The Valley Today

Episode

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  Belle Grove's Big Beverage Bash 18.08.2026 23mnt

  Shenandoah Sips is back at Belle Grove, and it's bigger than ever — six wineries, four distilleries, a cidery, and a full lineup of non-alcoholic options, all in one very sippable location. Janet catches up with Kristen Laise (Executive Director) and Paige Ulevich (Festivals Coordinator) about how this former Wine Fest transformed into the Shenandoah Valley's favorite beverage festival. From the returning mocktail bar and new Sober Sips Pass to a chef's market full of local makers, live music from Dan James Band and Low Water Bridge Band, and access to Belle Grove's historic manor house, this episode covers everything you need to plan your day at the festival on Saturday, August 29th. Tune in for ticket details, vendor highlights, and a few insider tips on beating the weather. EVENT DETAILS Event: Shenandoah Sips Date: Saturday, August 29 Time: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM Location: Belle Grove, Middletown, VA Cost: Tasting Ticket (advance, by 5 PM Friday, August 28): $35 Tasting Ticket (at the gate): $40 Sober Sips Pass (advance or at the gate): $20 Children 12 and under: Free Rain or shine event Free bag check available on-site No outside food/drink (except small children's items); no pets LINKS & RESOURCES Tickets & event info: bellegrove.org (spelled out on air: B-E-L-L-E-G-R-O-V-E dot O-R-G) Belle Grove on Facebook and Instagram THE VALLEY TODAY with Janet Michael — A decade of conversations. New podcast episodes drop weekdays at 11 AM. Catch the show on The River 95.3 and Fox Sports 1450 AM weekdays just after noon. Subscribe and listen at thevalleytodaypodcast.com — available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts. If you enjoy the show, please take a moment to leave a rating or review — it helps more listeners find us. Connect with us: Facebook — facebook.com/ValleyTodayFanPage Instagram — instagram.com/thevalleytoday
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  Free Healthcare, No Barriers 17.08.2026 25mnt

  A free medical, dental, and vision clinic that asks nothing of you but showing up — no insurance, no income screening, no residency requirement. On this episode, host Janet Michael talks with Gina Hilliard, President of the Luray-Page Chamber of Commerce, and Ben Dolewski, Executive Director of the Page Free Clinic, about the clinic's fifth annual Remote Area Medical (RAM) Clinic coming to Luray High School on September 26th and 27th. Ben breaks down how the Page Free Clinic serves Page County residents year-round, why the RAM event throws its doors open to anyone from anywhere, and what a day at the pop-up clinic actually looks like — from midnight parking-lot lines to walking away with a free pair of glasses. Gina also shares what's new at the Luray-Page Chamber, including a new member portal and a full slate of August events. It's a conversation about removing every possible barrier to healthcare, one weekend at a time. EVENT DETAILS What: 5th Annual RAM (Remote Area Medical) Clinic — free medical, dental, and vision care, including free eyeglasses for those needing a vision correction When: Saturday, September 26 – Sunday, September 27 Where: Luray High School, Luray, VA Format: Walk-in, first come first served — no appointment or reservation needed Parking: Lot opens at midnight the night before (Friday, September 25, ahead of Saturday's clinic day); doors/registration begin around 6:00 AM Cost: 100% free — no income, insurance, or residency screening required; open to anyone from anywhere To volunteer: Register at ramusa.org (search for the September 26 Luray event) LINKS & RESOURCES Page Free Clinic: pagefreeclinic.org  Page Free Clinic phone: 540-743-1054  Page Free Clinic address: 250 Memorial Drive, Luray, VA (on the Page Memorial Hospital campus); open Tuesdays 4:00–7:00 PM Luray-Page Chamber of Commerce website: luraypagechamber.com Chamber phone: 540-743-3915 THE VALLEY TODAY with Janet Michael — A decade of conversations. New podcast episodes drop weekdays at 11 AM. Catch the show on The River 95.3 and Fox Sports 1450 AM weekdays just after noon. Subscribe and listen at thevalleytodaypodcast.com — available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts. If you enjoy the show, please take a moment to leave a rating or review — it helps more listeners find us. Connect with us: Facebook — facebook.com/ValleyTodayFanPage Instagram — instagram.com/thevalleytoday
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  Save Energy, Save Money 14.08.2026 31mnt

