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Janet and Brady Cloven, Executive Director of Friends of Old Town enjoy a coffee-flavored cocktail with no caffeine, topped with a candy cigarette as they settle into the downstairs space at Taylor House, the new restaurant breathing fresh life into the historic Taylor Hotel building (and the former Macado's) on the Old Town Walking Mall, with co-owner Ethan Lieberman. Ethan shares why he took on such a big, historic building, what's on a menu of classic American fare with a French twist, and how he went from signing a lease in May to opening on October 1, withthe last First Friday of the season on day two. He also tells a sweet full-circle story about the teenagers taking homecoming photos on his front steps. Then Brady runs through a packed end to October, from HalloWinchester and the first-ever Old Town Monster Mash to a new mural and a $44,000 grant for the Taylor Pavilion. Stick around for the moment a plate of deviled eggs arrives mid-interview and takes over the show. LINKS & RESOURCES Taylor House website: taylorhouse1848.com Taylor House on Instagram: instagram.com/taylorhouse1848 Taylor House on Facebook: facebook.com/profile.php?id=61594847913422 Visit: Taylor House, 121 N. Loudoun Street, Winchester, VA (Old Town Walking Mall, in the historic Taylor Hotel building). Open daily at 11 AM; until 10 PM Sunday through Thursday and until midnight Friday and Saturday. Friends of Old Town (community calendar for downtown events): friendsofoldtown.org Friends of Old Town on Facebook (Windows of Fright voting link): Friends of Old Town Friends of Old Town on Instagram: instagram.com/friendsofoldtownWINC HalloWinchester Brewery Crawl tickets: available on Eventbrite History of Us Tour: scan the QR codes on 20+ buildings around Old Town 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

When WATTS opens its overnight shelter on Halloween night, a lot of the people getting off the bus will be former students, coworkers, and neighbors, people this community already knows. Janet Michael checks back in with Robyn Miller, Executive Director of WATTS (Winchester Area Temporary Transitional Shelter), as the shelter gets ready for another winter season with more people in need than ever. And it really is about our neighbors: according to the Western Virginia Continuum of Care, 88% of the people WATTS serves are from the Shenandoah Valley. Robyn explains how WATTS moves host churches around so there's enough room during the coldest weeks, and how the nightly bus pickup works. She also talks about the warming center's new home at Winchester Bible Church, which opens November 30, and why it matters to people who live in their cars, sleep on friends' couches, or work overnight shifts. She shares what "low-barrier" really means, which donations help the most, and why volunteers are what make guests feel safe. Then the conversation turns to Cheesin' for a Reason, the grilled cheese and tomato soup festival that returns to Old Town Winchester on November 14. It's a fun day downtown that pays a real share of the shelter's bills. Listen in to find out how you can help, whether that's cooking a casserole, sitting a shift, or just showing up hungry. EVENT DETAILS What: Cheesin' for a Reason, a grilled cheese and tomato soup festival and restaurant competition that raises money for WATTS When: Saturday, November 14, 2026, 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM, with timed entry. The 2:00 to 4:00 PM slot had the most tickets left when this was recorded. Where: Old Town Winchester (downtown walking mall) Tickets: Buy in advance only, at watts-homelessshelter.org. Sales close November 6 so restaurants know how much food to make. There's no physical ticket: your name goes on the check-in list when you buy. Cost: $20 for adults; $10 for children 10 and under What's there: Grilled cheese and tomato soup from 8 to 10 local restaurants competing for your vote, including last year's big winner T.T. Walls, tomato soup champ Water Street Kitchen, and Manolette's, which promises something outside the box. There's also live music including Raised on Analog, craft vendors (get a head start on Christmas shopping), and a kids' area. Volunteer: Volunteers get a free wristband and a T-shirt Sponsorships: $250 to $1,500. Contact WATTS. LINKS & RESOURCES WATTS (Winchester Area Temporary Transitional Shelter): watts-homelessshelter.org Cheesin' for a Reason tickets, volunteer sign-ups, and sponsorships Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/helpWATTS or search "WATTS" for daily updates on events and needs Overnight shelter: opens October 31. Go to the WATTS bus stop for pickup, not to the host church. Warming center (day program): opens November 30 at Winchester Bible Church, 7:00 AM to 1:00 PM Most-needed donations: coffee, creamer, sugar, snacks, fresh fruit, new underwear, T-shirts, socks, toothbrushes, toothpaste, and razors Meals: dinners and breakfasts for the overnight host churches, and lunches for the warming center. Call or email Robyn to get connected: [email protected]    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

