The Valley Today

As autumn paints the Shenandoah Valley in golden hues, Frederick County's agricultural community prepares for one of its most anticipated events: the Fall Farm Crawl . Hosted by the Frederick County Homesteaders , this annual celebration invites locals and visitors alike to step beyond the farm gate and experience the heart of the region's rural heritage. In this episode of " The Valley Today ," h...

In this episode of " The Valley Today ," host Janet Michael welcomed Jordan Herring, the city of Winchester 's Arborist and Grounds Maintenance Manager, for an in-depth conversation about the upcoming Native Plant Festival and the broader mission of cultivating a greener, more sustainable city. As the driving force behind the city's lush parks, vibrant medians, and tree-lined streets, Herring offe...

On a lively day in Old Town Winchester, the air buzzes with the energy of local businesses and the hum of community life. Tucked into Old Town Walking Mall in downtown Winchester, Worlds Away Escape offers a unique kind of adventure—one that challenges the mind, fosters teamwork, and brings a sense of playful mystery to the heart of downtown. In a recent episode of " The Valley Today ," host Janet...

When most people think of hunger, they imagine distant places or rare circumstances. But as Janet Michael, host of " The Valley Today ," and her guest Les Sinclair, Communications and PR Manager for the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank , reveal in their recent conversation, hunger is a persistent, often invisible challenge right here in our own communities—one that doesn't care what month it is or what's...

This October, the Winchester Regional Airport will transform into a vibrant hub of activity as it hosts the much-anticipated Wings & Wheels event, a celebration that brings together aviation enthusiasts, car lovers, families, and the broader community for a day of fun and discovery. In this episode of "The Valley Today," host Janet Michael talks with Kaleigh Fincham, Director of Events for the Top...

Located in the heart of Clear Brook, Virginia, Russell Ridge Farm Market is more than just a new addition to the region's agritourism scene—it's a testament to family legacy, community spirit, and the power of reinvention. In this episode of " The Valley Today ," host Janet Michael, joined by Winchester-Frederick County Tourism 's Justin Kerns, sits down with Travis Russell to uncover the remarkab...

On a sunny Thursday afternoon at the Espresso Bar in downtown Winchester, Valley Today host Janet Michael met with Patricia Brewer and Mandy Foxley, co-chairs of the Out of the Darkness Community Walk , for a heartfelt conversation about hope, healing, and the power of community. Their discussion delves into the details of the annual event, the personal stories that fuel their advocacy, and the br...

As the leaves begin to turn and the air grows crisp in the Northern Shenandoah Valley, gardeners are faced with both new challenges and exciting opportunities. In this episode of " The Valley Today ," host Janet Michael talks with Joanne Royaltey, a Frederick County Associate Extension Agent and Master Gardener, to discuss how local gardeners can make the most of the fall season—despite unpredicta...

In the heart of Virginia's Shenandoah Valley, the town of Mount Jackson is quietly staging a revolution—one that blends entrepreneurial ambition with a hearty dose of small-town quirkiness. In this episode of " The Valley Today ," host Janet Michael sat down with Olivia Hilton, Mount Jackson's dynamic town manager, to discuss how a business incubator program and a potato-themed festival are transf...

In the heart of Middletown, Virginia, a beloved historic landmark is experiencing a renaissance. The Wayside Inn, a fixture of the Shenandoah Valley for over two centuries, is now home to Clem's Kitchen —a new restaurant venture by Bill and Amanda Whitson. In this episode of "The Valley Business Today," host Janet Michael, joined by Carl Knoblock of the Small Business Administration , sat down wit...

In the scenic Shenandoah Valley, Millwood, Virginia, is a town where history and creativity intertwine, and nowhere is this more evident than in the annual Art at the Mill show. In this episode of "Tourism Tuesday" on The Valley Today , host Janet Michael welcomed Nathan Stalvey, Executive Director of the Clarke County Historical Association , for an in-depth conversation about the upcoming fall a...

In this episode of " The Valley Today ," host Janet Michael brought listeners a heartwarming and insightful conversation that showcased the vibrant spirit of Page County's community life. Joined by Gina Hilliard, president of the Luray-Page County Chamber of Commerce , and Denise Schulz, director of the Community Choir of Page County , the conversation offered a behind-the-scenes look at how music...

