The Valley Today

In the latest episode of The Valley Today, host Janet Michael engages in a comprehensive discussion with Captain Warren Gosnell from the Frederick County Sheriff's Office . As part of their Public Safety Thursday segment, they delve into various critical topics surrounding public safety and motorcycle culture. Janet opens the show with a warm welcome to Captain Gosnell, who shares insights about u...

In the heart of Front Royal, G&M Auto Sales stands as a testament to the durability and success of family-owned businesses. As the dealership commemorates its 70th anniversary, owners Gary and Tammy Bunch joined Valley Today host Janet Michael and Front Royal/Warren County Chamber of Commerce President, Niki Foster to share the story of their storied legacy. From its humble beginnings as a small c...

Nestled in the heart of Shenandoah County, Cordial Coffee has quickly become a beloved destination for coffee enthusiasts. In this episode of "The Valley Today," host Janet Michael and co-host Kary Haun sat down with Brandon Belland, the passionate owner of Cordial Coffee, to discuss his journey and the essence of this exceptional café. Brandon's journey into the world of coffee began in 1999 in V...

In the realm of youth development, few names have resonated as strongly as the Boy Scouts of America. However, a significant transformation has seen the emergence of Scouting America , a rebrand designed to embody inclusivity. At the heart of this evolution is Jon Elliott, the District Executive for the Shenandoah Area Council , whose insights provide a profound understanding of the shift and its...

Spring has arrived, and with it comes the highly anticipated Blandy Garden Fair , a hallmark event signaling the true start of the season. Hosted at the picturesque Blandy Experimental Farm , this year's Garden Fair promises to be a festive celebration, full of nature's wonders and community spirit. In a recent Zoom interview, Janet Michael, the host of 'The Valley Today,' caught up with Melanie M...

Spring is in full bloom in Strasburg, and the town is buzzing with excitement for its upcoming events. In this episode of The Valley Today, host Janet Michael had the pleasure of chatting with two of the town's most passionate advocates: Mayor Brandy Hawkins Boies and Business and Engagement Coordinator Brian McKee. Brandy, who wears multiple hats, including being a dedicated mother and mayor, sha...

The annual Greater Good Awards , hosted by the Top of Virginia Regional Chamber , are a testament to the business community's resilience, creativity, and commitment to the greater good. The latest ceremony, filled with inspiring stories and heartfelt moments, highlights the exceptional individuals and organizations shaping the Valley. In this episode of The Valley Today, host Janet Michael welcome...

In this episode of The Valley Today, hosted by Janet Michael features Justin Kerns from the Winchester Frederick County Convention and Visitors Bureau for an engaging community and tourist conversation.  The episode focused on the recent tourism summit held on March 19. Justin was thrilled about the event's outcome, noting the impressive turnout of around 60 attendees, far exceeding his expectatio...

In the latest edition of The Valley Today, host Janet Michael shines a light on Old Town Winchester with an enthusiastic and insightful conversation with two prominent community members, Brady Cloven, Executive Director of Friends of Old Town, and Megan Cammer, General Manager of Moon Phased. Janet opens the show by introducing Megan, who, alongside her mother, expertly transformed an old bookstor...

In this episode of The Valley Today, host Janet Michael dives into the engaging and enriching world of 4-H in Warren County. Joining Janet is Emily Schultz, the Associate Extension Agent for Warren County, who's been a pivotal figure in the 4-H community for the past year. Reflecting on her first year, Emily shared the whirlwind of activities and opportunities that have kept her busy. The last yea...

As part of a Community Health series on The Valley Today, host Janet Michael welcomes Dr. Sophia Villanueva, a fellowship-trained colorectal surgeon with Valley Health Surgical Oncology in Winchester. The discussion highlights March as Colon Cancer Awareness Month and covers key topics such as the rise in early-onset colon cancer, the importance of screenings, and preventive measures. To begin, Dr...

In the picturesque town of Mount Jackson, Virginia , a revolutionary initiative is buzzing with success, breathing new life into the local economy and community spirit. Under the stewardship of Town Manager Olivia Hilton and her dedicated team, the Mount Jackson Five program has turned entrepreneurial dreams into reality. On today's episode of The Valley Business Today with the SBA, host Janet Mic...

In a recent episode of Valley Today, host Janet Michael transported her listeners to the cultural heart of Berryville, Clark County, through an engaging conversation with Martha Reynolds, the Executive Director of the Barns of Rose Hill . Bridging past and present, Reynolds painted a vivid picture of the barn's dynamic offerings, from art exhibitions and concert series to educational programs. The...

