The Valley Today

Summer is just around the corner, and Winchester's Jim Barnett Park is gearing up for a season full of exciting events and activities. In this episode of The Valley Today, host Janet Michael sat down with Chris Konyar, the City Parks Director, to unpack what's in store for residents and visitors alike. Kicking off the discussion with a splash, Chris highlighted the aquatics programs set to keep ev...

In this episode of The Valley Today, host Janet Michael dives into the world of Shenandoah Reel Women, a remarkable initiative that offers fly fishing camps for young women aged 12 to 18. Joan Chapman, one of the directors, explains that the program aims to empower young women through hands-on outdoor experiences. Since its inception in 2021, the camps have evolved to include both novice and advan...

This Laurel Ridge Community College episode featured Brandy Hawkins Boies, the college's Director of Public Relations, and Deborah Zelleka-Yearwood , an inspiring student and commencement speaker. Brandy shared updates about the upcoming commencement ceremonies , which will be spread across two days to accommodate the large number of health profession graduates. With 795 graduates, the college is...

In a recent episode of The Valley Business Today, host Janet Michael along with cohost Niki Foster, President of the Front Royal/Warren County Chamber of Commerce had an in-depth conversation with Ellen Aders about the ongoing efforts to revitalize downtown Front Royal. The discussion, recorded at the chamber, delved into the intricacies of the Main Street Program and the significant strides made...

Nestled in the heart of Woodstock, Italian Touch offers a delectable experience that blends tradition with innovation. Janet Michael, host of The Valley Today and her cohost for Tourism Tuesday/Shenandoah County, Kary Haun recently visited this charming eatery to bring focus to its new location and expanded offerings. Italian Touch, now occupying a spacious and strategically located spot that used...

In this episode, Janet Michael, host of The Valley Today, spoke with Jenny Grooms, the Executive Director for the  foundations of Valley Health , about the innovative Stronger Together campaign. This initiative aims to enhance various aspects of healthcare in the Valley Health system, focusing on mental health, heart health, and extending care accessibility. Valley Health , a nonprofit health syst...

In a recent episode of the Valley Today, host Janet Michael welcomed Andy Gail, CEO of United Way Northern Shenandoah Valley , and Amanda Whitson , co-chair of the Housing Coalition of Northern Shenandoah Valley , to discuss the upcoming Housing Summit. The summit, scheduled for May 23rd at Laurel Ridge Community College, seeks to address various housing challenges faced by the region. The convers...

Spring is upon us, and what better way to celebrate than a Bloom edition of Public Safety Thursday! Janet Michael kicked off the conversation with Captain Warren Gosnell from the Frederick County Sheriff's Office . The discussion centered around the Apple Blossom Festival, a beloved local tradition. Goz shared his thoughts on the month-long social media initiative, where he posts daily tidbits to...

In the latest edition of 'The Valley Business Today,' host Janet Michael welcomed Shayla Rickard from the Frederick County Economic Development Authority (EDA). The conversation provided an in-depth look into two key programs— the Widget Cup and the Employer Expo — both aimed at workforce development in the Frederick County area. The Widget Cup is an annual competition where teams from various hig...

The North-South Skirmish Association , or N-SSA, is an organization dedicated to preserving and showcasing Civil War history through live demonstrations and competitive shooting events. Recently, Janet Michael hosted Dave Cole, National Commander of N-SSA, on The Valley Today to delve into the organization's history, the upcoming Spring Nationals, and the unique aspects of their activities. Founde...

On a recent Extension Office Monday, host Janet Michael sat down with Carol Nansel to delve into a unique program spearheaded by the Shenandoah County 4-H— international mission trips to the Dominican Republic. Carol, who manages the Shenandoah County 4-H program , explained that this will be the 17th year that they take a group of 4-Hers to the Dominican Republic. The grassroots program started i...

Old Town Winchester is experiencing a renaissance, marked by new businesses and community events that celebrate its rich history and vibrant future. The transformation was palpable in a recent conversation between Janet Michael, host of 'The Valley Today,' Brady Cloven, Executive Director of Friends of Old Town, and Dawn Earles, founder of Dawn Earles Design . This impromptu gathering at Dawn's ne...

