The Valley Today

Our conversation today is part of an ongoing partnership with the US Small Business Administration highlighting small businesses in the Shenandoah Valley as well as offering advice and resources to all small businesses. My co-host for this monthly series is Carl Knoblock , Virginia District Director for the SBA. In this episode we cover a variety of business topics including small businesses, manu...

Our conversation today welcomes back Drew Gruber, Executive Director for Civil War Trails to give details about their new brochure that highlights all the sites across the Commonwealth. We discuss the history and significance of the brochure, including how it was created based on surveys and feedback from visitors. Drew delves into the stories featured in the brochure, highlighting unique perspect...

Our conversation today features Joel Costner, the Sherando Band Director, along with Guy Curtis, a band booster parent. They discuss the Sherando Band program, its various ensembles, performances, and community involvement. Guy gives details for their Inaugural Charity Golf Tournament and Live Music Event on May 24, 2024 at Shenandoah Valley Golf Club. He explains participation opportunities, ince...

Our conversation today featured Chris Konyar, Director of Winchester City Parks to discuss upcoming events and programs by the Winchester City Parks for the summer of 2024. We talk about the community's anticipation of the pool opening on Memorial Day weekend, along with the array of activities planned for the summer, including general swim times, swim lessons, aquatics programs, and special event...

Our conversation today with Guy Curtis, Director of Marketing with Laurel Ridge Community College included Sally Voth , Public Relations Coordinator for the college. The pair introduces the 2024 Outstanding Graduates: Margaret Cain (Fauquier campus) and Sydney Patton (Middletown campus.) Our conversation covers topics such as the students' experiences at the college, their academic journeys, post-...

Our conversation today featured Patrick Burns, the Director of Operations for the Daughter of the Stars Theater and Cultural Center in Stanley, VA.  He discusses the history and renovation of the theater, upcoming events, the cultural significance of the Shenandoah Valley, the vision behind the theater, the community support, their YouTube channel content, booking process for performers, the build...

Our conversation today with Kary Haun for Shenandoah County's Tourism Tuesday takes us back to Flour and Water in Woodstock to chat about upcoming Mother's Day / Memorial Day events in Shenandoah County.  Kary begins by highlighting Mother's Day activities at Flour and Water, including a sold-out Mother's Day tea and a special brunch on May 11th. We discuss delightful gift options like "sunshine b...

Our conversation today features Melanie Mullinax, Communications & Events Manager for Blandy Experimental Farm at State Arboretum of Virginia to give details for their 34th Annual Garden Fair happening Mother's Day Weekend (May 11/12, 2024) from 9am - 4pm. Melanie explains the history and offerings of the farm, including the State Arboretum of Virginia . She highlights the diverse activities at th...

Our conversation today features Andrew Shearer, President of Royal Broadcasting to talk about the significance of AM radio, its role in emergency management, and the potential threat of it being phased out from cars. Andrew passionately defends the importance of AM radio for emergency alerts, community service, and information dissemination. He also gives a bit of history for how and why AM radio...

Our conversation for Traffic Safety Thursday with Lt. Warren Gosnell from  Frederick County Sheriff's Office gives some insight into the fallout from a crash like the one that happened on Interstate 81 this week.  Lt. Gosnell talks about the difficult conversation family members should consider having with their elderly loved ones when it comes to their driving privileges. He also sympathizes with...

Our conversation for The Valley Business Today - Front Royal/Warren County edition - with Niki Foster from Front Royal/Warren County Chamber of Commerce gives all the details for the 36th Annual Virginia Wine & Craft Festival happening in downtown Front Royal on Saturday, May 18, 2024 from 11am - 6pm. We  talk about the logistics, preparations, and experiences related to organizing the festival in...

Our conversation today featured Sara Beth Hayes, Market Manager for the Clarke County Farmer's Market and Turner Kobayashi from Audley Farm to discuss the opening of the Clark County Farmer's Market on May 4, 2024. Sara Beth & Turner talk about the market's history, vendors, new additions, activities, sponsorships , and community involvement. They highlight the variety of vendors , local support,...

