Podcast appearances and mentions of janet michael

A string of pearls runs along Route 11 — and every one of them is built for summer. On this Shenandoah County Tourism Tuesday edition of The Valley Today, host Janet Michael is joined on the Zooms by Kary Haun and Brittany Clem-Hott for a conversation devoted to the best of summer in Shenandoah County, from Strasburg to New Market and everywhere between. Three Valley League baseball teams, a county full of ice cream stands, fireworks displays, summer music series in nearly every town, the river walks of Seven Bends State Park and Lake Laura, dozens of outdoor-dining patios, and an underground 55-degree cavern for the days when the heat just won't quit. Whether you live in Shenandoah County or you're just a drive away, this episode is a complete summer planning guide. SUMMER IN SHENANDOAH COUNTY — AT A GLANCE BASEBALL (Valley League — collegiate, community-hosted, family-affordable) • Strasburg Express • Woodstock River Bandits (Central High School stadium) • New Market Rebels (Rebel Park) • Schedules, scores, rosters, stats: valleybaseballleague.com ICE CREAM (a few favorites mentioned on the show) • Katie's Custard — Route 11, near the Woodstock games • Sugar Creek — Route 11, Woodstock (now near the Food Lion; still bright pink) • Ice Cream Depot — downtown Strasburg • Peep's Ice Cream Stand — New Market • Smiley's Ice Cream — Basye (with putt-putt and gem sluicing) • Edinburg mini golf and ice cream — right off Route 11 FIREWORKS — JULY 2026 (VA250) • New Market — Thursday, July 3 • Woodstock — at the fairgrounds (July 4) • Strasburg — town display (July 4) • Bryce Resort — fireworks on the slopes (July 4) MUSIC SERIES THIS SUMMER • Strasburg — Front Porch Live (Thursday evenings) • Woodstock — Woodstock ROCS at the community park • New Market — Crossroads Fest at Rebel Park • Vineyards, breweries, and wineries across the county host live music throughout the summer (full list on the events tab at visitshenandoahcounty.com) RIVER & WATER WALKS • Seven Bends State Park (Woodstock) — three-mile riverside loop with kayak rentals from the Hollingsworth side to the Lupton side • Strasburg River Walk — near the town municipal park • Lake Laura (Bryce) — 2.5-mile loop, paddle boats, paddle boards OUTDOOR DINING (a sampler from the show) • Box Office Brewery — Strasburg • Bean's Barbecue — Edinburg (mostly takeout; perfect for a picnic) • Miller Grill — New Market • Woodstock Cafe — front and back patios with strung lights • Flour to Fork — alleyway summer dinner series, plus pizza Wednesdays and dinners Fridays • Swover Creek Farms — wood-fired pizza, sausages, dog-friendly, kid-friendly • Woodstock BrewHouse — patio with Thursday live music • Pale Fire — pizza and beer, Basye • The Burn Barrel — Basye WHEN IT'S TOO HOT TO BE OUTSIDE • Shenandoah Caverns — guided one-hour tours, 55° year-round, exceptionally family-friendly LINKS & RESOURCES • Shenandoah County Tourism: visitshenandoahcounty.com (Events tab for the full summer calendar; search bar to look up any business or attraction) • Valley Baseball League — schedules, scores, rosters, and YouTube replays: valleybaseballleague.com • Seven Bends State Park: dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/seven-bends 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

She saw the commercial — the one with the Red Cross volunteer in the red vest, hugging someone, handing over a blanket — and told her husband, "When I retire, I want to be that person." On this episode of The Valley Today, host Janet Michael continues her year-long Red Cross series with Deb Fleming, Executive Director of the Greater Shenandoah Valley Chapter, who brings along volunteer Jill Johnson — a retired teacher who has now been deployed five times (three nationally, two locally) and is on standby for another deployment as the conversation is happening. Jill walks through the surprisingly simple sign-up process at redcross.org, how the certifications stack (sheltering, feeding, and more), and the dual paths she's chosen: Prepare with Pedro, a K-2 disaster preparedness program she teaches in local schools, churches, and scout groups, alongside national deployments to Hurricane Ian in Fort Myers, the Southern California floods and mudslides, and Hurricane Helene in Asheville. She shares what it actually looks like inside a shelter — bearded dragons, dancing parrots, Tide trucks doing laundry, FEMA tents holding a thousand people for dinner — and why the Red Cross changed its pet policy after recognizing that families won't evacuate without their animals. Plus: Deb's good news that the chapter has already hit its volunteer recruitment goals for the year because so many people stepped up in unexpected ways. ABOUT THE GREATER SHENANDOAH VALLEY CHAPTER The American Red Cross Greater Shenandoah Valley Chapter serves the region with disaster response, blood services, military family support, health and safety education, and community preparedness programs. The chapter has met its 2026 volunteer recruitment goals — including a recent reduction in target numbers based on how well the local chapter has performed. ABOUT PREPARE WITH PEDRO A free Red Cross disaster preparedness program designed for children in grades K-2. The program uses books, videos, songs, and hands-on activities to teach kids the basics of home fire safety — including escape plans, meeting places, smoke alarm checks, the "get low and go" technique for smoke, and coping/breathing exercises that apply to disasters and everyday stressful moments. Available free to classrooms, scout groups, church groups, and any setting with children. Schools and groups can request a visit through their local Red Cross chapter. WAYS TO VOLUNTEER (THERE'S MORE THAN YOU THINK) • Direct disaster response — sheltering, feeding (local and national deployments, two-week commitments) • Disaster preparedness education — Prepare with Pedro, hands-only CPR, home fire safety • Smoke alarm installation in partnership with local fire departments • Behind-the-scenes — logistics, supply, planning, weather tracking, government operations coordination • Blood services support • Military family support (armed forces programs) • Local events and community outreach • Set your own schedule — volunteer as much or as little as your life allows LINKS & RESOURCES • Sign up to volunteer: redcross.org → click "Volunteer"  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

Deworm every animal every time, and pretty soon the dewormer stops working. On this Extension Office Friday edition of The Valley Today, host Janet Michael is back on the Zooms with Elizabeth Mullins Baldwin (Page County Extension agent) and Cynthia Fairbanks (Warren County Extension agent) to talk about herd health for the region's growing population of small-ruminant producers — and a hands-on FAMACHA certification workshop coming up at the Warren County Fairgrounds on Saturday, July 11th. The conversation starts with a friendly reality check for anyone thinking about getting into sheep or goats — yes, they're a great entry point into farming, but also yes, "do your homework before you go to the sale" is the single best piece of advice the Extension office can give. Then Cynthia and Elizabeth walk through what FAMACHA actually is — a science-based, color-card system developed in 1990s South Africa by Dr. Faffa Malan that helps producers decide which animals actually need deworming and which don't, based on real-time signs of anemia from the barber pole worm. The result: less money wasted on dewormer, less resistance built up in parasites, and healthier animals. Workshop attendees get hands-on practice, a FAMACHA certification, fecal egg count demonstrations, and the science-backed answers to all the "but I heard you can just feed them a Christmas tree" home remedies floating around. EVENT DETAILS — FAMACHA CERTIFICATION WORKSHOP Saturday, July 11, 2026 • 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM Warren County Fairgrounds • $30 per person (flat fee, regardless of farm size) • Breakfast included • Open to producers from any county • Pre-registration required WHAT YOU'LL LEARN AND LEAVE WITH • FAMACHA certification (with certificate) • Hands-on practice scoring real sheep and goats with the FAMACHA color card • Demonstration of proper fecal sample collection (Elizabeth) • Live microscope demo of fecal egg counts (a powerful tool for measuring dewormer resistance) • Science-based review of internal and external parasites common in Virginia • A look at popular herbal/home remedies — and which ones research actually supports • Direct Q&A with Extension agents WHO IT'S FOR • Current sheep and goat producers • New producers building up their first herd • Anyone considering sheep or goats in the future who wants to know what they're getting into • Camelid (llama and alpaca) owners — newly included this year • Producers concerned about dewormer resistance and rising input costs HOW TO REGISTER • Online registration - click here or get the flyer here.  • In person at your local Extension office (cash or check) • By phone — call either Extension office directly A NOTE ON FAMACHA FAMACHA was developed in South Africa in the early 1990s by veterinarian Dr. Faffa Malan, in response to widespread blanket deworming that was creating costly dewormer-resistant parasites. The system uses a color card matched to the eye mucous membrane of the animal to score anemia on a 1-5 scale — a real-time, non-invasive proxy for packed cell volume (red blood cell concentration). It's specifically designed to detect the effects of the barber pole worm (Haemonchus contortus), the most common and damaging internal parasite for small ruminants in the southeastern United States. The goal: only deworm animals that actually need it, preserve the effectiveness of the few approved dewormers we still have, and save producers money in the process. LINKS & RESOURCES • Page County Extension on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PageCountyVCE • Warren County Extension on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WarrenCountyVCE  • Your local Extension office can answer questions on herd health, soil testing, pest management, and more (calls are free and welcome — Extension agents in Frederick, Clarke, Shenandoah, Warren, and Page counties serve the whole region) CONNECT WITH VIRGINIA COOPERATIVE EXTENSION VCE – Clarke County: 540-955-5164 VCE – Frederick County: 540-665-5699 VCE – Page County: 540-778-5794 VCE – Shenandoah County: 540-459-6140 VCE – Warren County: 540-635-4549 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

Palliative isn't a synonym for terminal. On this Community Health edition of The Valley Today, host Janet Michael welcomes back Dr. Jim VanKirk, board-certified palliative care specialist and Medical Director of Valley Health's Palliative Care Program, joined by team social worker Rachel Schwartz, to clear up one of the most persistent misconceptions in medicine — and to make the case for thinking about palliative care as a living tool, not an end-of-life one. Dr. VanKirk walks through what palliative care actually is — symptom support, treatment planning, and team-based care for patients with serious illnesses who are still receiving aggressive treatment, including chemotherapy, radiation, and ICU care — and explains the research showing that earlier palliative intervention actually correlates with patients living longer. Rachel talks through the role of a palliative social worker, the kinds of grief families navigate along the way of a progressive illness (not just at the end), and the concept of "substituted judgment" when a patient can't speak for themselves. Plus: a thorough, practical conversation about advance directives — what they are, why every adult needs one starting at age 18, why April 16th is the easiest day to remember to update yours, and the family stories (including Dr. VanKirk's own) that show why having "the document" isn't the point — the conversation that leads to the document is. ABOUT VALLEY HEALTH'S PALLIATIVE CARE PROGRAM A specialized medical service for patients with serious or life-threatening illnesses, working alongside primary treatment teams to provide symptom management, treatment planning support, and goals-of-care conversations. The team works across the hospital — including with ICU patients and patients still receiving aggressive treatment like chemotherapy or radiation — and partners with chaplains, music therapists, speech therapists, physical and occupational therapists, and bedside nursing teams to provide whole-person care for both the patient and their family. ABOUT ADVANCE DIRECTIVES An advance directive is a document that expresses your wishes for healthcare, especially if you become unable to speak for yourself. It typically has two parts: (1) the designation of a healthcare agent — the person empowered to make decisions on your behalf, and (2) specific wishes about what care you would or would not want in certain situations (sometimes called a "living will"). KEY POINTS FROM THIS EPISODE • Every adult — starting at age 18 — should have an advance directive. Car accidents don't wait for a diagnosis. • The conversation matters more than the document. Your healthcare agent needs to know how you think and what's important to you. • Tell your designated agent first. Tell other close family and friends the document exists. • Update your directive periodically — life changes, designated agents pass away or move, your wishes evolve. • Virginia and West Virginia have different legal requirements. Know which state's form you need. • Don't store it in a lockbox. Your agent, your primary care physician, and your hospital should all have copies. • April 16th is the easy day to remember — the day after Tax Day. Take care of the government on the 15th; take care of yourself on the 16th. • If a loved one is diagnosed with dementia or Alzheimer's, complete legal documents IMMEDIATELY. Capacity can be lost faster than families expect. LINKS & RESOURCES • Valley Health Palliative Care Program: https://www.valleyhealthlink.com/patient-visitors/for-patients/advance-care-planning-advance-directives/ (click Your Visit → Patient Resources for advance directive information, FAQs, state-specific forms, and a number to schedule a facilitator appointment) • Every Community Health conversation in one place: thevalleytodaypodcast.com (click Categories → VH Community Health)  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 federal poverty line for a family of four in America is $33,000 a year. In Virginia, a single person needs to earn more than $50,000 just to meet their basic needs. On this episode of The Valley Today, host Janet Michael welcomes back Les Sinclair, Communications and PR Manager at the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank, for a candid conversation about why hunger and unemployment have "decoupled" since the pandemic — and why the people now showing up at food pantries are increasingly working, employed, and earning more than the federal poverty level. Les walks through the MIT Living Wage Calculator and what it really costs to live in places like Winchester versus Warren County, the math that makes a $3 donation worth nine meals, and the stories behind the statistics — including a bus driver who was living in her truck and saved enough through a mobile food pantry to put a down payment on an apartment, and the HVAC family that sold their kitchen table to buy food before discovering a partner pantry. Plus: the realities of summer hunger when 56,000+ children in the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank's service region lose access to school meals, why USDA donations are down and the food bank is now spending hundreds of thousands on protein, and how the Supper Club provides the kind of reliable monthly support that keeps shelves full. UNDERSTANDING MODERN HUNGER — THE NUMBERS • Federal poverty level for a family of four (2025): $33,000/year • Virginia basic-needs income for a single adult: over $50,000/year (MIT Living Wage Calculator) • Virginia unemployment rate: below 4% • Blue Ridge Area Food Bank monthly guest visits: ~177,000 • Children among guest visits: 1 in 3 • Children food-insecure in Virginia: 1 in 7 • SNAP-to-charitable-network meal ratio: 9 to 1 • Emergency food box size: ~30 pounds of food per person • $1 donated = ~3 meals provided ($3 = 9 meals) HOW TO HELP • Donate at https://www.brafb.org/ — every dollar provides about three meals • Join the Supper Club — recurring monthly donations the food bank can rely on (as little as $10/month) • Volunteer — locally with the food bank, with a partner pantry, or with local school-food programs  • Use the Food Finder — for yourself or to help a neighbor (search by location, with hours and directions) • Support local food-pantry partners and summer feeding programs in your community LINKS & RESOURCES • Blue Ridge Area Food Bank: https://www.brafb.org/ (Food Finder tool, Supper Club, donations) • Blue Ridge Area Food Bank on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn • MIT Living Wage Calculator: livingwage.mit.edu (search your city/county) • Feeding America — the national network of food banks • Bright Futures Winchester/Frederick County — summer food bus program (Elise's organization, mentioned) • Winchester CCAP and other local food pantry partners across the Blue Ridge service region 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 Patsy Cline Theater isn't just an auditorium — it's Winchester's de facto civic center. From Willie Nelson to Vince Gill to Sara Evans, from the Apple Blossom coronations to 35 years of community gatherings, it's where Winchester has shown up for itself. And the seats, after nearly 40 years of student traffic and standing ovations, are showing every bit of their age. On this episode of The Valley Today, host Janet Michael welcomes an old friend back to the show — Larry Weiss, Executive Director of the Winchester Education Foundation — for a conversation about how the Foundation supports Winchester Public Schools and the year-long Community Comfort Campaign to replace all 1,100 seats and the carpeting in the historic theater. Larry walks through the full scope of the Foundation's work — scholarships for graduating Handley seniors, a unique endowment from Mindy Loy that funds continuing education for Handley graduates who come back to teach in Winchester schools, and the brick-and-mortar work that brought the Emil and Grace Shihadeh Innovation Center into existence (now featured in a national PBS-style documentary called Multiple Choice). Plus: a special August benefit concert at the Patsy Cline Theater by Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Valerie Smith, whose new "musical journal" Maggie's Journal sets her grandmother's post-Civil War handwritten journal to bluegrass, Americana, and roots music — with all proceeds going to the seating campaign. ABOUT THE COMMUNITY COMFORT CAMPAIGN A year-long fundraising campaign by the Winchester Education Foundation to replace all 1,100 seats and the carpeting in the Patsy Cline Theater at John Handley High School — the venue that serves not just the school but the wider Winchester community as a civic center, concert hall, and Apple Blossom event space. Total project cost is estimated at approximately $1 million. New seating and carpeting installation is targeted for summer 2027. WAYS TO PARTICIPATE • $350 names a seat — name tag can honor anyone (teacher, parent, classmate, graduating student) • Purchase an entire row to reunite a graduating class • Take one of the old seats home as a souvenir when they're uninstalled • Any contribution — from $10 to $10,000 — moves the campaign forward • The balcony will be dedicated in honor of Russ Potts • All 1991-era donor name tags will be moved to the new seats, preserving the theater's history BENEFIT CONCERT — VALERIE SMITH'S MAGGIE'S JOURNAL Saturday, August 1, 2026 • 7:00 PM Sunday, August 2, 2026 • 2:00 PM matinee Patsy Cline Theater, John Handley High School LINKS & RESOURCES • Winchester Education Foundation — winchestereducationfoundation.org (click the Community Comfort Campaign graphic on the homepage) • Valerie Smith — thevaleriesmith.com (concert tickets and information) 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

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

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.

