The Valley Today

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...

In this episode of The Valley Today , host Janet Michael talks with Dr. Cheri Maea, Dean of Early College and High School Partnerships, and Guy Curtis, Director of Marketing at Laurel Ridge Community College , to discuss the transformative power of early college and dual enrollment programs. As the spring semester approaches, the conversation shines a spotlight on how Laurel Ridge is making higher...

In this episode of The Valley Today , host Janet Michael welcomes Danita Roble, Director of Membership, and Blair Jewell, Director of Marketing and Communications at the Top of Virginia Regional Chamber . Together, they explore the transformative impact of chamber membership on local businesses, emphasizing that the true value lies far beyond a simple listing in a directory. From the outset, Janet...

As the winter chill settles over Berryville, the Barns of Rose Hill is anything but dormant. In this episode of "Tourism Tuesday" on The Valley Today , host Janet Michael talks with Executive Director Martha Reynolds to discuss the dynamic calendar of events, exhibits, and community initiatives that will keep the arts alive and thriving well into 2026. From innovative art collaborations to milesto...

Woodstock is gearing up for its first-ever two-day Hometown Holidays celebration, and excitement is in the air. In this episode of The Valley Today , host Janet Michael talks with Jen Dufner, the town's marketing and events coordinator, to discuss the expanded festivities, the challenges of organizing such an event, and the unique experiences awaiting residents and visitors alike. Expanding the Ho...

When host of The Valley Today , Janet Michael steps into  Winchester Medical Center , she's greeted not only by a freshly rearranged office but by the unwavering enthusiasm of Chris Rucker, Chief Administrative Officer for Valley Health . Their lively conversation reveals what it takes to maintain a thriving healthcare workforce — especially in a profession where stress is high, expectations are h...

When Public Safety Thursday on The Valley Today kicks off with a moment of accidental dead air, Captain Warren Gosnell of the  Frederick County Sheriff's Office doesn't miss a beat. Instead, he turns Janet Michael's radio-studio nightmare into a teaching moment—because in today's tech-driven world, even the smallest glitch can open the door to trouble. Technology: A Gift and a Growing Threat As th...

When the newest cohort of the Front Royal–Warren County Chamber of Commerce Community Leadership Program filed into the conference room, they didn't expect their first assignment to involve a radio interview. Yet chamber director Niki Foster insists that discomfort is part of the process. As she tells Valley Today host Janet Michael, leadership requires stepping outside routine—and this program is...

Nestled on Main Street in Woodstock, Bonfire Bookstore & Yarnery radiates the cozy, community-centric charm that so many small towns crave. During this Tourism Tuesday episode on The Valley Today , host Janet Michael, Shenandoah County Tourism's Kary Haun, and owner Kara Balcerzak dive into how a lifelong love of books—and a desire to combat modern loneliness—became one of the county's newest gath...

As December arrives in the Shenandoah Valley, most residents brace for winter's first flakes with equal parts nostalgia and dread. Yet for Ken Slack, communications specialist for the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) , the "S-word" signals something far more serious: the start of long days, sleepless nights, and the full activation of a year-round effort to keep the region moving safel...

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...