Keeping It Real with Sharon

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Welcome to a heartwarming episode where we dive deep into the enchanting world of Christmas and the holidays with the insightful guidance of Father Bjorn Lundberg, Pastor of Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church. Join us as we unwrap the cherished memories of our childhood, exploring the timeless traditions that have shaped our festive seasons.

In this soul-stirring conversation, Father Lundberg reflects on the profound significance behind our holiday customs, unraveling the stories and meanings that often get lost in the hustle and bustle. Together, we embark on a journey through the nostalgic lanes of our past, rediscovering the magic that lies within those precious moments.

As we explore the beauty of the season, we'll also delve into the extraordinary power it holds to bring people together. Father Lundberg shares profound insights into the unifying spirit of Christmas, emphasizing how it serves as a beacon of hope in our lives. In a world that can often feel divided, the holiday season acts as a powerful force, fostering connection, kindness, and the joy of shared experiences.

So, grab a cup of cocoa, cozy up by the fireplace, and join us for a heartfelt conversation that celebrates the true essence of Christmas and the holidays—a time of love, tradition, and the promise of a brighter tomorrow.

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Join us on this special episode of 'Keeping it Real with Sharon' as I sit down with TEDx co-license holder Suzette Neff to discuss the much-anticipated TEDxHandleyBlvd Women event. Set for March 2025 in the Winchester area, this all-women's event promises to be a groundbreaking occasion. We'll explore the event's vision and how you can get involved. Whether you want to nominate a visionary woman or apply to share your own ideas, we'll discuss how you can do this as well as how to apply to be a volunteer. Tune in to understand how this event aims to celebrate and elevate women's voices, fostering empowerment and connection right here in our community. Don't miss this chance to be a part of shaping the future at the TEDxHandleyBlvd Women event.

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In this inspiring episode of Keeping It Real with Sharon, I sit down with the incredibly talented Anne Flosnik, an award-winning audiobook narrator whose voice has brought hundreds of stories to life. Born and raised in England, Anne took a leap of faith when she moved to America to pursue new opportunities and what she found was the true meaning of the American dream.

Anne shares how she faced her fears and self-doubt head-on, stepping far outside her comfort zone to turn her distinctive British accent into her greatest asset. With over 700 audiobooks to her name and numerous accolades, Anne’s journey is one of courage, reinvention, and the power of believing in yourself even when it’s scary.

Tune in to hear how Anne transformed fear into fuel, found her voice in a new country, and built a remarkable career that continues to inspire listeners around the world.

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In this heartwarming episode of Keeping It Real with Sharon, I sit down with Sherrie Bloomfield, one of six siblings who are keeping their parents’ legacy alive through the Ken and Nancy Foundation.

After the passing of their beloved parents, Ken and Nancy, Sherrie and her five brothers wanted to find a way to honor their memory and continue their lifelong mission of giving back. What began as a family tribute has grown into a community movement of raising funds through fun, joy-filled events that support local organizations and families in need.

From their famous Tacky Sweater Christmas Party to other creative fundraisers throughout the year, this family is proving that kindness can be contagious and generosity can be a celebration. And now, the next generation, the grandkids, are jumping in to help, ensuring that Ken and Nancy’s spirit of love and service continues to shine bright for years to come.

Tune in and be inspired by how one family turned loss into legacy, and how a little bit of laughter, love, and community spirit can truly make a difference.

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In this inspiring episode of Keeping it Real with Sharon, I sit down with Ben Weber, Vice President, Business Development of Blue Ridge Care (formerly Blue Ridge Hospice), to explore the powerful evolution of this essential community organization.

Ben shares how the organization has expanded its mission beyond hospice to serve a broader population with aging-related care and support for those navigating serious illness. With a heart for service and a vision rooted in dignity, Blue Ridge Care is building an integrated system of extraordinary care for all stages of life’s journey.

 Their mission says it best:
 “Delivering extraordinary care to improve life’s journey.”
From emotional and spiritual support to expert physical care, Blue Ridge Care walks beside individuals and families in some of life’s most sacred and challenging moments.

Ben also opens up about how deeply personal this work is to him. For Ben, leading Blue Ridge Care isn’t just a job, it’s a calling. He shares that it’s truly an honor to serve this community, to be present in times of need, and to help families find comfort, dignity, and connection during vulnerable seasons of life.

Whether you're caring for an aging parent, facing the complexities of a serious diagnosis, or simply want to know how our community is rising to meet these needs—this conversation will leave you hopeful, informed, and inspired.