  Turning down your water heater by a few degrees, switching one bulb at a time, and slicing up a $2 pool noodle can add up to real savings on your electric bill — and Karen Poff is back to show you how. Janet Michael welcomes local Extension agent Karen Poff, who manages the Northern Shenandoah Valley Financial Education Program, for a bonus conversation packed with practical, low-cost ways to trim your energy costs as the seasons turn. From cleaning dryer vents and refrigerator coils to hunting down phantom power drains with a switched power strip, Karen and Janet walk through room-by-room tips anyone can start using this weekend. They also cover thermostat habits, lighting upgrades, water heater settings, and where to find help if paying the energy bill is a struggle. Tune in for tips you can put to use before the next bill arrives. LINKS & RESOURCES Northern Shenandoah Valley Financial Education Program: https://warren.ext.vt.edu/programs/nsvfep.html Virginia Energy Sense: https://www.virginiaenergysense.org/ - Virginia Energy Sense is Virginia Energy's consumer education initiative that helps residents reduce energy use, lower utility costs, and make informed energy decisions. The website offers practical energy-saving tips, information on home energy efficiency improvements, guidance on available incentives and rebates, and tools to help households improve comfort and manage energy expenses year-round. Federal Energy Programs: https://www.energy.virginia.gov/ - The federal Home Energy Rebates programs created through the Inflation Reduction Act are being implemented and administered by individual states. Virginia is currently developing and finalizing its program requirements and enrollment processes. Residents can find the most up-to-date information about program availability, eligibility, and application procedures through the Virginia Department of Energy (Virginia Energy). U.S. Department of Energy Home Energy Rebates Program:  - https://www.energy.gov/cmei/scep/home-energy-rebates-program - Offers an overview of the federal Home Energy Rebates programs, including program goals, eligible upgrades, and state implementation guidance. Virginia Home Energy Rebates FAQ (Virginia Energy):  https://www.energy.virginia.gov/energy-efficiency/HomeEnergyRebatesFrequentlyAskedQuestions.shtml - Provides the latest information on Virginia's Home Energy Rebates programs, including eligibility requirements, qualified improvements, and implementation updates. Virginia Energy Connect:  https://energy.virginia.gov/connect/residential - A one-stop resource for Virginia residents to explore available energy efficiency incentives, connect with Energy Ambassadors, and learn about clean energy and cost-saving opportunities. The site reflects currently available programs and will be updated as new rebate programs become available. Virginia Energy Sense: Energy Providers Tab:  https://www.virginiaenergysense.org/incentives-and-rebates/ - The Energy Providers section of this web page allows Virginia residents to search for rebates, incentives, and energy-saving programs offered by their electric or natural gas utility. By selecting a utility provider, consumers can identify programs that may help reduce the cost of energy efficiency upgrades, home energy assessments, weatherization improvements, and other energy-saving measures available in their service area. Weatherization Assistance - Community Housing Partners Weatherization Program: https://www.communityhousingpartners.org/energy-solutions/weatherization/ - Provides weatherization services and energy-saving improvements for eligible households. Complete the online program survey to determine which energy assistance and weatherization programs you may qualify for. THE VALLEY TODAY with Janet Michael — A decade of conversations. New podcast episodes drop weekdays at 11 AM. Catch the show on The River 95.3 and Fox Sports 1450 AM weekdays just after noon. Subscribe and listen at thevalleytodaypodcast.com — available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts. If you enjoy the show, please take a moment to leave a rating or review — it helps more listeners find us. Connect with us: Facebook — facebook.com/ValleyTodayFanPage Instagram — instagram.com/thevalleytoday
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  Don't Let Cost Stop You 13.08.2026 30mnt

