The Valley Today

A hula lesson, a string of honor beads, and a moment where you realize you are not alone — the Out of the Darkness Community Walk packs all of that into a single Saturday morning at Sherando Park. Janet Michael sits down at the Espresso Bar on the Old Town Walking Mall with returning guests Patricia Brewer and Mandy Foxley, co-chairs of the Stephens City walk, to talk about this year's event on October 10 and the community that has grown up around it. Mandy shares her own story of making it through to the other side and finding the walk through, of all things, a Facebook ad. Patricia and Mandy explain the bead colors and sand ceremony, the memorial photos along the walking path, and why nobody has to finish the walk (or even start it) to belong there. They also cover what the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention funds, this year's $85,000 goal, a tattoo-shop fundraiser, the traveling HOPE sign, and a brand-new AFSP Virginia license plate that needs 400 sign-ups. If suicide has touched your life in any way, this conversation is a reminder that there's a place for you. EVENT DETAILS Out of the Darkness Community Walk – Stephens City, presented by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) Date: Saturday, October 10, 2026 Location: Sherando High School and Sherando Park, Stephens City, VA Registration/check-in: 9 AM Opening ceremony: 10 AM, followed by the walk (a little over a mile) and closing ceremony; usually wraps up by noon Cost: Free to register, online in advance or on walk day Fundraising: Optional but encouraged; raise or donate $150 to earn a walk T-shirt, with more incentive tiers at $250 and $500. Fundraising stays open through the end of the year. All ages welcome: kids' area, the Glimmer Station, community resource tables, and hula lessons before the walk. You don't have to walk to take part. Website: afsp.org/stephenscity LINKS & RESOURCES Stephens City Out of the Darkness Walk (register, donate, contact the co-chairs): afsp.org/stephenscity Find an Out of the Darkness walk elsewhere in Virginia: afsp.org/virginia American Foundation for Suicide Prevention: afsp.org Facebook: Stephens City Out of the Darkness AFSP Virginia license plate: details and sign-up on the walk's Facebook page or at the walk 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: call or text 988, available 24/7 THE VALLEY TODAY with Janet Michael — A decade of conversations. New podcast episodes drop weekdays at 11 AM. Catch the show on The River 95.3 and Fox Sports 1450 AM weekdays just after noon. Subscribe and listen at thevalleytodaypodcast.com — available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts. If you enjoy the show, please take a moment to leave a rating or review — it helps more listeners find us. Connect with us: Facebook — facebook.com/ValleyTodayFanPage Instagram — instagram.com/thevalleytoday

A haunted trail, campsites decked out for Halloween, and Yogi Bear himself — fall at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park in Luray is a lot more than pitching a tent. On this Luray-Page County edition of Tourism Tuesday, Janet Michael and Gina Hilliard of the Luray-Page County Chamber of Commerce welcome general manager Bryan Fykes — better known around the park as "Ranger Bryan" — to talk about one of Page County's most popular places to stay and play. Ranger Bryan walks through every way to visit, from day passes and pup tents to deluxe cabins and a five-bedroom house that families book for Thanksgiving. He shares the park's history, how it's coming back stronger after a fire this summer, and how locals can join in on the haunted trail this October. Gina looks back on her first job at the park as a teenager, and wraps up with the chamber's fall calendar — Women in Business trivia, a Golf Classic that funds local scholarships, and a 2027 trip to Croatia. Stick around for the bear puns alone. LINKS & RESOURCES Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park, Luray: campluray.com Jellystone Park (all locations nationwide): campjellystone.com Jellystone Park Luray on Facebook: facebook.com/JellystoneLuray Luray-Page County Chamber of Commerce: luraypagechamber.com Also mentioned — Luray-Page County Chamber events: Women in Business Trivia Night — Wednesday, September 30, Coal Ridge Brewery, Stanley  4th Annual Chamber Golf Classic — Wednesday, October 14, Caverns Country Club, Luray; benefits scholarships for Luray High School and Page County High School seniors attending Laurel Ridge Community College Chamber Trip to Croatia — departs March 11, 2027; contact the chamber office for details THE VALLEY TODAY with Janet Michael — A decade of conversations. New podcast episodes drop weekdays at 11 AM. Catch the show on The River 95.3 and Fox Sports 1450 AM weekdays just after noon. Subscribe and listen at thevalleytodaypodcast.com — available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts. If you enjoy the show, please take a moment to leave a rating or review — it helps more listeners find us. Connect with us: Facebook — facebook.com/ValleyTodayFanPage Instagram — instagram.com/thevalleytoday

"I was stuck. You guys unstuck me." That's what one participant told Winchester CCAP Executive Director Andrea Cosans, and it's the heart of THRIVE, a new two-year program helping local families move from constant crisis to real self-sufficiency. Janet sits down at CCAP with Andrea and Jordan Hurley, Executive Assistant at Connected Communities, to talk about how four local nonprofits are joining forces to offer therapy, mentoring, case management, and job training all in one place. You'll hear how THRIVE grew from a $1,000 pilot into a full partnership, why therapy comes first, and the stories of past participants who now have steady jobs, their own businesses, and rebuilt family relationships. Andrea and Jordan also explain who's a good fit, how referrals work, and why helping one parent can change things for a whole family. If you know someone who's ready for a hand up, this is the episode to share. LINKS & RESOURCES Winchester CCAP — ccapwinchester.org Connected Communities — cciwinchester.com | Facebook, Instagram & TikTok: @cciwinchester I'm Just Me Movement — imjustmemovement.org Horizon Goodwill Industries — horizongoodwill.org United Way of the Northern Shenandoah Valley — unitedwaynsv.org  To ask about a THRIVE referral, contact any of the partners, your current case worker, or Dept of Social Services. THE VALLEY TODAY with Janet Michael — A decade of conversations. New podcast episodes drop weekdays at 11 AM. Catch the show on The River 95.3 and Fox Sports 1450 AM weekdays just after noon. Subscribe and listen at thevalleytodaypodcast.com — available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts. If you enjoy the show, please take a moment to leave a rating or review — it helps more listeners find us. Connect with us: Facebook — facebook.com/ValleyTodayFanPage Instagram — instagram.com/thevalleytoday

There's a cheese shop on the Old Town Walking Mall where you can taste anything in the case before you buy it, and yes, they make grown-up Lunchables. Janet Michael and Brady Cloven of Friends of Old Town pull up a chair at Fleur de Lis Cheese Shop with owner Terri Boyd, two years after she first joined the show just after opening. Terri explains what "fancy cheese" really means (hint: it's not as scary as it sounds), why an English cheddar tastes different from a New York one, why some cheeses are seasonal, and why your charcuterie board doesn't have to be pretty to taste great. She also shares news about new grazing tables for events and a job opening with a creative twist. Then Brady runs through a busy October downtown, from Oktoberfest and the last First Friday of the season to Hallo-Winchester trick-or-treating, plus a call for a 30-foot Christmas tree. Stick around for the moment Brady found out how one of his cheeses is made. LINKS & RESOURCES Fleur de Lis Cheese Shop website: cheesegoddess.com Fleur de Lis Cheese Shop on Facebook (Cheese School Monday, job posting): facebook.com/15FairfaxSt Visit: Fleur de Lis Cheese Shop, 17 S. Loudoun Street, Winchester, VA (Old Town Walking Mall, a few doors down from Wilkins Shoe Center). Open daily, 11 AM to 4 PM. Friends of Old Town (community calendar for downtown events): friendsofoldtown.org Friends of Old Town on Facebook  Main Street Masterpieces: friendsofoldtown.org/main-street-masterpieces Old Town Christmas tree: OTWHolidays@winchesterva.gov Robby D's Lil Greens: robbydslilgreens.com THE VALLEY TODAY with Janet Michael — A decade of conversations. New podcast episodes drop weekdays at 11 AM. Catch the show on The River 95.3 and Fox Sports 1450 AM weekdays just after noon. Subscribe and listen at thevalleytodaypodcast.com — available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts. If you enjoy the show, please take a moment to leave a rating or review — it helps more listeners find us. Connect with us: Facebook — facebook.com/ValleyTodayFanPage Instagram — instagram.com/thevalleytoday

For some kids in our area, Friday's school lunch is the last meal they can count on until Monday's breakfast. Janet Michael checks back in with Elise Stine-Dolinar of Bright Futures Frederick/Winchester to talk about the hidden hunger in our local schools, and how neighbors across Winchester and Frederick County are helping more than 1,200 students get fed every week. Elise walks through what goes into a weekend food pack, why fewer kids take the bags home as they get older, and how discreet school food pantries (one uses a clickable "hall pass") are reaching middle and high schoolers who'd rather go hungry than be seen. She also explains why allergy-friendly food matters, which donations are "gold" (and which to keep at home, like pickled beets), and how you can drop off food, shop the wish list, or give a few dollars that go further than you'd think. If you've ever wondered how to help a local kid in need, this conversation is a great place to start. LINKS & RESOURCES Bright Futures Frederick/Winchester website (see the needs lists under "Get Involved"): sites.google.com/fcpsk12.net/brightfuturesfrederickcounty/home Bright Futures Frederick/Winchester on Facebook: facebook.com/brightfuturesfrederickcounty Donation drop-off (donation shed by the first garage door): Bright Futures Distribution Center, 178 Indian Hollow Road, Winchester, VA 22603 Bright Futures phone: 540-667-2490 Bright Futures Amazon wish list: linked from the Bright Futures website and social pages THE VALLEY TODAY with Janet Michael — A decade of conversations. New podcast episodes drop weekdays at 11 AM. Catch the show on The River 95.3 and Fox Sports 1450 AM weekdays just after noon. Subscribe and listen at thevalleytodaypodcast.com — available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts. If you enjoy the show, please take a moment to leave a rating or review — it helps more listeners find us. Connect with us: Facebook — facebook.com/ValleyTodayFanPage Instagram — instagram.com/thevalleytoday

New lanes on I-81, a brand-new bridge at Exit 313, and longer turn lanes on the roads you drive every day: VDOT's Ken Slack is back with the latest on the road work around the Northern Shenandoah Valley. Janet Michael checks in with Ken, communications specialist for VDOT's Staunton District, on the big highway projects that make headlines and the smaller fixes that change your daily drive. Ken explains the traffic shifts coming to the I-81 widening at Strasburg this October and November, and what drivers should expect as the Millwood Pike/Millwood Avenue project gets underway this fall. He also covers turn-lane work on Route 340, safety upgrades on Route 55, and the maintenance crews who keep the valley's roads, bridges, and ditches in shape all year. If you drive through Winchester, Strasburg, or Front Royal, listen for what's changing on your route and how to get around the work zones. (There's even talk of a "Janet lane.") LINKS & RESOURCES VDOT Staunton District projects: vdot.virginia.gov/projects/staunton-district Interstate 81 Strasburg-area widening (mile markers 295.4 to 299.6): vdot.virginia.gov/projects/staunton-district/interstate-81-strasburg-area-widening-mile-markers-2954-to-2996 Frederick County – Route 17/50/522 (Millwood Pike) bridge over Interstate 81: vdot.virginia.gov/projects/staunton-district/frederick-county--route-1750522-millwood-pike-bridge-over-interstate-81 City of Winchester – Millwood Avenue (Route 17/50/522): vdot.virginia.gov/projects/staunton-district/city-of-winchester---millwood-avenue-route-1750522 Town of Front Royal – South Street Improvements: vdot.virginia.gov/projects/staunton-district/town-of-front-royal---south-street-improvements Improve 81 (I-81 Corridor Improvement Program): improve81.vdot.virginia.gov VDOT Customer Service Center (report potholes and road concerns): my.vdot.virginia.gov or 800-FOR-ROAD (800-367-7623) THE VALLEY TODAY with Janet Michael — A decade of conversations. New podcast episodes drop weekdays at 11 AM. Catch the show on The River 95.3 and Fox Sports 1450 AM weekdays just after noon. Subscribe and listen at thevalleytodaypodcast.com — available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts. If you enjoy the show, please take a moment to leave a rating or review — it helps more listeners find us. Connect with us: Facebook — facebook.com/ValleyTodayFanPage Instagram — instagram.com/thevalleytoday

