virginia’s young students with access to quality early education.

The Spotswood Treaty

This week, Governor Youngkin and the First Lady commemorated the 311th anniversary of the Spotswood Treaty with the Cheroenhaka Nottoway Indian Tribe. This historic event marks a significant milestone in our shared history and serves as a reminder of the enduring relationship between our communities.

First Lady's Feature

First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin returned to Roanoke on Thursday for a meeting with local youth leaders of differing religions.  Held at Straight Street in downtown Roanoke, the gathering was an outreach opportunity to educate an influential group of leaders among teens, on the dangers of fentanyl through the ‘It Only Takes One’ awareness campaign launched in Roanoke by the First Lady earlier this year.  The First Lady spoke on the campaign’s ongoing efforts and the importance and strength of church relationships within the community.   The audience had an opportunity to ask questions and learn about the resources available.  REVIVE! training, the free opioid overdose and naloxone teaching on how to save a life, was available following the meeting.  Learn more about the campaign at ItOnlyTakesOneVa.org.

Earth Day

Governor Youngkin celebrated Earth Day by officially announcing and celebrating the completion of the Lower York River Oyster Restoration Goal! This announcement is a testament to the Youngkin Administration’s year-round, unwavering commitment to preserve our natural resources.

#homehistory

In Virginia, April’s Historic Garden Week brings the beauty! Now in its 91st year, Garden Club of Virginia’s Historic Garden Week is the only statewide house and garden tour in the nation and has been a part of the Executive Mansion’s #homehistory for decades. Designed by Charles Gillette, the formal garden area at the Executive Mansion was completed in 1956, just in time for Historic Garden Week. The Gillette Garden was restored in 1999 by the Garden Club of Virginia and remains one of the most breathtaking spaces on the property. Thank you to visitors from far and wide for making this year’s Historic Garden Day at the Executive Mansion so special, and to James River Garden Club for your masterful work on the arrangements within this stately home!