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_outlineOn a quiet afternoon in the Shenandoah Valley, Valley Today host Janet Michael and co-host Kary Haun from Shenandoah County Tourism found themselves tucked away at Flour and Water, a Woodstock favorite, for a special Tourism Tuesday episode. Their guest, Jefferson Burgess, founder and creative force behind BoBirdie Magazine, joins them for a candid conversation about golf, storytelling, and the vibrant community that inspires his work.
From Reluctant Golfer to Magazine Founder
Jefferson’s journey into golf was anything but typical. He confesses that he didn’t grow up playing the sport; instead, he was nudged onto the green by colleagues at the Virginia Mennonite Retirement Community, where he worked in marketing and sales for two decades. Initially, golf was simply a way to connect with residents and their families. However, this new hobby soon sparked a bigger idea: a golf magazine.
Although Jefferson and a friend produced a first issue, life intervened, and the project was shelved. Years later, after retiring, Jefferson revisited the concept, only to find the media landscape had changed dramatically. Print magazines had faded, digital platforms had risen, and the audience’s expectations had evolved.
Reinventing the Golf Magazine
Recognizing these shifts, Jefferson transformed BoBirdie from a traditional print publication into a dynamic, multi-platform lifestyle magazine. No longer just about improving one’s golf game, BoBirdie now celebrates the broader culture surrounding golf—food, travel, art, and the unique stories of the Shenandoah Valley.
Kary and Janet note that BoBirdie’s appeal extends far beyond golfers. The magazine’s stunning photography, engaging storytelling, and focus on local experiences make it a must-read for anyone interested in the Valley’s vibrant life. Jefferson emphasizes that the magazine’s success comes from collaboration and community input, not just his own vision.
Telling Stories Beyond the Green
BoBirdie’s content reflects the diversity of its audience. For example, one feature highlights a local photographer who rides along on the golf course, not to play, but to capture images of birds. Another article pairs the Valley’s best golf courses with its culinary gems, offering readers a taste of the region’s hospitality.
Jefferson explains that BoBirdie doesn’t review courses or critique their conditions. Instead, the magazine focuses on the experience—what it feels like to spend a day in the Valley, enjoying its landscapes, people, and flavors.
Community, Collaboration, and Giving Back
Throughout the conversation, Jefferson credits the magazine’s growth to the support of local organizations and individuals. From tourism boards to small business owners, many contribute ideas and resources, helping BoBirdie thrive. The magazine also gives back, featuring non-profits like First Tee, Habitat for Humanity, and the Veterans Golfers Association.
Recently, BoBirdie collaborated with local personality Noah Shenandoah on a creative video project, further blending storytelling, humor, and community spirit. The team’s willingness to experiment and embrace new media has only strengthened their connection to the Valley.
Where to Find Bo Birdie
BoBirdie Magazine is available both in print and online, with distribution at over 200 locations throughout the Valley, including every golf course, select restaurants, and hotels. Readers can also access stories, photography, and back issues on the magazine’s website and social media channels.
Jefferson encourages anyone with a story to tell or a photo to share to reach out and contribute. As he puts it, BoBirdie is a collective effort, shaped by the Valley’s people and their passions.
Looking Ahead
As the conversation wraps up, Janet and Kary praised the magazine’s quality and impact. Jefferson, ever humble, acknowledged the ongoing process of learning and improving with each issue. Ultimately, BoBirdie stands as a testament to the power of community, creativity, and the enduring appeal of a good story—on or off the golf course.
To access the digital magazine (and learn about membership), visit their website: http://bobirdie.com/. Follow them on Facebook and Instagram for a peek behind the scenes and stay in the know about where they're going next.