The Valley Today

Marketing isn't the thing small-business owners hate — it's the thing they're afraid of, and they're afraid of it because nobody ever explains it. On this Luray-Page Chamber edition of The Valley Today, host Janet Michael is back on the Zooms with Colton Wolf — owner of White Wolf Communications Group and a familiar voice on the show from his earlier conversations about the theater in Stanley — for a wide-ranging talk about why small and mid-sized businesses deserve the same strategic communications work the big brands get, and how a Page County firm is delivering it. Colton walks through how his firm grew from a pandemic-era pivot and a Georgetown public-relations program into a five-person team that builds holistic strategies for nonprofits, local pillars like Racey Engineering, and PACA — partnerships that started with Colton being president of PACA's first leadership club back in high school. The conversation digs into the realities of modern marketing in a noisy landscape (Snapchat, YouTube, Facebook, and Google all competing for the same mental real estate), why word-of-mouth alone isn't enough anymore, why the right overhead investment for a communications firm is its people, and the moment Colton lives for: when a client says, "I never even thought of that." Plus a couple of Page County Chamber events worth your time. ABOUT WHITE WOLF COMMUNICATIONS GROUP A Page County-based communications firm focused on small and mid-sized businesses and nonprofits across the region. Services span communications planning, public relations, social media strategy and management, website design and SEO, print and surface design, photography, and videography (including drone work). Engagements range from monthly retainer packages to one-off projects. LURAY-PAGE CHAMBER EVENTS COMING UP • Business After Hours — Thursday, June 18, 2026 • 5:30–7:00 PM • Il Vesuvio Italian Restaurant and Pizzeria • You do not need to be a Chamber member to attend — a great way to test-drive the Chamber. • Lunch & Learn: Accessing Capital for Startups and Small Businesses — Wednesday, June 24, 2026 • 11:30 AM–1:00 PM • Chamber Boardroom, 18 Campbell Street, Luray • Speaker: Leslie Currle, People Inc. Financial Services • Part of a new quarterly series, Capital Readiness for Small Businesses, designed to strengthen local businesses and expand access to capital. LINKS & RESOURCES • White Wolf Communications Group: whitewolfcg.com • Email: contact@whitewolfcg.com • White Wolf on Facebook • Luray-Page Chamber of Commerce: luraypagechamber.com (event registration and 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

It started with an email and one really good lecture — and turned into the biggest day in Shenandoah County history in a generation. On this bonus Shenandoah County Tourism episode, host Janet Michael and Kary Haun head to the historic courthouse in Woodstock to talk with Suzanne McIlwee and Kim Yeck, co-chairs of Shenandoah County Celebrates 1776 — a free, full-day VA 250 commemoration happening Saturday, June 20, 2026, hosted by the Shenandoah County Historical Society. Suzanne and Kim walk through how a chapter-meeting idea grew into a downtown-wide event featuring the fifth great-grandson of Patrick Henry delivering "Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death" in character, the 1st and 8th Virginia Regiments encamped on East Court Street, a mounted dragoon cavalry unit doing demonstrations, lectures running simultaneously in three churches, a Williamsburg-trained cordwainer, a master gunsmith, a tape loomist, an 18th-century surveyor, period authors and book signings, kids' activities and a scavenger hunt, historical dancing on the courthouse lawn at 4 PM, museums open all day, and a special 250 Celebration Ale being unveiled. Plus shuttle and parking info, the opening ceremony schedule, and one truly pressing question: do they still need a fifer? (Yes. Yes they do.) EVENT DETAILS — SHENANDOAH COUNTY CELEBRATES 1776 Saturday, June 20, 2026 Downtown Woodstock, Virginia • Centered on the historic courthouse, East Court Street, West Court Street, and Lawyer's Row Free admission • Rain or shine • Family-friendly • Colonial dress encouraged Opening ceremony: 10:00 AM at the historic courthouse (Theatre Shenandoah preview at 9:45) Event runs through the afternoon, with the historical dance on the courthouse lawn at 4:00 PM Street closures: East Court Street and a portion of West Court Street barricaded all day; Main Street briefly closed for the opening ceremony Parking: county administration building (600 N. Main Street) with shuttle service to East Court Street, running 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM; additional parking at the old Woodstock High School lot on West Court Street and at lots throughout town Museums open all day: historic courthouse, Marshall House, Wickham House, Ott-Magruder-Grable Museum KICKOFF EVENT — SAVE THE DATE Free screening of the 1776 movie — Sunday, June 14, 2026 • 4:30 PM Co-presented by the Shenandoah County Historical Society and Woodstock Community Theatre LINKS & RESOURCES • Event website: shenandoah250.org • Event Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ShenCo1776/ • Shenandoah County Historical Society — host organization, with archives and ancestry research support • Visit Shenandoah County: VisitShenandoahCounty.com • Play the fife? The organizers want to hear from you — contact via shenandoah250.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

You don't need Johns Hopkins to become a nurse. You don't even need four years. On this Laurel Ridge Community College edition of The Valley Today, host Janet Michael is back on the Zooms with Director of Marketing Guy Curtis, joined by Dr. Scott Vanderkooi, Dean of Health Professions, and Dr. Amanda Hodges, Interim Director of Nursing — to talk about how someone in this region can become a working RN in two years, often for far less money than they assume, and with a 100% job placement rate to show for it. The bigger news in this conversation is the launch of a brand-new weekend-and-online cohort starting in spring 2027, designed specifically for people who can't quit their jobs to go back to school. Online lectures, weekend labs, weekend clinicals — built around the reality that most adult learners are already working. Amanda walks through what the program looks like, who it's right for, and how CNAs, LPNs, EMTs, paramedics, and even total beginners can step in. Plus: how G3 state funding can cover the last dollar of tuition for eligible Virginia residents, and the upcoming online information sessions where you can learn more. ABOUT THE NEW WEEKEND RN COHORT Launching spring 2027, Laurel Ridge's new RN nursing cohort is built for adult learners who can't step away from full-time work. Lectures and coursework are delivered online. Labs, simulations, and clinical hours run on weekends. The program leads to an RN license — the same credential as the traditional weekday program — and qualifies for G3 last-dollar tuition funding for eligible Virginia residents. WHO IT'S FOR • Adults currently working who want to change careers • CNAs, LPNs, EMTs, paramedics, and surgical techs looking to advance to RN • People with no prior healthcare experience who want to enter the field • Anyone who needs to keep their current job while going to nursing school INFORMATION SESSIONS • First session: Monday, June 23, 2026 — online • Additional sessions throughout July (dates listed at laurelridge.edu/nursing) • Sessions cover the new weekend cohort, the traditional RN program, the CNA program, and the Practical Nursing program — plus admission requirements, the entrance exam, and how to prepare. Parents of high school students considering nursing careers are welcome to attend. ABOUT G3 FUNDING G3 (Get Skilled, Get a Job, Give Back) is a Virginia state program that covers the "last dollar" of tuition costs for high-demand career programs at Virginia community colleges. Eligibility is based on household income — roughly $100,000 to $128,000 depending on household size — and Virginia residency. G3 stacks on top of any federal financial aid (like FAFSA) so it covers what other aid doesn't. LINKS & RESOURCES • Laurel Ridge Nursing — program info, info session registration, application: laurelridge.edu/nursing • Schedule a campus visit: laurelridge.edu/visit • G3 funding eligibility and details: laurelridge.edu/G3  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 didn't even know there was a radio station over here." That sentence — or some version of it — came up so many times on this episode that it became the unofficial theme. On a special episode of The Valley Today recorded on the first day of the Top of Virginia Regional Chamber's Arising Leadership Program, host Janet Michael sits down in the studio with 16 high-school participants and program director Missy Spielman to talk about what brought them to the program, what surprised them about radio in particular, and where they think their futures might be headed — from anesthesiology to architecture inspired by Minecraft. You'll meet rising juniors and seniors from John Handley, Millbrook, Sherando, Clarke County, and James Wood, hear what each one is hoping to get from the week-and-a-half-long career exploration program, and find out which of them might be the next architect, anesthesiologist, attorney, dentist, sports broadcaster, business analyst, or — Janet's lobbying hard — radio station part-timer. Missy closes out with what she saw from the very first orientation: a group that walked in quiet and reserved, and within ten minutes were swapping numbers, ignoring school rivalries, and learning to network in the most authentic way possible. THE ARISING LEADERSHIP CLASS The 16 students featured on this episode, in interview order: • Owen Parker — Millbrook High School, rising senior • Lucy Gluszak — John Handley High School, 12th grade (returning as an intern after participating last year — now interning at the Winchester Regional Airport) • Sam Donohue — Clarke County High School, rising junior — interested in law • Emily Ramirez — Sherando High School, rising senior — interested in healthcare and agriculture • Cole Stockli — Millbrook High School, rising senior — interested in medical and culinary • Kimberly Andrade — John Handley High School, rising 11th grader • Hudson Slaughter — John Handley High School, rising 11th grader (older brother went through the program two years ago) • Jack Bruns — Sherando High School, junior — interested in business analytics • Tiffany Yau — Millbrook High School, rising senior — interested in engineering and medical sciences • Nyomi Coates — Sherando High School, rising senior — wants to be an architect (credit: Minecraft) • Amoni Hill — James Wood High School, rising senior — wants to be an anesthesiologist • Brennan Carter — Millbrook High School, rising senior — interested in engineering • Sierra Chastain — Clarke County High School, rising junior — wants to be a dentist (Janet lobbied for "DJ") • Noah Mandel — Sherando High School, rising junior — interested in physical therapy and sports medicine • Christiana Ekoue — John Handley High School, rising senior • Andrea Rojas — John Handley High School, rising senior IN THIS EPISODE (00:00) What the Arising Leadership Program is — and how Day 1 unfolded at The River 95.3 (00:30) How the station team split up the group: Sports Director Ryan Rutherford, Operations Manager Lonnie Hill, Business Manager Kathy Willis, and Janet (01:00) Meet the 16 students — short interviews about what drew them to the program and what they're hoping to learn (timestamps for each student are approximate, running consecutively from 01:00 to 19:00) (19:00) A sit-down with program director Missy Spielman (19:30) What Missy saw on orientation night — a quiet group that opened up in ten minutes flat (20:30) Why cross-school networking matters more than ever (and why school rivalries don't show up here the way they used to) (21:00) "You can't be it if you can't see it" — the program's mission in one sentence (21:30) Why so many former students are now the people Missy coordinates host visits with WHAT THE STUDENTS LEARNED AT THE STATION (in their own words) • Working on the elevator pitch was something they wouldn't have thought to do on their own • Communication is the foundation of everything — without it, projects "crash and burn" • Radio is much bigger than people think — multiple studios, not a closet with a microphone • The music you hear comes via satellite, often from Texas • Doing a weather blurb under a tight time limit is genuinely hard • Listeners tune out when they hear the same voice too long — voice variety keeps attention • Sports broadcasting takes far more planning than people realize ABOUT THE ARISING LEADERSHIP PROGRAM A career exploration program for rising high-school juniors and seniors across the Top of Virginia region. Over a week and a half, students rotate through industries in their own backyard — radio, aviation, law, healthcare, hospitality, culinary, criminal justice, agriculture, and more — to discover careers they may not have considered or even known existed. Coordinated by Missy Spielman through the Top of Virginia Regional Chamber. LINKS & RESOURCES • Top of Virginia Regional Chamber: regionalchamber.biz   • The River 95.3 — and yes, they're hiring part-timers and interns (ask Janet)  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 rainy spring turned into a packed season at The Barns of Rose Hill. On this Tourism Tuesday Berryville/Clarke County edition of The Valley Today, host Janet Michael catches up with Martha Reynolds, Executive Director of The Barns of Rose Hill, to walk through what's coming next — and there is a lot. Two simultaneous gallery exhibitions, a VA250 concert series tied to traditional American roots music, a folk opera that's already sold out twice, and a benefit concert from a beloved local artist on the way. Martha previews everything from Color Stories (vivid contemporary stripes) and Jackson Foster's historic tavern signs to The Quiet Vast photography exhibit to a Portuguese artist who pairs her work with QR-coded music. Plus: the Forging a Nation film series with American Legion Post 41, Jules & the Agreeables benefit concert on June 27, Larry Keel and Jon Stickley's flatpicking bluegrass on 7/11, the return of the Orange on the Blue Ridge folk opera in August, and the final stretch of a 10-year endowment campaign that wraps August 31st — every dollar matched by the Eugene B. Casey Foundation. The Barns turns 15 in September, and the gala that closes the campaign is shaping up to be the celebration of the year. IN THIS EPISODE (00:00) Why spring wasn't slow this year — and the John Prine tribute screening that brought a packed house (02:00) Color Stories — contemporary stripes through June 13 (03:00) Jackson Foster's historic tavern signs — VA250 programming opens soon in the upper gallery (04:00) The Quiet Vast — Suzanne and Chris Bowers's duo photography exhibit (June 19–August 1) (05:00) Why Suzanne's new astrophotography is worth the trip on its own (05:30) Portuguese artist Leonor Brazão — color, music, and QR codes (August–September) (06:30) Why technology in galleries deepens rather than dilutes the experience (07:30) Forging a Nation film series with American Legion Post 41 — classic Americana on the big screen, with the historical inaccuracies called out up front (09:00) Roots of a Nation concert series — supported by Virginia Humanities, running well past July 4th (09:30) Coming up: Cathy Fink & Marcy Marxer's From China to Appalachia (June 19), The Hot Seats, Larry & Joe (Pan-American roots, November), and Critton Hollow String Band (11:30) Jules & the Agreeables benefit concert — June 27, sponsored by Bank of Clarke Foundation (12:30) Why a ticket doesn't keep the lights on — and why a benefit concert does (15:00) Larry Keel & Jon Stickley duo — Friday, July 11 (7/11 — easy to remember), Bluegrass & BBQ series with Jordan Springs Market, sponsor still wanted (16:30) Orange on the Blue Ridge returns in August — the folk opera that's sold out two years running (19:00) The 10-year, $100,000-a-year endowment campaign — ending August 31, dollar-for-dollar match from the Eugene B. Casey Foundation (20:00) Why a $10 gift becomes a $20 gift becomes a 15-year investment (22:30) 15th Anniversary Gala — September 19, with Furnace Mountain Duo (Morgan Morrison and Dave Van Deventer) returning home (24:00) Why The Barns calls Furnace Mountain "the house band" (24:30) Where to find everything — barnsofrosehill.org, Facebook (now 10,000+ followers), and the newsletter GALLERY EXHIBITIONS THIS SUMMER • Color Stories — through June 13 (contemporary art, vivid striped color swatches) • Jackson Foster — historic tavern signs, reclaimed wood, hand-forged hardware (VA250 programming, upper gallery, opens mid-June) • The Quiet Vast — Suzanne & Chris Bowers, duo photography exhibition including new astrophotography work (June 19–Aug 1)  • Leonor Brazão — Portuguese artist pairing color, music, and QR-coded audio experience (August–September) CONCERTS & SPECIAL EVENTS • Jules & the Agreeables benefit concert — Friday, June 27 • $30 standing, ~$50 seated • sponsored by Bank of Clarke Foundation • local wine and food truck on site • Cathy Fink & Marcy Marxer: From China to Appalachia — June 19 (Roots of a Nation series) • Larry Keel & Jon Stickley duo — Friday, July 11 • Bluegrass & BBQ series with Jordan Springs Market • sponsor opportunity available • The Hot Seats — Richmond-based string band with a funky twist • Orange on the Blue Ridge — folk opera by Suni Mackall, music direction by Morgan Morrison • two dates in August • historically sells out — buy now • Larry & Joe — Pan-American roots (Venezuelan + Appalachian), November • Critton Hollow String Band — 50+ years of traditional music • Forging a Nation film series with American Legion Post 41 — screenings in June, July, and October ANNIVERSARY & ENDOWMENT • Endowment Campaign — final year of a 10-year, $100,000-a-year goal, every dollar matched by the Eugene B. Casey Foundation. Campaign ends August 31, 2026. • 15th Anniversary Gala — Friday, September 19, 2026 at The Barns, featuring Furnace Mountain Duo (Morgan Morrison and Dave Van Deventer) LINKS & RESOURCES • The Barns of Rose Hill: barnsofrosehill.org (tickets, newsletter signup at bottom of homepage) • The Barns on Facebook (10,000+ followers — best place for last-minute additions and updates) 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