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

Janet Michael talks with Megan Craggs of Carter Hall Farm and Christa Nahhas of La Grange Family Farm to share everything you need to know about the inaugural Lost Arts Festival — a celebration of heritage crafts, hands-on skills, and community connection in the Shenandoah Valley. Event Details Date: April 12th Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM Location: La Grange Family Farm, 5498 Valley Pike, Stephens City, VA (next to Capon Valley Bank) Tickets: $9.31 online | $10 at the door Capacity: 200 people at a time — purchase tickets in advance recommended Proceeds benefit: NW Works (supports individuals with disabilities and barriers to employment) Scheduled Demonstrations Sheep dog herding demo – 11:00 AM Sheep shearing demo – 11:00 AM Fiber arts: spinning, knitting, and weaving Barn quilt making Tin type photography  Canning demo Stone carving Stained glass & soldering (Liberty Hills Farm) Soap making Baking from scratch Grain grinding  Fairy house door making Foraging talk Lavender sachet making with kids Book binding Vintage photography Entertainment & Food Live Music: Hancock's Civil War String Band performing in the barn Food Vendors: Shaffer's Barbecue & Market Franklin Smokin' Barnyard Billy Sous of Clem's Kitchen (Middletown, VA) Bee'z Lemonade Vault and Cellar (mocktails) Shopping: Vintage vendors inside the historic McCloud House on the property Parking Bottom field open for parking with attendants on site Additional parking at the neighboring church Street parking available Drop-off accommodation available for those with mobility needs Guests & Links Megan Craggs – Carter Hall Farm Website: CarterHallFarm.net Farm Stand: Sundays 12–4 PM | 310 Carter's Lane, Stephens City, VA Instagram & Facebook: @CarterHallFarm Christa Nahhas – La Grange Family Farm Website: lagrangefamilyfarm.com Market open 7 days a week (honor system) Instagram & Facebook: @LaGrangeFamilyFarm Lost Arts Festival Instagram: @LostArtsFest Facebook: Lost Arts Festival Tickets available on Eventbrite Black Valley Creative (event organizer & marketing) Instagram & Facebook: @BlackValleyCreative Also Mentioned Stephens City Farmer's Market – Opening April 25th, 10 AM–3 PM at Newtown Commons (Earth Day & Arbor Day celebration) Middletown Farmer's Market – Grand opening Mother's Day, May 10th, 11 AM–3 PM

Sparkle and Sequins: Johanna Pearson Is Dressing Shenandoah Valley One Dream at a Time In this episode of The Valley Today's Tourism Tuesday Shenandoah County edition, host Janet Michael and co-host Kary Haun from Shenandoah County Tourism visit Ruby Mae's to talk with owner Johanna Pearson about the newest addition to her Cherry on Top empire.  From Camper to Storefront When Johanna Pearson was nine years old, she fell in love with a sparkly dress at her first pageant. Two decades later, she has turned that childhood dream into two thriving boutiques in the heart of Strasburg, Virginia — and she is just getting started. Johanna launched her business in 2022 with nothing more than a renovated camper and a passion for fashion. She traveled to local fairs and festivals, debuting at Vintage in the Valley before making Mayfest and the Shenandoah County Fair staples of her calendar. The camper was small, but the vision was big. Then, in early 2023, an opportunity knocked. Johanna heard about a vacant storefront at 132 East King Street in Strasburg and didn't hesitate. "Give it to me," she said. She renovated the space herself and opened Cherry on Top just in time for Mayfest, making the festival both her origin story and her grand opening. The boutique quickly became a destination for women seeking hand-selected clothing, locally made accessories, hypoallergenic earrings, and seasonal finds — everything from casual basics to statement pieces. Crossing the Street to Ruby May's As Cherry on Top flourished, Johanna's ambitions grew right along with it. She soon set her sights on a second storefront directly across the road at 115 East King Street — and Ruby Mae's was born. Named after her great-aunt Ruby Mae, the woman who first took her shopping as a little girl and sparked a lifelong love of fashion, the shop is a full-service formal wear boutique offering prom dresses, pageant gowns, cocktail attire, wedding dresses, and tuxedo rentals. "I watch Cherry on Top from Ruby Mae's front door, and I watch Ruby Mae's from Cherry on Top's front door," Johanna laughs. "I get a lot of mileage crossing the road." The store currently holds over 200 dresses, and Johanna carefully curates each one with a specific customer in mind. To protect her shoppers, she registers every dress by school, ensuring no two students from the same event walk in wearing identical gowns. A Bridal Experience Like No Other Beyond prom season, Ruby Mae's is quickly making a name for itself in the bridal market — and filling a gap that has long existed in the Shenandoah Valley. For years, local brides had to drive an hour and a half in any direction just to try on wedding gowns. Now, they don't have to. Through a partnership with Casablanca Bridal, Johanna offers fully custom wedding gowns. Brides can mix and match necklines, sleeves, and embellishments from different styles, and their dress is made to their exact measurements — heels and all. Custom veils crafted from the same lace as the gown are available too. For brides who need something sooner, quick-turnaround options arrive in as little as two weeks. Walk-ins are welcome Wednesday through Saturday from noon to six, but Johanna also offers bookings by appointment seven days a week. Those who reserve a time slot get the full experience: a reserved dressing room, pre-selected styles, and snacks for the whole party. The Sparkle Challenge: Empowering the Next Generation Johanna's story is not just about dresses — it's about what dresses represent: confidence, possibility, and the courage to dream big. That belief drives her mentorship program, the Sparkle Challenge, which she developed as her pageant platform and continues to this day. Through the program, Johanna guides young women through career readiness, resume writing, interview prep, and volunteer opportunities. In the early days, she would dress them from her own closet for pageants, job interviews, and public appearances, showing them firsthand that professionalism and self-expression go hand in hand. "I want to be the role model I had for these younger girls," she says. "Women can be whatever they want — whether that's owning a dress store or being an astronomer." Her own role model? Her great-aunt Ruby Mae, of course — who, at the time of this interview, could be found working at Cherry on Top most weekday afternoons, welcoming customers alongside a circle of loyal friends. A Hat Bar, a Laser, and What's Next If two boutiques and a mentorship program weren't enough, Johanna also runs a custom hat bar. Using wide-brim western hats, ribbons, lace, feathers, flowers, and a laser engraver, she creates one-of-a-kind wearable art — personalized with logos, initials, and custom designs. The hat bar travels to local breweries, vineyards, and events in a second renovated camper, and it pops up monthly at Box Office Brewery from April through August. As for what comes next? A dedicated hat bar storefront may not be far off. "Whenever there's one available," Johanna admits with a grin, "I wouldn't be against it." Shop Local, Dress for Every Moment Cherry on Top and Ruby Mae's are open Wednesday through Saturday, noon to six, with Sunday hours and appointments also available. Both shops maintain active online stores and social media pages where customers can browse inventory before visiting in person. In a valley where formal wear options have historically been scarce, Johanna Pearson is not just filling a niche — she is redefining what it means to dress for the moments that matter most.

On this episode of Extension Office Friday on The Valley Today, host Janet Michael welcomes two guests from Virginia Cooperative Extension — Liz Rohrer, the brand-new Clarke County Extension Agent, and returning guest Elizabeth Baldwin from Page County. The conversation covers Liz's journey from 16 years in the agriculture classroom to her new role in the community, and what it means to serve a heavily agricultural county like Clarke. Elizabeth then dives into the details of the upcoming Northern Shenandoah Valley Drinking Water Testing Clinics — a must-know program for anyone on a private well. In This Episode: Liz Rohrer's background as an agriculture and life science teacher Why she made the leap from the classroom to extension work What the first month on the job looks like as a new extension agent How Clarke County's agricultural community shapes Liz's priorities The Clarke County Farmer's Market and why Janet calls it her favorite Everything you need to know about the Northern Shenandoah Valley Drinking Water Testing Clinics Drinking Water Clinic Details: Who it's for: Anyone on a private water supply (well, spring, or cistern) What's tested: 28 parameters including bacteria, nitrates, heavy metals, and hardness Cost: $70 per sample kit (scholarship/reduced rate options available) Lab: Virginia Tech Upcoming Dates:  Week 1 (April 27-29, 2026) – Clarke, Shenandoah, and Warren. Sample Drop-Off is Wednesday, April 29th  from 7-10 a.m. The registration deadline for Week 1 is Wednesday, April 22nd. Week 2 (May 11-13, 2026) – Frederick and Page Counties. Sample Drop-Off is Wednesday, May 13th  from 7-10 a.m. The registration deadline for Week 2 is Wednesday, May 6th. How to Register & Learn More: Visit your local Virginia Cooperative Extension county website (listed below) Download a flyer with complete details: https://warren.ext.vt.edu/news/NSV-Water-Clinics.html  Visit the Virginia Household Water Quality Program website to find clinics statewide Stop by or call your local extension office for a paper copy or direct registration link Connect with Virginia Cooperative Extension: VCE – Clarke County: 540-955-5164 VCE – Frederick County: 540-665-5699 VCE – Page County: 540-778-5794 VCE – Shenandoah County: 540-459-6140 VCE – Warren County: 540-635-4549

In this episode, host Janet Michael sits down with Martha Reynolds to explore everything happening at the Barns of Rose Hill in Berryville, Virginia this spring — from stunning gallery exhibitions and hands-on art classes to jazz concerts, film screenings, and sustainability milestones. If you love the arts in the Shenandoah Valley, this one's for you. What We Cover

In this episode, host Janet Michael sits down with Winchester City Parks Director Chris Konyar for a wide-ranging conversation about upcoming spring events, facility upgrades, youth programming, and an exciting long-term vision for aquatics in the Winchester area. Topics Covered

In this episode, host Janet Michael talks with Luray/Page Chamber of Commerce President Gina Hilliard and her guest Rich Hostelley, a licensed architect with nearly 40 years of experience. Rich shares his fascinating journey from military service to becoming a globally licensed architect practicing in Virginia, California, the UK, and beyond. What You'll Learn in This Episode Rich's Path to Architecture – How a lumber company job and a perceptive professor launched a decades-long career in architecture What Architects Actually Do – It's far more than "drawing pretty pictures" — Rich explains budgets, management, codes, and leading an entire project team When Do You Need an Architect? – The difference between residential and commercial requirements, and what legally requires an architect's involvement Residential vs. Commercial Projects – Why residential clients often face a "shock factor" and how Rich navigates that Working Remotely – How Rich has been working with clients across the globe remotely for nearly 20 years — long before it was common Architectural Styles Defined – A deep dive into craftsman, Mediterranean, mid-century modern, and Victorian styles and where they actually originated (spoiler: mid-century modern came from Germany!) The Pre-Design Process – Site plans, property plats, setbacks, zoning, easements, and all the investigation that happens before a single line is drawn Value Engineering – What to do when the contractor's bid comes in over budget Construction Administration – Why Rich stays involved through the build, not just through the drawings A Real-World Example – Janet's dream backyard studio shed becomes an impromptu architecture consultation Projects Rich Is Currently Working On A 25,000 sq ft stable in California A 200 sq ft guest house in Washington, DC A fire-rebuild modern home in LA A bar/restaurant expansion in Mexico Connect with Rich Host Website: archrh.com Email: rich@hostelleyarchitect.com Serves Northern Virginia, DC, Maryland, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and beyond Companies: Rich Hostelley Architecture LLC, Rich Hostelley Architecture PC, Studio Hive Architecture Chamber Events Mentioned (March 2025) March 24 – Ireland Trip Info Session via Zoom (11:30am–1pm) March 24 – Women in Business Mixology Class at Blue Shepherd Spirits (5:30–7pm) March 25 – Lunch & Learn: Accessing Capital for Startups with People Inc. (11:30am–1pm) March 26 – Business After Hours at Shen-Paco Industries – National Disabilities Awareness Month Chamber Contact: visitluraypage.com | events@luraypage.com | (540) 743-3915

In this episode, host Janet Michael talks with Guy Curtis - Director of Marketing, Laurel Ridge Community College, Christine Kriz - Director of Corporate Training, Laurel Ridge Workforce Solutions, and Professor Corinne Hoisington - Professor, Central Virginia Community College; AI educator, international speaker, and author of AI: A Business Perspective, to discuss the Laurel Ridge AI Summit — a half-day event designed to bring practical AI education to workers, business owners, and community members across the Shenandoah Valley. Key Topics Covered Laurel Ridge's year-long participation in the American Association of Colleges and Universities AI initiative How local companies are asking for guidance on AI policies and employee training Why AI isn't as scary as it seems — and why most of us are already using it Real-world AI examples: car inspections, mammogram cancer detection, smart vacuums, autocorrect The three AI-proof job types: Imagination Workers, Skilled Workers, and Emotional Workers How AI is leveling the playing field across every industry Free AI tools beyond ChatGPT — and how to use them responsibly The importance of verifying AI output and keeping humanity in the loop Summit Session Breakdown Time Session 8–9 AM In the Blink of AI – Charting a Course for Virginia's AI-Powered Future 9:15–10:15 AM Navigating the AI Revolution – Adapting Your Career Path for the Future of Work 10:30–11:30 AM Creativity in the Workplace and Classroom – Supercharging Skills with AI Tools Event Details Date: April 1st Time: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM Location: Corron Community Development Center, Middletown Campus, Laurel Ridge Community College Cost: $225 per person Register: laurelridgeworkforce.com/aisummit Questions: Call 540-868-7021

In this episode, host Janet Michael visits the Capon Valley Bank branch in Stephens City to discuss the value of community banking in today's digital age. Melba Thorne shares insights on personalized banking, financial literacy, and how a century-old institution maintains its commitment to local communities. About Capon Valley Bank History: Serving communities since 1918, starting in Wardensville, West Virginia Locations: Five branches across Hardy County (WV) and Frederick County (VA) New expansion: Sixth branch opening May 2026 on Winchester's north side (across from Texas Roadhouse on Ezra's Lane) Parent company: Highland Bank Shares (sister bank to Grant County Bank) Banking Philosophy "Big bank products with hometown service" Focus on personal relationships over sales quotas Loan decisions made locally (no waiting weeks for out-of-state approval) Treating customers as individuals, not numbers Goal: "The Chick-fil-A of banking" - knowing customers by name Services Offered Personal Banking: Checking and savings accounts Home equity lines of credit Auto loans Rewards checking with "UChoose Rewards" program Roundup savings program (automatically rounds purchases to nearest dollar and saves the difference) Business & Commercial Banking: New construction lending (residential and commercial) Commercial lines of credit Small business startup loans SBA loans Agricultural loans Investment property financing (including Airbnb properties) Land loans Renovation loans Financial Tips Credit Score Protection: Limit credit inquiries when car shopping (no more than 2 pulls from dealerships) Multiple credit pulls can dramatically drop your credit score Get pre-approved from your bank before visiting dealerships Target credit score: 680+ (many banks require 700+) Credit Score Factors: Too many credit cards can hurt your score Maxed out credit cards negatively impact your score even if paid on time One missed payment can drop you below 700 Medical issues, divorce, and life events are considered with context Smart Money Habits: Build emergency savings for "rainy days" Use roundup savings programs to save without thinking about it Monitor your credit score regularly through banking apps Don't spend everything left over after paying bills Community Involvement Cram the Cruiser: Annual toy drive in December for Toys for Tots (collects 300+ toys per branch) Partnership with local police and fire departments School volunteer programs and event support Sponsorship of local fairs and festivals (Newtown Heritage Weekend, etc.) Active chamber of commerce participation Community Leadership Program graduate Technology & Convenience Full online banking platform Mobile banking apps Online account applications available Educational learning center on website with product videos Still encourages in-person visits for personalized service Contact Information Website: caponvalleybank.com Phone: 540-868-1140 Direct line to local branch (no call centers!) Commercial Lending: Fred Brooks, Commercial Loan Officer Resources Mentioned Educational videos and learning center at caponvalleybank.com Credit score monitoring apps SBA loan programs

Supporting Parents and Young Children: The Yellow Schoolhouse On this United Way segment of The Valley Today, host Janet Michael spoke with Pam Haefner, executive director of the Yellow School House, about how the nonprofit is helping parents of young children find connection, resources, and support in the Northern Shenandoah Valley. Haefner explained that the organization began after she and a friend recognized how overwhelming parenting can be—especially when parents often receive conflicting advice and little preparation for the role. In response, the Yellow School House was created to offer families a welcoming place to connect with other parents, access expert guidance, and build a supportive community. Today, the nonprofit provides several free programs for families with children age five and under. These include a weekly moms group in Winchester, interactive playgroups where parents can talk while children play, and the organization's signature annual event, Baby Buzz—a parenting conference designed to connect families with local experts and resources.  This year's Baby Buzz will take place March 28 from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Douglas Community Learning Center in Winchester. The free event will feature speakers, family-friendly vendors, a barbecue lunch, and activities for children, including visits from local first responders.  Following the interview, United Way Northern Shenandoah Valley CEO Andy Gail discussed how organizations like the Yellow School House support United Way's Youth Opportunity pillar by helping parents build strong foundations for children during the critical birth-to-five years. Families can learn more about upcoming programs and events at yellowschoolhouse.org.

