Guests

• Cynthia Schneider — CEO, Top of Virginia Regional Chamber; 2026 Distinguished Alumni Award Recipient, Laurel Ridge Community College
• Liv Heggoy — Associate Vice President of Development, Laurel Ridge Community College & Executive Director, Laurel Ridge Educational Foundation
• Brandy Hawkins Boies — Director of Public Relations & Special Events, Laurel Ridge Community College

Episode Summary

Host Janet Michael sits down with three guests to celebrate Cynthia Schneider's recognition as Laurel Ridge Community College's 2026 Distinguished Alumni Award recipient. The conversation covers Cynthia's winding career path, the transformative power of community college, and how it's never too late to start a new chapter.

Key Topics Covered

The Distinguished Alumni Award

• Awarded for over 40 years to community members who have distinguished themselves in their career and service
• Recipients are honored each year at the Laurel Ridge Educational Foundation luncheon
• The luncheon brings together donors and scholarship recipients to celebrate the college's impact

Cynthia Schneider's Story

• Began college at James Madison University before transferring to an unaccredited college in Kansas to pursue her faith
• Built a 25-year career in specialty food manufacturing, rising from data entry to Director of Operations
• Found herself jobless at 57, newly empty-nested, facing one of the lowest points of her life
• Enrolled at Laurel Ridge through a grant opportunity — a turning point that rebuilt her confidence
• Landed at the Top of Virginia Regional Chamber as Director of Finance & Administration, eventually becoming CEO
• Reflects on learning to step out of the background and embrace a visible leadership role

The Laurel Ridge Difference

• A nurturing, intergenerational learning environment serving students ages 14–70
• Cynthia's memorable classroom moment: learning to take a photo of the board instead of writing notes — sitting next to her son's classmate
• Cynthia's daughter Sarah went from a 1.9 GPA in high school to the Dean's List at Laurel Ridge, then transferred to JMU via the guaranteed transfer program, earned her degree in Communications, and went on to complete a master's program

On Reinvention & Lifelong Learning

• Cynthia's message: at 69, she feels like she's "just starting"
• The value of community and mentorship in leadership
• Encouragement especially for women and those in midlife to embrace new opportunities

Quotes to Highlight

"Learning is lifelong — and she is such a wonderful example of someone who has just advanced so much in her career." — Liv Heggoy

"I would never have thought of myself as a distinguished leader. I'm better, more comfortable in the background." — Cynthia Schneider

"No one's path is straight. I've not met one single person here at the college that knew exactly what they were going to do." — Brandy Hawkins Boies

Resources & Links

• Distinguished Alumni nominations: laurelridge.edu/alumni
• Visit & registration info: laurelridge.edu/visit
• Fall 2026 credit class registration is now open
• Workforce & continuing education classes register year-round

Janet sits down with John Keim from the Clarke County Litter Committee to talk about the county's Earth Day celebration and the ongoing effort to keep Clarke County clean and beautiful. They discuss how small, everyday actions can make a big difference — and how you can get involved no matter how much time you have.

Clarke County Earth Day Event Details

• Date: April 25th
• Time: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
• Location: Clarke County Fairgrounds

What to Expect:

• Community litter pickup (9:00 AM kickoff)
• Speaker: Ed Carter, Virginia Department of Transportation — Adopt-a-Highway program
• Rain barrel demonstration
• Glass bottle crushing demonstration
• Vendor booths from local environmental and community organizations
• Raffle and silent auction
• Face painting for kids
• Live music
• Food truck

Participating Organizations Include:

• Blandy Experimental Farm
• Northern Shenandoah Valley Master Gardeners
• Shenandoah River Keepers
• Blue Ridge Wildlife Center
• Clarke County Animal Shelter (accepting donations: adult dry cat food)

Key Takeaways

• You don't have to commit to hours of volunteering — even 20–30 minutes in your neighborhood makes an impact
• VDOT spends an estimated $9.3 million per year collecting trash; every bag picked up saves taxpayer dollars
• Trash near waterways can affect livestock and wildlife downstream
• Keeping roads clean discourages further littering
• The Litter Committee does pickups approximately once a month