Crisis aid keeps the lights on this month. The THRIVE Project is built to make sure there isn't a next crisis. On this episode of The Valley Today, host Janet Michael sits down at the United Way office with longtime friend Andrea Cosans, Executive Director of Winchester CCAP, to talk about the most ambitious project of her CCAP tenure — a multi-agency, grant-funded initiative that will take up to 50 ALICE-population clients through a year of intensive support (case management, therapy, life coaching, financial literacy, job training) and follow them for a second year to see if it sticks. Andrea walks through the small-scale pilots that got her here — five clients, then ten, with results so strong they convinced funders to back a $112,000 expansion — and the partner agencies who said yes to building it together: Connected Communities, I'm Just ME, United Way Northern Shenandoah Valley, Horizon Goodwill, and Family Promise. Plus a much bigger argument about how nonprofits in this community actually do collaborate, and why "too many nonprofits, too much overlap" is the wrong story to tell about the people doing this work. Plus details on two upcoming CCAP fundraisers: An Evening of Enchantment (June 18th) and the 6th Annual Benefit Bike Ride (August 22nd). IN THIS EPISODE (00:00) Why this conversation is happening at the United Way office (it'll make sense in a minute) (00:30) CCAP's history — founded 1974 to help the population we now call ALICE (01:00) Why preventing homelessness is cheaper than fixing it (01:30) What CCAP's financial aid actually covers — rent, mortgage, utilities, heating, car repair (02:00) Why CCAP is, by design, a Band-Aid — and why a Band-Aid isn't enough (02:30) The origin story: a Legacy Wellness therapist, a life coach, a conference, and $1,000 (03:00) The first five clients — and what "wildly successful" really meant (03:30) The story of the man who came to CCAP every day, and now hasn't been seen in two years (03:30) The woman who won the Park Ranger Wheelbarrow Olympics at Great Meadows (04:30) Round two: 10 clients, 10 successes, and a $112,000 grant package (04:30) Why this can't be a one-agency program — and who said yes (05:30) Why the program follows clients for a second year (the real test) (06:30) The Valley Health Foundation and Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints grants (07:00) What clients actually do — Get on Board job boot camp, financial literacy, mentoring (07:30) The forklift-certified couple, the substance-abuse and DV story, and the volunteers they became (08:30) The drug-court client who came back to teach CPR classes (09:00) Who the program is for — ALICE: asset-limited, income-constrained, employed  (09:30) The Winchester paradox — beautiful downtown, 19% food insecurity, 50% on some benefit (10:30) Trauma-informed decisions and the myth that fast food is cheaper (11:30) The week-by-week structure — case manager, therapist, life coach, classes, all of it (12:30) "Room to dream" — the single father who didn't know how to go back to college (13:30) Why nobody taught most of us how to do a family budget (Janet included) (15:30) The first meeting — Andrea, the partners, and a ground rule for letting go (16:30) Logistics: release-of-information forms, intake, referrals, who does what (17:00) Kim Wilt's policy magic — and the dream of replicating THRIVE in other communities (18:00) "They're not my clients — they're citizens who need help" (19:30) The City of Winchester visit and what workforce partnerships could look like (20:30) The 6th Annual Benefit Bike Ride — August 22 at the Wellness Center (21:00) Why people fly in from Germany, England, Florida, and Ohio for it (21:30) An Evening of Enchantment — Thursday, June 18 with New Eve Maternity Home (22:00) Silent auction, live auction, Gore Cabin staycation, Vic the magician (22:30) The hot water heater story (and why it outsold the jewelry) (23:00) Why "too many nonprofits, no collaboration" is the wrong story (24:30) How CCAP's $200/household actually works in partnership with others (25:30) The food-pantry schedule across town — Mondays at CCAP, Tuesdays at Highland, Saturdays at the Merriman's Lane church (25:30) The $50,000 United Way grant that pushed 50,000 pounds of produce across the region (26:30) The Nonprofit Collaborative and the case for citizens, not clients (27:30) What happens when Church World Services loses funding — and why CCAP feels it indirectly ABOUT THE THRIVE PROJECT A new multi-agency program led by Winchester CCAP and backed by $112,000 in initial grant funding. Designed to take up to 50 ALICE-population clients through a structured year of services — case management, therapy, life coaching, financial literacy classes, Horizon Goodwill's "Get on Board" job boot camp — followed by a second year of check-ins to measure durable change. Built around the premise that crisis aid alone won't break the poverty cycle, and that no single agency can deliver everything one person needs. THE PARTNERS • Winchester CCAP (lead) • Connected Communities • I'm Just ME • United Way Northern Shenandoah Valley (fiscal agent) • Horizon Goodwill • Family Promise Winchester Area CCAP FUNDRAISERS COMING UP An Evening of Enchantment — Thursday, June 18, 2026 • Joint fundraiser with New Eve Maternity Home • Silent auction, live auction (including a Gore Cabin staycation with dinner at Violino's), entertainment by Vic the Magician, emcee by Janet Michael • 120 tickets remaining — register at CCAPwinchester.org 6th Annual Benefit Bike Ride — Friday, August 22, 2026 8:00 AM start at the Wellness Center, 105 Campus Boulevard • ~270 riders expected, drawing participants from across the country and abroad • Volunteers still needed — contact Jessica Leonard • Register at CCAPwinchester.org LINKS & RESOURCES • Winchester CCAP: CCAPwinchester.org (new website by Wild Ember) • United Way of the Northern Shenandoah Valley (THRIVE fiscal agent) • Partner organizations: Connected Communities, I'm Just ME, Horizon Goodwill, Family Promise Winchester Area • Local food pantry network mentioned: Highland Food Pantry, Hope Again Food Pantry, Catholic Charities, Salvation Army, New Life Church, Love In Action • Workforce training partner: Laurel Ridge Community College • Funders: Valley Health Foundation, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 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 shelter season may end with the cold weather — but homelessness doesn't. On this episode of The Valley Today, host Janet Michael catches up with Robyn Miller, Executive Director of WATTS (Winchester Area Temporary Transitional Shelter), to talk about what the organization is doing right now in June — the year-round case management, the two transitional homes, the cooling center that currently has no home of its own, and the everyday work of helping someone get their birth certificate so they can get a driver's license, so they can get a job, so they can get a place to live. Robyn explains why the goal at WATTS is, paradoxically, to put WATTS out of business — and walks Janet through the patchwork of partner organizations that make that possible, from Winchester CCAP to Family Promise Winchester Area to the Concern Hotline to the Winchester Police Department's addiction recovery team. Plus: the lineup of summer and fall fundraisers that keep the lights on at a privately-funded nonprofit — Caring & Sharing at Greenwood Fire Hall, the Walt Cunningham Memorial Golf Tournament at Rock Harbor, and the wildly popular Cheesin' for a Reason on the Old Town Walking Mall in November. UPCOMING WATTS EVENTS & FUNDRAISERS Caring & Sharing — Friday, August 15, 2026 • Greenwood Fire Hall • An evening of music, food, and raffles celebrating WATTS volunteers and guests, with success stories told in their own voices. Walt Cunningham Memorial Golf Tournament — Thursday, October 2, 2026 • Rock Harbor Golf Course • Lunch by Billy Sous  Named in memory of the man who got the United Methodist Church involved with WATTS. Cheesin' for a Reason — Friday, November 14, 2026 • Feltner lot at Boscawen and Loudoun Streets (Old Town Walking Mall, downtown Winchester) • Local restaurants compete with grilled cheese and tomato soup. Last year's winners: T.T. Walls and Water Street Kitchen. Over 1,000 participants in 2025. HOW TO HELP • Donate online at WATTS-homelessshelter.org • Become a Hero for WATTS — $10/month recurring (yes, you'll get free pancakes at Clem's Kitchen) • Volunteer at any of the fall fundraisers — sign-ups for Cheesin' for a Reason open in August • Sign up to serve meals during the Thanksgiving or Christmas shelter weeks • Donate or rent a building for the cooling/warming center — even nominal rent is welcome (creative arrangements have tax benefits) LINKS & RESOURCES • WATTS website: WATTS-homelessshelter.org • WATTS on Facebook and Instagram: search "Help WATTS" • Partner organizations mentioned: Winchester CCAP, Family Promise Winchester Area, Winchester Rescue Mission  • Comprehensive local resource directory — Concern Hotline (the most accurate, up-to-date list) • Winchester Police Department Addiction Recovery Team • Community Paramedic 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 Virginia Code is full of one-word differences that change everything — and on this Public Safety Thursday edition of The Valley Today, Captain Warren Gosnell of the Frederick County Sheriff's Office walks host Janet Michael through some of the most common ones. "May" doesn't mean "shall." A speed limit is a maximum, not a target. A red light isn't the same as a red arrow. And driving an inspected friend's car doesn't make the friend responsible. Captain Gosnell answers a listener seatbelt question, breaks down what really happens with that "four-month grace period" for expired inspections and registrations, and explains why a $50 civil penalty might be the cheapest parenting tool a frustrated mom or dad has at their disposal. Plus a tanker-truck slow-roll on Route 522 that earned Captain Gosnell a Facebook thank-you before he even got to the studio. 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 parking-lot pop-up two years ago is now a full storefront with a now-famous 11-foot Amish blow-up greeting visitors at the door. On this Valley Business Today edition of The Valley Today, host Janet Michael sits down at the Front Royal-Warren County Chamber with Chamber Director Niki Foster and Zach Burke, owner of Lancaster County Connection, to talk about how the business grew from a single TLC parking-lot weekend into a home base inside the Loose Cow Mercantile — and what it really takes to run a quality-first, hand-picked retail business as a side hustle. Zach walks through what makes his lineup different: Amish-made wood crafts hand-selected monthly from two friends' farms in Lancaster County, paint that holds up for seven years, clean-burning Crossroads candles he discovered after his own pets got sick from chemical scents, and Lancaster County Coffee Roasters beans that don't get roasted until you order them. The conversation also gets into the realities of small-business retail — pricing your work without apologizing for it, ordering Christmas inventory in July, and competing on a timeline the big-box stores set. Plus: Niki previews Coffee & Conversation with the new Warren County Schools superintendent, and a Chamber rebrand and new website on the horizon. VISIT INFO — LANCASTER COUNTY CONNECTION (inside the Loose Cow Mercantile) 18 High Street, Front Royal (the old Happy Creek Coffee Company, behind Bungalow, across from the gazebo — look for the building with the butterflies painted on the wall) Hours: 12–6 daily (closed Tuesdays) • Saturday 10–6 • Sunday 10–6 (aligned with the Main Street farmers market) What you'll find: hand-selected Amish wood crafts, Crossroads candles, Primitives by Kathy, custom-order Amish furniture (~4–6 week lead time), customized mailboxes, freshly roasted Lancaster County Coffee Roasters coffee (taste a sample on the weekends), and a seasonal rotation that goes hard on every holiday. Custom pieces and pre-orders welcome — ask in the shop or via social media LINKS & RESOURCES • Lancaster County Connection on Facebook and Instagram (and soon TikTok)  Front Royal-Warren County Chamber of Commerce: frontroyalchamber.com (a rebrand and new site coming soon)  ALSO MENTIONED • Coffee & Conversation — Friday, June 5 • 9 AM at On Cue • Free, open to anyone (not just Chamber members) • Featuring Dr. Troy Wright, Superintendent of Warren County Public Schools  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