North Mountain Vineyard & Winery's first Ravenwood Faire is almost here — and owner Jill Edlich says getting a 90-vendor medieval festival ready on a working vineyard has been its own kind of harvest season. Janet Michael and Kary Haun catch up with Jill for Shenandoah County Tourism Tuesday, checking in on everything that's changed since February: a new accessible walkway, a horse arena, and a vineyard now just months from hosting its biggest event yet. Jill talks through surviving an April frost scare, why Ravenwood Faire leans medieval instead of Renaissance, and what two full weekends (October 16–18 and 23–25) of jousting, vaulting, turkey legs, and handmade crafts will look like at its new home. She also opens up about the Ravenwood Foundation, the nonprofit behind it all that sends kids to camp and keeps them off their screens. Then Kary runs down everything else happening around Shenandoah County this fall — from Autumn Fest to a 50th-anniversary toast at one of Virginia's oldest wineries. EVENT DETAILS - Ravenwood Faire — presented by the Ravenwood Foundation Dates: October 16–18 and October 23–25, 2026 Hours: Fridays 3–9 PM, Saturdays 10 AM–7 PM, Sundays 10 AM–5 PM Location: North Mountain Vineyard & Winery, Maurertown, VA Tickets: Online presale (currently $5 off), tickets also available at the door; children 7 and under free; 2-day, 3-day, and 6-day (season) passes available Website: ravenwoodfaire.us LINKS & RESOURCES North Mountain Vineyard & Winery: northmountainvineyard.com Ravenwood Foundation: ravenwoodfoundation.org Shenandoah County Tourism (events calendar): visitshenandoahcounty.com THE VALLEY TODAY with Janet Michael — A decade of conversations. New podcast episodes drop weekdays at 11 AM. Catch the show on The River 95.3 and Fox Sports 1450 AM weekdays just after noon. Subscribe and listen at thevalleytodaypodcast.com — available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts. If you enjoy the show, please take a moment to leave a rating or review — it helps more listeners find us. Connect with us: Facebook — facebook.com/ValleyTodayFanPage Instagram — instagram.com/thevalleytoday

Grab a team, grab a driver, and get ready to venture across the Northern Shenandoah Valley — for a good cause. Janet is back on the Zooms with Gina Hilliard, president of the Luray-Page Chamber of Commerce, and Greg Stockton, development director for Seniors First, to talk about the Valley Venture Scavenger Hunt, an app-based fundraiser happening October 17th across six counties. Greg walks through how the app-based hunt works, why it's flexible enough for competitive teams and casual friend groups alike, and where the money raised goes to support homebound seniors across the Valley. Gina also shares what's coming up on the Luray-Page Chamber's own event calendar this fall. Tune in for all the details on how to register, what to expect on event day, and why this might be the most fun way yet to explore your own backyard. EVENT DETAILS Valley Venture Scavenger Hunt Date: Saturday, October 17 Time: App-based challenges open 10:00 AM–5:00 PM; celebration dinner at 6:00 PM Location: Teams can start anywhere across the six-county footprint (Page, Clarke, Frederick/Winchester, Warren, and Shenandoah counties); closing celebration is at the Warren Senior Center in Front Royal Format: Teams of two or more (must include a licensed adult driver), using the Eventzee app; teams choose their own challenges and order  Cost/Fundraising: Register free with a peer-to-peer fundraising commitment, or pay a flat per-person registration fee  Evening celebration: Barbecue dinner, a live auction (donations accepted through event day), and highlights from the day's team videos and photos Registration: bit.ly/valley-venture, or via the Givebutter fundraising link at seniorsfirst.info LINKS & RESOURCES Seniors First: seniorsfirst.info Seniors First — Donate: seniorsfirst.info/donate Luray-Page Chamber of Commerce: luraypagechamber.com/   Eventzee app: eventzeeapp.com/ THE VALLEY TODAY with Janet Michael — A decade of conversations. New podcast episodes drop weekdays at 11 AM. Catch the show on The River 95.3 and Fox Sports 1450 AM weekdays just after noon. Subscribe and listen at thevalleytodaypodcast.com — available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts. If you enjoy the show, please take a moment to leave a rating or review — it helps more listeners find us. Connect with us: Facebook — facebook.com/ValleyTodayFanPage Instagram — instagram.com/thevalleytoday

The Northern Shenandoah Valley Master Gardener Association is bringing back its fall symposium after a pandemic-era hiatus — and this year it comes with a theme, a full slate of local experts, and a challenge for every gardener in the room. Janet talks with Candace DeLong, Frederick County's Virginia Cooperative Extension agent, and Chris Jorgensen, president of the NSV Master Gardener Association, about what's in store on November 14 at Laurel Ridge Community College. This year's theme, "Planting Seeds, Harvesting Change," has speakers covering everything from gardening for birds to backyard meadows to the bugs in your beds — and each one is sending attendees home with a concrete action item. Janet, Candace, and Chris also dig into what the symposium's ticket sales actually fund, from seed lending libraries to children's garden programs, and preview the 2027 Master Gardener training class for anyone thinking about getting more involved. It's equal parts education and pep talk for anyone who's ever wondered why their garden isn't quite working yet. Event Details Fall Gardening Symposium — "Planting Seeds, Harvesting Change" Date: Saturday, November 14 Location: Laurel Ridge Community College, Middletown campus — Corron Community Development Center Doors: 8:00 AM (breakfast items available) | Sessions: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM Cost: $65 per ticket, includes breakfast, snacks, and a pre-orderable boxed lunch (Panera; gluten-free/vegan options available) Incentive: Free coffee mug for the first 50 registrants Registration: nsvmga.org, or via NSVMGA's Facebook page (search "Northern Shenandoah Valley Master Gardener Association") 2027 Extension Master Gardener Class Info session: Tuesday, October 12, 6:00 PM, Shenandoah County Extension office (Woodstock) Class runs Feb. 15 – May 12, Monday and Wednesday nights, 6:00–9:00 PM, at the Shenandoah County Extension office Space limited to about 20 people; registration open now at nsvmga.org ("Join Us" tab) THE VALLEY TODAY with Janet Michael — A decade of conversations. New podcast episodes drop weekdays at 11 AM. Catch the show on The River 95.3 and Fox Sports 1450 AM weekdays just after noon. Subscribe and listen at thevalleytodaypodcast.com — available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts. If you enjoy the show, please take a moment to leave a rating or review — it helps more listeners find us. Connect with us: Facebook — facebook.com/ValleyTodayFanPage Instagram — instagram.com/thevalleytoday

A brand-new, 36-foot pink mobile mammography unit just rolled into the Shenandoah Valley — and Janet Michael is sitting right next to it on the Winchester Medical Center campus to find out what it means for local women's health. On this Community Health episode, Janet talks with Jenny Grooms, Executive Director of Valley Health Foundations and Jason Craig, Senior Director of Community Health about the new unit that will bring full-quality 3D mammograms directly to workplaces, churches, schools, and community spaces across the region. They dig into who made the unit possible, why transportation and time off work are two of the biggest barriers to getting screened, and how the van — donated through Valley Health Foundations' Stronger Together campaign — will target the Valley's most rural corners first. Jason also shares the rollout timeline, what a screening day looks like, and how local employers, faith communities, and schools can request a stop. It's a fun, heartfelt conversation with a serious payoff: more women getting screened, closer to home. Links & Resources Valley Health: valleyhealthlink.com Give to Valley Health Foundations: valleyhealthlink.com/giving Stronger Together campaign: valleyhealthlink.com/stronger THE VALLEY TODAY with Janet Michael — A decade of conversations. New podcast episodes drop weekdays at 11 AM. Catch the show on The River 95.3 and Fox Sports 1450 AM weekdays just after noon. Subscribe and listen at thevalleytodaypodcast.com — available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts. If you enjoy the show, please take a moment to leave a rating or review — it helps more listeners find us. Connect with us: Facebook — facebook.com/ValleyTodayFanPage Instagram — instagram.com/thevalleytoday

Wings & Wheels is coming back to the Winchester Regional Airport on Saturday, October 3rd, and it's free to get in the gate. Janet sits down with Taylor Coumes of the Top of Virginia Regional Chamber and Pete Warren of United Bank to talk about how this beloved community event — think warbirds, classic cars, Air Force simulators, and food trucks — has grown to draw more than 3,000 people a year, and why United Bank stepped up as the presenting sponsor to keep it free for everybody. From shuttle logistics (don't park at the airport!) to a surprise plan to finally get Taylor on an airplane for the first time, this conversation covers everything you need to know before the big day, plus a look at how financial literacy, community partnership, and pure family fun all come together at 491 Airport Rd. Tune in for the full rundown before registration closes. EVENT DETAILS Event: Wings & Wheels 2026, presented by United Bank Date: Saturday, October 3, 2026, 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM Rain date: Sunday, October 4, 2026 Location: Winchester Regional Airport, 491 Airport Rd., Winchester, VA 22602 Cost: Free admission Parking: No public parking at the airport. Park at Navy Federal Credit Union; free shuttle service runs 9:45 AM–3:30 PM (Frederick County Public Schools providing shuttles; handicap-accessible shuttle available) Registration: Car and aircraft registration closes Friday, September 25, 2026 — no day-of registration. A few vendor (not food) spots remain; apply online or by email. LINKS & RESOURCES Event info & registration: regionalchamber.biz/wings-and-wheels Top of Virginia Regional Chamber on Facebook Vendor/registration questions: Taylor Coumes — tcoumes@regionalchamber.biz United Bank: bankwithunited.com THE VALLEY TODAY with Janet Michael — A decade of conversations. New podcast episodes drop weekdays at 11 AM. Catch the show on The River 95.3 and Fox Sports 1450 AM weekdays just after noon. Subscribe and listen at thevalleytodaypodcast.com — available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts. If you enjoy the show, please take a moment to leave a rating or review — it helps more listeners find us. Connect with us: Facebook — facebook.com/ValleyTodayFanPage Instagram — instagram.com/thevalleytoday

