The Valley Today

In today's episode, host Janet Michael welcomed the co-directors of the new AIDS Response Effort (ARE) LGBTQ+ Community Center, Matt Buracker and Mary Bohacek. The conversation covered the groundwork and preparation of the center, which is currently under renovation, and discussed the broad range of services that ARE provides to the community, including HIV prevention, testing services, a comprehe...

In this episode, Janet Michael hosts the Valley Business Today segment with the Top of Virginia Regional Chamber. Janet welcomes Cynthia Schneider, the CEO of the Top of Virginia Regional Chamber, and Sabra Veach, the new Director of Programs and Services. The conversation begins with introductions, where Sabra shares her background and enthusiasm for her new role. She highlights her lifelong conn...

In this episode of Tourism Tuesday, host Janet Michael sits down with co-host Justin Kerns from the Winchester/Frederick County Convention & Visitors Bureau to talk with Danny Turner, the new owner of the historic Snow White Grill in Winchester. Janet and Justin open with a discussion about the emotions tied to the history of the iconic Snow White Grill and its unique charm.  Danny shares his exci...

In this episode, host Janet Michael speaks with Andy Gail, the new CEO of United Way Northern Shenandoah Valley , about the recent Day of Caring event. The conversation covers their day together on Friday, visiting various projects and witnessing the impact of the volunteers. Andy shares that over 900 volunteers participated in 84 projects across six localities, contributing significantly to the c...

In this episode, host Janet Michael, welcomed back Joanne Royalty from the Frederick County Extension Office . The episode began with a heartfelt tribute to Corey Childs, a beloved extension agent who recently passed away. Joanne shared that Cory was instrumental in the development of the Northern Shenandoah Valley Master Gardener Association . His contributions to various projects, including seed...

As part of a community health partnership with Valley Health , host Janet Michael welcomes Dr. Shashank Sharma , a vascular surgeon with Valley Health Vascular Surgeons at Winchester Medical Center . Their topic today focuses on peripheral arterial disease (PAD) in observance of September being PAD Awareness Month. The conversation covers what PAD is, its differences from coronary artery disease,...

The conversation today is part of an ongoing partnership with the US Small Business Administration highlighting small businesses in the Shenandoah Valley as well as offering advice and resources to all small businesses. In this episode, host Janet Michael and co-host Carl Knoblock , Virginia District Director for the SBA dive into the importance of early planning for small businesses, particularly...

In this episode, host Janet Michael welcomes Kristen Laise, the Executive Director at Belle Grove Plantation, and Rebecca Gibson, a member of the host committee and competitor in the US Border Collie Handlers Association (USBCHA) 2024 National Sheepdog Finals. The conversation dives into the exciting return of the sheepdog finals at Belle Grove, the intricate and precise training that Border Colli...

In this episode, host Janet Michael is joined by Gina Hilliard, President of the Luray/Page Chamber of Commerce, and Allysah Fox, Public Information Officer for Shenandoah National Park . The discussion touches on the beauty of fall in Shenandoah National Park and provides listeners with valuable tips for visiting the park. Allysah shares insights on how to best avoid the crowds, the importance of...

In today's episode, host Janet Michael welcomed guests Christa Shifflett, Executive Director at the Warren Coalition , and Celeste Brooks, Community Outreach Coordinator. The discussion revolved around celebrating Celebrate Kids Day and the Warren Coalition's 30th anniversary campaign. Christa began by providing a brief overview of the Warren Coalition and its evolution from a substance misuse pre...

In this episode, host Janet Michael welcomes Guy Curtis , the Director of Marketing for Laurel Ridge Community College , and Samantha Brill , a Program Manager for Laurel Ridge Workforce Solutions . They discuss the college's new Fiber Optic Installer program. This program addresses the growing demand for fiber optic installers due to the expansion of data centers and the need for high-speed inter...

In this episode, host Janet Michael sits down with SueAnn Myers, the Executive Director of Blue Ridge Independence at Home , to discuss the new PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly) program. Throughout the conversation, SueAnn explains the extensive services provided through PACE, which aims to help seniors aged 55 and older who are eligible for nursing home care but can live safely...

In this episode, host Janet Michael welcomes Nathan Stalvey, the Director of the Clarke County Historical Association, for a special Tourism Tuesday Berryville/ Clarke County edition. The conversation revolves around the upcoming ' Art at the Mill ' event and other significant projects by the association. Nathan shares exciting details about the 'Art at the Mill' event, including the massive under...