Retirement, it turns out, doesn't come with a handbook. On this Tourism Tuesday Winchester/Frederick County edition of The Valley Today, host Janet Michael and Justin Kerns finally talk an avowed dog person into stepping inside a cat café — and what they find on the Piccadilly corner of the Old Town Walking Mall is something more carefully built than they expected. Chris Goebel, who retired to Virginia at 57 and went looking for purpose, opened Biscuits & Beans Cat Cafe on April 1st with his wife and family. Three weeks later they had welcomed nearly 1,400 guests and were on pace to donate $50,000 a year to local rescues. Chris and General Manager Chelsea Champ walk through the why behind every design decision — separate HVAC systems, a glass-walled "catquarium," 15 socialized cats max at a time, "no tips, just tails" as a built-in donation model, and a coffee program built entirely on steamed cold brew. Plus: how the reservation system works, what kinds of people are showing up (a younger demo than usual for the walking mall, including a lot of first dates), the June "Colored Collection" Pride drinks, and what's on the menu beyond coffee. Justin closes out with Hop Blossom, the VA 250 lineup, and a very gentlemanly update on the Middletown Maulers vintage baseball team. VISIT INFO — BISCUITS & BEANS CAT CAFÉ Located on the Piccadilly corner of the Old Town Walking Mall in downtown Winchester  Hours: Mon–Thu 10 AM–6 PM • Fri & Sat 10 AM–7 PM • Sun 10 AM–5 PM (open 7 days) Café: walk in any time during open hours — no reservation needed Cat Lounge: reservations required • 40-minute sessions • max 7 guests, up to 15 cats • $12.50 per person Private sessions: $75 for the full 40-minute space (up to 7 people) — great for first dates, girls' nights, bachelorette starts, coworker outings, or a quiet solo break  Allergy-friendly: separate HVAC and glass partition between the café and the cat lounge Kids welcome — any age, with one adult per child under 7 Adoption: meet a cat you love? You can get pre-approved before or during your visit and take them home the same day LINKS & RESOURCES • Biscuits & Beans Cat Café — biscuitsandbeans.com (reservations + menu) • Biscuits & Beans on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok • Just Tails Foundation (501(c)(3) supporting local rescues) — justtails.org • Visit Winchester events calendar (Hop Blossom, VA 250, and more): visitwinchesterva.com → Events 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

You can't complain when a farm goes up for sale if you're not supporting the farmer. On this episode of The Valley Today, host Janet Michael is back on the Zooms with her Frederick County Homesteader friends — Sam Armel (founder of Frederick County Homesteaders), Jaclyn Mommen (Laurel Grove Wine Farm and Patti's Place), and Kristin Tesdall (Five Roots Farm) — to talk about the inaugural Love Your Farmer Week, June 14th through 20th, and why this hands-on volunteer week is built around the busiest, most stressful stretch of a farmer's year. The conversation moves from the practical (how to sign up as a volunteer or a host farm, what kinds of jobs are on the docket, why mobility and age aren't barriers) into bigger territory: the late-frost destruction of vineyards and orchards, the misconceptions about crop insurance, the largest farmland transfer in American history happening right now, why the average farmer is 58–64 years old, and how regenerative agriculture is really just remembering what our grandparents already knew. IN THIS EPISODE (00:00) Why Love Your Farmer Week is hands-on, not a farm tour (01:00) The dates, the time slots, and the Google forms — built for everyone from kids to elders (02:00) Why now? Because this is the busy season — and the season when farmers feel most behind (03:30) A frost-damaged spring, lavender beaten down by rain, and what farmers are really up against (05:00) Why crop insurance isn't the safety net most people think it is (06:30) Jaclyn's actual yesterday: market, vineyard, interns, dinner, then biological treatments 'til 1:30 AM (08:30) Animals don't keep a schedule — Kristin's escaped sheep and milking routine (10:30) The origin story — how 2020 grocery shortages launched Frederick County Homesteaders (13:30) Skill shares, sauerkraut, and the Snowden Bridge moms group (15:00) What Kristin needs help with — skirting fleeces, processing wool, and education (16:30) What Jaclyn needs help with — mulching pathways, weeding, and the new market garden (18:30) Five farms signed up so far — and why "small and well-loved" is the right start (19:30) The hidden labor — books, taxes, websites, social media on top of everything else (20:30) The largest farmland transfer in U.S. history is happening right now (21:30) Younger farmers, smaller acreage, and Geraghty's Microfarm as a model (23:30) "Feed your community, not the world" — and why 20-acre farms are the future (24:30) Regenerative ag isn't new — it's what our grandparents did before chemical agriculture (27:00) Where to find Patti's Place and Laurel Grove Wine Farm (28:30) Where to find Five Roots Farm (29:00) Where to sign up — for volunteers and for host farms (30:30) Spring Farm Hop recap and what's next ABOUT LOVE YOUR FARMER WEEK A new initiative from Frederick County Homesteaders, running June 14–20, 2026, where community members can sign up to volunteer directly on participating local farms during the height of harvest-prep season. Designed to accommodate civic groups, businesses, 4-H and FFA chapters, church groups, homeschool co-ops, families, and individuals — with time slots and tasks suited to all ages and mobility levels. Five farms are signed up for year one; first-come, first-served as volunteers register. HOW TO GET INVOLVED • Volunteer — sign up via the Love Your Farmer Week page at frederickcountyhomesteaders.com (search "Love Your Farmer Week") • Host farm — local farms, homesteads, markets, and vineyards can still sign up through June 5 • Need help figuring out what your farm could offer? Reach out to Frederick County Homesteaders directly — they'll help brainstorm LINKS & RESOURCES • Frederick County Homesteaders: frederickcountyhomesteaders.com (volunteer + host farm sign-ups on the Love Your Farmer Week page) • Laurel Grove Wine Farm & Patti's Place: laurelgrovewinefarm.com • Patti's Place hours: Wed–Sun 10–4 (Sun 11–4) • Café Thu–Sun 11–3 • Patti's Place on Instagram: @pattisplace_lgwf • Laurel Grove Wine Farm on Instagram: @laurelgrovewinefarm • Five Roots Farm: fiverootsfarm.com • Five Roots Farm on Facebook: Five Roots Farm • Five Roots Farm on Instagram: @_fiverootsfarm_ • Five Roots self-service farm stand: open 7 days, 9 AM–dusk • Five Roots at Stephens City Farmers Market: second Saturday of each month 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  

Over 100 patients in four days, many of them experiencing a professional dental cleaning for the very first time. On this bonus Laurel Ridge Community College edition of The Valley Today, host Janet Michael connects via Zoom with a team live from Negril, Jamaica — Brandy Hawkins Boies (Director of Communications and Outreach at Laurel Ridge), longtime Rotarian Kathy Kantor, and three recent graduates of Laurel Ridge's dental hygiene program: Stacey Escobar, Dahye Seo, and Nataly Hernandez. The conversation traces how a casual hallway idea between a Rotarian and a college administrator a decade ago has become a fully-supported, equipment-rich mission program — built on Rotary global grants that converted a shipping container into a working dental clinic. The three graduates share what it's been like to put their fresh credentials to use in real-world conditions, the moments that made it click (one patient asked for a hug), and what's next for each of them. Plus: how community members can volunteer for free cleanings at the Laurel Ridge dental clinic in Middletown, and how churches and groups can join Rotary's ongoing trips to Jamaica. WHO'S ON THIS EPISODE • Brandy Hawkins Boies — Director of Communications and Outreach, Laurel Ridge Community College • Kathy Kantor — Rotarian (Strasburg Rotary Club); co-architect of the Rotary global grants funding the Jamaica dental clinic • Stacey Escobar — Recent graduate, Laurel Ridge Dental Hygiene Program (16 years in the dental field; heading back to practice in Burke, VA) • Dahye Seo — Recent graduate, Laurel Ridge Dental Hygiene Program (joining practices in Fairfax and Loudoun counties) • Nataly Hernandez — Recent graduate, Laurel Ridge Dental Hygiene Program (returning to Jamaica for a second mission trip in just a month) ABOUT THE PROGRAM The Laurel Ridge Community College Dental Hygiene Program admits 18 students every two years — a competitive cohort with a rigorous workload. Since 2018, graduates have had the option to participate in a post-graduation mission trip to Negril, Jamaica, working at a dental clinic established and equipped through Rotary International global grants involving Woodstock, Front Royal, Warren County, Winchester, and Strasburg Rotary Clubs, in partnership with the Negril Rotary Club. The Jamaican clinic is also open to other visiting dental teams and groups year-round. HOW TO GET INVOLVED • Volunteer as a patient — free cleanings at the Laurel Ridge dental clinic in Middletown help students complete their lab hours. Get on the waiting list for the next class (starting August 2026). • Support future mission trips — donations help cover flights, lodging, and supplies for graduating students. • Join a trip — Kathy and Byron (Brill) host teams in Jamaica three times a year. Churches and community groups are welcome. LINKS & RESOURCES • Laurel Ridge Dental Hygiene Program: laurelridge.edu/dental • Strasburg Rotary Club Facebook page  ALSO MENTIONED • Drone Show at Jim Barnett Park — Saturday • free admission • approximately 250 drones • details on Winchester City Parks' Facebook page 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 two-year YouTube rabbit hole, a heart-tugging keynote in Norfolk, and one perfectly-timed introduction — that's the unlikely path that brought Cycling Without Age to Winchester. On this episode of The Valley Today, host Janet Michael sits down at Shenandoah Valley Westminster-Canterbury with Steve Policastro (founder of Cycling Without Age Winchester), Jeannie Shiley (Westminster-Canterbury's President & CEO), and Teresa Barton (Wellness Manager) to talk about the global nonprofit that's giving older adults the gift of wind in their hair — one slow trishaw ride at a time. The conversation unpacks how a Copenhagen-born movement (now in 40+ countries with 6,000 trishaws and over 5 million rides given) landed in Winchester through "big world, small town" timing, what the rides actually feel like, and the five principles — generosity, slowness, storytelling, relationships, and "without age" — that guide every chapter. Plus: how to become a pilot, how to support the push for a second trishaw that can serve the whole community, and where Janet's orange blanket fits into all of it.   ABOUT CYCLING WITHOUT AGE WINCHESTER A 501(c)(3) nonprofit chapter of the global Cycling Without Age movement (founded 2012 in Copenhagen). Free trishaw rides for older adults, powered entirely by volunteer pilots. Currently 15 trained pilots and one trishaw, partnered with Shenandoah Valley Westminster-Canterbury. Fundraising underway for a second trishaw to serve the broader Winchester community — downtown walking mall, museum trails, Jim Barnett Park, and beyond. HOW TO GET INVOLVED Become a pilot — if you can ride a bike, with practice you can pilot a trishaw  Donate or fundraise toward the second community trishaw  Spread the word — follow on Instagram and share the rides  Watch for an upcoming community fundraising event featuring the same documentary that inspired Westminster-Canterbury LINKS & RESOURCES • Cycling Without Age Winchester: cyclingwithoutage.com/winchester • Email: winchester@cyclingwithoutage.com • Instagram: @cyclingwithoutagewinchester • Shenandoah Valley Westminster-Canterbury: svwc.org • The global Cycling Without Age movement: cyclingwithoutage.org (Ole Kassow's TED Talk and the founding story) • Partner organizations referenced: Bike Walk Winchester, Winchester Wheelmen 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

Three thousand people came out last year — and the team is just getting started. On this Valley Business Today edition of The Valley Today, host Janet Michael sits down at Winchester Regional Airport with Top of Virginia Regional Chamber Director of Events Kaleigh Fincham and Airport Executive Director Nick Sabo to talk about the return of Wings & Wheels on Saturday, October 3rd — a free, family-friendly day of aircraft, classic cars, music, food trucks, and a vendor market on the tarmac. The conversation digs into what's coming back, what's getting bigger and better (improved flow, more music, fly-in traffic for pilots), how sponsorship works at every budget level, and why this event is more than fun — it's a workforce-development moment connecting kids to aviation careers and showing the community what the newly-rebuilt airport has to offer year-round. Plus, a heartfelt send-off as Kaleigh announces she's leaving the chamber to grow her family's event business, The Ivy Collective. EVENT DETAILS Wings & Wheels — Saturday, October 3, 2026 Winchester Regional Airport 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM • Free admission Aircraft static displays, classic & custom car show, motorcycles, large trucks, live music, food trucks, sweet treats, vendor market, touch-a-truck, balloon artist, barrel rides, kids' face painting Sponsorship tiers: Presenting $10,000 • Platinum $5,000 • Gold $3,000 • Silver $1,000 • Bronze $500 Vendor options: 10x10 booth, 20x10 booth, nonprofit rate Pilots: dedicated fly-in parking — communication forthcoming LINKS & RESOURCES Top of Virginia Regional Chamber: regionalchamber.biz • Sponsorship, vendor, music inquiries: events@regionalchamber.biz Winchester Regional Airport: flyokv.com • Airport event hosting inquiries: nsabo@flyokv.com • Open to the public daily — come watch the planes, sit on the patio, ask questions The Ivy Collective (Kaleigh's new venture) — event planning, design, floristry; based at The Ivy Room (follow on Facebook) and The Exchange on Loudoun (follow on Facebook) in downtown Winchester. 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

Sometimes the right business finds you. On this Shenandoah County Tourism Tuesday edition of The Valley Today, host Janet Michael and Kary Haun head to Natural Art Garden Center on Route 11 to talk with new owner Jess Steyn — a former hairdresser, homeschooling mom of three boys, and unlikely garden center owner — about how a casual conversation with previous owner Lynne turned into the next chapter of a beloved local business. Jess shares what she's kept the same (Christmas tree names included), what she's changed to highlight the property's mountain views, and how the whole family has become part of the customer experience. Then Kary runs through what's blooming across Shenandoah County this season — farmers markets, vineyards with live music, a fly fishing school, Wander Woodstock, and how the Visit Shenandoah County website can plan the whole weekend for you. NATURAL ART GARDEN CENTER — VISIT INFO Located on Route 11 between Strasburg and Woodstock (right off the Toms Brook exit) Hours: Monday–Saturday 9 AM–4 PM • Sunday 12–3 PM (hours shift seasonally — check Facebook for updates) What's on offer: hanging baskets, annuals, perennials, shrubs, trees, veggies, houseplants, bulk compost / mulch / topsoil / sand / gravel, plus Christmas trees, wreaths, and poinsettias in season AROUND SHENANDOAH COUNTY THIS SEASON Farmers Markets — Woodstock, Bryce Resort, and others across the county (full list on Visit Shenandoah County) Vineyards & Breweries — live music on weekends across eight county vineyards; Woodstock BrewHouse outdoor patio music Thursday nights; Swover Creek artist lineup Orkney Springs — flower arranging workshop May 29; weekend yoga programs Murray's Fly Shop — Full-Day Fly Fishing School, May 30 Wander Woodstock — Thursday, June 5 • 5–8 PM • businesses open late, live music, vendors, specials 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

