We recorded today's conversation on location at Front Royal United Methodist Church to chat with Jeff Alban, Artistic Director and a few choir members with Blue Ridge Singers.

Jeff gave us the details for their upcoming Spring Concert series: How Can I Keep From Singing. All concerts are free of charge with a freewill offering requested. Their performance schedule:

Friday, April 22, 2022 at 7:30 pm Front Royal UMC - 1 West Main St., Front Royal.

Sunday, April 24, 2022 at 4:00 pm First Baptist Church of Winchester - 205 W. Piccadilly St. Winchester.

Tuesday, April 26, 2022 at 7:30 pm All Saints Catholic Church - 9300 Stonewall Rd. Manassas.

Friday, April 29, 2022 at 7:30 pm Trinity Episcopal Church - 9108 John S. Mosby Hwy. Upperville.

Sunday, May 1, 2022 at 4:00 pm Christ Episcopal Church - 809 Bishop Meade Rd. Millwood.

Choir members Roger & Carole Tomhave, Sean Coffron & Richard Kurzenknabe joined the conversation to talk about their group, the family atmosphere and the high quality performances they strive to provide. We talked about the process of joining the choir as well as who would be a good fit.

For more information, visit their website: https://blueridgesingers.org/ and follow them on Facebook.

Our conversation today with Joanne Royaltey - aka the Spotted Lanternfly Lady - from Virginia Cooperative Extension (Frederick County office) was full of information about the invasive pest including practical ways that you can "remove" it from your property.

She gave us a bit of history for how the SLF came to this country and then our area. She told us about the danger it poses to trees, crops, and our sanity but reminded us it does not bite or sting.

For more information about the insect, the research that's being conducted to manage it, and what it looks like in it's various life stages, follow the links below.

https://frederick.ext.vt.edu/programs/home-horticulture/spotted-lanternfly.html

https://ext.vt.edu/agriculture/commercial-horticulture/spotted-lanternfly.html

https://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/plant-industry-services.shtml

Our conversation today with Guy Curtis, Director of Marketing for Laurel Ridge Community College included details for several upcoming virtual information sessions and open houses planned in the coming months. Joining us for the chat was Michelle Cribbs, Director of Outreach for the college.

We initially talked about the name change for the school and the opportunity changing the name from Lord Fairfax Community College to Laurel Ridge Community College affords the institution to reach a new audience.

Michelle explained her role as Director of Outreach and talked about the valuable partnerships they've established with local businesses, non-profits, and government agencies such as Virginia Career Works. She gave us the details for a few upcoming virtual information sessions and talked about how anyone can start/return to college virtually or in-person. She also busted a few myths about financial aid and learning ability.

For more information about the sessions and/or to register, visit their website: laurelridge.edu/info

To schedule your own tour or conversation with an advisor, click here.

Our conversation for The Valley Business Today with Edison Emmons from Luray/Page County Chamber of Commerce was full of information about upcoming chamber events & some insight into chamber membership.

He explained how membership worked, talked about the priority the chamber places on member success, and encouraged residents to consider being a patron member of the chamber.

More information about the chamber can be found on their website: https://www.visitluraypage.com/

Details about the events we discussed can be found here:

• FREE webinar: Ditch the Boost! 5 Tips to Grow your Facebook Reach Organically hosted by Janet Michael from Java Media.
• NEW Small Business Growth interactive workshop series in partnership with Shenandoah Valley Small Business Development Center (SBDC).
• Women in Business: Mugshots & Mimosas at The Valley Cork.
• Business After Hours at The Warehouse Art Gallery, co-hosted by Wisteria Farm & Vineyard.
• Job Fair and Workshop hosted at Lord Fairfax Community College - Luray Page Center.

Our conversation for Tourism Tuesday - Clarke County edition - with Nathan Stalvey, Director at Clarke County Historical Association gave us all the details for their Spring Art at the Mill show. The show will run April 23rd - May 8th and be open to the public on Saturdays between 10am - 5pm; and Sunday through Friday between 12pm - 5pm. There is a $5 admission fee.

