The Valley Today Janet Michael

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.
 

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

Our conversation today is part of an ongoing partnership with the US Small Business Administration highlighting small businesses in the Shenandoah Valley as well as offering advice and resources to all small businesses. My co-host for this monthly series is Carl Knoblock, Virginia District Director for the SBA.
We met at GNC Online Auction's Winchester warehouse for an in-depth discussion about their business model and the dynamic between buyers, sellers, and the auction house. Felicia Hart & Scott Haines, owners of the auction house share experiences and anecdotes related to acquiring the auction business, its operational challenges, and the uniqueness of auctioned items.
They explain the start of their venture, the pandemic's impact, the diverse range of items up for auction, and how these auctions connect people with unique and sometimes historical items. We delve into business strategies, customer engagement, and the broader implications of their work, like community involvement and environmental benefits.
Throughout, Carl offers perspectives on the business model and suggestions for outreach and expansion, intertwining with discussions about the potential for education through auctioned items and the importance of community in the auction business.
Learn more about GNC Online Auctions on their website: https://gnconlineauctions.com/ and follow them on Facebook.
Click here to listen to other conversations in this small business series.
 

Our conversation for Tourism Tuesday with Edison Emmons from Luray/Page Chamber of Commerce included Teri Beers, Parks Director for the Town of Stanley.
Teri gives details for a few upcoming events in Stanley, including the Spring into Stanley event on April 20th and the Stanley Homecoming from July 3rd to 6th. She also talks about their movie nights and lifeguard needs. 
 

Our conversation today welcomed back Justin Proctor and Mike Shotten, committee members of Front Royal's ACES (Advisory Committee for Environmental Sustainability) to discuss the organization's mission in building community around environmental and conservation projects in Front Royal.
Justin and Mike elaborate on the committee's growth, diverse membership, and various projects aimed at environmental preservation and community engagement. They emphasize the importance of native plants, sustainability, and community involvement in environmental initiatives. The pair give details about the upcoming Lone Pine Day 2024 event scheduled for Sunday, April 21, 2024, highlighting activities such as a tree planting ceremony, educational presentations, free plant giveaways, and community engagement opportunities. The family-friendly event is free for the public to attend and will run from 10am - 3pm in the gazebo area in downtown Front Royal. Lone Pine Day aims to promote environmental awareness, conservation, and youth involvement. 
Click here to learn more about ACES and follow the event on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/1454786115390132 
 

Our conversation today features Katie Harvard from the Little Garden Club. Katie talks about the significance and history of Historic Garden Week in Virginia, the impact it has on restorations, the collaboration between The Little Garden Club and Winchester-Clark Garden Club, and the details of the upcoming garden tours on April 27th.
We discuss the different houses on the tour, the ticket prices and locations to purchase them, the schedule for the tour day, and the experiences visitors can expect at each house. She also covers the educational aspect of joining a garden club, the camaraderie it offers, and the love for gardening shared among members. Katie provides insight into the preparations for Garden Week, the unique features of each house on the tour, and the diversity of gardens and floral arrangements visitors can expect to see. Additionally, we touch upon the learning opportunities, expectations regarding garden appearances, and the fun and creativity involved in exploring different gardening ideas.
Learn more about Historic Garden Week in Virginia and get your tickets on their website: https://www.vagardenweek.org/