Out-Local the Giants

Raw cookie dough isn't risky just because of the eggs: the flour can carry bacteria too. Amanda Johnson, Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Agent with Virginia Cooperative Extension, joins Janet Michael on the Zooms for their annual holiday food safety conversation, covering everything from the pie table to the turkey to the leftovers that linger in the fridge a little too long. Amanda explains which pies can sit on the counter and which belong in the refrigerator, how to thaw a turkey when you forgot to take it out of the freezer, why you should check the temperature in three places, and why your turkey never needs a bath. She and Janet also settle a long-running debate in Janet's house about reheating leftovers, answer the cold turkey sandwich question, and share simple ways to eat a little healthier this season without giving up the pie. If you're hosting, cooking, or just showing up hungry this holiday season, listen to this one before the big meal. LINKS & RESOURCES Virginia Cooperative Extension, Frederick County Office: frederick.ext.vt.edu · 540-665-5699 Amanda Johnson: [email protected] Northern Shenandoah Valley Food, Nutrition, and Health on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VCEShenandoahValleyNutrition  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

Your small business will never outspend Walmart or Amazon, but you can out-local them. On this Laurel Ridge Community College Day, Janet Michael and Director of Marketing Guy Curtis welcome back Andy Gyurisin of the Laurel Ridge Small Business Development Center. Andy might be the most excited person in the Valley, and he's sharing how the SBDC gives entrepreneurs free, confidential, one-on-one advising at every stage of business, from a "crazy idea" all the way to selling and passing on a legacy. Andy explains why entrepreneurship can feel lonely, why a local advisor beats a Google search or a national statistic, and how the SBDC and the college can pivot fast when the community needs it. That's how the region's drone program got started. Then the conversation turns to 2027. Andy's biggest prediction is local partnerships, along with using AI and digital tools to work smarter, not harder. Guy shows how Laurel Ridge's workforce classes, interns, and faculty can be a gold mine for business owners. And yes, you'll hear the word "free" a lot. If you own a business or dream of starting one, this is the episode to hear before the new year. LINKS & RESOURCES Laurel Ridge Small Business Development Center — laurelridgesbdc.org Laurel Ridge SBDC Upcoming Events — laurelridgesbdc.org/events Email Andy Gyurisin — [email protected] Laurel Ridge Community College — laurelridge.edu Laurel Ridge Workforce Solutions — laurelridgeworkforce.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

Abuse doesn't always leave a bruise, and it isn't something that only happens somewhere else. It's happening right here in our backyard. Janet Michael talks with Avery Harper, Executive Director of Phoenix Project, Warren County's community response to domestic violence, sexual assault, teen dating violence, and stalking, about how the organization helps survivors and why the whole community has a part to play. Avery explains what safety planning really involves, from documents and prescriptions to locking down your phone, and why leaving is often the most dangerous time for a survivor. She also previews Phoenix Project's free community screening of Preventable: The Deadly Link Between Domestic Violence and Gun Violence, a short documentary from the Battered Women's Justice Project, followed by a panel of local law enforcement, legal, and victim-services leaders. Avery is clear that the evening isn't about gun ownership. It's about what happens when a firearm is used to threaten and control a partner. Listen for the event details, and for how to reach an advocate any time, day or night. EVENT DETAILS Preventable: The Deadly Link Between Domestic Violence and Gun Violence — Community Film Screening When: Wednesday, November 18, 5:00–7:00 PM Where: Samuels Public Library, Front Royal (White meeting room) Cost: Free. Pre-registration is requested so organizers can plan the room. Register through the Phoenix Project Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/DVPhoenixProject  Schedule: 5:00 PM: Doors open, with live music from Joe Martin Guitar 5:30 PM: Screening (about 25 minutes) After a short break: 30-minute guided panel discussion Panelists: Major Frank Myrtle — Chief Deputy, Warren County Sheriff's Office Chief Brian Whited — Front Royal Police Department Brian Layton — Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney, Warren County Judge Funk — Warren County Ross Erb — Assistant Director, Collins Center and Child Advocacy Center (Harrisonburg) April Rasmussen — Director of Forensic Nursing, Sentara Lynchburg General Hospital Kelly Ann Harris — Victim/Witness Program Director, Warren County Content warning: The film follows one woman's first-hand account of firearm abuse in her relationship and includes the loss of children's lives. A separate room will be available for anyone who needs to step away. LINKS & RESOURCES Phoenix Project: phoenix-project.org Phoenix Project main line (Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–4:30 PM): 540-635-2302 Phoenix Project 24/7 hotline: 540-635-2300 Phoenix Project on Facebook (event registration): search "Phoenix Project" Preventable documentary, Battered Women's Justice Project: bwjp.org/preventable In immediate danger? Call 911. 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