Getting Kids Involved:

• Clarke County students have designed litter-awareness signs displayed around the county
• The committee is working to engage schools and younger students
• The Litter Committee sponsors a college scholarship for high school students focused on environmental awareness

How to Get Involved

• Website: https://www.clarkecounty.gov/government/boards-commissions/litter-committee
• Email: [email protected]
• Can't make regular pickups? Consider adopting a stretch of road in your neighborhood or picking up trash on your daily walk

Host Janet Michael and Winchester Tourism Director Justin Kerns visit Three Wives Distillery, the first farm distillery in Frederick County, Virginia in over 90 years. They sit down with owners Vernon and Toni Wright to explore how a century-old family farm transformed into a thriving craft distillery — and what it takes to bring locally grown spirits to the public.

In This Episode

• How Hill High Farm (home of a beloved pumpkin patch, corn maze, haunted house, and escape rooms) became the site of a farm distillery
• Vernon's journey as a self-taught distiller, growing all his own corn, barley, rye, and wheat on the farm
• Current product lineup: 4-year bourbon, 6-month whiskey, vodka, maple whiskey, moonshine, and a blackberry whiskey coming soon
• The complex federal and Virginia ABC regulations distilleries must navigate — including label approval, the 3-ounce spirits limit per person, and operating as an official ABC store
• Their farm-to-bottle philosophy, including a Pennsylvania cooper who will craft barrels from the farm's own oak trees
• Seasonal cocktail menus and partnerships with local craft beer and wine producers
• Plans to sell farm-raised beef at the distillery
• Their solicitor's license and how local restaurants can feature Three Wives spirits on their menus
• The origin of the name "Three Wives" — a family story spanning three generations and three marriages
• Four generations of the Wright family currently living and working on the farm
• Upcoming spring grand opening with live music, food trucks, fire pits, and family activities
• Current hours and future expansion plans

The Story Behind the Name

Vernon's great-grandfather, Carl King Wright, married a woman named Maude Brumback, who passed away after only two years. At her request, Carl then married her sister Lela — Vernon's great-grandmother — for 18 years before she also passed. Carl went on to marry a third time, to a cousin of the Brumback family. The name honors the women behind the farm's deep family history.

Connect with Three Wives Distillery

• Website: threewivesdistillery.com
• Facebook: Three Wives Distillery
• TikTok: Three Wives Distillery
• Location: Hill High Farm, Frederick County, Virginia

Current Hours:

• Friday: 5–8 PM
• Saturday: 1–9 PM
• Sunday: 1–5 PM

Featuring Deb Fleming, Executive Director, Greater Shenandoah Valley Chapter of the American Red Cross

Episode Summary

Host Janet Michael continues her year-long disaster preparedness series with a return visit from Deb Fleming of the American Red Cross. This episode goes behind the curtain to reveal the extensive planning, training, and funding that makes local disaster response possible — before a single disaster ever strikes.

What You'll Learn in This Episode

• Why the Red Cross can't just "show up" — and what preparation really looks like
• The 30+ volunteer roles that must be trained and ready before any disaster hits
• How the Red Cross builds relationships with local governments, fire departments, EMTs, and emergency planning commissions
• What a "Thunderbolt" exercise is and why it matters
• How mock disasters (plane crashes, mine incidents, nuclear scenarios) keep volunteers sharp
• Why 90% of Red Cross responses never make the news
• How donations stay local when you give to the Greater Shenandoah Valley chapter
• The real cost of disaster relief — broken down dollar by dollar

Dollar Breakdown: Where Your Donation Goes

Amount

Impact

$20

Provides breakfast, lunch, and dinner for one person

$22

Installs a 10-year battery smoke alarm in a home

$124

Covers travel, meals, and one day of shelter for one person (including shelter worker training)

$135

Provides cleanup kits for five families after a flood

$670

Delivers immediate assistance (hotel, clothing, food, shoes) to a family after a house fire

