Friends of Old Town Winchester: Dawn Earles Design/Cheers My Dear!
Release Date: 04/25/2025
United Way NSV: The Power of NonProfit Partnerships
The Valley Today
In the latest edition of 'The Valley Today,' host Janet Michael sat down with Andy Gail, CEO of United Way Northern Shenandoah Valley, and Holly Roberts, founder of Love To Nic, to discuss their impactful and collaborative efforts to support the homeless and needy communities in Northern Shenandoah Valley and beyond. Holly shared that Love To Nic was founded in memory of her late son, Nic, who struggled with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder before dying in a car accident a decade ago. The nonprofit primarily focuses on providing shoes but has since expanded to include winter jackets, boots,...
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Public Safety Thursday: The Role of Canines in Law Enforcement
The Valley Today
This month's episode of Public Safety Thursday with Captain Warren Gosnell from the featured an in-depth conversation about their K9 Unit. Captain Gosnell shared with host Janet Michael about the vital role these specialized officers and their canine partners play in public safety. He addresses the complex responsibilities and essential duties performed by the K9 unit. The discussion centered around the nuanced roles these canines play—from tracking and trailing to detecting illegal substances. Captain Gosnell elaborated on the types of dogs in the unit, mentioning Enzo the Dutch...
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Front Royal Chamber: A Spotlight on Hike Kidz Foundation
The Valley Today
In this episode of Valley Today, host Janet Michael brings a mix of community insights and local initiatives. Joining her on the show are Niki Foster from the and her guests Aaron and Harmony Hike from the Hike Kids Foundation. Harmony and Aaron share their inspiring journey with the Hike Kids Foundation, which aims to empower children by providing essential support like clothing and school supplies. Harmony elaborates on their mission, influenced by Aaron's personal experiences growing up in poverty. Their upcoming event, , is set to be a fun-filled fundraiser to benefit local children,...
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Cakes by Ashton: Turning Food Allergies into Inspiration
The Valley Today
In this episode of Tourism Tuesday - Shenandoah County edition - Valley Today host Janet Michael visits Cakes by Ashton in Strasburg, Virginia. Joined by co-host Kary Haun from , the duo sits down to talk with Ashton Simmers, the passionate owner and baker behind Cakes by Ashton. The bakery, known for its pink interior and cute decorations, offers a fully vegan and nut-free menu inspired by Ashton’s personal story and mission. From her beginnings as a home-based baker, Ashton shares how her son Landon’s severe food allergies motivated her to create allergy-friendly treats, leading her to...
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Smartypants Medicine: Breaking Down Barriers to Affordable/Accessible Healthcare
The Valley Today
In a recent episode of The Valley Today, host Janet Michael reconnected with Kelly Botta, a board-certified Physician Assistant and President of Smartypants Medicine. Since their last interaction in October 2022, Smartypants Medicine has undergone significant growth and transformation. The practice, known for its unique Direct Primary Care model, offers a more affordable, convenient, and patient-focused healthcare experience. Kelly shared that the cornerstone of Smartypants Medicine is the Direct Primary Care model, which allows patients to pay a simple monthly fee for healthcare. This model...
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Catching Up with Clementine's Vintage
The Valley Today
Nestled in the charming town of Strasburg is , a gem admired by both locals and visitors alike. Valley Today host, Janet Michael recently had the pleasure of sitting down with the store's owner, Sue Haynes, for an engaging conversation about the store's journey, unique offerings, and dedication to supporting small businesses. Clementine Vintage is Sue's ‘happy place,’ and she shared how the store serves as a dual purpose – a sanctuary and a hub for her creative and business endeavors. Janet couldn’t help but notice items like a little hat with orange flowers, showcasing the unique and...
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From Plants to Pollinators: GardenFest 2025
The Valley Today
is just around the corner, scheduled for the first Saturday in June at . In this episode of The Valley Today hosted by Janet Michael, the event was the topic of discussion with guests Kathy Doyle and Joanne Royaltey, both and key organizers of the event. Joanne, an , and Kathy Doyle, one of the event's program leads, have been working diligently to prepare for this year’s GardenFest. Their expertise will be on full display, offering invaluable gardening tips and advice to attendees. Kathy shared insights into the extensive planning process that begins immediately after each GardenFest. The...
