The County Connection

🍽️ What happens whenhomemade meals, family tradition, and entrepreneurship come together? You get a conversation you won't want to miss!

In this episode of County Connection, we sit downwith Jillian Karujik, owner of Jillian's Farmstead Kitchen, and her son Noah to hear the inspiring story behind one of Shenandoah County's favorite local businesses.

From starting in a food trailer to opening a welcomingstorefront in Mount Jackson, Gillian shares how passion, perseverance, and community support helped turn her dream into reality. You'll also hear about their expanded hours, grab-and-go meals, daily lunch specials, cateringservices for events of all sizes, and the family recipes that keep customers coming back for more.

And if you've ever watched one of the Farmstead's socialmedia videos, you'll love meeting Noah—the young face behind many of thereels—whose charm and enthusiasm make this episode extra special.

🎙️ Tune in to hear howone local family is serving up more than delicious food—they're creating community, one homemade meal at a time.

#CountyConnection #SupportLocal #ShenandoahCounty#MountJacksonVA #ShopLocal #FarmToTable #CommunityConnections

What does the future of education look like in our region?It starts at Laurel Ridge Community College!

In this episode of County Connection, ChamberPresident & CEO Sharon Baroncelli sits down with Dr. Kim Blosser and BrandyBoyce to discuss how Laurel Ridge is transforming lives and strengthening ourworkforce.

✨ In this episode, you'lldiscover:
📚Affordable—and in many cases FREE—education and workforce trainingopportunities
🎓New and expanding programs in nursing, healthcare, skilled trades, andeducation
🚛Fast-track career pathways like CDL training that lead directly to in-demandjobs
🤝Personalized coaching, financial aid guidance, and student support services
💻Flexible online and hybrid learning options designed for working adults
🌟Inspiring stories of students from every stage of life finding a new path tosuccess

Whether you're a recent graduate, looking for a careerchange, or simply curious about what's happening in our community, thisconversation is full of valuable insights.

🎧 Listen now and discoverwhy Laurel Ridge Community College truly has a path for everyone!

This episode of The County Connection, hosted by Patty Fadeley and Stuart Freakley, features a conversation with Jon Henry, owner of the Jon Henry General Store in New Market, Virginia. The episode explores how Jon has successfully transformed an 1800s historic building into a vibrant, modern community hub. By blending the nostalgia of an old-fashioned general store with contemporary business practices, Jon has created a unique shopping experience that actively supports local agriculture, embraces modern marketing, and bridges the digital divide in Shenandoah County.

• A Unique Business Model: Jon describes the store as the "sweet spot between Dollar General and Whole Foods," offering everything from silly putty to kangaroo burgers and pink pineapples.

• The FOMO Strategy: To keep inventory moving and prevent waste, the store utilizes a "Fear Of Missing Out" (FOMO) approach, rotating fresh seasonal goods and limited-time products so customers are always encouraged to see what is new.

• Supporting Local Farmers: The store has deep ties to the community, working directly with approximately 200 farmers across the Commonwealth, including local Mennonite and Amish growers, to move fresh produce efficiently.

• Bridging the Digital Divide: While Jon utilizes modern tools like AI, social media live streams, and tap-to-pay, the store remains highly accessible to all demographics by continuing to accept faxed orders and handwritten letters.

• Food Accessibility: The store actively participates in the Virginia Fresh Match program and accepts EBT, P-EBT, and SNAP benefits, ensuring that fresh, local food is affordable and accessible to the wider community.

What does it take to protect nearly 45,000 residents acrossmore than 500 square miles?

Join hosts Stuart Freakley and Patty Fadley as they sit downwith Shenandoah County Fire & Rescue Chief Stephen "JR" Hall foran inside look at the people, planning, and partnerships that keep ourcommunity safe.

