Breakfast With Barry Lee

Community encourager, digital creator and podcaster Rich Weller joins Barry this week to talk about his new children's book:  "The Story of Egan and the Encouragement Tree".  Rich wrote the book with the hope of inspiring young readers to believe in themselves, and to encourage others. 

On this episode, Barry pays a special tribute to his brother Richard who passed away unexpectedly on June 23rd.  Barry shares stories of growing up with his big brother and the life lessons he learned as well as the silly things they did, like inventing 'the stomach game' challenge after a huge meal or coming up with the 'Butsy' nickname.

Blue Ridge Hospice is now ... Blue Ridge Care.  Joining Barry on the show is Jason Parsons, President and CEO of Blue Ridge Care.  He shares the story behind the name change and how they have united all services and programs that goes beyond hospice services to serve more people and families with the same compassion and care.

Middletown Mayor Charles Harbaugh IV joins Barry on the show this week to invite everyone to the town for a Vintage Baseball Game (1864 rules) on 6/29, and the huge 4th of July Celebration on 7/4.  Food and craft vendors, live music, skydivers, parade and BIG fireworks are part of the party! Also on this episode, Barry's friend Terry Cornwell shares a true 'what are the odds' story that sort of ma...

This week, Barry's daughter Brooke joins him to reminisce about a spring day in 2024 when a 'lost' party balloon found it's way to their woods.  The message on the balloon left them both with the question:  "What are the odds?" 

This week, all the talk is about an anonymous angel, who upon diagnosis of stage 4 cancer, was given months to live.  After nearly 10 years of treatments and a miraculous recovery, she created The Angel Trust to assist cancer patients undergoing treatment with emergency help with things like their mortgage, car repairs or utility bills.  Barry's guest to tell the 'angel's' story is Jenny Grooms, E...

On this episode Barry reflects on his move back to Virginia in 1977 and boarding with his Aunt Louise.  Some of the 'life-lessons' he observed living under her roof for a year and a half are shared with love and humor.

After nearly 39 years of marriage, Barry and his wife find their 'Real ID' on a lunch date at the DMV.  The fun begins when the clerk, and some of the patrons give advice on fixing Barry's wayward hair for the picture!   

On this episode Barry reconnects with an old friend, Gary Carroll, a musician and songwriter who comes from a very musical family.  Gary has a distant cousin who was a member of NSYNC and a songwriter on his father's side that wrote the song ..."By the sea, by the sea, by the beautiful sea".  Gary shares many personal stories including his inspiring comeback after a stroke in 2023. Follow Gary Car...

A double feature on this week's episode: Amanda Whitson and Sandra Bloom of the Housing Coalition of Northern Shenandoah Valley discuss the 7th Annual Housing Summit:  Economics of Housing, Escaping The Housing Trap.  The free event is May 23rd, 8:30 to 2:30 at the Laurel Ridge Community College in Middletown.  The summit features guest speakers, a local growth panel, breakout sessions and breakfa...

Amy McFarland was a community treasure who despite her medical issues and physical challenges, spread joy and a love for people and animals.  Her dream was to one day open a shelter for homeless animals, but sadly, Amy passed away in July of 2023.  Amy's mom, Mary McFarland, with the help of friends and community, is organizing a fundraiser walk for the Winchester Area SPCA to carry on Amy's legac...

It's Apple Blossom Week and Barry celebrates a 'pink and green' podcast with Sabra Veach, a long-time fan, volunteer and Vice President with the Festival.  Sabra shares her memories of marching in the parades with the Handley Band, her line-up of festival outfits (they're labeled) and her neighborhood tradition of sidewalk chalk art and portraits.  Also on this festive episode, Barry pulls a coupl...

Two special segments this week on the show:  First, Rick Ours of the Kiwanis Club of Winchester and Robin Russell with Family Promise Northern Shenandoah Valley discuss the homeless situation with children in our area, and how the Kiwanis Community Pancake Day on 4/26 will raise funds for Family Promise.  ( www.winvakiw.org ) The second segment features Jeff Alban, Artistic Director with Blue Ridg...

