
Hosted by Janet Michael · EN

Host Janet Michael sits down (virtually) with Candace DeLong, Frederick County Extension Agent, and Master Gardeners Carolyn Sinclair and Jeff Wingate (class of 2025) to talk all things GardenFest — the Northern Shenandoah Valley Master Gardeners' biggest event of the year. Event Details What: GardenFest 2026 When: Saturday, June 6, 2026 | 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM (Parking opens at 7:00 AM) Where: Belle Grove Plantation, Middletown, VA Admission: FREE Rain or shine What's at GardenFest 🌿 Plants 2,100+ plants from Master Gardeners across all five valley counties (Page, Clarke, Shenandoah, Frederick, and Warren) 237+ varieties including a strong focus on native plants, trees, and shrubs Plants: $6 | Trees & Shrubs: $12 Payment: cash, check, or credit card Full plant list available in advance at nsvmga.org 🎓 Education Ask a Master Gardener tent — bring your plant questions NEW: 15-minute mini-workshops on pruning, vegetable growing, preserving your harvest, flower arranging, and tool sharpening — each with a raffle ticket for attendees Kids' programming focused on horticulture and planting Presentation on the box tree moth 🛒 Vendors & Food 36 vendors including retail, nonprofits, and food trucks Food: Cousins Maine Lobster, Sexy Mexi, A Taste of the Philippines, Cotton Candy Princess truck, baked goods, coffee & hot chocolate Tool sharpening drop-off service 🎁 Extras Raffle gift baskets (some with 19+ items) donated by vendors Silent auction at the Secondhand Rose tent (proceeds support Master Gardener programs) Pro Tips from the Guests Arrive early — people line up before 8 AM, and popular plants (especially peonies) go fast Bring a wagon or wheeled cart; boxes will be available on-site Wear comfortable walking shoes Bring cash for raffles, the silent auction, and the Secondhand Rose tent Leave pets at home No need to prep — just come with your plant wish list About the Master Gardener Program The Northern Shenandoah Valley Master Gardeners are part of Virginia Cooperative Extension. Volunteers complete 50 hours of intensive horticultural training and give back a minimum of 50 hours of community service — though most give far more. GardenFest is their primary annual fundraiser, supporting educational programs across all five counties year-round, including seed exchanges, plant clinics, library kids' programs, and Ask the Master Gardener desks. Links & Resources Plant list & event info: nsvmga.org Northern Shenandoah Valley Master Gardeners Facebook page Frederick County Extension Office — call for more details: (540) 665-5699

Host Janet Michael sits down (virtually) with two outstanding graduates from Laurel Ridge Community College, joined by Sally Voth, Public Relations Coordinator for the college. This episode celebrates academic achievement, resilience, and the transformative power of community college education. Guests Maria Valle – Outstanding Graduate, Fauquier Campus Mary Herter Nelson – Outstanding Graduate, Middletown Campus Sally Voth – Public Relations Coordinator, Laurel Ridge Community College Segment 1 – Maria Valle Maria grew up in Argentina with a dream of studying abroad. After moving to Warrenton, Virginia in 2022, she discovered Laurel Ridge was just 10 minutes away. She completed her studies in Administration of Justice and will transfer to Shenandoah University in the fall to pursue a degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice. Key highlights: Navigating higher education in a second language Involvement in PDK Honor Society and student engagement projects Her goal: working in victim services, with a focus on Spanish-speaking communities Completing professional training through Fairfax County on domestic violence and sexual violence Professors Maria credits: Lisa Dunick – English Composition & Literature Lisa Kara – Criminology Tarren Smarr – History & Sociology Maria's advice: "Be open to new experiences, because they can always lead you to wonderful places you never imagined." Segment 2 – Mary Herter Nelson Mary comes from a true Laurel Ridge family — her mother, older brother, and younger sister all attended the college. A homeschool graduate who was initially too shy to enroll, Mary's mom signed her up and helped her take that first step. In just two semesters, she went from nervous newcomer to campus leader. Key highlights: Founded the Laurel Ridge Dance Club and organized a campus square dance Became a Student Ambassador Participated in Mystery Bus trips and campus life events Part of the TRIO program Plans to work as a teacher's aide before pursuing her long-term calling as a religious sister People Mary credits: Rich Follett – College Success Skills (helped her build community) Polly Nesselrodt – Spanish professor and Dance Club sponsor Chris Lambert – Student Life Caroline Walls & Sasha Dawson – Academic advisors Mary's advice: "Find the support system that is going to carry you through. Take the leap with people that you trust."

