The County Connection

What happens when a love for community, creativity, andlocal business comes together under one roof? This week on County Connection , Patty Fadley andspecial co-host Katie Mercer sit down with Joy Melt , owner of TravelersTreasures in downtown Woodstock, for a fun and inspiring conversation aboutentrepreneurship, supporting local makers, and the exciting growth happening onMain Street. 🎙️ In this...

What does it really take to build a successful business intoday's ever-changing marketplace? Join guest host Jane L. Bowers and Stuart Freakley as theywelcome Jennifer Osborne , founder of Main Street Strategies andthe voice behind Jen in the Trenches , for an insightful conversation onentrepreneurship, leadership, and business growth. 💼 In this episode,you'll discover: ✨Jennifer's u...

Preserving Memories in Wood and Resin with Home Revival and Decor In this episode of T he County Connection , hosts Abby Walters and Stuart Freakley welcome Ryan Peters, the master craftsman and founder behind  Home Revival and Decor . What began as a hobby just a couple of years ago has blossomed into a full-time passion, with Ryan leaving his corporate job to create stunning, custom wood and epo...

In this episode of  The County Connection , hosts Patty Fadeley and Abby Walters tackle a critical topic that many small business owners avoid until it's too late: cybersecurity. They are joined by William Trelawny from Fountainhead Cyber to discuss how a single "bad click" can jeopardize the hard work, revenue, and reputation of a growing business. William debunks the dangerous misc...

In Episode 23 of  The County Connection , hosts Patty Fadeley and Katie Mercer sit down with Joy Nault, the passionate owner of Traveler's Treasures in downtown Woodstock. Joy shares the heartwarming story of how a spontaneous decision to rent a storefront transformed into a vibrant community hub that champions local artists, authors, and makers. Accidental Entrepreneurship:  Joy explains how...

In Episode 22 of  The County Connection , hosts Jaynelle Bowers and Stuart Freakley welcome Ashley Kuhler, co-owner of Shady Hill Homestead in New Market, Virginia. Joined by her young son and daughter, Ashley shares the inspiring story of how she and her husband, Chris, transformed a 1.6-acre plot into a thriving, first-generation farm and floral business. Episode Highlights From City to Soil:  A...

(Recorded on May 10, 2026) Welcome back to the  County Connection ! We’re shaking things up in the studio today with special guest hosts Patty Fadeley (Shenandoah County Chamber of Commerce) and Katie Mercer (Town of Woodstock), who are stepping in for Stuart and Justin. Together, they take a deep dive into the creativity and passion that make our Main Streets so special. Today’s guest is Dan Mill...

In Episode 20 of  The County Connection , hosts Justin Wightman and Stuart Freakley welcome organizers Suzanne McIlwee and Barbara Adamson to discuss the massive "Shenandoah County Celebrates 1776" event happening on June 20th. In the works since April 2025, this rain-or-shine living history festival will transform downtown Woodstock into an authentic 18th-century experience to celebrate...

In this special episode of  The County Connection , guest co-hosts Katie Mercer and Patty Fadeley step in to explore the rich history and bright future of the Woodstock Museum. They are joined by Barbara Kesser, President of the Woodstock Museum, to recap a lively recent community event, trace the museum's fascinating 57-year history, and discuss an urgent preservation project that literally k...

In this episode of County Connection , host Stuart Freakley and guest host Jaynelle Bowers sit down with Melissa Freakley of the Freakley Law Group to demystify the world of elder law and estate planning. While the term "elder law" might sound like it’s only for seniors, Melissa explains that it’s really about protecting families of all ages, covering everything from wills and trusts to...

In this especially cozy episode of County Connection, hosts Stuart Freakley and Jaynelle Bowers sat down for a deeply personal look at the lives being saved right in our own backyard. The studio felt a little more like a home than an office, thanks to the tiny, purring presence of Jolie, Bastion, and Gaston, three lucky kittens currently looking for their forever families. Melisa and Margaret from...

In this episode of The County Connection, hosts Stuart Freakley and Justin Wightman sit down with Sue Haynes, the creative force behind Clementine Vintage. What started as a simple Etsy shop has blossomed into a downtown Strasburg landmark, housed in a beautifully restored 1880s pharmacy. Sue shares how she and her husband transformed a condemned building into a "jewel" of the town, feat...

