From Dog Parks to Farmer's Markets: Mount Jackson's Community Hubs
Release Date: 06/10/2025
Community Health: Heat Stroke 101
The Valley Today
In this community health episode, host Janet Michael dives into the pressing issue of heat stroke, featuring expert insights from , who practices internal medicine at . With heat waves becoming increasingly common, understanding how to prevent, recognize, and respond to heat stroke is more critical than ever. Dr. Byrd explains that heat stroke is a severe medical condition characterized by an elevated core body temperature and central nervous system dysfunction, which could manifest as confusion, delirium, or seizures. This condition is a true medical emergency with a high mortality rate. The...
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Sustainable Business: The Journey of Winchester Co-op Market
The Valley Today
In the heart of the Shenandoah Valley, the Winchester Co-op Market is gearing up to revolutionize how the local community engages with sustainable food sources. In this episode of The Valley "Business" Today, hosted by Janet Michael, this informative and engaging session brought together key figures such as Carl Knoblock, Virginia District Director of the (SBA); Michael Daryabeygi, Andrea Cosans, and Michael Trainor, board members for the co-op. The core concept of the co-op is simple yet impactful—create a grocery store owned by the community, for the community. Board member Daryabeygi...
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From Loss to Legacy: How Katie's Comfort House is Changing End-of-Life Care
The Valley Today
In the heart of the Valley, a community is rallying together to build a sanctuary where families can say their goodbyes in a peaceful, home-like setting. is a tribute to Katie Teets, a vibrant neurotrauma intensive care nurse whose life was tragically cut short by breast cancer at the age of 26. Her family's mission is to create a place that bridges the gap between hospital care and the comfort of home, allowing families to be with their loved ones in their final days. In this episode of , host Janet Michael welcomes Julie Teets, Katie's mother, and Brandon Teets, Katie's brother. Also...
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After the Bill: What’s Next for Medicaid in the Shenandah Valley
The Valley Today
In a recent candid conversation on 'The Valley Today,' host Janet Michael sat down with , Chief Administrative Officer for , to dissect the aftermath of recently passed legislation that could drastically alter healthcare dynamics in the community. The dialogue spanned a gamut of pressing concerns, from potential Medicaid and SNAP benefit cuts to the broader implications for the community's general well-being. To set the stage, Janet recapped the initial context of their prior discussion, which took place before the legislation had passed. Chris, anticipating widespread effects, emphasized...
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Advocacy in Action: United Way's Powerful Role in Virginia
The Valley Today
The Valley Today was abuzz with meaningful discourse as Janet Michael, host of the popular show, invited two significant figures in the United Way network to discuss their mission of community upliftment and collaboration. The guests, Andy Gail, CEO of United Way Northern Shenandoah Valley, and Angela DeBoskey, Executive Director for , shared valuable insights into the collective efforts of United Way organizations at local, state, and worldwide levels. Angela offered a detailed explanation of the hierarchical structure of United Way, ranging from local operations to a worldwide network....
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Connecting Campus and Community: Laurel Ridge SBDC
The Valley Today
In today’s episode of The Valley Today, we delve into the collaborative and supportive efforts of , focusing on their Small Business Development Center (SBDC). Host Janet Michael engaged in an informative conversation with Brandy Hawkins Boies, the Director of Public Relations and Special Events at the college, and Andy Gyurisin, the Director of . Brandy highlighted the vibrant community atmosphere at Laurel Ridge and how the college isn’t just a place for students but a crucial support system for small businesses within the community. Andy elaborated on the extensive history and...
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Hunger in Winchester: The Impact of SNAP Cuts
The Valley Today
In the heart of Old Town Winchester, at the bustling Espresso Bar, a deeply insightful conversation unfolded between Janet Michael, host of The Valley Today, and Andrea Cosans, Executive Director of Winchester CCAP. The topic, while sobering, is crucial: the recent cuts to SNAP benefits and their far-reaching impacts on the community. "I'm here about once or twice a week," Andrea began, referring to the frequency of her visits to the popular café. Janet echoed this sentiment, acknowledging their shared space for meetings and cooling off, and this casual start quickly transitioned into a...