🎙️ In this episode,you'll discover:
• How Shenandoah County's unique combination of career and volunteerfirefighters works together
• The department's vision for building one unified team across all stations
• The meaning behind the PRIDE core values that guide every emergency response
• Free community resources, including smoke detector installations and CPRtraining
• The importance of fire prevention, inspections, and public education
• Future plans for meeting our county's growing needs
• Ways you can volunteer, support your local fire company, or even begin acareer in Fire & Rescue

Whether you've ever wondered what happens after you call 911or you're looking for ways to get involved in your community, this episodeoffers an inspiring look at the dedicated men and women serving ShenandoahCounty every day.

🎧 Tune in today!

#CountyConnection #ShenandoahCounty #FireRescue#CommunitySafety #CommunityConnections

In this episode of The County Connection, hosts Jaynelle Bowers and Stuart Freakley sit down with Becky Wood, Volunteer Outreach Coordinator, and Savannah Murphy, Primary Prevention Coordinator, from Response Inc.. For over four decades, Response Inc. has been a cornerstone in Shenandoah County, offering critical support services to individuals and families experiencing domestic and sexual violence.

The conversation focuses heavily on a major paradigm shift for the organization. While Response Inc. continues to provide its vital 24-hour crisis services—including emergency shelter, a hot-line, case management, and court advocacy—a major grant received in 2023 has allowed them to aggressively expand into primary prevention. Savannah explains how the organization has grown its prevention programming from three to nine structured curriculums aimed at breaking cycles of violence before they start, focusing on building healthy relationships and positive mental health in local youth. Becky highlights the immediate needs of their brand-new shelter and discusses how community members can get involved through upcoming fundraising events.

If you or someone you know is in crisis, or if you would like to volunteer, donate, or register for an upcoming event, you can connect with Response Inc. through the following channels:

• 24-Hour Hotline / Office Phone: (540) 459-5599

• Website: responseva.org

• Annual Golf Tournament Registration: responseva.org/golf

• Social Media: Follow on Facebook or Instagram by searching for Response Inc.

In this episode of County Connection, we're joined by the leaders and titleholders of the Shenandoah County Fair Scholarship Pageant to talk about what the program is really all about. In this episode, you'll discover: Why the pageant is so much more than a beauty competition How contestants develop leadership, public speaking, and interview skills The impact of community service and scholarship opportunities The lifelong friendships and confidence gained through the program What it's like to represent Shenandoah County during Fair Week Important registration deadlines and how girls ages 2–22 can get involvedWhether you're a parent, a potential contestant, or simply curious about the program, this conversation offers an inspiring look behind the scenes of one of Shenandoah County's most cherished traditions. Tune in today and hear why this program continues to empower the next generation of leaders!

What happens when a love for community, creativity, andlocal business comes together under one roof?

This week on County Connection, Patty Fadley andspecial co-host Katie Mercer sit down with Joy Melt, owner of TravelersTreasures in downtown Woodstock, for a fun and inspiring conversation aboutentrepreneurship, supporting local makers, and the exciting growth happening onMain Street.

🎙️ In this episode,you'll discover:
✨The story behind Travelers Treasures and how Joy turned a dream into one ofWoodstock's favorite shopping destinations
📚Why supporting local authors, artisans, and small businesses matters
🍯The unique locally made products you'll find in the shop—from honey and coffeeto handcrafted gifts, books, soaps, and more
🌿How Travelers Treasures is expanding its selection of natural and holisticproducts
🎨The importance of giving local artists and makers a place to shine
🌙A behind-the-scenes look at Wander Woodstock and how the event isbringing new energy to downtown
❤️Why shopping local helps strengthen our community and keeps Main Streetthriving

Whether you're a longtime local, a first-time visitor, orsomeone who simply loves discovering hidden gems, this episode is full ofstories that celebrate the heart of Shenandoah County.

🎧 Tune in today anddiscover why Travelers Treasures is so much more than a gift shop—it's a truecommunity destination.

#CountyConnection #ShopLocal #WoodstockVA#TravelersTreasures #SupportSmallBusiness #ShenandoahCounty #MainStreetMagic

What does it really take to build a successful business intoday's ever-changing marketplace?

