Governor and First Lady Youngkin celebrate official portrait

Governor and First Lady Youngkin celebrated the recent completion of the Governor’s official portrait.

The portrait was painted by Virginia artist Jonathan Linton.

Governor Youngkin’s portrait will be displayed on the third floor of the Virginia State Capitol in the Governor’s Gallery along with sixteen previous predecessors.

Part of the rotation of portraits, Governor Youngkin’s portrait will hang in the Governor’s Gallery for 60 years before being rotated out and placed at the Library of Virginia for permanent preservation. 

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Governor’s volunteerism & community service awards honor local citizens

Governor Glenn Youngkin has announced the recipients of the 2024 Governor’s
Volunteerism & Community Service Awards at a ceremony held at the Executive
Mansion.

The awards recognize the outstanding volunteer efforts of individuals,
organizations, and businesses across Virginia.

First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin also praised the recipients, saying, “These
extraordinary individuals embody the spirit of service that defines Virginia.

Their dedication inspires us all to strengthen our communities with acts of kindness and
commitment.”
The 2024 award honorees include:

  • Youth Volunteer (aged 18 and under): Ashley Coulson (Woodstock)
  • Young Adult (aged 19-30): Bezawit Getachew Mulatu (Richmond)
  • Adult (aged 31-59): Alisa Thornton (Woodbridge)
  • Senior (aged 60+): Mary Lee Di Spirito (Annandale)
  • Independent Group: Michelle Smeltzer & Nichole Johns (Front Royal)
  • Community Organization: Youth Education Program of the Master Gardeners
    of Northern Virginia (Alexandria and Arlington)
  • Faith-Based Organization: The Chapel (Richmond)
  • Educational Organization: ODU Institute for Innovation & Entrepreneurship
    (Norfolk)
  • Small Business: Notes n’ Beats Music School (Brambleton)
  • Corporation: Newport News Shipbuilding (Newport News)

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Governor and first lady expand fentanyl crisis initiative

Governor Glenn Youngkin and First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin are ramping up their efforts to tackle the fentanyl crisis with a major expansion of the “It Only Takes One” initiative.

As part of this expanded effort, First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin will visit schools, Community Service Boards, churches, and recovery centers in key areas to raise awareness about fentanyl.

In addition, the First Lady introduced the Fentanyl Families Ambassador Program, which empowers families affected by the crisis to share their stories and enhance community understanding and engagement.

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.