In this episode of The County Connection , co-hosts Justin Wightman and Stuart Freakley sit down with Abe Silos , owner of Air and Water Solutions , to discuss the critical importance of "whole home health." Silos shares his journey from a consultant during the COVID-19 pandemic to a provider of life-changing air and water technologies. This is a timely and essential conversation for thi...

In this episode of the County Connection podcast, hosts Stuart Freakley and Justin Wightman sit down with Trey Nelson, owner of Valley Trail Bike and Run, to explore how outdoor gear, community engagement, and accessible fitness opportunities intersect in Shenandoah County. Trey shares the story behind launching the shop, driven by a desire to fill a local need for quality biking and running equip...

🎙️  Episode 13 — Building a Legacy: The Shenandoah Community Foundation This week on  The County Connection , we’re celebrating  National Community Foundation Week  by spotlighting one of the Valley’s most impactful organizations—the  Shenandoah Community Foundation . Hosts  Stuart Freakley  and  Justin Wightman  sit down with  Executive Director Becky Stickley  to explore how the Foundation helps...

In this moving episode of  The County Connection , hosts  Justin Wightman  and  Stuart Freakley  dive deep into what it truly means to stand together when someone is in crisis. With guests  Amanda Kibler , Court and Community Liaison at  Northwestern Community Services Board (NWCSB) , and  Chief Chris Rinker  of the  New Market Police Department, along with his loyal K9 partner,  Benelli, listener...

In this insightful episode of  The County Connection , hosts Justin Wightman and Stuart Freakley welcome  Whitney Minnick  from the  American Cancer Society  for an open conversation about the organization’s mission, impact, and the common misconceptions that surround it. Whitney explains how the ACS supports people and families in  Shenandoah County  and beyond — through research, patient program...

In this episode, hosts Justin Wightman and Stuart Freakley sit down with Craig Everett of Everett Insurance Agency to talk about what it really means to have peace of mind when life throws you a curveball. From insurance myths and facts to quirky “lightning round” questions about insuring unusual things, this episode blends humor, community spirit, and practical advice. Listeners will discover the...

In this episode of  The County Connection , we sit down with  Rachel Fitzsimmons , founder of  RR Healing Arts , whose vibrant murals and creative vision are transforming spaces across Shenandoah County. Rachel shares her inspiring journey—from discovering her love of art in high school, to studying energy healing, to launching RR Healing Arts in 2023 as a fusion of her passions for creativity, we...

In this heartfelt conversation, we sit down with  Adrienna D’Asti , founder of  The Memory Garden , to talk about compassionate care for people living with memory loss and the families who love them. Adrienna shares why she started The Memory Garden, what person-centered support can look like at home and in the community, and simple ways to create moments of connection—through routine, sensory cue...

🍿 What does it take to turn a simple snack into a thriving small-town business? In this episode of  The County Connection , we talk with  Jennifer Osbourn  and  Quinn Neff  from  Blue Ridge Popcorn , a Shenandoah County favorite that’s bringing a fresh twist to gourmet popcorn. Jennifer shares the inspiration behind launching the business, how she sourced locally-grown corn, and the support she r...

In this episode, hosts Justin Wightman and Stuart Freakley sit down with Sharon Baroncelli, President of the Shenandoah County Chamber of Commerce, to explore the real value of Chamber membership. Whether you're a brand-new entrepreneur or a seasoned business owner, discover how the Chamber supports growth, networking, marketing, advocacy, and professional development at every stage. Sponsored...

How does a police department build trust and ensure safety, not just for residents, but for the local business community? 🤔 We sat down with the  Woodstock Police Department  to unpack their unique approach! This episode highlights their unwavering commitment to  community engagement ,  core values , and continuous improvement, showcasing how they truly act as  partners for businesses . We cover:...

Listen to the latest "County Connection" podcast! Hosts Justin Wightman and Stuart Freakley chat with  Chief Keith Cowart (Mount Jackson PD)  and  Chief Wayne Sager (Strasburg PD)  about the vital link between local businesses and law enforcement. They cover: Business & Police Partnerships Crisis Preparedness for Businesses Investing in Youth & Jobs Downtown Nightlife & Safet...

Join Justin Wightman and Stuart Freakley as they chat with Kara Balcerzak, owner of Bonfire Bookstore and Yarnery in Woodstock. Discover the inspiring vision behind this beloved independent bookstore, what makes it a unique hub for readers of all ages, and how it's fostering a love for reading in an increasingly digital world. Kara shares insights into curating their diverse selection, the surpris...