The Numbers Tell a Startling Story Frederick County Sheriff's Office Captain Warren Gosnell sits down with Valley Today host Janet Michael to discuss a reality check for local drivers: the county's newly activated school zone speed cameras caught nearly 3,000 violators in just four days. Even more concerning, some drivers were caught speeding through the same school zone every single day, with speeds reaching up to 32 mph over the posted limit. "We weren't expecting that high," Gosnell admits, though he anticipated significant numbers given that one camera monitors Route 7, a heavily traveled corridor. The system tracks three school zones across the county, with each violation processed through multiple layers of human review before any warning or citation is issued. How the System Actually Works Unlike what critics might assume, this isn't an AI-driven "Big Brother" operation. Instead, every single violation passes through human hands multiple times before reaching a driver's mailbox. First, employees in Chattanooga, Tennessee review each potential violation individually. They verify the date, time, location, flashing lights, license plate number, and vehicle match. Then, the data travels back to Frederick County, where one of three sworn officers—including Gosnell himself—reviews everything again. They check whether school was in session, confirm the lights were actually flashing, and ensure the license plate matches the vehicle in the photograph. "This is all by human hand," Gosnell emphasizes. "We don't scan tags. We have a violator, now we run the tag." The system includes video clips showing four seconds before and after each violation, proving the school zone lights were actively flashing when drivers exceeded the speed limit by more than 9 mph—the threshold Frederick County established to allow for reasonable margin of error. The Warning Period and What Comes Next Currently, drivers receive only warnings through March 12th. After that date, however, violators face $100 civil penalties per offense. The flat fee applies regardless of how much drivers exceed the limit, though Gosnell warns that habitual speeders might find themselves facing something more serious than an automated ticket. "What I'm gonna do is I'm gonna set a live deputy up," he explains, "'cause I know what time you come through, I know what you're driving." A live traffic stop opens the door to additional charges beyond speeding—reckless driving, expired inspections, or even DUI arrests. Repeat Offenders and Changing Behavior Perhaps most troubling are the repeat offenders caught before they received their first warnings. One driver accumulated violations on four consecutive days, traveling 63, 69, 71, and 77 mph in a 45 mph school zone. Because warnings hadn't yet arrived in mailboxes, the driver had no idea they were being caught. "He hadn't gotten his first warning yet," Gosnell notes. Officials hope that once these initial warnings land, at least a third of violators will modify their behavior immediately. Interestingly, a significant number of drivers were caught at exactly the threshold—45 mph in a 35 mph zone. Some critics questioned why the county would enforce at such a low margin, but Gosnell counters that the threshold discussion misses the point entirely. "You're forgetting that 45 in a 35 is still 10 miles an hour over the limit," he states firmly. "It's still illegal." Proactive Rather Than Reactive When critics demand to know how many children have been injured or killed at these specific locations, Gosnell pushes back against reactive thinking. He points out that the stretch in front of Stonewall Elementary has already seen two fatal crashes—not during school hours, but crashes nonetheless involving school staff. "We're not gonna be reactive when it comes to this," he insists. "We wanna be proactive." Frederick County has already recorded its second traffic fatality of 2026 despite only being in February. Last year's total was nine fatalities for the entire year, with months passing between incidents. The current trajectory concerns officials who see technology as a force multiplier when deputies can't be everywhere simultaneously. "Even then our deputies can't be there the whole time," Gosnell explains. "The moment I start dealing with someone who came through at 48 in the 35, here comes 62 in the 35, and I don't know it because I'm dealing with 48." Broader Safety Concerns as Weather Warms As temperatures climb and motorcycle season begins, Gosnell shifts the conversation to road safety beyond school zones. He acknowledges the unique vulnerabilities motorcyclists face while also calling out dangerous riding behaviors like weaving through traffic or "lane splitting," which remains illegal in Virginia. "I'm a realistic traffic cop," Gosnell says, explaining that he understands why riders want to create distance from larger vehicles at traffic lights. Accelerating quickly to establish space makes sense, but there's a right way and a wrong way to do it. Riders need to reach the speed limit without excessive displays of power, then maintain safe speeds while other vehicles catch up. Simultaneously, he reminds passenger vehicle drivers of their responsibilities. "You have an obligation to every other driver to be as safe as you can be," he states. Whether drivers accept it or not, everyone shares the road and bears responsibility for protecting one another. The Privilege of Driving Throughout the conversation, Gosnell returns repeatedly to a fundamental principle that some drivers seem to forget: driving is not a constitutional right. It's a state-granted privilege that comes with legal obligations. "I know my rights—driving isn't one of them, people," he declares. "You get a license granted to you from whatever DMV of the jurisdiction in which you live." He dismisses sovereign citizen arguments about traveling without licenses or registration, noting that such claims consistently fail in court and lead to arrests. Scams and Final Warnings Before wrapping up, Gosnell addresses a surge in scams where criminals impersonate law enforcement officers to extort money from residents. Someone even created fake recordings using Gosnell's own name and rank, though the voice bore no resemblance to the real captain. His advice remains simple: hang up immediately if anyone claiming to be law enforcement asks for money, gift cards, or cryptocurrency related to tickets, warrants, or jury duty. "Ten times outta 10, they're gonna tell you it wasn't a member of their agency," he assures listeners who call back through official channels to verify. The Bottom Line As Frederick County's 30-day warning period winds down, Gosnell makes his position clear. Drivers who accumulate multiple warnings and still refuse to slow down will find little sympathy when the $100 citations begin arriving. The technology exists not to generate revenue but to change driving behavior around schools where children concentrate in vehicles, buses, and crosswalks. "All you need to do is slow down to at least nine or less over the limit," Gosnell emphasizes. "We prefer you to be at the limit, but all you gotta do is slow down a little bit once you hit the 10." For those who continue ignoring the warnings, the message is simple: the cameras will keep watching, humans will keep reviewing, and consequences will follow. The goal remains unchanged—preventing the next tragedy before it happens rather than responding to one that already has.

A Thriving Indoor Farm Operation In this episode of The Valley Today, host Janet Michael and cohost Niki Foster from the Front Royal/Warren County Chamber of Commerce talk with chamber member & community advocate Rob Demariano about his growing business Robby Ds Lil Greens, an indoor vertical microgreen farm that has been quietly revolutionizing local food access in Front Royal, Virginia for nearly three years. Operating as a one-man enterprise, Rob has managed to expand his delivery footprint from Front Royal to encompass the region between Martinsburg and Luray, reaching as far east as The Plains. Remarkably, he's even scheduling meetings with Northern Virginia restaurants to further extend his reach. Unlike traditional outdoor farming, Rob's indoor operation allows him to control every environmental variable year-round. "I can dial in weather, humidity, everything," he explains, noting that while he admittedly has "a bit of a brown thumb" when it comes to outdoor gardening, the controlled indoor environment lets him perfect his growing methods and lock them in consistently. Understanding the Microgreen Advantage For those unfamiliar with microgreens, Rob offers a clear distinction from their better-known cousin, the sprout. While sprouts consist simply of seeds with small stems emerging—think mung beans—microgreens advance to the leafing stage, similar to seedlings. This developmental sweet spot delivers maximum flavor intensity and nutritional density. "The sweets are sweeter. The radishes have more bite," Rob notes, adding that microgreens are legitimately certified superfoods with significantly higher nutrition levels than their full-grown counterparts. Innovative Product Development Beyond fresh microgreens, Rob has channeled his inner "mad scientist" to create an impressive array of value-added products. His freeze-dried broccoli microgreen mango drink cleverly disguises the superfood within a bright yellow beverage that looks and tastes like ordinary mango juice. After depleting his first production run from fall through early March, he's preparing another batch for late March. Meanwhile, his collaboration with Wuuds Coffee—a Smithsonian-recommended, bird-friendly coffee roaster—and Hawksbill Mountain Mushroom has yielded a microgreen and mushroom coffee blend. The pre-ground mixture requires no additional preparation, brewing just like regular coffee without any grittiness. Customers can purchase it locally or order online with free Friday delivery throughout the Winchester and Front Royal areas. Rob's partnerships extend into the dessert realm as well. Working with Uncle Beehive in Winchester, he developed a Genovese basil ice cream using their lemon cream base. After a successful soft launch late last year, he's now dedicating two full growing racks exclusively to basil production to meet demand. The ice cream will soon appear permanently on the menu at an unnamed Winchester restaurant. Most recently, Rob partnered with Bethlehem Farms to create microgreen-topped wood-fired personal pan pizzas. Priced at just $14, these pizzas feature top-quality ingredients and sold out almost immediately upon their launch last week. The Farm to Fam Initiative However, Rob's most ambitious project represents the culmination of his original business vision. Launching March 28th, the "Farm to Fam" program partners with the Hike Kidz Foundation, a local 501(c)(3) organization, to address food insecurity while supporting small-scale farmers. "I have so many partners that I've gotten through the years," Rob explains. "I said, why aren't we putting together a CSA-style box utilizing all local farmers and producers and look to those in our community who are suffering from food insecurity?" The program will initially deliver 50 boxes to 50 Warren County families experiencing food insecurity, providing them with premium local products including fresh superfoods, milk, eggs, and meats. Funded through a recently approved grant and private donations, the initiative aims to grow from monthly or biweekly deliveries to weekly distribution. Importantly, the program serves a dual purpose. By paying small-scale farms for their products through grant funding, Farm to Fam creates stable income streams that help these operations grow. Rob envisions families eventually participating through volunteering with box packing and even farming activities, creating a sustainable ecosystem that benefits both food-insecure families and local agricultural businesses. A Community Leader Rob's commitment extends beyond his business ventures. He serves on multiple boards including the Front Royal Warren County Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Front Royal, Hike Kidz Foundation, and Front Royal Soccer Association. Niki emphasizes his community involvement: "He is one of those people who you heard him talk about all the business stuff that he is doing. He also gives of his time for organizations and the folks in the community as well." Connecting with the Community Customers can order from Robby Ds Lil Greens through robbydslilgreens.com, with free Friday deliveries for local orders. The business also maintains active Facebook and Instagram presences. For those interested in volunteering with the Farm to Fam project, information is available through the Hike Kidz Foundation website at hikekidzfoundation.org. As Rob continues experimenting with new products and expanding his community impact, his story illustrates how innovative agriculture can address both nutritional needs and food system sustainability simultaneously. With each new partnership and product launch, this one-man operation proves that thinking creatively about local food systems can yield benefits far beyond the farm itself.

