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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.
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  2. Kids, Cranes, and Helicopters

Kids, Cranes, and Helicopters

Aug 27, 2026

There's a helicopter on its way to downtown Winchester right now — and it's landing on a rooftop. Janet sits down with Dawn Devine, Tammy Stevenson, and Taylor Wilmoth of the Shenandoah Valley Discovery Museum to talk about the museum's boldest exhibit yet: a real helicopter, craned onto the Sky Level rooftop, that kids will be able to climb into and "fly."

From the four-year journey to get city approval, to the September 21st block party where the community can watch the helicopter get lifted into place, to the September 26th "Passport to Discovery" gala where grown-ups get the first look — this episode covers how a wild idea turned into a hands-on, ADA-accessible, community-funded exhibit built to give kids a perspective on flight most of them will never otherwise get. Plus: what else is happening on that rooftop, who's footing the bill, and why the helicopter isn't even leaving anytime soon.

EVENT DETAILS

Soar & Explore Block Party — Helicopter Rooftop Lift

  • Date: Monday, September 21
  • Time: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
  • Location: Loudoun Street walking mall area, downtown Winchester (museum and adjacent street closed)
  • Cost: Free to attend (block party portion)
  • Presented with: Friends of Old Town
  • Highlights: Helicopter craned onto the rooftop (expected ~10:30–10:45 AM), vendors and kids' activities on the walking mall, guest speakers (crane company representative, an airport/aviation guest, a wildfire-response helicopter speaker), a Valley Health helicopter flyover, and a DJ-hosted dance party
  • Note: The museum's exterior rooftop area is expected to remain closed to the public into October while ADA-accessibility and structural work is completed

"Passport to Discovery" Gala

  • Date: Saturday, September 26
  • Location: Shenandoah Valley Discovery Museum
  • Dress: Encouraged "travel" attire — think favorite destination or dream trip
  • Highlights: First opportunity to see the helicopter up close; food and drink stationed by floor; live band; silent/live auction (auction opens online September 12, ahead of the gala)
  • Tickets & Auction: Available now at discoverymuseum.net

THE VALLEY TODAY with Janet Michael — A decade of conversations.

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