Ways to Support the Greater Shenandoah Valley Red Cross

• One-time or monthly donation: redcross.org
• Contact Deb directly for larger gifts, customized giving plans, or corporate partnerships
• Corporate matching programs — even small businesses can double their team's impact
• "Bring your checkbook" dinners — host friends, raise funds
• Point-of-sale roundups — grocery stores and gas stations can collect spare change at checkout
• Board giving — all Greater Shenandoah Valley Red Cross board members donate financially to the mission

Key Takeaways

• The Greater Shenandoah Valley chapter covers 11 counties with only 3 paid staff — volunteers are the backbone
• Money donated locally stays local
• Disasters don't wait — the Red Cross operates on call 24/7/365
• Every dollar counts, no matter the size

Connect & Learn More

• Website: redcross.org

Janet Michael talks with Megan Craggs of Carter Hall Farm and Christa Nahhas of La Grange Family Farm to share everything you need to know about the inaugural Lost Arts Festival — a celebration of heritage crafts, hands-on skills, and community connection in the Shenandoah Valley.

Event Details

• Date: April 12th
• Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
• Location: La Grange Family Farm, 5498 Valley Pike, Stephens City, VA (next to Capon Valley Bank)
• Tickets: $9.31 online | $10 at the door
• Capacity: 200 people at a time — purchase tickets in advance recommended
• Proceeds benefit: NW Works (supports individuals with disabilities and barriers to employment)

Scheduled Demonstrations

• Sheep dog herding demo – 11:00 AM
• Sheep shearing demo – 11:00 AM
• Fiber arts: spinning, knitting, and weaving
• Barn quilt making
• Tin type photography
• Canning demo
• Stone carving
• Stained glass & soldering (Liberty Hills Farm)
• Soap making
• Baking from scratch
• Grain grinding
• Fairy house door making
• Foraging talk
• Lavender sachet making with kids
• Book binding
• Vintage photography

Entertainment & Food

• Live Music: Hancock's Civil War String Band performing in the barn
• Food Vendors:
• Shaffer's Barbecue & Market
• Franklin Smokin' Barnyard
• Billy Sous of Clem's Kitchen (Middletown, VA)
• Bee'z Lemonade
• Vault and Cellar (mocktails)
• Shopping: Vintage vendors inside the historic McCloud House on the property

Parking

• Bottom field open for parking with attendants on site
• Additional parking at the neighboring church
• Street parking available
• Drop-off accommodation available for those with mobility needs

Guests & Links

Megan Craggs – Carter Hall Farm

• Website: CarterHallFarm.net
• Farm Stand: Sundays 12–4 PM | 310 Carter's Lane, Stephens City, VA
• Instagram & Facebook: @CarterHallFarm

Christa Nahhas – La Grange Family Farm

• Website: lagrangefamilyfarm.com
• Market open 7 days a week (honor system)
• Instagram & Facebook: @LaGrangeFamilyFarm

Lost Arts Festival

• Instagram: @LostArtsFest
• Facebook: Lost Arts Festival
• Tickets available on Eventbrite

Black Valley Creative (event organizer & marketing)

• Instagram & Facebook: @BlackValleyCreative

Also Mentioned

• Stephens City Farmer's Market – Opening April 25th, 10 AM–3 PM at Newtown Commons (Earth Day & Arbor Day celebration)
• Middletown Farmer's Market – Grand opening Mother's Day, May 10th, 11 AM–3 PM

Host Janet Michael welcomes back her most frequent guest, Captain Warren Gosnell of the Frederick County Sheriff's Office, for another Public Safety Thursday conversation. They cover two major topics: Frederick County's new school zone speed camera program and how to navigate police interactions safely and legally.