On this Friends of Old Town edition of The Valley Today, host Janet Michael and Brady Cloven are joined at Hideaway Café by Stephanie Novak — owner of Ritual Spa at the George Washington Hotel and Coven Salon on Millwood Avenue — for a wide-ranging chat about pampering, pirates, and a packed June in Old Town Winchester. Steph shares what's behind Ritual Spa's nearly-two-year run inside the historic GW (lymphatic drainage, customized facials, hot tub access, and 24/7 online gift certificates) and how its sister salon Coven brings the "wilder and edgy" side. Then Brady runs through everything coming up downtown — the newly (almost) completed childhood literacy mural by the splash pad, First Friday's return, Hop Blossom, KidzFest, Juneteenth, and the laser-light VA 250 Downtown Jubilee. Plus an honest update on why the splash pad is sidelined for the summer and what Friends of Old Town is doing about it. WHO'S ON THIS EPISODE Brady Cloven — Executive Director, Friends of Old Town Winchester Steph Novak — Owner, Ritual Spa (at the George Washington Hotel) and Coven Salon (on Millwood Avenue) IN THIS EPISODE Hideaway Café check-in + the new castle exhibit at the Shenandoah Valley Discovery Museum Meet Steph — how Ritual Spa came to live inside the historic GW Hotel What's on offer — massage, facials, and access to the hotel pool and hot tub Why a great facial can be just as relaxing as a massage Specialty massage — lymphatic drainage, zero balancing, and post-surgical healing For people who don't love being touched — how a good service provider makes it work 24/7 online gift certificates (and why you can't buy one at the front desk) Coven Salon — hair, lashes, permanent cosmetics, massage, facials, and a whole lot of social media chaos Hours and websites for both locations The new childhood literacy mural by the splash pad — a year in the making New public art guidelines for Old Town — the lasting win behind the mural Meet artist Annalise Buono, plus local collaborators Jill Savry and Alyssa Ruby The next mural at Taylor Pavilion — "past, present, performance" — open call Why the splash pad is closed this summer (and what's being planned in its place) First Friday returns June 5th — band, Artist Alley, vendor fair, Sip and Stroll Hop Blossom on June 6th + the Newberry building after-party KidzFest June 13th — dunk tank, free ice cream, free kids meals, and 30 vendors Juneteenth weekend with Hood Love VA 250 Downtown Jubilee — an all-day July 4th event with three laser-light shows Main Street Masterpieces — local artists in vacant storefronts Memorial Day weekend drone show at Jim Barnett Park (250 drones) New downtown openings — Revival Vintage, Winchester Tavern, Please Boutique, Mood and Moss OLD TOWN WINCHESTER — JUNE AT A GLANCE First Friday — Friday, June 5 • 5 PM onward • Raised on Analog 6:30–8 PM • Artist Alley curated by Tin Top Art • Moon Phase vendor fair Sip and Stroll Hop Blossom (13th annual) — Saturday, June 6 • Newberry building hosts the after-party with live music and merch Kids Fest — Saturday, June 13 • 30 vendors • dunk tank • face painting • street performers • free ice cream from Uncle Beehive's (first 200 kids) • free kids meals from Snow White Grill (first 200) Juneteenth weekend — Saturday, June 20 • event hosted by Hood Love (details on social) Memorial Day weekend — Jim Barnett Park drone show (250 drones) — follow Winchester City Parks on Facebook for weather updates VA 250 Downtown Jubilee — July 4 • all-day event • three 20-minute laser-light shows LINKS & RESOURCES Ritual Spa: theritualspawinchester.com Coven Salon: thecovensalon.com Friends of Old Town: friendsofoldtown.org Friends of Old Town on Facebook: "Friends of Old Town" Friends of Old Town on Instagram: @friendsofoldtownwinc Taylor Pavilion mural — open call for submissions (details on friendsofoldtown.org) Shenandoah Valley Discovery Museum — castle exhibit running all summer Winchester City Parks on Facebook — drone show updates 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 20 years, Valley Health's Metabolic and Bariatric Program has been changing lives in the Northern Shenandoah Valley — and it's almost never about the number on the scale. On this Community Health Day edition of The Valley Today, host Janet Michael sits down with Dr. Christopher Reed (Medical Director and Surgeon), Tiffany Sommer (Nurse Practitioner), and Jennifer Adsit (Registered Dietitian) to talk about why obesity is an incurable disease that requires lifelong support, and how a team-based approach has built the program's reputation. The conversation moves through the multiple "pathways" patients can take — medical weight loss, GLP-1 medications, endoscopic procedures, and surgery — why surgery is still the most durable option for the right patient, and what life actually looks like before, during, and after treatment. Plus: a preview of the program's 20th anniversary celebration on June 10th, open to past, current, and potential future patients alike. WHO'S ON THIS EPISODE Dr. Christopher Reed — Medical Director and Surgeon, Valley Health Metabolic and Bariatric Program Tiffany Summer — Nurse Practitioner, Valley Health Metabolic and Bariatric Program Jennifer Adsit — Registered Dietitian, Valley Health Metabolic and Bariatric Program IN THIS EPISODE (00:00) 20 years of the program — and why a team approach is unusual in this field (01:00) Why post-op life matters more than the surgery itself (02:00) Cutting through diet misinformation — evidence-based, sustainable change (03:30) Portion control over elimination — meeting patients where they are (04:30) Obesity as an incurable disease and why malnourishment drives much of it (06:30) The full menu of options — medical, endoscopic, and surgical (08:00) When surgery isn't the first step — using the medical program to prepare patients (09:00) The moment patients connect food and how they feel (11:30) What a first appointment really looks like — pathways, not pressure (14:00) Why surgery still has the best durable weight loss — and what GLP-1s leave out (15:00) The risk calculator that personalizes every surgical recommendation (16:30) The pre-op process — dietitian visits, behavioral health, and the checklist (18:30) Post-op care for life — labs, vitamins, and why follow-up matters (19:30) The six-month visit — energy, mobility, and lives changed beyond weight loss (21:30) Building healthy habits the whole family benefits from (24:00) The 20th Anniversary Celebration on June 10th — details and how to RSVP (26:00) Free support groups, virtual and in-person (27:00) The adolescent program — comprehensive care starting at age 14 EVENT DETAILS Valley Health Metabolic and Bariatric Program — 20th Anniversary Celebration June 10, 2026 Winchester Medical Center Campus, Conference Center Open to past patients, current patients, potential future patients, and community providers Raffle prizes including vitamin gift baskets and wellness center memberships RSVP via the program's Facebook page LINKS & RESOURCES Valley Health Metabolic & Bariatric Program: valleyhealthlink.com (Our Services → Metabolic and Bariatric Program) Program Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/VHSBariatricProgram  Free monthly support groups — virtual and in-person, with guest speakers and gift card giveaways Adolescent program available starting at age 14 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

This isn't your kid's old YDC. On this episode of The Valley Today, host Janet Michael sits down with Sarah Fishel, Executive Director of the YDC, to talk about how the organization is rethinking what a youth center can be — and how a year in their new building at 302 South Loudoun has opened up the possibilities. The conversation digs into Summerfest, the YDC's 10-week summer program kicking off June 1st with flexible scheduling, guest speakers, literacy and art alongside the physical activity, and scholarships so no kid gets left out. Plus: why their e-sports program is teaching leadership in unexpected ways, how community donations (and Target dollar-section finds) keep the doors open, and a preview of the All-American Pig & Pour bourbon fundraiser coming in July. WHO'S ON THIS EPISODE Sarah Fishel — Executive Director, the YDC IN THIS EPISODE (00:00) A year in the new building at 302 South Loudoun — and gearing up for Summerfest (00:30) What Summerfest is — 10 weeks of activities, literacy, art, and guest speakers (01:00) Flexible scheduling — full summer, weekly, or single-day options (02:00) Ages 6–12 (with flexibility) and why staff diversity matters (03:30) Different rooms for different activities and age-appropriate programming (04:00) Guest speakers including Shenandoah University e-sports and women's basketball (05:00) Why e-sports is teaching leadership to kids who don't want to play basketball (06:00) Logistics — 7:30 AM drop-off, snacks/lunch from home, sunscreen recommended (07:00) The massive parking lot, outdoor space, and scholarship deadline (08:00) Donor relationships and the role of community giving (09:30) Saturday art class moving to Wednesdays during Summer Fest (10:30) First Friday drop-off program for parents on the way (11:00) Two art rooms, two reading rooms, classroom, game room, gyms, new sensory room (13:30) The Apple Blossom float and community-driven ideas (14:30) Volunteer opportunities — and why "advocate" is the most overlooked one (15:30) The All-American Pig & Pour bourbon fundraiser coming in July (16:30) Donation needs — books, board games, art supplies, school supplies (18:00) Where to find everything online EVENT DETAILS Summerfest June 1 – August 2026 (10 weeks) The YDC, 302 South Loudoun Street, Winchester Ages 6–12 (with flexibility) • Drop-off from 7:30 AM Full-summer, weekly, or single-day rates available Limited to 40 kids per week • Scholarships available (deadline May 22, 2026)  Bring: lunch, snacks, sunscreen, change of clothes recommended Register: myydc.org All-American Pig & Pour (signature fundraiser) July 2026 • At the YDC Roasted pig, live band, bourbon — Heaven Hill sponsors Sponsorship opportunities available LINKS & RESOURCES The YDC website (registration, donations, newsletter, Amazon wishlist): myydc.org The YDC on Facebook The YDC on Instagram Donation needs: books, board games, art supplies, school supplies Volunteer signups available through the Point app — info on the website 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

Finding help shouldn't be the hardest part of being a veteran. On this episode of The Valley Today, host Janet Michael talks with three women working to change that: Ashley Moslak, Nicole Hess, and Patricia Young — the people behind the Northern Shenandoah Valley Community Veterans Engagement Board (CVEB) and The HIVE at Shenandoah University. They explain how CVEB acts as a connector that links veterans to the right resources before they get overwhelmed, how The HIVE has become a convening space for veteran service organizations, and why volunteering for this cause looks different than you'd expect. Plus: full details on two upcoming events — the Healing Field of Honor resource setup at Handley High School and the Veterans Community Connection Barbecue at The HIVE. WHO'S ON THIS EPISODE Ashley Moslak — Chair, Northern Shenandoah Valley Community Veterans Engagement Board (CVEB) Nicole Hess — Co-Chair, CVEB; Director of Military Benefits, Shenandoah University Patricia Young — Executive Director, The HIVE (Hazel Pruett Armory — Hub for Innovators, Veterans, and Entrepreneurs); Advisor, CVEB IN THIS EPISODE (00:00) Welcome back — Ashley's first appearance since October 2020 (01:30) Meet the team: CVEB, Shenandoah University, and The Hive (02:00) CVEB history — founded 2017, what a "connector" organization actually does (04:00) Why a single entry point matters when veterans are overwhelmed (05:30) Monthly member meetings, featured speakers, and the resource website (06:00) The five counties CVEB serves — and the Tech For Troops laptop partnership (07:30) How Shenandoah University and The Hive fit into the mission (09:30) Nicole's role — "the worker bee and emotional support friend" (11:30) The Healing Field of Honor at Handley High School and CVEB's resource setup (14:30) The Veterans Community Connection Barbecue — what to expect (17:00) Guitars for Vets, a mobile paint splatter room, and free food (18:30) Volunteering looks different here — veteran-owned businesses can give back (19:30) Making financial donations — CVEB's transparency and Candid platinum rating (20:30) Finding CVEB online and the push to grow social media EVENT DETAILS Healing Field of Honor — CVEB Resource Setup Thursday, May 21, 2026 • 3:00–7:00 PM Handley High School lawn, Winchester (alongside the Winchester Rotary ceremony) Veterans Community Connection Barbecue Thursday, May 28, 2026 • 11:00 AM–2:00 PM The HIVE, Shenandoah University campus • Free • Open to the community, not just veterans • RSVP requested (food count) Live music from Guitars for Vets and a mobile paint splatter room from Prismatic Art Studios • RSVP via the flyer on the CVEB website landing page LINKS & RESOURCES CVEB website, resource guide & barbecue RSVP: nsvcveb.org CVEB on Facebook: facebook.com/NSVCVEB The HIVE on Instagram: su_hive The HIVE programming: hiveprogramming@su.edu Shenandoah HIVE / Patricia Young on LinkedIn GI Bill & veteran student benefits (Shenandoah University): gibill@su.edu Tech For Troops (Richmond) and Guitars for Vets — partner nonprofits mentioned