From Dream to Reality Winchester's dining scene welcomes a fresh voice as Bistro Sojo opens its doors, bringing Mediterranean and tropical flavors to downtown Winchester. Host of The Valley Today, Janet Michael and cohost Justin Kerns from VisitWinchesterVA.com sit down with owners Felix and Martha Addison to uncover the story behind Winchester's most talked-about new restaurant. The Addisons didn't rush into this venture. After moving to the area from Reston, Virginia in 2006, they harbored dreams of opening a restaurant but recognized the timing wasn't right. Instead, they built their reputation gradually, launching their first food truck, Roaming Bistro, in 2016. Two years later, they added Three Fires Pizza, a mobile wood-fired operation serving Neapolitan-style pizza. For years, loyal customers asked the inevitable question: "When are you getting a storefront?" "You don't get a storefront because people want to see a storefront," Felix explains. "You get a storefront when everything is sustainable." That moment finally arrived in late 2024. The Space That Feels Like Home Walking into Bistro Sojo reveals an immediate transformation from its previous incarnation as La Nicoise. Martha knew exactly what she wanted the moment she saw the space, though Felix admits he had no vision at first. Working with architect Kyle Hopkins of Four Square Architects, they turned Martha's dream into reality. The building's age dictated the design approach. "I couldn't make the ceilings higher," Martha notes. "So I couldn't do the modern stuff. But I could do the cozy." The result feels welcoming rather than imposing, with artwork playing a central role in the atmosphere. Local nonprofit Arte Libre created stunning murals throughout the space, while Zach Anderson painted the striking Royal Birds mural at the reception area and bar. The artwork serves a deeply personal purpose—the little girl in one mural reminds Martha of her daughter, while ocean scenes transport diners to distant shores. Meanwhile, vibrant orange flowers beneath the bar captivate visitors, with Janet confessing she's been contemplating recreating the design on a wall at home. Despite the spacious feel, the restaurant actually seats fewer guests than the previous establishment. The building's occupancy limit, which had been grandfathered in for years, came under scrutiny when the Addisons applied for permits. What was once zoned for 65 now accommodates about 50, including staff. Yet clever design makes the space feel larger and more open than before. A Name Rooted in Family The restaurant's name carries profound meaning. Sojo combines the first syllables of Sophia (Felix's mother) and Jonathan (his father), while also honoring the couple's two children, who bear those same names. "It's a hard J," Felix emphasizes. "It's not Soho. It's Sojo." This family connection extends beyond the name into every aspect of the operation, from the recipes tested at home on dinner guests to the warm hospitality that greets every visitor. The Menu: A Culinary Passport Bistro Sojo takes diners on what Felix calls "a culinary journey from the Mediterranean to the tropics." The menu draws inspiration from Southern Mediterranean and North African cuisines, incorporating warm spices that create depth without heat. Cardamom, nutmeg, star anise, and cloves meld together in unexpected combinations, each dish featuring three or four carefully selected spices that complement the main ingredients. The philosophy borrows from Blue Zone regions, areas where populations reportedly live the longest based on their diets. "We try to make sure we are cognizant of the food that we serve," Felix explains. The kitchen doesn't even have a microwave—everything arrives freshly cooked and freshly sauced. Seasonal ingredients drive the menu, with the Addisons partnering with Chilly Hollow Farm in Berryville for produce. "Whatever they have is what I would make sure I have in here," Martha says. This commitment to seasonality means the menu evolves, with hearty oxtail dishes giving way to spring peas and fresh greens as the weather warms. Current standouts include the surprisingly popular chicken and couscous, the beloved squash and burrata salad, and an unexpected hit—grilled romaine with house-made blue cheese dressing. Meanwhile, Martha's personal favorites lean toward the vegetable-forward dishes, particularly the fried plantains with beans. Remarkably, 98-99% of everything comes from scratch, made in-house. The commitment to quality and transparency stems from knowing exactly what goes into every dish. The Drink That Won Hearts Before even discussing the food, Justin finds himself captivated by a house specialty drink. What he initially assumes came from a container in the back turns out to be Sobolo, a popular West African beverage made from fresh ingredients. The recipe calls for dried hibiscus leaves, freshly grated ginger, freshly squeezed lemons, handfuls of cloves, and star anise. After steeping and straining, the mixture chills before being poured over ice. The result serves as both a palate cleanser and thirst quencher, while also forming the base for all house cocktails. One particular cocktail, the Muddy Waters, earned recognition at Winchester on the Rocks. Initially, the drink's sandy, grainy appearance seemed problematic, but attempts to refine it diminished the flavor Felix loved. The solution? Own it. The name became a tribute to blues icon Muddy Waters, who happened to be a bourbon drinker himself—the cocktail's key spirit. Welcoming Everyone to the Table Personal experience shapes the restaurant's inclusive approach to dining. When Martha's son was young, he had borderline celiac disease. Twenty years ago, finding restaurants that understood gluten-free needs proved nearly impossible. "Most people didn't even know they had allergies," Martha recalls. "They just lived sick." The family started cooking at home, making meals special despite the restrictions. That experience now informs every menu decision at Bistro Sojo. Guests can find gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan options throughout the menu. "You can come with any of your sensitivities and intolerances and know that there's an option for you," Martha promises. Justin emphasizes the tourism significance of this commitment. Travelers with allergies often feel anxious about dining away from their safe home restaurants. When Winchester's tourism office works with travel writers and groups, dietary accommodations consistently rank as a top concern. Having restaurants that take sensitivities seriously makes Winchester a safer, more welcoming destination. Standing Out in Winchester's Dining Scene The Addisons deliberately chose a menu unlike anything else in Winchester. "We would not want to do what most of the restaurants were doing because they were doing it so well," Felix explains. "We weren't gonna compete with them doing what they do so well." Instead, they turned to what they naturally cooked at home—Mediterranean and tropical cuisines that reflected their heritage and passion. Most dishes on the menu underwent testing with dinner guests at home before ever reaching the restaurant, ensuring each one met their exacting standards. This uniqueness serves Winchester's tourism mission perfectly. Visitors seek locally owned establishments offering flavors they can't find at home. They want stories to share when they return—tales of discovering a restaurant named after the owner's parents, sipping an award-winning hibiscus cocktail, or experiencing cuisine inspired by the world's healthiest populations. "That's what people are looking for," Justin notes. "Unique stories. So they can go home and say, 'I went to this restaurant that was named after his mom and his dad, they have the best drink, this is a unique thing.'" Bistro Sojo delivers exactly that experience. The Brunch Experience Beyond dinner service Wednesday through Saturday (4:00 PM to 9:00 PM, last reservation at 8:30), Bistro Sojo offers Sunday brunch from 10:30 AM to 3:00 PM. While brunch is still building momentum since launching in late November, the Addisons welcome walk-ins during this time. Janet, admittedly not a morning person, celebrates the timing. "I don't believe that eight, nine o'clock should exist ever, especially not on a weekend," she jokes. "A brunch at 10 or 10:30, particularly on a Sunday, is right up my alley." Planning Your Visit The intimate 40-seat space means reservations become essential on busy nights. While two-person walk-ins usually find accommodation, larger parties should book ahead, especially on Fridays and Saturdays. Wednesday and Thursday evenings offer the best chance for spontaneous visits. When First Fridays returns to downtown Winchester's pedestrian mall, the restaurant expects even higher demand. Guests can make reservations online through bistrosojo.com or via Google, embracing the convenience modern diners appreciate. As for whether the restaurant welcomes families with children, Martha offers an honest assessment. While they've accommodated kids, the adventurous menu might challenge picky eaters. However, the kitchen keeps some "American-friendly" emergency backup options for children who won't eat anything on the regular menu. Janet appreciates this candor, noting she's reached the stage of life where dining without children appeals to her. The intimate setting naturally encourages conversation between neighboring tables, with guests sometimes exchanging phone numbers after bonding over the food and experience. A Labor of Love From food trucks to fine dining, the Addisons' journey spans nearly two decades of preparation. Their brick-and-mortar dream required patience, planning, and the help of skilled local partners—from architect Kyle Hopkins to the artists who brought the space to life, to the farmers who supply fresh ingredients. "We asked for this, we wanted this, and we've been waiting for this," Felix reflects. The result transforms a meal into an experience, offering Winchester and its visitors something genuinely new: warm flavors, inclusive hospitality, and a story worth sharing. As Winchester continues growing as a destination, Bistro Sojo adds an essential ingredient to the mix—a restaurant that welcomes everyone to the table while serving cuisine that can't be found anywhere else in the region. Whether you're a local looking for your new favorite spot or a visitor seeking that unique dining experience to tell friends about back home, Sojo delivers a journey worth taking. For more information, visit bistrosojo.com or follow them on Facebook and Instagram @BistroSojo.

Mountain Trails sits nestled on Winchester's Old Town walking mall at 115 North Loudoun Street, where owner Garry Green has cultivated something rare in retail: a store that feels like a community. After 34 years in business—the last 13 at this location—Garry has discovered what he calls "the Loudoun Street Magic," especially on Saturday evenings when the mall comes alive. He shares his passion during this episode of The Valley Today, with host Janet Michael and cohost Brady Cloven, executive director of Friends of Old Town. Mountain Trails' move from its original Cork Street location transformed the business entirely. "The demographic literally went from climbers, backpackers, and travelers to just everyone," Garry explains. The visibility proved phenomenal, and the store has become an integral part of Winchester's identity, appearing regularly in social media posts and drawing visitors from states away. Education Over Sales: A Revolutionary Approach What sets Mountain Trails apart isn't just their inventory—it's their philosophy. Garry's mission statement centers on creating "a safer, more enjoyable wilderness or travel experience," which means the staff focuses on qualifying customer needs rather than pushing products. "We are not here to sell things to you," Garry emphasizes. "We try to qualify your needs and provide for those needs." This approach resonates deeply in a business where equipment failures can have serious consequences. Whether customers are paddling the Shenandoah River for the first time or heading to Mount Everest base camp, their concerns receive equal validation. Garry recalls outfitting a gentleman for climbing Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest peak at nearly 20,000 feet. When the climber returned, he shared a remarkable moment: "I was at 16,000 feet and I heard you talking to me." The boots and backpack performed exactly as Garry had promised—the ultimate validation for the staff. Curating the Right Gear for Every Adventure Every single item in Mountain Trails serves a purpose. "Everything in Mountain Trails other than, let's just say a t-shirt, needs to function," Garry explains. "It has a job. And it needs to do that when you need it to do it." From rain gear to sock structure—yes, even socks matter—the curation process ensures customers receive appropriate equipment for their specific adventures. The store's tagline captures this breadth: "hiking, climbing, trekking, travel." However, their secondary motto, "Quality Outdoor Outfitters," opens the door wider. International travelers heading to Peru or around the world find the education and experience they need. Summer canoeists discover dry bags and quick-drying clothing. Skiers find bibs and cross-country equipment. Technical rock climbers locate harnesses and safety gear. Meeting Customers Where They Are Understanding the customer's experience level proves crucial to Garry's approach. The outdoor industry's biggest emerging demographic is what he calls "the casual adventurer"—people who want to hike two miles to a waterfall with trail runners, trekking poles, and a day pack, then return to town for lunch. These customers have vastly different needs from long-distance trekkers carrying their "house on their back" for multiple days. "Not everybody needs a $400 three-layer Gore-Tex rain jacket," Garry points out. While climbers heading to Mount Everest might need that level of protection, an $80 waterproof jacket works perfectly for someone's golf bag. This honesty builds trust. Moreover, the relationship continues as customers grow in their outdoor pursuits, returning to upgrade their gear as they tackle more challenging adventures. The Power of Kindness and Experience When hiring staff, Garry's number one criterion isn't outdoor expertise—it's kindness. "You have to put that customer's best interest at heart above anything else," he insists. This philosophy creates what international visitors have called "the feel" of Mountain Trails, something that distinguishes it from sterile big-box retailers. The staff's personal experience matters tremendously. "They've been wet, cold, hungry, tired," Garry notes. "They're here to help you suffer better." Garry himself spent years guiding in Alaska and running outdoor adventure programs for the U.S. Air Force, helping service members decompress after deployment. He recalls a winter camping trip where a participant thought she wouldn't survive the night because her "butt was cold"—she hadn't inflated her sleeping pad. After inflating it and adding hand warmers, she proclaimed he'd saved her life. "You passed through a window," he told her, referring to those challenging moments all outdoor enthusiasts eventually face. Beyond the Hardcore: Everyday Customers Welcome While Mountain Trails caters to serious adventurers, everyday shoppers find unexpected value. Janet shares how the store helps her buy gifts for her mother-in-law who bikes the C&O Canal—despite Janet's self-proclaimed lack of outdoor interests. "I can come in here and just say, she does this and you can help me find the perfect gift for her," she explains. The store even welcomes those who simply want to look the part. "I love this store even though I am not an outdoors person," Janet admits. Garry laughs, acknowledging that sometimes "it's all about the look." This inclusive approach means everyone feels welcome, whether they're heading into the wilderness or just want quality gear for weekend activities. A Global Reputation Built on Local Service The store's reputation extends far beyond Winchester. Visitors from Syracuse, Cleveland, and even international locations make Mountain Trails a regular stop. Garry recalls a family from Israel who declared it their favorite outdoor store globally. "We go into these stores all over the world, and this one is our favorite so far," they told him. What impressed them? The feel of the place—something intangible that staff members hear about regularly. This atmosphere stems from Garry's operating principle: "Everybody's welcome until they're not." The staff genuinely cares, creating an environment that feels more like a community gathering space than a transaction-focused retail outlet. Social media serves not primarily as a sales tool but as "an instrument of familiarity," sharing articles about climbing, skiing, and outdoor adventures that customers want to read over their morning coffee. Connecting with Mountain Trails In mid-March, Mountain Trails will transition from their winter hours into regular hours: Monday through Thursday 10 AM to 7 PM, Fridays and Saturdays 10 AM to 8 PM, and Sundays noon to 5 PM. Customers can find them on Facebook and Instagram or visit mountain-trails.com for basic information, though the real experience requires stepping through their door on the walking mall. Old Town Winchester: Building Community Through Events Chocolate Escape Perseveres Through Arctic Conditions The second half of the conversation shifts focus to Brady Claven, executive director of Friends of Old Town Winchester, who shares updates on recent events and upcoming attractions. February's Chocolate Escape faced brutal weather—17-degree temperatures with windchill predictions of negative 10 degrees—yet determined participants still filled the walking mall with their maps, hitting every participating location. Approximately 30 merchants participated in the event, which aims not just to distribute chocolate but to drive foot traffic into stores during cold months. The strategy worked. Faire Isles, for instance, welcomed numerous first-time visitors, and overall feedback indicated people discovered stores they'd never visited before. "The point of it is to get people into stores," Brady explains, noting that participants might not linger outside as long in freezing weather, but they spent more time browsing inside. Celebrating Black History Month Through Partnership Friends of Old Town partnered with NAACP Winchester and secured generous sponsorship from Valley Health to present three Black History Month events. Typewriter Studio hosted a spoken word and art gallery night featuring Monica James and representatives from Selah Theater. Bright Box presented "History and Cocktails" with Nick Powers from the MSV delivering an outstanding historical talk about the Valley's Black history, tying into the upcoming VA250 celebration. Finally, Bistro Sojo offered a small plates and jazz night with a $35-per-person special menu and live performance by SU. Spin to Winchester: Pedaling for Progress Friends of Old Town's second annual Spin to Winchester fundraiser brought participants together inside Valley Health for a 45-minute stationary bike class. Each rider crowd-funded their participation, raising a minimum of $250, with prizes awarded for most funds raised, sweatiest rider, and highest mileage. The event exceeded expectations, hitting 120% of its goal and attracting 20 more individual donors than the previous year. "It's very apparent by the end of this 45-minute class, certain people are, myself included, just dripping with sweat," Brady admits, describing the intense workout led by instructor Pam from Valley Health. Despite the physical challenge—including what seemed like endless "last hills"—the fundraiser's success directly supports Old Town programs and events throughout the year. Taylor Pavilion: A Transformation Underway Ground has broken on the Taylor Pavilion renovation, with completion targeted for before WineFest during Apple Blossom season. The transformation will create a social gathering space that addresses a common community need. "We do hear a lot from people that say, well, you know, there's really not a space if I don't wanna drink or if I don't want to eat," Brady notes. The new pavilion will offer a place where people can grab a bagel and sit, play chess, listen to music, or simply enjoy being on the mall. It will serve as a meeting point before art classes at Typewriter Studio or ShenArts—a place for friends to gather with coffee and catch up before heading to other destinations. Notably, the infamous "ping pong table on an incline" from the conceptual rendering will not materialize, though Brady jokes they should install a commemorative statue. Celtic Fest Returns March 14th Looking ahead to March, Celtic Fest promises to be a highlight. Scheduled for Saturday, March 14th from noon to 5 PM, the event will feature approximately 35 vendors lining the mall from the south end near Hideaway northward. Partners include Ravenwood Foundation, which brings expertise in outdoor Highland games. City Pipes and Drums will perform throughout the day. Faire Isles plans Irish dancers in their alcove, while other merchants prepare special attractions. Piper Dan's and Union Jack's—recently reopened after flooding—will participate, with Brady hoping to coordinate a special menu. Additionally, Brady plans to transform the museum lawn into a kids' Highland games zone, where children ages four to ten can throw foam logs, compete in disc throwing, and win prizes. Staying Connected Those interested in Old Town Winchester events can follow Friends of Old Town on Facebook and Instagram (@FriendsOfOldTownWINC) or visit friendsofoldtown.org for a complete calendar. First Friday events return in June with a "Summer of Covers" theme featuring cover bands, including a special August event partnering with River House. A Community That Cares Whether discussing Mountain Trails' dedication to customer safety and satisfaction or Friends of Old Town's commitment to creating community experiences, this conversation reveals Winchester's character: a city where businesses and organizations prioritize people over profit, relationships over transactions, and community over convenience. From outdoor gear to outdoor festivals, the message remains consistent—everyone's welcome, expertise matters, and kindness forms the foundation of everything worthwhile.