Topics Covered

🚦 School Zone Speed Cameras

• Frederick County's camera program launched with a 30-day warning period before violations were issued
• Three school zones are currently active under the camera system, including Stonewall Elementary on Route 11 (25 mph zone)
• Violations are processed by a vendor in Chattanooga, TN, but reviewed and approved by three authorized human deputies within the Frederick County Sheriff's Office — not AI
• Approximately 18,000 warnings and violations have been processed in the first 45–50 days
• Violations are voided if signage is not fully in place (e.g., after a windstorm removed a sign)
• Enforcement threshold begins at 10 mph over the posted school zone speed limit
• Some repeat offenders were clocked at 15–25 mph over the limit

👮 Police Interactions & Knowing Your Rights

• Social media and viral videos are fueling misconceptions about what rights people actually have during police encounters
• In Virginia, motorists are required by law to provide their license when requested by a uniformed officer
• Officers operate under both discretionary laws and mandatory ("shall") enforcement statutes — they don't always have a choice
• Example discussed: reckless driving (Class 1 misdemeanor) vs. speeding (traffic infraction) and how discretion works
• Impounding a vehicle for an unlicensed driver on a second offense is mandatory under Virginia Code 46.2-300
• If you believe an officer acted improperly, recourse options include: the court system, the agency's chain of command, FOIA requests for body cam/dash cam footage, and public platforms
• Key message: comply with lawful directives first, then pursue recourse — don't escalate at the scene

Resources Mentioned

• Frederick County Sheriff's Office – social media pages for updates on traffic enforcement
• Virginia Code 46.2 – Motor Vehicle Code
• Virginia Code 18.2-266 – DUI/Driving Under the Influence
• FOIA (Freedom of Information Act) requests for body cam and dash cam footage

Janet Michael sits down with Melanie Stull, Administrative Assistant and Volunteer Coordinator for Phoenix Project, to discuss Sexual Assault Awareness Month and the many ways the organization serves survivors of domestic and sexual violence in Front Royal and Warren County. Chamber President Niki Foster then joins Janet to share upcoming Chamber events, including Coffee & Conversation and the Virginia Wine & Craft Festival.

Phoenix Project Segment

What is Phoenix Project? Phoenix Project is Warren County's community response to domestic and sexual violence. All services are free and confidential and include:

• Court accompaniment
• Hospital accompaniment for forensic exams
• Child and sexual assault counseling
• Court advocacy
• 24/7 hotlines

New: Phoenix Project is hiring for a Firearm Intervention Program position — addressing the fact that lethality in domestic violence situations rises 600% when a firearm is involved.

Sexual Assault Awareness Month (April) Activities:

• Teal ribbon displays along Main Street and at local businesses
• "What Were You Wearing" exhibit — a powerful display challenging misconceptions about sexual assault
• Healing Art Support Group for adults (led by sexual assault advocate Aaliya)
• First-ever Children's Healing Art Group for ages 9–12 (Saturday sessions)

Volunteering with Phoenix Project:

• Hotline support (Level 1 & 2 training provided — all materials included)
• Event support
• Office assistance
• Community outreach and advocacy
• The hotline comes to you — no need to come into the office

Hotline Number: 540-635-2300

• Office line: 540-635-2302

Website: phoenix-project.org

Chamber Segment

Coffee & Conversation

• When: First Friday of every month, 9–10 AM
• Where: On Cue Sports Bar, Main Street, Front Royal
• This month's guest: Avery Harper, Executive Director of Phoenix Project
• Open to everyone — not just business owners

Virginia Wine & Craft Festival

• Date: Saturday, May 16th
• Tickets: wineandcraftfestival.com
• Buy online now for $30 (save $10 vs. gate price of $40)
• Ticket includes: wine glass, wristband, and unlimited tastings from 24 wineries
• 100+ artisans and crafters, food vendors, kids' area, live entertainment
• Free general admission for non-wine drinkers
• Great Mother's Day gift idea!