In this episode, Janet sits down with Kim Herbstritt of Blue Ridge Habitat for Humanity to discuss the 8th Annual Northern Shenandoah Valley Housing Summit. The conversation covers the deep and often overlooked connection between housing conditions and community health, what to expect at this year's free summit, and how Blue Ridge Habitat's home repair program is helping seniors and veterans stay safely in their homes. What You'll Learn in This Episode What the Housing Coalition of the Northern Shenandoah Valley is and why it was founded Why this year's summit theme is Housing is Health How poor housing conditions — mold, leaky roofs, inaccessible entryways — directly impact physical and mental health Why essential workers and workforce families are being priced out of the communities they serve What zoning has to do with the housing shortage — and what Virginia is doing about it How Blue Ridge Habitat's home repair program serves seniors, veterans, and disabled homeowners Details on TWO free housing summits happening in May and June Key Takeaways Housing affects every sector of a community — health, education, workforce, and economic development are all tied to where people live. Families spending 40–50% of their income on housing have little cushion for emergencies, health care, or transportation costs. Habitat for Humanity's home repair waitlist continues to grow, with most requests coming from seniors on fixed incomes. Virginia has completed a statewide zoning atlas — a potentially powerful tool for policymakers and planning commissioners. Long commutes driven by a lack of local affordable housing contribute to stress, poor nutrition, and diminished mental health. Events Mentioned in This Episode 8th Annual NSV Housing Summit 📅 Friday, May 29th ⏰ 8:30 AM – 2:30 PM 📍 Laurel Ridge Community College, Carome Community Development Center 💰 Free — registration required 🌐 https://www.housingnsv.org/ Shenandoah County Housing Summit 📅 Friday, June 5th 📍 Edinburg, VA 💰 Free — RSVP required 🔗 Registration link Speakers at the May 29th Summit Dr. Jenna Krall — Department of Global and Community Health, George Mason University Research focus: Environmental exposure, pollution, and housing-related health impacts Dr. Antwan Jones — George Washington University Research focus: Housing stability, urban policy, cardiovascular outcomes, and obesity in marginalized communities Maria Daugherty, MA — Zoning Policy Expert Focus: The power of zoning in shaping communities and Virginia's completed statewide zoning atlas Speakers at the June 5th Shenandoah County Summit Mel Jones — Virginia Center for Housing Research, Virginia Tech Focus: Results of the recent Shenandoah County/Woodstock housing study Ryan Price — Chief Economist, Virginia Realtors Focus: Statewide real estate market trends and local implications Panel Discussion — Housing Forward Virginia

Host Janet Michael welcomes back Jill Savory, founder of The Typewriter Studio in Old Town Winchester, VA, for an update nearly a year after the studio's grand opening. They dive into how the business has grown and evolved, the surprising benefits of making art, and everything you need to know about summer camps and studio memberships. Topics Covered How The Typewriter Studio has changed since opening — from kids' art classes and watercolor to a ceramics-heavy focus What it's like teaching art to adults vs. kids (spoiler: adults are way more nervous) The science behind why making art is good for your brain — lower anxiety, reduced cortisol, and the power of getting into a "flow state" Current gallery artist: Monica James, ceramics professor at Laurel Ridge Community College Upcoming adult workshops in collaboration with Laurel Ridge Community College professors Monica James and Paul Zdevsky A Wall Street Journal article on craft retreats as the new burnout cure 2025 Summer Camps — themes, pricing, age groups, and how to register Partnership with the Discovery Museum for two camp weeks (late June & first week of July) Studio membership tiers and the math that makes them worth it Summer Camps at The Typewriter Studio Who: Rising 1st graders through rising 8th graders When: First week of June through first week of August Themes include: Nature exploration, outer space, critter camp, paper possibilities, cardboard sculpture, Art Through the Ages (STEAM), Messy