The Valley Today

We pre-recorded today's conversation via Zoom to learn about the microloan program offered by People Inc. to area small businesses. Joining me on the Zoom was Rachel Fogg, Public Information Officer for People Inc. and their Director of Community Economic Development, Shane Simmons. Shane explained the small business microloan program is customized to meet the needs of each individual borrower. Lo...

We pre-recorded today's conversation via Zoom for Luray/Page County's edition of Tourism Tuesday with Edie Emmons from Luray/Page County Chamber of Commerce and her guest, Lisa Cubbage from Jordan Hollow Stables. Lisa walked us through a typical day at the horse farm and explained how the trail rides she offers work. We discussed the long-term relationships she builds with her guides and the COVID...

We pre-recorded today's conversation in the studio with Warren County Fire & Rescue's new Chief - James Bonzano, and Warren County Fire Marshal Gerry Maiatico. Gerry introduced us to the new chief and we talked about his experiences in the month since taking over the department. He explained his background and what drew him to Warren County to serve as the head of fire & rescue. We talked about so...

We pre-recorded today's conversation via Zoom to talk about an upcoming virtual information session hosted by Virginia Career Works and Navy Federal Credit Union . The event happens on Wednesday, February 17, 2021 from 2pm - 4pm via Zoom. You can register here: http://ow.ly/Fikg50DuJZP Joining me on the Zoom screen to discuss the event: Bonnie Zampino, Workforce Services Director of the Northern R...

We pre-recorded today's conversation via Zoom to learn about the new Workforce Coach available from Workforce Solutions at Lord Fairfax Community College . Guy Curtis, LFCCWS Marketing Director introduced us to Julia Bridgen, their new Workforce Coach and the two explained what her role is in helping potential students define their college/learning experience. Guy told us about several programs th...

We pre-recorded today's conversation via Zoom to learn about Green Hill Cemetery in Luray and how the community is coming together to restore the grounds. Rose Ann Smythe with Friends of Green Hill Cemetery explained the history of the cemetery and how it came to be in it's current state. The group works with community members who volunteer their time for maintenance & upkeep; research the history...

We pre-recorded today's conversation via Zoom to learn about the planning & preparation that goes into opening Clarke County Farmer's Market each season. Market Manager Karie Griffin joined me on the Zoom screen to give me details about the location for the the 2021 market, how & who they hope to have as vendors, and the planning & pivot that went into making the 2020 season a success. The market...

We pre-recorded today's conversation via Zoom to chat with Cheryl Hamilton Fried - the new President/CEO for Blue Ridge Hospice. Cheryl described her professional hospice background and talked about the impact suddenly losing her husband had on her continuing hospice career. She explained the difference between a for-profit and a not-for-profit hospice and gave us some insight for her goals with t...

We pre-recorded today's conversation via Zoom to chat with local author and historian, Mike Robinson about his books Winchester Tales. He's hosting a book signing at Solenberger's True Value Hardware on Saturday, February 6 from 10am - 4pm. You can get more details here: https://www.facebook.com/events/3575715375881058 Mike talked about his love of local history, how he researches his stories and...

We pre-recorded today's conversation via Zoom to learn the details about the COVID-19 mass vaccination site at Shenandoah University with Mitch Moore, SU's senior vice-president. Mitch explained the partnership between the university, Lord Fairfax Health District and Valley Health . We talked about the processes in place for distributing the vaccine and the logistics to pull the entire thing toget...

We pre-recorded today's conversation via Zoom with Niki Cales, President of Front Royal/Warren County Chamber of Commerce for our monthly catch-up. We talked about all the successes the chamber has had in 2020 in spite of the pandemic and several of the lessons they've learned. Niki explained how those successes will help them make their plans moving forward into 2021. We discussed the status of f...

We pre-recorded today's episode via Zoom to have a conversation with the movers and shakers in Shenandoah County when it comes to events and small businesses. Kary Haun ( Shenandoah County Tourism ), Olivia Hilton (Community Development Coordinator, Town of Strasburg ), Katie Mercer (Enhancement Coordinator, Town of Woodstock ), and Amber Smoot (Events & Marketing Director, Town of New Market ) ga...

