Suzanne's Studio: Where Art Meets Community
The Valley Today
A Homecoming Story Suzanne Soliday has come full circle. After opening in Woodstock back in 2018, relocating to Florida in 2021, and continuing her artistic passion in Titusville, she's now back where it all began. In this Tourism Tuesday episode of , host Janet Michael and cohost from , Kary Haun sit down with Suzanne at her freshly reopened studio on West Court Street to explore what makes this creative space so special. Recording on a Friday afternoon with no snow on the ground—yet bracing for a major winter storm by Tuesday—the trio dives into Woodstock's thriving arts scene and the...
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Building Better Roads: Inside VDOT
The Valley Today
A Conversation About Infrastructure, Innovation, and Community Input The Shenandoah Valley's roadways are undergoing a massive transformation. In this episode of , host Janet Michael talks with Ken Slack, Communications Specialist for , to discuss the ambitious construction projects reshaping how residents travel through the region. What emerged was a fascinating look at the complex planning, engineering challenges, and community collaboration required to modernize aging infrastructure. Tackling the 81 Corridor's Toughest Stretch The conversation began with one of the most challenging sections...
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Let's Be Friends: Walking a Beat in Old Town
The Valley Today
On this lively episode of , host Janet Michael sits down with Brady Cloven, executive director of , and Corporal Rob Sloan, the City of Winchester’s dedicated Old Town walking mall officer. Their conversation offers a behind-the-scenes look at how visibility, relationships, and everyday interaction help keep downtown safe — and welcoming — for residents, businesses, and visitors alike. From Fairfax to Foot Patrol After more than three decades in law enforcement, Corporal Sloan brings a wealth of experience to Winchester. He spent 28 years with Fairfax County Police before relocating...
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VDOT: Brine Lines & Battle Plans
The Valley Today
The Science of Snow Preparation When winter storms threaten the Shenandoah Valley, springs into action long before the first flakes fall. In this episode of , host Janet Michael speaks with Ken Slack, Communications Specialist for the district, who reveals that preparation begins days in advance, with teams monitoring weather systems and planning for the worst-case scenario. "It's a whole lot easier and more efficient for us to scale back if we need to than it is to try to ramp up at the last minute," Ken explains. The district's response involves far more than simply sending out plows. In...
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FredCo Eats Restaurant Week Celebrates Its 5th Year
The Valley Today
A Winter Tradition Takes Root Frederick County's beloved Restaurant Week returns for its fifth anniversary, bringing 26 diverse eateries together for a week-long celebration of local flavor. Running from January 26th through February 1st, 2026, has evolved from a modest 15-restaurant launch into a cornerstone event that strengthens the entire regional food economy. In this episode of , host Janet Michael welcomes Wendy May, Marketing Manager for the , and Dan Myers, owner of , to discuss how this initiative has transformed the local dining landscape. Recording from Paladin's original Stephens...
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Vision, Volunteers, & Veggies: An Update from Winchester Co-Op Market
The Valley Today
When the idea of a community-owned grocery store begins to take root, it rarely starts with shelves and shopping carts. Instead, it starts with neighbors — people who believe food can connect a community more deeply than any national chain ever could. That belief sits at the heart of the , a grassroots effort working to bring a member-owned grocery store to the city. During this episode of , host Janet Michael reconnects with board leaders Michael Daryabeygi, vice president, and Christina McCarthy, board secretary, to explore where the project stands, how cooperatives work, and why now...
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Building Community Through Fitness: Inside Downtown Studios Unlimited
The Valley Today
A Warm Welcome to Wellness When Marcy Campbell greets newcomers at , she's not just welcoming them to a fitness class—she's inviting them into a family. As co-owner of this Luray-based group exercise studio, Marcy has spent decades transforming the way her community approaches health and wellness. In this episode of , she talks with host Janet Michael and co-host Gina Hilliard, president of the , to share her vision for accessible, enjoyable fitness. From the Eighties to Today: A Fitness Journey Marcy's story begins in the era of leg warmers and Jane Fonda workout videos. Together with her...
