A two-year YouTube rabbit hole, a heart-tugging keynote in Norfolk, and one perfectly-timed introduction — that's the unlikely path that brought Cycling Without Age to Winchester. On this episode of The Valley Today, host Janet Michael sits down at Shenandoah Valley Westminster-Canterbury with Steve Policastro (founder of Cycling Without Age Winchester), Jeannie Shiley (Westminster-Canterbury's President & CEO), and Teresa Barton (Wellness Manager) to talk about the global nonprofit that's giving older adults the gift of wind in their hair — one slow trishaw ride at a time.

The conversation unpacks how a Copenhagen-born movement (now in 40+ countries with 6,000 trishaws and over 5 million rides given) landed in Winchester through "big world, small town" timing, what the rides actually feel like, and the five principles — generosity, slowness, storytelling, relationships, and "without age" — that guide every chapter. Plus: how to become a pilot, how to support the push for a second trishaw that can serve the whole community, and where Janet's orange blanket fits into all of it.

ABOUT CYCLING WITHOUT AGE WINCHESTER

A 501(c)(3) nonprofit chapter of the global Cycling Without Age movement (founded 2012 in Copenhagen). Free trishaw rides for older adults, powered entirely by volunteer pilots. Currently 15 trained pilots and one trishaw, partnered with Shenandoah Valley Westminster-Canterbury. Fundraising underway for a second trishaw to serve the broader Winchester community — downtown walking mall, museum trails, Jim Barnett Park, and beyond.

HOW TO GET INVOLVED

• Become a pilot — if you can ride a bike, with practice you can pilot a trishaw
• Donate or fundraise toward the second community trishaw
• Spread the word — follow on Instagram and share the rides
• Watch for an upcoming community fundraising event featuring the same documentary that inspired Westminster-Canterbury

LINKS & RESOURCES

• Cycling Without Age Winchester: cyclingwithoutage.com/winchester

• Email: [email protected]

• Instagram: @cyclingwithoutagewinchester

• Shenandoah Valley Westminster-Canterbury: svwc.org

• The global Cycling Without Age movement: cyclingwithoutage.org (Ole Kassow's TED Talk and the founding story)

• Partner organizations referenced: Bike Walk Winchester, Winchester Wheelmen

THE VALLEY TODAY with Janet Michael — A decade of conversations.

New podcast episodes drop weekdays at 11 AM. Catch the show on The River 95.3 and Fox Sports 1450 AM weekdays just after noon.

Subscribe and listen at thevalleytodaypodcast.com — available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts. If you enjoy the show, please take a moment to leave a rating or review — it helps more listeners find us.

Connect with us: Facebook — facebook.com/ValleyTodayFanPage Instagram — instagram.com/thevalleytoday

Three thousand people came out last year — and the team is just getting started. On this Valley Business Today edition of The Valley Today, host Janet Michael sits down at Winchester Regional Airport with Top of Virginia Regional Chamber Director of Events Kaleigh Fincham and Airport Executive Director Nick Sabo to talk about the return of Wings & Wheels on Saturday, October 3rd — a free, family-friendly day of aircraft, classic cars, music, food trucks, and a vendor market on the tarmac.

The conversation digs into what's coming back, what's getting bigger and better (improved flow, more music, fly-in traffic for pilots), how sponsorship works at every budget level, and why this event is more than fun — it's a workforce-development moment connecting kids to aviation careers and showing the community what the newly-rebuilt airport has to offer year-round. Plus, a heartfelt send-off as Kaleigh announces she's leaving the chamber to grow her family's event business, The Ivy Collective.

EVENT DETAILS

Wings & Wheels — Saturday, October 3, 2026 Winchester Regional Airport 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM • Free admission Aircraft static displays, classic & custom car show, motorcycles, large trucks, live music, food trucks, sweet treats, vendor market, touch-a-truck, balloon artist, barrel rides, kids' face painting Sponsorship tiers: Presenting $10,000 • Platinum $5,000 • Gold $3,000 • Silver $1,000 • Bronze $500 Vendor options: 10x10 booth, 20x10 booth, nonprofit rate Pilots: dedicated fly-in parking — communication forthcoming

LINKS & RESOURCES

Top of Virginia Regional Chamber: regionalchamber.biz • Sponsorship, vendor, music inquiries: [email protected]

Winchester Regional Airport: flyokv.com • Airport event hosting inquiries: [email protected] • Open to the public daily — come watch the planes, sit on the patio, ask questions

The Ivy Collective (Kaleigh's new venture) — event planning, design, floristry; based at The Ivy Room (follow on Facebook) and The Exchange on Loudoun (follow on Facebook) in downtown Winchester.