For 200 years, Beethoven's Ninth Symphony (including 'Ode To Joy') has offered a message around the world of the shared humanity of all people.  On this episode, Barry interviews Jon Goldberg, Music Director/Conductor of the Main Street Chamber Orchestra.  On April 26th at 4 p.m., the Orchestra will present a 'Concert For Hope And Unity' at the Johnson Williams Middle School in Berryville.  Detail...

In this episode, Barry shares his concern about why his brain is replaying television jingles when he first wakes up. Also, he defines "March Madness" as the parade of insects marching into his house with the warmer weather. 

This week on the show, Bill North and Tammy Stevenson of the Rotary Club of Frederick County stop by to chat about the club's 2nd Annual Golf Ball Drop on May 9th at Sherando Park.  700 numbered golf balls, purchased at $25 each, will be dropped from 60 feet up, with the ball landing closest to the target being worth $1,500!  Proceeds from the fundraiser will be awarded to the Shenandoah Valley Di...

On this episode, Barry shares a recent experience at a community event where his age smacked him in the face. Plus, on the Brain Buster, this common man's first name is going extinct. 

For over 20 years, Wheels For Wellness has provided free transportation to those in the Northern Shenandoah Valley who need rides to medical appointments and treatments.  Joining Barry on this episode are the Executive Director, Traci Chapman Toth, and Board Chair Ann Lamanna who share details about the program and their upcoming fundraiser, 'Tablescapes 2025' on March 30th. www.wheels4wellness.or...

Shelly Lee has been teaching people to swim since she was 12 years old!  She currently serves as a Volunteer Coordinator for Swim Literacy with the '2 for 2 Foundation' and on this episode, she invites everyone to the 'Pot of Gold Cheer and Chance Event' on March 15th at the Piccadilly Pub.  Ticket sales and raffle proceeds will help the Foundation provide free swim lessons for individuals and fam...

Barry's special guest this week is 'Tim Y'...The History Guy.  Tim Youmans was the Winchester Planning Director for 37 years and on this episode shares stories from his book, "Streets and Alleys of Winchester, Virginia" as well as other interesting historical tidbits about the city, it's founding and it's architecture.   

Winchester and Frederick County Virginia are blessed with natural beauty and history, which is why so many tourists visit the Northern Shenandoah Valley.  On this episode, the Executive Director of the Winchester-Frederick County Convention and Visitors Bureau, Justin Kerns, talks about the technology and logistics connecting visitors with our area landmarks, experiences and businesses.  The Conve...

The last time that Barry interviewed Abby Snider, she was 15 years old and battling cancer.  Now, 10 years later, she is cancer free and doing volunteer relief trips to western North Carolina to bring supplies to residents who lost everything during Hurricane Helene.

This week, Barry and his guest, Robyn Miller of the Winchester Area Temporary Transitional Shelter, invite listeners to 'walk in the shoes of their homeless guests'.  'The Coldest Night Of The Year' is a fundraising walk on 2/22 through Winchester to raise money to support the shelter's mission of providing a warm place to sleep and spend the day, as well as nourishment for the area's homeless.  A...

Two guests stop by the Breakfast With Barry Lee table this week: Andy Gail, President and CEO of United Way Northern Shenandoah Valley shares his journey of serving the community, and invites nonprofits to participate in the Impact Grant Process by getting their Letters Of Intent ready for review. Jack Freeman, a writer and comedian based in New York City brings his one-man comedy/theater show "Em...

The French and Indian War Foundation Is hosting 'George Washington's 293rd Birthday Celebration' in Winchester on February 17th.  Scott Straub, local historian with the Foundation, shares the details of a party that includes pizza, Loudoun lager and a commemorative cup.  Scott will also be presenting a special presentation at the party titled:  'Lord Fairfax's Postmortem Adventures'.  Details at w...