  It's Laurel Ridge Community College Day on The Valley Today, and today's conversation tackles one of the biggest myths standing between people and a degree: the belief that they can't afford it. Host Janet Michael is joined by Guy Curtis, Director of Marketing, and Buddy Wilson, Director of Financial Aid at Laurel Ridge Community College, to walk through exactly what financial aid can look like — no matter your age or path. From FAFSA basics to Virginia's lesser-known aid programs like G3, Fast Forward, and VASA, Buddy breaks down who qualifies and how to get started, while Guy shares upcoming open houses, welcome days, and info sessions happening across the region this month. If you've ever assumed financial aid "isn't for you," this episode is built to change your mind. EVENT DETAILS Community Info Session — Front Royal Reaching Out Now, 200 East 8th Street, Front Royal, VA Thursday, August 13, 2026 at 5:30 PM  Community Outreach Table — Handley Regional Library, Winchester Wednesday, August 20, 2026 1:00–4:00 PM New Student Welcome Days Thursday, August 20 — 5:00–6:00 PM — Luray-Page County Center  Friday, August 21 — 6:00–8:00 PM — Fauquier Campus Saturday, August 22 — 10:00 AM–1:00 PM — Middletown Campus RSVP requested online; students, parents, and family members welcome LINKS & RESOURCES laurelridge.edu — main site, search bar for navigation laurelridge.edu/financialaid — financial aid page laurelridge.edu/visit — tours, info sessions, open houses, coach connections THE VALLEY TODAY with Janet Michael — A decade of conversations. New podcast episodes drop weekdays at 11 AM. Catch the show on The River 95.3 and Fox Sports 1450 AM weekdays just after noon. Subscribe and listen at thevalleytodaypodcast.com — available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts. If you enjoy the show, please take a moment to leave a rating or review — it helps more listeners find us. Connect with us: Facebook — facebook.com/ValleyTodayFanPage Instagram — instagram.com/thevalleytoday
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  It's Your House 12.08.2026 28mnt

  A Warren County family is closing on their brand-new home this week — and Janet got the news firsthand, sitting inside the house just days before it happened. In this episode, Janet talks with Andrea Ross, Executive Director of Warren County Habitat for Humanity, about what it really takes to build not just a house, but a neighborhood. Andrea opens up about the emotional weight of watching families move from renting to owning, the education and preparation Habitat requires before anyone gets the keys, and the surprising costs — like demolition and disposal — that stand between a vacant lot and a finished home. They also talk about what's next: a second phase of duplexes, ongoing volunteer and board needs, and why Andrea believes housing stability is the "corner piece" of every community puzzle. It's a conversation about gratitude, grit, and what it really means to build a village. THE VALLEY TODAY with Janet Michael — A decade of conversations. New podcast episodes drop weekdays at 11 AM. Catch the show on The River 95.3 and Fox Sports 1450 AM weekdays just after noon. Subscribe and listen at thevalleytodaypodcast.com — available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts. If you enjoy the show, please take a moment to leave a rating or review — it helps more listeners find us. Connect with us: Facebook — facebook.com/ValleyTodayFanPage Instagram — instagram.com/thevalleytoday    
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  Pedaling Progress 11.08.2026 25mnt

  BikeWALK Winchester started as an idea in 2023 — now it's a full-fledged nonprofit with community walks, bike rides, and a seat at the table with the city. Co-founders Kara Capelli and Steve Policastro join Janet to catch up on everything that's happened since their last visit, from monthly "TalkWALKs" through Winchester's neighborhoods to landing a spot for a bike and pedestrian advisory committee in the city's new strategic plan. They also dig into one of the biggest questions people are asking right now: what actually counts as an e-bike? Kara and Steve break down the different classes, why the topic matters more than ever with the holidays approaching, and where to find trustworthy information before buying one for yourself or your kids. Links & Resources BikeWALK Winchester — bikewalkwinchester.org BikeWALK Winchester on Facebook and Instagram City of Winchester 2026–2031 Strategic Plan THE VALLEY TODAY with Janet Michael — A decade of conversations. New podcast episodes drop weekdays at 11 AM. Catch the show on The River 95.3 and Fox Sports 1450 AM weekdays just after noon. Subscribe and listen at thevalleytodaypodcast.com — available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts. If you enjoy the show, please take a moment to leave a rating or review — it helps more listeners find us. Connect with us: Facebook — facebook.com/ValleyTodayFanPage Instagram — instagram.com/thevalleytoday
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  When Disaster Strikes 10.08.2026 25mnt

  It's the busiest, most dangerous stretch of the year for disasters — and blood banks are running dangerously low right at the moment they're needed most. Janet Michael sits down with Deb Fleming, Executive Director of the Greater Shenandoah Valley Chapter of the American Red Cross, for their monthly check-in on all things Red Cross — this time digging into what "disaster season" really means. Deb walks through the ripple effects of a rough year for wildfires and flooding, from a blood supply as low as it's been since COVID to the 40 disaster operations Red Cross volunteers are supporting across the country right now. They also cover how Red Cross distributes emergency supplies, coordinates with local nonprofits and churches, and reunites families separated by disaster — plus plenty of simple ways anyone listening can help, starting today. LINKS & RESOURCES Find a blood drive: redcrossblood.org Volunteer or give: redcross.org
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  12 Taps, One Community 07.08.2026 26mnt