THE VALLEY TODAY with Janet Michael — A decade of conversations.

New podcast episodes drop weekdays at 11 AM. Catch the show on The River 95.3 and Fox Sports 1450 AM weekdays just after noon.

Subscribe and listen at thevalleytodaypodcast.com — available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts. If you enjoy the show, please take a moment to leave a rating or review — it helps more listeners find us.

Connect with us: Facebook — facebook.com/ValleyTodayFanPage Instagram — instagram.com/thevalleytoday

Sometimes the right business finds you. On this Shenandoah County Tourism Tuesday edition of The Valley Today, host Janet Michael and Kary Haun head to Natural Art Garden Center on Route 11 to talk with new owner Jess Steyn — a former hairdresser, homeschooling mom of three boys, and unlikely garden center owner — about how a casual conversation with previous owner Lynne turned into the next chapter of a beloved local business.

Jess shares what she's kept the same (Christmas tree names included), what she's changed to highlight the property's mountain views, and how the whole family has become part of the customer experience. Then Kary runs through what's blooming across Shenandoah County this season — farmers markets, vineyards with live music, a fly fishing school, Wander Woodstock, and how the Visit Shenandoah County website can plan the whole weekend for you.

NATURAL ART GARDEN CENTER — VISIT INFO

Located on Route 11 between Strasburg and Woodstock (right off the Toms Brook exit) Hours: Monday–Saturday 9 AM–4 PM • Sunday 12–3 PM (hours shift seasonally — check Facebook for updates) What's on offer: hanging baskets, annuals, perennials, shrubs, trees, veggies, houseplants, bulk compost / mulch / topsoil / sand / gravel, plus Christmas trees, wreaths, and poinsettias in season

AROUND SHENANDOAH COUNTY THIS SEASON

Farmers Markets — Woodstock, Bryce Resort, and others across the county (full list on Visit Shenandoah County)

Vineyards & Breweries — live music on weekends across eight county vineyards; Woodstock BrewHouse outdoor patio music Thursday nights; Swover Creek artist lineup Orkney Springs — flower arranging workshop May 29; weekend yoga programs

Murray's Fly Shop — Full-Day Fly Fishing School, May 30

Wander Woodstock — Thursday, June 5 • 5–8 PM • businesses open late, live music, vendors, specials

THE VALLEY TODAY with Janet Michael — A decade of conversations.

New podcast episodes drop weekdays at 11 AM. Catch the show on The River 95.3 and Fox Sports 1450 AM weekdays just after noon.

Subscribe and listen at thevalleytodaypodcast.com — available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts. If you enjoy the show, please take a moment to leave a rating or review — it helps more listeners find us.

Connect with us: Facebook — facebook.com/ValleyTodayFanPage Instagram — instagram.com/thevalleytoday

On this Friends of Old Town edition of The Valley Today, host Janet Michael and Brady Cloven are joined at Hideaway Café by Stephanie Novak — owner of Ritual Spa at the George Washington Hotel and Coven Salon on Millwood Avenue — for a wide-ranging chat about pampering, pirates, and a packed June in Old Town Winchester.

Steph shares what's behind Ritual Spa's nearly-two-year run inside the historic GW (lymphatic drainage, customized facials, hot tub access, and 24/7 online gift certificates) and how its sister salon Coven brings the "wilder and edgy" side. Then Brady runs through everything coming up downtown — the newly (almost) completed childhood literacy mural by the splash pad, First Friday's return, Hop Blossom, KidzFest, Juneteenth, and the laser-light VA 250 Downtown Jubilee. Plus an honest update on why the splash pad is sidelined for the summer and what Friends of Old Town is doing about it.

