The Valley Today

In this episode of The Valley Today, host Janet Michael visits the soon-to-open ShenArts Collective to talk with Lisa Fisher, Executive Director for Shenandoah Arts Council. Lisa explains that setting up an artist co-op has been a long-standing dream for the Shenandoah Arts Council. The council aims to fill a gap in Winchester's art scene, as many surrounding towns already have artist co-ops but W...

In this episode of Traffic Safety Thursday on The Valley Today, host Janet Michael and Lt. Warren Gosnell from the Frederick County Sheriff's Office cover a variety of topics centered around traffic safety and local issues. They examined the rationale behind school closures during inclement weather conditions. Goz explained the complexities and safety considerations that go into these decisions, e...

In this episode of the Valley Today, host Janet Michael speaks with Niki Foster from the Front Royal-Warren County Chamber of Commerce . The conversation covers a wide range of topics including the significance of Small Shop Saturday, upcoming events, and the importance of supporting local businesses. The discussion begins with a lighthearted exchange about recording on Black Friday and the chilly...

In this episode of The Valley Today, host Janet Michael and cohost Kary Haun travel to Cave Ridge VIneyard & Winery to experience their unique igloos. They are joined by Randy Phillips, the vineyard owner & winemaker, who explains that these igloos were initially introduced during Covid to allow for social distancing, but have since become a popular and permanent attraction.  The igloos offer a co...

In this episode of The Valley Today, host Janet Michael engages in a series of insightful conversations with key figures from several Winchester-based nonprofits, discussing their collaboration for Giving Tuesday. The show features Andy Gail, CEO of United Way of Northern Shenandoah Valley , who explains the motivation and organization behind the campaign, emphasizing the importance of community s...

In this episode of the Valley Today, host Janet Michael welcomes back Major Jacob Bixler and cadets from the Winchester Composite Squadron , Civil Air Patrol . The discussion kicks off with an introduction of Civil Air Patrol (CAP), touching on its role as the volunteer auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force and its focus on cadet programs, aerospace education, and emergency services. Major Bixler reintr...

In this episode of The Valley Today, host Janet Michael welcomes back Brady Cloven, the Executive Director of Friends of Old Town in Winchester, Virginia. The organization is focusing on rejuvenating and promoting Old Town Winchester and Brady discusses the progress made since their inception, including a rebranding from Winchester Main Street to Friends of Old Town. Brady elaborates on the organi...

In this episode of 'The Valley Today,' hosted by Janet Michael, it's Tourism Tuesday - Winchester/Frederick County edition. Janet speaks with Justin Kerns from the Winchester/Frederick County Convention & Visitors Bureau , who provides exciting details about the upcoming Winchester Winter Village event happening in Old Town Winchester during the first weekend of December. The conversation begins w...

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. The discussion starts with Janet mentioning the transition from planning to implementing Shenandoah 2045's adopted plan. Tyler emphasizes the importance of making the p...

In this episode of the Valley Today, Janet shares more of the recent conversation with Andrea Cosans, the executive director at Winchester CCAP. The pair explored the types of donations that are most needed at local food pantries. Andrea emphasized that while traditionally only non-perishable items were accepted, these days, many food pantries have the capacity to store perishable items like dairy...

As part of a community health partnership with Valley Health , in this episode of the Valley Today, Janet Michael welcomes back Jason Craig, Director of Community Health from Valley Health for a discussion about social determinants of health and the impact of the health system's Community Health Needs Assessment . Jason discusses how integral food is to health and the impact of social determinants...

In this episode of the Valley Today, host Janet Michael welcomes back Andrea Cosans, Executive Director for Winchester CCAP to discuss various topics related to the services offered by CCAP. Andrea shared that CCAP provides more than just a food pantry; they offer a range of services including small financial grants and clothing. Last year, they supported 3,200 families through their food pantry,...

In this episode of the Valley Today, Janet Michael hosts a conversation with Robyn Miller, Executive Director at WATTS (Winchester Area Temporary Transitional Shelter), and Michelle Smeltzer, President of the Board for HARTS (Hope and Rest Temporary Shelter.) They discuss the immense challenges and operations of their respective organizations dedicated to providing shelter and aid to the homeless...

