Breakfast With Barry Lee

On May 7th, C.A.S.T. for Kids Foundation held a special day of fishing for adults with disabilities at the Winchester-Frederick Conservation Club.  Local volunteer Steven Shafron coordinated the event with the Foundation and lined up the sponsors and volunteers that made it possible.  Barry took his microphone to the lake and interviewed some of the volunteers and organizations that made it happen. www.castforkids.org  

A very 'special' guest joins Barry this week:  Elena Jeannotte, Executive Director of 'Special Love, Inc.' shares how this nonprofit organization supports children with cancer and their families through free programs like Camp Fantastic, family getaways, emergency financial aid and scholarships. www.specialove.org

Joining Barry this week is Mark K. Kennerly, aka, DJ EmJaybeats.  Mark and his brother Quaye (DJ UnieQ) grew up in Winchester and became professional DJ's that host dance parties for celebrities and live sets on TikTok with thousands of followers.  Marks shares the story of how they evolved, plus talks about the 'All Access Dance Party' they're hosting on Friday,  May 1st at the Backseat Events Center. www.djemjaybeats.com

The Winchester Kiwanis Club of Winchester, VA will be serving up tall stacks of pancakes and sausage at their Spring Community Pancake Day on Saturday, April 25th.  The primary beneficiary is the "I'm Just Me Movement", supporting local youth and families.  Joining Barry to share the story are Carleton Rio, Pancake Day Chairman, and Tina Stevens-Culbreath, Executive Director of "I'm Just Me Movement". www.winvakiw.org                   www.imjustmemovement.org  

Two guests join Barry on this episode: Brad Veach, Executive Director of the Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival highlights the upcoming Festival, April 24th-May 3rd.  www.thebloom.com Jeffrey Alban, Artistic Director and Conductor of the Blue Ridge Singers chats about their Spring concert series:  "The French-American Connection".   www.blueridgesingers.org

Two special interviews on this week's show: 1- Traci Toth and Ann Lamanna from Wheels For Wellness talk about their elegant and fun 'Tablescapes' fundraiser on 4/19 that helps provide people with transportation to their medical appointments and treatments.  (www.wheels4wellness.org) 2-John Owens, Director of the 46th Annual Spring Follies at Laurel Ridge Community College in Middletown invites the community to celebrate the 1990's with upbeat performances and comedy on 4/11 and 4/12 with fun pre-show activities and food (including free ice cream).  (www.laurelridge.edu/follies)

A double-feature this week on the show.  Joining Barry are: 1- Jon Goldberg, Music Director & Conductor with the Main Street Chamber Orchestra talks about the 4/11 concert featuring 'Two Geniuses of Composition', John Williams and Beethoven. 2- John Lamanna with the Winchester-Frederick County Human Trafficking Task Force shares information about a free Regional Human Trafficking Awareness Seminar on 4/10 at Shenandoah University.  

Who was the mystery writer that called himself 'The Humorist' and wrote the essays that appeared in the South Carolina Gazette in 1753 and 1754?  Through Shenandoah County resident Dr. Brent L. Kendrick's research, this colonial literary mystery has been solved over 270 years later!  Dr. Kendrick shares his journey in his new book, "Unmasking The Humorist - Alexander Gordon's Lost Essays of Colonial Charleston, South Carolina."  Follow Dr. Kendrick's writings at:  www.thewiredresearcher.com 

As a part of America's 250th Anniversary Celebration, a national exhibit that is crisscrossing the country will be coming to Middletown's historic Wayside Inn on March 27th and 28th.  Barry's guest to share the exciting news is the Mayor of Middletown, VA, Charles Harbaugh IV  www.freedom250.org          Facebook:  Town of Middletown, VA

The Relay For Life of Northern Shenandoah Valley presented by Shenandoah University steps off on March 20th at the James R. Wilkins, Jr. Events Center to benefit the American Cancer Society.  Barry's guest is longtime Relay volunteer and cancer survivor Michael Hummer who outlines the fun activities for all ages on 3/20, including lap themes from the 60's to today with music and costumes.  Michael also shares how the money raised provides incredible resources and information for those diagnosed and their families.   www.cancer.org    www.relayforlife.org (Winchester, VA)

A double feature this week on the show: 1- Steve Shafran talks about the Winchester C.A.S.T. For Kids Foundation and a special event he's coordinating to connect volunteers who love to fish with adults and veterans with disabilities and special needs for a special day on the lake. (castforkids.org)  2- Shelly Lee invites everyone to put on the green for the Pot O' Gold Party at Piccadilly's on 3/14 to help the 2 For 2 Foundation provide free swim lessons to local youth.  (2for2foundation.org)

On this episode, Barry visits Frederick County resident Ruth Martin on her 99th birthday.  She shares stories of her marriage to Robert, raising turkeys in Gore, operating a laundry mat on Amherst Street for 17 years, driving Special Ed school buses, adopting 5 children, fostering over 30 kids and her love for her church. 

On the show this week, Barry poses another "Why Is It?" question:  We all find it irritating to get phone calls during our meals, but just as irritating is when people call us while THEY'RE eating!     

On this episode, Barry hosts another segment of 'why is it?'  Why are national nonprofit organizations sending him money when seeking a donation from him?   