You wouldn't build a house without an architect or have surgery without the right medical team — so why leave your financial future to chance? On this Luray-Page Chamber edition of The Valley Today, host Janet Michael and Chamber President Gina Hilliard talk with senior financial advisor Mandy Leeth of Being Financial about treating money management as intentional life design — not just data and graphs. Mandy makes the case that it's never too late to start, unpacks the misconceptions that keep people stuck, and explains why women bring a powerful lens to financial planning — especially around the wealth transfer that happens when they outlive their spouses. Plus, Gina shares what's ahead for the Chamber, including a Women in Business luncheon and the Chamber's 100th anniversary banquet. WHO'S ON THIS EPISODE Gina Hilliard — President, Luray-Page Chamber of Commerce Mandy Leeth — Senior Financial Advisor, Being Financial IN THIS EPISODE (00:00) Janet kicks off Season 10 — new cover art, video pieces, and a possible weekend edition coming in June (01:30) "I grow people's money" — why spring is the perfect time to talk financial growth (02:00) Your nest egg isn't a finite number: rethinking what you have (02:30) Intentional life design — looking at dreams and values, not just data (03:30) An overview of Being Financial, founder Jared Troutman, and the tele-advising model (04:30) The two biggest misconceptions: "it's too late" and "I don't need it" (06:30) Why women bring a powerful lens to financial planning (08:00) Why a one-size-fits-all online template is not a blueprint (09:30) You're the CEO of your life — interview your advisor accordingly (11:30) What a simple, complimentary first meeting actually looks like (15:30) The wealth transfer when women outlive spouses — and navigating a windfall (17:30) Behavioral finance and breaking "generational money curses" (19:00) How to reach Mandy and the Being Financial team (20:00) Chamber events: Women in Business luncheon + the 100th anniversary banquet EVENT DETAILS Women in Business Luncheon — Tuesday, May 19, 2026 11:30 AM–1:00 PM • Speaker: Christine Kennedy, leadership & life purpose coach 100th Annual Banquet & Awards — Thursday, May 28, 2026 5:00 PM at the Mimslyn Inn, Luray. Celebrating the Chamber's 100th anniversary (founded 1926) Registration closed — call to check seat availability or join the waiting list. RSVP / contact the Chamber: 540-743-3915 or events@luraypage.com LINKS & RESOURCES Being Financial: being-financial.com Mandy Leith: mandy.leeth@prudential.com Luray-Page Chamber of Commerce: luraypagechamber.com Chamber events & RSVP: events@luraypage.com or 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

Host Janet Michael sits down (virtually) with Candace DeLong, Frederick County Extension Agent, and Master Gardeners Carolyn Sinclair and Jeff Wingate (class of 2025) to talk all things GardenFest — the Northern Shenandoah Valley Master Gardeners' biggest event of the year. Event Details What: GardenFest 2026 When: Saturday, June 6, 2026 | 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM (Parking opens at 7:00 AM) Where: Belle Grove Plantation, Middletown, VA Admission: FREE Rain or shine What's at GardenFest

Host Janet Michael sits down (virtually) with two outstanding graduates from Laurel Ridge Community College, joined by Sally Voth, Public Relations Coordinator for the college. This episode celebrates academic achievement, resilience, and the transformative power of community college education. Guests Maria Valle – Outstanding Graduate, Fauquier Campus Mary Herter Nelson – Outstanding Graduate, Middletown Campus Sally Voth – Public Relations Coordinator, Laurel Ridge Community College Segment 1 – Maria Valle Maria grew up in Argentina with a dream of studying abroad. After moving to Warrenton, Virginia in 2022, she discovered Laurel Ridge was just 10 minutes away. She completed her studies in Administration of Justice and will transfer to Shenandoah University in the fall to pursue a degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice. Key highlights: Navigating higher education in a second language Involvement in PDK Honor Society and student engagement projects Her goal: working in victim services, with a focus on Spanish-speaking communities Completing professional training through Fairfax County on domestic violence and sexual violence Professors Maria credits: Lisa Dunick – English Composition & Literature Lisa Kara – Criminology Tarren Smarr – History & Sociology Maria's advice: "Be open to new experiences, because they can always lead you to wonderful places you never imagined." Segment 2 – Mary Herter Nelson Mary comes from a true Laurel Ridge family — her mother, older brother, and younger sister all attended the college. A homeschool graduate who was initially too shy to enroll, Mary's mom signed her up and helped her take that first step. In just two semesters, she went from nervous newcomer to campus leader. Key highlights: Founded the Laurel Ridge Dance Club and organized a campus square dance Became a Student Ambassador Participated in Mystery Bus trips and campus life events Part of the TRIO program Plans to work as a teacher's aide before pursuing her long-term calling as a religious sister People Mary credits: Rich Follett – College Success Skills (helped her build community) Polly Nesselrodt – Spanish professor and Dance Club sponsor Chris Lambert – Student Life Caroline Walls & Sasha Dawson – Academic advisors Mary's advice: "Find the support system that is going to carry you through. Take the leap with people that you trust."

In this episode, Janet sits down with Kim Herbstritt of Blue Ridge Habitat for Humanity to discuss the 8th Annual Northern Shenandoah Valley Housing Summit. The conversation covers the deep and often overlooked connection between housing conditions and community health, what to expect at this year's free summit, and how Blue Ridge Habitat's home repair program is helping seniors and veterans stay safely in their homes. What You'll Learn in This Episode What the Housing Coalition of the Northern Shenandoah Valley is and why it was founded Why this year's summit theme is Housing is Health How poor housing conditions — mold, leaky roofs, inaccessible entryways — directly impact physical and mental health Why essential workers and workforce families are being priced out of the communities they serve What zoning has to do with the housing shortage — and what Virginia is doing about it How Blue Ridge Habitat's home repair program serves seniors, veterans, and disabled homeowners Details on TWO free housing summits happening in May and June Key Takeaways Housing affects every sector of a community — health, education, workforce, and economic development are all tied to where people live. Families spending 40–50% of their income on housing have little cushion for emergencies, health care, or transportation costs. Habitat for Humanity's home repair waitlist continues to grow, with most requests coming from seniors on fixed incomes. Virginia has completed a statewide zoning atlas — a potentially powerful tool for policymakers and planning commissioners. Long commutes driven by a lack of local affordable housing contribute to stress, poor nutrition, and diminished mental health. Events Mentioned in This Episode 8th Annual NSV Housing Summit

Host Janet Michael welcomes back Jill Savory, founder of The Typewriter Studio in Old Town Winchester, VA, for an update nearly a year after the studio's grand opening. They dive into how the business has grown and evolved, the surprising benefits of making art, and everything you need to know about summer camps and studio memberships. Topics Covered How The Typewriter Studio has changed since opening — from kids' art classes and watercolor to a ceramics-heavy focus What it's like teaching art to adults vs. kids (spoiler: adults are way more nervous) The science behind why making art is good for your brain — lower anxiety, reduced cortisol, and the power of getting into a "flow state" Current gallery artist: Monica James, ceramics professor at Laurel Ridge Community College Upcoming adult workshops in collaboration with Laurel Ridge Community College professors Monica James and Paul Zdevsky A Wall Street Journal article on craft retreats as the new burnout cure 2025 Summer Camps — themes, pricing, age groups, and how to register Partnership with the Discovery Museum for two camp weeks (late June & first week of July) Studio membership tiers and the math that makes them worth it Summer Camps at The Typewriter Studio Who: Rising 1st graders through rising 8th graders When: First week of June through first week of August Themes include: Nature exploration, outer space, critter camp, paper possibilities, cardboard sculpture, Art Through the Ages (STEAM), Messy Makers, fiber arts Format: AM and PM camps available; add lunch bunch to stay all day Friday Fun Days: Drop-in Fridays for families who can't commit to a full week — art walks, splash pad, and studio time Pricing: Starting at $180/week; sibling discounts, school discounts (including Orchard View), and membership discounts available Discovery Museum Partnership Camps (register at discoverymuseum.net): Last week of June: Art Through the Ages + Messy Makers First week of July: Nature + Fiber camps Museum members receive special pricing; lunch bunch option available Studio Memberships Membership Price Perks Household $100/year Discounts on classes, workshops, parties; early camp access Single $50/year Discounts on classes, workshops, and parties Clay $50/month Open studio access (Sun/Tue/Thu), shelf space, up to 3 pieces fired per week Book Mentioned Your Brain on Art — on the neuroscience of creativity and art-making Available at Winchester Book Gallery (https://winchesterbookgallery.com/book/9780593449240) Find The Typewriter Studio Website: typewriterstudio.org Address: 127 South Braddock Street, Old Town Winchester, VA Facebook: The Typewriter Studio Instagram: @typewriter_studio Open Studio Hours: Sundays 11am–2pm | Tuesdays & Thursdays 4–8pm Parking: Street parking; metered out front, free on Cork Street. Use the parking app!

Host Janet Michael sits down (virtually) with VDOT's Ken Slack for a wide-ranging update on major road improvement projects along Interstate 81 in Virginia's Shenandoah Valley. From bridge replacements to public meetings, Ken breaks down what drivers can expect in the months and years ahead. Topics Covered I-81 Widening at Strasburg Project is approximately 40% complete Key work includes replacing the southbound bridge over Cedar Creek and widening the span over the CSX railway Traffic expected to shift toward the median around August to allow the next phase of bridge work Bridge replacements are done in stages to keep traffic moving Emergency Bridge Repair in Woodstock A dump truck with its bed raised struck a bridge on Route 604 in Woodstock last fall; a tractor trailer collision followed VDOT replaced a steel support beam, requiring a temporary southbound closure Extensive outreach was coordinated across Shenandoah, Frederick, and Warren counties I-81 Bridge at Millwood (Exit 313) — Winchester Existing seven-lane bridge will be replaced with a nine-lane structure New bridge will be built just north of the existing one; traffic will shift when ready Surrounding improvements include turn lanes, auxiliary lanes, and pedestrian accommodations Project involves Routes 50, 17, and 522 — one of the most heavily traveled crossings on I-81 Winchester North Improvements (Mile Markers 317–319) Widening of approximately two miles of I-81 on the north end of Winchester Major reconstruction of Exit 317 (Martinsburg Pike/Route 11) Exit 317 will become a diverging diamond interchange — a new design for this part of Virginia Redbud Road relocation is already underway to make way for the project All work bundled under a single design-build contract Public meeting tentatively scheduled for late June — watch VDOT's website and social media for details How VDOT Selects Contractors Projects go out for competitive bid, typically with a 1–2 month window Complex projects may use a design-build approach, allowing contractors to bring innovation to the design Local/regional contractors often have a "home court advantage" with established resources and relationships Larger projects may attract contractors from outside Virginia Public Meetings & Community Input VDOT holds informal open-house style meetings — no podium, no formal testimony required Display boards, one-on-one conversations with engineers, and court reporters available Online surveys run simultaneously so anyone can participate remotely Public input genuinely shapes design decisions — local knowledge of traffic patterns is valued Oranda Park and Ride (Exit 298, Strasburg) Current gravel lot with ~43 spaces will be expanded to approximately 130 spaces Upgrades include full paving, striping, improved lighting, curbing, and a crosswalk across Oranda Road Construction bid awarded soon; work expected to begin summer 2026 No impact anticipated on Route 11 or I-81 traffic during construction Resources & Links improve81.org — Interactive map, project details, public meeting info, and updates on all I-81 capital improvement projects VDOT website — Search "VDOT projects" for information on all projects in the Staunton District Improve 81 Newsletter — Quarterly updates on I-81 CIP projects (sign up at improve81.org)

Host Janet Michael sits down with Winchester City Parks Director Chris Konyar at Jim Barnett Park for an update on everything happening in Winchester's parks system — from a brand-new playground to a 250th anniversary drone show. Topics Covered

Host Janet Michael sits down with Captain Warren Gosnell ("Goz") from the Frederick County Sheriff's Office for another edition of Public Safety Thursday. The two kick off with some relatable chaos — a mic that wasn't turned on, a misplaced phone, spring allergies, and a hilarious on-the-way-in story involving blue lights and a very startled driver. Then they get into the real meat: why Frederick County is leaning into automated traffic enforcement, how LIDAR works, and why treating people with kindness — whether you're the officer or the driver — goes a long way. Spring Chaos & Getting Here Janet's mic was off at the top of the show (she was almost perfect) Goz's busy week: Apple Blossom Festival, a teaching trip to Roanoke, and a bout of bronchitis Spring means more people, more events, more traffic — and longer days on the cul-de-sac On the Way In Stories Goz grabbed KFC nuggets, then flashed his blue lights back at a driver who tried to warn him of a cop ahead Janet watched a car blow a red light right in front of her on Route 522 Is It Illegal to Flash Your High Beams? Letter of the law vs. spirit of the law Flashing lights on ordinary vehicles technically aren't permitted as signals The real goal: slow people down and keep roads safe Law enforcement doesn't mind if you warn others — if it prevents crashes, it's a win Automated Traffic Enforcement in Frederick County School zone speed cameras already in place Red light cameras under consideration at high-crash intersections Possible construction zone cameras on the horizon Why the shift? The county has grown to nearly 130,000 people across 416 square miles — not enough deputies for both calls for service AND proactive traffic enforcement How LIDAR Works Radar beams spread wide (thousands of feet); LIDAR beams stay under 6 inches at 1,000 feet LIDAR operates at the speed of light — vehicle-specific, no room for error Camera only activates if speed exceeds 10 mph over the limit No human bias, no "why didn't you stop that other car?" arguments Kindness on Both Sides of the Window Goz is large and loud — doesn't mean he's mean; body cam footage has cleared him more than once He now tells every driver: "I'm not yelling at you, I'm trying to be heard over traffic" Story of the Ohio driver who ran a red light and accused Goz of "ruining his perfect driving record" Goz's own history: multiple speeding tickets after moving back from Houston, where 75 mph was survival speed The Bottom Line Automated systems aren't replacing officers — they're filling gaps human hands can't cover Deterrence is the goal; if you follow the rules, cameras don't affect you "Safety over convenience."

