The Valley Today

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...

Nestled in the heart of the Shenandaoh Valley, the State Arboretum at Blandy Experimental Farm is preparing to celebrate a unique and flavorful piece of the region's natural heritage: the pawpaw. In this episode of " The Valley Today ," host Janet Michael sat down with Melanie Mullinax, Communications and Events Manager at Blandy, and Jack Monsted, Assistant Curator of the Native Plant Trail, to d...

On a lively corner of Old Town Winchester, the unassuming facade of Broken Window Brewing Company hides a vibrant hub of creativity, community, and award-winning beer. In this episode of The Valley Today , host Janet Michael sits down with Brady Cloven, Executive Director of Friends of Old Town and his guest, Zach Aufdenberg, owner and head brewer, to explore the story behind one of Winchester's c...

In a world where the word "vaccine" has become both a household term and a lightning rod for debate, it's easy to forget the remarkable impact immunizations have had on public health. In this episode of " The Valley Today ," host Janet Michael sat down with Dr. Jeff Feit , Valley Health 's Population and Community Health Officer, to revisit the story of vaccines—past, present, and future. A Legacy...

In the heart of Old Town Winchester, the RISE (Resources. Inclusion. Support. Empowerment.) Community Center stands as a testament to the power of community, compassion, and resilience. Home to AIDS Response Effort (ARE), the organization has evolved over the past 35 years from a small group of volunteers supporting those affected by HIV/AIDS into a vibrant hub for HIV services, LGBTQ+ support, an...

As Labor Day approaches, the Shenandoah Valley Discovery Museum is buzzing with anticipation—not just for the end of summer, but for a beloved annual tradition: the museum's week-long closure and transformation. In a recent episode of " The Valley Today ," host Janet Michael sat down with Executive Director Dawn Devine and Director of Development and Marketing Tammy Stevenson to discuss the museum...

In this episode of " The Valley Today ," host Janet Michael welcomed listeners to a lively conversation with Gina Hilliard, president of the Luray-Page Chamber of Commerce , and Jay Foster, the driving force behind KEMS Contracting . The episode offered a behind-the-scenes look at the world of construction and small business in the Shenandoah Valley, blending practical advice with stories of perse...

Every August, the Shenandoah County Fairgrounds come alive with the sights and sounds of the 4-H/FFA Livestock Show and Sale—a tradition that not only showcases the hard work of local youth but also weaves together the fabric of a rural community. In a recent episode of " The Valley Today ," host Janet Michael sat down with a panel of participants and organizers to pull back the curtain on what it...

In a recent episode of " The Valley Today ," host Janet Michael talks with Guy Curtis , Director of Marketing at Laurel Ridge Community College , and Jay Foreman, the newly appointed Corporate Training Sales Manager for Laurel Ridge Workforce . Their lively conversation offered a deep dive into the evolving landscape of leadership and workforce development, highlighting the innovative programs des...

On a bustling afternoon at the Espresso Bar in downtown Winchester, Janet Michael, host of " The Valley Today ," sat down with Kit Redmer, City of Winchester 's Communications Director, for a candid conversation about civic engagement, community development, and the evolving face of Winchester. Their discussion, rich with insights and local flavor, offered a window into how the city is fostering a...

Stepping into the ShenArts Artist Co-op on Winchester's Old Town walking mall , visitors are greeted by a kaleidoscope of color, creativity, and community spirit. In a recent episode of " The Valley Today ," host Janet Michael sat down with Kelly McDermott, president of the Shenandoah Arts Council , to explore the story behind this dynamic space and its impact on the local arts scene. The conversa...

In a recent episode of " The Valley Today ," host Janet Michael welcomed Les Sinclair, Communications and PR Manager for the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank , for an in-depth conversation about the organization's essential work and the growing challenges of food insecurity in Virginia. Covering a staggering 12,000 square miles—about a third of the state—the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank serves as a logistic...

In this episode of The Valley Today , host Janet Michael sat down with Megan Gordon, Executive Director of the Page Alliance for Community Action (PACA), to discuss the organization's tireless efforts to keep Page County's youth and families healthy and drug-free. Since its inception in 2006, PACA has grown from a small nonprofit into a cornerstone of community wellness, thanks in part to federal...