Mulled wine in a souvenir mug from Germany, a blacksmith working a real forge, and nearly 100 local artisans: the weekend before Thanksgiving, Belle Grove kicks off the holiday season in a big way. It's Tourism Tuesday, and Kristen Laise, Executive Director of Belle Grove, and Paige Ulevich, Belle Grove's Festivals Coordinator, join Janet Michael on the Zooms to share everything coming to this year's Kris Kringle Market on November 21 and 22 in Middletown. Kristen explains how a pandemic-era idea grew into one of the Valley's favorite holiday traditions, and why the market matters so much to a nonprofit that receives no government funding. Paige walks through the vendor lineup, from longtime favorites to new faces, plus food trucks, hot chocolate, whiskey, and a pound cake maker with 119 flavors. They also cover the early shopping hours, wreath-making workshops, activities for kids, holiday music, parking tips, and the manor house holiday tours in December. If you like to shop local and start your holiday list early, this one's for you. EVENT DETAILS 7th Annual Kris Kringle Market Dates and times: Saturday, November 21, 10 AM–4 PM, and Sunday, November 22, 10 AM–3 PM Location: Belle Grove, 336 Belle Grove Road, Middletown, VA (Exit 302 off I-81, at the south end of Frederick County) Cost: Free, with free parking, except during early shopping on Saturday from 10 AM to noon: $5 for adults, and kids 12 and under are free. Early shoppers get the best selection. Rain or shine. What's there: About 100 juried local artisans and vendors, food trucks and hot food, mulled wine and holiday beers in the upper level of the barn (Beverley B. Shoemaker Welcome Center), gourmet hot chocolate from the West Shenandoah Ruritan Club, Belle Grove 1797 whiskey from Copper Fox Distillery (21+), and the Belle Grove museum shop. For families: Story time and photos with Kris Kringle and Mrs. Kringle, Nutcracker performances by Dancing by His Grace, juggling lessons, face painting, build-your-own stuffies, free children's books from Gifts Giving Back (Saturday), a visit from Belsnickel (Saturday), alpacas, and blacksmith demonstrations at Belle Grove's forge. Music: Dulcimer performances in the manor house parlor at midday Saturday, the Blue Ridge Singers, and caroling by the Windsong Community Chorus on Sunday afternoon. Choral groups who want to perform can contact Belle Grove. Wreath-making workshops: Saturday at 10:30 AM and Sunday at 1:30 PM, on the lower level of the manor house. Spots are limited and sell out fast; register at bellegrove.org. Parking: Park in the field. You can drop off guests at the main parking lot first, and there are limited accessible spaces. Be careful if you drive a low vehicle, and expect some walking. What to bring: Comfortable shoes and warm layers, especially for kids. You may want a wagon or a plan for trips to the car. Pets: Please leave pets at home. Service animals are welcome. Holiday tours of the Belle Grove manor house Dates: December 4–30. Closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. This year's theme: "Favorite Christmas Memories" The house is decorated the weekend after Thanksgiving, so it won't be decorated yet during the market. LINKS & RESOURCES Belle Grove: bellegrove.org Kris Kringle Market details, the vendor gallery, wreath workshop registration, and the holiday events calendar are on the website Kris Kringle Market Facebook page, with vendor profiles and updates: https://www.facebook.com/BelleGrove/ 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

