The Valley Today

In the heart of Middletown, Virginia, a beloved historic landmark is experiencing a renaissance. The Wayside Inn, a fixture of the Shenandoah Valley for over two centuries, is now home to Clem's Kitchen —a new restaurant venture by Bill and Amanda Whitson. In this episode of "The Valley Business Today," host Janet Michael, joined by Carl Knoblock of the Small Business Administration , sat down wit...

In the scenic Shenandoah Valley, Millwood, Virginia, is a town where history and creativity intertwine, and nowhere is this more evident than in the annual Art at the Mill show. In this episode of "Tourism Tuesday" on The Valley Today , host Janet Michael welcomed Nathan Stalvey, Executive Director of the Clarke County Historical Association , for an in-depth conversation about the upcoming fall a...

In this episode of " The Valley Today ," host Janet Michael brought listeners a heartwarming and insightful conversation that showcased the vibrant spirit of Page County's community life. Joined by Gina Hilliard, president of the Luray-Page County Chamber of Commerce , and Denise Schulz, director of the Community Choir of Page County , the conversation offered a behind-the-scenes look at how music...

In a world where community needs are ever-growing and resources often stretched thin, the annual Community Connect & Serve event in Winchester, Virginia, stands as a beacon of hope and collaboration. In this episode of " The Valley Today ," host Janet Michael gathered with a dynamic group of organizers and participants to pull back the curtain on this unique event, revealing how it's reshaping the...

In this episode of " The Valley Today ," host Janet Michael welcomed Brandy Hawkins Boies, Director of Public Relations and Special Events, and Dr. Kim Blosser, President of Laurel Ridge Community College , for a candid and wide-ranging discussion about the college's evolving role in the Shenandoah Valley. The conversation offered listeners a rare glimpse behind the scenes of an institution that h...

On a sunny afternoon in downtown Winchester, the secret garden at the Espresso Bar buzzes with the warmth of old friends reuniting. Host of The Valley Today , Janet Michael welcomes Sandy Schwalb, a dedicated volunteer and former board member of Virginia German Shepherd Rescue (VGSR), for a heartfelt conversation about the organization's mission, the power of community, and the life-changing impac...

Nestled in the heart of Berryville, the Barns of Rose Hill stands as a beacon for arts, culture, and community connection. In this episode of "Tourism Tuesday," host Janet Michael talks with Martha Reynolds, the Executive Director of the Barns, to discuss the organization's bustling calendar and the vital role it plays in the region. The conversation opened with excitement for the upcoming ShenArt...

In this episode of " The Valley Today ," host Janet Michael sat down with Ken Slack, Communications Specialist for the Staunton District of the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) , to pull back the curtain on the region's most pressing road projects and the intricate web of planning, funding, and public engagement that makes them possible. The conversation opened with a celebration: the...

Every September, a wave of orange (this year) shirts sweep across the Northern Shenandoah Valley, signaling a day when the community comes together for a singular purpose: to give back. This is Day of Caring, an annual event organized by the  United Way of Northern Shenandoah Valley , and it's more than just a day of volunteerism—it's a celebration of community spirit, corporate partnership, and t...

On this episode of " The Valley Today ," host Janet Michael welcomed Captain Warren Gosnell of the Frederick County Sheriff's Office for a lively and insightful discussion that went far beyond the usual public safety bulletin. The conversation began with a heartfelt congratulations to Captain Gosnell for his recent award , setting the tone for a candid exploration of what recognition means in the...

When adversity strikes, it's often the strength of a community that carries us through. In this episode of " The Valley Today ," host Janet Michael welcomed Niki Foster, President of the Front Royal Warren County Chamber of Commerce , for a conversation that was as much about overcoming personal challenges as it was about the vibrant life of a small town. Niki opened up about her recent health str...

On this episode of "Tourism Tuesday" on The Valley Today ,  host Janet Michael gathered with Kary Haun and Jen Duffner at the cozy Flour & Water café in downtown Woodstock to serve up a flavorful preview of the much-anticipated WoodsTACO 2025 event. The conversation , brimming with local pride and playful banter, offered listeners an inside look at how this annual festival has become a highlight o...

In the heart of Rappahannock County, the spirit of community theater is alive and thriving, as revealed in a recent episode of " The Valley Today " hosted by Janet Michael. The episode shines a spotlight on the upcoming production of " Always... Patsy Cline " by the RAAC Community Theater, offering listeners a behind-the-scenes look at the passion, dedication, and camaraderie that fuel local arts....