Makers, fiber arts Format: AM and PM camps available; add lunch bunch to stay all day Friday Fun Days: Drop-in Fridays for families who can't commit to a full week — art walks, splash pad, and studio time Pricing: Starting at $180/week; sibling discounts, school discounts (including Orchard View), and membership discounts available Discovery Museum Partnership Camps (register at discoverymuseum.net): Last week of June: Art Through the Ages + Messy Makers First week of July: Nature + Fiber camps Museum members receive special pricing; lunch bunch option available Studio Memberships Membership Price Perks Household $100/year Discounts on classes, workshops, parties; early camp access Single $50/year Discounts on classes, workshops, and parties Clay $50/month Open studio access (Sun/Tue/Thu), shelf space, up to 3 pieces fired per week Book Mentioned Your Brain on Art — on the neuroscience of creativity and art-making Available at Winchester Book Gallery (https://winchesterbookgallery.com/book/9780593449240) Find The Typewriter Studio Website: typewriterstudio.org Address: 127 South Braddock Street, Old Town Winchester, VA Facebook: The Typewriter Studio Instagram: @typewriter_studio Open Studio Hours: Sundays 11am–2pm | Tuesdays & Thursdays 4–8pm Parking: Street parking; metered out front, free on Cork Street. Use the parking app!

Host Janet Michael sits down (virtually) with VDOT's Ken Slack for a wide-ranging update on major road improvement projects along Interstate 81 in Virginia's Shenandoah Valley. From bridge replacements to public meetings, Ken breaks down what drivers can expect in the months and years ahead. Topics Covered I-81 Widening at Strasburg Project is approximately 40% complete Key work includes replacing the southbound bridge over Cedar Creek and widening the span over the CSX railway Traffic expected to shift toward the median around August to allow the next phase of bridge work Bridge replacements are done in stages to keep traffic moving Emergency Bridge Repair in Woodstock A dump truck with its bed raised struck a bridge on Route 604 in Woodstock last fall; a tractor trailer collision followed VDOT replaced a steel support beam, requiring a temporary southbound closure Extensive outreach was coordinated across Shenandoah, Frederick, and Warren counties I-81 Bridge at Millwood (Exit 313) — Winchester Existing seven-lane bridge will be replaced with a nine-lane structure New bridge will be built just north of the existing one; traffic will shift when ready Surrounding improvements include turn lanes, auxiliary lanes, and pedestrian accommodations Project involves Routes 50, 17, and 522 — one of the most heavily traveled crossings on I-81 Winchester North Improvements (Mile Markers 317–319) Widening of approximately two miles of I-81 on the north end of Winchester Major reconstruction of Exit 317 (Martinsburg Pike/Route 11) Exit 317 will become a diverging diamond interchange — a new design for this part of Virginia Redbud Road relocation is already underway to make way for the project All work bundled under a single design-build contract Public meeting tentatively scheduled for late June — watch VDOT's website and social media for details How VDOT Selects Contractors Projects go out for competitive bid, typically with a 1–2 month window Complex projects may use a design-build approach, allowing contractors to bring innovation to the design Local/regional contractors often have a "home court advantage" with established resources and relationships Larger projects may attract contractors from outside Virginia Public Meetings & Community Input VDOT holds informal open-house style meetings — no podium, no formal testimony required Display boards, one-on-one conversations with engineers, and court reporters available Online surveys run simultaneously so anyone can participate remotely Public input genuinely shapes design decisions — local knowledge of traffic patterns is valued Oranda Park and Ride (Exit 298, Strasburg) Current gravel lot with ~43 spaces will be expanded to approximately 130 spaces Upgrades include full paving, striping, improved lighting, curbing, and a crosswalk across Oranda Road Construction bid awarded soon; work expected to begin summer 2026 No impact anticipated on Route 11 or I-81 traffic during construction Resources & Links improve81.org — Interactive map, project details, public meeting info, and updates on all I-81 capital improvement projects VDOT website — Search "VDOT projects" for information on all projects in the Staunton District Improve 81 Newsletter — Quarterly updates on I-81 CIP projects (sign up at improve81.org)

