The Valley Today

Janet Michael, the tireless host of The Valley Today , has reached a milestone few in broadcasting can claim: 2,500 consecutive episodes. In a special celebratory podcast, Janet welcomes Andy Gail, CEO of United Way of Northern Shenandoah Valley —and a longtime listener turned frequent guest—to reflect on the journey, share laughs, and look ahead to new adventures. From Listener to Guest: Andy's U...

Clarke County, Virginia, comes alive each fall with vibrant colors, bustling events, and a deep sense of community. In this episode of The Valley Today , host Janet Michael welcomes Nathan Stalvey, Executive Director of the Clarke County Historical Association , for an engaging conversation that highlights the county's rich heritage and the many ways residents and visitors can connect with its pas...

On this episode of " The Valley Today ," host Janet Michael welcomed listeners to a heartfelt and informative discussion about brain injury support in the Shenandoah Valley. Joined by Gina Hilliard, President of the Luray Page Chamber of Commerce , and special guests Sarah Outler and Lisa Bell from Brain Injury Connections of the Shenandoah Valley , the conversation shed light on the challenges fa...

On this episode of The Valley Today , host Janet Michael welcomes Elizabeth Baldwin , Unit Coordinator and Page County Associate Extension Agent , to demystify the world beneath our feet. Together, they explore why soil sampling is a game-changer for homeowners, gardeners, and farmers alike, and how understanding your soil can lead to healthier plants, cost savings, and a more sustainable environm...

The Shenandoah Valley is witnessing a transformative moment in women's healthcare. Dr. Trimble Spitzer, a board-certified OB-GYN and reproductive endocrinology infertility specialist, has opened a new fertility practice with Valley Health , addressing a long-standing gap in local reproductive services. In this episode of The Valley Today , host Janet Michael talks with Dr. Spitzer to discuss her j...

The 13th Annual Valor Awards presented by Bank of Clarke are fast approaching, and excitement is building in the Shenandoah Valley. Valley Today host, Janet Michael, welcomes Kaleigh Fincham, Director of Events for the  Top of Virginia Regional Chamber , and Brandon Lorey, President and CEO of Bank of Clarke , to discuss this meaningful event. Together, they explore the significance of recognizing...

Every autumn, Blandy Experimental Farm , home to the Virginia State Arboretum , transforms into a golden wonderland as over 300 ginkgo trees burst into vibrant color. In this episode of Tourism Tuesday on The Valley Today , host Janet Michael sat down with Melanie Mullinax, Communications and Event Manager at Blandy, to discuss the much-anticipated Ginkgo Gold Weekends and the unique experiences a...

In this episode of " The Valley Today ," host Janet Michael welcomed Emily Rankin, Development Manager for the National Capital Area chapter of the Alzheimer's Association , and dedicated volunteer Shalini Mikos to discuss the upcoming Walk to End Alzheimer's in Winchester . The conversation highlighted the power of community, the importance of support for caregivers, and the hope that drives ongo...

As the leaves turn and the air grows crisp, Winchester's Jim Barnett Park becomes a hub of activity, welcoming families and residents from across the region. In this episode of " The Valley Today ," host Janet Michael sat down with Chris Konyar, Winchester City Parks Director, to explore the vibrant lineup of fall and winter events, new amenities, and the enduring community spirit that defines the...

In this episode of " The Valley Today ," host Janet Michael sat down with Guy Curtis , Director of Marketing at  Laurel Ridge Community College , and Jay Foreman, Corporate Training Sales Manager at Laurel Ridge Workforce Solutions , to tackle one of the most pressing issues facing employers today: employee retention. The conversation quickly moved beyond the old assumptions about why people leave...

In this episode, Janet Michael, host of " The Valley Today ," talks with Nancy Baker, Executive Director of the Community Foundation of the Northern Shenandoah Valley . Nancy, who recently marked her three-month anniversary, shared her experiences and the foundation's mission to support local philanthropy. The Foundation's Role: A Savings Bank for Good The Community Foundation serves Winchester, F...

Every autumn, as the leaves turn and the air grows crisp in Virginia's Shenandoah County , a unique transformation takes place inside a cavernous warehouse usually reserved for the nation's grandest parade floats. This is the home of American Fright Night , a one-of-a-kind haunted house experience that draws thrill-seekers and families alike. In this episode of "Tourism Tuesday," host Janet Michae...

