The Valley Today

In this episode of The Valley Today , host Janet Michael talks with Dr. Cheri Maea, Dean of Early College and High School Partnerships, and Guy Curtis, Director of Marketing at Laurel Ridge Community College , to discuss the transformative power of early college and dual enrollment programs. As the spring semester approaches, the conversation shines a spotlight on how Laurel Ridge is making higher...

In this episode of The Valley Today , host Janet Michael welcomes Danita Roble, Director of Membership, and Blair Jewell, Director of Marketing and Communications at the Top of Virginia Regional Chamber . Together, they explore the transformative impact of chamber membership on local businesses, emphasizing that the true value lies far beyond a simple listing in a directory. From the outset, Janet...

As the winter chill settles over Berryville, the Barns of Rose Hill is anything but dormant. In this episode of "Tourism Tuesday" on The Valley Today , host Janet Michael talks with Executive Director Martha Reynolds to discuss the dynamic calendar of events, exhibits, and community initiatives that will keep the arts alive and thriving well into 2026. From innovative art collaborations to milesto...

Woodstock is gearing up for its first-ever two-day Hometown Holidays celebration, and excitement is in the air. In this episode of The Valley Today , host Janet Michael talks with Jen Dufner, the town's marketing and events coordinator, to discuss the expanded festivities, the challenges of organizing such an event, and the unique experiences awaiting residents and visitors alike. Expanding the Ho...

When host of The Valley Today , Janet Michael steps into  Winchester Medical Center , she's greeted not only by a freshly rearranged office but by the unwavering enthusiasm of Chris Rucker, Chief Administrative Officer for Valley Health . Their lively conversation reveals what it takes to maintain a thriving healthcare workforce — especially in a profession where stress is high, expectations are h...

When Public Safety Thursday on The Valley Today kicks off with a moment of accidental dead air, Captain Warren Gosnell of the  Frederick County Sheriff's Office doesn't miss a beat. Instead, he turns Janet Michael's radio-studio nightmare into a teaching moment—because in today's tech-driven world, even the smallest glitch can open the door to trouble. Technology: A Gift and a Growing Threat As th...

When the newest cohort of the Front Royal–Warren County Chamber of Commerce Community Leadership Program filed into the conference room, they didn't expect their first assignment to involve a radio interview. Yet chamber director Niki Foster insists that discomfort is part of the process. As she tells Valley Today host Janet Michael, leadership requires stepping outside routine—and this program is...

Nestled on Main Street in Woodstock, Bonfire Bookstore & Yarnery radiates the cozy, community-centric charm that so many small towns crave. During this Tourism Tuesday episode on The Valley Today , host Janet Michael, Shenandoah County Tourism's Kary Haun, and owner Kara Balcerzak dive into how a lifelong love of books—and a desire to combat modern loneliness—became one of the county's newest gath...

As December arrives in the Shenandoah Valley, most residents brace for winter's first flakes with equal parts nostalgia and dread. Yet for Ken Slack, communications specialist for the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) , the "S-word" signals something far more serious: the start of long days, sleepless nights, and the full activation of a year-round effort to keep the region moving safel...

In this episode of " The Valley Today ," host Janet Michael welcomes Carl Knoblock, Virginia District Director of the Small Business Administration , for a spirited discussion on the true value of small businesses. While Small Business Saturday often takes center stage during the holiday season, Janet and Carl argue that supporting local businesses should be a year-round commitment. Their conversa...

As the holiday season approaches, Winchester's Old Town is preparing to transform into a magical winter wonderland. In this episode of  The Valley Today , host Janet Michael and guest Justin Kerns, from Winchester-Frederick County Convention & Visitors Bureau , offer listeners an exclusive preview of the much-anticipated Winchester Winter Village. Their lively conversation reveals how this beloved...

As the holiday season approaches, Old Town Winchester is buzzing with anticipation. In this episode of " The Valley Today ," host Janet Michael welcomes Brady Cloven, Executive Director of Friends of Old Town Winchester , to discuss the exciting lineup of events and the importance of supporting local businesses. Their lively conversation happens at Winchester Brew Works and sets the stage for a se...

As the last day of Camping for Hunger Week dawns, Janet Michael, host of " The Valley Today ," welcomes listeners with a call to action: the bus is ready to collect donations for those in need. This annual event, hosted by The River 95.3 , not only gathers food and funds but also shines a spotlight on the ongoing issue of food insecurity in the community. In a heartfelt conversation, Janet talks w...

