From Barn Quilts to Beekeeping: Inside the Lost Arts Festival
The Valley Today
Janet Michael talks with Megan Craggs of and Christa Nahhas of to share everything you need to know about the inaugural — a celebration of heritage crafts, hands-on skills, and community connection in the Shenandoah Valley. Event Details Date: April 12th Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM Location: La Grange Family Farm, 5498 Valley Pike, Stephens City, VA (next to Capon Valley Bank) Capacity: 200 people at a time — purchase tickets in advance recommended Proceeds benefit: (supports individuals with disabilities and barriers to employment) Scheduled Demonstrations Sheep dog herding...
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Public Safety Thursday: Social Media Comments vs Reality
The Valley Today
Host Janet Michael welcomes back her most frequent guest, Captain Warren Gosnell of the , for another conversation. They cover two major topics: Frederick County's new school zone speed camera program and how to navigate police interactions safely and legally. Topics Covered 🚦 School Zone Speed Cameras Frederick County's camera program launched with a 30-day warning period before violations were issued Three school zones are currently active under the camera system, including Stonewall Elementary on Route 11 (25 mph zone) Violations are processed by a vendor in Chattanooga, TN, but...
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From Hotlines to Healing Arts: Inside the Phoenix Project
The Valley Today
In This Episode Janet Michael sits down with Melanie Stull, Administrative Assistant and Volunteer Coordinator for , to discuss and the many ways the organization serves survivors of domestic and sexual violence in Front Royal and Warren County. Chamber President Niki Foster then joins Janet to share upcoming Chamber events, including Coffee & Conversation and the . Phoenix Project Segment What is Phoenix Project? Phoenix Project is Warren County's community response to domestic and sexual violence. All services are free and confidential and include: Court accompaniment Hospital...
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Spring Into Luray: Trout Derby, Arbor Day, and a Summer Full of Events
The Valley Today
Host: Janet Michael Guests: Gina Hilliard, President – Jen Jenkins, Parks Superintendent – Sherri Glenn, Events & Marketing Coordinator – Luray Parks & Recreation Episode Summary Janet talks with Gina, Jen, and Sherri about upcoming events from free youth fishing derbies and outdoor concerts to the nation's 250th birthday celebration and a Chamber trip to Ireland. Events Covered 🎣 22nd Annual Youth Trout Derby Date: Saturday, April 11th, 7:00 AM – 2:00 PM Location: Luray fishing corridor, north of Mechanic Street Bridge Ages: 2–15 Cost: FREE Free lunch,...
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Thirty Years of Wonder: Shenandoah Valley Discovery Museum
The Valley Today
Guest: Dawn Devine, Executive Director, and Tammy Stevenson, Director of Development & Marketing Organization: Shenandoah Valley Discovery Museum (Winchester, VA) Website: In This Episode: Janet Michael talks with Dawn Devine and Tammy Stevenson from the Shenandoah Valley Discovery Museum about exciting upcoming events, a brand-new traveling exhibit, summer camps, and a milestone birthday celebration. Topics Covered: Free First Fridays Every first Friday of the month, 5–7 PM Free admission sponsored by Valley Health No Free First Friday in May due to Apple Blossom Festival Great...
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Let's Be Friends: Friends of Old Town Origin Story
The Valley Today
Host Janet Michael spends the day in Old Town Winchester, sitting down with Brady Cloven, Executive Director of Winchester, and Holly Redding, board chair of Friends of Old Town and co-owner of . They cover the nonprofit's mission, big upcoming events, and what's new at the brewery. Topics Covered What Friends of Old Town Winchester actually is — and why it's not a city department How the organization transitioned to an independent 501(c)3 nonprofit three years ago The story behind Brady's hiring process (including a three-hour walking interview in a full suit) Progress on the Taylor...
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Finding Your People: The Greater Winchester Parkinson's Support Group
The Valley Today
Host Janet Michael sits down with leaders and members of the Greater Winchester Area Parkinson's Support Group to discuss life with Parkinson's disease, the power of community, and the resources available to patients and caregivers in the region. Guests Kaleen Baker – Co-leader, Greater Winchester Area Parkinson's Support Group Cheryl Conrad – Co-leader, Greater Winchester Area Parkinson's Support Group Dolores Gordon – Caregiver and group member Jerry Gordon – Parkinson's patient and group member Topics Covered The history of the Greater Winchester Area Parkinson's Support...
