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The Valley Today

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by Janet Michael

5.0(11 reviews)
2,416 episodes
Updated Daily
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Podcast Overview

The Valley Today is a radio show and podcast dedicated to shining a light on the vibrant community leaders and local events that make the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia truly special. Insightful conversations, engaging stories, and event details connect listeners with the heart and soul of the valley, showcasing its unique culture, initiatives, and people. Guests are recorded (mostly) in advance in local coffee shops, at local businesses, and during local events. The radio program airs just a few minutes after noon every weekday on The River 95.3 and Sports Radio 1450.

Language

🇺🇲

Publishing Since

3/17/2016

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65

Podcast Authority

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Quality99
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Engagement77
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Recent Episodes

Episode thumbnail for Red Vest Ready: A Red Cross Volunteer's Story

June 22, 2026

Red Vest Ready: A Red Cross Volunteer's Story

<p class="MsoNormal">She saw the commercial — the one with the Red Cross volunteer in the red vest, hugging someone, handing over a blanket — and told her husband, "When I retire, I want to be that person." On this episode of The Valley Today, host Janet Michael continues her year-long Red Cross series with Deb Fleming, Executive Director of the Greater Shenandoah Valley Chapter, who brings along volunteer Jill Johnson — a retired teacher who has now been deployed five times (three nationally, two locally) and is on standby for another deployment as the conversation is happening.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Jill walks through the surprisingly simple sign-up process at redcross.org, how the certifications stack (sheltering, feeding, and more), and the dual paths she's chosen: Prepare with Pedro, a K-2 disaster preparedness program she teaches in local schools, churches, and scout groups, alongside national deployments to Hurricane Ian in Fort Myers, the Southern California floods and mudslides, and Hurricane Helene in Asheville. She shares what it actually looks like inside a shelter — bearded dragons, dancing parrots, Tide trucks doing laundry, FEMA tents holding a thousand people for dinner — and why the Red Cross changed its pet policy after recognizing that families won't evacuate without their animals. Plus: Deb's good news that the chapter has already hit its volunteer recruitment goals for the year because so many people stepped up in unexpected ways.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><strong>ABOUT THE GREATER SHENANDOAH VALLEY CHAPTER</strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The American Red Cross Greater Shenandoah Valley Chapter serves the region with disaster response, blood services, military family support, health and safety education, and community preparedness programs. The chapter has met its 2026 volunteer recruitment goals — including a recent reduction in target numbers based on how well the local chapter has performed.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><strong>ABOUT PREPARE WITH PEDRO</strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal">A free Red Cross disaster preparedness program designed for children in grades K-2. The program uses books, videos, songs, and hands-on activities to teach kids the basics of home fire safety — including escape plans, meeting places, smoke alarm checks, the "get low and go" technique for smoke, and coping/breathing exercises that apply to disasters and everyday stressful moments. Available free to classrooms, scout groups, church groups, and any setting with children. Schools and groups can request a visit through their local Red Cross chapter.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><strong>WAYS TO VOLUNTEER (THERE'S MORE THAN YOU THINK)</strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal">• Direct disaster response — sheltering, feeding (local and national deployments, two-week commitments)</p> <p class="MsoNormal">• Disaster preparedness education — Prepare with Pedro, hands-only CPR, home fire safety</p> <p class="MsoNormal">• Smoke alarm installation in partnership with local fire departments</p> <p class="MsoNormal">• Behind-the-scenes — logistics, supply, planning, weather tracking, government operations coordination</p> <p class="MsoNormal">• Blood services support</p> <p class="MsoNormal">• Military family support (armed forces programs)</p> <p class="MsoNormal">• Local events and community outreach</p> <p class="MsoNormal">• Set your own schedule — volunteer as much or as little as your life allows</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><strong>LINKS & RESOURCES</strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal">• Sign up to volunteer: <a href= "https://www.redcross.org/" target="_blank" rel= "noopener">redcross.org</a> → click "Volunteer" </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><strong>THE VALLEY TODAY with Janet Michael — A decade of conversations.</strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal">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.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Subscribe and listen at <a href= "https://thevalleytodaypodcast.com/" target="_blank" rel= "noopener">thevalleytodaypodcast.com</a> — available on <a href= "https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-valley-today/id1404635377" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Apple Podcasts</a>, <a href= "https://open.spotify.com/show/2twp8tT7qBYSpuEdCctPKn" target= "_blank" rel="noopener">Spotify</a>, 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.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Connect with us: Facebook — <a href= "https://www.facebook.com/ValleyTodayFanPage" target="_blank" rel= "noopener">facebook.com/ValleyTodayFanPage</a> Instagram — <a href= "https://www.instagram.com/thevalleytoday" target="_blank" rel= "noopener">instagram.com/thevalleytoday</a></p>