Our conversation today with Tyler Hinkle, Shenandoah County's Planner is part of an ongoing series following the work on Shenandoah 2045 - Shenandoah County's comprehensive plan. The planning process will unfold over the course of four years with the majority of the community collaboration occurring from 2020-2022, with input in 2023-2024. Joining Tyler today was McKenzie Allen, an associate plann...

Our conversation today featured author, Peter Malone Elliott to discuss his debut novel, "Blue Ridge," and his journey as a writer. Peter explains various aspects of the book, including character development, plot twists, research process, and inspiration behind the story. He shares insights into his writing process, experiences, and upcoming projects. The discussion touches on themes like family...

Our conversation today with Shannon Ganoe , Winchester's Community Paramedic includes a discussion about the crucial role of community paramedics in connecting with residents and addressing their diverse needs. Shannon shares insights into her role, the challenges faced by the community, and the initiatives taken to support the homeless population. She also highlights the importance of collaborati...

Our conversation for The Valley Business Today included Jenny Stover, Director of Marketing & Communications for the  Top of Virginia Regional Chamber to get details about several programs and upcoming events. We discuss various events and programs organized by the Chamber, such as the Arising Leadership Program, Community Networking Groups, and Business After Hours. Jenny highlights the importanc...

Our conversation for Tourism Tuesday with Justin Kerns from  Winchester/Frederick County Convention & Visitors Bureau features Joseph Durbin, the new owner of The Blue Ball Inn located in Brucetown, VA. Our discussion covers a range of topics including the inn's peculiar history, personal connections to the property, paranormal activities reported on site, and the community engagement through even...

Our conversation today featured Kristen Gregg and Aliyha Gill from Phoenix Project to give details about several upcoming events. April is both Sexual Assault Awareness Month and Child Abuse Prevention Month. Kristen and Aaliyah talk about the importance of volunteers and upcoming events such as their Mother's Day gift basket raffle and their 10th-anniversary celebration. Aaliyah explains her role...

Our conversation for Extension Office Friday includes several local 4H agents: Carol Nansel representing Shenandoah County, Spring Vasey representing Frederick County, and Meagan Dyer representing Page County. The group discusses the importance and benefits of 4H camps that include youth development, leadership skills, and the lifelong friendships that develop. We learn information about different...

As part of our community health partnership with Valley Health , this month we talked with Scott Trivette, Program Manager of Volunteer Services. Scott manages the volunteer programs at Winchester Medical Center and Warren Memorial Hospital . Scott emphasizes the impact of volunteerism on the community and discusses the role of volunteers in providing hope and healing at hospitals. He talks about...

Our conversation today is part of an ongoing partnership with the US Small Business Administration highlighting small businesses in the Shenandoah Valley as well as offering advice and resources to all small businesses. My co-host for this monthly series is Carl Knoblock , Virginia District Director for the SBA. We met at GNC Online Auction's Winchester warehouse for an in-depth discussion about t...

Our conversation for Tourism Tuesday with Edison Emmons from Luray/Page Chamber of Commerce included Teri Beers, Parks Director for the Town of Stanley . Teri gives details for a few upcoming events in Stanley, including the Spring into Stanley event on April 20th and the Stanley Homecoming from July 3rd to 6th. She also talks about their movie nights and lifeguard needs.   

Our conversation today welcomed back Justin Proctor and Mike Shotten, committee members of Front Royal's ACES (Advisory Committee for Environmental Sustainability) to discuss the organization's mission in building community around environmental and conservation projects in Front Royal. Justin and Mike elaborate on the committee's growth, diverse membership, and various projects aimed at environmen...

Our conversation today features Katie Harvard from the Little Garden Club . Katie talks about the significance and history of Historic Garden Week in Virginia, the impact it has on restorations, the collaboration between The Little Garden Club and Winchester-Clark Garden Club , and the details of the upcoming garden tours on April 27th. We discuss the different houses on the tour, the ticket price...

Our conversation today with Guy Curtis, Director of Marketing for Laurel Ridge Community College includes Deb Taylor, Director of Corporate Training for  Workforce Solutions . Deb explains how corporate training works at Laurel Ridge, emphasizing customized training solutions for employers, including leadership development, strategic planning, and on-site training. She delves into the benefits of...