The Valley Today

In this episode of " The Valley Today ," host Janet Michael welcomes Carl Knoblock, Virginia District Director of the Small Business Administration , for a spirited discussion on the true value of small businesses. While Small Business Saturday often takes center stage during the holiday season, Janet and Carl argue that supporting local businesses should be a year-round commitment. Their conversa...

As the holiday season approaches, Winchester's Old Town is preparing to transform into a magical winter wonderland. In this episode of  The Valley Today , host Janet Michael and guest Justin Kerns, from Winchester-Frederick County Convention & Visitors Bureau , offer listeners an exclusive preview of the much-anticipated Winchester Winter Village. Their lively conversation reveals how this beloved...

As the holiday season approaches, Old Town Winchester is buzzing with anticipation. In this episode of " The Valley Today ," host Janet Michael welcomes Brady Cloven, Executive Director of Friends of Old Town Winchester , to discuss the exciting lineup of events and the importance of supporting local businesses. Their lively conversation happens at Winchester Brew Works and sets the stage for a se...

As the last day of Camping for Hunger Week dawns, Janet Michael, host of " The Valley Today ," welcomes listeners with a call to action: the bus is ready to collect donations for those in need. This annual event, hosted by The River 95.3 , not only gathers food and funds but also shines a spotlight on the ongoing issue of food insecurity in the community. In a heartfelt conversation, Janet talks w...

On a brisk morning in the Valley, the Camping for Hunger Bus sits parked at Royal Plaza Shopping Center, buzzing with activity. Valley Today host Janet Michael welcomes listeners to a special conversation with Jason Craig, Senior Director of Community Health for Valley Health . Together, they broadcast live from the heart of a community initiative that's more than just a food drive—it's a movement...

In a recent episode of The Valley Today , host Janet Michael welcomes Elise Stine Dolinar, the driving force behind Bright Futures Frederick/Winchester. Their conversation, happening against the backdrop of the annual " Camping for Hunger " week, delves into the heart of a community initiative that goes far beyond simply filling backpacks with food. Bright Futures, as Elise passionately explains,...

As Camping for Hunger Week sweeps through Warren County, the spirit of giving is palpable. Yet, for organizations like Winchester CCAP , the need for support extends far beyond a single week. In this episode of " The Valley Today ," host Janet Michael sits down with Andrea Cosans, Executive Director of Winchester CCAP, to shed light on the organization's tireless efforts to combat food insecurity...

As the Valley Today podcast kicks off Camping for Hunger Week, host Janet Michael sets the stage for a conversation that goes beyond food drives and donation bins. This annual initiative, anchored by the River 95.3 's bus parked at Royal Plaza Shopping Center, mobilizes the community to support those facing food insecurity. However, as Janet welcomes Andy Gail, CEO of United Way of Northern Shenan...

As the holiday season approaches, families gather around tables filled with delicious food and festive cheer. However, amidst the laughter and celebration, food safety often takes a back seat—until someone gets sick. In this episode of " The Valley Today ," host Janet Michael talks with Amanda Johnson , a food, nutrition, and health extension agent, to discuss how you can keep your holiday meals b...

As the Shenandoah Valley turns golden with autumn,  The Valley Today host Janet Michael, joins  Laurel Ridge Community College 's Director of PR and Special Events, Brandy Hawkins Boies , and Jeff Sinclair , an Army veteran whose educational journey has inspired many. Their conversation—timed perfectly for Veterans Week—offers a heartfelt look at how one man's post-military path leads from uncerta...

The Shenandoah Valley is gearing up for its fourth annual Economic Summit , and this year's event promises to be more impactful than ever. In this episode of " The Valley Today ," host Janet Michael talks with Kaleigh Fincham, Director of Events for the Top of Virginia Regional Chamber , and Scott Harvard, CEO of First Bank , to discuss what makes this summit a must-attend for business leaders, st...

As the holiday season approaches, Belle Grove Plantation prepares to host its much-anticipated Kris Kringle Market. In a recent episode of " The Valley Today ," host Janet Michael talks with Kristen Laise, Executive Director, and Paige Ulevich, Festivals Coordinator, to offer listeners an exclusive look at this festive event. Their conversation reveals how the market has evolved into a cherished c...