On a sunny afternoon at the Our Health campus, the energy is palpable as Janet Michael, host of " The Valley Today ," sits down with Sharen Gromling, Executive Director of Our Health. Their conversation, brimming with enthusiasm and insight, centers on a transformative new initiative: the Nonprofit Leadership Academy . This collaborative program, designed for both nonprofit staff and board members...

As the leaves begin to turn and the air grows crisp in the Shenandoah Valley, anticipation builds for one of the region's most cherished traditions: Hob Nob in the Valley . In this episode of " The Valley Today ," host Janet Michael sat down with Cynthia Schneider, CEO of the Top of Virginia Regional Chamber , board member Nathan Stalvey, and United Bank Market President Pete Warren to discuss the...

The Family Drive-In Theatre stands as a living testament to a bygone era—one where families gathered under the stars, children played on grassy lawns, and the magic of cinema brought communities together. In this episode of "Tourism Tuesday" on The Valley Today , host Janet Michael and co-host Justin Kerns from the Winchester/Frederick County Convention & Visitors Bureau sat down with theatre gene...

Nestled in the heart of the Shenandaoh Valley, the State Arboretum at Blandy Experimental Farm is preparing to celebrate a unique and flavorful piece of the region's natural heritage: the pawpaw. In this episode of " The Valley Today ," host Janet Michael sat down with Melanie Mullinax, Communications and Events Manager at Blandy, and Jack Monsted, Assistant Curator of the Native Plant Trail, to d...

On a lively corner of Old Town Winchester, the unassuming facade of Broken Window Brewing Company hides a vibrant hub of creativity, community, and award-winning beer. In this episode of The Valley Today , host Janet Michael sits down with Brady Cloven, Executive Director of Friends of Old Town and his guest, Zach Aufdenberg, owner and head brewer, to explore the story behind one of Winchester's c...

In a world where the word "vaccine" has become both a household term and a lightning rod for debate, it's easy to forget the remarkable impact immunizations have had on public health. In this episode of " The Valley Today ," host Janet Michael sat down with Dr. Jeff Feit , Valley Health 's Population and Community Health Officer, to revisit the story of vaccines—past, present, and future. A Legacy...

In the heart of Old Town Winchester, the RISE (Resources. Inclusion. Support. Empowerment.) Community Center stands as a testament to the power of community, compassion, and resilience. Home to AIDS Response Effort (ARE), the organization has evolved over the past 35 years from a small group of volunteers supporting those affected by HIV/AIDS into a vibrant hub for HIV services, LGBTQ+ support, an...

As Labor Day approaches, the Shenandoah Valley Discovery Museum is buzzing with anticipation—not just for the end of summer, but for a beloved annual tradition: the museum's week-long closure and transformation. In a recent episode of " The Valley Today ," host Janet Michael sat down with Executive Director Dawn Devine and Director of Development and Marketing Tammy Stevenson to discuss the museum...

In this episode of " The Valley Today ," host Janet Michael welcomed listeners to a lively conversation with Gina Hilliard, president of the Luray-Page Chamber of Commerce , and Jay Foster, the driving force behind KEMS Contracting . The episode offered a behind-the-scenes look at the world of construction and small business in the Shenandoah Valley, blending practical advice with stories of perse...

Every August, the Shenandoah County Fairgrounds come alive with the sights and sounds of the 4-H/FFA Livestock Show and Sale—a tradition that not only showcases the hard work of local youth but also weaves together the fabric of a rural community. In a recent episode of " The Valley Today ," host Janet Michael sat down with a panel of participants and organizers to pull back the curtain on what it...

In a recent episode of " The Valley Today ," host Janet Michael talks with Guy Curtis , Director of Marketing at Laurel Ridge Community College , and Jay Foreman, the newly appointed Corporate Training Sales Manager for Laurel Ridge Workforce . Their lively conversation offered a deep dive into the evolving landscape of leadership and workforce development, highlighting the innovative programs des...

On a bustling afternoon at the Espresso Bar in downtown Winchester, Janet Michael, host of " The Valley Today ," sat down with Kit Redmer, City of Winchester 's Communications Director, for a candid conversation about civic engagement, community development, and the evolving face of Winchester. Their discussion, rich with insights and local flavor, offered a window into how the city is fostering a...