As the school year kicks off, the air in the Shenandoah Valley is filled with anticipation—and a few nerves. On a recent episode of The Valley Today , host Janet Michael welcomed Captain Warren Gosnell from the Frederick County Sheriff's Office for their monthly Public Safety Thursday, diving into the timely topic of back-to-school safety. The conversation, peppered with personal anecdotes and lig...

In a world where the challenges facing students often go unseen, Bright Futures Frederick/Winchester stands as a beacon of hope and practical support for children and families. In a recent episode of  The Valley Today host Janet Michael sat down with Elise Stine-Dolinar, the organization's Executive Director, to shed light on the critical work being done behind the scenes to ensure every student h...

On a sun-dappled patio in Woodstock, Virginia, the spirit of Shenandoah County comes alive in a candid conversation on The Valley Today between host Janet Michael, co-host Kary Haun, and Brittany Clem-Hott, the newly appointed Tourism Development Manager. Their discussion, brimming with local pride and personal anecdotes, offers a window into the vibrant tapestry that makes Shenandoah County a des...

In the Shenandoah Valley, NW Works has quietly transformed lives for 55 years, championing adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities through programs that foster independence, employment, and a sense of belonging. In this episode of The Valley Today , host Janet Michael visits NW Works for a conversation with CEO Skip Philips and Communications Coordinator, Morgan Towle.  This year,...

Across the Shenandoah Valley, the spirit of community is alive and thriving, thanks in large part to the efforts of United Way Northern Shenandoah Valley (UWNSV) and its dedicated partners. In a recent episode of The Valley Today , host Janet Michael sat down with UWNSV CEO Andy Gail to pull back the curtain on the organization's annual Impact Grants—a process that this year saw over $435,000 dist...

In the heart of the Shenandoah Valley, a beacon of hope and health shines for thousands of residents—regardless of their income, insurance status, or background. Shenandoah Community Health, a federally qualified health center with locations in Martinsburg and Winchester, is redefining what it means to provide accessible, compassionate care to the community. During a recent conversation on " The V...

Nestled off Airport Road in Frederick County, Framebridge is quietly revolutionizing the art of custom framing. In a recent episode of The Valley Today , host Janet Michael sat down with Shayla Rickard, Business Retention Manager for the Frederick County EDA , and Parker Burton, Framebridge's plant manager, to uncover the story behind this innovative business. From the moment you step into Framebr...

In the heart of Virginia's Shenandoah Valley, a beloved tradition is getting a fresh twist. The annual Belle Grove Wine Festival, long a staple for local oenophiles, has been reimagined as Shenandoah Sips—a festival that promises to be as diverse and vibrant as the community it serves. In a recent episode of "The Valley Today," host Janet Michael sat down with Belle Grove 's Executive Director, Kr...

On a sunny Friday afternoon in Winchester, Virginia, the aroma of freshly prepared meals and the sound of laughter fill the air at The Chef's Corner. This "gourmet to go" business, run by the dynamic duo Bonnie and Chef Phil Anderson, has become a local favorite for those seeking delicious, home-cooked meals with a side of community spirit. In a recent conversation with Valley Today host Janet Mic...

Nestled in the heart of Winchester, Virginia, Old Town is experiencing a renaissance—one fueled by creativity, collaboration, and a deep appreciation for local history. In a recent conversation on " The Valley Today ," host Janet Michael sat down with Brady Cloven, executive director of Friends of Old Town , and Jill Savory, the passionate founder of Typewriter Studio , to explore the vibrant chan...

In the latest episode of 'The Valley Today,' host Janet Michael engaged in an enlightening conversation with the Community Foundation of Northern Shenandoah Valley (CFNSV). Janet was joined by the CFNSV's executive director, Nancy Baker, and Erik Beatley, the board chair, who shed light on the foundation's crucial role in the community and their efforts to bolster local nonprofits. Eric began by p...

In this episode of The Valley Business Today on The Valley Today , host Janet Michael, welcomed representatives from the Top of Virginia Regional Chamber & Winchester Regional Airport . Joining Janet were Director of Events for the chamber: Kaleigh Fincham, and Director of Marketing & Communications: Blair Jewell, as well as Nick Sabo, Executive Director/Airport Manager. The discussion centered ar...