  Janet Michael sits down with Lauren Fleming, Tap Room Manager for Dividing Creek Beer Co., and Friends of Old Town's Brady Cloven, for a bonus Old Town Winchester conversation about how a brewery became a full-blown community living room. Lauren shares the winding path that brought her back to Winchester, the chaos of a surprise opening day in the middle of the pandemic, and why she fought (and lost) a battle over a crab on the logo. The three also dig into the tap list — including a purple ube lager and a crab-seasoned summer gose — First Friday plans, and why the best breweries these days are as much about art, trivia, and thrifting as they are about beer. FIRST FRIDAY EVENT DETAILS  DORA in Effect / Sip & Stroll: 5:00–10:00 PM — grab a drink to go from Dividing Creek or other participating spots and walk the mall Community Open Mic Night with The River House: Taylor Pavilion, 5:00–9:00 PM, performers roughly every 15–20 minutes — spoken word, poetry, and singer-songwriter acts Artist Alley: led by Shen Arts, set up on Boscawen; additional vendors from Moon Phased near the south end Friends of Old Town table (Taylor Pavilion): info on The River House nonprofit, kids' arts & activities, new Friends of Old Town shirts, pre-order Dawg Days of Summer shirts (design by Valerie Burgess of Big Fog), and remaining ornaments At Dividing Creek specifically: Lauren will be on-site that evening as the featured local artist, showcasing/selling framed photography, prints, and mixed-media work LINKS & RESOURCES Dividing Creek Beer Co. - dividingcreekbeerco.com Dividing Creek Beer Co. on Facebook and Instagram Friends of Old Town - friendsofoldtown.org    Friends of Old Town on Facebook and Instagram Dawg Days of Summer: Get tickets Wasteland Winchester (Thrift on Tap vintage markets) on Facebook THE VALLEY TODAY with Janet Michael — A decade of conversations. New podcast episodes drop weekdays at 11 AM. Catch the show on The River 95.3 and Fox Sports 1450 AM weekdays just after noon. Subscribe and listen at thevalleytodaypodcast.com — available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts. If you enjoy the show, please take a moment to leave a rating or review — it helps more listeners find us. Connect with us: Facebook — facebook.com/ValleyTodayFanPage Instagram — instagram.com/thevalleytoday
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  Flock, Lidar, and Your Privacy 06.08.2026 29mnt

  It's Public Safety Thursday, and Captain Warren Gosnell of the Frederick County Sheriff's Office is back in the studio to untangle one of the most misunderstood pieces of back-to-school season: school zone speed cameras. With students returning to class next week, Gosnell walks Janet through exactly how the lidar-based camera systems work, why they're not the same as license plate reader (LPR) technology, and what really happens — step by step, human review included — before anyone gets a $100 civil penalty in the mail. From there, the conversation widens into a candid discussion of Flock-style LPR cameras, Fourth Amendment expectations of privacy, and the checks Gosnell would like to see on who can access tracking data and why. It's a mix of hard information and easy banter — plus a detour through Ireland trips, 114-degree school buses, and the golden age of calling the radio station to ask if school's cancelled. Tune in for the facts before the flashing lights start again next week. THE VALLEY TODAY with Janet Michael — A decade of conversations. New podcast episodes drop weekdays at 11 AM. Catch the show on The River 95.3 and Fox Sports 1450 AM weekdays just after noon. Subscribe and listen at thevalleytodaypodcast.com — available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts. If you enjoy the show, please take a moment to leave a rating or review — it helps more listeners find us. Connect with us: Facebook — facebook.com/ValleyTodayFanPage Instagram — instagram.com/thevalleytoday
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  Debbies Lighthouse 05.08.2026 24mnt