In this episode of The Valley Today, host Janet Michael chats with Gina Hilliard, President of the Luray/Page Chamber of Commerce , and Jen Jenkins, Parks Superintendent for Luray Parks and Rec , about the plethora of exciting events lined up for the community this year . Kicking things off, Gina and Janet discuss the chamber's rebranding efforts, which include a vibrant new logo, updated core val...

In this episode of The Valley Today, host Janet Michael catches up with Winchester Rotarian Tootie Rinker to learn about their upcoming fundraiser for NW Works. Tootie, who chairs the International Affair of Food and Wine Event, shared detailed insights about this significant event happening on Thursday, March 27th, from 6:00 PM until 9:00 PM at Fox Meadow Barn. The International Affair of Food an...

Laurel Ridge Community College is making waves with its comprehensive and in-demand healthcare programs. In a recent discussion hosted by Janet Michael on The Valley Today, attendees had the chance to hear from key members of the college faculty about the various career opportunities available through their health professions courses. Guy Curtis , the Director of Marketing at Laurel Ridge, opened...

In the bustling corridors of Dowell J. Howard , a transformative change is taking place in the realm of Career and Technical Education (CTE). On a recent visit, Valley Today host Janet Michael sat down with Principal Ben Thompson to explore the dynamic programs and opportunities that have elevated the school to new heights within the Frederick County Public School system. Taking place amidst the h...

In this episode of The Valley Today, host Janet Michael visits Jim Barnett Park to discuss the exciting events and programs offered by Winchester City Parks with Parks Director, Chris Konyar.  Chris shared that spring has arrived, and with it, a flurry of activities at the park. The turf field, described as the crown jewel, is particularly striking against the backdrop of a transitioning season. O...

In this episode of The Valley Today, host Janet Michael welcomed the key figures from Opportunity Scholars, a promising non-profit organization dedicated to connecting individuals to jobs and education in the Shenandoah Valley. Joining her were Rachel Schaefer, CEO of Opportunity Scholars, Caroline Brown, Director of Development and Growth, and Shonda Avis, HR Manager for Holtzman Oil and Propane...

The Shenandoah Valley Discovery Museum has proven to be a beacon of learning and community engagement in the Valley. In this episode of The Valley Today, Janet Michael sat down with Executive Director Dawn Devine and Director of Development and Marketing Tammy Stevenson to discuss the museum's extensive programs and upcoming events. As the Executive Director, Dawn provided a heartfelt overview of...

In this episode of The Valley Today - Public Safety Thursday - host Janet Michael sat down with Captain Warren Gosnell of the Frederick County Sheriff's Office to discuss public safety, impaired driving, and the multifaceted responsibilities of local law enforcement. The pre-recorded session offered listeners a unique glimpse into both the operational and emotional aspects of law enforcement. Capt...

This episode of The Valley Today with host Janet Michael and cohost Niki Foster, President of the Front Royal-Warren County Chamber of Commerce, provided a wealth of information about the Chamber's various committees, upcoming events, and the overall community spirit that drives these initiatives. Janet and Niki delved into the significant impact of the Chamber's Nonprofit Alliance and Senior Alli...

In this episode of The Valley Today - Tourism Tuesday Shenandoah County edition - host Janet Michael is joined by Kary Haun from Shenandoah County Tourism and her guest, Liz Lipovsky, the owner of Hogback Mountain Pony Rides . Liz shares her background, explaining that she started the business nine years ago in Leesburg, Virginia, driven by her lifelong passion for horses and rescuing ponies. Hogb...

Grief is a universal experience, impacting individuals regardless of age, and its effects on mental health can be profound. In this episode of The Valley Today, host Janet Michael delves into this sensitive topic with Susana Calley, a licensed clinical social worker and the director at the Center for Hope and Healing under the Blue Ridge Hospice umbrella. Throughout the year-long series, Mental He...

In the latest episode of The Valley Today hosted by Janet Michael, spotlighted the unique and community-focused Hideaway Cafe, alongside a conversation with Brady Cloven, Executive Director for Friends of Old Town.  Janet welcomes Victoria Kidd Armstrong, owner of the Hideaway Cafe. Victoria's business is celebrated not just for its coffee and tea but for its role as an unofficial community center...