In this episode of The Valley Today, host Janet Michael talks with Elizabeth Baldwin, a unit coordinator and extension agent specializing in agricultural and natural resources, to delve into the topic of bird flu, also known as Avian Influenza. Baldwin, who is based in Page County, primarily focuses on animal science, working with farmers, livestock operations, and even homeowners with backyard chicken flocks.

Baldwin provided a wealth of information about bird flu, detailing that the current strain, H5N1, has been impacting the country since February 2022. The virus primarily spreads through wild birds, which often act as carriers without showing symptoms. As they migrate, they can spread the virus to domesticated poultry through their droppings.

Janet and Elizabeth discussed the similarities between bird flu and human influenza, noting that while wild birds might carry the virus without significant illness, domesticated poultry are far more susceptible. Baldwin explained that larger outbreaks are common in the fall and spring, coinciding with bird migrations. The discussion also touched on the difference between meat birds, which are younger and harvested sooner, and laying hens, which are older and thus more susceptible to disease.

One of the significant impacts of bird flu discussed was the rise in egg prices. Baldwin explained that while meat birds can be rapidly replaced, laying hens take much longer to mature and begin laying eggs, leading to a shortage and subsequent price hikes. The conversation highlighted that the public's reaction to potential shortages, such as panic buying, can exacerbate these issues.

Baldwin also talked about safety measures, emphasizing that consuming pasteurized dairy products and properly cooking poultry to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit minimizes the risk of infection. Although there have been a few cases of humans contracting bird flu, they were primarily among those with close contact with infected animals, such as poultry workers.

The conversation concluded with practical advice for those keeping backyard chickens. Baldwin urged the importance of biosecurity measures, such as restricting access to coop areas and keeping wildlife away from domesticated birds. She also provided contact information for reporting sick or dead birds to the state veterinarian and the Department of Wildlife Resources.

In summary, Baldwin's insights were invaluable in understanding the dynamics of bird flu, its impact on poultry and egg prices, safety precautions, and the broader implications for both backyard and commercial poultry operations. This detailed discussion serves as a critical resource for anyone looking to grasp the comprehensive picture of Avian Influenza.

As part of a community health partnership with Valley Health, in this episode of the Valley Today, host Janet Michael welcomes Mike Wade, chair of the organizing committee, to share details about this year's Community Wellness Festival, held at the Apple Blossom Mall in partnership with Shenandoah University on Saturday, February 22 from 10am - 5pm. The event promises a day filled with health, fitness, and community spirit.

The festival, celebrating its 31st year, is an annual event that brings together more than 80 exhibitors, including Valley Health Services and other community organizations. It aims to offer something for everyone, from health education to fitness demonstrations.

Mike highlighted the festival's growth and dedication to public wellness. Since moving to the Apple Blossom Mall, the festival has become a community hub for health education. 'The mall is a very non-threatening and accessible environment,' said Wade, 'It's a great place for the festival, and we get to pull in people who might not have known about it otherwise.'

This year's festival will have a wide array of events tailored for all age groups. For children, Shenandoah University's Nursing program will lead the Healthy Kids experience, featuring health education activities and giveaways. 'It's a great way for kids to start learning about healthy habits,' Janet noted.

One of the festival's biggest draws is the variety of free and low-cost health screenings available. Services include blood pressure checks, cardiovascular screenings, and blood glucose testing. 'It's an initial entry point checkup,' said Wade. 'If your blood pressure reads high, you'll be advised to contact your primary care physician for follow-up.'

Additionally, there will be fitness demonstrations running throughout the day, showcasing activities like Irish dancing and music therapy by Shenandoah University. A unique highlight is the boxing program for patients with Parkinson's disease.

For those unfamiliar with virtual health visits, the festival offers a practical demonstration led by Valley Health Urgent Care. Attendees can experience a mock virtual visit to understand the process better, making it easier to opt for telehealth services in the future.

