1,919 episodes
The Valley Today Janet Michael
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- Society & Culture
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5.0 • 7 Ratings
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Each weekday, host Janet Michael hosts thirty minutes of conversation on topics such as tourism, business, events, healthcare, education, law enforcement, history, local government and more. Guests are recorded (mostly) in advance, some via computer and some in person. The conversations happen in local coffee shops, at local businesses, during local events. Local people making things happen in their community. The program airs just a few minutes after noon every weekday on The River 95.3 and Sports Radio 1450.
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Winchester's Community Paramedic
Our conversation today with Shannon Ganoe, Winchester's Community Paramedic includes a discussion about the crucial role of community paramedics in connecting with residents and addressing their diverse needs. Shannon shares insights into her role, the challenges faced by the community, and the initiatives taken to support the homeless population. She also highlights the importance of collaboration, compassion, and advocacy in providing essential care to those in need.
Shannon gives details about the essential care kit she's creating that includes various personal hygiene items for the homeless population. Learn more about what's needed and how you can help by clicking here.
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Top of Virginia Regional Chamber Community Networking Groups
Our conversation for The Valley Business Today included Jenny Stover, Director of Marketing & Communications for the Top of Virginia Regional Chamber to get details about several programs and upcoming events.
We discuss various events and programs organized by the Chamber, such as the Arising Leadership Program, Community Networking Groups, and Business After Hours. Jenny highlights the importance of community involvement, sponsorship opportunities, and the benefits of chamber membership for businesses. She emphasizes the networking opportunities provided by the Chamber through different groups and events and elaborates on the rebranding of the veteran networking group and the resources available for veterans starting their own businesses.
Learn more about the community networking groups, membership, and upcoming events on their website: https://www.regionalchamber.biz/ -
Tourism Tuesday: The Blue Ball Inn
Our conversation for Tourism Tuesday with Justin Kerns from Winchester/Frederick County Convention & Visitors Bureau features Joseph Durbin, the new owner of The Blue Ball Inn located in Brucetown, VA.
Our discussion covers a range of topics including the inn's peculiar history, personal connections to the property, paranormal activities reported on site, and the community engagement through events like paranormal investigations and tours. Joseph provides a mix of historical facts, personal anecdotes, and plans for the future to engage both local and wider audiences interested in historical preservation, paranormal activity, and community events.
The Blue Ball Inn has partnered with local businesses to offer a unique ParaCon event on Saturday, May 11, 2024, and Sunday, May 12, 2024. Visitors are invited to visit the Inn to decide for themselves whether it is truly haunted, while also strolling through a multitude of vendors including local crafters, food trucks, psychic mediums, and authors. The hours for Saturday are 10am - 6pm, with the option to attend a live paranormal investigation starting at 7pm. On Sunday, the event will run from 10am - 4pm. Admission is donation-based with tickets available on Eventbrite or at the door and optional add-ons including the afterhours investigation and a talk by celebrity paranormal investigator Sean Austin, who was the first to ever investigate the Inn. There will also be a silent auction and 50/50 raffle to help raise money to preserve this unique landmark.
Learn more on their website: https://bbi1747.com/ and follow them on Facebook.
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Upcoming Events for Phoenix Project
Our conversation today featured Kristen Gregg and Aliyha Gill from Phoenix Project to give details about several upcoming events. April is both Sexual Assault Awareness Month and Child Abuse Prevention Month.
Kristen and Aaliyah talk about the importance of volunteers and upcoming events such as their Mother's Day gift basket raffle and their 10th-anniversary celebration. Aaliyah explains her role as a sexual assault advocate and the services provided by Phoenix Project. The pair also touch on educational initiatives, events, and campaigns related to sexual violence awareness, healthy relationships, and consent.
To learn more about Phoenix Project and access their services, visit their website: https://phoenix-project.org/ -
4-H Summer Camps
Our conversation for Extension Office Friday includes several local 4H agents: Carol Nansel representing Shenandoah County, Spring Vasey representing Frederick County, and Meagan Dyer representing Page County. The group discusses the importance and benefits of 4H camps that include youth development, leadership skills, and the lifelong friendships that develop.
We learn information about different 4H camps, the activities offered, the age groups of campers, dates of specific camps, the role of teen counselors, volunteer opportunities, managing parents, and the experience of disconnecting from electronics at camp. They highlight the emotional impact on both campers and parents, emphasizing the valuable experiences and memories created during 4H summer camps.
Learn more about Culpeper/Rappahannock/Shenandoah County's 4H camp that runs June 9-13, 2024, by clicking here.
Learn more about Frederick/Page County's 4H camp that runs June 16-20, 2024, by clicking here.
Learn more about Warren/Clarke County's 4H camp that runs July 21-25, 2024, by clicking here.
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Community Health: The Benefits of Volunteering
As part of our community health partnership with Valley Health, this month we talked with Scott Trivette, Program Manager of Volunteer Services. Scott manages the volunteer programs at Winchester Medical Center and Warren Memorial Hospital.
Scott emphasizes the impact of volunteerism on the community and discusses the role of volunteers in providing hope and healing at hospitals. He talks about how volunteering goes beyond traditional roles, he welcomes individuals with various skill sets, the inclusive nature of volunteering and the rewarding experience it offers.
He mentions the rebuilding of the volunteer program post-COVID and the need for more volunteers - particularly those interested in driving the courtesy van. He also explains the process of volunteering at Valley Health, highlighting online applications and orientations. We discuss accommodating volunteers with limited availability and remote volunteering options.
Learn more about volunteering at Valley Health on their website: https://www.valleyhealthlink.com/volunteer If you'd like to host Scott as a speaker for your community group, click here to send him an email. You can also reach him via phone: 540-536-8158
Customer Reviews
Conversations about everything!
Janet Michael does a great job keeping her topics specific to the Valley, while having a seemingly endless variety at the same time. Her conversations with guests are very fun and informative. She often asks questions that had just come into my own mind while listening. I find myself scheduling lunch so I can catch her radio show, and it’s great to have the podcast available when I miss one.
A Gem!
The Valley Today is such a gem for our community. Janet and her guests highlight the best resources in the Northern Shenandoah Valley and shine a light on issues facing residents, from non-profit and event spotlights to topics like mental health and public safety. It is a true joy to hear the voices of those in our community address issues that have an impact on our lives.