Lead Share Networking Group

• Meets the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month at 8:30 AM
• Location: Front Royal Warren County Chamber office
• Ideal for those looking to build their network in a structured, small-group setting

Chamber Resources:

• Website: frontroyalchamber.com
• Facebook: Front Royal Warren County Chamber of Commerce

Key Topics Discussed

• The dangers survivors face when leaving an abusive situation
• Why "just leaving" is not simple — and why it's the most dangerous time
• The "What Were You Wearing" exhibit and dismantling victim-blaming myths
• Human trafficking in Warren County
• How children are more aware of household violence than parents realize
• The Lethality Assessment Protocol (LAP) hotline in partnership with local law enforcement
• Safety planning for both intimate partner violence and stranger violence

Host: Janet Michael

Guests:

• Gina Hilliard, President – Luray Page Chamber of Commerce
• Jen Jenkins, Parks Superintendent – Luray Parks & Recreation
• Sherri Glenn, Events & Marketing Coordinator – Luray Parks & Recreation

Episode Summary

Janet talks with Gina, Jen, and Sherri about upcoming events from free youth fishing derbies and outdoor concerts to the nation's 250th birthday celebration and a Chamber trip to Ireland.

Events Covered

🎣 22nd Annual Youth Trout Derby

• Date: Saturday, April 11th, 7:00 AM – 2:00 PM
• Location: Luray fishing corridor, north of Mechanic Street Bridge
• Ages: 2–15
• Cost: FREE
• Free lunch, goodie bags, prizes, and loaner fishing gear available
• Conservation education booths from Dept. of Wildlife & Resources, VA Dept. of Forestry, and more
• Pre-registration recommended
• Register: townofluray.com or Facebook page

🌳 Arbor Day & Hawksbill Greenway 25th Anniversary Celebration

• Date: Saturday, April 18th, 11:00 AM
• Location: Hawksbill Greenway, North Loop
• Cost: FREE
• Tree planting demo, nature walk, free trees, door prizes
• Greenway Foundation will present on trail expansion plans
• Partners: VA Dept. of Forestry, Green Mountain Landscaping, SVEC, Luray Tree & Beautification Committee
• Also that morning: PACA Earth Day 5K at 9:30 AM on the Greenway

🎶 Evenings on Main – Free Concert Series

• Starts: June
• Location: Ruffner Plaza, Luray
• Cost: FREE
• Food truck at each event
• 2026 Lineup: South River Band, Ryan Jewel, Cake Fight, Punky Brewsters, Chad Loflin Band, Train Wreck, Road Ducks, John Paul Douglas & the Bitter Trades

🎆 4th of July Celebration – America's 250th Anniversary

• Date: Friday, July 4th, 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
• Bands start: 6:00 PM
• Stages: Mechanic Street & Ruffner Plaza
• Performers: Everyday People & Raised on Analog
• Food trucks, games, kids' slides, duck races, and fireworks
• Partnering with local committee on special 250th commemorative programming

🌻 7th Annual Page Valley Sunflower Festival

• Date: Labor Day Weekend (Saturday)
• Hours: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
• Benefiting PACA
• Sunflower field picking, games, craft vendors, and more
• Craft vendor registration now open – visit townofluray.com

🍀 Luray Page Chamber of Commerce Ireland Trip

• Departure: October 14th
• Cost: $3,999 (pay by March 31st) | $4,099 after April 1st
• 9 days / 7 nights, first-class hotels, round-trip airfare (non-stop), 10 meals
• Sightseeing includes: Trinity College, Book of Kells, Old Jameson Whiskey Distillery, Cliffs of Moher, national parks, cathedrals, and more
• All transfers, baggage handling, taxes & fees included
• Transportation from Luray to the airport included
• Info & booking: visitluraypageva.com → Chamber of Commerce → Chamber Trip
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: (540) 743-3915

Guest: Dawn Devine, Executive Director, and Tammy Stevenson, Director of Development & Marketing

Organization: Shenandoah Valley Discovery Museum (Winchester, VA)

Website: discoverymuseum.net

In This Episode:

Janet Michael talks with Dawn Devine and Tammy Stevenson from the Shenandoah Valley Discovery Museum about exciting upcoming events, a brand-new traveling exhibit, summer camps, and a milestone birthday celebration.