If you've ever felt like you were the only one dealing with a loved one's mental illness, this conversation is for you. Janet Michael talks with Alan Umstead, Executive Director of the You're Not Alone Ministry, and Katherine Schroeder, Population Health Manager for the Lord Fairfax Health District, about the free Community Mental Health Conference coming to Shenandoah University on Friday, November 6. Alan shares how his plans for a quiet retirement changed when his daughter was diagnosed with a serious mental health disorder, and how a few prayer requests at a weekly Bible study grew into monthly seminars, a support group, and now a community conference with Shenandoah University, Valley Health, and the Virginia Department of Health. Katherine explains why mental health became a priority in the health district's community health assessment and why bringing local resources into one room matters. You'll hear what to expect that morning, from a free hot breakfast to panel discussions and a keynote from the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services, plus how to grab one of the remaining seats before they're gone. EVENT DETAILS What: Community Mental Health Conference When: Friday, November 6, 2026, 8:00 AM to noon 8:00–9:00 AM: Free hot breakfast 9:00 AM–noon: Program, panel discussions, and keynote Where: Ferrari Room, Brandt Student Center, Shenandoah University, 1460 University Drive, Winchester, VA 22601 Parking: In the parking garage behind the Brandt Student Center and the surface lot next to it Cost: Free Registration: Required, as space is limited. Register at cmhc26.eventbrite.com, or search "Community Mental Health Conference Winchester." Program: Barry Lee, master of ceremonies; welcome from Dr. Aaron Blight of Shenandoah University; a panel with Concern Hotline, Valley Health Behavioral Health, Northwestern Community Services, and You're Not Alone Ministry; an education panel with Shenandoah University and local school divisions; keynote by Dr. Alyssa Ward, Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services Resource tables: 13 local organizations, including Concern Hotline, Valley Health, Northwestern Community Services, WATTS, Winchester Rescue Mission, Grafton, Timber Ridge School, Sinclair House, and NAMI Hosted by: You're Not Alone Ministry, Lord Fairfax Health District (Virginia Department of Health), Shenandoah University, and Valley Health LINKS & RESOURCES Community Mental Health Conference registration: cmhc26.eventbrite.com You're Not Alone Ministry: yourenotaloneministry.org Join the mailing list: [email protected] Monthly seminars, a support group, book suggestions, and recorded seminars Lord Fairfax Health District, Virginia Department of Health: vdh.virginia.gov/lord-fairfax 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

Two Mount Jackson businesses, one new idea, and up to $1,000 to get it off the ground: that's the pitch behind the town's new Better Together program. Janet Michael heads south to Mount Jackson to catch up with Town Manager Olivia Hilton and Assistant Town Manager Greg Beam about the new grant, which rewards local businesses for teaming up to create a new product, service, or event. Greg shares how the idea started in downtown Staunton during the pandemic, when a soap maker and a brewer made a beer soap that kept selling out. Olivia explains how Better Together helps the town keep the businesses it has worked so hard to bring in, and why nonprofits can join the fun too. Then the conversation turns to the Mount Jackson 5 program, which has helped 11 businesses open in three years, and The Nest, the former hardware store on Main Street that's now home to more than 25 small businesses. If you own a business in Mount Jackson, or just love a good Main Street success story, this one will get your wheels turning. LINKS & RESOURCES Town of Mount Jackson: mountjackson.com · 5901 Main Street, Mount Jackson, VA · 540-477-2121 Better Together program details and application: mountjackson.com/business/page/resources-incentives Apply on a rolling basis by emailing the one-page application to [email protected] The Nest: A Community Collective: 5986 Main Street, Mount Jackson, VA · Facebook and Instagram Hours: Thursday–Sunday, 10:30 AM–6:30 PM (closed Mondays for the winter) Nights at The Nest: first Thursday of every month, 4–8 PM. Next one: Thursday, November 5. 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

