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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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12 Taps, One Community

Aug 7, 2026

Janet Michael sits down with Lauren Fleming, Tap Room Manager for Dividing Creek Beer Co., and Friends of Old Town's Brady Cloven, for a bonus Old Town Winchester conversation about how a brewery became a full-blown community living room.

Lauren shares the winding path that brought her back to Winchester, the chaos of a surprise opening day in the middle of the pandemic, and why she fought (and lost) a battle over a crab on the logo. The three also dig into the tap list — including a purple ube lager and a crab-seasoned summer gose — First Friday plans, and why the best breweries these days are as much about art, trivia, and thrifting as they are about beer.

FIRST FRIDAY EVENT DETAILS 

  • DORA in Effect / Sip & Stroll: 5:00–10:00 PM — grab a drink to go from Dividing Creek or other participating spots and walk the mall
  • Community Open Mic Night with The River House: Taylor Pavilion, 5:00–9:00 PM, performers roughly every 15–20 minutes — spoken word, poetry, and singer-songwriter acts
  • Artist Alley: led by Shen Arts, set up on Boscawen; additional vendors from Moon Phased near the south end
  • Friends of Old Town table (Taylor Pavilion): info on The River House nonprofit, kids' arts & activities, new Friends of Old Town shirts, pre-order Dawg Days of Summer shirts (design by Valerie Burgess of Big Fog), and remaining ornaments
  • At Dividing Creek specifically: Lauren will be on-site that evening as the featured local artist, showcasing/selling framed photography, prints, and mixed-media work

LINKS & RESOURCES

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

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.

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