  A five-year-old antique shop in Front Royal turned into something much bigger — a nonprofit built entirely around making sure no one in the community goes hungry. Janet sits down at the Front Royal-Warren County Chamber of Commerce with Chamber President Niki Foster and Julie Vaught, owner of Happy Creek Antiques and founder of the nonprofit Debbie's Lighthouse, to talk about how a mother's love of feeding people turned into a farm-to-family food box program, a shelf-stable meal kit initiative, an indoor farmers market, and a fast-growing community garden. Julie walks through how Farm to Fam boxes and BAM Bags are fighting food insecurity while supporting local farmers, previews the two commercial kitchens opening soon for food trucks and caterers, and shares the deeply personal story behind the community garden's serenity space, dedicated to her mother's memory. Plus, Niki previews Friday's Coffee & Conversation with Habitat for Humanity. LINKS & RESOURCES Happy Creek Antiques — Facebook page  Debbie's Lighthouse — Facebook page  (link to verify) Fox Tracks Farm Market — Facebook page (link to verify) Location: 515 North Commerce Avenue, Front Royal, VA  Market & antique shop hours: Antique shop Fri–Sun, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM; Farm market Fri–Sun, 10:00 AM–3:00 PM Community Garden dedication: September 26 Front Royal-Warren County Chamber of Commerce — frontroyalchamber.com Coffee & Conversation with Habitat for Humanity — Friday, 9:00 AM, On Cue Sports Bar & Grill THE VALLEY TODAY with Janet Michael — A decade of conversations. New podcast episodes drop weekdays at 11 AM. Catch the show on The River 95.3 and Fox Sports 1450 AM weekdays just after noon. Subscribe and listen at thevalleytodaypodcast.com — available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts. If you enjoy the show, please take a moment to leave a rating or review — it helps more listeners find us. Connect with us: Facebook — facebook.com/ValleyTodayFanPage Instagram — instagram.com/thevalleytoday
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  Hungry for History Turns Four 04.08.2026 39mnt

  It's almost time for one of the Valley's tastiest traditions — Hungry for History is back for its fourth year, and Janet sits down with the three people who make it happen to talk taverns, colonial "shrubs," and a walnut cake with a very local backstory. Renee Bayliss (Winchester-Frederick County Convention & Visitors Bureau), Rick Kriebel (Newtown History Center), and Christa Nahhas (La Grange Family Farm) join the show to preview ten days of food, farms, and 250th-anniversary history across Winchester, Frederick County, and Clarke County. From a candlelit Tavern Night in a barn built in the mid-1800s to a possibly apocryphal tale of who really invented the potato chip, this episode is packed with the kind of history that makes you hungry — literally. Tune in for all the details on where to go, what to eat, and why colonists drank a lot more than you'd think. EVENT DETAILS Event: Hungry for History (4th annual) Dates: August 28 – September 7, 2026 (spans Labor Day weekend) Where: Approximately 15 locations across Winchester, Frederick County, and Clarke County, VA Cost: Varies by site/event — some free, some ticketed; vendor fees may apply separately (e.g., Tavern Night entry is free, but food/drink vendors charge individually) Full schedule: visitwinchesterva.com, or pick up a printed program at the Visitor Center, 1400 S. Pleasant Valley Rd., Winchester Select highlights mentioned: Tavern Night — LaGrange Farm, Friday, August 28 Colonial-themed beer — Chilly Hollow Brewing Special traditional menu — Clem's Kitchen (Wayside) Colonial dance demo, queen cakes & shrubs — Winchester-Frederick County Visitor Center Chef's market hall — Belle Grove, during Shenandoah Sips Colonial Kids Kitchen — Handley Regional Library Patsy Cline Block Party (walnut cake) — Patsy Cline Historic House A Taste of Two Communities (Geneva Jackson) — Claremont Farm & Josephine School Museum Additional participating sites: Museum of the Shenandoah Valley, Cedar Creek and Belle Grove National Historical Park, Stonewall Jackson's Headquarters Museum, Abram's Delight Museum LINKS & RESOURCES Hungry for History full schedule — visitwinchesterva.com Newtown History Center — newtownhistorycenter.org | 540-869-1700 | 5408 Main Street, Stephens City La Grange Family Farm — https://www.lagrangefamilyfarm.com l follow on Facebook for event updates  Winchester-Frederick County Visitor Center — 1400 S. Pleasant Valley Rd., Winchester, open 7 days a week, 9 AM–5 PM THE VALLEY TODAY with Janet Michael — A decade of conversations. New podcast episodes drop weekdays at 11 AM. Catch the show on The River 95.3 and Fox Sports 1450 AM weekdays just after noon. Subscribe and listen at thevalleytodaypodcast.com — available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts. If you enjoy the show, please take a moment to leave a rating or review — it helps more listeners find us. Connect with us: Facebook — facebook.com/ValleyTodayFanPage Instagram — instagram.com/thevalleytoday
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  From Stacks to Screens 03.08.2026 22mnt