A Growing Crisis Hidden in Plain Sight Winchester's family homelessness crisis looks nothing like what most people imagine. There are no tent encampments or visible street corners occupied by children. Instead, the crisis unfolds quietly in motel rooms, backseats of cars, and overcrowded apartments where families double up with relatives, desperately hoping their situation will improve. Chris Briganti, Executive Director of Family Promise Winchester Area, sits down with Janet Michael on The Valley Today to reveal a startling reality: 539 students in Winchester, Frederick, Warren, and Clarke County schools self-identified as homeless during the 2024-2025 school year. Since self-identification means the actual number is likely much higher, the scope of the problem becomes clear—family homelessness is Winchester's invisible emergency. "These families are not people you see on the street corner," Chris explains. "The families we are helping are your neighbor next door. They are your friends who you probably don't know about because they've gotten very good at hiding and covering it up. You would have no idea that it's your bank teller or the person checking you out at Walmart." From Growth to Impact: A Year of Transformation Family Promise Winchester Area has undergone significant changes since its inception in 2022. After beginning to serve families in 2023, the organization hired Chris as their first executive director in July 2025. Furthermore, they recently updated their name from Family Promise of Northern Shenandoah Valley to avoid confusion with their neighboring affiliate in Shenandoah County. However, the most remarkable transformation has been in their impact numbers. During all of 2025, Family Promise moved 28 families into new homes and prevented 13 evictions, serving approximately 80 children total. In contrast, by mid-February 2026—just six weeks into the new year—they had already moved seven families into housing and prevented 11 evictions, helping 45 children. That's more than half of their entire previous year's impact. "Data is everything," Chris emphasizes. "Not only is it important for advocacy, but I think one of the basic things we owe our donors and society as a nonprofit organization is to let them know where that money is going." The Help Us Move In Fund: Small Investments, Enormous Returns At the heart of Family Promise's success lies their "Help Us Move In" (HUME) fund, which provides direct financial assistance to families teetering on the edge of homelessness. The program's efficiency is staggering: it costs approximately $500 per child to secure stable housing. "Maybe they need help making the first month's rent, or maybe there's back rent and they've done everything," Chris explains. "Sometimes all we have to do is help with $500. Give that to the landlord for rental arrears, and then that family will never need assistance again." The fund recently received a transformative boost when Opequon Presbyterian Church donated $20,000 as part of their capital campaign. Chris admits he "almost fell out of his chair" when he opened the envelope. Every penny of that donation goes directly to landlords or utility providers—never into families' pockets—eliminating concerns about misuse of funds. Moreover, the organization carefully vets applicants, reviewing rent ledgers from the past year and analyzing family finances. They ask critical questions: Are families missing rent every month, or is this truly a one-time crisis? Are they spending responsibly? This scrutiny ensures limited resources go to families who will succeed with just a bit of help. The Invisible Population: Who Needs Help and Why Contrary to stereotypes about chronically homeless populations, Family Promise increasingly serves families who have never needed assistance before. These are federal contractors laid off from their jobs, workers who fell ill and couldn't maintain employment, or families facing the cascading effects of a government shutdown. "These are families that have worked a good job for a long time, who have never had to ask for assistance in any way, shape, or form," Chris notes. "But they lose their job—a lot of federal contractors have been laid off—or they get ill and can't work." Janet adds an important clarification: "I think that's a big misconception. The general public thinks these federal contractors are making multimillion dollars a year, and that is not the case. They are not making much more above minimum wage than the rest of us. They're living paycheck to paycheck, especially with cost of living going up so much." Additionally, these families often fall into a frustrating gap. They make too much money to qualify for traditional social services, yet not enough to escape the motel cycle, where families pay $2,000 monthly for temporary housing while being unable to save for first month's rent and security deposits on permanent apartments. The Devastating Impact on Children The conversation takes a sobering turn when Chris discusses the research on childhood homelessness. The statistics paint a grim picture of generational trauma and lost potential. Recent studies reveal that housing instability—even when families are "doubled up" with relatives rather than literally on the streets—produces effects on children comparable to outright homelessness. Meanwhile, a 2018 Minnesota study found that 36% of adults experiencing homelessness first became homeless at or before age 18. The physiological impacts are equally alarming. Infants born the year before or after their mother enters an emergency shelter show higher rates of low birth weight, hospitalization, and emergency room visits compared to other low-income infants. These children face increased risks of asthma, chronic illnesses, and developmental delays. When homelessness lasts more than six months, children from infancy to age four experience significantly higher risks of developmental delays and hospitalization. "How do you pay attention when you're hungry?" Chris asks. "How do you pay attention when you don't know where you're going to do your homework tonight? How do you pay attention when you're sitting in class wearing the same clothes you wore the day before?" Furthermore, emerging research in epigenetics suggests that environmental trauma can literally alter gene expression—changes that can then be inherited by the next generation. Childhood poverty costs the nation upwards of a trillion dollars annually, yet early interventions like Family Promise's programs deliver a four-to-nine-dollar return on every dollar invested. "When we invest early in these childhood interventions, which is what Family Promise is all about, we help stop a cycle," Chris emphasizes. "We all do better when children have a safe place to live." The Housing Crisis and Creative Solutions Winchester's affordable housing shortage presents one of Family Promise's biggest challenges. Nevertheless, the organization has built strategic partnerships with landlords and apartment complexes who understand their mission. These partnerships prove mutually beneficial. Landlords allow Family Promise families to move to the front of the waiting list, knowing the organization carefully vets applicants and provides ongoing case management. Some landlords even reduce rent slightly for families working with Family Promise, recognizing the reduced risk. "Landlords, that's huge for us," Chris says. "We're working with these families. We're keeping a tight eye on them, and so it limits risk for landlords." Looking ahead, Family Promise is conducting a feasibility study for a standalone shelter facility, though that goal remains years away. In the meantime, they're exploring leasing apartments directly to families to create a more immediate shelter program. Currently, families living in cars receive limited emergency assistance while the organization rushes to secure permanent housing. Beyond Housing: Comprehensive Support Services While housing assistance forms the core of their work, Family Promise offers additional support to address the secondary crises that often push families into housing instability. The organization provides up to $500 for vehicle repairs, recognizing that transportation access often determines whether families can maintain employment. They offer up to $250 for back property taxes and supply bus passes when needed. Additionally, they provide up to $300 per family for afterschool childcare, removing another barrier to employment stability. "All of this is designed to figure out what's that bump, get them over that hill, and then let them live smoothly," Chris explains. Faith-Rooted, Universally Welcoming Family Promise Winchester Area's relationship with faith communities reflects a thoughtful balance. The national Family Promise network originated in 1988 with founder Karen Olsen's rotating shelter model, where families moved between different church host sites—similar to how Winchester Area Temporary Thermal Shelter (WATTS) operates today for individuals. Church partners remain essential to the organization's funding and volunteer base, with Opequon Presbyterian's recent $20,000 donation exemplifying this support. However, while Family Promise is driven by interfaith values like compassion, love, and empathy, their programming itself remains secular. "We believe in compassion, love, empathy, helping the meek, but our programming itself is not faith-based," Chris clarifies. "We serve all families of all compositions. It doesn't matter what religion you are. There is no expectation that you'll have to go to church on Sunday in order for us to cover your rent." The organization defines family through the child's perspective: whoever the child sees as family is their family, regardless of composition. Any family with a minor child or expecting a child who lives in Winchester, Frederick, Warren, or Clarke County qualifies for services. How the Community Can Help As the conversation concludes, Chris issues a call to action for the Winchester community. Family Promise needs landlords willing to work with their families, volunteers offering even two hours of time, and financial donations of any size. "I'll get a check for $5 and people apologize, saying 'I'm sorry it's not more,'" Chris shares. "$5 makes a real difference. If you get a hundred people giving you $5, that's $500—that's one family we were able to prevent from an eviction." Beyond monetary donations, simple actions make an impact. Following Family Promise Winchester on Facebook and liking or sharing their posts helps algorithms spread awareness. Every share brings Winchester's "best kept secret" a little closer to the visibility it needs. For families needing assistance, the process starts at www.familypromisewinchester.org, where a program application allows quick assessment and entry into the case management system. Time sensitivity matters—many situations require immediate intervention. For everyone else—donors, volunteers, landlords, or simply concerned citizens—the website offers multiple ways to engage. The organization can be reached at (540) 323-8038 or info@familypromisewinchester.org. A Story That Needs Telling Perhaps the most powerful moment in the conversation comes when Chris describes a family currently receiving assistance: "The first thing the mother said to us is, 'We went from taking vacations to living in a motel.' All it took was an illness, a layoff, and that's where they are." This narrative shatters assumptions about who becomes homeless and why. It reminds listeners that family homelessness isn't about moral failing or poor choices—it's about an unforgiving housing market, stagnant wages, inadequate safety nets, and the reality that most Americans live far closer to financial catastrophe than they realize. Ultimately, Family Promise Winchester Area offers something rare and valuable: a proven intervention point where modest investment prevents catastrophic outcomes. At $500 per child, the Help Us Move In fund doesn't just house families—it preserves childhoods, protects development, prevents trauma, and breaks generational cycles of poverty. "We have to stop this because it's just so expensive," Chris concludes, referencing both the human and economic costs. "When we invest early in these childhood interventions, we help stop a cycle, and we also help everybody in society." Winchester's invisible crisis demands visible action. Family Promise Winchester Area has built the infrastructure, demonstrated the results, and proven the model works. Now they need the community's support to scale their impact and ensure no child in the region goes to sleep wondering where they'll wake up tomorrow.

A Community Comes Together to Honor Local Excellence Fresh off a Parisian adventure, Kaleigh Fincham returns to the Top of Virginia region with renewed energy and a mission: to orchestrate one of the Chamber's most meaningful events of the year. As Director of Events for the Top of Virginia Regional Chamber, Kaleigh joins host Janet Michael on "The Valley Business Today" to unveil the details of the 2026 Greater Good Awards, presented by Valley Health. More Than Just an Awards Ceremony The Greater Good Awards stand apart from typical business recognition events. Rather than simply celebrating success, this gathering honors the individuals and organizations whose vision, leadership, and dedication actively strengthen the region's quality of life. "This event is a little different," Kaleigh explains. "It really shows the community at its finest and celebrates the outstanding individuals and businesses whose vision, leadership and hard work strengthened the quality of life in our region." Scheduled for March 12th at Shenandoah Valley Golf Club, the semi-formal evening event runs from 5:30 to 9:00 p.m. However, prospective attendees need to act quickly—tickets sell out rapidly, and Kaleigh warns that availability may be extremely limited by the time listeners tune in. The Theme: Gathering Gratitude This year's theme, "Gathering Gratitude," reflects the heart of what makes this event special. Kaleigh crafted the concept around the idea of pausing amid busy schedules, growing businesses, and packed calendars to recognize those making genuine differences in the community. "It's about taking that pause in the middle of busy schedules, growing businesses, and full calendars," Kaleigh shares. "Overall, just basically coming together as a community to recognize the people and organizations who are making a real difference here in the top of Virginia region." The theme resonates particularly well with presenting sponsor Valley Health, whose daily work embodies the spirit of community service. Kaleigh draws parallels between the healthcare provider's mission and the awards' purpose: "I think about the hands of doctors and nurses in our communities, the way they show up every single day for our families, our neighbors, and our businesses. It's a powerful example of how people come together in service of something bigger than themselves." Valley Health: A Partner in Community Excellence Chris Rucker, Chief Administrative Officer for Valley Health, joins the conversation to discuss why his organization continues to serve as the presenting sponsor year after year. His perspective reveals the deeper connection between healthcare and community prosperity. "Healthcare is an essential part of every community," Chris emphasizes. "It's an essential part of what determines the success and the livability and the trajectory of growth, the prosperity in every community." As the region's largest employer, Valley Health views its role as extending beyond patient care to include being a positive role model for other organizations. Moreover, Chris highlights Valley Health's extensive community involvement, which often happens behind the scenes. "We have some relationship and some involvement with just about every nonprofit organization in the community," he notes. The organization's mission of serving the community by improving health requires partnerships, collaboration, and avoiding redundancy—values that align perfectly with the Greater Good Awards' celebration of community impact. Eight Categories of Excellence The 2026 Greater Good Awards recognize achievement across eight distinct categories, each highlighting different aspects of community contribution: Small Business of the Year nominees include Capon Valley Bank and Summit Events, representing entrepreneurial spirit and local economic vitality. Large Business of the Year features First Bank, Shenandoah University, and Timber Ridge School - organizations whose scale allows them to make substantial community investments through volunteering, product donations, and strategic partnerships. Nonprofit of the Year acknowledges Access Independence, Winchester CCAP, and NW Works for their dedication to serving community needs. With nine to ten initial nominations, this category demonstrates the region's robust nonprofit sector. Entrepreneur of the Year celebrates Kelly Botta with Smartypants Medicine and Will Sparrow with Blue Bay Tech/Shallow Creek Electrical for their innovative business ventures. Citizen of the Year honors Kimberly Wilt with United Way of Northern Shenandoah Valley, Tamara Green from Frederick County Department of Social Services, and Tracy Fitzsimmons of Shenandoah University for their individual community contributions. Emerging Leader Award recognizes rising stars Emily Windle from Winchester City Council Ward Two, Lauren Clouse from Winchester Rescue Mission, and Mario Wisdom with Crystal Clear Business Solutions—individuals just beginning their careers but already making significant impacts. Career Pathways Impact Award, recently renamed from the CTE Award, broadens its scope to include educators, CTE instructors, workforce development professionals, training providers, and community partners. This year's nominees are Devon Smith with Frederick County Public Schools, Michael Diaz with Virginia Works, and Sarah Weinstein with Winchester Public Schools. Finally, the Lifetime Community Impact Award remains shrouded in mystery. Unlike other categories, this recipient's identity stays secret until the evening of the event, creating an element of surprise and anticipation. "You've had to put your time in," Kaleigh notes. "Absolute dedication at its finest." The Selection Process: Rigorous and Fair The path to nomination involves more than popularity. Kaleigh receives nominations from various sources—Chamber members, community members, and even self-nominations from businesses and individuals. However, getting nominated represents just the first step. A committee composed of past Chairs of the Top of Virginia Regional Chamber Board reviews all submissions against specific criteria. These include community involvement, ethics and character, leadership, creativity, growth, and for businesses, economic impact. Additionally, nominees must maintain good standing as Chamber members for at least three years. "We want the meat, not just, 'Oh, this person or this business is great to work for, work with,'" Kaleigh emphasizes. "We want the details." She encourages nominators to provide facts, numbers, and supporting documentation to help the committee make informed decisions. The rigorous process ensures the awards maintain their significance. "They're trying to bring the significance of the award ceremony back," Kaleigh explains, noting that without clear criteria, recognition risks becoming merely a popularity contest. Community Participation Opportunities While sponsorship opportunities have closed, community members can still contribute to the event's success through silent auction donations. Kaleigh welcomes creative contributions beyond standard gift cards—themed baskets, experience packages, travel opportunities, or unique local offerings that will capture bidders' attention. Janet herself offers to create an auction package featuring a guest appearance on "The Valley Today," complete with an orange microphone. Interested donors can contact Kaleigh at kfincham@regionalchamber.biz or call the office at 540-662-4118 extension 16. The deadline for auction item donations is Monday, March 9th, and Kaleigh offers to pick up items directly from businesses. A Partnership That Extends Beyond One Night The conversation reveals that Valley Health's relationship with the Chamber extends far beyond the Greater Good Awards. Kaleigh notes their involvement in Business at the Bloom, the Community Leadership Program, and the recently added Arising Leadership Program for high school juniors and seniors. "We greatly appreciate our partnership with Valley Health because it's not just this event that I've worked with individuals from Valley Health," Kaleigh shares. This ongoing collaboration demonstrates how meaningful partnerships strengthen the entire community ecosystem. Chris acknowledges the value of these diverse connections: "The number of nonprofits demonstrates, in my mind, and I'm sure to your listeners, just how many people are out there that really have care and passion to serve their community and whatever their particular area of interest is." Additional Sponsors Make It Possible While Valley Health serves as presenting sponsor, the event requires support from multiple community partners. Kaleigh gives special recognition to First Citizens Bank, YHB, Zwiesel Fortessa Tableware Solutions, City National Bank, and CNB Bank for their sponsorship commitments. Many of these organizations return year after year, demonstrating their belief in the event's community impact. The Bigger Picture Throughout the conversation, a central theme emerges: recognition matters. Being nominated alone represents a significant honor, as it means someone in the community values your contributions enough to put your name forward. Winning amplifies that recognition, but participation in the evening creates something equally valuable—a collective pause to appreciate the good work happening throughout the region. "Simply showing up is important," Kaleigh reflects. "So the night is about gratitude, but for work being done, for the partnerships being formed, for the impact that happens when we gather together as a community. It's not just an award ceremony. We all come together in gratitude and we, at the end of the day, strengthen as an entire region." As tickets dwindle and the March 12th date approaches, the Top of Virginia region prepares to gather in gratitude, celebrating not just individual achievements but the collective spirit that makes the community thrive. In a world that often rushes past moments of appreciation, the Greater Good Awards create space to pause, recognize, and honor those who make the region a better place to live, work, and grow. For those interested in attending, tickets remain available at regionalchamber.biz, though Kaleigh cautions they won't last long. The dress code calls for semi-formal attire in colors like sage green, gold, and champagne—fitting for an evening dedicated to celebrating the golden contributions of community champions.

