The County Connection

(Recorded on May 10, 2026)

Welcome back to the County Connection! We’re shaking things up in the studio today with special guest hosts Patty Fadeley (Shenandoah County Chamber of Commerce) and Katie Mercer (Town of Woodstock), who are stepping in for Stuart and Justin. Together, they take a deep dive into the creativity and passion that make our Main Streets so special.

Today’s guest is Dan Miller from the Valle...

In Episode 20 of The County Connection, hosts Justin Wightman and Stuart Freakley welcome organizers Suzanne McIlwee and Barbara Adamson to discuss the massive "Shenandoah County Celebrates 1776" event happening on June 20th. In the works since April 2025, this rain-or-shine living history festival will transform downtown Woodstock into an authentic 18th-century experience to celebrate the upcoming America 250 milestone.

• Gr...

In this special episode of The County Connection, guest co-hosts Katie Mercer and Patty Fadeley step in to explore the rich history and bright future of the Woodstock Museum. They are joined by Barbara Kesser, President of the Woodstock Museum, to recap a lively recent community event, trace the museum's fascinating 57-year history, and discuss an urgent preservation project that literally keeps the town’s history standi...

In this episode of County Connection, host Stuart Freakley and guest host Jaynelle Bowers sit down with Melissa Freakley of the Freakley Law Group to demystify the world of elder law and estate planning. While the term "elder law" might sound like it’s only for seniors, Melissa explains that it’s really about protecting families of all ages, covering everything from wills and trusts to small business succession.

The trio...

In this especially cozy episode of County Connection, hosts Stuart Freakley and Jaynelle Bowers sat down for a deeply personal look at the lives being saved right in our own backyard. The studio felt a little more like a home than an office, thanks to the tiny, purring presence of Jolie, Bastion, and Gaston, three lucky kittens currently looking for their forever families.

Melisa and Margaret from the Humane Society of Shenandoah Co...

In this episode of The County Connection, hosts Stuart Freakley and Justin Wightman sit down with Sue Haynes, the creative force behind Clementine Vintage. What started as a simple Etsy shop has blossomed into a downtown Strasburg landmark, housed in a beautifully restored 1880s pharmacy. Sue shares how she and her husband transformed a condemned building into a "jewel" of the town, featuring luxury apartments and a storefront that...

In this episode of The County Connection, co-hosts Justin Wightman and Stuart Freakley sit down with Abe Silos, owner of Air and Water Solutions, to discuss the critical importance of "whole home health." Silos shares his journey from a consultant during the COVID-19 pandemic to a provider of life-changing air and water technologies.

This is a timely and essential conversation for this time of year; as spring arrives, the discussion...

In this episode of the County Connection podcast, hosts Stuart Freakley and Justin Wightman sit down with Trey Nelson, owner of Valley Trail Bike and Run, to explore how outdoor gear, community engagement, and accessible fitness opportunities intersect in Shenandoah County. Trey shares the story behind launching the shop, driven by a desire to fill a local need for quality biking and running equipment while creating a welcoming hub...

🎙️ Episode 13 — Building a Legacy: The Shenandoah Community Foundation
This week on The County Connection, we’re celebrating National Community Foundation Week by spotlighting one of the Valley’s most impactful organizations—the Shenandoah Community Foundation.

Hosts Stuart Freakley and Justin Wightman sit down with Executive Director Becky Stickley t...

In this moving episode of The County Connection, hosts Justin Wightman and Stuart Freakley dive deep into what it truly means to stand together when someone is in crisis. With guests Amanda Kibler, Court and Community Liaison at Northwestern Community Services Board (NWCSB), and Chief Chris Rinker of the New Market Police Department, along with his loyal K9 partner, Benelli, li...

In this insightful episode of The County Connection, hosts Justin Wightman and Stuart Freakley welcome Whitney Minnick from the American Cancer Society for an open conversation about the organization’s mission, impact, and the common misconceptions that surround it.

Whitney explains how the ACS supports people and families in Shenandoah County and beyond — through research, patient prog...

In this episode, hosts Justin Wightman and Stuart Freakley sit down with Craig Everett of Everett Insurance Agency to talk about what it really means to have peace of mind when life throws you a curveball.

From insurance myths and facts to quirky “lightning round” questions about insuring unusual things, this episode blends humor, community spirit, and practical advice. Listeners will discover the real value of having a ...

In this episode of The County Connection, we sit down with Rachel Fitzsimmons, founder of RR Healing Arts, whose vibrant murals and creative vision are transforming spaces across Shenandoah County. Rachel shares her inspiring journey—from discovering her love of art in high school, to studying energy healing, to launching RR Healing Arts in 2023 as a fusion of her passions for creativity, wellness, and communit...

In this heartfelt conversation, we sit down with Adrienna D’Asti, founder of The Memory Garden, to talk about compassionate care for people living with memory loss and the families who love them. Adrienna shares why she started The Memory Garden, what person-centered support can look like at home and in the community, and simple ways to create moments of connection—through routine, sensory cues, music, storyte...

🍿 What does it take to turn a simple snack into a thriving small-town business? In this episode of The County Connection, we talk with Jennifer Osbourn and Quinn Neff from Blue Ridge Popcorn, a Shenandoah County favorite that’s bringing a fresh twist to gourmet popcorn.

Jennifer shares the inspiration behind launching the business, how she sourced locally-grown corn, and the support she received ...

In this episode, hosts Justin Wightman and Stuart Freakley sit down with Sharon Baroncelli, President of the Shenandoah County Chamber of Commerce, to explore the real value of Chamber membership. Whether you're a brand-new entrepreneur or a seasoned business owner, discover how the Chamber supports growth, networking, marketing, advocacy, and professional development at every stage. Sponsored by Shenandoah Caverns, this episode is...

How does a police department build trust and ensure safety, not just for residents, but for the local business community? 🤔 We sat down with the Woodstock Police Department to unpack their unique approach! This episode highlights their unwavering commitment to community engagement, core values, and continuous improvement, showcasing how they truly act as partners for businesses.

We cover:

• The essential r...

Listen to the latest "County Connection" podcast! Hosts Justin Wightman and Stuart Freakley chat with Chief Keith Cowart (Mount Jackson PD) and Chief Wayne Sager (Strasburg PD) about the vital link between local businesses and law enforcement.

They cover:

• Business & Police Partnerships

• Crisis Preparedness for Businesses

• Investing in Youth & Jobs

• Downtown Nightlife & Safety

• What Leadership Means

Don...

Join Justin Wightman and Stuart Freakley as they chat with Kara Balcerzak, owner of Bonfire Bookstore and Yarnery in Woodstock. Discover the inspiring vision behind this beloved independent bookstore, what makes it a unique hub for readers of all ages, and how it's fostering a love for reading in an increasingly digital world. Kara shares insights into curating their diverse selection, the surprising joys and challenges of independ...