Wade mentioned the community spirit palpable at the festival. 'I have people I call my festival friends,' he said, elaborating that he looks forward to seeing familiar faces each year. The festival not only provides health resources but also fosters this sense of camaraderie and collective wellbeing.

Find more information on their website: ValleyHealthLink.com/WellnessFestival

To hear more conversations in this Community Health series, click here.

In this episode of The Valley Today, host Janet Michael welcomes back cohost Carl Knoblock, the Virginia District Director for the Small Business Administration (SBA), for a conversation about the importance of preparedness and adaptability in business. Between humorous and honest exchanges, Janet and Carl delve into how businesses manage amidst uncertainties and disruptions, with a specific look at the lessons learned from recent events like the COVID-19 pandemic.

Reflecting on the pandemic's unforeseen arrival and the dramatic pivots it necessitated, Carl emphasizes the need for businesses to 'expect the unexpected.' He stresses the importance of not becoming complacent once a business model appears to be running smoothly. 'We're creatures of habit,' Carl notes, alluding to the challenge businesses face in disrupting their own routines to accommodate potential disruptions.

Janet builds on this by noting that many businesses adapted during the pandemic only to revert to pre-pandemic operations once the immediate crisis passed. She argues that businesses need to retain a forward-thinking mindset rather than assuming the worst has already happened and won't reoccur.

Carl shares insightful anecdotes from his extensive professional background, including his experiences in China during the SARS outbreak and his observations about the global economy's interconnected nature. He discusses the ripple effects of economic disruptions, both in large metropolitan areas and isolated regions, emphasizing the far-reaching impacts of federal decisions on local communities.

Janet and Carl discuss the significance of being agile and the pivotal role of government grants and contracts for small businesses and nonprofits. They touch on the growing importance of social media and AI in business strategy and preparedness, offering practical advice for leveraging these tools. Carl advises businesses to look beyond their immediate networks and seek diverse mentorships to tackle staffing issues and other challenges.

The conversation wraps up with a reiteration of the need for businesses and nonprofits to constantly re-evaluate and update their plans. Janet underscores the value of expanding one's network, while Carl highlights the necessity of paying attention to federal budgets and policy directions. Their dialogue serves as a robust guide for small businesses on surviving and thriving amidst uncertainty, promoting a mix of resilience, constant learning, and community engagement.

In this episode of the Valley Today, we feature on the Clarke County Historical Association (CCHA), where we delve into the engaging programs, ongoing projects, and pivotal historical preservation efforts shaping the heart of Berryville/Clarke County. Guided by the ever-enthusiastic Executive Director Nathan Stalvey, CCHA continues to bring history to life in exciting and educational ways.

As part of our Tourism Tuesday series, we reconnect with Nathan to catch up on the latest from CCHA. Nathan excitedly announces an upcoming lecture titled 'A Story in Threads: The Clothing of Enslaved Women in the Antebellum South,' featuring Cheyney McKnight—a renowned speaker and historian. The lecture will focus on the daily lives and clothing of enslaved and free women during the Antebellum period. The event is scheduled for February 23rd at the The Barns of Rose Hill, with tickets available on CCHA's website.

One of the cornerstones of CCHA's mission is to educate the public, particularly through unique and dynamic topics that spark curiosity, such as local history or the evolution of baseball in the 20th century. As Nathan succinctly puts it, 'one of our guiding ideas is let's have people take away something they didn't know before.' Click here to learn more about this talk.

Nathan shares updates on the Mill Dam project, an essential preservation effort ensuring the continued operation of the Burwell Morgan Mill. This extensive restoration work, involving cooperation with the local Powhatan School, aims to solidify and preserve the historic mill dam, which is crucial for the mill's functionality.

In an exciting development, CCHA has completed the extensive project of digitizing the Clarke Courier newspapers from the late 1860s to 2009. Now available online, these archives are keyword-searchable, offering invaluable resources for researchers and history enthusiasts alike.

Aside from recognizing the Mill Dam efforts, Nathan looks forward to a busy spring filled with educational programs and community events, such as the popular trivia nights and specific talks on various historical topics, further fostering community engagement and education.