During a recent episode of The Valley Today, host Janet Michael sits down with Jill Edlich and Kary Haun for Tourism Tuesday — Shenandoah County Edition — to talk about an exciting new chapter unfolding at North Mountain Vineyard and Winery. What begins as a conversation about events and community quickly reveals something much bigger: a Renaissance fair founder has just stepped into life as a vineyard owner. As part of the ongoing Tourism Tuesday series highlighting destinations and experiences in Shenandoah County, the conversation explores how Jill's purchase of North Mountain is reshaping both the winery and the future home of the Ravenwood Faire. As listeners quickly learn, this isn't just a business transaction. It's a story about legacy, land, and local connection. The Perfect Match When Krista, the former owner of North Mountain Vineyard and Winery, decided to sell her beloved property, she wasn't just looking for any buyer. She wanted someone who would cherish the land and preserve its legacy. After waiting patiently for the right person, she found exactly what she was looking for in Jill Edlich—though the match came with an unexpected twist. Jill didn't set out to become a winemaker. Instead, she was searching for a permanent home for the Ravenwood Faire, the Renaissance-style festival she founded in 2019. For years, she had been hosting the fundraising event at the Frederick County Fairgrounds in Clear Brook, but the logistics were exhausting. Setting up and breaking down the event took nearly a week each time, and Jill dreamed of finding land where the fair could put down roots. From Fairgrounds to Vineyards When Jill discovered the 47-acre North Mountain property—with 15 acres planted in grapevines—she realized she'd found more than just a home for her event. She'd stumbled into an entirely new venture. "It's like those TV shows where someone says, 'Honey, I bought a zoo,'" Janet jokes. "And those people are like, 'I've never run a zoo before, but hey, we're gonna give this a shot.'" Jill laughs in agreement. Suddenly, she wasn't just an event organizer—she was a farmer and a vintner. "A lot of people say, 'So how does it feel to be a farmer now?'" Jill reflects. "And I'm like, wow. Yeah. I'm a farmer besides owning the winery." A Wine Lover's Journey Fortunately, Jill's leap into the wine business wasn't entirely blind. Years earlier, she founded the Wine Club for Women, organizing tastings and educational events throughout Frederick County, Winchester, and even Shenandoah County. She loved learning about wine pairings and vineyard operations, but eventually, the demands of the Ravenwood Faire consumed her time. Still, she never abandoned her dream of returning to the wine world someday. "It's kind of like a full circle," Jill explains. "Everything happens for a reason. That's always been one of my things for sure." Preserving Tradition One of Jill's biggest concerns when taking over the winery was maintaining the quality and character that loyal customers had come to expect. Thankfully, she inherited an invaluable asset: the winemaking team. Krista's son, John Jackson, stayed on as head winemaker, along with assistant winemaker Andrew Bender. Together, they're Jill's "wine-making gurus," patiently teaching her the craft while ensuring beloved wines like Toms Brook Red remain unchanged. "Rest assured, we've got Toms Brook Red and that's definitely not going anywhere," Jill promises. Beyond preserving existing wines, she's also excited to experiment with new blends and explore whether certain grapes can stand on their own rather than being blended. A Diverse Portfolio Currently, North Mountain offers an impressive selection. The white wines include Riesling, Oktoberfest, a standout Virginia Apple wine, Gruner Veltliner, Chardonnay, and Gewürztraminer Rosé. Meanwhile, the red lineup features Zweigel Red, Cabernet Franc (Jill's personal favorite), Petite Verdot, Chambourcin Foster's Reserve, Mountain Midnight (a port-style wine), the famous Toms Brook Red, a spiced holiday wine that can be served cold or warmed, and Clairet—a Bordeaux-style blend that's grandfathered in under a now-restricted name. Renovations and Accessibility Since closing on the property on October 31, 2025, Jill has wasted no time making improvements. She opened for business the very next day and immediately began renovations to make the winery more welcoming. The tasting room has been transformed into a clean, inviting space where large groups or dozens of small parties can gather comfortably. Most importantly, Jill prioritizes accessibility. She's adding a ramp to eliminate steps at the entrance, designating handicap parking spots, and extending the parking lot. Additionally, she's constructing a road, making it easier for visitors to access events—especially the Ravenwood Faire—without overwhelming the neighborhood. The Ravenwood Connection While the winery and the Ravenwood Faire are separate entities, they now share the same home. The Ravenwood Foundation will rent space on the property to host the fundraising event, happening in October: the 16th through 18th and the 23rd through 25th. The fair has grown significantly since its inception, particularly in its offerings for children. Last year, the kids' area was constantly packed, which thrills Jill and her team. "Every time I looked over in that area, it was just a constant," she recalls. "It made us feel really good." Beyond the fair, the foundation runs a week-long day camp for children ages 12 to 17, teaching outdoor skills like archery, bread making, and cooking over open fires. Last year's inaugural camp served 16 kids—a number that initially seemed small but proved perfect for working out the kinks. Moving forward, Jill hopes to eventually bring the camp to the vineyard property and possibly expand to overnight sessions, though logistical challenges like insurance and sleeping arrangements remain. Building Community Jill's vision extends beyond wine and fairs. She's actively partnering with local farms and artisans to host events like homesteading workshops, sourdough-making classes, canning demonstrations, and floral arrangement sessions. Every Saturday features live music, and the winery has already hosted trivia nights, bridal showers, and even a 35-person wedding in the great room. "It's really important for us to be working with our local community," Jill emphasizes. "Meeting other farmers now has been amazing." She's also been warmly welcomed by the Shenandoah Valley Wine Trail, a tight-knit group of winemakers who meet every other month at different vineyards. "I walked in there and everybody had open arms," Jill says. "It was an amazing feeling. I'm feeling the love for sure." Looking Ahead As spring approaches, Jill plans to extend the winery's hours beyond the current Wednesday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. schedule. She's also reviving Oktoberfest—a tradition Krista maintained even in her final years—and giving it "a little more love." Perhaps most excitingly, Jill is exploring expanding wine production and potentially enlarging the cellar. With stunning sunset views, ample outdoor space, and a growing calendar of events, North Mountain Vineyard and Winery is poised to become a cornerstone of Shenandoah County's tourism scene. For Jill, the journey from Renaissance fair organizer to winery owner has been unexpected but deeply fulfilling. "I know how to drink wine," she jokes. "But to make it, that was a whole different ball of wax." Three months in, she's learning something new every day—and loving every minute of it. North Mountain Vineyard and Winery is located in Shenandoah County at 4374 Swartz Road, Maurertown. For more information, visit northmountainvineyard.com or follow them on Facebook and Instagram. Learn more about the Ravenwood Foundation at ravenwoodfoundation.org.

Record Numbers Shatter Post-Pandemic Expectations Six years after the pandemic first disrupted American life, a troubling trend emerges across rural Virginia. The Blue Ridge Area Food Bank now serves approximately 180,000 people every month—a staggering 39,000 more than the pandemic's peak. Les Sinclair, the organization's Communications and PR Manager, reveals this sobering reality during a recent conversation on The Valley Today with host Janet Michael. Initially, food bank officials believed the pandemic would represent the worst crisis they'd ever face. When government assistance programs temporarily lifted many families out of poverty, demand dropped slightly to around 141,000 monthly visits. However, this optimism proved short-lived. "We thought the numbers would never go up beyond the pandemic max," Les explains. "That just didn't pan out." Instead, inflation took hold with devastating consequences. While prices soared across every sector, wages failed to keep pace. Consequently, more working families find themselves unable to afford basic necessities, forcing them to seek food assistance for the first time in their lives. A Massive Rural Footprint The Blue Ridge Area Food Bank operates across an impressive territory that spans 25 counties and eight cities throughout Virginia. Stretching from Winchester and Frederick County in the north to beyond Lynchburg and Bedford County in the south, the organization covers approximately 12,000 square miles—roughly the size of Maryland or one-third of Virginia's total area. To manage this vast region effectively, the food bank maintains four strategic warehouse locations. Their headquarters sits in Verona, just outside Staunton, while additional distribution centers operate in Winchester, Charlottesville, and Lynchburg. Notably, the Winchester facility alone serves Frederick, Clarke, Fauquier, Warren, Shenandoah, Page, and Rappahannock Counties, including the densely populated Loudoun County. Moreover, the organization represents a groundbreaking experiment in food banking. When founded in 1981, most food banks concentrated on urban areas where dense populations made distribution easier. The Blue Ridge Area Food Bank, however, pioneered rural food distribution—a critical distinction since nine out of ten food-insecure Americans live in rural communities rather than urban centers. The Partnership Model That Makes It Work The food bank functions as a sophisticated logistics operation, partnering with Feeding America nationally and hundreds of local food pantries regionally. Les compares their role to a Walmart warehouse, buying food by the truckload and storing massive quantities. Meanwhile, local pantries like Winchester CCAP serve as the "customer-facing" locations, directly distributing food to families in need. This partnership proves essential for reaching scattered rural populations. "We couldn't do what we do without them," Les emphasizes. "They couldn't do what they do without us." Furthermore, the organization sources food from diverse channels. Retail grocers contribute 36% of donations through partner pickup programs, where pantries collect excess inventory directly from stores like Food Lion, Kroger, and Giant. Additionally, the USDA provides government-purchased food from American farmers, while large manufacturers donate products with misprinted labels or excess inventory. Local and regional farmers also contribute fresh produce to the network. The Grocery Store Challenge Recently, however, the retail partnership faced unexpected pressure. During October and November, and again during winter snowstorms, consumers cleared grocery store shelves completely. When stores have no excess inventory, they have nothing left to donate. Compounding this challenge, grocery chains have become remarkably efficient at predicting demand. Using AI technology, they now anticipate that shoppers will buy strawberry Pop-Tarts before storms and adjust inventory accordingly. While this efficiency benefits retailers and consumers, it reduces the surplus available for food banks. Simultaneously, USDA food supplies have dropped 30% year-over-year, forcing the food bank to purchase more food directly. Although they cannot fully replace the high-quality proteins and vegetables the government typically provides, they continue prioritizing nutritious options for their partner pantries. Shattering Misconceptions About Food Pantry Users Perhaps the most persistent myth surrounding food insecurity involves who actually needs assistance. Many people assume food pantry visitors are simply lazy and should "get a job." The reality, however, tells a dramatically different story. Most people seeking food assistance are working. They're trying to improve their lives but living on financial margins so thin that a single unexpected expense creates crisis. In fact, more than a quarter of the food bank's guests visit only once per year—they simply need help getting over a temporary hump. Les shares the story of a convenience store worker who injured her wrist on the job. Unable to work while waiting for workers' compensation, she has zero income and cares for a paralyzed son. She's not lazy—she's injured, uninsured temporarily, and desperately trying to survive until she can return to work. Even when workers' compensation arrives, it typically covers only 70% of regular wages and takes considerable time to process. For families living paycheck to paycheck, missing even one payment creates cascading financial disasters. The Government Shutdown Ripple Effect Currently, partial government shutdowns compound these challenges. Federal workers, particularly TSA agents, continue reporting to work without paychecks. They still pay for childcare, gas, and other necessities, but many receive payment only monthly—making it extraordinarily difficult to stretch resources from one paycheck to the next. Contrary to popular belief, landlords cannot always wait patiently for delayed rent payments. Many landlords depend on rental income to pay their own mortgages. When a tenant misses a $2,000 rent payment, the landlord must still cover their mortgage. Moreover, the economic impact extends far beyond government employees. When federal workers stop dining out, restaurants lose business. Wait staff lose tips. Restaurant owners order less food from suppliers like Sysco. Truck drivers haul fewer loads. The entire economic system suffers. Sarah Cohen of Route 11 Chips experienced this firsthand. During COVID and government shutdowns, her sales to DC cafes plummeted because federal workers weren't coming to the office for lunch. These ripple effects reach deep into Virginia's economy, affecting businesses and workers far from the capital. The Impossible Choice: Heat or Eat Winter brings particularly cruel dilemmas for struggling families. Les recently spoke with William, a roofer injured on the job who lives in a mobile home with his dog, Cocoa. Unable to afford heating, William and Cocoa "just sort of curl up" together while he waits for surgeries that will allow him to return to work. Another woman caring for three disabled grandchildren faces $400 monthly electric bills. With both she and her husband experiencing serious health issues and the children's parents out of the picture, they constantly struggle with the impossible choice between heating their home and feeding their family. These aren't isolated cases. Across the food bank's service area, families regularly face this devastating decision. When $600 heating bills arrive after cold snaps, many choose to keep the lights on and visit food pantries to feed their families. Food as Medicine: A Holistic Approach The Blue Ridge Area Food Bank takes a progressive stance on nutrition, viewing food as medicine rather than mere sustenance. They prioritize fresh produce, which comprised 30% of their distribution last year, because they understand that proper nutrition helps people thrive. Nutritious food keeps medical bills down across entire communities. Children pay better attention in school when properly nourished. People can manage chronic illnesses and diseases through better nutrition. Conversely, when families can only afford high-calorie processed foods, they face increased health risks despite consuming adequate calories—debunking the myth that overweight individuals cannot be food insecure. Additionally, access to food reduces stress, which itself functions as a health intervention. When people live on the edge of a financial cliff, they cannot make good long-term decisions. They're too focused on simply not falling. However, when food security removes one major stressor, families can step back from that precipice and begin making better choices for their futures. Quality Food for Everyone Another common misconception suggests that food bank offerings are somehow subpar. In reality, the food distributed through this network maintains high-quality standards. While well-meaning donors sometimes contribute items like ramen noodles during food drives, the bulk of distributed food comes from retail grocers, USDA programs, and direct purchases of nutritious items. The food bank specifically prioritizes produce because people crave fresh fruits and vegetables. Although produce represents one of the most expensive food categories—often making it a luxury for families on tight budgets—the organization believes everyone deserves access to healthy, nutritious food regardless of their economic circumstances. How Communities Can Help Fortunately, community members have multiple ways to support this critical mission. Volunteering provides valuable assistance, and notably, many food bank guests themselves volunteer, giving back to the community that supported them during difficult times. Financial donations prove particularly effective. Just $1 helps provide more than three meals, meaning $10 supplies a month of meals for someone in need, while $100 provides 300 meals. The food bank's purchasing power and logistics expertise amplify every dollar donated. Beyond time and money, advocacy matters tremendously. Currently, the Federation of Virginia Food Banks—representing all seven food banks across the state—works to promote "food as medicine" initiatives with the state legislature. Community members can support these efforts through the food bank's website at BRAFB.org/actnow or BRAFB.org/getinvolved. Finally, social media engagement amplifies the message. Following the food bank's social media accounts, resharing posts, and commenting helps spread awareness that hunger relief remains an urgent community need. Finding Help When You Need It For individuals and families currently struggling with food insecurity, Les offers an important message: "You're not alone, and we are here with you. We are here to walk with you through this challenge in your life." The food bank's website features an easy-to-use food finder tool. Visitors to BRAFB.org can click "Find Food," enter their address, and immediately see all nearby pantries with contact information, open hours, and everything needed to access food quickly. Alternatively, Virginians can call 211 for phone-based assistance connecting them with local resources. A Community Responsibility As this conversation reveals, food insecurity affects far more people than most realize—one in nine people across the food bank's service area. These aren't strangers or statistics; they're neighbors, coworkers, and community members facing temporary crises that could happen to anyone. The Blue Ridge Area Food Bank stands ready to help, but they cannot do it alone. Through partnerships with local pantries, support from community donors and volunteers, and advocacy for systemic solutions, the organization continues fighting to ensure everyone has enough to eat. In Janet Michael's words, it's "a responsibility I do not take lightly"—and neither should any of us.