Host Janet Michael sits down (virtually) with Niki Foster from the Front Royal/Warren County Chamber of Commerce to preview the 38th Annual Virginia Wine and Craft Festival, happening Saturday, May 16th in downtown Front Royal. They cover everything you need to know before you go — tickets, vendors, wineries, food, entertainment, and more. Highlights The festival sold out vendor space nearly a month early for the first time ever — with 30 vendors still on the waitlist The event expanded this year, extending down Chester Street all the way to 2nd Street 24 Virginia wineries will be on hand, representing regions from Charlottesville to the Eastern Shore Mushroom vendors are back — three of them — for the first time in about 10 years Community nonprofits and downtown merchants will have booths alongside craft vendors Vendors & Crafts Handmade jewelry (clay, wire wrap, permanent jewelry) Handmade furniture (wine barrel and reclaimed wood) Clothing and festival/bohemian wear 3D printing, sublimation tumblers, crochet, and more Food & Drink Cousins Maine Lobster Clay's Barbecue Sherry's Crab Cakes Just Fries (hand-cut boardwalk style) Blue Ridge Popcorn Moonshine Fudge Korean fare Dirty soda vendors Lemonade vendors Mason's Lodge roast Downtown Main Street restaurants (open with special day menus) Wine 24 Virginia wineries Tastings included with admission Wine by the glass, bottles, wine slushies, sangria Mead and cider vendors Case check-in service available so you don't have to carry your purchases all day Entertainment Live bands at the gazebo DJ Dan McDermott with karaoke on the square Tickets & Info - Advance tickets: $30 | Gate price: $40 — save $10 by buying ahead! Purchase at: wineandcraftfestival.com Volunteer for a few hours and receive free wine admission Follow on social media: @VAWineandCraft on Facebook and Instagram

Host Janet Michael celebrates a personal milestone — her 2,633rd consecutive episode, breaking Cal Ripken Jr.'s record of 2,632 consecutive baseball games — while sitting down with Winchester Frederick County CVB's Justin Kerns and restaurateur Shawn Steffey to discuss the highly anticipated opening of Miso Tori Ramen Company on Boscawen Street in Old Town Winchester. What We Cover

Host Janet Michael sits down with Deb Fleming, Executive Director of the Greater Shenandoah Valley Chapter of American Red Cross to discuss how they're rethinking its role in the community — moving from an organization that serves communities to one that is truly part of them. They cover community mobilization, the maturity matrix self-assessment, and the upcoming Disaster Leadership Academy. Key Topics Covered What is Community Mobilization? Working with local partners, nonprofits, and residents to assess community needs and build self-sustaining disaster response capacity — without relying solely on Red Cross staff or outside volunteers. The Greater Shenandoah Valley Chapter Covers 11 counties across Virginia, West Virginia, and Maryland. Each community has unique demographics, income levels, ethnic groups, and needs — requiring a tailored approach. The Maturity Matrix An honest internal self-assessment tool the Red Cross is using to evaluate the strength of their community partnerships, operational strategy, and representation. The goal: identify gaps before trying to fix them. The Disaster Leadership Academy Born from a conversation between Janet and Deb over coffee, this program brings together community members, nonprofit staff, elected officials, and emergency managers to learn each other's roles before a disaster strikes. Starting first in Washington County, MD, with plans to expand to Winchester and the wider region. Why Cross-Sector Education Matters Siloed knowledge leads to confusion during disasters — who sets up shelters, who handles food, who manages communications. The Academy helps everyone speak the same language and know who to call. Volunteer Opportunities The chapter needs 37 more deployable volunteers to hit its regional goal. Volunteers can start local and many end up deploying nationally. The Red Cross reports a 94% volunteer satisfaction rate. Resources & Links Sign up to volunteer: RedCross.org

It's a bonus Friends of Old Town episode, recorded right in the thick of Apple Blossom! Janet sits down with Brady Cloven from Friends of Old Town and Holly Redding from Winchester Brew Works to cover everything happening in Old Town this weekend — from parade logistics and parking tips to brand-new businesses and a major announcement about a summer event you won't want to miss. Topics Covered

Janet sits down with Elena Jeannotte to learn about Special Love for Children with Cancer, a nonprofit serving families across the Mid-Atlantic with free camps, family programs, financial assistance, and scholarships. Elena shares the organization's history, its flagship camp programs, and how the community can get involved. Topics Covered The History of Special Love Founded in the 1980s by Tom and Sheila Baker of Winchester, VA after losing their daughter Julie to lymphoma in 1978 Tom Baker partnered with the NIH and the Northern Virginia 4-H Center to launch the first camp in 1983 with 29 campers Now serves up to 100 campers per session, 43 years later — still partnered with NIH and the 4-H Center Camp Fantastic Week-long summer camp for children ages 7–17 with cancer Held at the Northern Virginia 4-H Center in Front Royal, VA NIH provides approximately 50 medical staff (oncologists, nurses, pharmacists, social workers) Children on active chemotherapy are welcome — medical facilities are set up on-site Activities include archery, fishing, swimming, tie-dye, duct tape crafts, and a talent show BRASS Camp (Brothers and Sisters) Free camp for siblings of children with cancer Held at a waterfront facility on the Chesapeake Bay in Leonardtown, MD Designed to make siblings feel celebrated and understood All counselors are former BRASS campers Research published in medical journals has documented the positive impact on siblings' well-being Family & Support Programs Summer Family Day — May 9th at Smokey Glen, MD; free all-day event for the whole family Parents Weekend — Free retreat at a hotel in Tysons Corner, VA; includes speakers, sound baths, massages, and a dinner dance Bereaved Families — All programs are open to families who have lost a child to cancer Financial Assistance — Available to families anywhere in the Mid-Atlantic with a child cancer diagnosis and financial need (help with mortgage, utilities, transportation) Scholarships — For survivors and siblings pursuing college or trade school 13 programs offered throughout the year, all free to families How to Get Involved Volunteer at events including the upcoming golf tournament Play in or sponsor the golf tournament Donate to help fund camp and family programs Upcoming Events

Host Janet Michael sits down with her dear friend Ashley Woodall to talk about raising her son Aiden, who is on the autism spectrum. Ashley opens up about the road to diagnosis, the therapies that have made a difference, what life really looks like day-to-day, and an inspiring community initiative to help first responders better serve individuals with autism. Topics Covered Aiden's Early Signs & Diagnosis Aiden was frequently ill as an infant, which led to early evaluations Speech pathologist flagged developmental concerns and referred the family to Infant & Toddler Connection Early signs included late crawling, late walking, speech regression, sensory sensitivities, and feeding difficulties Pediatrician provided an official autism diagnosis; developmental pediatrician appointment followed Waitlists for developmental specialists can be 1–2 years long Therapies & Early Intervention ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) therapy began in July 2024 — described as life-changing Also received speech therapy, occupational therapy, and developmental therapy in the home Aiden uses an AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) device to help him communicate Identified as a gestalt language processor — learns language through phrases rather than individual words Ashley left her career to become Aiden's primary caregiver and therapy support at home Navigating Daily Life Public outings like grocery shopping can be unpredictable — good days and very hard days Aiden has no sense of danger and is prone to elopement (running away) Meltdowns can look like defiance but are often unmet needs the child cannot communicate Families with autistic children often have a limited support system for childcare Ashley emphasizes the importance of inclusion — autistic children deserve to be part of the community What the Public Should Know Avoid judgment — you don't know what a family has been through before that moment Offer help or kind words; if you can't be helpful, simply walk away Look for sunflower lanyards — a universal symbol that a child or individual is neurodivergent The Sensory Bag Initiative Ashley, her husband Joe, and a group of autism parents assembled 50 sensory bags to donate to local first responders Each bag contains: Noise-canceling headphones Sunglasses (to reduce bright/flashing lights) Fidget and sensory toys Goal: at least one bag on the street at all times across Front Royal Police, Warren County Sheriff's Office, and Warren County Fire & Rescue Funded through community donations; two major contributors, including a family friend whose granddaughter also has autism Bags will be heat-pressed with a design reading "Sensory Bag" and a note crediting community generosity Looking Ahead: A Nonprofit in the Making Ashley is working to establish a 501(c)3 nonprofit to expand the initiative The nonprofit will be dedicated to the memory of her late son Michael, who was known for his generosity and love of giving back Plans include an official Facebook page, website, and broader fundraising once the nonprofit is formalized Key Takeaways Early intervention is critical — don't wait for a formal diagnosis to begin seeking services ABA therapy, AAC devices, and in-home reinforcement can produce remarkable results Empathy and inclusion go a long way for families navigating autism in public spaces First responders equipped with sensory tools can significantly de-escalate situations involving autistic individuals Community generosity can turn a personal struggle into meaningful local change Resources Mentioned Infant & Toddler Connection (through Grafton) DSS Long-Term Care Waiver / Medicaid ABA therapy / Valley Health AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) devices Sunflower Lanyard Program

Host Janet Michael sits down with Shenandoah County Tourism Director Kary Haun and Abby Walters, President of Strasburg Mayfest Inc., to talk all things Mayfest — one of the Shenandoah Valley's most beloved community festivals. Plus, Kary shares highlights from her morning kayak trip on the Shenandoah River. In This Episode What is Strasburg Mayfest and how did it start? The full schedule of events for May 6th–9th How Mayfest became its own nonprofit organization The Heels & Hops luncheon — what to expect Free kids' zone, parade, duck race, and 5K details How local sponsors and volunteers make it all happen The new Mayfest King & Queen tradition Kayaking the Shenandoah River at Seven Bends State Park Riverfront and walkable downtown real estate in Strasburg Key Details: Strasburg Mayfest 2026 Dates: May 8–9 (Carnival opens May 6) Carnival hours: Wed–Thu 6–10pm | Fri 5–10pm | Sat Noon–10pm Heels & Hops Luncheon: Friday, May 8 5K Race: Saturday morning, meet at the high school Pancake Breakfast: Saturday (hosted by Kiwanis) Parade: Saturday at 2:00pm Duck Race: Immediately following the parade Vendors & Crafters: Saturday 10am–5pm on the square Evening Entertainment: Cashmere (Friday) | Robbie Lineman Band (Saturday) — both free Kids' Zone: Free bounce houses, trampolines, face painters, petting zoo Resources & Links Strasburg Mayfest website: strasburgmayfest.com Strasburg Mayfest on Facebook: Strasburg Mayfest VA Shenandoah County Tourism: visitshenandoahcounty.com

Host Janet Michael sits down with Les Sinclair, Communications and PR Manager of the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank to explore how older Americans are both the backbone of the food bank's volunteer workforce and one of its most vulnerable populations. With May designated as Older Americans Month — and the 2026 theme being "Champion Your Health" — the conversation digs into rising food insecurity numbers, the critical role of nutrition, and how the food bank is adapting to increasing demand and shrinking federal support. Key Topics Covered Older Americans as Volunteers Seniors make up a large portion of food pantry volunteers, particularly through church-based programs Over 50% of food pantries operate out of churches Seniors are "aging out" of heavy lifting tasks — food bank supports partners with electric pallet jacks and other equipment Seniors as Food Recipients 1 in 5 seniors visits a food pantry at some point Fixed incomes leave little flexibility when prices rise (gas, groceries, prescriptions) Many seniors batch all monthly errands into a single trip, including food pantry visits Transportation and mobility challenges drive demand for delivery-based food services The Numbers 32+ million pounds of food distributed last fiscal year Currently tracking to exceed that — 16.6 million pounds in the first half of this fiscal year Monthly guest visits have risen from ~171,200 (last fiscal year average) to ~177,000 currently Peak of 194,000 visits recorded in October 2025 amid government shutdown uncertainty USDA food supply is down 31%, requiring the food bank to purchase more food to fill the gap Food as Medicine 5.5 million pounds of the food distributed is produce Proper nutrition can help manage chronic conditions: high blood pressure, kidney disease, diabetes Food bank partners with healthcare clinics to screen patients for food insecurity and send them home with food that meets dietary needs Variety and choice matter — food that isn't eaten provides no nutrition Senior-Specific Programs CSFP (Commodity Supplemental Food Program) / Senior Food Boxes — USDA-funded monthly food boxes for income-qualifying seniors; packed in Charlottesville, distributed region-wide from Winchester to Lynchburg; recently supplemented with additional produce boxes Reach Boxes — Food bank's own program for seniors who don't qualify for USDA boxes; same concept, purchased food USDA Funding & the Farm Bill USDA product reductions create ripple effects throughout the food distribution network The Farm Bill is critical to maintaining nutrition programs, supporting farmers, and funding food banks Smaller pantries may not have the budget to fill USDA gaps — the food bank has issued financial credits to ~120 pantries Food bank is spending ~$700,000 on 400,000 pounds of high-quality, culturally specific proteins (chicken, fish, beef, peanut butter) to distribute for free to partners How the Food Bank is Funded Over 75% of funding comes from individual donors — people giving $5–$10/month $10 = 30 meals; community giving compounds significantly at scale Large corporate donations are rare in the region Upcoming Event: Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive Date: Saturday, May 9th Organized by the Letter Carriers Association (not the post office) Leave non-perishable food items by your mailbox before 8:00 AM Letter carriers will collect and deliver to local pantries or the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank Largest food drive of the year Tips: No glass containers, no perishables — canned goods and boxed items preferred Can also donate online in honor of your letter carrier How to Get Involved Donate food: Leave items at your mailbox on May 9th for Stamp Out Hunger Donate money: Even $5–$10/month makes a difference Find a pantry or get help: brafb.org

Let's Be Friends: An Affair to Remember Video - Recorded at An Affair to Remember | Walking Mall, Winchester, VA Guests: Ian Rushing — Owner, An Affair to Remember (AATR Video) Brady Cloven — Executive Director, Friends of Old Town Winchester What We Talked About: An Affair to Remember (ATR Video) Located at 39 South Loudoun Street on the Walking Mall Offers media digitization: VHS, 8mm, 16mm, reel-to-reel audio, slides, and more Photo printing on-site — standard sizes up to large format prints Wedding videography with multiple price packages Corporate branded storytelling / content creation packages Fun live camera in the store window capturing mall passersby Everything is done in-house — no shipping your memories across the country Turnaround: ~1 week for small orders, 2–3 weeks for larger ones Delivery options: DVD, USB thumb drive, or cloud Coming soon: on-site film development Find them: aatrvideo.com | Facebook & Instagram: @AATRVideo "Have You Met" Video Series A Friends of Old Town initiative produced in partnership with AATR Video Short ~45-second videos introducing Old Town businesses to the public Three questions: Who are you? What don't people know about your shop? Why did you choose Old Town? First video featured Moon Phased — strong engagement and follower growth reported Businesses share videos across their own social media and tag both Friends of Old Town and AATR Taylor Pavilion — Phase One Complete New permanent stage extension (fits a full band) New canopy over the stage for weather/sun coverage New lighting from Mountain Trails wall to the pavilion Public art planned for the Wine Room building wall and Mountain Trails corner Funding: $75K Virginia Main Street downtown improvement grant + $30K from the Winchester EDA + ~$30K in volunteer in-kind hours Phase two in progress: aluminum truss lighting, outdoor weatherproof projector/screens for movies, and more public art First major use of the new stage: Apple Blossom Festival performances Brady's Trip to Tulsa — Main Street America Conference Annual national conference for Main Street directors and staff This year's theme: placemaking — how cities balance preserving history while moving forward Highlights: public art on Route 66, collaborative business activation strategies Connected with Greg Beam (now Assistant Town Manager, Mount Jackson) about future collaborations Upcoming Events in Old Town Winchester: Apple Blossom Kickoff Party — Thursday before Apple Blossom, 6–8:30 PM at Bistro Sojo. Buffet, complimentary wine, DJ, cash bar. Portion of proceeds benefit Highland Food Pantry. Reserve at bistrosojo.com (~20 tickets remaining at time of recording) First Friday — June 5 Hop Blossom — June 6 KidzFest — June 13 Juneteenth — June 19 VA250 Jubilee — Coming in 2026 Full events calendar: friendsofoldtown.org Social: Friends of Old Town on Facebook | @FriendsofOldTownWINC on Instagram

