In this episode of the Valley Today, host Janet Michael welcomes Brady Cloven, Executive Director of Friends of Old Town, and Kyle Hopkins, the owner of Four Square Architects. Janet introduces the guests and explains that the segment provides a sneak peek into what's happening in Old Town Winchester for the upcoming month.

Kyle discusses his background, the work his architectural firm has done in Winchester, and his love for the community. He highlights projects such as the revitalization of a dilapidated flower shop into their office, the transformation of a 1920s gas station, and other notable buildings. Kyle emphasizes the importance of preserving the history and stories of these buildings while incorporating modern elements.

Brady talks about the Friends of Old Town's transition from a city-administered entity to a community-independent nonprofit. He outlines several February events, including Black History Month activities, the 12th annual Chocolate Escape, and a fundraising event called Spin to Winchester. Brady highlights the new Friends of Old Town website (https://friendsofoldtown.org/) and encourages community involvement.

The conversation also touches on personal stories, such as Kyle's journey from wanting to leave the area to embracing Winchester as his home, and the importance of community engagement in driving revitalization efforts in Old Town Winchester.

Learn more about events and activities in Old Town Winchester by following Friends of Old Town on Facebook.

In this episode of the Valley Today, host Janet Michael welcomes guests from NW Works: Skip Phillips, CEO; Kristin Elliott, Director of Programs; and Morgan Towle, Communications Coordinator. NW Works is an organization dedicated to empowering adults with disabilities by building life and employment skills. The conversation kicks off with a refresher on NW Works' mission and services, especially emphasizing their growth post-COVID. Skip discusses their day program and the supportive employment model, including job coaching and community integration.

Kristin elaborates on the day program, detailing two distinct tracks: one for employment skills and another for personal development. She underscores the importance of socialization, soft skills, and the use of community resources like gardening. Morgan and Skip highlight the importance of community partnerships and volunteering, including local businesses helping with their community garden and being the beneficiary of a Rotary event: An International Affair.

The conversation also covers the recent Medicaid waiver expansion in Virginia, which allows more families to access NW Works' services. Janet and Kristin discuss the need for new staff and client referrals, with Kristen describing ideal employee qualities. The discussion closes with Skip and Morgan directing listeners to their website for further information and volunteer opportunities: https://www.nwworks.com/

In this episode of The Valley Business Today with Top of Virginia Regional Chamber, host Janet Michael is joined by cohost Andy Gail to talk with Community Leadership Program participants during their NonProfit & Media Day session held at Handley Regional Library. Throughout the episode, Janet and her co-host Andy Gail interview various members of the CLP class and discuss their roles, experiences, and motivations for participating in the program.

The conversation begins with Janet and Andy introducing themselves and the event, which is being recorded with a live studio audience. They highlight the efforts and participation of the audience in the leadership class.

Then, they move on to interview different CLP class participants, starting with Mike Majher, Town Manager for Stephens City, who discusses his involvement in the program and its benefits from a government perspective. Next, they talk to Joan Cestaro, a small healthcare business owner, who describes how the program helps her give back to the community.

Janet & Andy continue by speaking with multiple other members, including educators Alison Post (Frederick County Public Schools) and Jennifer Buckley (Winchester City Public Schools,) CNB banker Charles Lowery, City National Bank personal banker Joanna Arriaga, Rappahannock Electric Cooperative's Karen Jones, and Valley Health representative Erin Dickerson. Each shares their insights and the ways CLP has impacted them, emphasizing the value of community connections, professional growth, and understanding different sectors within the region.

Andy highlights the diverse backgrounds of the participants and the program's ability to foster deeper community engagement. The episode concludes with a note on the planned afternoon activities, which include a visit to the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley for a nonprofit speed networking event, emphasizing the continuous learning and networking opportunities offered by the CLP class.