WHO'S ON THIS EPISODE

• Brady Cloven — Executive Director, Friends of Old Town Winchester
• Steph Novak — Owner, Ritual Spa (at the George Washington Hotel) and Coven Salon (on Millwood Avenue)

IN THIS EPISODE

Hideaway Café check-in + the new castle exhibit at the Shenandoah Valley Discovery Museum

Meet Steph — how Ritual Spa came to live inside the historic GW Hotel

What's on offer — massage, facials, and access to the hotel pool and hot tub

Why a great facial can be just as relaxing as a massage

Specialty massage — lymphatic drainage, zero balancing, and post-surgical healing

For people who don't love being touched — how a good service provider makes it work

24/7 online gift certificates (and why you can't buy one at the front desk)

Coven Salon — hair, lashes, permanent cosmetics, massage, facials, and a whole lot of social media chaos

Hours and websites for both locations

The new childhood literacy mural by the splash pad — a year in the making

New public art guidelines for Old Town — the lasting win behind the mural

Meet artist Annalise Buono, plus local collaborators Jill Savry and Alyssa Ruby

The next mural at Taylor Pavilion — "past, present, performance" — open call

Why the splash pad is closed this summer (and what's being planned in its place)

First Friday returns June 5th — band, Artist Alley, vendor fair, Sip and Stroll

Hop Blossom on June 6th + the Newberry building after-party

KidzFest June 13th — dunk tank, free ice cream, free kids meals, and 30 vendors

Juneteenth weekend with Hood Love

VA 250 Downtown Jubilee — an all-day July 4th event with three laser-light shows

Main Street Masterpieces — local artists in vacant storefronts

Memorial Day weekend drone show at Jim Barnett Park (250 drones)

New downtown openings — Revival Vintage, Winchester Tavern, Please Boutique, Mood and Moss

OLD TOWN WINCHESTER — JUNE AT A GLANCE

First Friday — Friday, June 5 • 5 PM onward • Raised on Analog 6:30–8 PM • Artist Alley curated by Tin Top Art • Moon Phase vendor fair

Sip and Stroll Hop Blossom (13th annual) — Saturday, June 6 • Newberry building hosts the after-party with live music and merch

Kids Fest — Saturday, June 13 • 30 vendors • dunk tank • face painting • street performers • free ice cream from Uncle Beehive's (first 200 kids) • free kids meals from Snow White Grill (first 200)

Juneteenth weekend — Saturday, June 20 • event hosted by Hood Love (details on social)

Memorial Day weekend — Jim Barnett Park drone show (250 drones) — follow Winchester City Parks on Facebook for weather updates

VA 250 Downtown Jubilee — July 4 • all-day event • three 20-minute laser-light shows

LINKS & RESOURCES

• Ritual Spa: theritualspawinchester.com
• Coven Salon: thecovensalon.com
• Friends of Old Town: friendsofoldtown.org
• Friends of Old Town on Facebook: "Friends of Old Town"
• Friends of Old Town on Instagram: @friendsofoldtownwinc
• Taylor Pavilion mural — open call for submissions (details on friendsofoldtown.org)
• Shenandoah Valley Discovery Museum — castle exhibit running all summer
• Winchester City Parks on Facebook — drone show updates

THE VALLEY TODAY with Janet Michael — A decade of conversations.

New podcast episodes drop weekdays at 11 AM. Catch the show on The River 95.3 and Fox Sports 1450 AM weekdays just after noon.

Subscribe and listen at thevalleytodaypodcast.com — available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts. If you enjoy the show, please take a moment to leave a rating or review — it helps more listeners find us.

Connect with us: Facebook — facebook.com/ValleyTodayFanPage Instagram — instagram.com/thevalleytoday

For 20 years, Valley Health's Metabolic and Bariatric Program has been changing lives in the Northern Shenandoah Valley — and it's almost never about the number on the scale. On this Community Health Day edition of The Valley Today, host Janet Michael sits down with Dr. Christopher Reed (Medical Director and Surgeon), Tiffany Sommer (Nurse Practitioner), and Jennifer Adsit (Registered Dietitian) to talk about why obesity is an incurable disease that requires lifelong support, and how a team-based approach has built the program's reputation.

The conversation moves through the multiple "pathways" patients can take — medical weight loss, GLP-1 medications, endoscopic procedures, and surgery — why surgery is still the most durable option for the right patient, and what life actually looks like before, during, and after treatment. Plus: a preview of the program's 20th anniversary celebration on June 10th, open to past, current, and potential future patients alike.

