The Valley Today Janet Michael

Our conversation today featured Patrick Burns, the Director of Operations for the Daughter of the Stars Theater and Cultural Center in Stanley, VA. 
He discusses the history and renovation of the theater, upcoming events, the cultural significance of the Shenandoah Valley, the vision behind the theater, the community support, their YouTube channel content, booking process for performers, the building's acoustics, future performances, ticket information, venue rental availability, completion timeline, and location details of the theater.
He also touches upon incorporating local art, social media presence, and community engagement.
You can learn more on their website: https://www.daughterofthestarstheater.com/ Visit and subscribe to their YouTube channel by clicking here.

Our conversation today with Kary Haun for Shenandoah County's Tourism Tuesday takes us back to Flour and Water in Woodstock to chat about upcoming Mother's Day / Memorial Day events in Shenandoah County. 
Kary begins by highlighting Mother's Day activities at Flour and Water, including a sold-out Mother's Day tea and a special brunch on May 11th. We discuss delightful gift options like "sunshine boxes" with lemon-themed treats and macaron flights. 
Kary mentions local winery events for Mother's Day, featuring Star in the Valley, Wolf Gap Vineyard, and Muse Vineyard. She details brunch offerings, live music, and art exhibits, underscoring the scenic beauty and diverse experiences available in Shenandoah County.
Looking ahead to Memorial Day weekend, we explore winery events, movie nights, and outdoor activities like horseback riding and axe throwing at Fort Valley Ranch. Kary explains the Shenandoah Graveler, a gravel-based cycling event catering to different skill levels, and Shenandoah County Tour's Sip and Snack in Strasburg, highlighting local eateries and historical sites.
Get more details about all the events on their website: https://visitshenandoahcounty.com/ 

Our conversation today features Melanie Mullinax, Communications & Events Manager for Blandy Experimental Farm at State Arboretum of Virginia to give details for their 34th Annual Garden Fair happening Mother's Day Weekend (May 11/12, 2024) from 9am - 4pm.
Melanie explains the history and offerings of the farm, including the State Arboretum of Virginia. She highlights the diverse activities at the Garden Fair, such as plant vendors, educational booths, food vendors, live music, children's activities, and even a guided tour of the property.
We discuss logistical details like ticket prices, parking changes, and volunteer involvement. Melanie emphasizes the community support and fundraising nature of the event, encouraging visitors to dress comfortably, bring umbrellas, and enjoy the various attractions.
Learn more about the event including a list of vendors by clicking here. You can click here to purchase your tickets via Eventbrite.
 

Our conversation today features Andrew Shearer, President of Royal Broadcasting to talk about the significance of AM radio, its role in emergency management, and the potential threat of it being phased out from cars. Andrew passionately defends the importance of AM radio for emergency alerts, community service, and information dissemination. He also gives a bit of history for how and why AM radio stations exist. 
We discuss the challenges faced by AM stations, the essence of local community service in radio, and the impact of FM radio vs. AM. Andrew explains the legislative support for AM radio and the public's role in advocating for its preservation.
Click here to send an email to your legislator in support of AM radio. Learn more about AM radio: https://www.wearebroadcasters.com/dependonam/ 

Our conversation for Traffic Safety Thursday with Lt. Warren Gosnell from Frederick County Sheriff's Office gives some insight into the fallout from a crash like the one that happened on Interstate 81 this week. 

Lt. Gosnell talks about the difficult conversation family members should consider having with their elderly loved ones when it comes to their driving privileges. He also sympathizes with the bystanders/travelers who were caught up in the overflow traffic when diversion from I-81 began.
Lt. Gosnell also shares his frustration with "electronic rubberneckers" who held up traffic while trying to snap photos and take video of the accident and backups. He cautions against such acts particularly when they're posted on social media out of respect for families. Additionally, he reminds listeners that slow moving traffic is still moving, therefore you CANNOT have your phone in your hands.

Our conversation for The Valley Business Today - Front Royal/Warren County edition - with Niki Foster from Front Royal/Warren County Chamber of Commerce gives all the details for the 36th Annual Virginia Wine & Craft Festival happening in downtown Front Royal on Saturday, May 18, 2024 from 11am - 6pm.
We talk about the logistics, preparations, and experiences related to organizing the festival including the history of the event, volunteer involvement, the admission process, vendor experiences, and the importance of supporting local businesses. Niki also highlights the music lineup, kids' activities, VIP ticket benefits, and the overall community impact.
Learn more (and purchase tickets) about the 36th Annual Virginia Wine & Craft Festival on their website: http://www.wineandcraftfestival.com