Host Janet Michael sits down with Melanie Mullinax, Communications and Event Manager at Blandy Experimental Farm, to get all the details on the 36th Annual Garden Fair — one of the Shenandoah Valley's most beloved Mother's Day weekend traditions. Event Details

Host Janet Michael sits down with Missy Spielman to discuss the Top of Virginia Regional Chamber's Arising Leadership Program (ALP) — a free, two-week summer program designed to expose local high schoolers to career opportunities right in their own backyard. What You'll Learn in This Episode What the Arising Leadership Program is and how it got started How the ALP differs from the Chamber's Community Leadership Program (CLP) Why exposing students to local industries matters — "If you can't see it, you can't be it" What industries students will explore: manufacturing, agriculture, healthcare, government & public safety, nonprofit, and media How the program addresses common misconceptions about careers What the graduation ceremony looks like and why it matters How businesses and individuals can become sponsors Program Details Who: Rising juniors and seniors in high school (public, private, or homeschooled) Where: Frederick County, Clarke County, and Winchester, VA When: Two weeks in June, starting around June 8 — six full days of programming Cost: Free to students Group size: Up to 20 students Transportation: Provided throughout the day once students arrive at the central drop-off location How to Apply or Get Involved Website: regionalchamber.biz → Arising Leadership Program page Phone: (540) 662-4118, ext. 14 Email: mspielman@regionalchamber.biz Sponsorships: Starting at $500 — contact Missy directly

Host Janet Michael chats with Kristen Laise about an action-packed spring and summer season at Belle Grove Plantation in Middletown, Virginia. From a moving community quilt project honoring the enslaved to a traveling American Revolution exhibit, there's something for history lovers, nature enthusiasts, and families alike. Topics Covered Memorial Quilts Two quilts honoring 270 enslaved individuals at Belle Grove, each name hand-stitched on individual quilt blocks Quilt blocks arranged into family trees to symbolically reunite families separated by slavery A three-year project involving 113 volunteers from the Winchester chapter of the Embroiderers' Guild of America Quilted by Ohio-based African American artist Carole Gary Staples using African boutique fabrics Over 300 community members contributed at least one stitch Now permanently installed on the lower level of the manor house Descendants of enslaved families are being connected — one, Athea Bell-Burton, has joined Belle Grove's board Free Monthly Programs on Enslaved History Docent Scott Terndrup leads monthly storytelling programs (usually the last Sunday of each month at 2:30 PM) Two alternating stories: Judah (an enslaved cook) and Abba  Upcoming dates: Sunday, April 26th and Sunday, May 24th at 2:30 PM — free admission Research newsletters and online exhibits available at: virtual.bellegrove.org Upcoming Events & Workshops Date Event Details Sat, April 25 Apples in the American Landscape 2–4:30 PM, $15, hard cider tasting, apple desserts Sun, April 26 Gourd Birdhouse Class Make & decorate a gourd birdhouse; supplies included Mon, April 28 Give Me Liberty Exhibit Opens Free, runs through June 7th Sat, May 9 Special Reduced Admission Day $5 (ages 12+), kids free; talk by Ranger Christopher Mattingly at 1 PM Sat, June 6 Garden Fest 8 AM–2 PM, NSVMGA plant sale, demos, food trucks, free admission Sat, June 13 Descendants Day (Juneteenth) Memorial walk, genealogy resources, music, food trucks Nature's Expressions Workshop Series Ongoing throughout the year; supplies included in class fees Upcoming topics: basket making (May), goat soap, patriotic wreath (June) Details at bellegrove.org Give Me Liberty Traveling Exhibit Highlights Virginia's role in the American Revolution Originated at the Virginia Museum of History and Culture in Richmond Includes two custom panels on local Revolutionary War figures: Isaac Hite and the Bowman Brothers (John, Joseph, and Isaac) Free to view; open during regular Belle Grove hours April 28 – June 7 Descendants Day – June 13 Honoring Juneteenth weekend Begins with a memorial service at Walnut Springs Christian Church in Oranda, VA Commemorates Benjamin Tanny, an enslaved man at Belle Grove who was baptized at that congregation Includes a walk, genealogy tables, storytelling, music, and food trucks Genealogist Lisa Johnson will be on hand (specializes in Warren, Clarke, and Frederick Counties) Visit Belle Grove - Hours: Mon–Sat 10 AM–4 PM | Sun 1–5 PM Manor house tours: Guided, paid admission Grounds & hiking trails: Free; ~3 miles connecting to Cedar Creek Battlefield Foundation trails Dogs welcome on the trails Website: bellegrove.org Virtual exhibits & research: virtual.bellegrove.org Social media: Facebook & Instagram Membership: https://bellegrove.org/membership  Volunteers: Always welcome — visit the volunteer tab on the website: https://bellegrove.org/volunteer 

In this episode, host Janet Michael chats with Kit Redmer, Communications Director for the City of Winchester, and several of her fellow Civic Leadership Academy (CLA) classmates about their experiences in this immersive, nine-month program designed to connect residents with their local government. What is the Civic Leadership Academy? The CLA is a program run by the City of Winchester that gives civically minded residents an inside look at how their city operates. Participants tour city departments, learn about the budget, meet city staff, and discover ways to get more involved. The program runs September through May, meeting the third Friday of each month from 1–4 PM. Applications are now open! The next cohort begins in September. Up to 20 Winchester residents will be selected.

Host Janet Michael sits down with Emily Shultz, Warren County 4-H Extension Agent, to talk about everything you need to know about 4-H overnight camps in the Northern Shenandoah Valley. In This Episode: What 4-H overnight camps are and who they're for Camp dates, locations, and county clusters Age requirements and the 4-H age cutoff explained What a typical camp week looks like (no screens!) Activities offered at camp The teen counselor and CIT (Counselor-in-Training) program Cost, registration, scholarships, and deadlines Why 4-H camp stands out from other overnight camps What kids take home beyond the fun Key Details:   Page, Frederick & Shenandoah Warren, Clarke & Rappahannock Dates June 14–18 July 5–9 Location 4-H Center, Front Royal, VA 4-H Center, Front Royal, VA Ages 9–13 (4-H age as of Sept. 30) 9–13 (4-H age as of Sept. 30) Cost TBD – contact your county agent $400 (scholarships available) Registration Deadline Contact your county agent May 31 Activities Include: Archery · Arts & Crafts · Bracelet Making · Canoeing · Creek & Critters · Campfire Cooking · High Ropes · Horseback Riding · Leather Crafts · Newspaper Photography · Outdoor Living Skills · Swimming · Tie-Dye · Wacky Science Contact & Resources: Emily Shultz, Warren County 4-H Extension Agent Phone: (540) 635-4549 Email: eShultz@vt.edu Warren County 4-H Facebook Page Clarke-Warren-Rappahannock Camp Website: https://sites.google.com/vt.edu/cwr4-hcamp/home Find your local county extension agent at your county's Virginia Cooperative Extension office Shenandoah County 4-H Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShenandoahCounty4H / 540-459-6140 Clarke County 4-H Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ClarkeCounty4H / 540-955-5164 Frederick County 4-H Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FrederickVA4H/ 540-665-5699  

Host Janet Michael sits down with Jodi Young, Executive Director of Healthy Families Northern Shenandoah Valley, and Tracy Mitchell, Manager of Valley Health's Wellness Services and Risk Reduction, to explore a free home visiting program that supports new and expectant parents from pregnancy through a child's fifth birthday — and why April's Child Abuse Prevention Month makes this conversation especially timely. What You'll Learn What Healthy Families is and how the home visiting model works Who qualifies for the program and how to enroll Why the first five years of a child's life are so critical for development How Valley Health supports Healthy Families as its host agency How the community can donate, fundraise, or spread the word Key Takeaways Healthy Families serves families from 20 weeks prenatal through age 5, with visits as frequent as once a week in the early months The program is completely free — no income guidelines, no insurance requirements Services include parenting education, developmental screenings, and referrals to community resources Healthy Families Northern Shenandoah Valley is one of 28 sites across Virginia and serves Winchester City, Frederick County, Warren County, and Clarke County The program is rooted in evidence-based research showing that home visiting reduces child abuse and neglect Valley Health provides operational support including grant writing, marketing, and foundation resources How to Get Involved Donate supplies: diapers, formula, car seats, pack-and-plays, baby blankets Organize a drive: Get your church group, workplace, or community organization involved Make a monetary donation Spread the word: Share with pregnant friends, family, or anyone who might benefit Contact Healthy Families NSV directly to ask about current needs Find Healthy Families NSV Facebook: Healthy Families NSV Via Valley Health: https://www.valleyhealthlink.com/our-locations/profile/healthy-families-nsv-resource-center/ Fetal Medicine

Host Janet Michael visits the Winchester SPCA — the original home of her own dogs, Briscoe and Miller — for a conversation with Executive Director Lavenda Denney about the organization's growing campus, April membership drive, and the community programs that make them more than just a shelter. Topics Covered The Winchester SPCA Campus — Located at 111 Feathered Lane in Winchester, the campus includes an adoption center, a 10,000 sq. ft. thrift store, a small vet clinic, an intake building, and a free coffee bar (with a second one coming soon to the lobby, courtesy of Timber's Cafe) What They Do — Primarily dogs and cats, but will accept any domestic animal; all wildlife is referred to Blue Ridge Wildlife Center April Membership Drive — Memberships start at $25 (seniors) and go up to $1,000 (lifetime); members receive 10% off at the thrift store and voting rights at the annual meeting Pet First Aid Kits — Free mini kits available to existing members during April; includes tick remover, antiseptic wipes, quick-reference first aid facts, and more No-Kill Shelter — Winchester SPCA has been no-kill since 2014, achieving a 98% save rate last year Transfer Program — The SPCA pulls animals from other shelters where they may face space-related euthanasia Volunteers — Nearly 500 active volunteers; 2026 Volunteer of the Year: Bill Shanholtz Foster-to-Adopt Program — Animals with uncertain behavioral histories can go home on a trial basis before adoption is finalized Meet Mirabel — A sweet senior dog currently available for adoption; best suited as an only pet in a quiet home Janet's Adoption Story — Janet shares how she came in as a foster and walked out with two puppies How to Get Involved Become a member: winchesterspca.org → Membership Visit: 111 Feathered Lane, Winchester, VA Follow on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok

Host Janet Michael welcomes back Guy Curtis — wearing his Little League hat this time rather than his Laurel Ridge Community College one — along with Terra Walker, Frederick County National Little League's information officer, to discuss the organization's ambitious capital campaign to expand and improve youth sports facilities in the Winchester and Frederick County area. About Frederick County National Little League Established in 1984 Serves Winchester, Stephens City, Middletown, and the southern end of Frederick County Nonprofit 501(c)3, fully volunteer-run organization Currently 25–35 teams per spring season with over 350 active players Fall season also active, though smaller in size 100+ volunteers each season Topics Covered The Capital Campaign Goal — Raising $500,000 to expand and improve facilities, starting with the Passage Road complex in Stephens City Current Facilities — Three existing fields at Passage Road; infrastructure is aging and in need of upgrades including paved parking, permanent bathrooms, refurbished batting cages, and field maintenance New T-Ball Field — Plans to add a fourth, more versatile multi-purpose field suited for T-ball and coach pitch divisions Naming Rights — Available for the new T-ball field and potentially the entire Passage Road complex for major donors Long-Term Dream: Indoor Facility — A year-round indoor sports space for practices, camps, clinics, umpire training, and community events; would eliminate weather-related cancellations and serve the broader community Field Lighting — A potential future upgrade to allow evening games at Passage Road Growing the League — Anticipating regional population growth and ensuring the league can accommodate more players, particularly in the younger T-ball and coach pitch age groups (4–7 years old) Life Skills Through Sports — Guy reflects on 10 years of coaching and the value of teamwork, communication, sportsmanship, and leadership development through youth baseball and softball Fundraising Opportunities Charity Golf Tournament — June 5th at Rock Harbor Golf Course, 9:00 AM shotgun start $125 per player / $500 per team Still seeking a title sponsor Register: givebutter.com/FCNLLCharityGolf or fcnll.com Pitch In For The Future Fundraiser — Spring season drive where each player fundraises within their own network Game Day Sponsorships — Sponsor a Saturday at Sherando Park; includes interaction with families and free popcorn for all attendees; openings still available for spring season General Donations — All amounts welcome; every dollar supports the campaign Volunteer & Board Opportunities — Coaches, board members, and general volunteers always needed How to Get Involved Website: fcnll.com Facebook page: Frederick County National Little League

