The County Connection

In this heartfelt conversation, we sit down with  Adrienna D’Asti , founder of  The Memory Garden , to talk about compassionate care for people living with memory loss and the families who love them. Adrienna shares why she started The Memory Garden, what person-centered support can look like at home and in the community, and simple ways to create moments of connection—through routine, sensory cue...

🍿 What does it take to turn a simple snack into a thriving small-town business? In this episode of  The County Connection , we talk with  Jennifer Osbourn  and  Quinn Neff  from  Blue Ridge Popcorn , a Shenandoah County favorite that’s bringing a fresh twist to gourmet popcorn. Jennifer shares the inspiration behind launching the business, how she sourced locally-grown corn, and the support she r...

In this episode, hosts Justin Wightman and Stuart Freakley sit down with Sharon Baroncelli, President of the Shenandoah County Chamber of Commerce, to explore the real value of Chamber membership. Whether you're a brand-new entrepreneur or a seasoned business owner, discover how the Chamber supports growth, networking, marketing, advocacy, and professional development at every stage. Sponsored...

How does a police department build trust and ensure safety, not just for residents, but for the local business community? 🤔 We sat down with the  Woodstock Police Department  to unpack their unique approach! This episode highlights their unwavering commitment to  community engagement ,  core values , and continuous improvement, showcasing how they truly act as  partners for businesses . We cover:...

Listen to the latest "County Connection" podcast! Hosts Justin Wightman and Stuart Freakley chat with  Chief Keith Cowart (Mount Jackson PD)  and  Chief Wayne Sager (Strasburg PD)  about the vital link between local businesses and law enforcement. They cover: Business & Police Partnerships Crisis Preparedness for Businesses Investing in Youth & Jobs Downtown Nightlife & Safet...

Join Justin Wightman and Stuart Freakley as they chat with Kara Balcerzak, owner of Bonfire Bookstore and Yarnery in Woodstock. Discover the inspiring vision behind this beloved independent bookstore, what makes it a unique hub for readers of all ages, and how it's fostering a love for reading in an increasingly digital world. Kara shares insights into curating their diverse selection, the surpris...

In this episode of The County Connection, join us as we connect with  Avery McEachern , owner of Seven Bends Arbor Care. Dive into the world of tree health and discover why professional tree care is vital for the beauty and longevity of our landscapes in Shenandoah County. Avery shares common tree care misconceptions, essential planting tips, and what signs to look for that indicate your trees mig...

The episode introduces the podcast as a direct link to everything happening in Shenandoah County, presented by the Shenandoah County Chamber of Commerce. Hosts Stuart Freakley and Justin Wightman welcome listeners and highlight the first sponsor. The episode emphasizes the podcast's goal to connect with local businesses and the community, fostering dialogue, and sharing valuable insights. It a...