Feeding Hope: Blue Ridge Area Food Bank's Fight Against Hunger
The Valley Today
As the last day of Week dawns, Janet Michael, host of "," welcomes listeners with a call to action: the bus is ready to collect donations for those in need. This annual event, hosted by , not only gathers food and funds but also shines a spotlight on the ongoing issue of food insecurity in the community. In a heartfelt conversation, Janet talks with Les Sinclair, Communications and PR Manager for the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank, to discuss the challenges, triumphs, and the power of community support. Navigating Uncertainty: The Lingering Impact of Crisis The conversation quickly turns to the...
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Beyond the Hospital: Valley Health’s Mission to Nourish and Heal
The Valley Today
On a brisk morning in the Valley, the Bus sits parked at Royal Plaza Shopping Center, buzzing with activity. host Janet Michael welcomes listeners to a special conversation with Jason Craig, Senior Director of . Together, they broadcast live from the heart of a community initiative that’s more than just a food drive—it’s a movement to address hunger, health, and hope. Connecting Food, Health, and Community As donations pour in—bags of groceries, checks, and even children learning the value of giving—Janet and Jason dive into the complex web of factors that shape community health....
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Beyond the Backpack: Bright Futures Frederick/Winchester
The Valley Today
In a recent episode of , host Janet Michael welcomes Elise Stine Dolinar, the driving force behind Bright Futures Frederick/Winchester. Their conversation, happening against the backdrop of the annual "" week, delves into the heart of a community initiative that goes far beyond simply filling backpacks with food. Bright Futures, as Elise passionately explains, is dedicated to ensuring that every student—regardless of circumstance—has access to the essentials they need to succeed in school and in life. The Weekend Food Pack Program: Logistics and Love At the core of Bright Futures’...
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Beyond the Food Pantry: The Many Faces of Winchester CCAP
The Valley Today
As Week sweeps through Warren County, the spirit of giving is palpable. Yet, for organizations like , the need for support extends far beyond a single week. In this episode of “,” host Janet Michael sits down with Andrea Cosans, Executive Director of Winchester CCAP, to shed light on the organization’s tireless efforts to combat food insecurity and support local families. Meeting the Rising Demand From the outset, Andrea paints a vivid picture of the growing challenges facing the community. “Our reception area is not that large,” she explains, “but this morning I came in and there...
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From Crisis to Connection: How United Way NSV and 211 Are Making a Difference
The Valley Today
As the kicks off Week, host Janet Michael sets the stage for a conversation that goes beyond food drives and donation bins. This annual initiative, anchored by the ’s bus parked at Royal Plaza Shopping Center, mobilizes the community to support those facing food insecurity. However, as Janet welcomes Andy Gail, CEO of , it becomes clear that the need extends far beyond canned goods and non-perishable donations. Dialing for Help: The Power of 2-1-1 Andy wastes no time introducing listeners to the 2-1-1 resource line—a statewide service that connects Virginians to a wide array of essential...
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Turkey Talk: Avoiding Foodborne Illness This Thanksgiving
The Valley Today
As the holiday season approaches, families gather around tables filled with delicious food and festive cheer. However, amidst the laughter and celebration, food safety often takes a back seat—until someone gets sick. In this episode of “,” host Janet Michael talks with , a food, nutrition, and health extension agent, to discuss how you can keep your holiday meals both tasty and safe. Thawing the Turkey: Plan Ahead for Safety Amanda wastes no time addressing one of the most common holiday pitfalls: thawing the turkey. She urges listeners to plan ahead, explaining that the safest way to...
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Laurel Ridge Community College: Jeff Sinclair’s Path from Army to Pharmacy
The Valley Today
As the Shenandoah Valley turns golden with autumn, host Janet Michael, joins ’s Director of PR and Special Events, , and , an Army veteran whose educational journey has inspired many. Their conversation—timed perfectly for Veterans Week—offers a heartfelt look at how one man’s post-military path leads from uncertainty to academic success and a future in pharmacy. From Service to Self-Discovery After leaving the Army, Jeff Sinclair admits he needed time to decompress. “The military was all I ever thought about,” he shares. With no clear direction, he decides to enroll at...