Episode thumbnail for Don't Deworm Everything: The Science Behind FAMACHA Certification

June 19, 2026

Don't Deworm Everything: The Science Behind FAMACHA Certification

<p class="MsoNormal">Deworm every animal every time, and pretty soon the dewormer stops working. On this Extension Office Friday edition of The Valley Today, host Janet Michael is back on the Zooms with <a href="https://page.ext.vt.edu/staff/elizam3.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Elizabeth Mullins Baldwin</a> (Page County Extension agent) and <a href= "https://warren.ext.vt.edu/staff/cynthia2000.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Cynthia Fairbanks</a> (Warren County Extension agent) to talk about herd health for the region's growing population of small-ruminant producers — and a hands-on FAMACHA certification workshop coming up at the Warren County Fairgrounds on Saturday, July 11th.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">The conversation starts with a friendly reality check for anyone thinking about getting into sheep or goats — yes, they're a great entry point into farming, but also yes, "do your homework before you go to the sale" is the single best piece of advice the Extension office can give. Then Cynthia and Elizabeth walk through what FAMACHA actually is — a science-based, color-card system developed in 1990s South Africa by Dr. Faffa Malan that helps producers decide which animals actually need deworming and which don't, based on real-time signs of anemia from the barber pole worm. The result: less money wasted on dewormer, less resistance built up in parasites, and healthier animals. Workshop attendees get hands-on practice, a FAMACHA certification, fecal egg count demonstrations, and the science-backed answers to all the "but I heard you can just feed them a Christmas tree" home remedies floating around.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><strong>EVENT DETAILS — FAMACHA CERTIFICATION WORKSHOP</strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Saturday, July 11, 2026 • 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM Warren County Fairgrounds • $30 per person (flat fee, regardless of farm size) • Breakfast included • Open to producers from any county • Pre-registration required</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><strong>WHAT YOU'LL LEARN AND LEAVE WITH</strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal">• FAMACHA certification (with certificate)</p> <p class="MsoNormal">• Hands-on practice scoring real sheep and goats with the FAMACHA color card</p> <p class="MsoNormal">• Demonstration of proper fecal sample collection (Elizabeth)</p> <p class="MsoNormal">• Live microscope demo of fecal egg counts (a powerful tool for measuring dewormer resistance)</p> <p class="MsoNormal">• Science-based review of internal and external parasites common in Virginia</p> <p class="MsoNormal">• A look at popular herbal/home remedies — and which ones research actually supports</p> <p class="MsoNormal">• Direct Q&A with Extension agents</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><strong>WHO IT'S FOR</strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal">• Current sheep and goat producers</p> <p class="MsoNormal">• New producers building up their first herd</p> <p class="MsoNormal">• Anyone considering sheep or goats in the future who wants to know what they're getting into</p> <p class="MsoNormal">• Camelid (llama and alpaca) owners — newly included this year</p> <p class="MsoNormal">• Producers concerned about dewormer resistance and rising input costs</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><strong>HOW TO REGISTER</strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal">• Online registration - <a href= "https://register.ext.vt.edu/search/publicCourseSearchDetails.do?method=load&courseId=4566332&utm_id=97758_v0_s00_e0_tv4_a1den1ngmfscwf&fbclid=IwY2xjawSg5FRleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFkOHpIY29pOWFId0syZXlQc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHi_KrLJB3gDy6lL7ARnirt1fL3CHqm2QWVOWC7ht-6V-xEKHA1aC9piH3T_X_aem_1zTSMxgUKjzRoIvagGLsjQ" target="_blank" rel="noopener">click here</a> or get the flyer <a href= "https://theriver953.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/FAMACHA-workshop.