In a world where community needs are ever-growing and resources often stretched thin, the annual Community Connect & Serve event in Winchester, Virginia, stands as a beacon of hope and collaboration. In this episode of " The Valley Today ," host Janet Michael gathered with a dynamic group of organizers and participants to pull back the curtain on this unique event, revealing how it's reshaping the...

In this episode of " The Valley Today ," host Janet Michael welcomed Brandy Hawkins Boies, Director of Public Relations and Special Events, and Dr. Kim Blosser, President of Laurel Ridge Community College , for a candid and wide-ranging discussion about the college's evolving role in the Shenandoah Valley. The conversation offered listeners a rare glimpse behind the scenes of an institution that h...

On a sunny afternoon in downtown Winchester, the secret garden at the Espresso Bar buzzes with the warmth of old friends reuniting. Host of The Valley Today , Janet Michael welcomes Sandy Schwalb, a dedicated volunteer and former board member of Virginia German Shepherd Rescue (VGSR), for a heartfelt conversation about the organization's mission, the power of community, and the life-changing impac...

Nestled in the heart of Berryville, the Barns of Rose Hill stands as a beacon for arts, culture, and community connection. In this episode of "Tourism Tuesday," host Janet Michael talks with Martha Reynolds, the Executive Director of the Barns, to discuss the organization's bustling calendar and the vital role it plays in the region. The conversation opened with excitement for the upcoming ShenArt...

In this episode of " The Valley Today ," host Janet Michael sat down with Ken Slack, Communications Specialist for the Staunton District of the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) , to pull back the curtain on the region's most pressing road projects and the intricate web of planning, funding, and public engagement that makes them possible. The conversation opened with a celebration: the...

Every September, a wave of orange (this year) shirts sweep across the Northern Shenandoah Valley, signaling a day when the community comes together for a singular purpose: to give back. This is Day of Caring, an annual event organized by the  United Way of Northern Shenandoah Valley , and it's more than just a day of volunteerism—it's a celebration of community spirit, corporate partnership, and t...

On this episode of " The Valley Today ," host Janet Michael welcomed Captain Warren Gosnell of the Frederick County Sheriff's Office for a lively and insightful discussion that went far beyond the usual public safety bulletin. The conversation began with a heartfelt congratulations to Captain Gosnell for his recent award , setting the tone for a candid exploration of what recognition means in the...

When adversity strikes, it's often the strength of a community that carries us through. In this episode of " The Valley Today ," host Janet Michael welcomed Niki Foster, President of the Front Royal Warren County Chamber of Commerce , for a conversation that was as much about overcoming personal challenges as it was about the vibrant life of a small town. Niki opened up about her recent health str...

On this episode of "Tourism Tuesday" on The Valley Today ,  host Janet Michael gathered with Kary Haun and Jen Duffner at the cozy Flour & Water café in downtown Woodstock to serve up a flavorful preview of the much-anticipated WoodsTACO 2025 event. The conversation , brimming with local pride and playful banter, offered listeners an inside look at how this annual festival has become a highlight o...

In the heart of Rappahannock County, the spirit of community theater is alive and thriving, as revealed in a recent episode of " The Valley Today " hosted by Janet Michael. The episode shines a spotlight on the upcoming production of " Always... Patsy Cline " by the RAAC Community Theater, offering listeners a behind-the-scenes look at the passion, dedication, and camaraderie that fuel local arts....

On a sunny afternoon at the Our Health campus, the energy is palpable as Janet Michael, host of " The Valley Today ," sits down with Sharen Gromling, Executive Director of Our Health. Their conversation, brimming with enthusiasm and insight, centers on a transformative new initiative: the Nonprofit Leadership Academy . This collaborative program, designed for both nonprofit staff and board members...

As the leaves begin to turn and the air grows crisp in the Shenandoah Valley, anticipation builds for one of the region's most cherished traditions: Hob Nob in the Valley . In this episode of " The Valley Today ," host Janet Michael sat down with Cynthia Schneider, CEO of the Top of Virginia Regional Chamber , board member Nathan Stalvey, and United Bank Market President Pete Warren to discuss the...

The Family Drive-In Theatre stands as a living testament to a bygone era—one where families gathered under the stars, children played on grassy lawns, and the magic of cinema brought communities together. In this episode of "Tourism Tuesday" on The Valley Today , host Janet Michael and co-host Justin Kerns from the Winchester/Frederick County Convention & Visitors Bureau sat down with theatre gene...