Nathan told us about the record number of artists who will participate this year and the wide variety of art that will be on display/available for purchase.

Nathan also told us about a few upcoming events: Miller Training School on Saturday, May 14 between 10am - 3pm;The Dry Experiment on Sunday, June 5 between 6pm - 8pm;Colonial Kids Day on Saturday, July 9 between 11am - 4pm.

Finally, we talked about how the pandemic has influenced their thinking, their programs and their future events.

For more information about Clarke County Historical Association, visit their website: https://www.clarkehistory.org/ and follow them on Facebook.

We were on the Zoom screen for a conversation today with French Price, Value Chain Coordinator for Virginia Cooperative Extension's Buy Fresh Buy Local program.

French explained how the program worked and told us how important & far-reaching farming is to our communities. Buy Fresh Buy Local Shenandoah Valley supports local farms, retailers, restaurants and food businesses by promoting local farm and food products to consumers.

She gave us several reasons to Buy Fresh Buy Local:

• Locally grown and produced foods from Shenandoah Valley are fresh, delicious, and abundant.
• Buying local supports the Shenandoah Valley economy and our family farms.
• Buying locally grown and produced foods allows you to choose food from farmers you can know and trust.
• Buying local is easy.

She also told us about the wide range of farm-related businesses that can be listed in the guide:

• Farms & ProducersThe family farms and orchards featured in this guide are producing fresh healthy food in ways that benefit the community and the environment.
• Farmers' Markets Farmers' markets have the freshest foods and greatest seasonal variety that can be found. Farmers' markets are also the best place to meet a farmer. Each market is different — reflecting the desires of the local community and the farming conditions of the area. They all provide a direct connection between the farmer and the consumer and have the freshest, healthiest food available.
• Retailers These grocers, co-ops, and butchers are committed to buying and featuring locally produced foods. Many of these participating stores are campaign partners and display the Buy Fresh Buy Local logo. Look for this logo at your favorite store and be sure to ask for local food wherever you shop.
• Restaurants These restaurants, bakeries and caterers have made the special effort to connect with local farms to serve the freshest and healthiest food available so you can enjoy the great taste of regional cuisine. Ask for local foods at your next dinner outing or for your next event and eat the freshest foods while supporting local farm families.
• Value-Added Producers Local food isn't just available from the farm. Over the years small businesses focused on processing local farm ingredients into value-added products like jams, jellies, salsas, fermented vegetables, kombucha, breads, etc have become a significant sector of our food system. These value-added producers strive to source local ingredients to use in their products.
• Specialty Beverages From luscious reds and tangy ciders to bubbly brews, the guide has your local beverage sourcing covered. Grapes, apples, hops, and grains grown in Virginia soil are used to produce some of the finest specialty beverages, and these vineyards, cideries, breweries, and distilleries are part of the Buy Fresh Buy Local program.

Being listed in the guide is free and the process can be started by clicking here.

You can view the online guide by clicking here and look for printed guides possibly later this summer.

Our strolling took Olivia Hilton from the Town of Strasburg and me to Preslee Real Estate for a conversation with several committee members planning Mayfest. Joining us for this episode of Strolling Strasburg was Abby Walters, chairperson of the Mayfest committee; Wendy Williams who coordinated the pageant; and Jaynelle Bowers, board member for the Shenandoah County Chamber of Commerce.

Jaynelle explained the structure of the Strasburg Business Alliance which hosts the event each year.

Mayfest will happen on Saturday, May 14, 2021 with activities that include a parade, a kids zone, food & craft vendors, live music and even a duck race.

The event kicks off on Friday, May 13 with Heels and Hops Luncheon from 11am - 2pm at Box Office Brewery. There will be fun contests and lots of door prizes. Your ticket includes lunch, one drink and great musical entertainment from Shag. You can purchase tickets on their website: StrasburgMayfest.org or at Box Office Brewery, Clementine Vintage, or Team Abby Walters Real Estate.

On Sunday, May 15 the Mayfest Old Timers Baseball Game will feature former Strasburg High School alumni and baseball players. The game will be played at Sandy Hook Elementary School beginning at 1:30pm and the concession stand opens at 12:30pm.