A Homecoming to the Shenandoah Valley Candace DeLong is settling into her new role as Frederick County's consumer horticulture extension agent, and she's already discovering the perks of the position, she explains to host Janet Michael on this episode of The Valley Today. Just three weeks into the job, she's found herself surrounded by enthusiastic Master Gardeners, chocolate Valentine's Day cake, and a team of 150 volunteers ready to tackle any gardening question that comes their way. However, this isn't Candace's first rodeo in the world of extension work. For the past six years, she served as an extension agent in neighboring Hampshire County, West Virginia, where she covered all areas of agriculture. Now, she's narrowing her focus to home gardening, green industry questions, and working closely with the Master Gardener program—a shift she welcomes after years of juggling everything from livestock to orchards. From Indiana to Apple Country Candace's journey to Frederick County began 13 years ago when she left her hometown of Anderson, Indiana, to pursue a master's degree at Virginia Tech. Unlike most graduate students, she didn't spend her time on the Blacksburg campus. Instead, she conducted research at the Alson H. Smith research lab outside Winchester, diving deep into crop load management in apple orchards. Following her graduate work, Candace spent three years working directly in Frederick County's apple industry, gaining hands-on experience that would prove invaluable. "I was out in the field figuring out diseases and insects and bugs and all of those weed issues and how to deal with them," she explains. Moreover, those years spent driving between orchards gave her an intimate knowledge of Frederick County's geography—a bonus that's already paying dividends in her new role. The Power of Problem-Solving Throughout her career, Candace has witnessed the extension system from multiple angles. She's been a graduate student, a grower who benefited from extension services, and now an extension agent herself. This well-rounded perspective shapes her approach to the job, particularly when it comes to science-based problem-solving. "Through that master's degree, I learned a lot of horticulture, but I also learned how to be a scientist, really how to go through the scientific method," Candace reflects. This analytical mindset proves essential in extension work, where home remedies and folklore often clash with research-based solutions. A Team Approach to Community Service Unlike her previous position in rural Hampshire County, where she handled most questions solo, Candace now works alongside a robust Master Gardener program. These trained volunteers staff help desks across five counties—Frederick, Clarke, Warren, Page, and Shenandoah, plus the city of Winchester—answering gardening questions and providing research-based advice to the community. The Master Gardeners maintain a green helpline every Wednesday from 10 a.m. to noon at the Frederick County office, where Candace can often be found. Additionally, each county operates its own helpline with specific hours and email addresses, ensuring residents can access expertise close to home. Furthermore, the Master Gardeners take their knowledge on the road, setting up booths at farmers' markets and community events throughout the growing season. They're already planning an elaborate "Ask a Master Gardener" booth for the June GardenFest at Belle Grove, complete with a prize wheel to reward curious visitors. Spring Events on the Horizon As spring approaches, Candace and the Master Gardener teams are gearing up for a busy season. Earth Day celebrations will bring the volunteers to multiple locations, including a new Stephens City Earth Day festival, the Clarke County Fairgrounds event, and the Red Bud Festival in Browntown. Seven Bends Nursery will also host a celebration featuring Master Gardener expertise. "The two weekends surrounding Earth Day are gonna be—that group will be out and about with their information for sure," Candace notes enthusiastically. Balancing Work and Family Despite her horticultural expertise, Candace admits her home garden has seen better days. With a 1-year-old daughter who puts everything in her mouth, maintaining raised beds and unique apple tree cultivars has become challenging. Nevertheless, she's optimistic about the upcoming season and has developed a practical solution: the "snack garden." "We plant a snack garden that can be trampled on and the vines can be pulled down and they get excited about it," she explains with a laugh. "You have to strategically plan the garden for the children." A Perfect Time to Start Candace joins two other new agents—Cynthia Fairbanks, based in Warren County, and Liz Rohrer, based in Clarke County—creating what Janet calls "a new crop of extension agents." This timing couldn't be better, as the trio can attend professional development trainings together and support one another through farm visits and community events. Meanwhile, her colleague Mark Sutphin, who has been covering both commercial and consumer horticulture, can now focus more on his specialty: working with tree fruit growers and commercial vegetable operations.  Looking Ahead As Candace settles into her role, she's energized by the constant learning opportunities. "I get to learn along with them," she says of the Master Gardeners. "I get to learn through their educational hours that they get to do. And taking in all that information is really exciting for me." For residents across the five-county region, Candace's arrival means renewed focus on consumer horticulture and strengthened support for the already impressive Master Gardener program. Whether you're dealing with tomato pests, wondering about tree diseases, or simply curious about starting your first vegetable garden, help is just a Wednesday morning visit—or an email—away.

The Silent Threat Women Face Heart disease remains the number one killer of women in America, yet nearly half of all women fail to recognize it as their greatest health threat. During a recent Community Health episode of The Valley Today, host Janet Michael talks with Dr. April Shewmake, a board-certified interventional cardiologist at Winchester Cardiology and Vascular Medicine I Valley Health, to uncover the truth about cardiovascular health. What emerged was a compelling conversation that challenges common misconceptions and empowers listeners to take control of their heart health. Understanding the Specialist's Perspective Dr. Shewmake brings a unique dual expertise to her practice. As an interventional cardiologist, she treats heart attack emergencies in the catheterization lab using minimally invasive procedures to open blocked arteries. However, she emphasizes that general cardiology—the preventive side of her work—plays an equally vital role. "Before things become an emergency or a heart attack," she explains, "that's the general cardiology piece." This preventive approach focuses on long-term care, diagnostic imaging, and medication management to stop heart disease before it starts. The Prevention Paradox Perhaps the most striking revelation from the conversation centers on prevention. According to Dr. Shewmake, between 70 and 90 percent of heart disease is entirely preventable. This statistic transforms heart health from a matter of fate into one of choice. The key lies in daily habits that many people overlook: maintaining a healthy diet, exercising regularly, controlling blood pressure, managing stress, getting adequate sleep, and remaining tobacco-free. Nevertheless, Dr. Shewmake acknowledges that genetics do play a role. Some patients develop heart disease despite doing everything right. This reality underscores why awareness and early detection remain crucial, even for those who maintain healthy lifestyles. Recognizing the Warning Signs When it comes to identifying potential heart problems, Dr. Shewmake urges people to pay attention to specific symptoms. The major warning signs include chest pressure, shortness of breath, fatigue, dizziness, nausea, and pain radiating to the jaw, arms, or back. Critically, symptoms that appear during physical exertion and improve with rest signal early-stage heart disease. Furthermore, Dr. Shewmake dispels the Hollywood myth that distinguishes heart attacks from indigestion. In reality, many people—particularly young adults and women—delay seeking treatment because they assume their symptoms indicate simple indigestion. Women especially tend to experience atypical presentations, manifesting nausea and shortness of breath rather than classic chest pain. "Don't delay," she insists. "If you think something's wrong, come to the hospital." The 911 Rule Dr. Shewmake reinforces a critical safety message: never drive yourself to the hospital if you suspect a heart attack. Instead, call 911 immediately. Emergency medical services can begin life-saving treatment en route, significantly improving outcomes. This advice echoes the guidance of other cardiologists and represents a consensus among heart specialists. Women's Unique Risk Profile The conversation takes a deeper dive into the specific challenges women face regarding heart disease. Dr. Shewmake reveals that nearly 45 percent of women over age 20 have cardiovascular disease, yet less than half recognize this reality. Heart disease kills more women than all cancers—including breast cancer—combined, claiming one in three female lives. Moreover, women face distinct risk factors that men do not encounter. Hormonal changes during menopause, pregnancy-related complications, and autoimmune conditions all contribute to cardiovascular risk. Additionally, women often present with symptoms later in life but develop more complex disease. The medical community sometimes dismisses women's symptoms, compounding the problem. The Caregiver's Dilemma Janet raises an important point about women's tendency to prioritize others' health over their own. Women rush their husbands and children to the doctor at the first sign of trouble, yet they dismiss their own symptoms as minor inconveniences. Dr. Shewmake validates this observation and emphasizes the need to close the gap in how heart disease gets recognized and treated in women. She advocates for reframing primary care visits as self-care—an hour dedicated to one's own wellbeing. Using the airplane oxygen mask analogy, she reminds women that they must take care of themselves first to remain available for their families.  The Rising Threat to Young Adults Alarmingly, cardiovascular disease increasingly affects younger populations. Dr. Shewmake shares that her youngest female heart attack patient was 38, while her youngest male patient was just 30. Janet recounts the tragic story of her son's two high school friends—both in their early thirties—who died from heart attacks within three months. This trend stems from rising cardiovascular risk factors among young people, including diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol appearing at earlier ages. Additionally, genetics likely play a stronger role in these younger cases. Young adults often assume they're invincible, delaying treatment when symptoms appear. This dangerous mindset can prove fatal. Know Your Numbers Throughout the conversation, Dr. Shewmake repeatedly emphasizes the importance of knowing four critical numbers: cholesterol, blood pressure, BMI, and blood sugar. These metrics serve as early warning indicators for heart disease risk. She encourages everyone to discuss these numbers with their primary care physician and take action when they fall outside healthy ranges. Importantly, all these risk factors respond to treatment. Modern medicine offers excellent options for managing weight, cholesterol, and blood sugar. Some newer weight-loss medications not only help patients shed pounds and lower A1C levels but also provide cardiovascular benefits. These treatments represent powerful tools in the fight against heart disease. The Technology Trap When Janet mentions the false sense of security that fitness trackers provide, Dr. Shewmake agrees wholeheartedly. While devices like the Apple Watch offer some benefits, they cannot replace a comprehensive medical evaluation. No wearable technology can measure cholesterol levels, assess blood glucose, or provide the nuanced analysis that comes from a conversation with a healthcare provider. The Path Forward Dr. Shewmake welcomes referrals from primary care physicians when patients need specialized cardiovascular assessment. She sees many patients who request consultations even when their primary care doctors deem it unnecessary, and she views these visits as valuable opportunities for in-depth risk evaluation. Cardiologists can order specialized tests and provide individualized guidance that goes beyond population-level statistics. Breaking the Biggest Myth As the conversation concludes, Dr. Shewmake tackles the most dangerous misconception about heart disease: that it primarily affects men. While society recognizes heart attacks as the leading killer of men, this awareness doesn't extend to women. This gap in understanding costs lives. Her final message centers on empowerment. She urges everyone—especially women—to listen to their bodies, take symptoms seriously, and advocate for themselves when they know something feels wrong. Heart disease may be common, but it remains both preventable and treatable. Early action saves lives, and awareness changes everything. The Simple Truth Ultimately, Dr. Shewmake's message boils down to simple, actionable steps: eat well, move more, manage stress, get enough sleep, know your numbers, and remain tobacco-free. These everyday habits make a profound difference in cardiovascular health. Combined with regular medical care and self-advocacy, they form a powerful defense against America's leading cause of death. The conversation serves as both a wake-up call and a roadmap. Heart disease doesn't discriminate, but knowledge and action provide protection. By recognizing symptoms early, understanding personal risk factors, and prioritizing preventive care, individuals can take control of their heart health and potentially add years to their lives.

A Return Visit Reveals Restaurant Reality Just months after opening their doors, Amanda and Bill Whitson welcome back Valley Today host, Janet Michael, and SBA Virginia District Director, Carl Knoblock to share the unvarnished truth about launching Clem's Kitchen at Middletown's historic Wayside Inn. While the couple anticipated challenges, the reality of restaurant ownership has delivered surprises at every turn. Nevertheless, their commitment to quality, community, and scratch-made comfort food keeps them moving forward. Click here to listen to the September conversation. The Best-Laid Plans Meet Reality Originally, the Whitsons planned a cautious rollout—breakfast service only, with dinner introduced gradually over several months. However, customer demand quickly rewrote that script. Within just one week of opening in September, they expanded to full dinner service. "It's definitely not what we thought," Amanda admits, though she emphasizes the fun amid the exhaustion. This rapid expansion tested their team immediately, yet it also validated their concept faster than expected. Staffing: The Universal Challenge Throughout the conversation, both Amanda and Bill identify staffing as their biggest ongoing challenge. Unlike Amanda's early days working at the Wayside Inn for Leo Bernstein, today's workforce operates with different expectations and motivations. Consequently, the couple has built their culture around a simple principle: everyone does everything. Bill proudly notes that he washes more dishes than anyone else, not because he must, but because it frees his team to focus on food preparation and guest service. Meanwhile, Amanda reinforces this philosophy during every interview, making it clear that hierarchies don't exist at Clem's Kitchen—only teamwork. Furthermore, the Whitsons recognize that attracting quality staff requires competitive wages. They deliberately pay above minimum wage, understanding that employees who can cover their bills become invested team members. This strategy has paid dividends, creating a staff that genuinely cares about guest experiences rather than simply collecting paychecks. The Social Media Tightrope In addition to staffing challenges, the couple navigates the precarious world of online reviews. As Carl observes, one negative review can significantly impact a new restaurant, and responding requires finesse that's difficult to muster when you're "in the weeds" with cooking and service. Therefore, Amanda and Bill's decision to open slowly—despite the eventual rapid expansion—gave them crucial time to train their team thoroughly before facing the unforgiving court of public opinion. Scratch-Made with a Twist What sets Clem's Kitchen apart, however, isn't just their operational philosophy—it's the food itself. Amanda, who describes herself as someone who "doesn't measure anything," creates dishes that honor classic comfort food while adding unexpected elements. For instance, her twice-baked potatoes feature a crispy tater-tot exterior that Janet still raves about. Similarly, the restaurant's fresh-baked biscuits—which disappeared in just 28 minutes during a recent sausage gravy contest—come with house-made flavored butters and preserves that change regularly. Moreover, the couple prioritizes sourcing raw ingredients over pre-processed products, despite the additional labor involved. Bill emphasizes that while it's easy to source food, finding quality raw product proves much harder. Nevertheless, guests can taste the difference between hand-cut vegetables and frozen alternatives, making the extra effort worthwhile. A Menu That Evolves Initially unplanned, Clem's Kitchen now changes its dinner menu monthly—a practice that emerged from necessity but has become a strategic advantage. This rotation keeps regular customers engaged while allowing Amanda creative freedom to experiment. At the same time, certain favorites remain constant: burgers, wings, and the popular roasted chicken ensure that creatures of habit can always find something familiar. Additionally, the monthly changes help manage food costs, especially when catering events require specific ingredients that can then appear on the restaurant menu. Events: The Economic Engine Speaking of catering, Bill candidly acknowledges that special events "kept us afloat" during January's slow season. The couple brought their established catering clientele from their food truck, and now these clients enjoy the full-service venue with its bar and multiple event spaces. From corporate gatherings to weddings, these events provide crucial revenue that allows the restaurant to maintain quality ingredients and competitive wages during slower periods. In fact, Bill notes that in today's restaurant landscape, "you gotta do two, three things at once" to remain profitable. Building Community, Not Just Serving Food Beyond the business metrics, Amanda and Bill focus relentlessly on creating genuine connections. Bill regularly sits with guests, sharing coffee and conversation regardless of whether he knows them personally. Amanda has introduced personal touches like allowing regular customers to have designated coffee mugs and accepting family heirloom salt and pepper shakers from neighbors who eat there weekly. These gestures transform transactions into relationships. As Carl astutely observes, "Nine times out of ten, people come back for the relationship versus coming back for the food." This philosophy drives everything at Clem's Kitchen, from the warm greeting guests receive upon entering to the tableside chocolate milk service that makes children feel special. Looking Ahead: Spring and Beyond Looking forward, the Whitsons plan to leverage the four-acre property more fully. They're launching Friday night live music, opening their expansive patio (which adds 40% more seating capacity), and actively pursuing a farmer's market partnership. Additionally, they're exploring ways to highlight the Wayside Inn's historical significance, particularly as Virginia celebrates its 250th anniversary. Carl enthusiastically suggests that local economic development could help showcase this pre-Civil War landmark as a destination for history-focused tourism. Furthermore, Amanda dreams of eventually adding a small retail shop where guests could purchase house-made sauces, pickles, and Tricia's celebrated desserts—particularly that coconut cake that has customers asking to take whole cakes home. The Superpower of Execution When asked about their approach, Bill identifies their "superpower" simply: "We figure it out." While they acknowledge that preparation reveals blind spots, their ability to execute under pressure has carried them through every unexpected challenge. From the rapid dinner expansion to managing a 400-biscuit order that disappeared in under half an hour, the couple consistently delivers. Yet beneath this execution-focused mindset lies something deeper. As one longtime community member told Bill while shaking his hand: "It's back. Nice job. It's back." After years of the Wayside Inn lacking its heartbeat, Clem's Kitchen has restored what was missing—not through financial investment alone, but through genuine care, quality ingredients, and unwavering commitment to community. The Bottom Line Ultimately, Amanda and Bill Whitson aren't just running a restaurant—they're rebuilding a community gathering place. While the work exhausts them and challenges emerge daily, their focus remains clear: create experiences that make guests feel welcomed, valued, and eager to return. In an industry where many cut corners to maximize profits, Clem's Kitchen takes the opposite approach, betting that quality, authenticity, and human connection will sustain them through the difficult early years and beyond. As spring approaches and the patio opens, Middletown's historic Wayside Inn stands ready to reclaim its place as the heart of the community—one scratch-made meal, one warm greeting, and one genuine relationship at a time.

