Twenty Years of Transformation: How Laurel Ridge Community College Changed Page County
The Valley Today
From Crisis to Opportunity When the Wrangler plant closed its doors in Page County over two decades ago, the community faced a crossroads. However, what could have been a devastating blow instead became the catalyst for educational transformation. Dr. Kim Blosser, President of , talks with Janet Michael on to reflect on how the has spent 20 years opening doors for students who once had limited access to higher education. Geography as Destiny Before the center opened, Page County students faced a challenging reality. Located in a valley surrounded by mountains, they endured 45-minute to...
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ToVRC Community Leadership Program: Leading the Valley Forward
The Valley Today
A Broadcast with Purpose Host Janet Michael and cohost Andy Gail transform into a podcast studio, broadcasting from the 's (CLP). The energy in the room is palpable on this episode of , as this year's class gathers for their media and nonprofit session. Meanwhile, Andy, a 2016 CLP graduate and current CEO, reflects on how the program shaped his professional network nearly a decade ago. Three Decades of Community Connection As the program approaches its 30th anniversary, its impact continues to resonate throughout the Shenandoah Valley. Janet herself graduated from the inaugural class 29...
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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...
info_outlineAs the holiday season sweeps through the Valley, host Janet Michael welcomes Captain Warren Gosnell of the Frederick County Sheriff's Office into the studio for a lively yet sobering episode of "The Valley Today." Their conversation, peppered with humor and personal anecdotes, dives deep into the realities of holiday travel, the temptations of modern technology, and the life-altering consequences of impaired driving.
From Laughter to Lessons
Janet and Goz kick off the episode with playful banter about live radio mishaps and the quirks of hosting. However, the tone quickly shifts as they reflect on the unique pressures and risks that come with the holidays. With families rushing from one gathering to another, the roads become a stage for both joyful reunions and potential tragedy. Goz shares stories from his own life, including the loss of family members to traffic accidents, underscoring the very real dangers that can lurk behind the wheel.
The Technology Trap
Transitioning to the role of technology, Janet confesses her own struggles as a concerned parent, debating whether to use Apple AirTags to track her adult son for his safety. This lighthearted exchange opens a broader discussion about privacy, responsibility, and the ways technology can both help and hinder our efforts to keep loved ones safe. Goz reminds listeners that, while tools like GPS and cell phones offer peace of mind, they are no substitute for honest conversations and personal accountability.
Holiday Hazards and the Ripple Effect
As the conversation unfolds, the duo addresses the spike in impaired driving during the festive season. Goz details the excuses he’s heard from drivers—ranging from forgotten macaroni salad to tight holiday schedules—and dismantles the myths that often justify risky behavior. He emphasizes that the consequences of a single poor decision can ripple outward, affecting not just the driver but entire families and communities. Janet echoes this sentiment, recalling the emotional toll of delivering bad news to loved ones during what should be a joyful time.
Practical Advice for a Safer Season
Throughout the episode, both host and guest offer practical tips for listeners: plan your routes, arrange for designated drivers, and take advantage of free ride services offered by local businesses and organizations. They stress that celebrating responsibly is not just about avoiding legal trouble—it’s about protecting lives and preserving the spirit of the season.
A Call to Action
As the show draws to a close, Janet and Goz return to their central message: everyone has the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, but no one has the right to endanger others on the road. Their candid conversation serves as a timely reminder that the choices we make—especially during the holidays—can have lasting impacts. With warmth, wit, and wisdom, they urge listeners to prioritize safety, cherish their loved ones, and enter the new year with a renewed commitment to community well-being.