Host Janet Michael sits down with Winchester City Parks Director Chris Konyar at Jim Barnett Park for an update on everything happening in Winchester's parks system — from a brand-new playground to a 250th anniversary drone show. Topics Covered 🛝 New Familyland Playground Replaced the aging "Children's Dream" playground, which was at end of life Features significantly safer, cushioned surfacing ("like walking on a mattress") Moved away from the parking lot based on community feedback Larger footprint with more features, including a sensory board and QR code feedback system Made possible by a generous donation from the JJ Smith family Adventure Land playground (in the back) still in good shape — future upgrade planned 🌊 Abrams Creek Restoration City received a grant to restore the creek near Familyland Previous erosion caused safety concerns, tree removal, and loss of a picnic pavilion Project includes stream rerouting, new walking trails, and planting of 4,000 trees Currently in early/demo phase; expected to take several months 🏙️ Neighborhood Park Upgrades 15+ park locations throughout the city being upgraded on a rotating ward schedule Patsy Cline Memorial Park recently turned over to the city Harvest Ridge (Ward 4): New walking trail around soccer field perimeter + playground coming soon 🏊 Pool Season & Memorial Day Weekend Outdoor pool opens Memorial Day weekend Pool currently being replastered Winchester Baseball Memorial Day Tournament — 40+ teams expected, with special 250th anniversary ceremony Healing Fields of Honor at Handley (Rotary Club) also that weekend 🚁 Splash Bash & Drone Show — May 30th Splash Bash at the pool: health & wellness fair in the morning (free), pool party in the afternoon Led by new Aquatics Coordinator 250th Anniversary Drone Show — FREE event behind the War Memorial building Several hundred drones creating images celebrating U.S. and Winchester history Sponsored by Omps Funeral Home; operated by Paul Omps (son of former Mayor Larry Omps) A one-time special event tied to the 250th anniversary 🎆 July 3rd Fireworks (Still Happening!) Drone show does NOT replace fireworks — fireworks are confirmed for July 3rd Additional new city event planned for July 4th in Old Town/Downtown More details to come when Chris returns in June 📋 Summer Activity Guide Mailed to all city residents; also available at winchesterva.gov/parks Highlights include: Sports camps: basketball (Handley), soccer (two sessions), volleyball (two sessions), wrestling, tennis, fast-pitch softball Girls' & Boys' Sport Sampler Camp for younger kids Swim lessons (Level 1 free for city patrons) Junior Lifeguard Camp Athlete Performance Water Camp (cross-training for high school athletes) Fishing Rodeo at Wilkins Lake Park After Dark — Ultimate Frisbee tournament under the lights (June 6th) Outdoor high school basketball league on Monday nights in June Story Time Explorations for young children Music lessons, dance, and community rec programs Early registration discounts available — some up to 50% off through mid-May Popular camps (volleyball, swim lessons) sell out — register early 🏕️ HIVE Summer Day Camp Sells out within minutes of registration opening City kids given priority; slots continue to sell out despite being expanded each year 🎟️ Pool Passes & Memberships New Splash Pass (punch card) available — skip the line and save money Monthly memberships and full summer passes available 🏛️ Pavilion Rentals Weekends filling up fast — reserve now Prices range from ~$35 to under $100 for the full day Reservations required; first-come-first-serve only when not booked 🌿 Other Park Amenities Skate park, pickleball courts, drop-in turf time, dog park, horseshoes, walking trails Stay Connected 🌐 Website: winchesterva.gov/parks 📘 Facebook: Winchester City Parks 📧 Newsletter: Sign up on the website for monthly updates with direct registration links 💼 Hiring lifeguards! Visit the Employer Expo at the Wilkins Center (Wednesday, May 13th, 1–5 PM) Chris will return next month to share full details on the July 3rd celebration and new July 4th Downtown event.

