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. 3d ago

    Pies, Pups & Pints

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

    Pies, Pups & Pints

  2. 4d ago

    Scammed

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

    Scammed

  3. 5d ago

    More Than Membership

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

    More Than Membership

  4. 6d ago

    From Makers to Mixology

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

    From Makers to Mixology

  5. Aug 31

    Way Down Yonder

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

    Way Down Yonder

  6. Aug 28

    Hot Dog Crawls and Civil War Relics

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

    Hot Dog Crawls and Civil War Relics

  7. Aug 27

    Kids, Cranes, and Helicopters

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

    Kids, Cranes, and Helicopters

  8. Aug 26

    Hob Nob in the Valley

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

    Hob Nob in the Valley
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5
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9 Ratings

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
    2.1K
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 The Valley Today
  • Show Website
    The Valley Today