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Shenandoah Valley Music Festival’s 2025 Summer Season
The Valley Today
The Shenandoah Valley Music Festival (SVMF) has been a staple of summer entertainment in the Valley for over six decades, and this year is no different. Janet Michael, host of ‘The Valley Today,’ sat down with Dennis Lynch, SVMF's Executive Director, to discuss the exciting lineup and community impact of the festival. The conversation, filled with insights and anecdotes, sheds light on what attendees can expect from this season's performances. Recording from the corporate headquarters in Woodstock, Janet and Dennis kicked off their discussion by highlighting the festival's rich history and...
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VDOT Road Report: Bridge Repairs & I-81 Widening at Strasburg
The Valley Today
In this latest edition of 'The Valley Today,' host Janet Michael engages in a comprehensive discussion with Ken Slack, a communication specialist for the of . The conversation revolves around various crucial road improvement projects and provides insights into the progress and challenges faced by VDOT. Highlighting bridge maintenance and replacements, Ken explained the ongoing work on the 66 overpass in Front Royal, slated for completion by the end of July. Ken detailed the comprehensive repainting process of the I-66 bridges over Route 345 22, emphasizing its importance in maintaining the...
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Public Safety Thursday: Blood Drives & Fireworks Regulations
The Valley Today
In this episode of Public Safety Thursday live in the studio for The Valley Today, host Janet Michael welcomes Captain Warren Gosnell from the to talk about safety, community events, and even some light-hearted personal anecdotes. Captain Gosnell gives details for an important public event – the Battle of the Badges blood drive. Scheduled for Friday, July 11, at the Frederick County Public Safety Building, this annual event pits law enforcement against firefighters in a friendly competition to see who can donate the most blood. Captain Gosnell emphasizes the importance of blood donations...
info_outlineMount Jackson’s parks and recreational areas are booming with new developments. In this episode of The Valley Today, host Janet Michael invited Olivia Hilton, the town manager, to provide all the inside details.
Initially approved in January, the master park and pedestrian connectivity plan, or MP3, is Olivia’s primary focus. It all starts with Lions Park, the main community park, which is set to have a new entrance from Route 263 and better restroom facilities. Additionally, the park has expanded by 20 acres, thanks to strategic land acquisitions.
The new Jacktown Bark Park for dog owners is also a hit. Located downtown on King Street, it’s designed to be a convenient and enjoyable space for local residents. It’s equipped with artistic installations, water fountains, shade, and benches, as well as plans for future expansions based on community feedback. The grand opening will be held on Saturday, June 28th from noon til 3pm. The celebration will feature local groomers, baby pools, and plenty of treats for dogs and their owners.
Red Banks Park is another significant project in the works. The park will offer 11.5 acres of river access, complete with parking, restrooms, picnic spaces, and fishing drop-ins. It’s all part of the town’s broader goal to connect various green spaces through pedestrian paths and crosswalks, creating a comprehensive outdoor experience for residents.
Mount Jackson’s community engagement doesn’t stop at parks. The monthly farmers market, organized by the Mount Jackson Hometown Partnership, offers local produce, crafts, and baked goods. The town also supports a vibrant library program and summer events that aim to bring the community together.
Looking forward, Mount Jackson plans to host movie nights and continue its crowd-pleasing Tater Fest. This festival, which celebrates the town’s famous Route 11 potato chips, will feature quirky events like mashed potato sculpting competitions and the hilariously unpredictable cow pie bingo. Olivia announces that the event will always be held on the 4th Saturday of September, so mark your calendars now for September 27, 2025.
As Olivia continues to lead the town towards recreational and communal harmony, residents eagerly anticipate each new development, proving that in Mount Jackson, there’s always something fun and engaging to look forward to.
Learn more on their website: https://www.mountjackson.com/