It's Tourism Tuesday, Berryville/Clarke County edition, and that means one thing every September: Art at the Mill is back. Janet Michael is joined by Nathan Stalvey, Executive Director of the Clarke County Historical Association, for a full rundown of what's new this fall — from the juried art show's opening weekend to a brand-new exhibit exploring the little-known history of Black horsemen in Clarke County's equine legacy. Nathan and Janet cover the details on Art at the Mill (including the online gallery), the CCHA's newest exhibit on art, memory, and history, the return of the Haunted Historic Berryville tours, and the county's biggest history event of the year, Heritage Day. Tune in for all the dates, hours, and ticket details you need to plan your fall around Clarke County history. EVENT DETAILS Art at the Mill (Fall Show) Dates: Saturday, September 19 – Sunday, October 4 Location: Burwell-Morgan Mill, 15 Tannery Lane, Millwood, VA Hours: Sunday–Friday, 12:00–5:00 PM; Saturdays (3 dates), 10:00 AM–5:00 PM Admission: $5 adults, $3 seniors, free for kids and students Online gallery goes live September 19 at clarkehistory.org Exhibit Opening: "William and Byron: Art, Memory, and the Black Horsemen of Clarke County" Opening talk: Thursday, September 24, 6:00 PM Location: CCHA Museum, 32 East Main Street, Berryville, VA Free and open to the public; light refreshments; talk by curator Dana Getka On display through the end of the year Haunted Historic Berryville Tours Dates: Friday, October 23 & Saturday, October 24 Tour times: first tour 6:30 PM, last tour 8:00 PM (approx. 45 min–1 hour, walking tour) Tickets available at clarkehistory.org (Events tab) Heritage Day Date: Saturday, November 7, 11:00 AM–4:00 PM Free admission; historic re-enactors, working mill and cider press, family-friendly activities LINKS & RESOURCES Clarke County Historical Association: clarkehistory.org THE VALLEY TODAY with Janet Michael — A decade of conversations. New podcast episodes drop weekdays at 11 AM. Catch the show on The River 95.3 and Fox Sports 1450 AM weekdays just after noon. Subscribe and listen at thevalleytodaypodcast.com — available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts. If you enjoy the show, please take a moment to leave a rating or review — it helps more listeners find us. Connect with us: Facebook — facebook.com/ValleyTodayFanPage Instagram — instagram.com/thevalleytoday

When a disaster destroys your home, the shelter is never meant to be the ending point — it's step one. Janet Michael sits down with Deb Fleming, Executive Director of the American Red Cross of the Greater Shenandoah Valley, for a deep dive into the Red Cross's Shelter Resident Transition (SRT) program: the behind-the-scenes work of moving disaster survivors out of shelters and into permanent, sustainable housing. Deb walks through how SRT identifies each person's unique barriers to housing, why the Red Cross deliberately avoids "quick fix" solutions like extended hotel stays, and what it's actually like to help someone rebuild when they've lost everything — including the emotional toll on both survivors and the workers who support them. She also shares stories from Maui, from local house fires, and from building community partnerships that stretch far beyond the Red Cross itself. If you've ever wondered what happens to people after the cameras leave a disaster zone, this conversation has the answer. LINKS & RESOURCES American Red Cross volunteer sign-up: redcross.org United Way of Northern Shenandoah Valley Day of Caring — presented by First Bank: https://www.unitedwaynsv.org/day-caring-2026  Community Baby Shower donation drop-off: Marlow Motors locations and participating First Bank branches

After a record-breaking summer, the YDC is diving straight into a packed fall season — and Executive Director Sarah Fishel joins Janet Michael at the YDC's Loudoun Street home to walk through all of it. From a brand-new after-school program to two beloved traditions making their long-awaited return, there's a lot happening at 302 S. Loudoun Street in Old Town Winchester. Sarah shares how the new YDC Connect after-school program is reimagining care for kids in kindergarten through eighth grade, previews the return of free Saturday art classes (plus new donation-based classes for the grown-ups), and looks ahead to Trunk or Treat on October 17 and the comeback of Festival of Trees on November 21. She also introduces Baker's Anchor Mentoring, a program honoring the families who helped start the YDC three decades ago. Tune in for a full look at everything happening at the YDC this season — and how the community can get involved. EVENT DETAILS Trunk or Treat on Loudoun Street Date: Saturday, October 17 Location: The YDC, 302 S. Loudoun Street, Winchester Cost: Free (registration encouraged) Details: Community partner trunks, entertainment, and a pre-event "witch walk" fundraiser Festival of Trees Date: Saturday, November 21 Location: The YDC, 302 S. Loudoun Street, Winchester Daytime (10 AM–2 PM): Free family activities, cookie decorating, Santa, and viewing of trees/wreaths up for silent auction Evening: Ticketed candlelight showcase with a live tree and wreath auction, cocktail hour, and heavy hors d'oeuvres Cost: Free during the day; ticketed for the evening candlelight showcase Giving Tuesday Date: December 1 Focus: Raising support for summer access programming LINKS & RESOURCES YDC website (events, registration, volunteering, donations): myydc.org YDC Connect after-school program: available via myydc.org Baker's Anchor Mentoring (mentor/mentee applications, donations): available via myydc.org THE VALLEY TODAY with Janet Michael — A decade of conversations. New podcast episodes drop weekdays at 11 AM. Catch the show on The River 95.3 and Fox Sports 1450 AM weekdays just after noon. Subscribe and listen at thevalleytodaypodcast.com — available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts. If you enjoy the show, please take a moment to leave a rating or review — it helps more listeners find us. Connect with us: Facebook — facebook.com/ValleyTodayFanPage Instagram — instagram.com/thevalleytoday

A local 5K is doing double duty this year — raising money for scholarships and keeping a beloved friend's memory alive. Host Janet Michael is joined by Guy Curtis, Director of Marketing at Laurel Ridge Community College, along with Julie Judy and Meredith Speir-Cavalier, co-founders of The Recovery Connection, to talk about the Laurel Ridge Community College 5K and the scholarship it supports in honor of Alex Burton. In this episode, Julie and Meredith share how The Recovery Connection came to be, what their residential and community-based programs for women in recovery look like day to day, and why the Alex Burton Scholarship means so much to them personally. Guy Curtis rounds it out with everything you need to register, donate, or just show up and cheer on race day. Whether you're lacing up your running shoes or just want to support a great cause, this one's worth a listen. EVENT DETAILS Event: Laurel Ridge Community College 5K (run/walk, multi-surface course) Date: Saturday, September 19, 2026 Start time: 9:00 AM Location: Laurel Ridge Community College, Middletown Campus — starts and finishes at the Student Union building Cost: $35 per person  Registration: Online at laurelridge.edu/5k; registration closes the night before the race (September 18) Extras: T-shirt while supplies last, plus a barbecue sandwich for every runner courtesy of Shaffer's BBQ Beneficiary: Proceeds support the Recovery Connection Scholarship in honor of Alex Burton Direct donations: laurelridge.edu/give LINKS & RESOURCES Laurel Ridge 5K registration: laurelridge.edu/5k Donate to the Alex Burton Scholarship: laurelridge.edu/give The Recovery Connection: www.trc-va.com The Recovery Connection helpline: 540-594-HELP (540-594-4357) The Recovery Connection email: info@trc-va.com THE VALLEY TODAY with Janet Michael — A decade of conversations. New podcast episodes drop weekdays at 11 AM. Catch the show on The River 95.3 and Fox Sports 1450 AM weekdays just after noon. Subscribe and listen at thevalleytodaypodcast.com — available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts. If you enjoy the show, please take a moment to leave a rating or review — it helps more listeners find us. Connect with us: Facebook — facebook.com/ValleyTodayFanPage Instagram — instagram.com/thevalleytoday

Would your car still have AM radio if automakers got their way? Janet sits down with Andrew Shearer, President/Owner of Royal Broadcasting, which owns The River 95.3 and Fox Sports 1450, to talk about why AM radio still matters, and why it might disappear from new cars for good. Andrew breaks down why AM signal reaches places FM and cell service can't, what the American Red Cross has to do with any of this, and where things stand on a bill in Congress that could settle the question for good — including a House vote already on the calendar. Plus: what you can do about it before that vote happens. LINKS & RESOURCES theriver953.com — AM radio facts and a tool to find and contact your representatives THE VALLEY TODAY with Janet Michael — A decade of conversations. New podcast episodes drop weekdays at 11 AM. Catch the show on The River 95.3 and Fox Sports 1450 AM weekdays just after noon. Subscribe and listen at thevalleytodaypodcast.com — available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts. If you enjoy the show, please take a moment to leave a rating or review — it helps more listeners find us. Connect with us: Facebook — facebook.com/ValleyTodayFanPage Instagram — instagram.com/thevalleytoday

It's Tourism Tuesday, Berryville/Clarke County edition, and Janet is on the Zooms with Martha Reynolds, Executive Director of Barns of Rose Hill, for a rundown of a huge year: new exhibitions, a brand-new midweek concert series, and a completed 10-year endowment challenge. From a colorful new exhibit inspired by Brazilian music to a can't-miss documentary premiere, Martha walks through everything happening at the Barns over the next few months — plus details on the organization's 15th anniversary gala, coming up September 19th. Whether you're into art, music, or just supporting a great local nonprofit, there's something here for you. EVENT DETAILS Barns of Rose Hill 15th Anniversary Gala Date: Saturday, September 19, 2026 Location: Barns of Rose Hill, Berryville, VA Details: Celebrating 15 years of the Barns and the completion of its 10-year endowment challenge. Music from Furnace Mountain Duo, catering by Bonnie Blue Southern Market and Bakery, live and silent auctions, and an online silent auction option for those who can't attend in person. More info/tickets: barnsofrosehill.org THE VALLEY TODAY with Janet Michael — A decade of conversations. New podcast episodes drop weekdays at 11 AM. Catch the show on The River 95.3 and Fox Sports 1450 AM weekdays just after noon. Subscribe and listen at thevalleytodaypodcast.com — available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts. If you enjoy the show, please take a moment to leave a rating or review — it helps more listeners find us. Connect with us: Facebook — facebook.com/ValleyTodayFanPage Instagram — instagram.com/thevalleytoday

