Breakfast With Barry Lee

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...

Brent L. Kendrick was a researcher with the Library of Congress for 25 years, a college professor for 23 years and reinvented himself as an author and blogger, and encourages Barry's listeners to 'reinvent' themselves as they embark on a new year. His literary work includes an anthology of stories and letters by Mary B. Wilkins Freeman, who in the 1880's was a 'household' name along with Mark Twai...

With the announcement of the season's first major snow storm, Barry shares his frantic 'hunting trip' to find milk and the joy of shoveling snow...sort of. Also on this episode, Angela Crawford discusses the need for Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) in Shenandoah and Page Counties to advocate for children who have experienced abuse or neglect. On the final segment, Lavenda Denney with the...

To start off the 'new year', Barry sits down with two good buddies, Rich Weller and Jay Foreman, to chat about their "Slice Of Life" podcast.  In addition to fun memories from the 70's and 80's, Rich and Jay bring a positivity and a feeling of 'belonging' to their shows.

It's the Breakfast With Barry Lee Podcast Party celebrating Christmas and Hanukkah this week! Barry starts off the show with two sentimental stories about Christmas traditions.  One involves a Christmas morning hike in memory of Kirby Lloyd and the other involves a Christmas night visit to the regional jail from an amazing mule named Grace. Next, Brad Veach with the Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festiv...

To my podcast family:   There's a Christmas memory that has revisited me for nearly 35 years.  I have always felt an urge to share the story, but couldn't, because it's so personal.  I consulted with my wife Mary, and she gave her blessing.      Barry Lee   

Two opportunities this week to boost your Christmas Cheer!  On the first half, Lois Hoffman and David Worthington of the Clarke County Community Band invite all ages to Armstrong Concert Hall at Shenandoah University on Sunday, December 15th at 7:30 p.m. for a fun and inspiring Christmas Concert!  The performance is free but donation boxes will be in the lobby for those that want to donate to the...

On the first segment of this week's show, Barry sits down with Karen Eriksson-Lee, the founder of 'Living By His Grace Ministries', a nonprofit designed for women.  Karen shares her story of turning a personal trauma into providing hope, encouragement and healing to women and their families.  ( www.dancingbyhisgrace.org)   On the second half, Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol" presented in song...

This episode features the 'sounds and sights' of the season!  On the first segment, Jeff Alban, Artistic Director of the Blue Ridge Singers shares the good news about their Christmas Concerts, "Golden Light".  ( www.blueridgesingers.org ) On the second half, Andrew Keefauver and Onna Keller with the Frederick County Parks and Recreation Department invite the community to 'Walking In A Winter Wonde...

The leaves may be falling, but on this episode, it's 'Apple Blossom' time!  Barry's guests are Marcy Obenchain Keller and Tommy Keller who have spearheaded a project to create an official vanity license plate that commemorates the Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival!  (details at www.thebloom.com ). Also, Barry announces that the Chain of Checks campaign to provide shelter is underway with a variety...