Extension Office Friday: Meet Liz Rohrer / NSV Drinking Water Testing Clinics
Release Date: 03/20/2026
Wheels for Wellness: Setting the Table for Good
The Valley Today
In this episode, host Janet Michael talks with Traci Toth, Executive Director of Wheels for Wellness, and Ann Lamanna, board chair and volunteer driver, about the vital free medical transportation service they provide to residents across the Winchester, VA region — and their upcoming 10th annual fundraiser, Tablescapes. About Wheels for Wellness Wheels for Wellness provides free transportation to medical appointments for people who lack other means of getting there. Their service area covers: Winchester Frederick County Clarke County Warren County Northern Shenandoah County Who they...
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Laurel Ridge Community College Distinguished Alumni Award: Cynthia Schneider
The Valley Today
Guests Cynthia Schneider — CEO, ; 2026 Distinguished Alumni Award Recipient, Laurel Ridge Community College Liv Heggoy — Associate Vice President of Development, & Executive Director, Brandy Hawkins Boies — Director of Public Relations & Special Events, Laurel Ridge Community College Episode Summary Host Janet Michael sits down with three guests to celebrate Cynthia Schneider's recognition as Laurel Ridge Community College's 2026 recipient. The conversation covers Cynthia's winding career path, the transformative power of community college, and how it's never too late to...
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Just Pick It Up: Clarke County’s Earth Day Celebration
The Valley Today
Janet sits down with John Keim from the to talk about the county's Earth Day celebration and the ongoing effort to keep Clarke County clean and beautiful. They discuss how small, everyday actions can make a big difference — and how you can get involved no matter how much time you have. Clarke County Earth Day Event Details Date: April 25th Time: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM Location: Clarke County Fairgrounds What to Expect: Community litter pickup (9:00 AM kickoff) Speaker: Ed Carter, Virginia Department of Transportation — Adopt-a-Highway program Rain barrel demonstration Glass bottle...
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Farm to Bottle: The Story Behind Three Wives Distillery
The Valley Today
Host Janet Michael and Director Justin Kerns visit , the first farm distillery in Frederick County, Virginia in over 90 years. They sit down with owners Vernon and Toni Wright to explore how a century-old family farm transformed into a thriving craft distillery — and what it takes to bring locally grown spirits to the public. In This Episode How (home of a beloved pumpkin patch, corn maze, haunted house, and escape rooms) became the site of a farm distillery Vernon's journey as a self-taught distiller, growing all his own corn, barley, rye, and wheat on the farm Current product lineup:...
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Behind the Red Cross: The Volunteers, Planning, and Prep That Make Disaster Relief Possible
The Valley Today
Featuring Deb Fleming, Executive Director, Greater Shenandoah Valley Chapter of the American Red Cross Episode Summary Host Janet Michael continues her year-long disaster preparedness series with a return visit from Deb Fleming of the American Red Cross. This episode goes behind the curtain to reveal the extensive planning, training, and funding that makes local disaster response possible — before a single disaster ever strikes. What You'll Learn in This Episode Why the Red Cross can't just "show up" — and what preparation really looks like The 30+ volunteer roles that must be trained...
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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...
info_outlineOn this episode of Extension Office Friday on The Valley Today, host Janet Michael welcomes two guests from Virginia Cooperative Extension — Liz Rohrer, the brand-new Clarke County Extension Agent, and returning guest Elizabeth Baldwin from Page County. The conversation covers Liz's journey from 16 years in the agriculture classroom to her new role in the community, and what it means to serve a heavily agricultural county like Clarke. Elizabeth then dives into the details of the upcoming Northern Shenandoah Valley Drinking Water Testing Clinics — a must-know program for anyone on a private well.
In This Episode:
- Liz Rohrer's background as an agriculture and life science teacher
- Why she made the leap from the classroom to extension work
- What the first month on the job looks like as a new extension agent
- How Clarke County's agricultural community shapes Liz's priorities
- The Clarke County Farmer's Market and why Janet calls it her favorite
- Everything you need to know about the Northern Shenandoah Valley Drinking Water Testing Clinics
Drinking Water Clinic Details:
- Who it's for: Anyone on a private water supply (well, spring, or cistern)
- What's tested: 28 parameters including bacteria, nitrates, heavy metals, and hardness
- Cost: $70 per sample kit (scholarship/reduced rate options available)
- Lab: Virginia Tech
Upcoming Dates:
- Week 1 (April 27-29, 2026) – Clarke, Shenandoah, and Warren. Sample Drop-Off is Wednesday, April 29th from 7-10 a.m. The registration deadline for Week 1 is Wednesday, April 22nd.
- Week 2 (May 11-13, 2026) – Frederick and Page Counties. Sample Drop-Off is Wednesday, May 13th from 7-10 a.m. The registration deadline for Week 2 is Wednesday, May 6th.
How to Register & Learn More:
- Visit your local Virginia Cooperative Extension county website (listed below)
- Download a flyer with complete details: https://warren.ext.vt.edu/news/NSV-Water-Clinics.html
- Visit the Virginia Household Water Quality Program website to find clinics statewide
- Stop by or call your local extension office for a paper copy or direct registration link
Connect with Virginia Cooperative Extension:
- VCE – Clarke County: 540-955-5164
- VCE – Frederick County: 540-665-5699
- VCE – Page County: 540-778-5794
- VCE – Shenandoah County: 540-459-6140
- VCE – Warren County: 540-635-4549