It's the Shenandoah Valley's biggest fall tradition, and it's turning 52. Host Janet Michael sat down with Darla McCrary, co-chair of the Shenandoah Valley Apple Harvest Festival, at the Espresso Bar on Winchester's Old Town Walking Mall to talk pie contests, pony rides, and pints of hard cider. The Rotary Club of Winchester has put on this festival for over 50 years, raising an estimated $1.5 million for local nonprofits along the way. In this episode, Darla walks through everything happening at this year's two-day event at the Frederick County Fairgrounds — from the apple pie baking and eating contests to live music, a classic car show, 80–100 vendors, and a full lineup of pet-friendly, family-friendly fun. Tune in for all the details before gates open September 19th. EVENT DETAILS Shenandoah Valley Apple Harvest Festival (52nd Annual) Dates: Saturday, September 19 & Sunday, September 20 Times: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM both days Location: Frederick County Fairgrounds, Clearbrook, VA Admission: $10 general admission; free for kids 10 and under, first responders, veterans, military, and law enforcement (with ID). $1-off coupons available at Handy Mart stores, Winchester Visitor Center, & Claudio's pizza boxes. Drinks: $7 per pint (beer and cider); must be 21+ with ID Highlights: Live music both days, apple pie baking contest (Saturday, noon), apple pie eating contest (Saturday, 3:00 PM, adult and junior divisions), classic car & hot rod show, 80–100 artisan vendors, kids' zone, petting zoo, pony rides, and pet-friendly grounds Vendor sign-up deadline: September 9th LINKS & RESOURCES Festival website & vendor/contest sign-up: winchesterappleharvest.com Rotary Club of Winchester: rotaryclubofwinchester.org/  THE VALLEY TODAY with Janet Michael — A decade of conversations. New podcast episodes drop weekdays at 11 AM. Catch the show on The River 95.3 and Fox Sports 1450 AM weekdays just after noon. Subscribe and listen at thevalleytodaypodcast.com — available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts. If you enjoy the show, please take a moment to leave a rating or review — it helps more listeners find us. Connect with us: Facebook — facebook.com/ValleyTodayFanPage Instagram — instagram.com/thevalleytoday

Even a veteran law enforcement officer can almost get scammed — and that's exactly what happened to Captain Warren Gosnell of the Frederick County Sheriff's Office, who joins Janet Michael for Public Safety Thursday to break down how today's fraudsters are getting smarter, sneakier, and harder to spot. From spoofed voicemail greetings that used Gosnell's own name and voice to the rise of "gold exchange" scams replacing gift cards, this conversation is a real-world look at how con artists build trust and confusion — and why no one, regardless of age or experience, is immune. Gosnell and Janet walk through the warning signs to watch for, what to actually do if you suspect a scam call, why reporting near-misses to law enforcement still matters, and the one simple rule that can stop almost any scam in its tracks: hang up and call the number you know, not the one they give you. THE VALLEY TODAY with Janet Michael — A decade of conversations. New podcast episodes drop weekdays at 11 AM. Catch the show on The River 95.3 and Fox Sports 1450 AM weekdays just after noon. Subscribe and listen at thevalleytodaypodcast.com — available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts. If you enjoy the show, please take a moment to leave a rating or review — it helps more listeners find us. Connect with us: Facebook — facebook.com/ValleyTodayFanPage Instagram — instagram.com/thevalleytoday

Ever called the Chamber of Commerce to complain about a price hike at the Dollar Tree? Someone has — twice. On this episode of Valley Business Today, Niki Foster, President of the Front Royal-Warren County Chamber of Commerce, joins Janet Michael to clear up exactly what the Chamber is, what it isn't, and why so many people get it confused with local government. Niki walks through the Chamber's role as an independent, self-funded organization — from nonpartisan candidate forums and business education to the networking events, committees, and community programs that connect residents, nonprofits, and business owners alike. Whether you're a longtime member or have never set foot in the Chamber office, this conversation is a great refresher on how much value is packed into that membership — and how affordable it really is to join. Links & Resources Front Royal-Warren County Chamber of Commerce: frontroyalchamber.com Contact Niki Foster: nfoster@frontroyalchamber.com Coffee & Conversations — first Friday of every month, 9:00 AM, at On Cue (Front Royal) THE VALLEY TODAY with Janet Michael — A decade of conversations. New podcast episodes drop weekdays at 11 AM. Catch the show on The River 95.3 and Fox Sports 1450 AM weekdays just after noon. Subscribe and listen at thevalleytodaypodcast.com — available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts. If you enjoy the show, please take a moment to leave a rating or review — it helps more listeners find us. Connect with us: Facebook — facebook.com/ValleyTodayFanPage Instagram — instagram.com/thevalleytoday

It's a two-for-one Tourism Tuesday! Host Janet Michael and Justin Kerns of the Winchester-Frederick County Convention & Visitors Bureau head to downtown Winchester's historic former bank building, The Exchange on Loudoun, to talk with co-owners Molly McGehee-Hanson and Jillian McGehee about the Last Sunday Market — an indoor artisan makers and growers market that's already drawing hundreds of visitors a month. Then they head downstairs into the building's old bank vault to visit The Winchester Tavern, where Chef Dan Kalber and mixologist Courtney Rust talk crafted cocktails, farm-to-table sourcing, and the family of downtown restaurants — Village Square, Water Street Kitchen, and Mangia Cucina Italiana — behind it all. Two businesses, one incredible building, and a whole lot of local flavor. LINKS & RESOURCES The Exchange on Loudoun — theexchangeonloudoun.com Last Sunday Market — Facebook and Instagram The Winchester Tavern — thewinchestertavern.com Winchester-Frederick County Convention & Visitors Bureau — visitwinchesterva.com THE VALLEY TODAY with Janet Michael — A decade of conversations. New podcast episodes drop weekdays at 11 AM. Catch the show on The River 95.3 and Fox Sports 1450 AM weekdays just after noon. Subscribe and listen at thevalleytodaypodcast.com — available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts. If you enjoy the show, please take a moment to leave a rating or review — it helps more listeners find us. Connect with us: Facebook — facebook.com/ValleyTodayFanPage Instagram — instagram.com/thevalleytoday

Pawpaws are Virginia's forgotten native fruit — and this fall, Blandy Experimental Farm is throwing them a party. Janet welcomes back Melanie Mullinax, Communications & Events Manager at Blandy, to talk about the return of Pawpaw & Pints on September 13th, complete with a locally brewed pawpaw beer, fruit tastings, and a talk from renowned pawpaw expert Neal Peterson. From the surprising 1916 pawpaw-growing contest that brought the fruit to Blandy's grounds a century ago to the rediscovered pawpaw trail that's finally getting its due, Melanie shares the history, the flavor comparisons (mango meets banana, anyone?), and how ticket sales support ongoing trail restoration. She also looks ahead to Blandy's fall lineup — Ginkgo Gold Weekends, tree sponsorships, and more — so there's plenty here to make you want to plan a visit. Event Details Event: Pawpaw & Pints Date: Saturday, September 13, 2026 Time: 1:00 – 3:00 PM Location: Blandy Experimental Farm / State Arboretum of Virginia — courtyard behind the Quarters building, Boyce, VA (new location this year; moved from the Ginkgo Grove) Cost: $20/person (age 21+, includes a pawpaw beer tasting) or $10/person (under 21, or 21+ guests skipping the beer tasting) Tickets: blandy.virginia.edu — homepage graphic links to Eventbrite Highlights: Six to seven interactive stations including fruit tasting and pawpaw crafts; two talks from pawpaw expert Neal Peterson (Peterson Pawpaws) at 1:30 and 2:30 PM; guided walk out to the pawpaw trail offered after the event for guests who want to see the pawpaws themselves Links & Resources Blandy Experimental Farm / State Arboretum of Virginia: blandy.virginia.edu Pawpaw & Pints tickets: via Eventbrite (linked from Blandy's homepage) Winchester Brew Works: winchesterbrewworks.com THE VALLEY TODAY with Janet Michael — A decade of conversations. New podcast episodes drop weekdays at 11 AM. Catch the show on The River 95.3 and Fox Sports 1450 AM weekdays just after noon. Subscribe and listen at thevalleytodaypodcast.com — available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts. If you enjoy the show, please take a moment to leave a rating or review — it helps more listeners find us. Connect with us: Facebook — facebook.com/ValleyTodayFanPage Instagram — instagram.com/thevalleytoday

The Dawg Days of Summer Hot Dog Crawl sold out its very first year — over 3,000 hot dogs, a live band, temporary (and a few permanent) tattoos, and fans who flew in from as far as Chicago. Janet Michael sits down in the Secret Garden behind the Espresso Bar with Brady Cloven, Executive Director of Friends of Old Town, for their monthly Old Town check-in, then welcomes Jack Owens, Director of Land Preservation for the Shenandoah Valley Battlefields Foundation, for the rest of the conversation. Brady recaps the hot dog crawl's surprise success and previews a packed September on the Old Town Walking Mall — First Friday, Fiddles & Fifths, Celebracion, and a helicopter-themed block party with the Shenandoah Valley Discovery Museum. Then Jack takes listeners inside the Shenandoah Valley Civil War Museum — the 1840s courthouse turned museum on the Loudoun Street Mall — with the story of how it came to be, what's new on display, and why it's about to get a whole lot bigger. LINKS & RESOURCES Friends of Old Town — friendsofoldtown.org (community events calendar) Friends of Old Town on Facebook and Instagram  Shenandoah Valley Battlefields Foundation — shenandoahatwar.org Shenandoah Valley Battlefields National Historic District on Facebook and Instagram Shenandoah Valley Civil War Museum, Old Courthouse, Loudoun Street Mall — $12/adult, free for ages 17 and under, free for Winchester and Frederick County residents with ID. Open Mon–Sat 10 AM–5 PM, Sun 1–5 PM. Winchester Tales book series by Mike Robinson THE VALLEY TODAY with Janet Michael — A decade of conversations. New podcast episodes drop weekdays at 11 AM. Catch the show on The River 95.3 and Fox Sports 1450 AM weekdays just after noon. Subscribe and listen at thevalleytodaypodcast.com — available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts. If you enjoy the show, please take a moment to leave a rating or review — it helps more listeners find us. Connect with us: Facebook — facebook.com/ValleyTodayFanPage Instagram — instagram.com/thevalleytoday

There's a helicopter on its way to downtown Winchester right now — and it's landing on a rooftop. Janet sits down with Dawn Devine, Tammy Stevenson, and Taylor Wilmoth of the Shenandoah Valley Discovery Museum to talk about the museum's boldest exhibit yet: a real helicopter, craned onto the Sky Level rooftop, that kids will be able to climb into and "fly." From the four-year journey to get city approval, to the September 21st block party where the community can watch the helicopter get lifted into place, to the September 26th "Passport to Discovery" gala where grown-ups get the first look — this episode covers how a wild idea turned into a hands-on, ADA-accessible, community-funded exhibit built to give kids a perspective on flight most of them will never otherwise get. Plus: what else is happening on that rooftop, who's footing the bill, and why the helicopter isn't even leaving anytime soon. EVENT DETAILS Soar & Explore Block Party — Helicopter Rooftop Lift Date: Monday, September 21 Time: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM Location: Loudoun Street walking mall area, downtown Winchester (museum and adjacent street closed) Cost: Free to attend (block party portion) Presented with: Friends of Old Town Highlights: Helicopter craned onto the rooftop (expected ~10:30–10:45 AM), vendors and kids' activities on the walking mall, guest speakers (crane company representative, an airport/aviation guest, a wildfire-response helicopter speaker), a Valley Health helicopter flyover, and a DJ-hosted dance party Note: The museum's exterior rooftop area is expected to remain closed to the public into October while ADA-accessibility and structural work is completed "Passport to Discovery" Gala Date: Saturday, September 26 Location: Shenandoah Valley Discovery Museum Dress: Encouraged "travel" attire — think favorite destination or dream trip Highlights: First opportunity to see the helicopter up close; food and drink stationed by floor; live band; silent/live auction (auction opens online September 12, ahead of the gala) Tickets & Auction: Available now at discoverymuseum.net THE VALLEY TODAY with Janet Michael — A decade of conversations. New podcast episodes drop weekdays at 11 AM. Catch the show on The River 95.3 and Fox Sports 1450 AM weekdays just after noon. Subscribe and listen at thevalleytodaypodcast.com — available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts. If you enjoy the show, please take a moment to leave a rating or review — it helps more listeners find us. Connect with us: Facebook — facebook.com/ValleyTodayFanPage Instagram — instagram.com/thevalleytoday  