Laurel Ridge Community College hosts Leadercast 2025 April 24, 2025 / 23:21 The Leadercast 2025 event, set to take place in June, promises an unprecedented opportunity for both current and aspiring leaders to enhance their leadership skills. Hosted by Laurel Ridge Community College , this event boasts a lineup of world-renowned speakers, all set to offer invaluable insights and inspiration. Host J...

In a recent episode of the Valley Today, host Janet Michael brought insightful conversations to the forefront, showcasing a new initiative aimed at bolstering the manufacturing sector in the region. The show featured Sabra Veach, Director of Programs for the Top of Virginia Regional Chamber , and Adrianna Venzor, HR Manager at Berry Global , shedding light on the newly launched Manufacturing Netwo...

In the bustling heart of Winchester, Timber's Cafe stands out as more than just a coffee shop — it's a haven where parents can relax while their kids play, and a community staple for coffee aficionados. We sat down with Kara Bridge, the dynamic owner of Timber's Cafe, to delve into the unique charm and offerings of this vibrant space. The Valley Today's host, Janet Michael, and cohost Justin Kerns...

In this episode of 'The Valley Today,' host Janet Michael talks with Gina Hilliard, President of the Luray/Page Chamber of Commerce , and Lora Jenkins from the Town of Shenandoah , to discuss the upcoming Memorial Festival in Shenandoah. The festival is a cherished annual event that honors fallen soldiers and provides a weekend of community events and entertainment. Lora shared insights on the met...

In this conversation on The Valley Today, host Janet Michael talks with Nathan Stalvey, the executive director at the Clarke County Historical Association (CCHA), spotlighting the popular ' Art at the Mill ' event and other updates from the association. CCHA, based in the historic area of Clarke County, has been a beacon of cultural and historical preservation since 1938. Nathan enthusiastically d...

In celebration of Earth Day, the Clarke County Litter Committee is gearing up for Clarke Earth Day on April 26th at the Clarke County Fairgrounds. The event, which promises to be both educational and entertaining, runs from 10am to 2pm – registration opens at 9am - offering attendees a range of activities and information to promote environmental awareness and community engagement. We recently sat...

Today's coffee might be more than just a morning pick-me-up; it's a conversation starter about the complex interplay of global economics and local businesses. In a recent episode of the Valley Business Today, host Janet Michael and Carl Knoblock, Virginia District Director for the Small Business Administration , dived into this topic, shedding light on how external economic factors impact small bu...

Frederick County Parks and Recreation is gearing up for an eventful summer, kicking off with its popular Youth Trout Derby on May 9th at Clearbrook Park. Marketing Manager Jeremy Sanders joined host Janet Michael on the Valley Today to discuss the array of upcoming activities. The Youth Trout Derby is a cherished event, inviting kids aged four to fifteen to enjoy a day of fishing. It's free but re...

In a recent discussion on the Valley Today, host Janet Michael welcomed notable guests Andy Gail from United Way Northern Shenandoah Valley 's CEO, and Matt Peterson, the Executive Director for the John and Janice Wyatt Foundation . The conversation revolved around innovative efforts and collaborations aimed at improving early childhood education through the Campaign for Grade Level Reading . Unit...

This episode of The Valley Today, hosted by Janet Michael, featured a fascinating conversation with Vince Kidwell, District Manager at Dodson Pest Control, along with service supervisor Tim Michael, who happens to be Janet's husband. The discussion provided an in-depth look at the extensive services offered by Dodson Pest Control and highlighted the company's rich history and family-oriented opera...

In this episode of The Valley Today, host Janet Michael, shines a light on the vibrant educational opportunities at Laurel Ridge Community College . Janet is joined by Guy Curtis , the Director of Marketing, and Lisa Heiser , a fast-track career training coach, to discuss the manifold career prospects through their programs. At the heart of the discussion was the fast-approaching Trades Job Fair o...

In a heartwarming yet informative conversation, Janet Michael sits down with Andrea Ross, the executive director of Warren County Habitat for Humanity, to explore the multifaceted impact of the organization on the local community. The conversation delves into the essence of what Habitat for Humanity stands for and the incredible initiatives they undertake to provide affordable housing while creati...

In a recent interview on 'The Valley Today,' host Janet Michael sat down with John Fox, co-owner of Fox Urban Farms, to discuss the innovative urban farm he runs with his wife, Ann, in Winchester, Virginia. Not only is the venture a woman-owned business, but it also leverages state-of-the-art hydroponics technology to produce crops year-round. John passionately explained how Fox Urban Farms operat...