WHO'S ON THIS EPISODE

• Dr. Christopher Reed — Medical Director and Surgeon, Valley Health Metabolic and Bariatric Program
• Tiffany Summer — Nurse Practitioner, Valley Health Metabolic and Bariatric Program
• Jennifer Adsit — Registered Dietitian, Valley Health Metabolic and Bariatric Program

IN THIS EPISODE

(00:00) 20 years of the program — and why a team approach is unusual in this field

(01:00) Why post-op life matters more than the surgery itself

(02:00) Cutting through diet misinformation — evidence-based, sustainable change

(03:30) Portion control over elimination — meeting patients where they are

(04:30) Obesity as an incurable disease and why malnourishment drives much of it

(06:30) The full menu of options — medical, endoscopic, and surgical

(08:00) When surgery isn't the first step — using the medical program to prepare patients

(09:00) The moment patients connect food and how they feel

(11:30) What a first appointment really looks like — pathways, not pressure

(14:00) Why surgery still has the best durable weight loss — and what GLP-1s leave out

(15:00) The risk calculator that personalizes every surgical recommendation

(16:30) The pre-op process — dietitian visits, behavioral health, and the checklist

(18:30) Post-op care for life — labs, vitamins, and why follow-up matters

(19:30) The six-month visit — energy, mobility, and lives changed beyond weight loss

(21:30) Building healthy habits the whole family benefits from

(24:00) The 20th Anniversary Celebration on June 10th — details and how to RSVP

(26:00) Free support groups, virtual and in-person

(27:00) The adolescent program — comprehensive care starting at age 14

EVENT DETAILS

Valley Health Metabolic and Bariatric Program — 20th Anniversary Celebration June 10, 2026

Winchester Medical Center Campus, Conference Center

Open to past patients, current patients, potential future patients, and community providers

Raffle prizes including vitamin gift baskets and wellness center memberships

RSVP via the program's Facebook page

LINKS & RESOURCES

• Valley Health Metabolic & Bariatric Program: valleyhealthlink.com (Our Services → Metabolic and Bariatric Program)
• Program Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/VHSBariatricProgram
• Free monthly support groups — virtual and in-person, with guest speakers and gift card giveaways
• Adolescent program available starting at age 14

THE VALLEY TODAY with Janet Michael — A decade of conversations.

New podcast episodes drop weekdays at 11 AM. Catch the show on The River 95.3 and Fox Sports 1450 AM weekdays just after noon.

Subscribe and listen at thevalleytodaypodcast.com — available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts. If you enjoy the show, please take a moment to leave a rating or review — it helps more listeners find us.

Connect with us: Facebook — facebook.com/ValleyTodayFanPage Instagram — instagram.com/thevalleytoday

This isn't your kid's old YDC. On this episode of The Valley Today, host Janet Michael sits down with Sarah Fishel, Executive Director of the YDC, to talk about how the organization is rethinking what a youth center can be — and how a year in their new building at 302 South Loudoun has opened up the possibilities.

The conversation digs into Summerfest, the YDC's 10-week summer program kicking off June 1st with flexible scheduling, guest speakers, literacy and art alongside the physical activity, and scholarships so no kid gets left out. Plus: why their e-sports program is teaching leadership in unexpected ways, how community donations (and Target dollar-section finds) keep the doors open, and a preview of the All-American Pig & Pour bourbon fundraiser coming in July.

WHO'S ON THIS EPISODE

• Sarah Fishel — Executive Director, the YDC

IN THIS EPISODE

(00:00) A year in the new building at 302 South Loudoun — and gearing up for Summerfest

(00:30) What Summerfest is — 10 weeks of activities, literacy, art, and guest speakers

(01:00) Flexible scheduling — full summer, weekly, or single-day options

(02:00) Ages 6–12 (with flexibility) and why staff diversity matters

(03:30) Different rooms for different activities and age-appropriate programming

(04:00) Guest speakers including Shenandoah University e-sports and women's basketball

(05:00) Why e-sports is teaching leadership to kids who don't want to play basketball

(06:00) Logistics — 7:30 AM drop-off, snacks/lunch from home, sunscreen recommended