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Fairways, Firewalls, and Foursomes
The Valley Today
Guests: Kaleigh Fincham, Director of Events, | Leslie Hicks, President & Founder, Episode Summary Janet tallks with Kaleigh and Leslie about the — and the conversation takes a fun detour into the world of business IT along the way. Event Details: TVRC Charity Golf Classic 📅 Date: Friday, May 22nd ⛳ Venue: Rock Harbor Golf Course 🏌️ Format: 18-hole best ball (captain's choice) 💰 Entry: Foursomes — $500 | Single players — $125 🎁 Prizes: Raffle prizes, full club sets, and a chance to win a car at hole 17 🍺 Beer cart included with registration 🚗 Car...
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From Camper to Crown: Cherry on Top’s Journey in Shenandoah County
The Valley Today
Sparkle and Sequins: Johanna Pearson Is Dressing Shenandoah Valley One Dream at a Time In this episode of 's edition, host Janet Michael and co-host Kary Haun from visit 's to talk with owner Johanna Pearson about the newest addition to her empire. From Camper to Storefront When Johanna Pearson was nine years old, she fell in love with a sparkly dress at her first pageant. Two decades later, she has turned that childhood dream into two thriving boutiques in the heart of Strasburg, Virginia — and she is just getting started. Johanna launched her business in 2022 with nothing more...
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On the Road with VDOT: Widening 81, Potholes, and the Rail Trail
The Valley Today
Guest: Ken Slack, Communications Specialist, Episode Summary Host Janet Michael sits down with VDOT's Ken Slack to get the latest on road construction, pothole season, and a major trail feasibility study affecting the Shenandoah Valley. Recorded on a stormy "Tornado Monday," the two cover everything from orange barrels blowing away in high winds to a nearly 50-mile potential rail trail corridor. Topics Covered Project is approximately one-third complete and on schedule Completion target: Fall 2028 New steel beams recently placed for a replacement bridge over Cedar Creek at the...
info_outlineHost Janet Michael welcomes Deb Fleming, Executive Director of the Greater Shenandoah Valley Chapter of the American Red Cross, for a comprehensive discussion on flood preparedness. As spring approaches and snow begins to melt, flooding becomes a real threat to communities across the Shenandoah Valley. Learn how to prepare your home and family before disaster strikes, what to do when floodwaters rise, and the critical steps for recovery and cleanup afterward.
Key Topics Covered
Before a Flood
- Understanding your flood risk and checking flood zones
- The importance of proper flood insurance (vs. homeowner's and hurricane insurance)
- Building a two-week emergency preparedness kit
- Essential supplies: water, food, medications, pet supplies, and infant needs
- Downloading emergency apps and monitoring weather alerts
- Creating a family emergency plan and establishing safe meeting locations
- Knowing where your gas shutoff valve and electric panel are located
During a Flood
- Turn Around, Don't Drown: Why you should never drive through standing water
- How much water it takes to move a vehicle (just 12 inches!)
- When to shelter in place vs. evacuate to higher ground
- Shutting off gas and electricity to prevent explosions and fires
- Hidden dangers in floodwater: chemicals, sewage, wildlife, downed power lines
After a Flood
- Waiting for official clearance before returning home
- Critical: Documenting damage BEFORE cleanup for insurance and FEMA
- Proper protective gear for cleanup (rubber gloves, boots)
- Avoiding contaminated water for drinking, cooking, and cleaning
- What to throw away vs. what can be salvaged
- How to access Multi-Agency Resource Centers (MARCs) for recovery assistance
- Reporting damage to emergency management (call 911)
Important Safety Facts
- 6 inches of water can knock you off balance
- 12 inches of water can carry your vehicle away
- Flood insurance can cost as little as $400 per year
- Emergency kits should contain 1 gallon of water per person per day
- Most flood-related deaths occur in vehicles, not homes
- Items in basements are typically not covered by FEMA assistance
Resources Mentioned
American Red Cross
- Website: RedCross.org/get-help
- Emergency preparedness checklists
- Mobile emergency apps
- Videos for kids on disaster preparedness
- Cleanup kits available
- Phone: 1-800-RED-CROSS
Government Resources
- Ready.gov
- Disaster preparedness information
- Water.noaa.gov
- Real-time flooding data and forecasts
- Enter your zip code to check flood risk in your area
Emergency Services
- Call 911 to report flood damage and request disaster assessment
About the Show
Valley Today is your source for community conversations across the Shenandoah Valley. Host Janet Michael brings you important discussions on topics that matter to Valley residents.
Connect
For more information about disaster preparedness or to get help during an emergency, contact the American Red Cross at 1-800-RED-CROSS or visit RedCross.org.
This episode is part of a year-long series on disaster preparedness, helping communities prepare for disasters both large and small.