The Valley Today

06/23/2026

Did you know palliative care isn't just for end of life? 🙋
Most people hear the words "palliative care" and immediately think it means someone is about to die. But that's one of the biggest misconceptions in medicine — and it could be keeping people from getting support they need RIGHT NOW.

Last week, I sat down with Dr. Jim VanKirk, medical director of Valley Health's Palliative Care Program, and social worker Rachel Schwartz to talk about:
✅ What palliative care ACTUALLY is (and why earlier is better)
✅ How families can navigate tough medical decisions together
✅ Why EVERY adult — yes, even healthy 18-year-olds — needs an advance directive
✅ The simple trick to remember when to review your healthcare documents every year

Here's a question worth sitting with: If you were in an accident tomorrow and couldn't speak for yourself, does someone know exactly what you'd want?

This episode might be one of the most important conversations you listen to this year. Tap the link to hear it now. 👇
https://thevalleytodaypodcast.com/community-health-planning-to-live

06/19/2026

1 in 7 children in Virginia are food insecure. 🍽️
Picture that on a playground. Picture that at your kid's grade school. Picture that at the park on a Saturday morning.

Earlier this week on The Valley Today, I sat down with Les Sinclair from the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank for a conversation that completely reframed how I think about hunger in our community. Did you know:
🥄 The federal poverty line for a family of four is $33,000/year
🥄 In Virginia, a single adult needs over $50,000/year just to meet basic needs
🥄 1 in 3 visitors to the food bank is a child
🥄 $3 = 9 meals
🥄 Most people coming to food pantries now are working

The gap between "poverty" and "able to afford groceries" has gotten wider than most of us realize.
If you've ever wondered why your neighbor might need a food pantry even though they have a job — this is the episode.

🎧 Listen 👉 https://thevalleytodaypodcast.com/when-a-job-isnt-enough-the-blue-ridge-area-food-bank-on-modern-hunger

06/18/2026

It was SUCH an inspiring evening to watch these future leaders come into their own. I can’t wait to see all the good they accomplish 🥹 Tune in next week to hear them talk about what they learned throughout the program 🧡

06/17/2026

🎭 Did you know Wi******er has a 1,100-seat theater right inside John Handley High School — and it's hosted Willie Nelson, The Beach Boys, and Vince Gill?

On today's episode of Valley Today, I talk with Larry Weiss, Executive Director of the Wi******er Education Foundation, about the people and projects making Wi******er's schools extraordinary.

We cover:
✅ Scholarships for graduating seniors AND teachers
✅ The nationally recognized Emil and Grace Shihadeh Innovation Center (featured in a documentary shown around the world)
✅ The Community Comfort Campaign — a mission to restore the iconic Patsy Cline Theater
✅ A special concert coming August 1st & 2nd you won't want to miss

Whether you're a Handley grad, a Wi******er local, or just someone who loves seeing a community rally around its schools — this one's for you.

🎧 Listen here: https://thevalleytodaypodcast.com/take-a-seat-supporting-winchester-schools-and-the-patsy-cline-theater

06/16/2026

It's not every day I get to interview someone who genuinely speaks my language. 🎙️

Today on The Valley Today, I sat down with Colton Wolf of White Wolf Communications Group — a Page County native who came home during the pandemic, enrolled in a program from Georgetown in public relations, and built a five-person communications firm dedicated to small and mid-sized businesses right here in our backyard.

If you've ever felt like marketing was something for "big" companies — or if you've ever wondered whether what you're doing is actually working — this conversation is for you.

🎧 Listen here: https://thevalleytodaypodcast.com/roots-and-reach-white-wolf-communications-group

06/13/2026

🗣️ Conversations wanted …

06/12/2026

The weather looks to be outstanding to enjoy KidzFest with the family tomorrrow!! Be sure to check out the mural 🧡

🎉 KidzFest is TOMORROW! 🎉

Join us in Old Town Wi******er from 12–5 PM for an afternoon of family fun!

✅ Interactive vendors along the Walking Mall
💦 Dunk Tank on the Civil War Museum lawn
🎁 Special treats for the first 200 kids

Plus, be sure to stop by the Kidz Entertainment Zone at Taylor Pavilion, featuring:

🎨 Face Painting
🎈 Balloon Artists
✏️ Caricature Artists
🎵 Music from Summit Events Co

A huge thank you to RISE Orthodontic Studio for once again serving as our presenting sponsor and helping make this event possible for local families.

While you're downtown, be sure to stop into our shops and restaurants. Many businesses are offering KidzFest specials, family-friendly deals, and summer sales throughout the day.

The weather looks fantastic, admission is free, and we can't wait to see everyone downtown tomorrow!

06/12/2026

Did you know you could be a registered nurse in just two years — with classes on weekends and online? 🏥

On today's episode of The Valley Today, I talk with the team from Laurel Ridge Community College about one of the most exciting opportunities in our region right now. From flexible weekend nursing cohorts to financial aid that could make it nearly FREE for qualifying Virginia residents — this conversation is packed with information you don't want to miss.

Plus, last year's graduating nursing class? 100% job placement. The need for healthcare workers in our area is real, and Laurel Ridge is making it easier than ever to answer that call.

Whether you're thinking about a career change, a first career, or you know someone who's been putting off going back to school — this episode is for you.

🎧 Listen here: https://thevalleytodaypodcast.com/your-nursing-career-starts-closer-than-you-think

06/10/2026

🎙️ The future of our region is sitting right in front of us — and it's INCREDIBLE.

This week on the Valley Today,I sat down with 16 outstanding high school students participating in the Top of Virginia Regional Chamber's Arising Leadership Program. From aspiring doctors and engineers to future architects and anesthesiologists, these young people are spending part of their summer exploring careers right here in our own backyard.

They visited The River 95.3, learned what it really takes to run a radio station, practiced their elevator pitches, and discovered opportunities they never knew existed — including a few who didn't even know we HAD a radio station in Front Royal! 😄

As program coordinator Missy Spielman put it: "You can't be it if you can't see it."

Whether you're a parent, educator, employer, or just someone who loves this community — you're going to want to hear this one. These kids are something special. 💪

👇 Click the link to listen to today's episode of the Valley Today! 🔗 https://thevalleytodaypodcast.com/the-future-is-bright-inside-the-arising-leadership-program

06/10/2026

🎵 What's happening at Barns of Rose Hill this summer? A LOT.

On this episode of The Valley Today, I talk with Executive Director Martha Reynolds about everything coming to Berryville's beloved arts center — and trust me, you're going to want to mark your calendar.

We're talking:
🎨 Art exhibitions that will stop you in your tracks (including one where you scan a QR code and hear the music that inspired the painting)
🎶 A can't-miss bluegrass & barbecue night with Larry Keel & Jon Stickley on 7/11
🎭 The return of the traditionally sold-out folk opera Orange on the Blue Ridge
🇺🇸 Special VA250 programming celebrating 250 years of American history
🥂 A 15th anniversary gala AND the final push of a 10-year endowment campaign

If you love live music, local art, and community — this one's for you.
👇 Click the link to listen now!
https://thevalleytodaypodcast.com/from-color-stories-to-folk-opera-summer-at-barns-of-rose-hill