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">• In person at your local Extension office (cash or check)</p> <p class="MsoNormal">• By phone — call either Extension office directly</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><strong>A NOTE ON FAMACHA</strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal">FAMACHA was developed in South Africa in the early 1990s by veterinarian Dr. Faffa Malan, in response to widespread blanket deworming that was creating costly dewormer-resistant parasites. The system uses a color card matched to the eye mucous membrane of the animal to score anemia on a 1-5 scale — a real-time, non-invasive proxy for packed cell volume (red blood cell concentration). It's specifically designed to detect the effects of the barber pole worm (Haemonchus contortus), the most common and damaging internal parasite for small ruminants in the southeastern United States. The goal: only deworm animals that actually need it, preserve the effectiveness of the few approved dewormers we still have, and save producers money in the process.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><strong>LINKS & RESOURCES</strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal">• Page County Extension on Facebook: <a href= "https://www.facebook.com/PageCountyVCE" target="_blank" rel= "noopener">https://www.facebook.com/PageCountyVCE</a></p> <p class="MsoNormal">• Warren County Extension on Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/WarrenCountyVCE" target="_blank" rel= "noopener">https://www.facebook.com/WarrenCountyVCE</a> </p> <p class="MsoNormal">• Your local Extension office can answer questions on herd health, soil testing, pest management, and more (calls are free and welcome — Extension agents in Frederick, Clarke, Shenandoah, Warren, and Page counties serve the whole region)</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Aptos',sans-serif; color: black;"> <strong>CONNECT WITH VIRGINIA COOPERATIVE EXTENSION</strong></span></p> <ul type="disc"> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "color: black; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"> <span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Aptos',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> <a href="https://clarke.ext.vt.edu/" target="_blank" rel= "noopener">VCE – Clarke County</a>: 540-955-5164</span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "color: black; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"> <span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Aptos',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> <a href="https://frederick.ext.vt.edu/" target="_blank" rel= "noopener">VCE – Frederick County</a>: 540-665-5699</span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "color: black; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"> <span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Aptos',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> <a href="https://page.ext.vt.edu/" target="_blank" rel= "noopener">VCE – Page County</a>: 540-778-5794</span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "color: black; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"> <span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Aptos',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> <a href="https://shenandoah.ext.vt.edu/" target="_blank" rel= "noopener">VCE – Shenandoah County</a>: 540-459-6140</span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"> <span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Aptos',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; color: black;"> <a href="https://warren.ext.vt.edu/" target="_blank" rel= "noopener">VCE – Warren County</a>: 540-635-4549</span></li> </ul> <p class="MsoNormal"><strong>THE VALLEY TODAY with Janet Michael — A decade of conversations.</strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal">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.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Subscribe and listen at <a href= "https://thevalleytodaypodcast.com/" target="_blank" rel= "noopener">thevalleytodaypodcast.com</a> — available on <a href= "https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-valley-today/id1404635377" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Apple Podcasts</a>, <a href= "https://open.spotify.com/show/2twp8tT7qBYSpuEdCctPKn" target= "_blank" rel="noopener">Spotify</a>, 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.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Connect with us: Facebook — <a href= "https://www.facebook.com/ValleyTodayFanPage" target="_blank" rel= "noopener">facebook.com/ValleyTodayFanPage</a> Instagram — <a href= "https://www.instagram.com/thevalleytoday" target="_blank" rel= "noopener">instagram.com/thevalleytoday</a></p>