  Handley Regional Library just had its biggest year ever — and executive director John Huddy joins Janet to break down exactly why. From nearly 850,000 items checked out to a 100,000-visit jump since before the pandemic, the numbers tell the story of a library system that's become an essential gathering place for Winchester, Frederick, and Clarke. John and Janet dig into what's driving the surge — new library cards, digital checkouts, early literacy partnerships, and a mobile library launching this fall — plus a few laughs about Zoom, curmudgeons, and library card colors. Tune in for the full picture of what your library card actually gets you. LINKS & RESOURCES Handley Regional Library System — handleyregional.org Friends of the Handley Regional Library Book Sale — August 14–15, Bowman Library How-To Fest — Saturday, September 26, 10:00 AM–1:00 PM, Handley Library Leyendo Juntos (Spanish-language outreach partner) Winchester Campaign for Grade-Level Reading (early literacy partner) THE VALLEY TODAY with Janet Michael — A decade of conversations. New podcast episodes drop weekdays at 11 AM. Catch the show on The River 95.3 and Fox Sports 1450 AM weekdays just after noon. Subscribe and listen at thevalleytodaypodcast.com — available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts. If you enjoy the show, please take a moment to leave a rating or review — it helps more listeners find us. Connect with us: Facebook — facebook.com/ValleyTodayFanPage Instagram — instagram.com/thevalleytoday
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  The Hot Dog Episode 31.07.2026 21mnt

  Brady Cloven, executive director for Friends of Old Town, joins Janet Michael to unveil the details of Dawg Days of Summer — the Old Town Hot Dog Crawl — and yes, he's every bit as excited about hot dogs as you'd expect. Ten restaurants (and one food truck!), one-of-a-kind hot dogs, one very committed hot dog costume, and a golden trophy on the line: this episode has all the details on tickets, the participating restaurants' wildly creative creations, the live band with a surprising city-hall connection, and why the whole event is really about boosting Old Town's business community. Tune in before you plan your hot dog fast. Event Details Event: Dawg Days of Summer — Old Town Hot Dog Crawl Date: Saturday, August 22nd Time: 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM Home base: Taylor Pavilion Cost: $30 adult ticket (includes 10 hot dogs across participating restaurants + one free beer); ~$15 kids ticket Where to buy: Eventbrite link via Friends of Old Town's Facebook/Instagram bio; pre-orders also available at First Friday Extras: Live music from the Gully Jimson Quartet at Taylor Pavilion (~6:00 PM start), beer tent from Winchester Brew Works, "passport" voting system for a golden hot dog trophy winner Links & Resources Friends of Old Town — Facebook & Instagram (event page + Eventbrite ticket link pinned) THE VALLEY TODAY with Janet Michael — A decade of conversations. New podcast episodes drop weekdays at 11 AM. Catch the show on The River 95.3 and Fox Sports 1450 AM weekdays just after noon. Subscribe and listen at thevalleytodaypodcast.com — available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts. If you enjoy the show, please take a moment to leave a rating or review — it helps more listeners find us. Connect with us: Facebook — facebook.com/ValleyTodayFanPage Instagram — instagram.com/thevalleytoday
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  100 Years of Blandy 30.07.2026 26mnt

  Blandy Experimental Farm is turning 100 — and Janet Michael sits down with Anne Marie Chirieleison, director of the Foundation of the State Arboretum, to unpack a century of research, discovery, and community stewardship at the Virginia State Arboretum. From an 1835 enslaved-quarters building that once housed the first researchers to a mysterious pawpaw patch rediscovered decades later, Blandy's history is full of surprises. The conversation digs into how the Foundation actually operates (it's not just UVA money), what a "centennial endowment campaign" is and why unrestricted funds matter so much to nonprofits, and how listeners — at any dollar amount — can be part of Blandy's next 100 years. LINKS & RESOURCES Blandy Experimental Farm / Virginia State Arboretum centennial giving page — blandy.virginia.edu (Support tab) Blandy Experimental Farm on Facebook and Instagram THE VALLEY TODAY with Janet Michael — A decade of conversations. New podcast episodes drop weekdays at 11 AM. Catch the show on The River 95.3 and Fox Sports 1450 AM weekdays just after noon. Subscribe and listen at thevalleytodaypodcast.com — available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts. If you enjoy the show, please take a moment to leave a rating or review — it helps more listeners find us. Connect with us: Facebook — facebook.com/ValleyTodayFanPage Instagram — instagram.com/thevalleytoday
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  Meet the Nesters 29.07.2026 17mnt