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Extension Office Friday: Meet Cynthia Fairbanks
The Valley Today
A Local Returns to Serve Her Community The Northern Shenandoah Valley welcomes a familiar face to its agricultural community. Cynthia Fairbanks, a Clarke County native who grew up on her family's farm in Berryville, has returned home to serve as the new agricultural extension agent based in Warren County. Moreover, her role extends across the entire five-county region, filling a critical position that has remained vacant since the . On her very first day, Cynthia joins host Janet Michael and fellow agent Karen Poff on to introduce herself to the community. Despite having been on the job for...
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Community Health: The Power of Primary Care
The Valley Today
In this episode of Community Health series, host Janet Michael talks with Dr. Kevin Volkema, a board-certified family medicine physician at Primary Care Greenwood, about the critical importance of . From Chicago Suburbs to the Shenandoah Valley Dr. Kevin Volkema's journey into medicine began with a simple nudge. Growing up in Wheaton, Illinois, just outside Chicago, he received encouragement from two unlikely sources during high school: his own primary care physician and his chemistry teacher. Both pulled the 16-year-old aside and suggested he consider a career in medicine. Initially, Dr....
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Small Business Administration: From Small Potato to Big Business
The Valley Today
Humble Beginnings in a Feed Store Sarah Cohen never imagined she'd spend her life making potato chips in rural Virginia. Growing up in Washington, DC, where she worked in her family's restaurant and hotel business from age 12, she learned work ethic early. However, manufacturing knowledge? That came later—much later. In her twenties, Sarah launched in an old feed store in Middletown, Virginia. The setup was as bare-bones as it gets. "We had wooden floors," she recalls, still sounding slightly incredulous. "I know it sounds like the 1800s." The operation ran on 1960s equipment, and workers...
info_outlineWhile visiting a Christmas village in Switzerland, Donnie was captivated by a simple yet powerful tradition: trees adorned with handwritten wishes from people of all ages. Inspired, Donnie brought the idea home to Winchester, determined to create a space where her own community could share their hopes, dreams, and even their burdens. This vision blossomed into the Wishing Trees, now a beloved feature of Winchester’s Winter Village, thanks to the dedication of Donnie, her daughter Kaleigh Fincham, and their family.
Planting Roots in the Community
In this episode of The Valley Today, host Janet Michael sits down with Kaleigh and Donnie from The Ivy Chest / The Ivy Room to uncover the story behind the Wishing Trees and the Kinder Village. The conversation reveals how the project quickly grew from a handful of trees to a central part of the town’s holiday festivities. With the support of local sponsors like Meadows Farms, which donates the trees, and organizations such as Froggy’s Closet, the Wishing Trees have become a collaborative effort that brings together businesses, volunteers, and families.
Wishes That Speak from the Heart
As the conversation unfolds, listeners hear touching anecdotes about the wishes themselves. Some are lighthearted—children wishing for cookies or dinosaurs—while others are deeply personal, expressing hopes for healing, reconciliation, or simply more time with loved ones. The anonymity of the process, Donnie explains, gives people the freedom to express feelings they might otherwise keep hidden. Reading these wishes, Kaleigh and Janet agree, offers a window into the community’s collective soul, fostering empathy and connection among neighbors.
A Legacy of Giving Back
The Wishing Trees are more than a seasonal attraction; they are a tribute to Donnie’s late mother and sister, whose experiences with hardship and resilience inspired the family’s commitment to giving back. The Kinder Village, with its children’s activities and festive atmosphere, further extends this legacy, ensuring that every family—regardless of means—can experience the magic of the holidays. Despite challenges, including funding and logistics, the family remains steadfast in their mission, relying on sponsors and volunteers rather than city funding to keep the tradition alive.
Looking to the Future
The trio reflect on the impact of the Wishing Trees and brainstorm ways to expand the project, such as displaying wishes throughout December or creating a video archive of the notes. Their conversation underscores a central message: small acts of kindness and community spirit can transform lives. In Winchester, the Wishing Trees stand as a testament to the power of hope, generosity, and the enduring bonds of family and community.