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Planning for Tomorrow: Top of VA Regional Chamber’s Economic Summit
The Valley Today
The Shenandoah Valley is gearing up for its fourth annual , and this year’s event promises to be more impactful than ever. In this episode of “,” host Janet Michael talks with Kaleigh Fincham, Director of Events for the , and Scott Harvard, CEO of , to discuss what makes this summit a must-attend for business leaders, students, and community members alike. Bridging Local and National Perspectives From the outset, the conversation highlights the summit’s unique approach: blending high-level economic analysis with on-the-ground realities. Scott, a long-time supporter and moderator of the...
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A Shopper’s Wonderland: Kris Kringle Market at Belle Grove
The Valley Today
As the holiday season approaches, prepares to host its much-anticipated Kris Kringle Market. In a recent episode of “,” host Janet Michael talks with Kristen Laise, Executive Director, and Paige Ulevich, Festivals Coordinator, to offer listeners an exclusive look at this festive event. Their conversation reveals how the market has evolved into a cherished community tradition, blending local craftsmanship, culinary delights, and family fun. From Pandemic Brainstorm to Annual Favorite The Kris Kringle Market began as a creative response to the challenges of 2020. Kristen recalls how the...
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Celebrating the Holidays with Luray/Page Chamber
The Valley Today
As the holiday season approaches, Page County residents eagerly anticipate the 10th annual , a beloved event that has grown from a modest community open house into a vibrant celebration. In this episode of "," host Janet Michael talks with Gina Hilliard, president of the , to discuss the festival’s evolution and the many ways it brings the community together. From Humble Beginnings to a Holiday Extravaganza Initially, the festival offered little more than photos with Santa and a few cookies at the Chamber’s visitor center. However, over the past decade, it has blossomed into a large-scale...
info_outlineThe Shenandoah Valley is witnessing a transformative moment in women’s healthcare. Dr. Trimble Spitzer, a board-certified OB-GYN and reproductive endocrinology infertility specialist, has opened a new fertility practice with Valley Health, addressing a long-standing gap in local reproductive services. In this episode of The Valley Today, host Janet Michael talks with Dr. Spitzer to discuss her journey, the challenges women face with infertility, and the hope her practice brings to the region.
Meet Dr. Trimble Spitzer: From Military Service to Medical Pioneer
Dr. Spitzer’s path to reproductive medicine is as unique as it is inspiring. With a background in physics and over 20 years of service in the Air Force, she brings a blend of scientific rigor and compassionate care to her new role. “Medicine was a calling,” she shares, describing her early realization that she wanted to work closely with women and solve complex medical puzzles. Her move to the Shenandoah Valley was motivated by both personal ties and a professional commitment to serve an area she identified as a “fertility desert.”
Understanding Infertility: Breaking the Silence
Infertility and pregnancy loss have long been shrouded in silence and stigma. Dr. Spitzer notes that while women today are more open about their struggles, many still feel isolated. “Education is key,” she emphasizes, urging women to seek evidence-based information and support. The conversation highlights how societal shifts and delayed family planning have contributed to rising infertility rates, but also how open dialogue can empower women to find solutions.
Comprehensive Care: Services for Every Stage
Dr. Spitzer’s practice offers a wide range of services, from helping women struggling to conceive for the first time to supporting those facing recurrent pregnancy loss or managing conditions like polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and endometriosis. She explains that while advanced treatments like in vitro fertilization (IVF) are available through partnerships, most patients benefit from less invasive options provided locally. The practice also introduces innovative solutions, such as local access to semen analysis for male partners, reducing the need for long-distance travel.
Closing the Gap: Accessible, Patient-Centered Support
The new Valley Health Fertility practice stands out for its accessibility and patient-centered approach. Dr. Spitzer welcomes referrals, ensuring that women can easily access care. She collaborates closely with other OB-GYNs, providing specialized support while patients continue to receive routine care from their primary providers. Office hours are designed for convenience, and the practice is committed to making every patient feel heard and supported.
A Hopeful Future for the Valley
As the conversation draws to a close, Dr. Spitzer expresses her excitement about serving the Shenandoah Valley and helping women achieve their dreams of building families. Her arrival marks a significant step forward for local healthcare, offering hope, expertise, and a compassionate ear to those navigating the challenges of infertility. With Valley Health Fertility, the region’s women now have a powerful new ally on their journey to parenthood.