Gardening Through Change: Weather, Climate, and Creative Solutions
The Valley Today
As the leaves begin to turn and the air grows crisp in the Northern Shenandoah Valley, gardeners are faced with both new challenges and exciting opportunities. In this episode of "," host Janet Michael talks with Joanne Royaltey, a and Master Gardener, to discuss how local gardeners can make the most of the fall season—despite unpredictable weather and shifting climate patterns. Joanne began by acknowledging the difficulties many gardeners have faced this year, from erratic spring rains and cold snaps to the intense heat and drought of summer. She emphasized that adaptability is key: “We...
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The Nest, The Fest, and The Future: Mount Jackson’s Entrepreneurial Journey
The Valley Today
In the heart of Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley, the is quietly staging a revolution—one that blends entrepreneurial ambition with a hearty dose of small-town quirkiness. In this episode of “,” host Janet Michael sat down with Olivia Hilton, Mount Jackson’s dynamic town manager, to discuss how a business incubator program and a potato-themed festival are transforming the local landscape. The conversation opens with Hilton, ever the multitasker, joining the call from her car before a class—a fitting metaphor for the hustle and adaptability that define both her leadership and the...
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Clem's Kitchen Opens at Wayside Inn
The Valley Today
In the heart of Middletown, Virginia, a beloved historic landmark is experiencing a renaissance. The Wayside Inn, a fixture of the Shenandoah Valley for over two centuries, is now home to —a new restaurant venture by Bill and Amanda Whitson. In this episode of “The Valley Business Today,” host Janet Michael, joined by Carl Knoblock of the , sat down with the Whitsons to discuss their journey, vision, and the challenges of breathing new life into a storied space. From Food Truck AND Brick-and-Mortar Many locals know Bill from and Amanda from . But together, they are embarking on a new...
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More Than a Gallery: The Unique Experience of Art at the Mill
The Valley Today
In the scenic Shenandoah Valley, Millwood, Virginia, is a town where history and creativity intertwine, and nowhere is this more evident than in the annual show. In this episode of “Tourism Tuesday” on , host Janet Michael welcomed Nathan Stalvey, Executive Director of the , for an in-depth conversation about the upcoming fall art show and the vibrant cultural life of the region. Now in its 20th year, Art at the Mill has become a cornerstone event for the community, drawing artists and visitors from across the East Coast. Nathan, a seasoned organizer, shared the behind-the-scenes efforts...
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Shining a Light: The Community Choir of Page County
The Valley Today
In this episode of “,” host Janet Michael brought listeners a heartwarming and insightful conversation that showcased the vibrant spirit of Page County’s community life. Joined by Gina Hilliard, president of the , and Denise Schulz, director of the , the conversation offered a behind-the-scenes look at how music, tradition, and togetherness continue to thrive in this picturesque corner of Virginia. The conversation opened with lighthearted banter about post-vacation catch-up and the joys of unplugging, but quickly turned to the main event: the Community Choir of Page County. For many,...
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The Power of Giving Back: Inside Community Connect & Serve 2025
The Valley Today
In a world where community needs are ever-growing and resources often stretched thin, the annual event in Winchester, Virginia, stands as a beacon of hope and collaboration. In this episode of “,” host Janet Michael gathered with a dynamic group of organizers and participants to pull back the curtain on this unique event, revealing how it’s reshaping the way nonprofits, faith-based organizations, and everyday citizens come together to serve. The conversation, recorded in the midst of a committee meeting at , was lively and candid. Janet was joined by Andrea Cosans and Lily Paccadolmis...
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Laurel Ridge Community College: Pathways for Every Journey
The Valley Today
In this episode of “,” host Janet Michael welcomed Brandy Hawkins Boies, Director of Public Relations and Special Events, and Dr. Kim Blosser, President of , for a candid and wide-ranging discussion about the college’s evolving role in the Shenandoah Valley. The conversation offered listeners a rare glimpse behind the scenes of an institution that has become a cornerstone for education, workforce development, and community growth in the region. Dr. Blosser, only the fifth president in the college’s history and the third woman to hold the position, shared her deep-rooted connection to...
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Fostering Hope: How Volunteers Change Lives at Virginia German Shepherd Rescue
The Valley Today
On a sunny afternoon in downtown Winchester, the secret garden at the Espresso Bar buzzes with the warmth of old friends reuniting. Host of , Janet Michael welcomes Sandy Schwalb, a dedicated volunteer and former board member of (VGSR), for a heartfelt conversation about the organization’s mission, the power of community, and the life-changing impact of rescue dogs. Sandy’s journey with VGSR began years ago, transforming her from a self-described “non-dog person” into a passionate advocate for German Shepherds and animal rescue. Alongside her husband Steve, Sandy has fostered and...
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A Smorgasbord of Talent: The Barns of Rose Hill
The Valley Today
Nestled in the heart of Berryville, the stands as a beacon for arts, culture, and community connection. In this episode of “Tourism Tuesday,” host Janet Michael talks with Martha Reynolds, the Executive Director of the Barns, to discuss the organization’s bustling calendar and the vital role it plays in the region. The conversation opened with excitement for the upcoming , a beloved annual event that showcases the creativity and diversity of local artists. This year’s theme, “Rooted,” promises both literal and metaphorical interpretations, with works spanning woodworking,...
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Bridging Progress: Inside VDOT’s Roadwork
The Valley Today
In this episode of “,” host Janet Michael sat down with Ken Slack, Communications Specialist for the of the , to pull back the curtain on the region’s most pressing road projects and the intricate web of planning, funding, and public engagement that makes them possible. The conversation opened with a celebration: the long-awaited , now featuring a new bridge over the Norfolk Southern railway. For years, drivers endured lengthy delays as trains blocked the at-grade crossing, sometimes for up to 20 minutes. Ken explained how federal funding—specifically from a maritime economic...
info_outlineStepping into the ShenArts Artist Co-op on Winchester’s Old Town walking mall, visitors are greeted by a kaleidoscope of color, creativity, and community spirit. In a recent episode of “The Valley Today,” host Janet Michael sat down with Kelly McDermott, president of the Shenandoah Arts Council, to explore the story behind this dynamic space and its impact on the local arts scene.
The conversation traces the co-op’s journey from vision to reality, highlighting the collaborative effort that transformed a once-hidden space into a thriving gallery. Kelly shares how the Shenandoah Arts Council created the artist co-op that not only showcases a diverse array of art—from paintings and textiles to woodwork, glass, and pottery—but also serves as a launchpad for artists of all backgrounds. The gallery’s rotating exhibits and juried membership process ensure that both established and emerging talents have a platform to shine.
Beyond the gallery walls, the ShenArts Council is deeply invested in community engagement. The annual ShenArts Fine Art Festival brings together artists, performers, and art lovers for a celebration of creativity, while educational programs and business workshops empower artists to grow their skills and careers. Kelly and Janet discuss the importance of supporting young artists, pricing artwork, and fostering connections between artists, collectors, and the broader community.
As Winchester garners national attention for its vibrant downtown and cultural offerings, the ShenArts Artist Co-op stands out as a beacon for creativity and collaboration. Whether you’re an artist, a collector, or simply an admirer of the arts, the co-op invites everyone to experience the transformative power of art—and to become part of a growing movement that’s putting Winchester on the creative map.