  A woodworker six and a half years sober and a real estate broker whose "hobby got out of hand" — these are the makers filling the shelves at The Nest in Mount Jackson. On this Valley Business Today segment, Janet Michael hands the mic to two of The Nest's founding Nesters: Ryan Peters of Home Revival and Decor, and Mike Cain of Poppy's Dust. They talk candidly about how they landed in retail, what actually goes into a custom cutting board or a hand-built lamp, and the unlikely friendship that grew out of a shared cohort program. If you caught yesterday's Tourism Tuesday segment, you already know the backstory of The Nest — this half is about the people making it work. LINKS & RESOURCES Home Revival and Decor — www.homerevivalanddecor.com and instagram.com/home.revival.and.decor/ Poppy's Dust — facebook.com/poppysdust and poppysdust.com The Nest Mount Jackson —  on Facebook  THE VALLEY TODAY with Janet Michael — A decade of conversations. New podcast episodes drop weekdays at 11 AM. Catch the show on The River 95.3 and Fox Sports 1450 AM weekdays just after noon. Subscribe and listen at thevalleytodaypodcast.com — available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts. If you enjoy the show, please take a moment to leave a rating or review — it helps more listeners find us. Connect with us: Facebook — facebook.com/ValleyTodayFanPage Instagram — instagram.com/thevalleytoday
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  The Nest in Mount Jackson 28.07.2026 34mnt

  What does it take to turn a vacant, decades-old hardware store into the heart of a small town's downtown? On this Tourism Tuesday edition of The Valley Today, Janet Michael heads to The Nest in Mount Jackson with Shenandoah County Tourism's Kary Haun, joined by Mount Jackson Town Manager Olivia Hilton and Assistant Town Manager Greg Beam, to find out. They dig into the town's Mount Jackson Five program, the $125,000 in grants behind it, and why "kicking them out of the nest" is actually the goal. Along the way: shop-local philosophy, a brand-new small-business retention grant, and where to find the county's next big event. Come back tomorrow for Part Two — a Valley Business Today segment featuring two of The Nest's own makers. LINKS & RESOURCES The Nest Mount Jackson — Facebook Shenandoah County Tourism — visitshenandoahcounty.com (Events tab for weekly happenings) Route 11 Yard Crawl — annual event, second Saturday in August Junk 'N Jams — monthly market, second Saturday, 9:00–1:00, Mayors Park Gazebo THE VALLEY TODAY with Janet Michael — A decade of conversations. New podcast episodes drop weekdays at 11 AM. Catch the show on The River 95.3 and Fox Sports 1450 AM weekdays just after noon. Subscribe and listen at thevalleytodaypodcast.com — available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts. If you enjoy the show, please take a moment to leave a rating or review — it helps more listeners find us. Connect with us: Facebook — facebook.com/ValleyTodayFanPage Instagram — instagram.com/thevalleytoday
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  Coffee to Cocktails 27.07.2026 33mnt

  Victoria Kidd Armstrong makes espresso martinis and community change with equal skill — and on this episode of The Valley Today, she tells Janet Michael how Hideaway Cafe, her "coffee to cocktails" spot on Winchester's Old Town Walking Mall, has quietly funneled nearly $75,000 in cash and in-kind donations back into the community over its 11 years in business. Janet and Victoria dig into how Hideaway's One Plate One Purpose bingo card turns customer dollars into real meals for people in need, how Declan's Shelter Pup Program (and current mascot Miso) helps get shelter dogs adopted, and how Victoria's 13-year-old daughter is already running her own mini philanthropic fundraisers. Along the way, Victoria shares practical advice for any small business owner who wants to build giving back into their day-to-day model — no big budget required. LINKS & RESOURCES Hideaway Cafe: hideawaycafeva.com Hideaway Cafe on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok — search "Hideaway Cafe VA" THE VALLEY TODAY with Janet Michael — A decade of conversations. New podcast episodes drop weekdays at 11 AM. Catch the show on The River 95.3 and Fox Sports 1450 AM weekdays just after noon. Subscribe and listen at thevalleytodaypodcast.com — available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts. If you enjoy the show, please take a moment to leave a rating or review — it helps more listeners find us. Connect with us: Facebook — facebook.com/ValleyTodayFanPage Instagram — instagram.com/thevalleytoday
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  Pencils, Pantries, and Partnerships 24.07.2026 26mnt