Every coffee, dinner out, and stocking stuffer you buy in Page County this holiday season could win you a shopping spree. It's Luray-Page Day, and Gina Hilliard, President of the Luray-Page County Chamber of Commerce, joins Janet Michael on the Zooms to share two of the chamber's favorite holiday traditions: the month-long Shop Small Page County promotion and the 11th annual Chamber Holiday Festival. Gina explains how easy it is to enter Shop Small. Just turn in your receipts from local shops, restaurants, wineries, online orders, and even DoorDash between November 28 and December 20, and you're in the running for five gift card prizes. Then she walks through everything planned for the Holiday Festival on Friday, December 4. This year's theme, "A Century of Holiday Cheer," honors the chamber's 100th year, and the night brings photos with Santa (pets welcome), crafts at the library, live music, s'mores, hot cocoa, a holiday vendor market, and a visit from Yogi Bear. If you want to start your holiday season close to home, this one's for you. EVENT DETAILS Shop Small Page County Dates: Saturday, November 28 (Small Business Saturday) through Sunday, December 20 How to enter: Turn in receipts from locally owned, independent businesses anywhere in Page County, including Luray, Stanley, Shenandoah, and the county. Shopping, dining, coffee, wineries, breweries, gift cards, online orders, and DoorDash orders all count. Big box stores and chains do not. You can enter as many times as you like. Submit receipts: Email a photo or scan to [email protected], or bring them to the chamber office at 18 Campbell Street, Luray (open daily, 9 AM–5 PM). Include your name and phone number. Prizes: Five Page County gift card packages: $400, $250, $150, $100, and $50 Drawing: Monday, December 21, live on the chamber's Facebook page Sponsors: Luray-Page County Chamber of Commerce, Page County Economic Development & Tourism, Spark for Small Businesses LLC, and Blue Ridge Bank 11th Annual Chamber Holiday Festival: "A Century of Holiday Cheer" Date and time: Friday, December 4, 4–9 PM Location: Luray-Page County Chamber of Commerce, 18 Campbell Street, Luray, and the Page Public Library next door (the street will be closed between them) Cost: Free. Photos with Santa are $5 or a canned good, and all of it goes to Page One and Page Paws. Pets are welcome in Santa photos. Highlights: Holiday crafts with the Page Valley Arts Council at the library, live music, cookies, popcorn, hot chocolate, holiday punch, s'mores by the fire pits, barrel train rides, costumed characters from JMU, Yogi Bear, food vendors, and a holiday vendor market. Vendor purchases count toward Shop Small. Vendors and sponsors: There's still time to sign up. Sponsorships range from $150 to $1,000. Applications are on the chamber website under Events. Chamber member events in November Women in Business, custom cowboy hats: Thursday, November 12, 5:30–7:30 PM, Big Oak Manor & Ranch. Open to anyone who works for a chamber member business. Business After Hours: Thursday, November 19, 5:30–7 PM, River's Bend Ranch Chamber Orientation and ChamberMaster Workshop: Tuesday, November 17, 8:00 AM, for new and current members who want to learn the new member portal.  LINKS & RESOURCES Luray-Page County Chamber of Commerce: luraypagechamber.com · [email protected] · 540-743-3915 · 18 Campbell Street, Luray, VA · Open daily, 9 AM–5 PM Shop Small rules, Holiday Festival flyer, vendor application, and sponsorship application are under the Events tab Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X 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 lived with a bad back or ringing ears since your time in uniform and figured that's just how life is now, this conversation might change your mind. With Veterans Day next week, Janet Michael sits down with Commander Cole Bradshaw and Adjutant and Treasurer Chris Nelson of DAV (Disabled American Veterans), Northern Shenandoah Valley Chapter No. 9, to talk about what the chapter does for veterans and their families right here at home. Cole and Chris explain how DAV helps veterans connect old injuries to their service, why survivors and family members can get help too, and how the chapter's emergency relief fund steps in when a car breaks down or the power is about to be cut off. Chris shares that even he waited more than 20 years to file his own claim, and Cole explains how hearing loss can quietly strain a marriage. They also share how you can support the chapter at Golden Corral this weekend and on Veterans Day. Stay for Cole's closing thoughts on what "thank you for your service" really means to him. EVENT DETAILS DAV at Golden Corral (Winchester) Weekend information tables and fundraiser: Saturday, November 7, and Sunday, November 8, 8:00 AM–1:00 PM and 4:00–8:00 PM Veterans Day free dinner for veterans and service members: Wednesday, November 11, 3:00–9:00 PM. Chapter volunteers will be on hand to help. How to give: Ask to round up your check when you pay, or leave a cash donation in the box near the register. Where it goes: Money raised stays with the local chapter to help veterans and their families in Frederick, Clarke, Warren, and Shenandoah counties. LINKS & RESOURCES DAV Northern Shenandoah Valley Chapter No. 9: davwebsites.dav.org/va/09 | (540) 692-6015 | PO Box 2342, Winchester, VA 22604 Chris Nelson, Chapter Service Officer (benefits and claims help): [email protected] DAV (Disabled American Veterans): dav.org Veterans Crisis Line: dial 988, then press 1 — veteranscrisisline.net Martinsburg Vet Center: va.gov/martinsburg-vet-center Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing: projecthealingwaters.org Boulder Crest Foundation (Bluemont, VA): bouldercrest.org 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