Episode thumbnail for Community Health: Planning to Live

June 18, 2026

Community Health: Planning to Live

<p class="MsoNormal">Palliative isn't a synonym for terminal. On this Community Health edition of The Valley Today, host Janet Michael welcomes back <a href= "https://www.valleyhealthlink.com/find-a-doctor/profile/james-k-vankirk-md/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Dr. Jim VanKirk</a>, board-certified palliative care specialist and Medical Director of Valley Health's Palliative Care Program, joined by team social worker Rachel Schwartz, to clear up one of the most persistent misconceptions in medicine — and to make the case for thinking about palliative care as a living tool, not an end-of-life one.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Dr. VanKirk walks through what palliative care actually is — symptom support, treatment planning, and team-based care for patients with serious illnesses who are still receiving aggressive treatment, including chemotherapy, radiation, and ICU care — and explains the research showing that earlier palliative intervention actually correlates with patients living longer. Rachel talks through the role of a palliative social worker, the kinds of grief families navigate along the way of a progressive illness (not just at the end), and the concept of "substituted judgment" when a patient can't speak for themselves. Plus: a thorough, practical conversation about advance directives — what they are, why every adult needs one starting at age 18, why April 16th is the easiest day to remember to update yours, and the family stories (including Dr. VanKirk's own) that show why having "the document" isn't the point — the conversation that leads to the document is.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><strong>ABOUT VALLEY HEALTH'S PALLIATIVE CARE PROGRAM</strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal">A specialized medical service for patients with serious or life-threatening illnesses, working alongside primary treatment teams to provide symptom management, treatment planning support, and goals-of-care conversations. The team works across the hospital — including with ICU patients and patients still receiving aggressive treatment like chemotherapy or radiation — and partners with chaplains, music therapists, speech therapists, physical and occupational therapists, and bedside nursing teams to provide whole-person care for both the patient and their family.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><strong>ABOUT ADVANCE DIRECTIVES</strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal">An advance directive is a document that expresses your wishes for healthcare, especially if you become unable to speak for yourself. It typically has two parts: (1) the designation of a healthcare agent — the person empowered to make decisions on your behalf, and (2) specific wishes about what care you would or would not want in certain situations (sometimes called a "living will").</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><strong>KEY POINTS FROM THIS EPISODE</strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal">• Every adult — starting at age 18 — should have an advance directive. Car accidents don't wait for a diagnosis.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">• The conversation matters more than the document. Your healthcare agent needs to know how you think and what's important to you.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">• Tell your designated agent first. Tell other close family and friends the document exists.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">• Update your directive periodically — life changes, designated agents pass away or move, your wishes evolve.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">• Virginia and West Virginia have different legal requirements. Know which state's form you need.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">• Don't store it in a lockbox. Your agent, your primary care physician, and your hospital should all have copies.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">• April 16th is the easy day to remember — the day after Tax Day. Take care of the government on the 15th; take care of yourself on the 16th.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">• If a loved one is diagnosed with dementia or Alzheimer's, complete legal documents IMMEDIATELY. Capacity can be lost faster than families expect.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><strong>LINKS & RESOURCES</strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal">• Valley Health Palliative Care Program: <a href= "https://www.valleyhealthlink.com/patient-visitors/for-patients/advance-care-planning-advance-directives/" target="_blank" rel= "noopener">https://www.valleyhealthlink.com/patient-visitors/for-patients/advance-care-planning-advance-directives/</a> (click Your Visit → Patient Resources for advance directive information, FAQs, state-specific forms, and a number to schedule a facilitator appointment)</p> <p class="MsoNormal">• Every Community Health conversation in one place: <a href= "https://thevalleytodaypodcast.com/category/VH+Community+Health" target="_blank" rel="noopener">thevalleytodaypodcast.com</a> (click Categories → VH Community Health) </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><strong>THE VALLEY TODAY with Janet Michael — A decade of conversations.</strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal">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.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Subscribe and listen at <a href= "https://thevalleytodaypodcast.com/" target="_blank" rel= "noopener">thevalleytodaypodcast.com</a> — available on <a href= "https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-valley-today/id1404635377" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Apple Podcasts</a>, <a href= "https://open.spotify.com/show/2twp8tT7qBYSpuEdCctPKn" target= "_blank" rel="noopener">Spotify</a>, 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.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Connect with us: Facebook — <a href= "https://www.facebook.com/ValleyTodayFanPage" target="_blank" rel= "noopener">facebook.com/ValleyTodayFanPage</a> Instagram — <a href= "https://www.instagram.com/thevalleytoday" target="_blank" rel= "noopener">instagram.com/thevalleytoday</a></p>

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Frequently asked questions

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What is The Valley Today?

The Valley Today is a radio show and podcast dedicated to shining a light on the vibrant community leaders and local events that make the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia truly special. Insightful conversations, engaging stories, and event details connect listeners with the heart and soul of the valley, showcasing its unique culture, initiatives, and people.

Guests are recorded (mostly) in advance in local coffee shops, at local businesses, and during local events. The radio program airs just a few minutes after noon every weekday on The River 95.3 and Sports Radio 1450.

How often does this podcast release new episodes?

This podcast updates daily.

Where can I listen to this podcast?

This podcast is available on 9 platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more. You can also use the RSS feed directly.

Does this podcast accept guests?

Yes, this podcast regularly features guests.

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