(07:00) The massive parking lot, outdoor space, and scholarship deadline

(08:00) Donor relationships and the role of community giving

(09:30) Saturday art class moving to Wednesdays during Summer Fest

(10:30) First Friday drop-off program for parents on the way

(11:00) Two art rooms, two reading rooms, classroom, game room, gyms, new sensory room

(13:30) The Apple Blossom float and community-driven ideas

(14:30) Volunteer opportunities — and why "advocate" is the most overlooked one

(15:30) The All-American Pig & Pour bourbon fundraiser coming in July

(16:30) Donation needs — books, board games, art supplies, school supplies

(18:00) Where to find everything online

EVENT DETAILS

Summerfest June 1 – August 2026 (10 weeks)

The YDC, 302 South Loudoun Street, Winchester

Ages 6–12 (with flexibility) • Drop-off from 7:30 AM Full-summer, weekly, or single-day rates available

Limited to 40 kids per week • Scholarships available (deadline May 22, 2026)

Bring: lunch, snacks, sunscreen, change of clothes recommended

Register: myydc.org

All-American Pig & Pour (signature fundraiser)

July 2026 • At the YDC Roasted pig, live band, bourbon — Heaven Hill sponsors

Sponsorship opportunities available

LINKS & RESOURCES

• The YDC website (registration, donations, newsletter, Amazon wishlist): myydc.org
• The YDC on Facebook
• The YDC on Instagram
• Donation needs: books, board games, art supplies, school supplies
• Volunteer signups available through the Point app — info on the website

THE VALLEY TODAY with Janet Michael — A decade of conversations.

New podcast episodes drop weekdays at 11 AM. Catch the show on The River 95.3 and Fox Sports 1450 AM weekdays just after noon.

Subscribe and listen at thevalleytodaypodcast.com — available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts. If you enjoy the show, please take a moment to leave a rating or review — it helps more listeners find us.

Connect with us: Facebook — facebook.com/ValleyTodayFanPage Instagram — instagram.com/thevalleytoday

Finding help shouldn't be the hardest part of being a veteran. On this episode of The Valley Today, host Janet Michael talks with three women working to change that: Ashley Moslak, Nicole Hess, and Patricia Young — the people behind the Northern Shenandoah Valley Community Veterans Engagement Board (CVEB) and The HIVE at Shenandoah University.

They explain how CVEB acts as a connector that links veterans to the right resources before they get overwhelmed, how The HIVE has become a convening space for veteran service organizations, and why volunteering for this cause looks different than you'd expect. Plus: full details on two upcoming events — the Healing Field of Honor resource setup at Handley High School and the Veterans Community Connection Barbecue at The HIVE.

WHO'S ON THIS EPISODE

• Ashley Moslak — Chair, Northern Shenandoah Valley Community Veterans Engagement Board (CVEB)
• Nicole Hess — Co-Chair, CVEB; Director of Military Benefits, Shenandoah University
• Patricia Young — Executive Director, The HIVE (Hazel Pruett Armory — Hub for Innovators, Veterans, and Entrepreneurs); Advisor, CVEB

IN THIS EPISODE

(00:00) Welcome back — Ashley's first appearance since October 2020

(01:30) Meet the team: CVEB, Shenandoah University, and The Hive

(02:00) CVEB history — founded 2017, what a "connector" organization actually does

(04:00) Why a single entry point matters when veterans are overwhelmed

(05:30) Monthly member meetings, featured speakers, and the resource website

(06:00) The five counties CVEB serves — and the Tech For Troops laptop partnership

(07:30) How Shenandoah University and The Hive fit into the mission

(09:30) Nicole's role — "the worker bee and emotional support friend"

(11:30) The Healing Field of Honor at Handley High School and CVEB's resource setup

(14:30) The Veterans Community Connection Barbecue — what to expect

(17:00) Guitars for Vets, a mobile paint splatter room, and free food

(18:30) Volunteering looks different here — veteran-owned businesses can give back

(19:30) Making financial donations — CVEB's transparency and Candid platinum rating

(20:30) Finding CVEB online and the push to grow social media

EVENT DETAILS

Healing Field of Honor — CVEB Resource Setup Thursday, May 21, 2026 • 3:00–7:00 PM Handley High School lawn, Winchester (alongside the Winchester Rotary ceremony)