For more information about the event, follow them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StrasburgMayfestva

We weren't in the studio for a live conversation today with Lt. Warren Gosnell from Frederick County Sheriff's Office because I needed to help at The Widget Cup (find out more about that here.)

We talked via Zoom from Goz's "mobile studio" about the behind the scenes things that happen to make Apple Blossom safe. He explained the role of the sheriff's office and talked about the "perks" he's had from working the festival over the years. He also wanted to be sure everyone practiced safety over convenience and assured me there is a plan in place should some sort of crisis occur. Here's the best place to stay up to date on road closures during the weeklong event: https://www.thebloom.com/ and https://www.facebook.com/WinchesterVAPD/

In the second segment we chatted a bit about a few road construction projects and the patience that's required from all who travel Rt. 277 through Stephens City and Rt. 522 near Armel Elementary School.

Lt. Gosnell also explained a few traffic laws and how deputies stay educated on the codes that are required when writing citations. You can find the Virginia Code here: https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title46.2/

We recorded our Valley Business Today conversation with Niki Foster from Front Royal/Warren County Chamber of Commerce via Zoom to learn details for two upcoming events.

The Front Royal-Warren County Chamber of Commerce will host a Valor Award Program to recognize members of the Front Royal Police Department, Warren County Fire & Rescue, and Warren County Sheriff's Department. The event will be held on Thursday, April 21st from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at Shenandoah Valley Golf Club located at 134 Golf Club Circle in Front Royal. This event will recognize the service, bravery, and heroism of men and women in Front Royal and Warren County who protect our community daily. Tickets are available for $45 per person by contacting the Front Royal-Warren County Chamber of Commerce at 540-635-3185 or [email protected]. Niki also gave us details for the Wine & Craft Festival happening on Saturday, May 21, 2022 from 10am - 6pm up and down Main & Chester Streets in downtown Front Royal. We learned about the wineries, meaderies and cideries that have signed up to participate and talked about the wide range of crafters she's already confirmed. Purchase your tickets online here: wineandcraftfestival.com for a discount. Get more details about the event that includes food vendors, live music by following the event on Facebook.

We recorded today's Tourism Tuesday conversation on location at Muse Vineyards with Kary Haun from Shenandoah County Tourism. Her guests were Christi Manning from Rev3 Endurance & Katie Mercer, Director of Marketing & Events for the Town of Woodstock.

We learned the details for the upcoming Seven Bends Adventure Race that will happen on Saturday, April 9, 2022. Christi explained the concept of adventure racing and told us how it's perfect for any experience level. Adventure racing is primarily comprised of mountain biking, trekking, paddling (SUP, inner tubes, canoes or kayaks), a few unique challenges, and of course, orienteering! Individuals (or teams) navigate their way through a course of unmarked wilderness and terrain in races extending anywhere from two hours up to two weeks in length. Participants are given guidelines (Rules of Travel) on how to locate the checkpoints that have been set throughout the course. The goal is to collect as many designated checkpoints as possible and cross the finish line within the time limit given.

For the second year in a row, the Town of Woodstock has partnered with Rev3 to offer a "town trek." If you're looking for a fun race without biking and paddling, this is a great adventure race to try on foot! This trekking only adventure is perfect for beginners or families with young children. They'll feature hidden checkpoints and challenges throughout the Town of Woodstock. You can race as a soloist, bring a group of friends or form a family team. This year's race is already sold out, but make plans to attend next year OR find a spot on Main Street to watch as the trekkers find their way through town.

For more information about Rev3 Endurance including details about their upcoming adventure race at Bryce Resort, visit their website: https://www.rev3endurance.com/ and follow them on Facebook.

For a list of upcoming events in Woodstock, visit: https://www.townofwoodstockva.gov/ and follow them on Facebook.

We wrapped up our conversation with a quick chat with Sally Cowal, co-owner of Muse Vineyards to learn a bit of history about the winery and get details about their guided hike of Seven Bends State Park on Sunday, April 10, 2022. Check out their wine selection, hours and other events on their website: https://musevineyards.com/ and follow them on Facebook.