Host Janet Michael sits down with Captain Warren Gosnell ("Goz") from the Frederick County Sheriff's Office for another edition of Public Safety Thursday. The two kick off with some relatable chaos — a mic that wasn't turned on, a misplaced phone, spring allergies, and a hilarious on-the-way-in story involving blue lights and a very startled driver. Then they get into the real meat: why Frederick County is leaning into automated traffic enforcement, how LIDAR works, and why treating people with kindness — whether you're the officer or the driver — goes a long way. Spring Chaos & Getting Here Janet's mic was off at the top of the show (she was almost perfect) Goz's busy week: Apple Blossom Festival, a teaching trip to Roanoke, and a bout of bronchitis Spring means more people, more events, more traffic — and longer days on the cul-de-sac On the Way In Stories Goz grabbed KFC nuggets, then flashed his blue lights back at a driver who tried to warn him of a cop ahead Janet watched a car blow a red light right in front of her on Route 522 Is It Illegal to Flash Your High Beams? Letter of the law vs. spirit of the law Flashing lights on ordinary vehicles technically aren't permitted as signals The real goal: slow people down and keep roads safe Law enforcement doesn't mind if you warn others — if it prevents crashes, it's a win Automated Traffic Enforcement in Frederick County School zone speed cameras already in place Red light cameras under consideration at high-crash intersections Possible construction zone cameras on the horizon Why the shift? The county has grown to nearly 130,000 people across 416 square miles — not enough deputies for both calls for service AND proactive traffic enforcement How LIDAR Works Radar beams spread wide (thousands of feet); LIDAR beams stay under 6 inches at 1,000 feet LIDAR operates at the speed of light — vehicle-specific, no room for error Camera only activates if speed exceeds 10 mph over the limit No human bias, no "why didn't you stop that other car?" arguments Kindness on Both Sides of the Window Goz is large and loud — doesn't mean he's mean; body cam footage has cleared him more than once He now tells every driver: "I'm not yelling at you, I'm trying to be heard over traffic" Story of the Ohio driver who ran a red light and accused Goz of "ruining his perfect driving record" Goz's own history: multiple speeding tickets after moving back from Houston, where 75 mph was survival speed The Bottom Line Automated systems aren't replacing officers — they're filling gaps human hands can't cover Deterrence is the goal; if you follow the rules, cameras don't affect you "Safety over convenience."

Host Janet Michael sits down (virtually) with Niki Foster from the Front Royal/Warren County Chamber of Commerce to preview the 38th Annual Virginia Wine and Craft Festival, happening Saturday, May 16th in downtown Front Royal. They cover everything you need to know before you go — tickets, vendors, wineries, food, entertainment, and more. Highlights The festival sold out vendor space nearly a month early for the first time ever — with 30 vendors still on the waitlist The event expanded this year, extending down Chester Street all the way to 2nd Street 24 Virginia wineries will be on hand, representing regions from Charlottesville to the Eastern Shore Mushroom vendors are back — three of them — for the first time in about 10 years Community nonprofits and downtown merchants will have booths alongside craft vendors Vendors & Crafts Handmade jewelry (clay, wire wrap, permanent jewelry) Handmade furniture (wine barrel and reclaimed wood) Clothing and festival/bohemian wear 3D printing, sublimation tumblers, crochet, and more Food & Drink Cousins Maine Lobster Clay's Barbecue Sherry's Crab Cakes Just Fries (hand-cut boardwalk style) Blue Ridge Popcorn Moonshine Fudge Korean fare Dirty soda vendors Lemonade vendors Mason's Lodge roast Downtown Main Street restaurants (open with special day menus) Wine 24 Virginia wineries Tastings included with admission Wine by the glass, bottles, wine slushies, sangria Mead and cider vendors Case check-in service available so you don't have to carry your purchases all day Entertainment Live bands at the gazebo DJ Dan McDermott with karaoke on the square Tickets & Info - Advance tickets: $30 | Gate price: $40 — save $10 by buying ahead! Purchase at: wineandcraftfestival.com Volunteer for a few hours and receive free wine admission Follow on social media: @VAWineandCraft on Facebook and Instagram