Five Page County winemakers, brewers, distillers, and mead makers have teamed up, and their new passport is giving visitors a reason to stay in Page County a little longer. Gina is out this Luray-Page Day, so Janet Michael heads to the Zooms with Cassandra Wallace of Wisteria Farm & Vineyard and Danielle Dinges of Coal Ridge Brewery to talk about the Page Valley Craft Beverage Association: how it started, who's in it, and how working together helps them all. Along with Blue Shepherd Spirits, House Strunk Winery, and Saga Meadery, Wisteria and Coal Ridge make up the group. Cassandra and Danielle explain how its members share vendors, splits bulk orders, and speaks up for the local craft beverage industry. They also share how the passport has changed visitors' plans and what's next for it. Then you'll hear the story behind Coal Ridge Brewery, a former family racehorse barn with "craft brews and mountain views," and everything new at Wisteria: a bigger tasting room, a full kitchen, an Airbnb, and its very first beer. If you're planning a fall Saturday in the Valley, start here. LINKS & RESOURCES Wisteria Farm & Vineyard: wisteriavineyard.com · 1126 Marksville Road, Stanley, VA · Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok Hours: Thursday–Monday, noon–6 PM. From Memorial Day to Veterans Day, Friday and Saturday hours run until 9 PM. Coal Ridge Brewery: coalridgebrewery.com · 1750 Honeyville Road, Stanley, VA · Facebook and Instagram Hours: Thursday 4–8 PM · Friday 4–10 PM · Saturday noon–10 PM · Sunday 1–8 PM Blue Shepherd Spirits: blueshepherdspirits.com House Strunk Winery: sites.google.com/view/housestrunkwinemaking Saga Meadery: sagameadery.com Pick up a passport at any member location or at the Luray-Page County Chamber of Commerce 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

There's no such thing as a "teacup pig," and that mini pig you're eyeing could still top 100 pounds. On this Extension Office Friday, Janet Michael is joined by Virginia Cooperative Extension agents Elizabeth Baldwin (Page County) and Cynthia Fairbanks (Warren County) for a down-to-earth conversation about mini pigs, mini cattle, backyard chickens, goats, and what the average homeowner should know before bringing livestock home. Elizabeth and Cynthia explain why a smaller animal still needs the same amount of land, why you should check zoning and talk to your neighbors first, and why the local auction barn usually isn't the best place to find a pet. They also cover how livestock vets differ from your dog's vet (and why you should get on their client list before you buy), the real costs of feed, hay, shelter, and fencing, and the free help your local Extension office can give you. If you've ever looked at your backyard and thought, "Wouldn't it be fun to have a couple of goats," listen to this one first. LINKS & RESOURCES Virginia Cooperative Extension, Page County Office: page.ext.vt.edu Elizabeth Baldwin: 540-778-5794 · [email protected] Virginia Cooperative Extension, Warren County Office: warren.ext.vt.edu Cynthia Fairbanks: 540-514-7258 · [email protected] Find your local Extension office: ext.vt.edu 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

No family history of breast cancer? You still need that mammogram. For Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Janet Michael sits down with Dr. Anita Minghini, breast surgeon and Medical Director of Breast Care Services at Valley Health, to bust some of the most common myths about breast cancer, from who is really at risk to what genetic testing can (and can't) tell you. Dr. Minghini explains why every woman should get a mammogram every year starting at 40, how weight, alcohol, and diet play a role after menopause, and why a "normal" genetic test doesn't mean you can skip your screening. She also talks about Valley Health's new mobile mammography unit and who it's meant to reach, gives tips for a more comfortable mammogram (coffee lovers, take note), shows the right way to do a self-exam, and explains why a mastectomy is not the only treatment option. If you've been putting off your mammogram, this conversation is your sign to make the call. LINKS & RESOURCES Dr. Anita Minghini (profile, accepting new patients): valleyhealthlink.com/find-a-doctor/profile/anita-minghini-md Valley Health Breast Center: 400 Campus Blvd., Suite 220, Winchester, VA 22601 · 540-536-5466 Valley Health breast imaging and mammograms: valleyhealthlink.com/our-services/imaging/breast-imaging Steven E. & Beverley B. Shoemaker Valley Health Mobile Mammography Unit, funded through Valley Health Foundations' Stronger Together campaign: valleyhealthlink.com/stronger 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

