The Valley Today

A Winter Tradition Takes Root Frederick County's beloved Restaurant Week returns for its fifth anniversary, bringing 26 diverse eateries together for a week-long celebration of local flavor. Running from January 26th through February 1st, 2026, FredCo Eats has evolved from a modest 15-restaurant launch into a cornerstone event that strengthens the entire regional food economy. In this episode of T...

When the idea of a community-owned grocery store begins to take root, it rarely starts with shelves and shopping carts. Instead, it starts with neighbors — people who believe food can connect a community more deeply than any national chain ever could. That belief sits at the heart of the Winchester Co-Op Market , a grassroots effort working to bring a member-owned grocery store to the city. During...

A Warm Welcome to Wellness When Marcy Campbell greets newcomers at Downtown Studios Unlimited , she's not just welcoming them to a fitness class—she's inviting them into a family. As co-owner of this Luray-based group exercise studio, Marcy has spent decades transforming the way her community approaches health and wellness. In this episode of The Valley Today , she talks with host Janet Michael an...

A Local Returns to Serve Her Community The Northern Shenandoah Valley welcomes a familiar face to its agricultural community. Cynthia Fairbanks, a Clarke County native who grew up on her family's farm in Berryville, has returned home to serve as the new agricultural extension agent based in Warren County. Moreover, her role extends across the entire five-county region, filling a critical position...

In this episode of The Valley Today Community Health series, host Janet Michael talks with Dr. Kevin Volkema, a board-certified family medicine physician at Valley Health Primary Care Greenwood, about the critical importance of primary care . From Chicago Suburbs to the Shenandoah Valley Dr. Kevin Volkema's journey into medicine began with a simple nudge. Growing up in Wheaton, Illinois, just outs...

Humble Beginnings in a Feed Store Sarah Cohen never imagined she'd spend her life making potato chips in rural Virginia. Growing up in Washington, DC, where she worked in her family's restaurant and hotel business from age 12, she learned work ethic early. However, manufacturing knowledge? That came later—much later. In her twenties, Sarah launched Route 11 Potato Chips in an old feed store in Mid...

A Toast to Community Spirit Winchester's Old Town district is shaking off the post-holiday blues with a spirited comeback. In this episode of The Valley Today , host Janet Michael and Brady Cloven, Executive Director for Friends of Old Town , recently embarked on what they jokingly called "research"—a Friday afternoon bar crawl previewing Old Town on the Rocks , a revived cocktail competition set...

The Red Cross Does More Than You Think When most people hear " American Red Cross ," they immediately think of blood drives. However, as Deborah Fleming, Executive Director of the Greater Shenandoah Valley Chapter , explains to The Valley Today host Janet Michael, disaster relief and recovery represent a massive—and increasingly critical—portion of the organization's mission. Deborah oversees oper...

Why This Year's Influenza Outbreak Demands Your Attention Virginia finds itself in the dark red zone on the CDC's influenza activity map, signaling a "very high" level of flu cases sweeping across the Commonwealth. This alarming development prompts Janet Michael, host of The Valley Today , to reach out to Dr. Jeff Feit for an urgent conversation about protecting communities during this particularl...

Laurel Ridge Community College isn't just accepting applications—it's actively dismantling the barriers that keep people from pursuing their educational dreams. In this episode of The Valley Today , host Janet Michael talks with Guy Curtis, the college's Director of Marketing, and Brandy Hawkins Boies, Director of PR and Special Events, to explore how accessible higher education has become in the...

As the new year unfolds, the Front Royal Warren County Chamber of Commerce is buzzing with excitement and preparation. In this episode of The Valley Today , host Janet Michael welcomes Niki Foster for a lively conversation about the organization's signature events and the many ways residents and members can get involved. Their discussion, filled with warmth and humor, offers listeners a behind-the...

Setting the Scene Winchester Little Theater is abuzz with excitement as the cast and crew prepare for their latest production, "Wait Until Dark." In this episode of The Valley Today , host Janet Michael sits down with director Joette Orndorff, actors Avery Busch and Tim Bambara to discuss the journey from auditions to opening night. Their lively conversation offers a behind-the-scenes look at the...

A Vision Beyond the Turntables When Ben Savory, owner of Summit Events , last joined Janet Michael on The Valley Today in March 2024, he had just been named Entrepreneur of the Year by the Top of Virginia Regional Chamber . Fast forward to 2026, and Ben's journey is a testament to what happens when ambition meets community spirit. In their latest conversation, Janet and Ben explore how Summit Even...

