The Valley Today

In this episode of the Valley Today, we feature on the Clarke County Historical Association (CCHA), where we delve into the engaging programs, ongoing projects, and pivotal historical preservation efforts shaping the heart of Berryville/Clarke County. Guided by the ever-enthusiastic Executive Director Nathan Stalvey, CCHA continues to bring history to life in exciting and educational ways. As part...

In this episode of The Valley Today, host Janet Michael features Gina Hilliard, President of the Luray Page Chamber of Commerce, and Christina Grieve from Stover Hall. Christina describes Stover Hall as a four seasons wedding venue operational since 2014 and notes that February remains the only month without hosted weddings due to the unpredictable weather. She then elaborates on their newly inaug...

In this episode of The Valley Today, Janet Michael hosts United Way Day with Andy Gail, CEO of United Way of Northern Shenandoah Valley (UWNSV). The discussion covers the history, mission, and community impact of UWNSV. Andy explains the organization's role as a clearinghouse for donations and its focus on health, financial stability, and education. They also discuss how community members and loca...

In this episode of The Valley Today, host Janet Michael welcomes Brandy Hawkins Boies, Director of Public Relations and Special Events at Laurel Ridge Community College , and Vivi Meder, their TRIO Director. The conversation begins with an introduction to Laurel Ridge Community College and the TRIO program , which provides support to first-generation, low-income students, and students with documen...

As part of a community health partnership with Valley Health , in this episode of the Valley Today, host Janet Michael welcomes Dr. John English for an "extra conversation" this month to learn details about the Da Vinci XI robot recently installed at Warren Memorial Hospital . Dr. English is a general surgeon with Front Royal Family Practice and Multispecialty Clinic | Valley Health . Dr. English...

In this episode of the Valley Today, host Janet Michael introduces Bill Whitson, the owner and chef of Billy Sous food truck. They discuss Billy Sous' inception, sparked by Bill's wife during the COVID-19 pandemic and his prior experiences in the food and restaurant industry. Bill shares insights into his culinary background, the challenges of running a food truck, and the intricacies of using sou...

In this episode of The Valley Today, host Janet Michael welcomes Robyn Miller, Executive Director of WATTS (Winchester Area Temporary Transitional Shelter) to talk about their annual event, The Coldest Night of the Year. The event aims to raise awareness about homelessness by having participants walk in the cold to simulate the experience of the homeless community. This year marks the third occasi...

In this episode of The Valley Today, host Janet Michael is joined by guests Scott Straub and Donna Leight, who are involved with the French and Indian War Foundation (FIWF). Scott, a retired air traffic controller and board member since 2011, and Donna, a retired control systems engineer and executive board member, share insights about the foundation's history, events, and projects. Scott gives an...

Hello and welcome to the Valley Today podcast listeners! I have some good news and bad news for you about today's conversation for Public Safety Thursday with Captain Warren Gosnell from the Frederick County Sheriff's Office . As is the custom in my house, we always start with the bad news first so the good news can make us feel better. So … the bad news: There was a technical glitch in recording...

In this episode of The Valley Business Today, host Janet Michael talks with Niki Foster, President of the Front Royal/Warren County Chamber of Commerce to discuss various chamber events and initiatives. They begin with details about the "Coffee and Conversations" event, a monthly gathering featuring Kelli Weaver from the Virginia Tourism Corporation on February 7, 2025 from 9am - 10am. Kelli will...

In this episode of The Valley Today's Tourism Tuesday - Shenandoah County edition, host Janet Michael and cohost Kary Haun talk with local business owner, Meredith Norris from Flour & Water Co. in Woodstock and dive into the bakery's history and the roles of various family members and partners, including Paige, Jacoby, and Tyler. They discuss the shop's menu evolution, including pastries, bread, l...

In this episode of The Valley Today, host Janet Michael welcomes Jessica Johnson, a licensed professional counselor, and manager of Behavioral Health Integration at Valley Health Behavioral Health Services . Mental Health Monday is a new series for 2025 aimed at addressing various mental health issues throughout the year. Janet expresses the unexpected and overwhelming need for such a series, espe...