Join guest host Jane L. Bowers and Stuart Freakley as theywelcome Jennifer Osborne, founder of Main Street Strategies andthe voice behind Jen in the Trenches, for an insightful conversation onentrepreneurship, leadership, and business growth.

💼 In this episode,you'll discover:
✨Jennifer's unique journey from criminal justice to full-time entrepreneur andbusiness coach
🎯Why every business owner can benefit from having a coach in their corner
💡The difference between viewing coaching as an expense versus an investment
📈Practical strategies for creating new revenue streams without reinventing yourbusiness
🔄Why the most successful businesses are willing to pivot and adapt to changingcustomer behaviors
🧠The power of mindset, accountability, and taking ownership of your success
🏪How Jennifer's experience owning Blue Ridge Popcorn Company shaped her approachto helping other small businesses thrive

Whether you're just starting your business, looking to grow,or searching for fresh ideas to navigate today's business landscape, thisepisode is packed with practical advice and inspiration you can put to workright away.

🎧 Tune in and discoverwhy sometimes the best investment you can make is in yourself.

#CountyConnection #SmallBusiness #BusinessGrowth#Entrepreneurship #MainStreetStrategies #JenInTheTrenches #ShenandoahCounty#ShopLocal #Leadership

Preserving Memories in Wood and Resin with Home Revival and Decor

In this episode of The County Connection, hosts Abby Walters and Stuart Freakley welcome Ryan Peters, the master craftsman and founder behind Home Revival and Decor. What began as a hobby just a couple of years ago has blossomed into a full-time passion, with Ryan leaving his corporate job to create stunning, custom wood and epoxy resin pieces right in the Shenandoah Valley.

From custom charcuterie boards to breathtaking bridal bouquet preservations, Ryan shares the meticulous, labor-intensive process behind his functional art and his deep commitment to keeping things local.

Episode Highlights

• Corporate to Craftsman: Ryan discusses his journey of taking a leap of faith to pursue his woodworking and resin art full-time.

• Locally Sourced: Discover how Ryan utilizes wood cleared from his own property—including walnut, cherry, and poplar.

• The Nest in Mount Jackson: Ryan announces his participation in a brand-new collaborative retail space called "The Nest," teaming up with three other local makers on Main Street.

• Frozen in Time: A fascinating look into the highly popular trend of preserving wedding bouquets and memorial flowers in custom epoxy resin blocks and coasters, giving families a permanent, beautiful keepsake.

Connect with Home Revival and Decor

• Website: homerevivalanddecor.com

• Social Media: Find him on Facebook and Instagram (@home.revival.and.decor)

• In-Person: Check out his displays at The Nest in Mount Jackson, the Woodstock Cafe, or at local events like Autumnfest!

In this episode of The County Connection, hosts Patty Fadeley and Abby Walters tackle a critical topic that many small business owners avoid until it's too late: cybersecurity. They are joined by William Trelawny from Fountainhead Cyber to discuss how a single "bad click" can jeopardize the hard work, revenue, and reputation of a growing business.

William debunks the dangerous misconception that small businesses are "too small" to be targeted by hackers. He explains how modern cybercriminals use automated bots to cast a wide net, making every unprotected network a potential victim—and why small businesses are often disproportionately affected.

Episode Highlights

• The Threat Landscape: Learn why automated bots and AI (including voice and video deepfakes) make everyone a target, regardless of business size.

• Silent Intruders: Discover how "Business Email Compromise" works. Hackers often silently monitor email traffic to intercept large transactions, such as real estate wire transfers.

• Actionable First Steps: William shares highly practical, budget-friendly advice. His top recommendation? Start using a password manager immediately (he suggests Proton Pass as a free, secure option).

• Risk Assessment: Understand how to evaluate your business's risk profile by asking hard questions about recovery time, downtime costs, and reputation damage.

Connect with Fountainhead Cyber

• Website: fountainheadcyber.com

• Email: [email protected]

• Social Media: Find Fountainhead Cyber on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Threads.