The Valley Today

In this episode, host Janet Michael is joined by Joanne Royaltey, a Program Associate for the Frederick County Extension Office , and Kerry Higdon , NSV Master Gardener (class of 2020) and the program lead for the Seed Exchange to talk about the Northern Shenandoah Valley Master Gardeners' annual Seed Exchange event . The free event is scheduled for Saturday, January 18th, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM...

In this episode, host Janet Michael kicks off "part one" of a conversation with Kerry Higdon. Kerry is an NSV Master Gardener (class of 2020) and the program lead for the upcoming Seed Exchange (tomorrow's show topic.) The conversation today revolves around Kerry's efforts to transform her backyard into a meadow to support wildlife despite facing initial opposition from the town of Edinburgh. Kerr...

In this episode, host Janet Michael welcomes Felicia Hart. Felicia is the co-owner of GNC Online Auctions, an online auction house based in Winchester. The conversation revolves around the operations of GNC Online Auctions and how they can assist individuals with downsizing, clearing clutter, and participating in online auctions. Felicia highlights her expertise in helping people organize and get...

In this episode, host Janet Michael welcomes Brandy Hawkins Boies, Director of Public Relations and Special Events at Laurel Ridge Community College, Brenda Byard, Future Educators Academy coordinator, and Professor Lori Killough, Education Program Lead. They discuss the new Future Educators Academy (FEA) at Laurel Ridge Community College, designed to fast-track high school students into teaching...

In this episode, host Janet Michael and co-host Niki Foster, President of the Front Royal Warren County Chamber of Commerce welcome Rob Demariano, the owner of Robbie D's Lil Greens. Janet and Niki discuss various chamber events and initiatives, including the successful Coffee & Conversation gatherings. They then delve into a detailed discussion with Rob about his microgreens business. Rob explain...

In this episode, host Janet Michael is joined by co-host Kary Haun from Shenandoah County Tourism. Kary's guests were Jim & Gina Ruff, owners of Crabby Maggie's and Bretzels located in Strasburg. Jim and Gina discuss the origins and operations of their businesses, covering topics such as menu items, business challenges, and customer experiences. They talk about the unique elements of their eaterie...

In this episode, host Janet Michael welcomes licensed clinical social worker Paula Merucci to discuss the topic of trauma and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy. Paula describes her journey to founding EMDR Chicago. She elaborates on how EMDR works by utilizing the brain's natural healing processes to address trauma, and she points to its origins and significance in the t...

In this episode, host Janet Michael welcomes Andy Gail, CEO of United Way Northern Shenandoah Valley's to talk about the vision and goals for the organization in 2025. Janet explains the importance of the United Way's annual campaign and the various ways people can contribute, from large companies to small businesses and individuals. They share that the new campaign will be year-long rather than c...

In this episode, host Janet Michael welcomes Lt. Warren Gosnell from the Frederick County Sheriff's Office for Traffic Safety Thursday. Lt. Gosnell highlights the importance of law enforcement in ensuring community safety, sharing details about DUI arrests and crashes. The main focus of the conversation is driver's safety and road behavior. Key issues discussed include aggressive driving, road rag...

In this episode, host Janet Michael is joined by Karen Poff who manages the Northern Shenandoah Valley Financial Education Program as part of Virginia Cooperative Extension . They discuss various aspects of a financial checkup, helping listeners prepare for a financially healthy new year. Karen's expertise includes financial education and she regularly appears on the show to offer advice on managi...

In this episode, 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 the launch of their new website for the plan. They discuss the importance of community involvement in the planning and implementation stages. Tyler explains that t...

In this episode of The Valley Today, host Janet Michael, welcomes Brady Cloven, the Executive Director of Friends of Old Town. During the conversation, they discuss the upcoming events in Old Town Winchester, how the organization supports local businesses, and the excitement surrounding the successful Winter Village event. Brady shares his experiences and challenges while organizing events and emp...

In this episode of The Valley Today, host Janet Michael speaks with Tina Stevens-Culbreath, Executive Director of the I'm Just Me Movement, and Rodney Culbreath, co-founder & board member. Tina and Rodney discuss their organization's mission to support youth and families impacted by addiction, incarceration, and trauma. They emphasize the importance of mentorship, trust-building, and personalized...

