The Valley Today

Janet Michael
  • 5.0 (9)
  • DOCUMENTARY
  • UPDATED DAILY

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. More Than Basketball: How the YDC Is Reinventing Youth Programming

    22H AGO

    More Than Basketball: How the YDC Is Reinventing Youth Programming

    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

    21 min
  2. The Hive, the Board, and the Barbecue: A Community United for Veterans

    1D AGO

    The Hive, the Board, and the Barbecue: A Community United for Veterans

    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

    26 min
  3. Luray/Page Chamber: The Business of your Life

    2D AGO

    Luray/Page Chamber: The Business of your Life

    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

    25 min
  4. NSV Master Gardeners: Gardenfest 2026

    5D AGO

    NSV Master Gardeners: Gardenfest 2026

    Host Janet Michael sits down (virtually) with Candace DeLong, Frederick County Extension Agent, and Master Gardeners Carolyn Sinclair and Jeff Wingate (class of 2025) to talk all things GardenFest — the Northern Shenandoah Valley Master Gardeners' biggest event of the year. Event Details What: GardenFest 2026 When: Saturday, June 6, 2026 | 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM (Parking opens at 7:00 AM) Where: Belle Grove Plantation, Middletown, VA Admission: FREE Rain or shine What's at GardenFest 🌿 Plants 2,100+ plants from Master Gardeners across all five valley counties (Page, Clarke, Shenandoah, Frederick, and Warren) 237+ varieties including a strong focus on native plants, trees, and shrubs Plants: $6 | Trees & Shrubs: $12 Payment: cash, check, or credit card Full plant list available in advance at nsvmga.org 🎓 Education Ask a Master Gardener tent — bring your plant questions NEW: 15-minute mini-workshops on pruning, vegetable growing, preserving your harvest, flower arranging, and tool sharpening — each with a raffle ticket for attendees Kids' programming focused on horticulture and planting Presentation on the box tree moth  🛒 Vendors & Food 36 vendors including retail, nonprofits, and food trucks Food: Cousins Maine Lobster, Sexy Mexi, A Taste of the Philippines, Cotton Candy Princess truck, baked goods, coffee & hot chocolate Tool sharpening drop-off service 🎁 Extras Raffle gift baskets (some with 19+ items) donated by vendors Silent auction at the Secondhand Rose tent (proceeds support Master Gardener programs) Pro Tips from the Guests Arrive early — people line up before 8 AM, and popular plants (especially peonies) go fast Bring a wagon or wheeled cart; boxes will be available on-site Wear comfortable walking shoes Bring cash for raffles, the silent auction, and the Secondhand Rose tent Leave pets at home No need to prep — just come with your plant wish list About the Master Gardener Program The Northern Shenandoah Valley Master Gardeners are part of Virginia Cooperative Extension. Volunteers complete 50 hours of intensive horticultural training and give back a minimum of 50 hours of community service — though most give far more. GardenFest is their primary annual fundraiser, supporting educational programs across all five counties year-round, including seed exchanges, plant clinics, library kids' programs, and Ask the Master Gardener desks. Links & Resources Plant list & event info: nsvmga.org Northern Shenandoah Valley Master Gardeners Facebook page Frederick County Extension Office — call for more details: (540) 665-5699

    25 min
  5. Laurel Ridge Community College Outstanding Graduates

    6D AGO

    Laurel Ridge Community College Outstanding Graduates

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

    33 min
  6. The Housing Crisis is a Health Crisis: NSV Housing Summit

    MAY 13

    The Housing Crisis is a Health Crisis: NSV Housing Summit

    In this episode, Janet sits down with Kim Herbstritt of Blue Ridge Habitat for Humanity to discuss the 8th Annual Northern Shenandoah Valley Housing Summit. The conversation covers the deep and often overlooked connection between housing conditions and community health, what to expect at this year's free summit, and how Blue Ridge Habitat's home repair program is helping seniors and veterans stay safely in their homes. What You'll Learn in This Episode What the Housing Coalition of the Northern Shenandoah Valley is and why it was founded Why this year's summit theme is Housing is Health How poor housing conditions — mold, leaky roofs, inaccessible entryways — directly impact physical and mental health Why essential workers and workforce families are being priced out of the communities they serve What zoning has to do with the housing shortage — and what Virginia is doing about it How Blue Ridge Habitat's home repair program serves seniors, veterans, and disabled homeowners Details on TWO free housing summits happening in May and June Key Takeaways Housing affects every sector of a community — health, education, workforce, and economic development are all tied to where people live. Families spending 40–50% of their income on housing have little cushion for emergencies, health care, or transportation costs. Habitat for Humanity's home repair waitlist continues to grow, with most requests coming from seniors on fixed incomes. Virginia has completed a statewide zoning atlas — a potentially powerful tool for policymakers and planning commissioners. Long commutes driven by a lack of local affordable housing contribute to stress, poor nutrition, and diminished mental health. Events Mentioned in This Episode 8th Annual NSV Housing Summit 📅 Friday, May 29th ⏰ 8:30 AM – 2:30 PM 📍 Laurel Ridge Community College, Carome Community Development Center 💰 Free — registration required 🌐 https://www.housingnsv.org/ Shenandoah County Housing Summit 📅 Friday, June 5th 📍 Edinburg, VA 💰 Free — RSVP required 🔗 Registration link  Speakers at the May 29th Summit Dr. Jenna Krall — Department of Global and Community Health, George Mason University Research focus: Environmental exposure, pollution, and housing-related health impacts Dr. Antwan Jones — George Washington University Research focus: Housing stability, urban policy, cardiovascular outcomes, and obesity in marginalized communities Maria Daugherty, MA — Zoning Policy Expert Focus: The power of zoning in shaping communities and Virginia's completed statewide zoning atlas Speakers at the June 5th Shenandoah County Summit Mel Jones — Virginia Center for Housing Research, Virginia Tech Focus: Results of the recent Shenandoah County/Woodstock housing study Ryan Price — Chief Economist, Virginia Realtors Focus: Statewide real estate market trends and local implications Panel Discussion — Housing Forward Virginia

    23 min
  7. The Typewriter Studio: Summer Camps, Ceramics, and Community

    MAY 12

    The Typewriter Studio: Summer Camps, Ceramics, and Community

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

    26 min
  8. VDOT Road Report: Planning, Public Input, and Progress

    MAY 11

    VDOT Road Report: Planning, Public Input, and Progress

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

    25 min
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5
out of 5
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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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