Nestled in the heart of Winchester, Virginia, the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley (MSV) is more than just a repository of art and history—it's a vibrant, ever-evolving community hub. In this episode of " The Valley Today ," host Janet Michael sat down with Julie Armel, the museum's Deputy Director of Marketing and Communications, to uncover the stories, exhibits, and people that make the MSV a reg...

On a crisp September morning, the Northern Shenandoah Valley came alive with the spirit of service. Nearly a thousand volunteers donned bright orange t-shirts and fanned out across five counties and the city of Winchester for  United Way Northern Shenandoah Valley 's annual Day of Caring —a day dedicated to giving back, building connections, and strengthening the fabric of the community. Janet Mic...

On a crisp October morning, the studio of " The Valley Today " buzzed with the familiar energy of Public Safety Thursday. Host Janet Michael welcomed Captain Warren Gosnell of the Frederick County Sheriff's Office , setting the stage for a conversation that would travel from the cobblestone streets of Switzerland to the heart of community policing in Virginia. The episode opened with lighthearted...

In this episode of " The Valley Today ," host Janet Michael welcomed two dynamic community leaders: Niki Foster, representing the Front Royal Warren County Chamber of Commerce , and Andrea Ross, director of Warren County Habitat for Humanity . Their lively conversation, set in the Chamber's "lounge," offered listeners a window into the heart of local collaboration, the challenges of nonprofit work...

As autumn paints the Shenandoah Valley in golden hues, Frederick County's agricultural community prepares for one of its most anticipated events: the Fall Farm Crawl . Hosted by the Frederick County Homesteaders , this annual celebration invites locals and visitors alike to step beyond the farm gate and experience the heart of the region's rural heritage. In this episode of " The Valley Today ," h...

In this episode of " The Valley Today ," host Janet Michael welcomed Jordan Herring, the city of Winchester 's Arborist and Grounds Maintenance Manager, for an in-depth conversation about the upcoming Native Plant Festival and the broader mission of cultivating a greener, more sustainable city. As the driving force behind the city's lush parks, vibrant medians, and tree-lined streets, Herring offe...

On a lively day in Old Town Winchester, the air buzzes with the energy of local businesses and the hum of community life. Tucked into Old Town Walking Mall in downtown Winchester, Worlds Away Escape offers a unique kind of adventure—one that challenges the mind, fosters teamwork, and brings a sense of playful mystery to the heart of downtown. In a recent episode of " The Valley Today ," host Janet...

When most people think of hunger, they imagine distant places or rare circumstances. But as Janet Michael, host of " The Valley Today ," and her guest Les Sinclair, Communications and PR Manager for the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank , reveal in their recent conversation, hunger is a persistent, often invisible challenge right here in our own communities—one that doesn't care what month it is or what's...

This October, the Winchester Regional Airport will transform into a vibrant hub of activity as it hosts the much-anticipated Wings & Wheels event, a celebration that brings together aviation enthusiasts, car lovers, families, and the broader community for a day of fun and discovery. In this episode of "The Valley Today," host Janet Michael talks with Kaleigh Fincham, Director of Events for the Top...

Located in the heart of Clear Brook, Virginia, Russell Ridge Farm Market is more than just a new addition to the region's agritourism scene—it's a testament to family legacy, community spirit, and the power of reinvention. In this episode of " The Valley Today ," host Janet Michael, joined by Winchester-Frederick County Tourism 's Justin Kerns, sits down with Travis Russell to uncover the remarkab...

On a sunny Thursday afternoon at the Espresso Bar in downtown Winchester, Valley Today host Janet Michael met with Patricia Brewer and Mandy Foxley, co-chairs of the Out of the Darkness Community Walk , for a heartfelt conversation about hope, healing, and the power of community. Their discussion delves into the details of the annual event, the personal stories that fuel their advocacy, and the br...

As the leaves begin to turn and the air grows crisp in the Northern Shenandoah Valley, gardeners are faced with both new challenges and exciting opportunities. In this episode of " The Valley Today ," host Janet Michael talks with Joanne Royaltey, a Frederick County Associate Extension Agent and Master Gardener, to discuss how local gardeners can make the most of the fall season—despite unpredicta...

In the heart of Virginia's Shenandoah Valley, the town of Mount Jackson is quietly staging a revolution—one that blends entrepreneurial ambition with a hearty dose of small-town quirkiness. In this episode of " The Valley Today ," host Janet Michael sat down with Olivia Hilton, Mount Jackson's dynamic town manager, to discuss how a business incubator program and a potato-themed festival are transf...