A 10-year-old who pulled a drowning child from a lake. An off-duty officer who saved his own wife with CPR. These are the kinds of stories that fill the room at the Top of Virginia Regional Chamber's Valor Awards, and Janet Michael gets a preview with Taylor Coumes, Director of Event Management at the Chamber, and Brandon Lorey, President & CEO of Bank of Clarke, the event's presenting sponsor. Now in its 14th year, the Valor Awards honor law enforcement, fire and EMS professionals, and everyday citizens who stepped up when it mattered most. This year there are more than 95 nominees, and the theme is "Guardians of Our Community." Taylor and Brandon talk about the award categories, how the nominations are reviewed, the stories that have stuck with them, and how anyone can take part, including by sponsoring an honoree's meal for $50. Keep a box of tissues handy for this one, and you'll come away feeling a whole lot better about the place we call home. EVENT DETAILS Event: 2026 Valor Awards, presented by Bank of Clarke Hosted by: Top of Virginia Regional Chamber Theme: Guardians of Our Community Date: Thursday, November 5, 2026 Time: 5:00–9:00 PM Location: Shenandoah Valley Golf Club Tickets: A limited number expected to remain at air time; the event is likely to sell out. Buy tickets at regionalchamber.biz/the-valor-awards (or go to regionalchamber.biz → Signature Events → Valor Awards). Ways to support: Sponsor an honoree's meal for $50, even if you can't attend (it can be done anonymously). Sponsorship packages start at $500. LINKS & RESOURCES Valor Awards (tickets, honoree meals, sponsorships): regionalchamber.biz/the-valor-awards Top of Virginia Regional Chamber: regionalchamber.biz Bank of Clarke: bankofclarke.bank Also from the Chamber: Valley BusinessWomen Night Out: Wednesday, October 28, 5:30–8:30 PM, West Oaks Farm Market & Event Center. Dinner and dessert, guided canvas painting with Easely Created, DIY body scrubs and lip balm, fairy hair, vendors, and a cash bar. regionalchamber.biz/valley-businesswomen-night-out The Economic Summit, presented by First Bank, with the Shenandoah University School of Business: Thursday, November 19, 8:30 AM–noon. Speakers include Dr. Michael Hicks, Director of the School of Business and Eldon R. Lindsey Professor of Economics at Shenandoah University, and Curtis Dubay, Chief Economist at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. regionalchamber.biz/the-economic-summit 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

Janet recorded this one from the pilot's seat of a real helicopter, perched on the roof of the Shenandoah Valley Discovery Museum and hanging about 10 feet out over Cork Street. A few weeks after watching a crane lift it into place, she climbs aboard with Executive Director Dawn Devine and Taylor Wilmoth to talk about how the "impossible" project came together, and why it matters so much for kids in our community. Dawn and Taylor explain where the Bell 430 came from and what it took to make a former furniture building strong enough to hold it. They also walk through the full rooftop experience, from Discovery Basecamp to a wildlife tour of every continent and ocean. You'll hear about the many jobs helicopters do, from medical transport to firefighting, plus a brand-new Lego kit of the museum's building and everything you need to know before the exhibit opens to the public on October 23. Stay for Dawn's story of a community that "believes in magic," and why one look up at that roof might tell a child they can do anything. EVENT DETAILS Ribbon cutting: Thursday, October 22, 5–7 PM, hosted with the Top of Virginia Regional Chamber as part of the museum's Sunset Series. Adults only. Take a turn in the pilot's seat, visit the photo booth, and enjoy appetizers and live music. Public opening: Friday, October 23 Location: Shenandoah Valley Discovery Museum, 19 W. Cork Street, Winchester, VA Tickets: Pre-registration recommended for everyone, including members (free for members). Walk-ins are welcome but not guaranteed because of capacity limits. Call the front desk for help registering. Tips: Afternoons and Sundays tend to be quieter, especially during nap time (1–3 PM). The rooftop closes when it's rainy, wet, or icy. LINKS & RESOURCES Shenandoah Valley Discovery Museum (tickets, pre-registration, and events): discoverymuseum.net Visit: 19 W. Cork Street, Winchester, VA Upcoming at the museum: Kids Art Club with Shenandoah Arts (first Thursday of each month); Free First Friday (first Friday of each month, 5–7 PM); Sensory Nights with Pioneer Pathways (dates rotate, check the website) Discovery Museum trunk-or-treat appearance: October 17 at the YDC 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