In this episode of the Valley Today recorded on site at Shaffer's BBQ, host Janet Michael welcomes Wendy May, the Marketing Manager for the Frederick County Economic Development Authority to discuss FredCo Eats Restaurant Week, an initiative started four years ago to promote local eateries in Frederick County. Joining them is Matt Schaffer from Schaffer's BBQ in Middletown, who shares his experiences participating in the event.

Janet and Wendy highlight the significance of local businesses' collaboration and marketing efforts, such as special menu items, promotional deals, and partnerships with other small businesses. Wendy elaborates on the growing participation in FredCo Eats Restaurant Week, from 15 to 22 eateries, and how it's designed to give local restaurants and food trucks a boost during the winter months.

Matt underscores the benefits of the program, including the opportunity for creativity in the kitchen and increased promotion. They also discuss practical tips for getting the most out of the event, such as using the digital menu guide and participating in the passport promotion for a chance to win prizes.

Find all the details about FredCo Eats Restaurant Week on their website: FredCoEats.com and follow them on Facebook.

Follow Shaffers BBQ on Facebook to stay in the know about specials and menu updates.

In this episode of the Valley Today, host Janet Michael is joined by co-host Gina Hilliard, President of Luray/Page County Chamber of Commerce and her guests John Rowland & Cheryl Esparza. John serves as the base supervisor for PHI Air Medical/Air Care 4 while Cheryl is the membership manager for PHI Cares.

John explains PHI Air Medical's operations, their role as an air ambulance service, the type of calls they respond to, and the challenges they face including safety and handling various medical emergencies. He also emphasizes the importance of their safety protocols and teamwork with ground personnel. The discussion also covers PHI Air Medical's outreach efforts and the importance of the service for the local rural community. You can reach John via email to [email protected] and follow his team on Facebook.

Cheryl introduces the PHI Cares membership program, which offers financial peace of mind for air medical transport costs. She details the benefits, including coverage for household members, national coverage, and the affordability of the membership at just $65/year per household. You can reach Cheryl to sign up or get more information, through their website: https://phicares.com/cheryl-esparza/ or by calling 703-295-2400.

Gina mentions upcoming chamber events and her new role as president of the Virginia Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives.

In this episode of Extension Office Friday, host Janet Michael welcomes Karen Poff, Senior Extension Agent, Family & Consumer Science, Virginia Cooperative Extension office who is based in the Warren County office, but serves all five surrounding counties. She also manages the Northern Shenandoah Valley Financial Education Program. Karen introduces Amanda Johnson, a new FCS extension agent based in the Frederick County office, but she too will serve all five surrounding counties.

Amanda shares her background, explaining her transition from planning to be a child life specialist to becoming an extension agent. She's passionate about teaching and helping others. Janet and Amanda discuss Amanda's role transition from focusing solely on 4H programs to including Family Consumer Sciences. They talk about misconceptions about the Family Consumer Sciences programs and the importance of financial education programs.

Karen adds context regarding the extensive range of programs offered by extensions and how the knowledge filters from children to parents due to 4H's historical model. Janet asks Amanda about her travels across counties and how she's navigating her new role. Amanda mentions her reliance on GPS due to being directionally challenged and reveals her plans to conduct focus groups in each county to tailor programs effectively to local needs.

Karen and Amanda elaborate on the importance of offering research-based and evidence-based programs. They discuss the flexibility of extension programs to meet local needs and the strategic approach needed to ensure effective service. The conversation briefly touches on the importance of ServSafe and food preservation programs. Amanda expresses optimism about her role and shares details on how community members can get involved in focus groups.

You can learn more on the website: https://frederick.ext.vt.edu/programs/Foodnutritionpage.html

You can reach Amanda via email: [email protected] or by phone: 540-665-5699.

As part of a community health partnership with Valley Health, in this episode of the Valley Today, host Janet Michael welcomes David Cardero, a senior recruiter for Valley Health. The discussion focuses on the recruitment process at Valley Health, the company's culture, and the variety of job opportunities available within the health system. Janet and David talk about how important it is for employees to be qualified and how recruitment supports the community by ensuring high-quality healthcare professionals.