Save the date for 'Art at the Mill,' opening on April 26th in conjunction with Garden Club Week. This event showcases art from over 250 local and regional artists, with a portion of the sales benefiting CCHA, further supporting their historical and educational efforts.

Membership to CCHA offers significant benefits, including discounts on various events and exclusive talks. The funds raised through memberships and events like 'Art at the Mill' are critical for maintaining and preserving Clark County's rich history.

For more information on upcoming events, programs, and to explore the newly digitized archives, visit clarkhistory.org. Stay connected with CCHA through their active social media channels to keep abreast of the latest updates, highlights from their collections, and more.

In this episode of The Valley Today, host Janet Michael features Gina Hilliard, President of the Luray Page Chamber of Commerce, and Christina Grieve from Stover Hall.

Christina describes Stover Hall as a four seasons wedding venue operational since 2014 and notes that February remains the only month without hosted weddings due to the unpredictable weather. She then elaborates on their newly inaugurated tasting room, a collaborative effort with Ducard Vineyards, which aims to utilize the property beyond weddings by offering wine, cider, and hosting various smaller events such as dinner parties and comedy nights.

Further, Christina shares how Stover Hall is integrating into the community through events like karaoke nights, pop-up markets, and dance lessons, including both ballroom and line dancing. These events are augmented by partnerships with different vendors and food trucks to enhance the visitor experience. Christina also underscores their commitment to supporting nonprofit organizations by hosting events like the upcoming gala for Choices.

Gina expands on the importance of Chamber networking events, such as their business after hours, which facilitate connections between local businesses. She also highlights the Chamber's planned trips, recounting a successful trip to Italy and announcing an upcoming trip to Greece. Gina discusses additional Chamber activities, including job fairs, women's social events, and various community support initiatives aiming to fortify local businesses and engage community members.

Learn more about Stover Hall on their website: https://stoverhall.com/

Learn more about the Luray Page Chamber of Commerce on their website: https://www.visitluraypage.com/chamber/

In this episode of The Valley Today, Janet Michael hosts United Way Day with Andy Gail, CEO of United Way of Northern Shenandoah Valley (UWNSV).

The discussion covers the history, mission, and community impact of UWNSV. Andy explains the organization's role as a clearinghouse for donations and its focus on health, financial stability, and education. They also discuss how community members and local businesses can support UWNSV through donations, volunteering, and participation in events like the annual meeting and Day of Caring.

Janet shares her excitement about becoming the new board chair and highlights the importance of workplace giving campaigns and other fundraising efforts.

Register to attend the annual meeting by clicking here. Learn more about United Way NSV and sign up to be part of an impact grant panel on their website: https://www.unitedwaynsv.org/

In this episode of The Valley Today, host Janet Michael welcomes Brandy Hawkins Boies, Director of Public Relations and Special Events at Laurel Ridge Community College, and Vivi Meder, their TRIO Director. The conversation begins with an introduction to Laurel Ridge Community College and the TRIO program, which provides support to first-generation, low-income students, and students with documented disabilities to help them succeed in their academic journeys.

The discussion delves into the history of the TRIO program, starting with the initiatives established by President Lyndon B. Johnson to combat poverty and support education. Vivi explains the different components and services of the TRIO program, such as free printing, laptop loaner programs, gas cards, food pantry access, and specialized academic advising. The importance of creating a supportive community through the TRIO lounge space and specialized tutoring tailored to the needs of TRIO students is also emphasized.

Vivi highlights the challenges faced by first-generation and low-income students, such as lack of support from home and the intimidating aspects of campus life, and how the TRIO program aims to bridge these gaps. She shares personal anecdotes to illustrate the program's impact and effectiveness.

They discuss the significance of advocacy and public support for the TRIO program, emphasizing the role of community members in ensuring its continued federal funding. They address how individuals can contact their representatives to support the program. Additionally, the hosts touch on other support programs available at Laurel Ridge Community College that cater to a diverse student body, ensuring ample resources for student success.