Hob Nob in the Valley is back — and it's still the most refreshingly nonpartisan political event you'll attend all year. Host Janet Michael sits down with Cynthia Schneider (CEO) and Taylor Coumes (Director of Event Management) from the Top of Virginia Regional Chamber, along with Brandon Lorey, President and CEO of Bank of Clarke, the event's presenting sponsor, to preview this year's Hob Nob happening Thursday, September 10th at Chilly Hollow Brewing Company. They dig into the 20-plus-year history behind the event, why barbecue and beer make for better civic conversation than a podium ever could, what a ticket actually gets you, and how the Chamber's Public Policy Committee works to connect small businesses with the legislators shaping their future. Whether you're a candidate, a curious neighbor, or just someone who wants to meet your elected officials somewhere other than the grocery store, this episode has everything you need to know before you register. EVENT DETAILS Event: Hob Nob in the Valley, presented by Bank of Clarke Date: Thursday, September 10, 2026 Time: 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM Location: Chilly Hollow Brewing Company, Clarke County, VA Presenting Sponsor: Bank of Clarke Food: All-you-can-eat barbecue from beef raised on Chilly Hollow's own farm, plus custom salads; cash bar for beer/wine Pricing: Candidate / political party / government agency table: $35 (includes a 6-foot table, chair, and event admission) Exhibitor booth — Chamber members: $100 Exhibitor booth — non-members: $150 General admission — Chamber members: $50 General admission — non-members: $60  Registration: Top of Virginia Regional Chamber website → Signature Events → Hob Nob in the Valley → Register as a guest Open to all: Not a members-only event — nonprofits, government agencies, and community members are welcome; early registration requested for catering counts LINKS & RESOURCES Top of Virginia Regional Chamber — regionalchamber.biz Hob Nob in the Valley event page — regionalchamber.biz/hob-nob-in-the-valley Bank of Clarke — bankofclarke.bank THE VALLEY TODAY with Janet Michael — A decade of conversations. New podcast episodes drop weekdays at 11 AM. Catch the show on The River 95.3 and Fox Sports 1450 AM weekdays just after noon. Subscribe and listen at thevalleytodaypodcast.com — available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts. If you enjoy the show, please take a moment to leave a rating or review — it helps more listeners find us. Connect with us: Facebook — facebook.com/ValleyTodayFanPage Instagram — instagram.com/thevalleytoday

New Market is having a moment — a new gelato shop is moving in, a grab-and-go cafe is on the way, and a furniture store is still going strong after 37 years. It's Shenandoah County Tourism Tuesday, and host Janet Michael catches up with Kary Haun from Shenandoah County Tourism, Savannah Smith from the Town of New Market, and Karla Kokkonen from The Home Store. From the soon-to-open Battlefield Gelato Shop to the Home Store's decades of family history and New Market's packed fall festival calendar, this episode is full of reasons to plan a trip. Grab your walking shoes — and maybe save room for gelato. Links & Resources Shenandoah County Tourism — visitshenandoahcounty.com Town of New Market — https://www.newmarketvirginia.com/  The Home Store — rhomestore.com  THE VALLEY TODAY with Janet Michael — A decade of conversations. New podcast episodes drop weekdays at 11 AM. Catch the show on The River 95.3 and Fox Sports 1450 AM weekdays just after noon. Subscribe and listen at thevalleytodaypodcast.com — available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts. If you enjoy the show, please take a moment to leave a rating or review — it helps more listeners find us. Connect with us: Facebook — facebook.com/ValleyTodayFanPage Instagram — instagram.com/thevalleytoday

When Juli Ferrell's own mother could no longer drive herself to doctor's appointments, a low-cost transportation service called WellTran became a lifeline — now, just three weeks into her new role as Executive Director of Seniors First, Juli is bringing that same personal understanding to an organization that serves thousands of seniors across the Northern Shenandoah Valley. Janet sits down with Juli at the Seniors First offices in Front Royal to unpack everything the organization does — Meals on Wheels, WellTran transportation, senior centers, Medicare counseling, and scam prevention — across six jurisdictions. They talk food insecurity, an aging-population wave headed for Virginia by 2030, and how the upcoming Valley Venture Scavenger Hunt fundraiser could help shrink Meals on Wheels wait lists. Whether you or a loved one might need these services someday, or you're just looking for a new way to give back locally, this is a great primer on a nonprofit quietly doing a lot of heavy lifting. LINKS & RESOURCES Seniors First: seniorsfirst.info Seniors First on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn (search "Seniors First") Valley Venture Scavenger Hunt — Saturday, October 17; $30/person, teams of two or more, all six jurisdictions; ends with a barbecue and basket auction in Warren County THE VALLEY TODAY with Janet Michael — A decade of conversations. New podcast episodes drop weekdays at 11 AM. Catch the show on The River 95.3 and Fox Sports 1450 AM weekdays just after noon. Subscribe and listen at thevalleytodaypodcast.com — available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts. If you enjoy the show, please take a moment to leave a rating or review — it helps more listeners find us. Connect with us: Facebook — facebook.com/ValleyTodayFanPage Instagram — instagram.com/thevalleytoday

NW Works is throwing its 11th annual Farm to Table dinner on September 12th — and for the first time in years, tickets to the general admission event are still available. Janet talks with communications coordinator Morgan McIntosh and CFO Todd Devine about what makes this Middletown street dinner one of the valley's most beloved fundraisers, from the locally sourced menu to the neighbors-turned-business-partners sitting elbow to elbow at the table. Beyond the wine, live music, and farm-fresh food, Morgan and Todd dig into the real mission behind the event: NW Works' employment services for people with disabilities. They explain how the nonprofit works alongside employers and employees alike to build lasting, successful job placements — plus a new way to sponsor a seat at the table for one of their own team members. Listen in for ticket details, event logistics, and a closer look at why this dinner means so much more than a meal. EVENT DETAILS Event: 11th Annual Farm to Table, hosted by NW Works Date: Saturday, September 12 Time: 4:00 PM – 6:30 PM Location: Church Street, Middletown, VA Cost: $100 for general admission Tickets: Available at nwworks.com (VIP reception is sold out; general admission still available) THE VALLEY TODAY with Janet Michael — A decade of conversations. New podcast episodes drop weekdays at 11 AM. Catch the show on The River 95.3 and Fox Sports 1450 AM weekdays just after noon. Subscribe and listen at thevalleytodaypodcast.com — available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts. If you enjoy the show, please take a moment to leave a rating or review — it helps more listeners find us. Connect with us: Facebook — facebook.com/ValleyTodayFanPage Instagram — instagram.com/thevalleytoday

It's Community Health Day, and Janet sat down with Dr. Nick Restrepo, Valley Health's Chief Quality and Patient Safety Officer, to unpack some huge news: Valley Health has just been named one of the nation's top 15 health systems by Modern Healthcare and Premier Inc. Dr. Restrepo breaks down what the award actually measures, why it took five years of data (not a lucky year) to earn it, and why he insists the real winners are the people at the bedside — not the administration. Along the way, they talk about new facilities on the way, a remarkable jump in employee engagement, and the sobering reality of violence against healthcare workers. It's a conversation about what "top 15 in the country" really means for the patients walking through Valley Health's doors right here in the Shenandoah Valley. THE VALLEY TODAY with Janet Michael — A decade of conversations. New podcast episodes drop weekdays at 11 AM. Catch the show on The River 95.3 and Fox Sports 1450 AM weekdays just after noon. Subscribe and listen at thevalleytodaypodcast.com — available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts. If you enjoy the show, please take a moment to leave a rating or review — it helps more listeners find us. Connect with us: Facebook — facebook.com/ValleyTodayFanPage Instagram — instagram.com/thevalleytoday

With National Senior Citizens Day landing this Friday, Janet sits down with Les Sinclair, Communications and PR Manager for the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank, to talk about a group that's too often overlooked in the conversation about hunger: our senior citizens. About one in five people the food bank serves are seniors living on fixed incomes that just can't keep pace with rising gas, housing, and grocery prices — and in a rural region like the Shenandoah Valley, that's compounded by isolation, limited public transportation, and a shortage of nearby grocery stores. Les breaks down the numbers behind the need — including a record-setting year for the food bank — and walks through the specific programs built for seniors, from Reach Boxes to the USDA's Commodity Supplemental Food Program. He also digs into why so many eligible seniors never apply for SNAP benefits, the added strain on grandparents raising grandchildren, and how the "Food is Medicine" approach helps people manage chronic illness through better nutrition. It's a conversation full of practical ways to help, whether that's your time, your dollars, or your voice. LINKS & RESOURCES Blue Ridge Area Food Bank — brafb.org Advocacy resources — brafb.org/act-now Blue Ridge Area Food Bank on Facebook and Instagram  THE VALLEY TODAY with Janet Michael — A decade of conversations. New podcast episodes drop weekdays at 11 AM. Catch the show on The River 95.3 and Fox Sports 1450 AM weekdays just after noon. Subscribe and listen at thevalleytodaypodcast.com — available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts. If you enjoy the show, please take a moment to leave a rating or review — it helps more listeners find us. Connect with us: Facebook — facebook.com/ValleyTodayFanPage Instagram — instagram.com/thevalleytoday

Shenandoah Sips is back at Belle Grove, and it's bigger than ever — six wineries, four distilleries, a cidery, and a full lineup of non-alcoholic options, all in one very sippable location. Janet catches up with Kristen Laise (Executive Director) and Paige Ulevich (Festivals Coordinator) about how this former Wine Fest transformed into the Shenandoah Valley's favorite beverage festival. From the returning mocktail bar and new Sober Sips Pass to a chef's market full of local makers, live music from Dan James Band and Low Water Bridge Band, and access to Belle Grove's historic manor house, this episode covers everything you need to plan your day at the festival on Saturday, August 29th. Tune in for ticket details, vendor highlights, and a few insider tips on beating the weather. EVENT DETAILS Event: Shenandoah Sips Date: Saturday, August 29 Time: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM Location: Belle Grove, Middletown, VA Cost: Tasting Ticket (advance, by 5 PM Friday, August 28): $35 Tasting Ticket (at the gate): $40 Sober Sips Pass (advance or at the gate): $20 Children 12 and under: Free Rain or shine event Free bag check available on-site No outside food/drink (except small children's items); no pets LINKS & RESOURCES Tickets & event info: bellegrove.org (spelled out on air: B-E-L-L-E-G-R-O-V-E dot O-R-G) Belle Grove on Facebook and Instagram THE VALLEY TODAY with Janet Michael — A decade of conversations. New podcast episodes drop weekdays at 11 AM. Catch the show on The River 95.3 and Fox Sports 1450 AM weekdays just after noon. Subscribe and listen at thevalleytodaypodcast.com — available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts. If you enjoy the show, please take a moment to leave a rating or review — it helps more listeners find us. Connect with us: Facebook — facebook.com/ValleyTodayFanPage Instagram — instagram.com/thevalleytoday