David shares his personal experience working at Valley Health, highlighting the company's strong culture, employee retention, and the significance of believing in one's work. They also discuss the different roles within the healthcare system beyond doctors and nurses, emphasizing the critical support functions and non-clinical roles needed for operational success.

Moreover, the interview touches on the extensive geographic coverage of Valley Health facilities, the intricate hiring process, and tips for prospective applicants to effectively find and apply for jobs. David emphasizes the importance of reading job descriptions carefully and the thoroughness required in the healthcare hiring process to ensure patient safety.

In closing, David encourages listeners to regularly visit Valley Health's careers website: https://www.valleyhealthlink.com/careers/ for new job opportunities and to consider the organization for a meaningful career.

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

In this episode host Janet Michael sits down with co-host Carl Knoblock, Virginia District Director for the Small Business Administration to offer guidance and tips for those starting small business in the new year.

They cover the common pitfalls and misconceptions that new business owners face, such as underestimating the complexity of running a business, the importance of thorough business planning, setting realistic revenue goals, and understanding the hidden costs of products and services.

The dialogue highlights the challenges specific to both product-based and service-based businesses, emphasizing the necessity of proper pricing, the value of networking, and the importance of understanding one's customer base. Janet and Carl also share insights on how to market effectively without overspending, the significance of bookkeeping, and how automating certain tasks can save time and money.

Carl stresses the importance of leveraging resources like the Small Business Administration, local chambers of commerce, and various community support systems. Janet adds real-life anecdotes to underline these points, including her own experiences with early business mistakes and later adjustments.

The episode concludes with Carl and Janet discussing the changing demographics and economics of local markets, using analogies from various industries to illustrate their points. They aim to provide listeners with practical advice and encourage them to seek out additional resources and guidance to avoid common entrepreneurial mistakes.

Hear more conversations like these by clicking here.

In this episode, host Janet Michael is joined by Joanne Royaltey, a Program Associate for the Frederick County Extension Office, and Kerry Higdon, NSV Master Gardener (class of 2020) and the program lead for the Seed Exchange to talk about the Northern Shenandoah Valley Master Gardeners' annual Seed Exchange event. The free event is scheduled for Saturday, January 18th, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at Strasburg High School - a new location.

Kerry shares that the new venue offers more space, better accessibility, and indoor comfort compared to previous years. She explains that attendees can obtain free seeds, participate in children's activities, and consult Master Gardeners for advice. The exchange includes a range of seeds like vegetables, herbs, flowers, legumes, tubers & bulbs, but also welcomes donations of gardening books and magazines. Attendees are NOT required to bring seeds to exchange in order to receive free seeds.

Kerry offers practical tips for participants, such as how to package seeds to donate and the focus on avoiding invasive species. The event promotes the use of locally sourced seeds, which are acclimated to the area's environment, enhancing their success.

Joanne underscores the broader mission of the Master Gardeners to educate and engage the community in sustainable gardening practices. She also gives an update on the application process for the NSV Master Gardener Class of 2025.

Learn more about the Seed Exchange on the NSV Master Gardener website: https://nsvmga.org/events/seed-exchange/ and follow them on Facebook.

In this episode, host Janet Michael kicks off "part one" of a conversation with Kerry Higdon. Kerry is an NSV Master Gardener (class of 2020) and the program lead for the upcoming Seed Exchange (tomorrow's show topic.)

The conversation today revolves around Kerry's efforts to transform her backyard into a meadow to support wildlife despite facing initial opposition from the town of Edinburgh. Kerry shares the detailed process of obtaining permission from the town council, including speaking with the mayor, submitting a formal petition, and gathering community support via a GoFundMe campaign.

Kerry also discusses the practicalities of seed saving and touches on the importance of understanding specific seed requirements, labeling, and storing methods, as well as the benefits of allowing a garden to support wildlife through different stages of plant life.

To read the article about Kerry in the Northern Virginia Daily, click here, but note it may be behind a paywall.