  Back-to-school season means one thing on The Valley Today: it's time to Stuff the Bus. Janet Michael welcomes back Elise Stine Dolinar, executive director of Bright Futures Frederick/Winchester, for a catch-up on the joint Frederick County/Winchester City Schools program that makes sure kids have what they need to learn — and a look ahead at this year's Stuff the Bus school supply drive. Elise shares record-breaking summer numbers, some of the families she works with, and exactly how you can help — from dropping supplies at one of three area Walmarts to shopping a virtual drive from your couch. Whether it's pencils, Expo markers, snacks for the new in-school food pantries, or a cash donation that goes further than you'd think, there's an easy way to pitch in before the first bell rings. Stuff the Bus Event Details Date: Saturday, August 1st Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM Locations: Three Winchester-area Walmart locations — Pleasant Valley, Stephens City, and Route 50  What to bring: School supplies such as pencils, Expo markers, folders, construction paper, crayons, and markers (top needs this year: pencils and Expo markers) Alternate ways to give: Drop donations at Bright Futures' 24/7 donation shed in Winchester, or shop the virtual Stuff the Bus drive online Links & Resources Bright Futures Frederick/Winchester: brightfuturesfrederickcounty.org (shopping lists, printable PDFs, and the virtual Stuff the Bus drive) Bright Futures Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/brightfuturesfrederickcounty  Bright Futures Amazon wishlist: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3W3LH65W1K4FE/ THE VALLEY TODAY with Janet Michael — A decade of conversations. New podcast episodes drop weekdays at 11 AM. Catch the show on The River 95.3 and Fox Sports 1450 AM weekdays just after noon. Subscribe and listen at thevalleytodaypodcast.com — available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts. If you enjoy the show, please take a moment to leave a rating or review — it helps more listeners find us. Connect with us: Facebook — facebook.com/ValleyTodayFanPage Instagram — instagram.com/thevalleytoday
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  Road Work Roundup 23.07.2026 24mnt

  It's VDOT Day on The Valley Today, and Ken Slack, communications specialist for VDOT's Staunton District, is back with a full slate of road project updates for the Northern Shenandoah Valley. From the widening of I-81 at Strasburg to a soon-to-triple-in-size park and ride, this episode covers a lot of ground — literally. Janet and Ken dig into the I-81/Strasburg bridge work, the Oranda Park & Ride expansion, the Redbud Road relocation that kicks off years of major work in Winchester (including a new diverging diamond interchange at Exit 317), the Millwood Pike bridge replacement, and a heartfelt reminder about slowing down and staying alert in work zones. If you drive anywhere in the Valley, this one's worth a listen. THE VALLEY TODAY with Janet Michael — A decade of conversations. New podcast episodes drop weekdays at 11 AM. Catch the show on The River 95.3 and Fox Sports 1450 AM weekdays just after noon. Subscribe and listen at thevalleytodaypodcast.com — available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts. If you enjoy the show, please take a moment to leave a rating or review — it helps more listeners find us. Connect with us: Facebook — facebook.com/ValleyTodayFanPage Instagram — instagram.com/thevalleytoday  
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  Small Business B(AI)sics 22.07.2026 23mnt

  Curious how AI could actually help your small business — but not sure where to start? The Top of Virginia Regional Chamber has a free, hands-on answer, and it's launching this month. Janet Michael sits down with Missy Spielman, the Chamber's Director of Programs, and Taylor Coumes, the Chamber's brand-new Director of Events, for the Chamber's monthly segment. Missy previews Small Business B(AI)sics, a grant-funded national training initiative — backed by the US Chamber Foundation, the US Chamber of Commerce, and Google — designed to help local business owners figure out what AI can actually do for them, at no cost. Along the way, Janet and Missy reflect on this year's Arising Leadership Program graduates, Taylor introduces herself and her new role, and the two look ahead to Hob Nob in the Valley, Wings and Wheels, and the Chamber's upcoming international travel program. Tune in for the details on how to register — and why "you don't know what you don't know" when it comes to AI. LINKS & RESOURCES Top of Virginia Regional Chamber — regionalchamber.biz Small Business B(AI)sics training — Click here THE VALLEY TODAY with Janet Michael — A decade of conversations. New podcast episodes drop weekdays at 11 AM. Catch the show on The River 95.3 and Fox Sports 1450 AM weekdays just after noon. Subscribe and listen at thevalleytodaypodcast.com — available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts. If you enjoy the show, please take a moment to leave a rating or review — it helps more listeners find us. Connect with us: Facebook — facebook.com/ValleyTodayFanPage Instagram — instagram.com/thevalleytoday