As the holiday season approaches, Page County residents eagerly anticipate the 10th annual Chamber Holiday Festival , a beloved event that has grown from a modest community open house into a vibrant celebration. In this episode of " The Valley Today ," host Janet Michael talks with Gina Hilliard, president of the Luray-Page Chamber of Commerce , to discuss the festival's evolution and the many way...

When the temperature drops and snowflakes start to fall, many assume that local parks and recreation departments take a well-deserved break. However, as Valley Today host Janet Michael discovers in her lively conversation with Jeremy Sanders, Marketing Manager for Frederick County Parks and Recreation , winter is anything but a slow season. Instead, the department ramps up its offerings, ensuring...

On a crisp November day, " The Valley Today " welcomes listeners with its signature blend of warmth and wit. Host Janet Michael and Captain Warren Gosnell of the Frederick County Sheriff's Office kick off their monthly Public Safety Thursday segment with playful banter about radio nostalgia, technical hiccups, and the quirks of live broadcasting. Their camaraderie sets a relaxed tone, inviting the...

Mental health care is changing — and Dr. Matthew Rosario, founder and Chief Clinical Director of Clear Horizons Counseling Group, is helping to lead that transformation. In a candid and wide-ranging conversation on The Valley Today , host Janet Michael and co-host Niki Foster from the Front Royal/Warren County Chamber talk with Dr. Rosario about his passion for community-based care, his mission to...

On a quiet afternoon in the Shenandoah Valley, Valley Today host Janet Michael and co-host Kary Haun from Shenandoah County Tourism found themselves tucked away at Flour and Water , a Woodstock favorite, for a special Tourism Tuesday episode. Their guest, Jefferson Burgess, founder and creative force behind BoBirdie Magazine , joins them for a candid conversation about golf, storytelling, and the...

Every November, the aroma of sizzling pancakes and sausage fills the air in Winchester, Virginia, signaling the arrival of the much-anticipated Winchester Kiwanis Community Pancake Day. In this episode of The Valley Today , host Janet Michael talks with Kevin Brandiff, Executive Director of Froggy's Closet , and Carleton Rio, Co-chair of the event, to explore how this beloved tradition does more t...

As the chill of autumn settles over Winchester, the Winchester Area Temporary Transitional Shelter (WATTS) is gearing up for another season of service. In this episode of The Valley Today , host Janet Michael talks with Robyn Miller, the executive director of WATTS, to discuss the shelter's mission, its expanding reach, and the vital role it plays in the community. A Low-Barrier Approach to Shelte...

In a candid and informative episode of " The Valley Today ," host Janet Michael talks with Dr. Marsha Nelson, a board-certified breast surgeon at Valley Health Breast Center , to shed light on the realities of breast cancer. As October marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month , the timing of this conversation could not be more relevant. From the outset, Janet sets a personal tone, sharing her own hesit...

In this episode of " The Valley Today ," host Janet Michael talks with Patrick Barker, Executive Director of the Frederick County Economic Development Authority , to discuss the launch and evolution of LiveLoveShenandoah.com . This innovative website aims to serve as a one-stop resource for residents, newcomers, and employers in the Northern Shenandoah Valley. Patrick, who has long championed regi...

On a crisp Monday morning, The Valley Today host Janet Michael sits down with Jaclyn Mommen at Patti's Place , nestled within the rolling landscape of Laurel Grove Wine Farm . What begins as a conversation about a local business quickly blossoms into a deep exploration of regenerative agriculture, community, and the power of small, intentional changes. Jaclyn, the driving force behind the farm, sh...

When the federal government grinds to a halt, the effects extend far beyond the paychecks of federal employees. 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 unpack the cascading consequences of a government shutdown on local families, businesses, and the broader community. More Than Just Fe...

Stepping into the Bright Box Theater , it's clear that Old Town Winchester is more than just a historic district—it's a vibrant community pulsing with creativity and connection. In this episode of The Valley Today , host Janet Michael sits down with Nick Helmut, the new owner of Bright Box Theater, and Brady Cloven, executive director of Friends of Old Town , to explore the dynamic events and init...

In the heart of Old Town Winchester, Winchester Little Theatre (WLT) buzzes with anticipation as the cast and crew prepare for their much-loved production of " A Christmas Carol ." In this episode of The Valley Today, host Janet Michael sits down with director Sara Gomez, cast members Robert Delancey (Scrooge) and Jonathan Ryall (Bob Cratchit), and board member Tim Bambara to uncover the magic, ch...