A Fresh Start for Philanthropy in the Valley As the calendar turns to 2026, United Way of Northern Shenandoah Valley (UWNSV) is charting an ambitious course for community engagement and philanthropy. In this episode of The Valley Today , host Janet Michael sat down with UWNSV CEO Andy Gail to discuss the organization's evolving mission, innovative giving models, and the vital role of collaboration...

As the holiday season sweeps through the Valley, host Janet Michael welcomes Captain Warren Gosnell of the Frederick County Sheriff's Office into the studio for a lively yet sobering episode of "The Valley Today." Their conversation, peppered with humor and personal anecdotes, dives deep into the realities of holiday travel, the temptations of modern technology, and the life-altering consequences...

With the holiday season in full swing, many of us are reminded to give back. Yet, for thousands in the Valley, hunger is a persistent, year-round struggle. In this episode of The Valley Today , host Janet Michael talks with Les Sinclair, Communications and PR Manager for the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank , to discuss the ongoing fight against food insecurity and the innovative ways the community is co...

While visiting a Christmas village in Switzerland, Donnie was captivated by a simple yet powerful tradition: trees adorned with handwritten wishes from people of all ages. Inspired, Donnie brought the idea home to Winchester, determined to create a space where her own community could share their hopes, dreams, and even their burdens. This vision blossomed into the Wishing Trees, now a beloved feat...

As the holiday season sweeps through the Valley, host of The Valley Today , Janet Michael invites listeners to step into the warmth of community traditions in a special episode. This festive conversation, woven from interviews with local leaders, business owners, and community members, offers a delightful tapestry of Christmas customs, heartfelt memories, and a few friendly debates. The Great Tree...

As the holiday season approaches, many of us find ourselves pondering the perfect bottle of wine to bring to festive gatherings or to gift our gracious hosts. In this episode of The Valley Today , host Janet Michael talks with Lisa Bell, owner of LK Wine Tours and Sales , to demystify the world of wine and offer practical advice for both novices and enthusiasts. Their lively conversation is packed...

The Museum of the Shenandoah Valley (MSV) is more than just a repository of artifacts—it's a vibrant center for community, history, and storytelling. In this episode of The Valley Today , host Janet Michael sits down with Scott Stroh, the museum's new Executive Director and CEO, and Nick Powers, Curator of Collections, to discuss the MSV's evolving role in Winchester and the wider valley. Scott, l...

When a sudden illness or injury strikes, knowing where to seek care can make all the difference. In this episode of The Valley Today Community Health series, host Janet Michael talks with Dr. Jeffrey Hoefle, board-certified Urgent Care physician and Urgent Care Medical Director at Valley Health , to demystify the options available to patients in the Shenandoah Valley and beyond. Their conversation...

In a lively episode of The Valley Today , host Janet Michael welcomes Carl Knoblock, Virginia District Director of the Small Business Administration , for a candid discussion about artificial intelligence (AI) and its growing influence on small businesses. Meeting at the bustling Espresso Bar in downtown Winchester, the two dive into the realities, misconceptions, and opportunities that AI present...

On a blustery Thursday, The Valley Today host Janet Michael and Brady Cloven, Executive Director of Friends of Old Town , set out on a spirited adventure through Winchester's historic walking mall. Their mission? To uncover the best last-minute holiday gifts while showcasing the vibrant local businesses that make Old Town a shopping destination. Despite the biting wind, their enthusiasm never wave...

As the holiday season sweeps through the Shenandoah Valley, the spirit of community shines brightly in Luray, Virginia. On this episode of The Valley Today , host Janet Michael welcomes Gina Hilliard, president of the Luray-Page Chamber of Commerce , and Brian Sutphin, owner of Faith Christian Stores of Virginia , for a lively conversation about local business, faith, and the power of shopping sma...

In this episode of The Valley Today , host Janet Michael welcomes a panel of passionate Extension Master Gardeners—Carole Belkin, Barbara Bosserman, and Joanne Royaltey—to share the excitement surrounding two beloved community events: the Indoor Plant Clinic at Bowman Library and the annual Seed Exchange at the Clarke County Fairgrounds. As winter settles in, these events offer residents a chance...