In this episode of The Valley Today, host Janet Michael, engages with Olivia Hilton, the town manager for Mount Jackson . The conversation revolves around the upcoming Cupid's Market and Wine Bar event. Scheduled for February 7th-8th and again on the 14th-15th, the event features a range of local vendors, including Wolf Gap Winery , Nana's Blue Greenhouse , Sweet and Savvy Bake Shop , Chosen Siste...

In this episode of "The Valley Today," host Janet Michael visits the DRIPBaR in Winchester to have a conversation with the owner, Tyler Emerick. They discuss the services offered at the DRIPBaR, specifically IV therapy, which is designed to enhance wellness by providing essential vitamins and hydration directly to the bloodstream. Tyler elaborates on their medical background, the stringent sterili...

In this episode of The Valley Today, host Janet Michael features guests Andy Gyurisin, the new director of the Laurel Ridge Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and Wendy May, the marketing manager for the Frederick County Economic Development Authority . The main topic is the upcoming "Cultivate Your Agribusiness" conference on February 20th, 2025, aimed at supporting local agribusinesses. An...

In this episode of Tourism Tuesday on The Valley Today, host Janet Michael and cohost Justin Kerns from the Winchester Frederick County Convention & Visitors Bureau  discuss numerous topics, including the setting of their conversation, which takes place in the conference room of the Visitors Bureau—remarked humorously by Justin as more of a storage room. The conversation dives into the "Winchester...

In this episode of "The Valley Today," host Janet Michael is joined by Shenandoah County Planner Tyler Hinkle to discuss Shenandoah 2045 , the county's comprehensive planning process which has now moved into the implementation phase. Today's topic focused on various zoning rules, ordinances, and regulations as they relate to localities and Shenandoah County as a whole. They discuss an example of K...

In this episode of the Valley Today, host Janet Michael welcomes Brady Cloven, Executive Director of Friends of Old Town, and Kyle Hopkins, the owner of Four Square Architects . Janet introduces the guests and explains that the segment provides a sneak peek into what's happening in Old Town Winchester for the upcoming month. Kyle discusses his background, the work his architectural firm has done i...

In this episode of the Valley Today, host Janet Michael welcomes guests from NW Works : Skip Phillips, CEO; Kristin Elliott, Director of Programs; and Morgan Towle, Communications Coordinator. NW Works is an organization dedicated to empowering adults with disabilities by building life and employment skills. The conversation kicks off with a refresher on NW Works' mission and services, especially...

In this episode of The Valley Business Today with Top of Virginia Regional Chamber , host Janet Michael is joined by cohost Andy Gail to talk with Community Leadership Program participants during their NonProfit & Media Day session held at Handley Regional Library . Throughout the episode, Janet and her co-host Andy Gail interview various members of the CLP class and discuss their roles, experienc...

In this episode of the Valley Today recorded on site at Shaffer's BBQ, host Janet Michael welcomes Wendy May, the Marketing Manager for the Frederick County Economic Development Authority to discuss FredCo Eats Restaurant Week, an initiative started four years ago to promote local eateries in Frederick County. Joining them is Matt Schaffer from Schaffer's BBQ in Middletown, who shares his experien...

In this episode of the Valley Today, host Janet Michael is joined by co-host Gina Hilliard, President of Luray/Page County Chamber of Commerce and her guests John Rowland & Cheryl Esparza. John serves as the base supervisor for PHI Air Medical/Air Care 4 while Cheryl is the membership manager for PHI Cares. John explains PHI Air Medical's operations, their role as an air ambulance service, the typ...

In this episode of Extension Office Friday, host Janet Michael welcomes Karen Poff , Senior Extension Agent, Family & Consumer Science, Virginia Cooperative Extension office who is based in the  Warren County office , but serves all five surrounding counties. She also manages the Northern Shenandoah Valley Financial Education Program . Karen introduces Amanda Johnson, a new FCS extension agent bas...

As part of a community health partnership with Valley Health , in this episode of the Valley Today, host Janet Michael welcomes David Cardero, a senior recruiter for Valley Health. The discussion focuses on the recruitment process at Valley Health, the company's culture, and the variety of job opportunities available within the health system. Janet and David talk about how important it is for empl...

In this episode host Janet Michael sits down with co-host Carl Knoblock, Virginia District Director for the  Small Business Administration to offer guidance and tips for those starting small business in the new year. They cover the common pitfalls and misconceptions that new business owners face, such as underestimating the complexity of running a business, the importance of thorough business plan...