Veterans Community Connection Barbecue Thursday, May 28, 2026

• 11:00 AM–2:00 PM The HIVE, Shenandoah University campus

• Free

• Open to the community, not just veterans

• RSVP requested (food count) Live music from Guitars for Vets and a mobile paint splatter room from Prismatic Art Studios

• RSVP via the flyer on the CVEB website landing page

LINKS & RESOURCES

• CVEB website, resource guide & barbecue RSVP: nsvcveb.org
• CVEB on Facebook: facebook.com/NSVCVEB
• The HIVE on Instagram: su_hive
• The HIVE programming: [email protected]
• Shenandoah HIVE / Patricia Young on LinkedIn
• GI Bill & veteran student benefits (Shenandoah University): [email protected]
• Tech For Troops (Richmond) and Guitars for Vets — partner nonprofits mentioned

You wouldn't build a house without an architect or have surgery without the right medical team — so why leave your financial future to chance? On this Luray-Page Chamber edition of The Valley Today, host Janet Michael and Chamber President Gina Hilliard talk with senior financial advisor Mandy Leeth of Being Financial about treating money management as intentional life design — not just data and graphs.

Mandy makes the case that it's never too late to start, unpacks the misconceptions that keep people stuck, and explains why women bring a powerful lens to financial planning — especially around the wealth transfer that happens when they outlive their spouses. Plus, Gina shares what's ahead for the Chamber, including a Women in Business luncheon and the Chamber's 100th anniversary banquet.

WHO'S ON THIS EPISODE

• Gina Hilliard — President, Luray-Page Chamber of Commerce
• Mandy Leeth — Senior Financial Advisor, Being Financial

IN THIS EPISODE

(00:00) Janet kicks off Season 10 — new cover art, video pieces, and a possible weekend edition coming in June

(01:30) "I grow people's money" — why spring is the perfect time to talk financial growth (02:00) Your nest egg isn't a finite number: rethinking what you have

(02:30) Intentional life design — looking at dreams and values, not just data

(03:30) An overview of Being Financial, founder Jared Troutman, and the tele-advising model

(04:30) The two biggest misconceptions: "it's too late" and "I don't need it"

(06:30) Why women bring a powerful lens to financial planning

(08:00) Why a one-size-fits-all online template is not a blueprint

(09:30) You're the CEO of your life — interview your advisor accordingly

(11:30) What a simple, complimentary first meeting actually looks like

(15:30) The wealth transfer when women outlive spouses — and navigating a windfall

(17:30) Behavioral finance and breaking "generational money curses"

(19:00) How to reach Mandy and the Being Financial team

(20:00) Chamber events: Women in Business luncheon + the 100th anniversary banquet

EVENT DETAILS

Women in Business Luncheon — Tuesday, May 19, 2026 11:30 AM–1:00 PM • Speaker: Christine Kennedy, leadership & life purpose coach

100th Annual Banquet & Awards — Thursday, May 28, 2026 5:00 PM at the Mimslyn Inn, Luray. Celebrating the Chamber's 100th anniversary (founded 1926) Registration closed — call to check seat availability or join the waiting list. RSVP / contact the Chamber: 540-743-3915 or [email protected]

LINKS & RESOURCES

• Being Financial: being-financial.com
• Mandy Leith: [email protected]
• Luray-Page Chamber of Commerce: luraypagechamber.com
• Chamber events & RSVP: [email protected] or 540-743-3915

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THE VALLEY TODAY with Janet Michael - A decade of conversations.

New podcast episodes drop weekdays at 11 AM. Catch the show on The River 95.3 and Fox Sports 1450 AM weekdays just after noon.

Subscribe and listen at thevalleytodaypodcast.com — available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts. If you enjoy the show, please take a moment to leave a rating or review — it helps more listeners find us.

Connect with us: Facebook — facebook.com/ValleyTodayFanPage Instagram — instagram.com/thevalleytoday

Host Janet Michael sits down (virtually) with Candace DeLong, Frederick County Extension Agent, and Master Gardeners Carolyn Sinclair and Jeff Wingate (class of 2025) to talk all things GardenFest — the Northern Shenandoah Valley Master Gardeners' biggest event of the year.