If a fire started in your home tonight, you might have less than two minutes to get out, and Deb Fleming wants to make sure you spend those minutes getting out instead of grabbing your laptop. Janet Michael sat down with Deb, Executive Director of the Greater Shenandoah Valley Chapter of the American Red Cross, in the Secret Garden at the Espresso Bar on the Old Town Walking Mall to talk about home fire season, which runs from now through March as furnaces, space heaters, and fireplaces come back on. Deb shares simple, budget-friendly steps that save lives: working smoke alarms on every level and in every bedroom, sleeping with your bedroom door closed, and an escape plan with a meeting place that everyone in the house has practiced. She also explains how to plan for kids, pets, and family members with mobility needs, why yellowed smoke alarms need to go, and how to get free alarms installed by the Red Cross. Plus, a space heater story you won't forget and a pillowcase trick you'll want to try tonight. Listen, then take a walk through your own home. LINKS & RESOURCES American Red Cross: redcross.org Red Cross home fire safety tips: redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/fire.html To request a free smoke alarm installation or home fire safety visit: call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767) Deb's home fire safety tips (as promised on air): Install working smoke alarms on every level of your home and in every bedroom, near the kitchen but not in it. Test your alarms. Replace any alarm more than 10 years old (a yellowed alarm is a sign it's time). Sleep with your bedroom door closed. Make an escape plan with two ways out of every room, and make sure your windows open. Pick a meeting place outside and practice your plan with everyone in the home, including kids and anyone with mobility or sensory needs. Give kids a job: get out, wait for the firefighters, and tell them who or what is still inside. Know where your pets hide when the alarm sounds so you can tell the fire department. Don't go back in. If an alarm keeps going off and you can't find the cause, call your fire department's non-emergency number. Don't overload outlets or plug space heaters into power strips. Check for loose plugs and burn marks. Never leave candles burning unattended, and blow them out before bed. Don't smoke in bed. Put hot ashes and cigarette butts in a metal container away from the house. Clear clutter. It blocks your way out and fuels a fire. Keep important phone numbers written down somewhere other than your phone. Keep the things you'd grab in a pillowcase by the bed, and important papers in a fire safe. 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

Frederick County voters will see a school sales tax question on their ballot this November, and here's what it actually does. Janet Michael sits down with Frederick County Administrator Mike Bollhoefer and Frederick County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. George Hummer to walk through the up-to-1% sales tax referendum on the November 3 general election ballot (early voting is already underway). Mike explains what a "yes" vote would authorize, what the money can and can't be used for, and why your grocery bill won't be affected. Dr. Hummer breaks down the school division's capital improvement plan: crowded middle schools, high schools running above capacity, and two 1970s-era elementary schools still built around the old open-classroom design. They also cover revenue projections, what happens if the measure doesn't pass, and where to find the facts before you vote. If you live in Frederick County and want the nuts and bolts before you head to the polls, this one's for you. LINKS & RESOURCES Frederick County referendum information hub: fcva.us/referendum Frederick County Government: fcva.us Frederick County Public Schools Capital Improvements Plan (CIP): frederickcountyschoolsva.net/about/cip Frederick County Public Schools: frederickcountyschoolsva.net Dr. George Hummer, by email: [email protected] City of Winchester (for information on Winchester's separate school referendum): winchesterva.gov/Government/Budget-Financials/1-for-Schools