Topics Covered:

Free First Fridays

• Every first Friday of the month, 5–7 PM
• Free admission sponsored by Valley Health
• No Free First Friday in May due to Apple Blossom Festival
• Great for families with multiple children

Sensory Friendly Nights

• April 9th, 5–7 PM (sponsored by Continental Winchester; Valley Health OT on site)
• April 29th, 5–7 PM – Apple Blossom themed
• Museum is a Culture City certified facility with quiet zones, sensory bags, and headphones available

30th Birthday Celebration – April 18th

• Joint event with Winchester City Parks at Jim Barnett Park's new playground
• 11 AM – 1 PM, free admission
• Color walk (wear a white t-shirt!), cupcakes, food trucks, and more
• Museum founded April 20, 1996

Amazing Castle – Traveling Exhibit

• Museum's first-ever traveling exhibit
• Opens May 19th, runs through Labor Day
• Takes over the entire third floor
• Interactive medieval community experience teaching kids about collaboration and community roles

Summer Camps

• ~50 camps available: half-day and full-day options
• Pre-K through 5th grade
• Themes include Lego, fiber arts, building, Dr. Seuss, birthday party camp, and more
• CIT (Counselor in Training) spots available for ages 13–16
• Summer internship available for college juniors/seniors
• Scholarships available – don't let cost be a barrier

Gala – September 26th

• Theme: "Passport to Discovery"
• Held at the museum
• Details to be announced mid-June
• Hints at something special tied to the 30th anniversary

Connect with SVDM:

• Website: discoverymuseum.net
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DiscoveryMuse
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/discoverymuse/

Host Janet Michael spends the day in Old Town Winchester, sitting down with Brady Cloven, Executive Director of Friends of Old Town Winchester, and Holly Redding, board chair of Friends of Old Town and co-owner of Winchester Brew Works. They cover the nonprofit's mission, big upcoming events, and what's new at the brewery.

Topics Covered

• What Friends of Old Town Winchester actually is — and why it's not a city department
• How the organization transitioned to an independent 501(c)3 nonprofit three years ago
• The story behind Brady's hiring process (including a three-hour walking interview in a full suit)
• Progress on the Taylor Pavilion renovation — roof going on now, on track for completion before Wine Fest
• The construction outside Winchester Brew Works — a new parking garage and three five-story luxury apartment buildings coming to North Cameron Street
• Winchester Brew Works' new and improved patio, set to open before Apple Blossom
• Winchester Brew Works' 10th Anniversary celebration on May 16th, featuring throwback beers from their original grand opening menu
• Hop Blossom Craft Beer Festival — June 6th, tarot-themed for its 13th year, featuring local breweries, cideries, non-alcoholic options, ready-to-drink cocktails, tarot card readers, and vendors from Moon Phased
• How Winchester Brew Works was the first women-owned brewery in Virginia and the first brewery in Old Town Winchester
• What a typical night at Winchester Brew Works looks like — 15+ beers, cocktails, private event options, and capacity for 160 guests
• The "Let's Be Friends" monthly giving program — support Friends of Old Town for as little as $5/month at friendsofoldtown.org
• Upcoming Apple Blossom kickoff party at Bistro Sojo on April 30th — $55/person, all-you-can-eat buffet, with proceeds benefiting the Highland Food Pantry
• Public meeting on April 21st — City of Winchester presenting renderings for the permanent closure of Boscawen Street

Links & Resources

• Friends of Old Town Winchester: friendsofoldtown.org
• Instagram: @FriendsOfOldTownWinc
• Facebook: Friends of Old Town
• Winchester Brew Works: Follow on Facebook for events and updates
• Hot Blossom tickets: hopblossom.com — also available at Winchester Brew Works tasting room
• Bistro Sojo: Check Facebook for Apple Blossom kickoff ticket availability

Winchester Brew Works Hours

• Monday–Thursday: 4–9 PM
• Friday–Saturday: 2–10 PM
• Sunday: 2–6 PM