We pre-recorded today's conversation via Zoom to chat with Scott Haines & Felicia Hart about their business, GNC Online Auctions. The couple purchased the business in August 2020 from the previous owners who were retiring/relocating. GNC Online Auctions is a local online auction company where all bids are placed via their website and then the items are picked up locally (or shipped if you win some...

We pre-recorded today's conversation via Zoom to chat about Warren Coalition 's Trauma Informed Training with their Executive Director, Christa Shifflett. Christa explained all the different programs offered by Warren Coalition and told us how the agency got it's start in 1994. We discussed the Trauma Informed Training that will take place virtually on Tuesday mornings from 10am - 12noon beginning...

We pre-recorded today's conversation in the studio with Lt. Warren Gosnell from the Frederick County Sheriff's Office for our regular monthly chat about traffic safety. Our topics included: The safety of driving with a pet in your lap. Lt. Gosnell referenced House Bill 2077 currently before the Virginia General Assembly. Read it here . The primary offense law for brake lights/tail lights, etc. tha...

We pre-recorded today's conversation via Zoom to chat about the state of the Top of Virginia Regional Chamber going into 2021 with Cynthia Schneider, CEO and John Fox, Chairman of the Board for the chamber. We talked about the transition of board members and the integral role the board has played in managing & maintaining the services & programs offered by the chamber. John explained his goals mov...

We pre-recorded today's conversation via Zoom to chat about the film Mount Skylight with Justin Kerns from Winchester/Frederick County Convention & Visitors Bureau and his guest director/producer Ryan Cudahy. Ryan explained the decision to turn the short Mount Skylight into a feature film and the obstacles he's overcome due to the pandemic. We talked about the Winchester tourism office also servin...

We pre-recorded today's conversation via Zoom to discuss Warren County's SALT/TRIAD Council with Lt. Robbie Seal & Deputy Terry Fritts from Warren County Sheriff's Office and Carol Miller from Synergy Home Care . They explained what the TRIAD Council is, how it got started and the role SALT plays within the council. TRIAD is a cooperative effort partnering Office of Attorney General, local law enf...

We pre-recorded today's conversation via Zoom with Elise from United Way of Northern Shenandoah County and her guest, Andy Gail. Andy is the Executive Director of Literacy Volunteers Winchester Area. Andy explained how the pandemic has affected their ability to serve the community and told us about the various services and programs his organization offers that include: The Adult Basic Education pr...

We pre-recorded today's conversation via Zoom with Dr. Troy Glembot, Medical Director of the Valley Health Metabolic & Bariatric Program. We discussed: How long has metabolic and bariatric surgery been done; Who may consider metabolic and bariatric surgery; Why is it called metabolic and bariatric surgery; What types of procedures are offered. For more information about the program or to register...

We pre-recorded today's conversation via Zoom with Alex Skinner, founder of InnoVault - a co-working and event space on the walking mall in Old Town Winchester. Alex told us about finding & falling in love with the building and then transforming it to fit as a co-working space as well for events. We talked about the benefits of working from home without working from your actual home; and, the diff...

We pre-recorded today's conversation via Zoom for Tourism Tuesday - Luray/Page County edition - with Edie Emmons from Luray/Page Chamber of Commerce and her guests, John & Maureen Moss - owners of Moonshadows Restaurant. John & Maureen told us about their restaurant and nine years of sweat equity they put in to prep the home to open. We talked about their menu items & the safety protocols they've...

We pre-recorded today's conversation via Zoom with local attorney, Suzan Herskowitz to talk about getting your affairs in order BEFORE a crisis occurs. Suzan explained who needs a will & why; how a medical directive is an important part of your estate planning; plus, she talked about the current pandemic and the impact it's had on getting appointments with local attorneys to finalize your plans. W...

We pre-recorded today's conversation via Zoom with Stacy Swain from Warren County's Extension Office . She manages the Warren County 4-H program. She gave us details about Winter Fest - the 4-H Camp in a box program that will feature various activities from camp such as bracelet making, arts and crafts, designing your own 4-H camp mask, a Winter Fest 2021 camp shirt and a virtual campfire. This ca...

I didn't pre-record today's conversation over Zoom; but, I DID pre-record it several months ago at Lord Fairfax Community College as part of our new podcast series in partnership with the school. This conversation is part of that podcast series. It's just one of over 2 dozen podcast conversations. In the series, we take a walk down memory lane with several current & former professors; we talk with...