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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. More Than a Bus Stop

More Than a Bus Stop

Sep 11, 2026

After a record-breaking summer, the YDC is diving straight into a packed fall season — and Executive Director Sarah Fishel joins Janet Michael at the YDC's Loudoun Street home to walk through all of it. From a brand-new after-school program to two beloved traditions making their long-awaited return, there's a lot happening at 302 S. Loudoun Street in Old Town Winchester.

Sarah shares how the new YDC Connect after-school program is reimagining care for kids in kindergarten through eighth grade, previews the return of free Saturday art classes (plus new donation-based classes for the grown-ups), and looks ahead to Trunk or Treat on October 17 and the comeback of Festival of Trees on November 21. She also introduces Baker's Anchor Mentoring, a program honoring the families who helped start the YDC three decades ago. Tune in for a full look at everything happening at the YDC this season — and how the community can get involved.

EVENT DETAILS

Trunk or Treat on Loudoun Street

  • Date: Saturday, October 17
  • Location: The YDC, 302 S. Loudoun Street, Winchester
  • Cost: Free (registration encouraged)
  • Details: Community partner trunks, entertainment, and a pre-event "witch walk" fundraiser

Festival of Trees

  • Date: Saturday, November 21
  • Location: The YDC, 302 S. Loudoun Street, Winchester
  • Daytime (10 AM–2 PM): Free family activities, cookie decorating, Santa, and viewing of trees/wreaths up for silent auction
  • Evening: Ticketed candlelight showcase with a live tree and wreath auction, cocktail hour, and heavy hors d'oeuvres
  • Cost: Free during the day; ticketed for the evening candlelight showcase

Giving Tuesday

  • Date: December 1
  • Focus: Raising support for summer access programming

LINKS & RESOURCES

  • YDC website (events, registration, volunteering, donations): myydc.org
  • YDC Connect after-school program: available via myydc.org
  • Baker's Anchor Mentoring (mentor/mentee applications, donations): available via myydc.org

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

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