In this episode, host Janet Michael discusses one of Frederick County's favorite events, the Shenandoah Valley Apple Harvest Festival, with co-chair Darla McCreary. Darla, a Winchester Rotarian, shares that the festival will take place on September 21st and 22nd at the Frederick County Fairgrounds. The festival is celebrating its 50th year and will feature a variety of events, including arts and c...

In this episode, host Janet Michael speaks with Jenny McDonald about the upcoming Fiddles & Fifths festival . Now in its third year, the event has grown significantly, starting from a small gathering behind the Bank of Clarke to a large street party on the Old Town Walking Mall in downtown Winchester. Jenny discusses the various attractions, including local bands, food trucks, a beer garden, and a...

In this episode of the Valley Today, hosted by Janet Michael, Traffic Safety Thursday features a detailed conversation with Lieutenant Warren Gosnell from the Frederick County Sheriff's Office . The discussion begins with a lighthearted correction on broadcasting terms, clarifying that while they were live in the studio, the broadcast is not being aired live. The podcast covers several key issues...

In this episode, host Janet Michael welcomes Niki Foster from the Front Royal Warren County Chamber of Commerce . They start by commenting on the comfortable new furniture in the lounge and humorously noting Janet's folding chair while Nikki sits at her desk. They delve into the lounge's incomplete setup and the need for more decorative touches, including Janet's amusing insistence on adding more...

In this episode of Tourism Tuesday, Shenandoah County edition, host Janet Michael welcomes Kary Haun and Ann Heck. The conversation begins with Janet introducing each participant and expressing their mutual desire to record the show on horseback, though their schedules did not align. Despite this, Carrie and Janet share their enthusiasm for future opportunities and discuss the relaxing nature of h...

In this episode, Janet Michael hosts Dave Van Deventer from Shepherd's Ford Productions to discuss the upcoming 20th Annual Watermelon Pickers Fest 2024, which is set to take place from September 5 - 7, 2024 at the Clarke County Fairgrounds in Berryville. The conversation highlights the festival's return after a hiatus and dives into the event's rich history, logistics, and lineup. Dave shares the...

In this episode hosted by Janet Michael, the focus was on the Virginia Master Naturalists and the upcoming event, 'An Evening Under the Stars' at Blandy Experimental Farm on September 13th. Joining Janet was Rebecca Harriett, President of the Shenandoah Chapter of Virginia Master Naturalists , and Mary Beth Yarborough, the event coordinator. Rebecca explained the mission and scope of the Virginia...

In this episode, host Janet Michael speaks with Cynthia Schneider, CEO of the Top of Virginia Regional Chamber , and Jenny Stover, the Chamber's Director of Marketing and Communications.  Cynthia was recently honored as the 2024 Chamber Executive of the Year by the Virginia Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives. This recognition was given during the Hob Nob in the Valley event, which celeb...

In today's episode, host Janet Michael sits down for Tourism Tuesday with co-host Justin Kerns from the Winchester/Frederick County Convention & Visitor's Bureau , and special guest Stephen Schuurman, the proprietor of Winchester Ciderworks . The conversation unfolds at the newly opened Winchester Cider House , located on Piccadilly Street in Old Town Winchester. Stephen talks about the extensive...

The conversation today with Tyler Hinkle, Shenandoah County's Planner is part of an ongoing series following the work on Shenandoah 2045 - Shenandoah County's comprehensive plan. In this episode, host Janet Michael welcomes Tyler and Laura Bennett, the executive director of Friends of the North Fork of the Shenandoah River . Janet and her guests delve into the importance of water resources as outl...

In this episode, host Janet Michael talks with Lisa Fisher, the Executive Director of the Shenandoah Arts Council. They discuss the upcoming ShenArts Fest 2024 which will take place on September 7th and 8th in Old Town Winchester. The event will showcase a variety of artists and performers, with activities spread throughout the northern end of the Old Town walking mall. Lisa shares that due to the...

In this episode, host Janet Michael talks with Katie Mercer, Director of Marketing and Events for the town of Woodstock , about the upcoming WoodsTACO Street Taco Festival . The event will be held on Saturday, September 28th from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM in downtown Woodstock, with a rain date set for September 29th. Katie discusses the festival's various attractions, including a street taco competitio...