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_outlineJanet Michael, the tireless host of The Valley Today, has reached a milestone few in broadcasting can claim: 2,500 consecutive episodes. In a special celebratory podcast, Janet welcomes Andy Gail, CEO of United Way of Northern Shenandoah Valley—and a longtime listener turned frequent guest—to reflect on the journey, share laughs, and look ahead to new adventures.
From Listener to Guest: Andy’s Unique Perspective
Right from the start, Andy brings a playful energy, joking about his habit of listening to Janet’s show before bed and his record as the most consistent guest. Their banter sets the tone for an episode filled with warmth and camaraderie. Andy, now a community leader, recalls how the show has become a staple for many, including former colleagues who still tune in and text him after his appearances.
Fun Facts and Friendly Rivalries
To put 2,500 episodes in perspective, Andy rattles off a series of fun facts: Janet has outpaced The Simpsons, Law & Order, and even Law & Order: SVU in episode count, though she still has a way to go to catch up with soap operas like Guiding Light. The conversation is peppered with quirky trivia—did you know it takes 2,500 honeybees to make a pound of honey, or that the average person consumes 2,500 calories a day? These playful comparisons highlight the magnitude of Janet’s achievement while keeping the mood light.
Behind the Scenes: The Real Work of Podcasting
Transitioning from celebration to reality, Janet and Andy pull back the curtain on the work that goes into each episode. Janet reveals that producing a single show can take three to four hours, from booking guests and recording to editing out hundreds of “ums” and “uhs.” Andy marvels at the dedication, calculating that Janet has spent over 8,000 pots of coffee and nearly 9,000 hours keeping The Valley Today on the air. Their candid discussion underscores the unseen effort behind the microphone.
Debates, Dishes, and Community Spirit
No Valley Today episode would be complete without a spirited debate. Janet and Andy revisit classic arguments—Is cereal soup? Is a hot dog a sandwich or a taco?—and tease an upcoming podcast series focused on the best dishes in Winchester. Their friendly disagreements and shared laughter exemplify the show’s unique blend of information and entertainment.
Giving Back: A Fundraiser for the Community
As the conversation draws to a close, Janet and Andy announce a special United Way fundraiser in honor of the 2,500th episode. Their goal: raise $2,500 by year’s end to support local nonprofits. Listeners are invited to donate, participate in auctions, and even win a chance to appear on the show. The initiative reflects Janet’s deep commitment to the community and her belief that even small contributions can make a big difference. Learn more here: https://givebutter.com/ValleyToday
Looking Ahead: The Streak Continues
Finally, Janet shares her next goal—surpassing Cal Ripken’s legendary streak of 2,632 consecutive baseball games. With her trademark humor and determination, she assures listeners that The Valley Today will be back tomorrow, ready to inform, entertain, and connect the community once again. Through laughter, reflection, and a shared sense of purpose, Janet and Andy celebrate not just a broadcasting milestone, but the enduring power of local storytelling. As The Valley Today enters its next chapter, one thing is clear: the conversation—and the coffee—will keep flowing.