In this episode of The Valley Today, host Janet Michael introduces Melissa Chapman, President of 9th Way Insignia , to discuss the 'This is IT' Club , which aims to provide technology education to students in Warren County.  Melissa shares insights on how the club was founded, its goals, and the success stories of previous participants. The club offers hands-on learning opportunities and aims to p...

In this episode of the Valley Today, host Janet Michael welcomes Sabra Veach from the Top of Virginia Regional Chamber to discuss the Business Leadership Program (BLP). The program is aimed at business leaders looking to improve their leadership skills, tackle organizational challenges, and lead with more confidence. Sabra provides details about the program, including the dates, registration deadl...

In this episode of the Valley Today, host Janet Michael welcomes Joanne Royalty, an Extension Master Gardener and Program Associate with Frederick County Extension Office, along with Susan Matyuf and Brigette Grimm, both Extension Master Gardeners from the class of 2022. They gather to discuss the 2025 Master Gardener class and the impact it will have on the community. Susan talks about her journe...

As part of a community health partnership with Valley Health , in this episode of the Valley Today, Janet Michael welcomes Karen Dorr, Senior Director of Behavioral Health at Valley Health, and Amanda Dondero, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Child and Adolescent Outpatient Behavioral Health Supervisor. The group discuss the new Valley Health Emergency Psychiatric Assessment, Treatment, and H...

In this episode of The Valley Today, host Janet Michael sits down with co-host Carl Knoblock, Virginia District Director for the Small Business Administration , and guest Katie Mooney Buzby, Executive Director of The Peter Bullough Foundation to discuss a variety of topics related to the foundation's mission, programs, and impact. Katie shares the history and mission of the Peter Bullough Foundati...

In this episode of The Valley Today, host Janet Michael welcomes Justin Kerns from the Winchester Frederick County Convention and Visitors Bureau to discuss holiday events and activities in Winchester.  Justin shares details about the success of Winchester Winter Village, highlighting clear weather, high turnout, and popular attractions like horse-and-carriage rides and seasonal shopping. They dis...

In this episode of The Valley Today, host Janet Michael welcomes Kit Redmer, the Communications Director for the City of Winchester . The discussion spans various topics, the positive feedback about the city's transportation initiative, WinReady . They acknowledge the collaborative effort of the Winchester team and celebrate the increase in ridership and mobility, highlighting the success and ongo...

In this episode of The Valley Today, host Janet Michael welcomes her guest, local author, artist, and film producer Kerri Lane Mariano. Kerri is the founder of the Mariano Art and Film Foundation. The conversation begins with Janet's introduction of Kerri and a brief history of their long-standing acquaintance. Kerri shares her journey from her beginnings at Shenandoah University to becoming a fil...

In this episode of The Valley Today, host Janet Michael, welcomes Guy Curtis, Director of Marketing at Laurel Ridge Community College, and his guest Heather Burton, Interim Dean of Early College and High School Partnerships. The discussion centers around dual enrollment opportunities offered by Laurel Ridge Community College, which allow high school students to take college-level courses and earn...

In this episode of the Valley Today, host Janet Michael sits down with representatives from the Top of Virginia Regional Chamber to discuss various topics related to the chamber's activities and events. Janet is joined by Cynthia Schneider, CEO of the chamber, and Danita Roble, the Director of Membership. The discussion highlights various benefits of chamber membership, including diverse networkin...

In this episode of The Valley Today, host Janet Michael introduces Dr. Bryce Hayes, the artistic director of Winchester Musica Viva and a professor of music at James Madison University. Dr. Hayes provided insight into the impressive history and offerings of Winchester Musica Viva, a professional-level chamber choir based in the Winchester area. He shared that the organization has been around for 4...

In this episode of The Valley Today, host Janet Michael welcomes Gina Hilliard, President of the Luray Page Chamber of Commerce, and her guest, Dederick Brooks from Shenandoah Shores Management Group.  Shenandoah Shores Management Group provides transportation to wineries, breweries, and other venues, offering convenience and safety for groups looking to enjoy local attractions without the hassle...