How One Virginia Town is Reinventing Community Commerce During Its Bicentennial Mount Jackson, Virginia, is having a moment. During a recent Tourism Tuesday episode of The Valley Today, Town Manager Olivia Hilton sat down with host Janet Michael to share an ambitious slate of initiatives transforming this small Shenandoah County community. From quirky farmers markets to business incubators, Mount Jackson is proving that small towns can think big—and get a little weird while doing it. Honoring History First Before diving into future plans, Olivia highlights the town's commitment to preserving its past. On February 28th, Mount Jackson will host "Roots and Resilience," the finale event for Shenandoah County's Black History Month programming. The event features historian Rosemary Wallinger, who will discuss the CCC camp at Wolf Gap and her work revitalizing the Mount Jackson Colored Cemetery, which was recently added to Virginia's historic registry. Notably, the town plans to record Wallinger's presentation so descendants living in other states can participate virtually, demonstrating how Mount Jackson balances heritage preservation with modern accessibility. Junk and Jams: When Markets Get Funky Starting in April, Mount Jackson launches what might be the region's most creative take on the traditional farmers market. "Junk and Jams" reimagines the second Saturday market experience by pairing music genres with seasonal themes, creating what Olivia describes as a "funky" alternative to larger regional markets. The concept emerged from a brainstorming session—or perhaps a dream—by Assistant Town Manager, Greg Beam, who texted Olivia a flurry of ideas one morning. Rather than competing with established markets in Harrisonburg or Winchester, Mount Jackson decided to embrace its quirky side. Each month features a distinct theme: April kicks off with "Retro and Roots," a 1950s greaser aesthetic meets spring cleaning, complete with retro kitchen kitsch, greenhouse starts, and farm-fresh eggs. May transitions to "Floral and Fiddles," while August brings "Sunflowers and Southern Rock" during the town's yard crawl weekend. Beyond the alliterative themes, Junk and Jams incorporates interactive elements that set it apart. A Model T club will demonstrate disassembling and reassembling vintage cars. The local museum plans a "Price is Right" style game featuring historical products. Vendors will demonstrate kombucha brewing and tea making. Meanwhile, the town is developing a digital cookbook to tie into the bicentennial celebration, weaving history into every program. Importantly, vendors don't need to match the monthly theme—the music and decor create the vibe while crafters, farmers, and vintage sellers bring whatever handmade, homemade, or antique goods they offer. At just $10 per market or $60 for all six events, the barrier to entry remains intentionally low. As Olivia jokes, even if only she and Greg show up, "we're gonna have the time of our lives." The Nest: Incubating Main Street's Future Perhaps Mount Jackson's most ambitious project is The Nest, a retail incubator opening this spring in a renovated 1930s hardware store on Main Street. The concept addresses a common small business challenge: entrepreneurs who aren't quite ready for their own brick-and-mortar location due to full-time jobs, health insurance needs, family obligations, or simple uncertainty about whether their hobby can become a viable business. Thanks to two years of grant funding from the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development totaling $125,000 distributed among 11 businesses, Mount Jackson created this shared retail space. Four "nesters" from the Mount Jackson Five business program will anchor the location: Joyce Kelly with Two Turtle Doves, Ryan Peters with Home Revival & Decor, Mike with Poppy's Dust, and Alex and Abby with Sunbliss, a healthy prepackaged meal service. However, The Nest won't resemble typical booth-style antique malls. Instead, Olivia envisions one cohesive boutique experience where established businesses like Jon Henry's, Clementine Vintage, and Nana's Blue Greenhouse occupy corners alongside the newer entrepreneurs. The space will even incorporate display pieces from other downtown businesses like Mount Jackson Thrift & Gift and Search, with commission-based sales creating a truly collaborative downtown ecosystem. Currently, the town's public works team is renovating the space, leaving Olivia with what she calls "the most stressful choice of my life"—picking paint colors. Meanwhile, Alex from Sunbliss, who happens to be a talented artist, will create a 2.5-by-25-foot mural inside, possibly featuring a woodpecker doing woodwork. As Olivia puts it, "Whatever you wanna do, you're the artist." The nesters will contribute volunteer hours as part of their learning experience, while the town navigates various business models including consignment, wholesale, and commission arrangements. The goal remains clear: give entrepreneurs one to two years to test their concepts before they "fly the nest" into their own storefronts. Nights at the Nest: Midweek Main Street To launch The Nest and activate downtown during typically quiet evenings, Mount Jackson introduces "Nights at the Nest" beginning in May. Every second Tuesday from 4 to 8 PM, the retail space stays open late while a food truck parks in the grassy pocket park between Search Thrift and The Nest. The town plans to string bistro lights between buildings, book live music, and transform an underutilized green space into a gathering spot. As Olivia notes, "Nothing to do on a Tuesday? Come on out and shop a little bit, maybe do some live demonstrations." It's another example of Mount Jackson creating its own social scene while supporting local businesses. The Vintage in the Valley Question The conversation took a bittersweet turn when discussing Vintage in the Valley, Strasburg's beloved festival that was canceled for 2025. Olivia expressed frustration that a community with such dedicated volunteers—including Cath from Lydia's, Sue at Clementine, and the Emporium team—couldn't secure municipal support to continue the event. While she quickly dispelled rumors that Mount Jackson would simply absorb the festival (she clarified that the heart of Vintage lies with its volunteer committee, not just a location), she revealed that discussions are underway for a potential "Vintage Through the Valley" concept that would spread the event countywide. This approach would preserve the Emporium's central role while preventing the complete loss of a cherished regional tradition. Janet admitted she may have started the Mount Jackson rumor herself, though Olivia acknowledged the temptation was real. Instead, she's been reaching out to former Vintage in the Valley vendors, inviting them to try Junk and Jams as an alternative. A Town Creating Its Own Social Life Throughout the conversation, Olivia's enthusiasm and self-awareness shine through. She jokes about "creating my own social life in Mount Jackson," acknowledges when she loses naming debates (she advocated for "Citrus and Soul" in September but conceded to "Apples and Americana" for proper alliteration), and celebrates the "you're changing the world" text messages she receives from Rosemary Wallinger. This personal investment reflects a broader truth about small-town revitalization: it requires passionate individuals willing to take risks, embrace quirkiness, and build community one event at a time. Mount Jackson isn't trying to become Harrisonburg or Winchester. Instead, it's carving out its own identity as a place where vintage meets vegetables, where business incubators share space with established retailers, and where a Tuesday night can become a destination. Looking Ahead As Mount Jackson celebrates its bicentennial, the town demonstrates that honoring 200 years of history doesn't mean living in the past. By supporting entrepreneurs, creating unique market experiences, preserving important heritage sites, and fostering collaboration across the downtown business community, this small Shenandoah County town offers a blueprint for rural revitalization that other communities might study. Whether you're interested in retro kitchen kitsch, healthy meal prep, vintage treasures, or simply supporting a town that's willing to get funky with its farmers market, Mount Jackson invites you to be part of its story. Just follow Town of Mount Jackson on Facebook and Instagram, or check out The Nest's new social media managed by Black Valley Creative. And if you see Olivia recording a podcast from her parked car before class, know that she got there early just to share Mount Jackson's good news. That's the kind of dedication that's making this small town's big year possible.

An Unexpected Path to Baking Chef Chuck Arnaud didn't follow a traditional route to becoming one of Luray's most beloved bakers. For over two decades, he worked in stagecraft, starting as a junior high school stagehand and eventually country music artists in Nashville. However, his career took a dramatic turn when he traded stage lights for bread ovens, opening Main Street Bakery and Catering in the heart of Page County. During this episode of The Valley Today with host Janet Michael and Gina Hilliard, president of the Luray Page Chamber of Commerce, Chef Chuck revealed what drew him to this picturesque Virginia community. "I've lots of kin in the area," he explains, describing his deep family roots on the other side of the ridge in Shenandoah County. This connection made the transition feel natural rather than terrifying. Moreover, Page County's stunning landscape—featuring Shenandoah National Park, the Shenandoah River, and George Washington National Forest—provided the perfect backdrop for his new venture. The Aroma of Home Walking into Main Street Bakery triggers something profound in visitors. "The number one thing people say is, 'Wow, it smells wonderful in here,'" Chef Chuck shares. This reaction isn't accidental. He believes people have become disconnected from their grandmother's kitchens, where families gathered around tables filled with home-baked bread and the aroma of love filled the air. Furthermore, Chef Chuck sees his bakery as more than a business—it's a bridge to lost traditions. "That magical aroma of family and love has just become lost to us," he reflects. "So people reconnect with that when they come in because that aroma—pow—it's front and center right there when you walk into the bakery." What's on the Menu Currently, Main Street Bakery operates with a skeleton crew of three people, plus dedicated volunteers like Mike Salvino. The team focuses primarily on artisan breads, muffins, scones, and quiche. Chef Chuck personally handles everything that goes into the oven, while Emma has moved into savory work, tackling knife work, soups, and salads. The bakery's soup program has become particularly popular. Two standouts fly off the shelves: the Senegalese peanut soup, which customers request repeatedly because of its unique, original flavor, and the classic potato leek soup, which sells by the quart. Customers can enjoy soup in the bakery or take it home in half-pint, pint, or quart containers, either hot or cold. Meanwhile, the sweet treats maintain their own devoted following. Chocolate chip cookies disappear so quickly that they rarely make it to closing time. Brownies and blondies also prove to be "good problems to have," as Chef Chuck puts it, consistently selling out. The Art of Bread Making Unlike many modern bakeries that focus exclusively on cakes and cupcakes, Main Street Bakery champions the nearly lost art of bread baking. Chef Chuck approaches bread with seasonal creativity rather than rigid schedules. On cold, chilly days, he gravitates toward dark, rustic loaves. Recently, he crafted a buttered honey oat multigrain bread that toasts beautifully, as well as a traditional pumpernickel—chocolatey and coffee-forward with generous amounts of caraway and fennel seeds. Additionally, Chef Chuck emphasizes that customers shouldn't hesitate to make special requests. Want a bread bowl for your soup? Just call ahead. "If you want a bowl, call us," he insists. "We'll make you a bowl and we'll put soup in it and sit you down and make you happy. That's just what we do and who we are right now." Building Community Through Collaboration Chef Chuck's philosophy extends beyond his own storefront. He actively seeks collaborations with other local businesses, understanding that a rising tide lifts all boats. His strongest partnerships include Hawksbill Brewing Company and Wisteria Vineyard, where food naturally pairs with beer and wine. These collaborations take various forms. For Mardi Gras, he brings king cake to Hawksbill Brewing Company, complete with the traditional baby hidden inside—whoever finds it wins a free beer. For St. Patrick's Day, he plans to serve cottage pies with ground beef, gravy, mashed potatoes, and caramelized cheese. At Wisteria Vineyard, he creates seasonal popups that showcase wine pairings with his culinary creations. Nevertheless, Chef Chuck remains open to new partnerships. He specifically mentions The Vintage Barrel and Coal Ridge Brewery as businesses he'd love to work with, encouraging anyone interested to reach out directly. The Power of Food Memories Throughout the conversation, Chef Chuck returns repeatedly to the concept of food memories—those powerful moments when a simple dish transports you to another time and place. "It can be a simple moment where you have a dish in front of you," he explains. "It could be in Tuscany. It could be at the top of a mountainside just having a ham and cheese sandwich, but that moment, that exhilaration of you just climbed up Old Rag Mountain and you have a cheese sandwich, and by God that is the best cheese sandwich because you are sitting on top of the known world at that point." These memories stick with people forever, whether they're teenagers or ninety years old. Consequently, Janet believes parents need to create more of these moments for their children, exposing them to the aromas and experiences that will become their own cherished food memories. Catering with Intention While COVID devastated the bakery's large-scale catering operations, Chef Chuck has found his sweet spot in wedding brunches. His pitch to couples is simple but compelling: at a wedding reception with 175 guests, newlyweds won't get quality time with Aunt Maggie. However, a brunch the next day allows them to sit, have coffee, and actually hear about her whale-watching trip. "Isn't that what weddings are about?" he asks. "It's just a unification of two people who have, against all odds, found love." Brunches also unite two families who may have nothing in common, giving them time to discover shared interests—like realizing they both golf and should play together sometime. For these events, Main Street Bakery arrives with coffee, creamer, quiche, muffins, scones, and seasonal pastries. Importantly, Chef Chuck sources as much as possible from local farmers, which sets his offerings apart from generic catering options. "You can tell a muffin from Costco," he notes. "It might as well have a red light that's flashing on it." The Kindness Economy One of the most touching stories Chef Chuck shares involves Tommy and Hannah Chang, who became regular customers after Main Street Bakery made them feel welcome in the community. When they noticed his outdated website, they brought in a videographer from DC with drones, track cameras, and steady cams. They spent an entire day filming and creating a professional website. When Chef Chuck reached for his checkbook, expecting a bill in the thousands, they refused payment. "You showed us kindness and here's kindness repaid," they told him. This exchange perfectly illustrates the reciprocal nature of community building that Chef Chuck champions. Similarly, regular customer Noel now works at the bakery and has become an exceptional salesperson. "People are like, 'Dude, I just wanted a cookie,'" Chef Chuck laughs, "and they walk out of there with three quiches, four bread puddings, and six breads. And they're feeling good about it." Looking Toward Retirement As Chef Chuck enters his sixties, retirement looms on the horizon. His plans? "I'm gonna smoke stuff and ferment things," he declares with a smile. This includes smoked meats, smoked fish, fermenting ales, wines, and exploring breads from different cultures around the world. More importantly, he hopes to find a venue where he can help people recapture the lost moments of generational knowledge transfer. "It used to be the grandmothers would teach the young ladies sewing and needlepoint and crafting," he reflects. "Guys would show their sons and grandsons how to hunt, how to fish, how to tie a lure on." These traditions are disappearing, and Chef Chuck worries that Page County's agrarian roots are being forgotten in the rush toward progress. Practical Information Main Street Bakery operates Tuesday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and Saturdays from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Located at 127 East Main Street in Luray, the bakery sits right at the top of the hill with flags out front—you can't miss it. While the bakery doesn't post menus online because offerings change frequently based on season and availability, customers can visit mainstreetbakery-catering.com/ for more information. The bakery maintains an active presence on Facebook and Instagram, where Chef Chuck's wife Janet showcases her exceptional food photography skills. Finally, Chef Chuck encourages customers to call ahead, especially near closing time. "If it's 4:45 and we close at five, call ahead and say, 'Hey, do you have three cookies that would really make my day?' I will stay open till you get there," he promises. "What's the worst thing that's gonna happen? I'm gonna say I just don't have that, but maybe tomorrow." The Bigger Picture As the conversation winds down, it becomes clear that Main Street Bakery represents something larger than artisan bread and chocolate chip cookies. It embodies a philosophy of community, collaboration, and connection—values that Chef Chuck believes are essential to preserving what makes small-town life special. In an era when people increasingly feel disconnected from their food sources and family traditions, Chef Chuck offers a simple remedy: walk through his door, breathe in the aroma of fresh-baked bread, and remember what it felt like when someone who loved you baked with care. That memory, that feeling, that moment of connection—that's what Main Street Bakery serves alongside every loaf, every muffin, every bowl of soup. And perhaps that's the most important recipe of all.