As part of a community health partnership with Valley Health, in this episode of the Valley Today, host Janet Michael welcomes Dr. John English for an "extra conversation" this month to learn details about the Da Vinci XI robot recently installed at Warren Memorial Hospital. Dr. English is a general surgeon with Front Royal Family Practice and Multispecialty Clinic | Valley Health.

Dr. English explains the significant advancements and functionalities of the XI platform, emphasizing its ability to add wrist articulation to minimally invasive surgeries, enhancing precision and reducing recovery time. He discusses how the robot aids in visualization and stability during procedures, giving surgeons a three-dimensional view of the surgical area which improves accuracy and safety.

Janet and Dr. English delve into the importance of maintaining the human element in surgeries despite technological advancements. They compare past surgical methods and highlight the added safety and efficiency of using robotic tools. Dr. English also touches on the extensive training surgeons undergo to be qualified to use these robots, ensuring safety and efficiency in patient care.

The conversation shifts to the impact of having such advanced technology in a rural hospital setting, which positions Warren Memorial as a cutting-edge facility capable of providing high-standard care. Janet shares anecdotes from other surgeons about the practical and realistic use of these robotic systems.

The conversation concludes with Dr. English emphasizing the teamwork involved in implementing and operating such advanced technology, mentioning future plans for community engagement and training more surgeons to use the robotic platform.

To hear more conversations in this Community Health series, click here.

In this episode of the Valley Today, host Janet Michael introduces Bill Whitson, the owner and chef of Billy Sous food truck. They discuss Billy Sous' inception, sparked by Bill's wife during the COVID-19 pandemic and his prior experiences in the food and restaurant industry. Bill shares insights into his culinary background, the challenges of running a food truck, and the intricacies of using sous-vide cooking methods on the truck.

The conversation delves into the community's tight-knit nature, particularly within the Shenandoah Valley and Winchester, and highlight how Bill's food truck business has intertwined with local events and initiatives. Specific mentions of working partnerships with local establishments like Bonnie Blue and challenges posed by weather and logistics are covered.

Bill explains his approach to menu flexibility, the importance of innovation and customer feedback in creating new dishes, and emphasizes the communal aspect of the food truck business. They explore various operational aspects, from adapting recipes for a mobile environment to balancing flavor and practicality.

The discussion wraps up with Bill's commitment to community support, including regularly contributing to charitable events and local PTOs, and the operational strategies like online ordering and potential DoorDash integrations to improve customer experience.

The conversation concludes with information on where and how listeners can find and contact Billy Sous for catering, events, or regular food truck service: https://billysous.com/ Follow him on Facebook for updates.

In this episode of The Valley Today, host Janet Michael welcomes Robyn Miller, Executive Director of WATTS (Winchester Area Temporary Transitional Shelter) to talk about their annual event, The Coldest Night of the Year. The event aims to raise awareness about homelessness by having participants walk in the cold to simulate the experience of the homeless community. This year marks the third occasion of the walk, which funds nearly a quarter of the WATTS budget, helping to provide crucial services like warming centers, overnight shelters, and identification documents for the homeless.

Robyn explains the essential work done by WATTS, including their low-barrier shelters, bus transportation for guests, and their Transition Out of Homelessness program, which has been increasingly successful in helping people obtain IDs, get into rehab, and find housing. The conversation highlights the importance of small donations and volunteer efforts, which collectively make a significant impact. They emphasize how participation in the event fosters community awareness and compassion for the homeless.

Participants can register for the walk online and may contribute either through monetary donations or in-kind items like t-shirts and snacks. The conversation underscores the value of meeting people where they are and providing them with basic necessities and emotional support. The event, scheduled for February 22nd, also aims to make homelessness more visible to the public, thereby encouraging more community involvement and understanding.

More information about the event and WATTS services can be found on the organization's website: https://watts-homelessshelter.org/ and their Facebook page as well as through The Coldest Night of the Year's official page: https://cnoy.com/location/winchester