Event Details

• What: GardenFest 2026
• When: Saturday, June 6, 2026 | 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM (Parking opens at 7:00 AM)
• Where: Belle Grove Plantation, Middletown, VA
• Admission: FREE
• Rain or shine

What's at GardenFest

🌿 Plants

• 2,100+ plants from Master Gardeners across all five valley counties (Page, Clarke, Shenandoah, Frederick, and Warren)
• 237+ varieties including a strong focus on native plants, trees, and shrubs
• Plants: $6 | Trees & Shrubs: $12
• Payment: cash, check, or credit card
• Full plant list available in advance at nsvmga.org

🎓 Education

• Ask a Master Gardener tent — bring your plant questions
• NEW: 15-minute mini-workshops on pruning, vegetable growing, preserving your harvest, flower arranging, and tool sharpening — each with a raffle ticket for attendees
• Kids' programming focused on horticulture and planting
• Presentation on the box tree moth

🛒 Vendors & Food

• 36 vendors including retail, nonprofits, and food trucks
• Food: Cousins Maine Lobster, Sexy Mexi, A Taste of the Philippines, Cotton Candy Princess truck, baked goods, coffee & hot chocolate
• Tool sharpening drop-off service

🎁 Extras

• Raffle gift baskets (some with 19+ items) donated by vendors
• Silent auction at the Secondhand Rose tent (proceeds support Master Gardener programs)

Pro Tips from the Guests

• Arrive early — people line up before 8 AM, and popular plants (especially peonies) go fast
• Bring a wagon or wheeled cart; boxes will be available on-site
• Wear comfortable walking shoes
• Bring cash for raffles, the silent auction, and the Secondhand Rose tent
• Leave pets at home
• No need to prep — just come with your plant wish list

About the Master Gardener Program

The Northern Shenandoah Valley Master Gardeners are part of Virginia Cooperative Extension. Volunteers complete 50 hours of intensive horticultural training and give back a minimum of 50 hours of community service — though most give far more. GardenFest is their primary annual fundraiser, supporting educational programs across all five counties year-round, including seed exchanges, plant clinics, library kids' programs, and Ask the Master Gardener desks.

Links & Resources

• Plant list & event info: nsvmga.org
• Northern Shenandoah Valley Master Gardeners Facebook page
• Frederick County Extension Office — call for more details: (540) 665-5699

Host Janet Michael sits down (virtually) with two outstanding graduates from Laurel Ridge Community College, joined by Sally Voth, Public Relations Coordinator for the college. This episode celebrates academic achievement, resilience, and the transformative power of community college education.

Guests

• Maria Valle – Outstanding Graduate, Fauquier Campus
• Mary Herter Nelson – Outstanding Graduate, Middletown Campus
• Sally Voth – Public Relations Coordinator, Laurel Ridge Community College

Segment 1 – Maria Valle

Maria grew up in Argentina with a dream of studying abroad. After moving to Warrenton, Virginia in 2022, she discovered Laurel Ridge was just 10 minutes away. She completed her studies in Administration of Justice and will transfer to Shenandoah University in the fall to pursue a degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice.

Key highlights:

• Navigating higher education in a second language
• Involvement in PDK Honor Society and student engagement projects
• Her goal: working in victim services, with a focus on Spanish-speaking communities
• Completing professional training through Fairfax County on domestic violence and sexual violence

Professors Maria credits:

• Lisa Dunick – English Composition & Literature
• Lisa Kara – Criminology
• Tarren Smarr – History & Sociology

Maria's advice: "Be open to new experiences, because they can always lead you to wonderful places you never imagined."

Segment 2 – Mary Herter Nelson

Mary comes from a true Laurel Ridge family — her mother, older brother, and younger sister all attended the college. A homeschool graduate who was initially too shy to enroll, Mary's mom signed her up and helped her take that first step. In just two semesters, she went from nervous newcomer to campus leader.

Key highlights:

• Founded the Laurel Ridge Dance Club and organized a campus square dance
• Became a Student Ambassador
• Participated in Mystery Bus trips and campus life events
• Part of the TRIO program
• Plans to work as a teacher's aide before pursuing her long-term calling as a religious sister

People Mary credits:

• Rich Follett – College Success Skills (helped her build community)
• Polly Nesselrodt – Spanish professor and Dance Club sponsor
• Chris Lambert – Student Life
• Caroline Walls & Sasha Dawson – Academic advisors

Mary's advice: "Find the support system that is going to carry you through. Take the leap with people that you trust."