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Dive into a heartwarming and forward-looking conversation with Shelly Lee, the 2024 Woman of the Year recognized by the Winchester Branch of American Association of University Women (AAUW) for her extraordinary community contributions. Shelly’s dedication to our community shines through her advocacy, her passion for swimming, and her transformational work with the 2 for 2 Foundation.

In this inspiring episode, you'll hear how Shelly has devoted over four decades to nurturing our next generation by bringing swim lessons, mentorship, and other programs to children and families across Winchester.  We explore how her vision for youth swimming goes beyond just teaching strokes, it’s about water safety, cognitive development, and breaking down access barriers to ensure everyone in our region has the chance to learn to swim 

Discover how the 2 for 2 Foundation is making real change: in 2024 alone, it funded over 3,015 swim lessons, reaching children throughout the Valley, expanding lessons into schools, and even supporting adults who’ve been deprived of water confidence for generations. Shelly shares her bold vision: imagine every fifth grader at Daniel Morgan Intermediate learning to swim during gym class, an audacious goal that brings safety, equity, and community together and how she made this vision a reality. 

Get ready for a forward-thinking, empowering episode that reminds us how one person’s heart and hustle can ripple through a community, creating safer, stronger, more connected futures.

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In this episode of Keeping it Real with Sharon, I sit down with the fabulous Michelle Myers, founder and owner of Michelle’s Main Event, a thriving wedding and event planning business that began with just one determined woman and a big dream.

Michelle shares the courageous story of how she left her secure career as a Vice Principal in the school system, despite hesitation and concerns from loved ones, to pursue what had been her passion since childhood. From coordinating Barbie and Ken’s wedding as a little girl to curating unforgettable celebrations for real-life couples, Michelle has always had a knack for planning the perfect party.

We talk about what it was like to take that leap of faith, how she built her business from the ground up, and how she balances being a devoted wife and mother while guiding brides and grooms through one of the most important days of their lives. Her joy is contagious, and her attention to detail makes each wedding truly magical.

Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a bride-to-be, or just someone who loves a good “follow your heart” story—you’ll love this conversation full of inspiration, laughter, and a few behind-the-scenes secrets from the world of wedding planning!

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In this energizing episode of Keeping it Real with Sharon, I sit down with Morgan Todd and Tyler McDonald, the dynamic duo behind the One More Rep small group training class at Valley Health Wellness Center. As both trainers and motivators, Morgan and Tyler break down the unique benefits of small group personal training where you get the individual attention of a personal trainer plus the camaraderie and encouragement of a group.

We dive into why staying strong and mobile matters, especially as we age, and how movement is essential for long-term health and vitality. As someone who personally participates in their class, Sharon can vouch for the customized attention, the community feel, and the positive energy that fills the room.

You’ll also hear Morgan and Tyler’s personal stories and why they're so passionate about helping others lead healthier lives, one rep at a time.

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 In this episode of Keeping It Real with Sharon, I sit down with Joel Woerl of Alpha Pools USA to talk about his and business partner Billy Whirley’s bold leap from the corporate world into entrepreneurship. With no prior experience in the pool industry, they dove headfirst into business ownership—and faced a steep learning curve. Joel shares the lessons learned, the challenges overcome, and how, in just four years, Alpha Pools USA has grown and thrived. Beyond building beautiful pools, Joel and Billy are dedicated to their community, finding joy in helping customers create spaces that bring lasting memories, laughter, and summertime fun. 

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In this inspiring episode of Keeping it Real with Sharon, I sit down with Stephanie Feltner, co-owner of Realty ONE Group Old Towne, to talk about her incredible journey from real estate salesperson to successful brokerage owner. Alongside her business partner, Kira Grubb, Stephanie opened the doors to Realty ONE Group Old Towne just three years ago—and what a ride it’s been!

Stephanie shares how her passion for mentoring and teaching others in the real estate world sparked the bold move to open her own franchise. She dives into what drew her to Realty ONE Group’s unique model of support and independence, and how that foundation has helped them thrive.

We also talk about the importance of giving back. Stephanie is deeply rooted in community involvement, and she shares how she and Kira have built a culture of service and connection within their brokerage. With the opening of several satellite offices and plans for continued growth, their vision is only getting bigger.

If you’ve ever considered what it takes to go from agent to owner—or you’re simply inspired by stories of women boldly leading with heart—you won’t want to miss this one!