Think you have to go away to a four-year university to get the "real" college experience? Think again. On this Laurel Ridge Community College episode, Janet Michael and Director of Marketing Guy Curtis are joined by John Owens, coordinator of Student Life & Engagement, and student ambassadors Adam Gagnon and Alyssah Rodgers to bust one of the biggest myths about community college. Adam shares how he went from a homeschooled kid who thought he was an introvert to a student leader who loves talking with people, and Alyssah explains how the Student Leadership Series and her work-study job are preparing her for a future in theater. John walks through how anyone can start a club with five friends and a sponsor, and how the new humanities club is pooling its fundraising for a trip to New York City. He also gives an early heads-up on this spring's Follies. Plus, the mystery bus, Phi Theta Kappa, and the Fall Open House at the Middletown campus. If you're a student, a parent, or thinking about going back to school, this one shows you what's waiting right in your own backyard. LINKS & RESOURCES Laurel Ridge Student Life & Engagement — laurelridge.edu/studentlife Email Student Life — [email protected] Laurel Ridge Fall Open House — laurelridge.edu/openhouse Laurel Ridge Community College — laurelridge.edu 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

What if the tasks keeping you up at night could just… take care of themselves? On this Valley Business Today, recorded in the lobby of the Front Royal Warren County Chamber of Commerce, Janet Michael and Chamber President Niki Foster sit down with Joe Peters, owner of Buzzy Work Pro, a Front Royal company built to handle the "anything admin" work small business owners never seem to get to. Joe explains how his team helps local businesses with automation, websites, marketing, and SEO without the cost of a full-time hire. He also shares the story of the flip phone they automated, and why a small local business shouldn't want to go viral. Niki gives a sneak peek at the Chamber's upcoming rebrand and runs down what's ahead this fall, from Business After Hours and Hometown Halloween to the Strike Up Some Fun bowling night and the Christmas parade. If you've ever thought "there has to be an easier way," this one's for you. LINKS & RESOURCES Buzzy Work Pro — buzzyworkpro.com Front Royal Warren County Chamber of Commerce — frontroyalchamber.com (LeadShare, Business After Hours, Strike Up Some Fun registration, Christmas parade applications) 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

Small business is economic development, and Frederick County's new economic development director is ready to plant her flag on that hill. For Tourism Tuesday, Winchester-Frederick County edition, Janet Michael and Justin Kerns sit out back at the Visitor Center with Amanda Killen, the new Director of the Frederick County Economic Development Authority, just four weeks into the job. Amanda shares her path from serial entrepreneur and Main Street director in Tazewell (on a $25,000 budget that included her own salary) to consulting for communities across the country. She explains why the county's 2,000-plus existing businesses deserve as much support as the big employers, and what's coming next: listening sessions, an incentive package, and a new Small Business Development Center satellite office at the EDA. Justin tells the story of a big employer lost to bad customer service, shares what tourism is worth to every local household, and announces a new agritourism leadership and advisory group. And yes, FredCo Eats lives on. If you own a business, work at one, or just love where you live, this one's for you. LINKS & RESOURCES Winchester-Frederick County Convention & Visitors Bureau (events calendar under the Events tab): visitwinchesterva.com Frederick County Economic Development Authority: yesfrederickva.com 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

Imagine a preschooler racing to the mailbox every month, shouting, "It's my book day!" Janet Michael sits down with Beth Williams, Executive Director of the Clarke County Education Foundation, to talk about the foundation's push to bring Dolly Parton's Imagination Library back to every child from birth to age five in Clarke County. Beth shares how a September "Dolly Day" kickoff and two generous gifts put the foundation within reach of its $50,000 goal, what it costs to send a child a free book every month, and why she's set on making the program last for years. She also explains how the foundation has quietly backed Clarke County Public Schools for 35 years, from scholarships to same-week grants that keep teachers from paying out of their own pockets, and shares how you can get involved, from this Friday's golf scramble to next spring's gala. If you love books, kids, or a good small-town success story, this one's for you. LINKS & RESOURCES Clarke County Education Foundation website: ccefinc.org Email Beth Williams: [email protected] Clarke County Education Foundation on Facebook: facebook.com/ClarkeCountyEducationFoundation Dolly Parton's Imagination Library: imaginationlibrary.com 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