The Valley Today

Janet Michael
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The Valley Today is a radio show and podcast dedicated to shining a light on the vibrant community leaders and local events that make the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia truly special. Insightful conversations, engaging stories, and event details connect listeners with the heart and soul of the valley, showcasing its unique culture, initiatives, and people. Guests are recorded (mostly) in advance in local coffee shops, at local businesses, and during local events. The radio program airs just a few minutes after noon every weekday on The River 95.3 and Sports Radio 1450.

  1. Wheels for Wellness: Setting the Table for Good

    1 DAY AGO

    Wheels for Wellness: Setting the Table for Good

    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 📅 Sunday, April 19th, 2–5 PM 📍 Millwood Station, Winchester, VA 🎟️ $25 in advance | $30 at the door What to expect: 25 uniquely themed and decorated dinner tables Demonstrations (flower arranging, napkin folding, and more) Silent auction (items valued $100+) Raffle prizes 50/50 drawing (new this year) Cash wine bar (new this year) Refreshments, door prizes, and more Decorator's Choice & People's Choice table competitions Where to get tickets: Online: wheels4wellness.org Kimberly's (look for the sign out front) Wheels for Wellness office (on the Our Health campus) Links & Resources 🌐 Website: wheels4wellness.org Become a client, volunteer, or donor directly through the website Sponsorship opportunities for Tablescapes also available online

    20 min
  2. Laurel Ridge Community College Distinguished Alumni Award: Cynthia Schneider

    2 DAYS AGO

    Laurel Ridge Community College Distinguished Alumni Award: Cynthia Schneider

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

    26 min
  3. Just Pick It Up: Clarke County's Earth Day Celebration

    3 DAYS AGO

    Just Pick It Up: Clarke County's Earth Day Celebration

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

    23 min
  4. Farm to Bottle: The Story Behind Three Wives Distillery

    4 DAYS AGO

    Farm to Bottle: The Story Behind Three Wives Distillery

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

    26 min
  5. Behind the Red Cross: The Volunteers, Planning, and Prep That Make Disaster Relief Possible

    5 DAYS AGO

    Behind the Red Cross: The Volunteers, Planning, and Prep That Make Disaster Relief Possible

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

    26 min
  6. From Barn Quilts to Beekeeping: Inside the Lost Arts Festival

    3 APR

    From Barn Quilts to Beekeeping: Inside the Lost Arts Festival

    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

    23 min
  7. Public Safety Thursday: Social Media Comments vs Reality

    2 APR

    Public Safety Thursday: Social Media Comments vs Reality

    Host Janet Michael welcomes back her most frequent guest, Captain Warren Gosnell of the Frederick County Sheriff's Office, for another Public Safety Thursday conversation. They cover two major topics: Frederick County's new school zone speed camera program and how to navigate police interactions safely and legally. Topics Covered 🚦 School Zone Speed Cameras Frederick County's camera program launched with a 30-day warning period before violations were issued Three school zones are currently active under the camera system, including Stonewall Elementary on Route 11 (25 mph zone) Violations are processed by a vendor in Chattanooga, TN, but reviewed and approved by three authorized human deputies within the Frederick County Sheriff's Office — not AI Approximately 18,000 warnings and violations have been processed in the first 45–50 days Violations are voided if signage is not fully in place (e.g., after a windstorm removed a sign) Enforcement threshold begins at 10 mph over the posted school zone speed limit Some repeat offenders were clocked at 15–25 mph over the limit 👮 Police Interactions & Knowing Your Rights Social media and viral videos are fueling misconceptions about what rights people actually have during police encounters In Virginia, motorists are required by law to provide their license when requested by a uniformed officer Officers operate under both discretionary laws and mandatory ("shall") enforcement statutes — they don't always have a choice Example discussed: reckless driving (Class 1 misdemeanor) vs. speeding (traffic infraction) and how discretion works Impounding a vehicle for an unlicensed driver on a second offense is mandatory under Virginia Code 46.2-300 If you believe an officer acted improperly, recourse options include: the court system, the agency's chain of command, FOIA requests for body cam/dash cam footage, and public platforms Key message: comply with lawful directives first, then pursue recourse — don't escalate at the scene Resources Mentioned Frederick County Sheriff's Office – social media pages for updates on traffic enforcement Virginia Code 46.2 – Motor Vehicle Code Virginia Code 18.2-266 – DUI/Driving Under the Influence FOIA (Freedom of Information Act) requests for body cam and dash cam footage