A free medical, dental, and vision clinic that asks nothing of you but showing up — no insurance, no income screening, no residency requirement. On this episode, host Janet Michael talks with Gina Hilliard, President of the Luray-Page Chamber of Commerce, and Ben Dolewski, Executive Director of the Page Free Clinic, about the clinic's fifth annual Remote Area Medical (RAM) Clinic coming to Luray High School on September 26th and 27th. Ben breaks down how the Page Free Clinic serves Page County residents year-round, why the RAM event throws its doors open to anyone from anywhere, and what a day at the pop-up clinic actually looks like — from midnight parking-lot lines to walking away with a free pair of glasses. Gina also shares what's new at the Luray-Page Chamber, including a new member portal and a full slate of August events. It's a conversation about removing every possible barrier to healthcare, one weekend at a time. EVENT DETAILS What: 5th Annual RAM (Remote Area Medical) Clinic — free medical, dental, and vision care, including free eyeglasses for those needing a vision correction When: Saturday, September 26 – Sunday, September 27 Where: Luray High School, Luray, VA Format: Walk-in, first come first served — no appointment or reservation needed Parking: Lot opens at midnight the night before (Friday, September 25, ahead of Saturday's clinic day); doors/registration begin around 6:00 AM Cost: 100% free — no income, insurance, or residency screening required; open to anyone from anywhere To volunteer: Register at ramusa.org (search for the September 26 Luray event) LINKS & RESOURCES Page Free Clinic: pagefreeclinic.org  Page Free Clinic phone: 540-743-1054  Page Free Clinic address: 250 Memorial Drive, Luray, VA (on the Page Memorial Hospital campus); open Tuesdays 4:00–7:00 PM Luray-Page Chamber of Commerce website: luraypagechamber.com Chamber phone: 540-743-3915 THE VALLEY TODAY with Janet Michael — A decade of conversations. New podcast episodes drop weekdays at 11 AM. Catch the show on The River 95.3 and Fox Sports 1450 AM weekdays just after noon. Subscribe and listen at thevalleytodaypodcast.com — available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts. If you enjoy the show, please take a moment to leave a rating or review — it helps more listeners find us. Connect with us: Facebook — facebook.com/ValleyTodayFanPage Instagram — instagram.com/thevalleytoday

Turning down your water heater by a few degrees, switching one bulb at a time, and slicing up a $2 pool noodle can add up to real savings on your electric bill — and Karen Poff is back to show you how. Janet Michael welcomes local Extension agent Karen Poff, who manages the Northern Shenandoah Valley Financial Education Program, for a bonus conversation packed with practical, low-cost ways to trim your energy costs as the seasons turn. From cleaning dryer vents and refrigerator coils to hunting down phantom power drains with a switched power strip, Karen and Janet walk through room-by-room tips anyone can start using this weekend. They also cover thermostat habits, lighting upgrades, water heater settings, and where to find help if paying the energy bill is a struggle. Tune in for tips you can put to use before the next bill arrives. LINKS & RESOURCES Northern Shenandoah Valley Financial Education Program: https://warren.ext.vt.edu/programs/nsvfep.html Virginia Energy Sense: https://www.virginiaenergysense.org/ - Virginia Energy Sense is Virginia Energy's consumer education initiative that helps residents reduce energy use, lower utility costs, and make informed energy decisions. The website offers practical energy-saving tips, information on home energy efficiency improvements, guidance on available incentives and rebates, and tools to help households improve comfort and manage energy expenses year-round. Federal Energy Programs: https://www.energy.virginia.gov/ - The federal Home Energy Rebates programs created through the Inflation Reduction Act are being implemented and administered by individual states. Virginia is currently developing and finalizing its program requirements and enrollment processes. Residents can find the most up-to-date information about program availability, eligibility, and application procedures through the Virginia Department of Energy (Virginia Energy). U.S. Department of Energy Home Energy Rebates Program:  - https://www.energy.gov/cmei/scep/home-energy-rebates-program - Offers an overview of the federal Home Energy Rebates programs, including program goals, eligible upgrades, and state implementation guidance. Virginia Home Energy Rebates FAQ (Virginia Energy):  https://www.energy.virginia.gov/energy-efficiency/HomeEnergyRebatesFrequentlyAskedQuestions.shtml - Provides the latest information on Virginia's Home Energy Rebates programs, including eligibility requirements, qualified improvements, and implementation updates. Virginia Energy Connect:  https://energy.virginia.gov/connect/residential - A one-stop resource for Virginia residents to explore available energy efficiency incentives, connect with Energy Ambassadors, and learn about clean energy and cost-saving opportunities. The site reflects currently available programs and will be updated as new rebate programs become available. Virginia Energy Sense: Energy Providers Tab:  https://www.virginiaenergysense.org/incentives-and-rebates/ - The Energy Providers section of this web page allows Virginia residents to search for rebates, incentives, and energy-saving programs offered by their electric or natural gas utility. By selecting a utility provider, consumers can identify programs that may help reduce the cost of energy efficiency upgrades, home energy assessments, weatherization improvements, and other energy-saving measures available in their service area. Weatherization Assistance - Community Housing Partners Weatherization Program: https://www.communityhousingpartners.org/energy-solutions/weatherization/ - Provides weatherization services and energy-saving improvements for eligible households. Complete the online program survey to determine which energy assistance and weatherization programs you may qualify for. THE VALLEY TODAY with Janet Michael — A decade of conversations. New podcast episodes drop weekdays at 11 AM. Catch the show on The River 95.3 and Fox Sports 1450 AM weekdays just after noon. Subscribe and listen at thevalleytodaypodcast.com — available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts. If you enjoy the show, please take a moment to leave a rating or review — it helps more listeners find us. Connect with us: Facebook — facebook.com/ValleyTodayFanPage Instagram — instagram.com/thevalleytoday

It's Laurel Ridge Community College Day on The Valley Today, and today's conversation tackles one of the biggest myths standing between people and a degree: the belief that they can't afford it. Host Janet Michael is joined by Guy Curtis, Director of Marketing, and Buddy Wilson, Director of Financial Aid at Laurel Ridge Community College, to walk through exactly what financial aid can look like — no matter your age or path. From FAFSA basics to Virginia's lesser-known aid programs like G3, Fast Forward, and VASA, Buddy breaks down who qualifies and how to get started, while Guy shares upcoming open houses, welcome days, and info sessions happening across the region this month. If you've ever assumed financial aid "isn't for you," this episode is built to change your mind. EVENT DETAILS Community Info Session — Front Royal Reaching Out Now, 200 East 8th Street, Front Royal, VA Thursday, August 13, 2026 at 5:30 PM  Community Outreach Table — Handley Regional Library, Winchester Wednesday, August 20, 2026 1:00–4:00 PM New Student Welcome Days Thursday, August 20 — 5:00–6:00 PM — Luray-Page County Center  Friday, August 21 — 6:00–8:00 PM — Fauquier Campus Saturday, August 22 — 10:00 AM–1:00 PM — Middletown Campus RSVP requested online; students, parents, and family members welcome LINKS & RESOURCES laurelridge.edu — main site, search bar for navigation laurelridge.edu/financialaid — financial aid page laurelridge.edu/visit — tours, info sessions, open houses, coach connections THE VALLEY TODAY with Janet Michael — A decade of conversations. New podcast episodes drop weekdays at 11 AM. Catch the show on The River 95.3 and Fox Sports 1450 AM weekdays just after noon. Subscribe and listen at thevalleytodaypodcast.com — available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts. If you enjoy the show, please take a moment to leave a rating or review — it helps more listeners find us. Connect with us: Facebook — facebook.com/ValleyTodayFanPage Instagram — instagram.com/thevalleytoday

A Warren County family is closing on their brand-new home this week — and Janet got the news firsthand, sitting inside the house just days before it happened. In this episode, Janet talks with Andrea Ross, Executive Director of Warren County Habitat for Humanity, about what it really takes to build not just a house, but a neighborhood. Andrea opens up about the emotional weight of watching families move from renting to owning, the education and preparation Habitat requires before anyone gets the keys, and the surprising costs — like demolition and disposal — that stand between a vacant lot and a finished home. They also talk about what's next: a second phase of duplexes, ongoing volunteer and board needs, and why Andrea believes housing stability is the "corner piece" of every community puzzle. It's a conversation about gratitude, grit, and what it really means to build a village. THE VALLEY TODAY with Janet Michael — A decade of conversations. New podcast episodes drop weekdays at 11 AM. Catch the show on The River 95.3 and Fox Sports 1450 AM weekdays just after noon. Subscribe and listen at thevalleytodaypodcast.com — available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts. If you enjoy the show, please take a moment to leave a rating or review — it helps more listeners find us. Connect with us: Facebook — facebook.com/ValleyTodayFanPage Instagram — instagram.com/thevalleytoday    

BikeWALK Winchester started as an idea in 2023 — now it's a full-fledged nonprofit with community walks, bike rides, and a seat at the table with the city. Co-founders Kara Capelli and Steve Policastro join Janet to catch up on everything that's happened since their last visit, from monthly "TalkWALKs" through Winchester's neighborhoods to landing a spot for a bike and pedestrian advisory committee in the city's new strategic plan. They also dig into one of the biggest questions people are asking right now: what actually counts as an e-bike? Kara and Steve break down the different classes, why the topic matters more than ever with the holidays approaching, and where to find trustworthy information before buying one for yourself or your kids. Links & Resources BikeWALK Winchester — bikewalkwinchester.org BikeWALK Winchester on Facebook and Instagram City of Winchester 2026–2031 Strategic Plan THE VALLEY TODAY with Janet Michael — A decade of conversations. New podcast episodes drop weekdays at 11 AM. Catch the show on The River 95.3 and Fox Sports 1450 AM weekdays just after noon. Subscribe and listen at thevalleytodaypodcast.com — available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts. If you enjoy the show, please take a moment to leave a rating or review — it helps more listeners find us. Connect with us: Facebook — facebook.com/ValleyTodayFanPage Instagram — instagram.com/thevalleytoday

It's the busiest, most dangerous stretch of the year for disasters — and blood banks are running dangerously low right at the moment they're needed most. Janet Michael sits down with Deb Fleming, Executive Director of the Greater Shenandoah Valley Chapter of the American Red Cross, for their monthly check-in on all things Red Cross — this time digging into what "disaster season" really means. Deb walks through the ripple effects of a rough year for wildfires and flooding, from a blood supply as low as it's been since COVID to the 40 disaster operations Red Cross volunteers are supporting across the country right now. They also cover how Red Cross distributes emergency supplies, coordinates with local nonprofits and churches, and reunites families separated by disaster — plus plenty of simple ways anyone listening can help, starting today. LINKS & RESOURCES Find a blood drive: redcrossblood.org Volunteer or give: redcross.org