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Top of Virginia Regional Chamber: The CLP effect
The Valley Today
In this episode, we take an in-depth look at the Community Leadership Program (CLP) organized by the . This program is a testament to the power of community engagement and leadership development. Hosted by Janet Michael, this segment of the Valley Today brings to light the experiences of the current CLP class, soon to be graduates, and the invaluable lessons they've learned along the way. Janet is joined by Sabra Veach, the Director of Programs and Services at the Chamber, and Kearie Sites, the operations manager at and a member of the current CLP class. The conversation kicks off with Janet...
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Behind the Scoop: Uncle Beehive’s Ice Cream
The Valley Today
In the heart of Winchester, Virginia, lies a hidden gem—. Established by Ben Rothermel and Katie Sartelle, this artisanal ice cream company brings joy and unique flavors to the local community. Recently, host of The Valley Today, Janet Michael and Justin Kerns from sat down with the duo to uncover their delightful journey. Janet opened the conversation by introducing Uncle Beehive's corporate headquarters as the place where the magic happens. Justin shared his initial encounter with Uncle Beehive, expressing curiosity and excitement at discovering the brand. His curiosity led him to delve...
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Friends of Old Town: Exploring Holistic Health at Panhandle Apothecary
The Valley Today
Our monthly conversation on The Valley Today with Brady Cloven, Executive Director for Friends of Old Town highlighted a visit to Panhandle Apothecary, where host, Janet Michael and Brady sat down for an insightful conversation with Sarah, the operations manager and co-owner of the store. Panhandle Apothecary, situated on the old town walking mall, is more than just a shop—it's a sanctuary of holistic health and wellness. As soon as you step through the door, you're greeted with a fragrant, comforting ambiance that feels like a warm hug. Sarah and her mother, Lorraine, established this haven...
info_outlineOld Town Winchester is experiencing a renaissance, marked by new businesses and community events that celebrate its rich history and vibrant future. The transformation was palpable in a recent conversation between Janet Michael, host of 'The Valley Today,' Brady Cloven, Executive Director of Friends of Old Town, and Dawn Earles, founder of Dawn Earles Design. This impromptu gathering at Dawn's new store highlighted the exciting developments in this historic district.
Dawn introduced her recently rebranded business, transitioning from 'Dawn Earles Design' to 'Cheers, My Dear,' a unique blend of retail and design services. Her shop offers everything from interior design consultations to custom embroidered linens and charming hostess gifts. "I fell in love with Winchester's historic charm and friendly people," said Dawn, who chose Old Town Winchester as the perfect location for her new venture.
Brady Cloven spoke about the various initiatives Friends of Old Town are undertaking to enhance the area. From infrastructure improvements at the Taylor Pavilion to the new 'History of Us' self-guided architecture tours, the goal is to make Old Town Winchester a lively, attractive destination for both locals and visitors.
The conversation also touched on the importance of community engagement. Events like KidsFest and First Fridays draw people into the area, while new businesses offer fresh experiences. 'Friends of Old Town' encourages everyone to get involved by tagging their visits on social media to spread the word about what's happening.
The ongoing efforts are paying off as Old Town Winchester recently cracked the top 10 in USA Today's list of best Main Streets in the nation. Positioned at number nine, it’s the only one in Virginia to make the list. 'This recognition is a testament to the hard work and community spirit that make Old Town Winchester special,' said Brady. Looking ahead, there are plans for even more improvements and community events.
Old Town Winchester is not just a place to visit; it's a community to be a part of. Whether you're exploring new shops like 'Cheers, My Dear,' enjoying a public event, or simply wandering the historic streets, there’s something for everyone. So next time you’re in the area, take a moment to see what makes this corner of Virginia so exceptional.