    31 min
  8. From Hotlines to Healing Arts: Inside the Phoenix Project

    1 APR

    From Hotlines to Healing Arts: Inside the Phoenix Project

    In This Episode Janet Michael sits down with Melanie Stull, Administrative Assistant and Volunteer Coordinator for Phoenix Project, to discuss Sexual Assault Awareness Month and the many ways the organization serves survivors of domestic and sexual violence in Front Royal and Warren County. Chamber President Niki Foster then joins Janet to share upcoming Chamber events, including Coffee & Conversation and the Virginia Wine & Craft Festival. Phoenix Project Segment What is Phoenix Project? Phoenix Project is Warren County's community response to domestic and sexual violence. All services are free and confidential and include: Court accompaniment Hospital accompaniment for forensic exams Child and sexual assault counseling Court advocacy 24/7 hotlines New: Phoenix Project is hiring for a Firearm Intervention Program position — addressing the fact that lethality in domestic violence situations rises 600% when a firearm is involved. Sexual Assault Awareness Month (April) Activities: Teal ribbon displays along Main Street and at local businesses "What Were You Wearing" exhibit — a powerful display challenging misconceptions about sexual assault Healing Art Support Group for adults (led by sexual assault advocate Aaliya) First-ever Children's Healing Art Group for ages 9–12 (Saturday sessions) Volunteering with Phoenix Project: Hotline support (Level 1 & 2 training provided — all materials included) Event support Office assistance Community outreach and advocacy The hotline comes to you — no need to come into the office Hotline Number: 540-635-2300 Office line: 540-635-2302 Website: phoenix-project.org Chamber Segment Coffee & Conversation When: First Friday of every month, 9–10 AM Where: On Cue Sports Bar, Main Street, Front Royal This month's guest: Avery Harper, Executive Director of Phoenix Project Open to everyone — not just business owners Virginia Wine & Craft Festival Date: Saturday, May 16th Tickets: wineandcraftfestival.com Buy online now for $30 (save $10 vs. gate price of $40) Ticket includes: wine glass, wristband, and unlimited tastings from 24 wineries 100+ artisans and crafters, food vendors, kids' area, live entertainment Free general admission for non-wine drinkers Great Mother's Day gift idea! Lead Share Networking Group Meets the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month at 8:30 AM Location: Front Royal Warren County Chamber office Ideal for those looking to build their network in a structured, small-group setting Chamber Resources: Website: frontroyalchamber.com Facebook: Front Royal Warren County Chamber of Commerce Key Topics Discussed The dangers survivors face when leaving an abusive situation Why "just leaving" is not simple — and why it's the most dangerous time The "What Were You Wearing" exhibit and dismantling victim-blaming myths Human trafficking in Warren County How children are more aware of household violence than parents realize The Lethality Assessment Protocol (LAP) hotline in partnership with local law enforcement Safety planning for both intimate partner violence and stranger violence

    25 min
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About

The Valley Today is a radio show and podcast dedicated to shining a light on the vibrant community leaders and local events that make the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia truly special. Insightful conversations, engaging stories, and event details connect listeners with the heart and soul of the valley, showcasing its unique culture, initiatives, and people. Guests are recorded (mostly) in advance in local coffee shops, at local businesses, and during local events. The radio program airs just a few minutes after noon every weekday on The River 95.3 and Sports Radio 1450.

Information

  • Creator
    Janet Michael
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2026
  • Episodes
    2k
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 The Valley Today
  • Show Website
    The Valley Today

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