Janet Michael sits down with Lauren Fleming, Tap Room Manager for Dividing Creek Beer Co., and Friends of Old Town's Brady Cloven, for a bonus Old Town Winchester conversation about how a brewery became a full-blown community living room. Lauren shares the winding path that brought her back to Winchester, the chaos of a surprise opening day in the middle of the pandemic, and why she fought (and lost) a battle over a crab on the logo. The three also dig into the tap list — including a purple ube lager and a crab-seasoned summer gose — First Friday plans, and why the best breweries these days are as much about art, trivia, and thrifting as they are about beer. FIRST FRIDAY EVENT DETAILS  DORA in Effect / Sip & Stroll: 5:00–10:00 PM — grab a drink to go from Dividing Creek or other participating spots and walk the mall Community Open Mic Night with The River House: Taylor Pavilion, 5:00–9:00 PM, performers roughly every 15–20 minutes — spoken word, poetry, and singer-songwriter acts Artist Alley: led by Shen Arts, set up on Boscawen; additional vendors from Moon Phased near the south end Friends of Old Town table (Taylor Pavilion): info on The River House nonprofit, kids' arts & activities, new Friends of Old Town shirts, pre-order Dawg Days of Summer shirts (design by Valerie Burgess of Big Fog), and remaining ornaments At Dividing Creek specifically: Lauren will be on-site that evening as the featured local artist, showcasing/selling framed photography, prints, and mixed-media work LINKS & RESOURCES Dividing Creek Beer Co. - dividingcreekbeerco.com Dividing Creek Beer Co. on Facebook and Instagram Friends of Old Town - friendsofoldtown.org    Friends of Old Town on Facebook and Instagram Dawg Days of Summer: Get tickets Wasteland Winchester (Thrift on Tap vintage markets) on Facebook THE VALLEY TODAY with Janet Michael — A decade of conversations. New podcast episodes drop weekdays at 11 AM. Catch the show on The River 95.3 and Fox Sports 1450 AM weekdays just after noon. Subscribe and listen at thevalleytodaypodcast.com — available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts. If you enjoy the show, please take a moment to leave a rating or review — it helps more listeners find us. Connect with us: Facebook — facebook.com/ValleyTodayFanPage Instagram — instagram.com/thevalleytoday

It's Public Safety Thursday, and Captain Warren Gosnell of the Frederick County Sheriff's Office is back in the studio to untangle one of the most misunderstood pieces of back-to-school season: school zone speed cameras. With students returning to class next week, Gosnell walks Janet through exactly how the lidar-based camera systems work, why they're not the same as license plate reader (LPR) technology, and what really happens — step by step, human review included — before anyone gets a $100 civil penalty in the mail. From there, the conversation widens into a candid discussion of Flock-style LPR cameras, Fourth Amendment expectations of privacy, and the checks Gosnell would like to see on who can access tracking data and why. It's a mix of hard information and easy banter — plus a detour through Ireland trips, 114-degree school buses, and the golden age of calling the radio station to ask if school's cancelled. Tune in for the facts before the flashing lights start again next week. THE VALLEY TODAY with Janet Michael — A decade of conversations. New podcast episodes drop weekdays at 11 AM. Catch the show on The River 95.3 and Fox Sports 1450 AM weekdays just after noon. Subscribe and listen at thevalleytodaypodcast.com — available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts. If you enjoy the show, please take a moment to leave a rating or review — it helps more listeners find us. Connect with us: Facebook — facebook.com/ValleyTodayFanPage Instagram — instagram.com/thevalleytoday

A five-year-old antique shop in Front Royal turned into something much bigger — a nonprofit built entirely around making sure no one in the community goes hungry. Janet sits down at the Front Royal-Warren County Chamber of Commerce with Chamber President Niki Foster and Julie Vaught, owner of Happy Creek Antiques and founder of the nonprofit Debbie's Lighthouse, to talk about how a mother's love of feeding people turned into a farm-to-family food box program, a shelf-stable meal kit initiative, an indoor farmers market, and a fast-growing community garden. Julie walks through how Farm to Fam boxes and BAM Bags are fighting food insecurity while supporting local farmers, previews the two commercial kitchens opening soon for food trucks and caterers, and shares the deeply personal story behind the community garden's serenity space, dedicated to her mother's memory. Plus, Niki previews Friday's Coffee & Conversation with Habitat for Humanity. LINKS & RESOURCES Happy Creek Antiques — Facebook page  Debbie's Lighthouse — Facebook page  (link to verify) Fox Tracks Farm Market — Facebook page (link to verify) Location: 515 North Commerce Avenue, Front Royal, VA  Market & antique shop hours: Antique shop Fri–Sun, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM; Farm market Fri–Sun, 10:00 AM–3:00 PM Community Garden dedication: September 26 Front Royal-Warren County Chamber of Commerce — frontroyalchamber.com Coffee & Conversation with Habitat for Humanity — Friday, 9:00 AM, On Cue Sports Bar & Grill THE VALLEY TODAY with Janet Michael — A decade of conversations. New podcast episodes drop weekdays at 11 AM. Catch the show on The River 95.3 and Fox Sports 1450 AM weekdays just after noon. Subscribe and listen at thevalleytodaypodcast.com — available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts. If you enjoy the show, please take a moment to leave a rating or review — it helps more listeners find us. Connect with us: Facebook — facebook.com/ValleyTodayFanPage Instagram — instagram.com/thevalleytoday

It's almost time for one of the Valley's tastiest traditions — Hungry for History is back for its fourth year, and Janet sits down with the three people who make it happen to talk taverns, colonial "shrubs," and a walnut cake with a very local backstory. Renee Bayliss (Winchester-Frederick County Convention & Visitors Bureau), Rick Kriebel (Newtown History Center), and Christa Nahhas (La Grange Family Farm) join the show to preview ten days of food, farms, and 250th-anniversary history across Winchester, Frederick County, and Clarke County. From a candlelit Tavern Night in a barn built in the mid-1800s to a possibly apocryphal tale of who really invented the potato chip, this episode is packed with the kind of history that makes you hungry — literally. Tune in for all the details on where to go, what to eat, and why colonists drank a lot more than you'd think. EVENT DETAILS Event: Hungry for History (4th annual) Dates: August 28 – September 7, 2026 (spans Labor Day weekend) Where: Approximately 15 locations across Winchester, Frederick County, and Clarke County, VA Cost: Varies by site/event — some free, some ticketed; vendor fees may apply separately (e.g., Tavern Night entry is free, but food/drink vendors charge individually) Full schedule: visitwinchesterva.com, or pick up a printed program at the Visitor Center, 1400 S. Pleasant Valley Rd., Winchester Select highlights mentioned: Tavern Night — LaGrange Farm, Friday, August 28 Colonial-themed beer — Chilly Hollow Brewing Special traditional menu — Clem's Kitchen (Wayside) Colonial dance demo, queen cakes & shrubs — Winchester-Frederick County Visitor Center Chef's market hall — Belle Grove, during Shenandoah Sips Colonial Kids Kitchen — Handley Regional Library Patsy Cline Block Party (walnut cake) — Patsy Cline Historic House A Taste of Two Communities (Geneva Jackson) — Claremont Farm & Josephine School Museum Additional participating sites: Museum of the Shenandoah Valley, Cedar Creek and Belle Grove National Historical Park, Stonewall Jackson's Headquarters Museum, Abram's Delight Museum LINKS & RESOURCES Hungry for History full schedule — visitwinchesterva.com Newtown History Center — newtownhistorycenter.org | 540-869-1700 | 5408 Main Street, Stephens City La Grange Family Farm — https://www.lagrangefamilyfarm.com l follow on Facebook for event updates  Winchester-Frederick County Visitor Center — 1400 S. Pleasant Valley Rd., Winchester, open 7 days a week, 9 AM–5 PM THE VALLEY TODAY with Janet Michael — A decade of conversations. New podcast episodes drop weekdays at 11 AM. Catch the show on The River 95.3 and Fox Sports 1450 AM weekdays just after noon. Subscribe and listen at thevalleytodaypodcast.com — available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts. If you enjoy the show, please take a moment to leave a rating or review — it helps more listeners find us. Connect with us: Facebook — facebook.com/ValleyTodayFanPage Instagram — instagram.com/thevalleytoday

Handley Regional Library just had its biggest year ever — and executive director John Huddy joins Janet to break down exactly why. From nearly 850,000 items checked out to a 100,000-visit jump since before the pandemic, the numbers tell the story of a library system that's become an essential gathering place for Winchester, Frederick, and Clarke. John and Janet dig into what's driving the surge — new library cards, digital checkouts, early literacy partnerships, and a mobile library launching this fall — plus a few laughs about Zoom, curmudgeons, and library card colors. Tune in for the full picture of what your library card actually gets you. LINKS & RESOURCES Handley Regional Library System — handleyregional.org Friends of the Handley Regional Library Book Sale — August 14–15, Bowman Library How-To Fest — Saturday, September 26, 10:00 AM–1:00 PM, Handley Library Leyendo Juntos (Spanish-language outreach partner) Winchester Campaign for Grade-Level Reading (early literacy partner) THE VALLEY TODAY with Janet Michael — A decade of conversations. New podcast episodes drop weekdays at 11 AM. Catch the show on The River 95.3 and Fox Sports 1450 AM weekdays just after noon. Subscribe and listen at thevalleytodaypodcast.com — available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts. If you enjoy the show, please take a moment to leave a rating or review — it helps more listeners find us. Connect with us: Facebook — facebook.com/ValleyTodayFanPage Instagram — instagram.com/thevalleytoday

Brady Cloven, executive director for Friends of Old Town, joins Janet Michael to unveil the details of Dawg Days of Summer — the Old Town Hot Dog Crawl — and yes, he's every bit as excited about hot dogs as you'd expect. Ten restaurants (and one food truck!), one-of-a-kind hot dogs, one very committed hot dog costume, and a golden trophy on the line: this episode has all the details on tickets, the participating restaurants' wildly creative creations, the live band with a surprising city-hall connection, and why the whole event is really about boosting Old Town's business community. Tune in before you plan your hot dog fast. Event Details Event: Dawg Days of Summer — Old Town Hot Dog Crawl Date: Saturday, August 22nd Time: 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM Home base: Taylor Pavilion Cost: $30 adult ticket (includes 10 hot dogs across participating restaurants + one free beer); ~$15 kids ticket Where to buy: Eventbrite link via Friends of Old Town's Facebook/Instagram bio; pre-orders also available at First Friday Extras: Live music from the Gully Jimson Quartet at Taylor Pavilion (~6:00 PM start), beer tent from Winchester Brew Works, "passport" voting system for a golden hot dog trophy winner Links & Resources Friends of Old Town — Facebook & Instagram (event page + Eventbrite ticket link pinned) THE VALLEY TODAY with Janet Michael — A decade of conversations. New podcast episodes drop weekdays at 11 AM. Catch the show on The River 95.3 and Fox Sports 1450 AM weekdays just after noon. Subscribe and listen at thevalleytodaypodcast.com — available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts. If you enjoy the show, please take a moment to leave a rating or review — it helps more listeners find us. Connect with us: Facebook — facebook.com/ValleyTodayFanPage Instagram — instagram.com/thevalleytoday