In this episode of the Valley Today, host Janet Michael is joined by United Way Northern Shenandoah Valley CE), Andy Gail to discuss various aspects of community support.  Andy elaborates on the challenges and the importance of community service in the localities he oversees. He highlights how the increase in living costs hasn't deterred people from volunteering their time for activities like serv...

In this episode of the Valley Today, host Janet Michael is joined by Kristen Laise, the Executive Director at Belle Grove Plantation, and Paige Ulevich, the Festivals Coordinator. They discuss the upcoming fifth annual Kris Kringle Market taking place at Belle Grove on November 23rd and 24th from 10 AM to 4 PM. Kristen talks about the origins of the Kris Kringle Market, which started during the di...

In this episode of the Valley Today, host Janet Michael welcomes Guy Curtis , the Director of Marketing for Laurel Ridge Community College , and Christine Kriz , the new Director of Corporate Training for Workforce Solutions at the college. They discuss the various aspects of workforce training and corporate training services offered by Laurel Ridge Community College. Christine and Guy explain the...

In this episode of The Valley Today, host Janet Michael dives into a special segment centering on the business and community engagement efforts of the Top of Virginia Regional Chamber (TVRC). Janet introduces her guest, Kayleigh Fincham, the Chamber's Director of Events, and special guest Brandon Lorey, the President and CEO of Bank of Clarke . Brandon shares his bank's historic journey and expans...

In this episode of the Valley Today, host Janet Michael welcomes Gina Hilliard, President of the Luray/Page Chamber of Commerce. They discuss several topics starting with Gina's recent chamber-sponsored trip to Italy, highlighting the advantages of group travel. Gina shares future travel plans with the chamber, particularly a 2025 trip to Greece. Janet and Gina then shift gears to the Shop Small c...

The conversation today is part of an ongoing partnership with the US Small Business Administration highlighting small businesses in the Shenandoah Valley as well as offering advice and resources to all small businesses. In this special Veterans Day episode, host Janet Michael and co-host  Carl Knoblock , Virginia District Director for the SBA talk with John Kline, veteran/owner of Veterans Subs. J...

In this episode of the Valley Today, host Janet Michael speaks with Jeremy Sanders, the marketing manager for Frederick County Parks and Rec. The conversation primarily revolves around the upcoming events during the winter season organized by Frederick County Parks and Rec . Jeremy shares information about the Thanksgiving 5K at Sherando Park , highlighting its growth and popularity. Participants...

In the latest episode of the Valley Today, host Janet Michael welcomes Lt. Warren Gosnell from the Frederick County Sheriff's Office for Traffic Safety Thursday. The episode begins with light-hearted banter about the unusual November weather and then transitions into a discussion about the role of law enforcement during election days, emphasizing traffic management and the challenges law enforceme...

In this episode of The Valley Today, host Janet Michael is joined by Niki Foster from the Front Royal-Warren County Chamber of Commerce and Bret Bement, owner of Play Favorites.  Brett elaborates on the one-year anniversary of purchasing the shop, highlighting its unique role as a 'therapy store' offering not just toys and games but an experience that transcends mere retail. He discusses the sense...

In this episode of Tourism Tuesday on The Valley Today, host Janet Michael is joined by cohost Kary Haun from Shenandoah County Tourism. They welcome guests Joy Nault and Joyce Kelley, the owners of Travelers Treasures and Two Turtle Doves, who share space in downtown Woodstock.  As the holidays approach, the group talks about the importance of shopping local and how small businesses like Traveler...

In this episode of the Valley Today, host Janet Michael speaks with Deborah Fleming, the new executive director of the Greater Shenandoah Valley chapter of the American Red Cross . Deborah shares her compelling personal history with the Red Cross, stemming from her experience as a child during the Johnstown flood of 1977. This pivotal event inspired her lifelong commitment to humanitarian work. Th...

In this episode of the Valley Today, host Janet Michael welcomes Andy Gail, CEO of United Way Northern Shenandoah Valley (UWNSV), and Kim Wilt, Director of Impact and Advancement at UWNSV. They discuss various aspects of their roles, the goals of the United Way, and the impact of their community programs. Andy shares his journey to becoming the CEO and outlines the mission and vision of UWNSV, emp...