Host Janet Michael celebrates a personal milestone — her 2,633rd consecutive episode, breaking Cal Ripken Jr.'s record of 2,632 consecutive baseball games — while sitting down with Winchester Frederick County CVB's Justin Kerns and restaurateur Shawn Steffey to discuss the highly anticipated opening of Miso Tori Ramen Company on Boscawen Street in Old Town Winchester. What We Cover 🍜 The New Restaurant Miso Tori Ramen Company is opening on Boscawen Street in Old Town Winchester in a space previously occupied by Sexy Mexi The name means "old and new" in Japanese — a nod to the restaurant's fusion concept Designed by Kyle Hopkins of Four Square Architects to evoke a neon-lit Tokyo back-alley ramen bar Seating for approximately 35 guests, plus outdoor patio seating once the Boscawen Street construction project is complete The Menu 99% ramen-focused, with both traditional Japanese and fusion options Traditional offerings: miso ramen, spicy tonkatsu, and more Fusion highlights: Nashville hot chicken ramen, Texas smoked barbecue ramen, Thai coconut curry & lobster tempura ramen 40-ounce bowls made fresh to order — noodles cooked when you order Dietary options: gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan available Carryout and group/catering orders available; delivery not planned at launch The Bar Japanese-inspired cocktail program featuring Japanese whiskeys, sake, and spirits Japanese beers and sodas No margaritas (they looked — no Japanese tequila exists yet) Hours & Operations Target opening: mid-to-late May Goal: open 7 days a week, 11:00–11:30 AM to 10:00–11:00 PM Late-night dining is a key part of the concept Also Mentioned VA 250 events are ramping up significantly through the summer — visit visitwinchesterva.com for details Local farmers and wineries were hit hard by a spring freeze in early April, wiping out ~100% of the peach crop and 80–100% of early apple varietals — Justin asks the community to show extra support at farm markets A Sweet Nolas-related announcement is teased for next month's Tourism Tuesday

Host Janet Michael sits down with Deb Fleming, Executive Director of the Greater Shenandoah Valley Chapter of American Red Cross to discuss how they're rethinking its role in the community — moving from an organization that serves communities to one that is truly part of them. They cover community mobilization, the maturity matrix self-assessment, and the upcoming Disaster Leadership Academy. Key Topics Covered What is Community Mobilization? Working with local partners, nonprofits, and residents to assess community needs and build self-sustaining disaster response capacity — without relying solely on Red Cross staff or outside volunteers. The Greater Shenandoah Valley Chapter Covers 11 counties across Virginia, West Virginia, and Maryland. Each community has unique demographics, income levels, ethnic groups, and needs — requiring a tailored approach. The Maturity Matrix An honest internal self-assessment tool the Red Cross is using to evaluate the strength of their community partnerships, operational strategy, and representation. The goal: identify gaps before trying to fix them. The Disaster Leadership Academy Born from a conversation between Janet and Deb over coffee, this program brings together community members, nonprofit staff, elected officials, and emergency managers to learn each other's roles before a disaster strikes. Starting first in Washington County, MD, with plans to expand to Winchester and the wider region. Why Cross-Sector Education Matters Siloed knowledge leads to confusion during disasters — who sets up shelters, who handles food, who manages communications. The Academy helps everyone speak the same language and know who to call. Volunteer Opportunities The chapter needs 37 more deployable volunteers to hit its regional goal. Volunteers can start local and many end up deploying nationally. The Red Cross reports a 94% volunteer satisfaction rate. Resources & Links Sign up to volunteer: RedCross.org