Hands-On History: Engaging the Next Generation in Clarke County
Release Date: 10/21/2025
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_outlineClarke County, Virginia, comes alive each fall with vibrant colors, bustling events, and a deep sense of community. In this episode of The Valley Today, host Janet Michael welcomes Nathan Stalvey, Executive Director of the Clarke County Historical Association, for an engaging conversation that highlights the county’s rich heritage and the many ways residents and visitors can connect with its past.
Inspiring Young Historians
To begin, Nathan shares the excitement of hosting field trips for local fourth graders. These immersive experiences at the Burwell-Morgan Mill, Claremont Farm, and the Josephine School Community Museum allow students to see history come alive beyond textbooks. As Nathan notes, witnessing the curiosity and enthusiasm of children as they interact with historical artifacts and demonstrations is both rewarding and essential for fostering a lifelong appreciation of history.
Art at the Mill: A Creative Tradition
Transitioning from education to the arts, Janet and Nathan discuss the recent success of the annual Art at the Mill event. This juried art show not only showcases the incredible talent of regional artists but also supports CCHA’s mission. With strong sales and community participation, the event continues to be a highlight of the fall season, reinforcing the importance of creativity in preserving and celebrating local culture.
Heritage Day: Living History for All Ages
Looking ahead, Nathan enthusiastically promotes the upcoming Heritage Day, CCHA’s largest history program of the year. Scheduled at the Burwell-Morgan Mill, this free event features reenactors, blacksmith demonstrations, colonial cooking, and hands-on activities for children. Heritage Day offers families a unique opportunity to experience living history, interact with experts from various historical periods, and gain a deeper understanding of the county’s diverse past.
A New Exhibit: The Spanish Flu in Clarke County
Moreover, the conversation turns to CCHA’s latest exhibit, which examines the impact of the Spanish Flu pandemic on Clarke County. Curated by Dana Getka, the exhibit takes a personal and artistic approach, highlighting the stories of those who lost their lives and providing a human face to a significant but often overlooked chapter in local history. Complementing the exhibit, a book read-along event invites the community to further explore this poignant topic.
Supporting Local History: The Power of Community Giving
As the year draws to a close, Nathan emphasizes the critical role of community support and annual giving. Donations, whether large or small, help sustain CCHA’s programs, maintain archives, and ensure that Clarke County’s history remains accessible for generations to come. The conversation also touches on the many ways individuals can contribute, from volunteering and financial gifts to donating relevant historical artifacts.
A Lasting Invitation
In conclusion, Janet and Nathan encourage listeners to visit the Clarke County History Center & Archives, participate in upcoming events, and discover the stories that make the county unique. With a calendar full of engaging programs and a passionate team at the helm, Clarke County continues to celebrate its heritage while inviting everyone to be a part of its living history.
For more information on events, exhibits, and ways to support, visit clarkehistory.org.