Rolling through a stop sign when "nobody was coming" might feel harmless, but Captain Warren Gosnell says that's exactly the habit that leads to a crash someday. It's Public Safety Thursday, and Janet Michael is live in the studio with Captain Gosnell of the Frederick County Sheriff's Office for his monthly visit. A quick heads-up: the first half of the live show didn't record, so this podcast picks up with the second half of the conversation. After an update on an academy class of 11 recruits getting ready to graduate, the two dig into the traffic violations many people think of as minor: skipping your turn signal, rolling stops, stopping past the line at a red light, scraping just a peephole in a frosty windshield, and pulling into an intersection you can't clear. Captain Gosnell explains when Virginia law actually requires a turn signal (it may surprise you), why officers stop people for these things, and what to do if you see an on-duty officer driving badly. His answer to the "quota" question is simple: it's about building muscle memory behind the wheel. If you've ever been tempted to honk at a cautious driver, give this one a listen. 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 do you want insurance to be expensive: when you pay the premium, or when you file a claim and find out you weren't covered? On this Valley Business Today, recorded at the Front Royal Warren County Chamber of Commerce, Janet Michael and Chamber President Niki Foster sit down with Jamison Ford, partner and insurance advisor with TWG Insurance (formerly The Winchester Group), an independent broker in Winchester that serves businesses and families across Virginia and up and down the East Coast. Jamison talks about the risks many business owners never think about: flood damage in the Shenandoah Valley, phishing emails and fake invoices, client data breaches, and remote employees working in other states. He explains why a yearly coverage review matters, why you should be wary of a quote you get in 20 minutes, and why it helps to have a real person on your side when something goes wrong. Niki also shares what's coming up at the Chamber, from Coffee & Conversation with Christendom College President Dr. George Harne to the Christmas parade's new ugly sweater runway contest. If you haven't looked at your policies in a few years, this one's worth your time. LINKS & RESOURCES TWG Insurance — twg-insurance.com (includes a Meet Our Team page) TWG Insurance phone — (540) 662-9068 TWG Insurance office — 24 W. Piccadilly St., Winchester, VA 22601 Front Royal Warren County Chamber of Commerce — frontroyalchamber.com (LeadShare, Coffee & Conversation, Christmas parade and Merry Market applications, sponsorships) 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

That half-used pack of sparkly blue paper in your basement could be somebody else's next masterpiece. On this Tourism Tuesday, Janet Michael and Justin Kerns of the Winchester-Frederick County Convention & Visitors Bureau head to Valley Avenue for a return visit with Misty Weaver, owner of Art Again Thrift Shop. When Janet first talked with Misty in July, the shop wasn't even open yet. A few months later, it's full of classes, community projects, and ideas, and it caught Justin's eye as just the kind of unexpected stop that small tour groups love. Misty explains how Art Again turns donated craft supplies into affordable finds, a $10 craft bar, and low-cost classes like paper making and kinusaiga fabric art. She shares the story of the first Trash Bash, a "Chopped for art" competition with a silent disco twist. She also talks about the shop's $25-a-year teacher program, the Granny Square Christmas tree, and big ideas for next year, from a repair fest to a "rage wall" for chipped dishes. Justin brings a Winter Village update and closes with a heartfelt tribute to beloved Winchester artist Eugene B. Smith. Listen in for a fun, creative conversation, and maybe a reason to finally clean out your craft closet. LINKS & RESOURCES Art Again Thrift Shop: artagainthrift.com Find them on social media at Art Again Thrift Valley Avenue, Winchester (across the street from Claudio's Pizza) Janet's first conversation with Misty (July 2026): thevalleytodaypodcast.com/art-again Winchester-Frederick County Convention & Visitors Bureau: visitwinchesterva.com Click the Events tab for Winter Village and holiday events Winter Village: Saturday, December 5, and Sunday, December 6, in Old Town Winchester Eugene B. Smith obituary: ompsfuneralhome.com/obituary/eugene-b-smith/ 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

Every nonprofit needs a roof, the lights on, and a place to meet. On the Our Health campus in Winchester, that roof costs a lot less than you might think. Janet Michael sits down in her United Way office, just down the hall from Kit Redmer, who started as Executive Director of Our Health on October 5. Many listeners know Kit from his years as communications director for the City of Winchester. A month into the new job, he shares what has surprised him most about an organization that has quietly supported the valley's nonprofits for decades. Kit explains how Our Health subsidizes rent for its campus partners. His early research puts that subsidy at 25% to 50% below private-sector rates. He also talks about the shared services Our Health offers its 94 partners across the Northern Shenandoah Valley, and the new ones he's thinking about adding. Janet and Kit talk about why paying the rent and the electric bill matters just as much as program dollars. They also explain why "co-location" makes life easier for a busy parent with one parking space and a lot of needs, and how a walk down the hall can connect someone to help they didn't know existed. Listen in to hear the vision behind the campus, how Our Health pays its own bills, and why Kit would love to give you a tour. LINKS & RESOURCES Our Health: ourhealthva.org Organization history, annual reports, and a link to donate Kit Redmer, Executive Director: [email protected]. Reach out with questions or to schedule a campus tour. Our Health campus: North Cameron Street, Winchester United Way of the Northern Shenandoah Valley's 2026 campaign: Be the Missing Piece 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