Blandy Experimental Farm is turning 100 — and Janet Michael sits down with Anne Marie Chirieleison, director of the Foundation of the State Arboretum, to unpack a century of research, discovery, and community stewardship at the Virginia State Arboretum. From an 1835 enslaved-quarters building that once housed the first researchers to a mysterious pawpaw patch rediscovered decades later, Blandy's history is full of surprises. The conversation digs into how the Foundation actually operates (it's not just UVA money), what a "centennial endowment campaign" is and why unrestricted funds matter so much to nonprofits, and how listeners — at any dollar amount — can be part of Blandy's next 100 years. LINKS & RESOURCES Blandy Experimental Farm / Virginia State Arboretum centennial giving page — blandy.virginia.edu (Support tab) Blandy Experimental Farm on Facebook and Instagram THE VALLEY TODAY with Janet Michael — A decade of conversations. New podcast episodes drop weekdays at 11 AM. Catch the show on The River 95.3 and Fox Sports 1450 AM weekdays just after noon. Subscribe and listen at thevalleytodaypodcast.com — available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts. If you enjoy the show, please take a moment to leave a rating or review — it helps more listeners find us. Connect with us: Facebook — facebook.com/ValleyTodayFanPage Instagram — instagram.com/thevalleytoday

A woodworker six and a half years sober and a real estate broker whose "hobby got out of hand" — these are the makers filling the shelves at The Nest in Mount Jackson. On this Valley Business Today segment, Janet Michael hands the mic to two of The Nest's founding Nesters: Ryan Peters of Home Revival and Decor, and Mike Cain of Poppy's Dust. They talk candidly about how they landed in retail, what actually goes into a custom cutting board or a hand-built lamp, and the unlikely friendship that grew out of a shared cohort program. If you caught yesterday's Tourism Tuesday segment, you already know the backstory of The Nest — this half is about the people making it work. LINKS & RESOURCES Home Revival and Decor — www.homerevivalanddecor.com and instagram.com/home.revival.and.decor/ Poppy's Dust — facebook.com/poppysdust and poppysdust.com The Nest Mount Jackson —  on Facebook  THE VALLEY TODAY with Janet Michael — A decade of conversations. New podcast episodes drop weekdays at 11 AM. Catch the show on The River 95.3 and Fox Sports 1450 AM weekdays just after noon. Subscribe and listen at thevalleytodaypodcast.com — available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts. If you enjoy the show, please take a moment to leave a rating or review — it helps more listeners find us. Connect with us: Facebook — facebook.com/ValleyTodayFanPage Instagram — instagram.com/thevalleytoday

What does it take to turn a vacant, decades-old hardware store into the heart of a small town's downtown? On this Tourism Tuesday edition of The Valley Today, Janet Michael heads to The Nest in Mount Jackson with Shenandoah County Tourism's Kary Haun, joined by Mount Jackson Town Manager Olivia Hilton and Assistant Town Manager Greg Beam, to find out. They dig into the town's Mount Jackson Five program, the $125,000 in grants behind it, and why "kicking them out of the nest" is actually the goal. Along the way: shop-local philosophy, a brand-new small-business retention grant, and where to find the county's next big event. Come back tomorrow for Part Two — a Valley Business Today segment featuring two of The Nest's own makers. LINKS & RESOURCES The Nest Mount Jackson — Facebook Shenandoah County Tourism — visitshenandoahcounty.com (Events tab for weekly happenings) Route 11 Yard Crawl — annual event, second Saturday in August Junk 'N Jams — monthly market, second Saturday, 9:00–1:00, Mayors Park Gazebo THE VALLEY TODAY with Janet Michael — A decade of conversations. New podcast episodes drop weekdays at 11 AM. Catch the show on The River 95.3 and Fox Sports 1450 AM weekdays just after noon. Subscribe and listen at thevalleytodaypodcast.com — available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts. If you enjoy the show, please take a moment to leave a rating or review — it helps more listeners find us. Connect with us: Facebook — facebook.com/ValleyTodayFanPage Instagram — instagram.com/thevalleytoday

Victoria Kidd Armstrong makes espresso martinis and community change with equal skill — and on this episode of The Valley Today, she tells Janet Michael how Hideaway Cafe, her "coffee to cocktails" spot on Winchester's Old Town Walking Mall, has quietly funneled nearly $75,000 in cash and in-kind donations back into the community over its 11 years in business. Janet and Victoria dig into how Hideaway's One Plate One Purpose bingo card turns customer dollars into real meals for people in need, how Declan's Shelter Pup Program (and current mascot Miso) helps get shelter dogs adopted, and how Victoria's 13-year-old daughter is already running her own mini philanthropic fundraisers. Along the way, Victoria shares practical advice for any small business owner who wants to build giving back into their day-to-day model — no big budget required. LINKS & RESOURCES Hideaway Cafe: hideawaycafeva.com Hideaway Cafe on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok — search "Hideaway Cafe VA" THE VALLEY TODAY with Janet Michael — A decade of conversations. New podcast episodes drop weekdays at 11 AM. Catch the show on The River 95.3 and Fox Sports 1450 AM weekdays just after noon. Subscribe and listen at thevalleytodaypodcast.com — available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts. If you enjoy the show, please take a moment to leave a rating or review — it helps more listeners find us. Connect with us: Facebook — facebook.com/ValleyTodayFanPage Instagram — instagram.com/thevalleytoday

Back-to-school season means one thing on The Valley Today: it's time to Stuff the Bus. Janet Michael welcomes back Elise Stine Dolinar, executive director of Bright Futures Frederick/Winchester, for a catch-up on the joint Frederick County/Winchester City Schools program that makes sure kids have what they need to learn — and a look ahead at this year's Stuff the Bus school supply drive. Elise shares record-breaking summer numbers, some of the families she works with, and exactly how you can help — from dropping supplies at one of three area Walmarts to shopping a virtual drive from your couch. Whether it's pencils, Expo markers, snacks for the new in-school food pantries, or a cash donation that goes further than you'd think, there's an easy way to pitch in before the first bell rings. Stuff the Bus Event Details Date: Saturday, August 1st Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM Locations: Three Winchester-area Walmart locations — Pleasant Valley, Stephens City, and Route 50  What to bring: School supplies such as pencils, Expo markers, folders, construction paper, crayons, and markers (top needs this year: pencils and Expo markers) Alternate ways to give: Drop donations at Bright Futures' 24/7 donation shed in Winchester, or shop the virtual Stuff the Bus drive online Links & Resources Bright Futures Frederick/Winchester: brightfuturesfrederickcounty.org (shopping lists, printable PDFs, and the virtual Stuff the Bus drive) Bright Futures Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/brightfuturesfrederickcounty  Bright Futures Amazon wishlist: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3W3LH65W1K4FE/ THE VALLEY TODAY with Janet Michael — A decade of conversations. New podcast episodes drop weekdays at 11 AM. Catch the show on The River 95.3 and Fox Sports 1450 AM weekdays just after noon. Subscribe and listen at thevalleytodaypodcast.com — available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts. If you enjoy the show, please take a moment to leave a rating or review — it helps more listeners find us. Connect with us: Facebook — facebook.com/ValleyTodayFanPage Instagram — instagram.com/thevalleytoday

It's VDOT Day on The Valley Today, and Ken Slack, communications specialist for VDOT's Staunton District, is back with a full slate of road project updates for the Northern Shenandoah Valley. From the widening of I-81 at Strasburg to a soon-to-triple-in-size park and ride, this episode covers a lot of ground — literally. Janet and Ken dig into the I-81/Strasburg bridge work, the Oranda Park & Ride expansion, the Redbud Road relocation that kicks off years of major work in Winchester (including a new diverging diamond interchange at Exit 317), the Millwood Pike bridge replacement, and a heartfelt reminder about slowing down and staying alert in work zones. If you drive anywhere in the Valley, this one's worth a listen. THE VALLEY TODAY with Janet Michael — A decade of conversations. New podcast episodes drop weekdays at 11 AM. Catch the show on The River 95.3 and Fox Sports 1450 AM weekdays just after noon. Subscribe and listen at thevalleytodaypodcast.com — available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts. If you enjoy the show, please take a moment to leave a rating or review — it helps more listeners find us. Connect with us: Facebook — facebook.com/ValleyTodayFanPage Instagram — instagram.com/thevalleytoday  

Curious how AI could actually help your small business — but not sure where to start? The Top of Virginia Regional Chamber has a free, hands-on answer, and it's launching this month. Janet Michael sits down with Missy Spielman, the Chamber's Director of Programs, and Taylor Coumes, the Chamber's brand-new Director of Events, for the Chamber's monthly segment. Missy previews Small Business B(AI)sics, a grant-funded national training initiative — backed by the US Chamber Foundation, the US Chamber of Commerce, and Google — designed to help local business owners figure out what AI can actually do for them, at no cost. Along the way, Janet and Missy reflect on this year's Arising Leadership Program graduates, Taylor introduces herself and her new role, and the two look ahead to Hob Nob in the Valley, Wings and Wheels, and the Chamber's upcoming international travel program. Tune in for the details on how to register — and why "you don't know what you don't know" when it comes to AI. LINKS & RESOURCES Top of Virginia Regional Chamber — regionalchamber.biz Small Business B(AI)sics training — Click here THE VALLEY TODAY with Janet Michael — A decade of conversations. New podcast episodes drop weekdays at 11 AM. Catch the show on The River 95.3 and Fox Sports 1450 AM weekdays just after noon. Subscribe and listen at thevalleytodaypodcast.com — available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts. If you enjoy the show, please take a moment to leave a rating or review — it helps more listeners find us. Connect with us: Facebook — facebook.com/ValleyTodayFanPage Instagram — instagram.com/thevalleytoday

There's a new thrift shop in Winchester, but it's not selling clothes — it's stocked with fabric, yarn, wine corks, carpet samples, and just about anything else you could turn into art. Janet Michael sits down with Misty Weaver, owner of the brand-new Art Again Thrift Shop, just 24 hours after opening its doors on Valley Avenue. Misty walks through how the creative-reuse shop works, from the "Fill-a-Basket" bulk system to tiered memberships, tool rentals, and a members-only craft room. They dig into what inspired the idea — including the closure of JOANN Fabrics — how donations and community partnerships with local arts nonprofits will work, and why crafters (and their basements) may never be the same. Tune in for a peek behind the doors of one of the Valley's most unexpected new small businesses. Links & Resources Website: artagainthrift.com Social media: Search "Art Again Thrift" on your platform of choice THE VALLEY TODAY with Janet Michael — A decade of conversations. New podcast episodes drop weekdays at 11 AM. Catch the show on The River 95.3 and Fox Sports 1450 AM weekdays just after noon. Subscribe and listen at thevalleytodaypodcast.com — available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts. If you enjoy the show, please take a moment to leave a rating or review — it helps more listeners find us. Connect with us: Facebook — facebook.com/ValleyTodayFanPage Instagram — instagram.com/thevalleytoday