Host Janet Michael talks with Nathan Stalvey about the Clarke County Historical Association's spring Art at the Mill show, upcoming VA250 events in Clarke County, and behind-the-scenes updates on the historic Burwell-Morgan Mill. Art at the Mill – Spring 2026 Dates: Saturday, April 18 – Sunday, May 3, 2026 Hours: Sunday–Friday, 12–5pm | Saturdays, 10–5pm Location: Burwell-Morgan Mill, Millwood, VA Admission: $5 adults | $3 seniors | Children 12 & under free Free admission with a show postcard or print advertisement Submissions: 300+ artists, nearly 950 works Media: Oils, acrylics, pastels, pencil, charcoal, glass sculpture, wood turning, baskets, and more Art rotates daily as pieces sell; reserve works come down from storage throughout the first week Online Gallery available at opening — browse, call in, and purchase by phone during business hours Artist bios included in the online gallery Behind the Scenes The jury/volunteer committee selects which works are accepted and chooses the signature postcard image Hanging is a curated process — color, style, and framing are all factored in for each placement Works range from 5 ft. x 4 ft. down to 4 in. x 4 in. Artists set their own prices based on experience, materials, framing, and time The show has been running since 1990 VA250 – America's 250th Anniversary Events in Clarke County Clarke County's VA250 Committee brings together local nonprofits, businesses, and organizations for a multi-year series of events running through 2031. Upcoming Highlights: April 18 @ 2pm – Taking Tea and Taxes — Celeste Fetta, Chief Educator at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, speaks at Barns Rose Hill on material culture and the revolutionary spark behind colonial tea culture May 16 (Saturday evening) – Liberty Ball at Long Branch — black-tie celebration of America's 250th, featuring music, fife and drum, and food May 17 @ 2pm – Blandy at 100: Communities that Give Rise to Scientific Discovery — talk at Blandy Experimental Farm May 17 @ 2pm – Nathan Stalvey presents Religion in Early America: From Colony to the Republic, tracing the First and Second Great Awakenings from the 1740s to the 1840s 4th of July – Coordinated community events; CCHA plans to grind red, white, and blue corn at the Burwell-Morgan Mill Mill Updates Mill Dam project: Complete — a major restoration that had been a long-running concern Greater face wheel repairs: Underway — the gear connecting the water wheel to the grindstones needs new mill teeth, being hand-crafted by a certified historic millwright to original spec Mill grinding expected to resume mid-May (pending repairs) Future projects: mill pond dredging, water wheel maintenance Support the Clarke County Historical Association Memberships, donations, and volunteers are vital — volunteer hours count toward grant applications Learn more: clarkehistory.org Facebook & Instagram: @ClarkeHistory

Guests: Sam Armel – Founder, Frederick County Homesteaders; local real estate agent Kristin Tesdall – Five Roots Farm (fiverootsfarm.com) Jaclyn Mommen – Laurel Grove Wine Farm & Patty's Place (laurelgrovewinefarm.com) What We Cover: Why Frederick County Homesteaders is switching from a farm crawl to a farm hop — and what that means for families, those with mobility challenges, and anyone who couldn't make it farm-to-farm How the new centralized format opens the door to more farms, vendors, nonprofits, 4-H clubs, and demonstrations than ever before The bigger mission: doubling farm profit margins by connecting consumers directly with local farmers Why the data center threat in Frederick County has energized the community to take action in support of local agriculture Event Details: Spring Farm Hop Date: April 18th Time: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM Location: Frederick County Virginia Fairgrounds Admission: FREE (no parking fees, no entry fees) RSVP encouraged: frederickcountyhomesteaders.com → Events What to Expect at the Event: ~60 vendors including local farms, homesteads, and micro hatcheries Demonstrations: Raw milk butter making (Old Cedar Farmstead), herbal infusions (Willow Moon Farm), fermentation/sauerkraut/kimchi, sourdough, canning Panel 1 – Healthy Living Locally (10:00 AM): Raw milk & herd shares, herbal remedies, chiropractic and movement Panel 2 – Homesteading 101 (afternoon): Getting started, land stewardship, Q&A with experienced homesteaders Live bluegrass music over the lunch hours Kids' activities: Scavenger hunt with prizes, young entrepreneur vendor section Plant sales & swaps, animal swaps, livestock sales CSA & herd share sign-ups Lunch service by Chef Van Haute from Inn at Vaucluse Springs About the Farms: Five Roots Farm A micro farm on just over 5 acres on the west side of Frederick County. Raises sheep (wool, dairy & meat), ducks, chickens, geese, and rabbits. Offers a self-service farm stand stocked with eggs and seasonal produce. Upcoming workshop: Sheep on the Homestead – April 25th fiveroottsfarm.com | @fiveroottsfarm on Facebook & Instagram Laurel Grove Wine Farm & Patti's Place Home to one of the best regenerative wine collections in the US, now shipping nationwide. Offers workshops on composting, vermicomposting, home gardening, and holistic medicine. Hiking trails and a playground coming soon. Marketplace hours: Wed–Sun, 10 AM – 4 PM Café hours: Thu–Sun, 11 AM – 3 PM laurelgrovewinefarm.com | @LaurelGroveWineFarm | @PattyPlace_LGWF Coming Up from Frederick County Homesteaders: Expanded Annual Shop Local Guide – launching June during Love Your Farmer Week (think: Southern Living for Frederick County — recipes, farm stories, interviews) Available at local farms, farm markets, and tourism departments throughout Frederick County Connect & Learn More: Frederick County Homesteaders: frederickountyhomesteaders.com RSVP for the Farm Hop on the Events page (helps vendors prep food & product quantities!) Sponsorship opportunities available — includes banner placement on Route 11 fencing for a week prior to the event

In this episode, host Janet Michael talks with Traci Toth, Executive Director of Wheels for Wellness, and Ann Lamanna, board chair and volunteer driver, about the vital free medical transportation service they provide to residents across the Winchester, VA region — and their upcoming 10th annual fundraiser, Tablescapes. About Wheels for Wellness Wheels for Wellness provides free transportation to medical appointments for people who lack other means of getting there. Their service area covers: Winchester Frederick County Clarke County Warren County Northern Shenandoah County Who they serve: Any ambulatory adult (ages 20–90+) who is not a Medicaid recipient and needs a ride to a medical appointment. They serve all income levels and age groups. Types of appointments covered: Dialysis (approximately 68% of current transports) Chemotherapy & radiation Doctor's appointments Dental & hearing appointments Diagnostic procedures (colonoscopies, imaging, etc.) How Volunteering Works Volunteers use their own vehicle and gas Completely flexible scheduling — no minimum hours required Volunteers sign up only for trips that fit their schedule Wheels for Wellness provides secondary accident liability insurance for all drivers Last year, volunteer drivers logged 130,000 miles Tablescapes 2026 — A Decade of Design 10th Annual Fundraiser

Guests Cynthia Schneider — CEO, Top of Virginia Regional Chamber; 2026 Distinguished Alumni Award Recipient, Laurel Ridge Community College Liv Heggoy — Associate Vice President of Development, Laurel Ridge Community College & Executive Director, Laurel Ridge Educational Foundation Brandy Hawkins Boies — Director of Public Relations & Special Events, Laurel Ridge Community College Episode Summary Host Janet Michael sits down with three guests to celebrate Cynthia Schneider's recognition as Laurel Ridge Community College's 2026 Distinguished Alumni Award recipient. The conversation covers Cynthia's winding career path, the transformative power of community college, and how it's never too late to start a new chapter. Key Topics Covered The Distinguished Alumni Award Awarded for over 40 years to community members who have distinguished themselves in their career and service Recipients are honored each year at the Laurel Ridge Educational Foundation luncheon The luncheon brings together donors and scholarship recipients to celebrate the college's impact Cynthia Schneider's Story Began college at James Madison University before transferring to an unaccredited college in Kansas to pursue her faith Built a 25-year career in specialty food manufacturing, rising from data entry to Director of Operations Found herself jobless at 57, newly empty-nested, facing one of the lowest points of her life Enrolled at Laurel Ridge through a grant opportunity — a turning point that rebuilt her confidence Landed at the Top of Virginia Regional Chamber as Director of Finance & Administration, eventually becoming CEO Reflects on learning to step out of the background and embrace a visible leadership role The Laurel Ridge Difference A nurturing, intergenerational learning environment serving students ages 14–70 Cynthia's memorable classroom moment: learning to take a photo of the board instead of writing notes — sitting next to her son's classmate Cynthia's daughter Sarah went from a 1.9 GPA in high school to the Dean's List at Laurel Ridge, then transferred to JMU via the guaranteed transfer program, earned her degree in Communications, and went on to complete a master's program On Reinvention & Lifelong Learning Cynthia's message: at 69, she feels like she's "just starting" The value of community and mentorship in leadership Encouragement especially for women and those in midlife to embrace new opportunities Quotes to Highlight "Learning is lifelong — and she is such a wonderful example of someone who has just advanced so much in her career." — Liv Heggoy "I would never have thought of myself as a distinguished leader. I'm better, more comfortable in the background." — Cynthia Schneider "No one's path is straight. I've not met one single person here at the college that knew exactly what they were going to do." — Brandy Hawkins Boies Resources & Links Distinguished Alumni nominations: laurelridge.edu/alumni Visit & registration info: laurelridge.edu/visit Fall 2026 credit class registration is now open Workforce & continuing education classes register year-round

Janet sits down with John Keim from the Clarke County Litter Committee to talk about the county's Earth Day celebration and the ongoing effort to keep Clarke County clean and beautiful. They discuss how small, everyday actions can make a big difference — and how you can get involved no matter how much time you have. Clarke County Earth Day Event Details Date: April 25th Time: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM Location: Clarke County Fairgrounds What to Expect: Community litter pickup (9:00 AM kickoff) Speaker: Ed Carter, Virginia Department of Transportation — Adopt-a-Highway program Rain barrel demonstration Glass bottle crushing demonstration Vendor booths from local environmental and community organizations Raffle and silent auction Face painting for kids Live music Food truck Participating Organizations Include: Blandy Experimental Farm Northern Shenandoah Valley Master Gardeners Shenandoah River Keepers Blue Ridge Wildlife Center Clarke County Animal Shelter (accepting donations: adult dry cat food) Key Takeaways You don't have to commit to hours of volunteering — even 20–30 minutes in your neighborhood makes an impact VDOT spends an estimated $9.3 million per year collecting trash; every bag picked up saves taxpayer dollars Trash near waterways can affect livestock and wildlife downstream Keeping roads clean discourages further littering The Litter Committee does pickups approximately once a month Getting Kids Involved: Clarke County students have designed litter-awareness signs displayed around the county The committee is working to engage schools and younger students The Litter Committee sponsors a college scholarship for high school students focused on environmental awareness How to Get Involved Website: https://www.clarkecounty.gov/government/boards-commissions/litter-committee  Email: litterfree@clarkecounty.gov Can't make regular pickups? Consider adopting a stretch of road in your neighborhood or picking up trash on your daily walk

Host Janet Michael and Winchester Tourism Director Justin Kerns visit Three Wives Distillery, the first farm distillery in Frederick County, Virginia in over 90 years. They sit down with owners Vernon and Toni Wright to explore how a century-old family farm transformed into a thriving craft distillery — and what it takes to bring locally grown spirits to the public. In This Episode How Hill High Farm (home of a beloved pumpkin patch, corn maze, haunted house, and escape rooms) became the site of a farm distillery Vernon's journey as a self-taught distiller, growing all his own corn, barley, rye, and wheat on the farm Current product lineup: 4-year bourbon, 6-month whiskey, vodka, maple whiskey, moonshine, and a blackberry whiskey coming soon The complex federal and Virginia ABC regulations distilleries must navigate — including label approval, the 3-ounce spirits limit per person, and operating as an official ABC store Their farm-to-bottle philosophy, including a Pennsylvania cooper who will craft barrels from the farm's own oak trees Seasonal cocktail menus and partnerships with local craft beer and wine producers Plans to sell farm-raised beef at the distillery Their solicitor's license and how local restaurants can feature Three Wives spirits on their menus The origin of the name "Three Wives" — a family story spanning three generations and three marriages Four generations of the Wright family currently living and working on the farm Upcoming spring grand opening with live music, food trucks, fire pits, and family activities Current hours and future expansion plans The Story Behind the Name Vernon's great-grandfather, Carl King Wright, married a woman named Maude Brumback, who passed away after only two years. At her request, Carl then married her sister Lela — Vernon's great-grandmother — for 18 years before she also passed. Carl went on to marry a third time, to a cousin of the Brumback family. The name honors the women behind the farm's deep family history. Connect with Three Wives Distillery Website: threewivesdistillery.com Facebook: Three Wives Distillery TikTok: Three Wives Distillery Location: Hill High Farm, Frederick County, Virginia  Current Hours: Friday: 5–8 PM Saturday: 1–9 PM Sunday: 1–5 PM

Featuring Deb Fleming, Executive Director, Greater Shenandoah Valley Chapter of the American Red Cross Episode Summary Host Janet Michael continues her year-long disaster preparedness series with a return visit from Deb Fleming of the American Red Cross. This episode goes behind the curtain to reveal the extensive planning, training, and funding that makes local disaster response possible — before a single disaster ever strikes. What You'll Learn in This Episode Why the Red Cross can't just "show up" — and what preparation really looks like The 30+ volunteer roles that must be trained and ready before any disaster hits How the Red Cross builds relationships with local governments, fire departments, EMTs, and emergency planning commissions What a "Thunderbolt" exercise is and why it matters How mock disasters (plane crashes, mine incidents, nuclear scenarios) keep volunteers sharp Why 90% of Red Cross responses never make the news How donations stay local when you give to the Greater Shenandoah Valley chapter The real cost of disaster relief — broken down dollar by dollar Dollar Breakdown: Where Your Donation Goes Amount Impact $20 Provides breakfast, lunch, and dinner for one person $22 Installs a 10-year battery smoke alarm in a home $124 Covers travel, meals, and one day of shelter for one person (including shelter worker training) $135 Provides cleanup kits for five families after a flood $670 Delivers immediate assistance (hotel, clothing, food, shoes) to a family after a house fire Ways to Support the Greater Shenandoah Valley Red Cross One-time or monthly donation: redcross.org Contact Deb directly for larger gifts, customized giving plans, or corporate partnerships Corporate matching programs — even small businesses can double their team's impact "Bring your checkbook" dinners — host friends, raise funds Point-of-sale roundups — grocery stores and gas stations can collect spare change at checkout Board giving — all Greater Shenandoah Valley Red Cross board members donate financially to the mission Key Takeaways The Greater Shenandoah Valley chapter covers 11 counties with only 3 paid staff — volunteers are the backbone Money donated locally stays local Disasters don't wait — the Red Cross operates on call 24/7/365 Every dollar counts, no matter the size Connect & Learn More Website: redcross.org