On a brisk morning in the Valley, the Camping for Hunger Bus sits parked at Royal Plaza Shopping Center, buzzing with activity. Valley Today host Janet Michael welcomes listeners to a special conversation with Jason Craig, Senior Director of Community Health for Valley Health . Together, they broadcast live from the heart of a community initiative that's more than just a food drive—it's a movement...

In a recent episode of The Valley Today , host Janet Michael welcomes Elise Stine Dolinar, the driving force behind Bright Futures Frederick/Winchester. Their conversation, happening against the backdrop of the annual " Camping for Hunger " week, delves into the heart of a community initiative that goes far beyond simply filling backpacks with food. Bright Futures, as Elise passionately explains,...

As Camping for Hunger Week sweeps through Warren County, the spirit of giving is palpable. Yet, for organizations like Winchester CCAP , the need for support extends far beyond a single week. In this episode of " The Valley Today ," host Janet Michael sits down with Andrea Cosans, Executive Director of Winchester CCAP, to shed light on the organization's tireless efforts to combat food insecurity...

As the Valley Today podcast kicks off Camping for Hunger Week, host Janet Michael sets the stage for a conversation that goes beyond food drives and donation bins. This annual initiative, anchored by the River 95.3 's bus parked at Royal Plaza Shopping Center, mobilizes the community to support those facing food insecurity. However, as Janet welcomes Andy Gail, CEO of United Way of Northern Shenan...

As the holiday season approaches, families gather around tables filled with delicious food and festive cheer. However, amidst the laughter and celebration, food safety often takes a back seat—until someone gets sick. In this episode of " The Valley Today ," host Janet Michael talks with Amanda Johnson , a food, nutrition, and health extension agent, to discuss how you can keep your holiday meals b...

As the Shenandoah Valley turns golden with autumn,  The Valley Today host Janet Michael, joins  Laurel Ridge Community College 's Director of PR and Special Events, Brandy Hawkins Boies , and Jeff Sinclair , an Army veteran whose educational journey has inspired many. Their conversation—timed perfectly for Veterans Week—offers a heartfelt look at how one man's post-military path leads from uncerta...

The Shenandoah Valley is gearing up for its fourth annual Economic Summit , and this year's event promises to be more impactful than ever. In this episode of " The Valley Today ," host Janet Michael talks with Kaleigh Fincham, Director of Events for the Top of Virginia Regional Chamber , and Scott Harvard, CEO of First Bank , to discuss what makes this summit a must-attend for business leaders, st...

As the holiday season approaches, Belle Grove Plantation prepares to host its much-anticipated Kris Kringle Market. In a recent episode of " The Valley Today ," host Janet Michael talks with Kristen Laise, Executive Director, and Paige Ulevich, Festivals Coordinator, to offer listeners an exclusive look at this festive event. Their conversation reveals how the market has evolved into a cherished c...

As the holiday season approaches, Page County residents eagerly anticipate the 10th annual Chamber Holiday Festival , a beloved event that has grown from a modest community open house into a vibrant celebration. In this episode of " The Valley Today ," host Janet Michael talks with Gina Hilliard, president of the Luray-Page Chamber of Commerce , to discuss the festival's evolution and the many way...

When the temperature drops and snowflakes start to fall, many assume that local parks and recreation departments take a well-deserved break. However, as Valley Today host Janet Michael discovers in her lively conversation with Jeremy Sanders, Marketing Manager for Frederick County Parks and Recreation , winter is anything but a slow season. Instead, the department ramps up its offerings, ensuring...

On a crisp November day, " The Valley Today " welcomes listeners with its signature blend of warmth and wit. Host Janet Michael and Captain Warren Gosnell of the Frederick County Sheriff's Office kick off their monthly Public Safety Thursday segment with playful banter about radio nostalgia, technical hiccups, and the quirks of live broadcasting. Their camaraderie sets a relaxed tone, inviting the...

Mental health care is changing — and Dr. Matthew Rosario, founder and Chief Clinical Director of Clear Horizons Counseling Group, is helping to lead that transformation. In a candid and wide-ranging conversation on The Valley Today , host Janet Michael and co-host Niki Foster from the Front Royal/Warren County Chamber talk with Dr. Rosario about his passion for community-based care, his mission to...