Two special guests this week to promote two special events: Rusty Holland, Executive Director of Concern Hotline, Inc. joins Barry to invite everyone to the 'Soup-er Bowl Bash' at Winchester Brew Works on February 7th.  Four food trucks will be competing for the 'Best Soup' crown, with paper football and other fun games.  (www.concernhotline.org) Robyn Miller, Executive Director of WATTS (Winchester Area Temporary Transitional Shelter) invites the community to participate in the upcoming 'Coldest Night of the Year' walk on February 28th.  WATTS, in partnership with 75 local churches, provides safe, warm, overnight housing and meals to our area homeless and a daytime warming center.  (www.watts-homelessshelter.org 

On this episode, Larry Weiss, Executive Director of the Winchester Education Foundation chats with Barry about the 'Community Comfort Campaign' to renovate the seating and carpeting in the Patsy Cline Theatre at John Handley High School. Barry also invites the community to the "Light A Path To End Pet Homelessness" event on Monday, February 2nd at 6:15 p.m.  The annual lighting ceremony honors our pets that have crossed the Rainbow Bridge, with a fun reception and fundraiser afterwards in the Adoption Center at 111 Featherbed Lane, Winchester. 

With National Disc Jockey Day arriving on January 20th, Barry shares some very personal stories on his 'calling' to pursue a 44 year career in radio. 

The lights and the tree have been taken down or put away, but the real work of Christmas is just beginning.  Barry turns to a poem written by Howard Thurman (1899-1981), an African-American theologian and civil rights leader who reminds us that the Star in the sky may be gone, but the heart of the Christmas message is just beginning. Barry also invites his newly retired wife Mary (a professor at Shenandoah University for 37 years) to share how her first few days of retirement are going.  

Marine Veteran Wayne David Hubbard of Winchester joins Barry on this first episode of 2026 to talk about the 'Veterans Poetry Project - Perseverance and Resilience'.  David talks about upcoming local workshops and an anthology to help veterans share their experience through writing. www.veteranspoetryproject7.wordpress.com

On this episode Barry celebrates the arrival of 2026 with some fun observations about resolutions and old folklore good-luck traditions on how to start off a new year.   

On this episode, Barry celebrates the arrival of Christmas this week with some fun observations, and also sits down with Brad Veach, Executive Director of the Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival to chat about New Year's Eve in Old Town Winchester.  The Festival and City of Winchester will be hosting a 6-hour laser light show with music, street performers, and vendors up and down the Old Town Mall with the Apple Drop at midnight, and it's all free!  Details at  www.thebloom.com   

On this episode Barry dives deeper into the Christmas season and spirit by passing along tips on re-gifting, office party etiquette, the Hallmark drinking game, and gifts for under zero cents.  He also talks about hanging the outdoor lights with his adult daughter ... a tradition that dates back to when she was little.  

From hurt, to help, to healing ... 'You're Not Alone Ministry' ... Support for Mental Health Challenges.  Joining Barry on this episode are Alan Umstead, Sylvia Tarro and Dan Skoda who share their personal stories of how they helped start this ministry that provides support groups and resources for individuals and families facing mental health challenges.  

This week the Christmas spirit soars through song!  Joining Barry on the show is Jeffrey Alban with the Blue Ridge Singers to invite all to their concert series, "The Very Best Time of Year" (www.blueridgesingers.org)  Also stopping by is Dave Worthington with the Clarke County Community Band that will present three fun-filled Christmas concerts to benefit Chain of Checks  (www.clarkecountycommunityband.com)   

It's the week of Thanksgiving and Barry shares his love of this special day, and ponders why mashed potatoes taste better on Thanksgiving Day. Joining Barry on the show is Michael Hummer, a volunteer with the American Cancer Society and a cancer survivor.  Michael talks about 'Wrapping Up Cancer For Hope' ... a gift wrapping fundraiser at Apple Blossom Mall (11/28 & 11/29, December 12th thru the 24th. 

Frederick County Parks and Rec celebrates 25 years of holiday magic with the opening of their "Walking In A Winter Wonderland" at Clearbrook Park on 11/28.  Barry' guest on the show is Onna Keller, Program Supervisor with FCPRD who describes all the fun details and activities.   For details and tickets, log on to www.fcprd.net (Half of the opening night proceeds on 11/28 will benefit the Chain of Checks charity campaign.  Details at www.chainofchecks.com)

What was that creature that emerged briefly from the Shenandoah River, and then disappeared?  How could it be true?  On this episode, filmmaker and co-owner of Mirandum Pictures, Colin J. Mason and Executive Producer Parson Brown join Barry to talk about their upcoming film, "River Maid - A Short Folk Tale".  

Katie Devolites, Executive Director of the Adult Care Center of Northern Shenandoah Valley joins Barry on the first half of the show to talk about the upcoming move into the Center's new home on Amherst Street in Winchester! Katie also talks about the kickoff of their Capital Campaign and the services the Center provides to adults who are coping with physical or cognitive challenges.  Also joining Barry this week is Robyn Miller, Executive Director of WATTS (Winchester Area Temporary Transitional Shelter) to chat about their 'Cheesin' for a reason' grilled cheese and tomato soup fundraiser and Thanksgiving Day Turkey Run. 

A double-header on this week's show: Kiwanis Club of Winchester Community Pancake Day to support foster families through Froggy's Closet.  Guests are Carleton Rio, Pancake Day Chairman, and Kevin Brandriff, Executive Director of Families Reaching Out Group. Part 2 is 'Mustaches For Kids' (M4K) where men in Shenandoah County and beyond pledge to grow their best (or worst) facial hair creations to support Blue Ridge CASA For Children which provides trained volunteer advocates for children in foster care.  Blue Ridge CASA CEO Angela Crawford is Barry's guest.   

Barry's guest on the show this week is Shalini Mikos, Chair of the Executive Leadership Team for the Walk To End Alzheimer's on 11/1 at the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley.  Shalini brings a message to caregivers that they are not alone, that help and resources are available.  For more information or to sign up for the walk, log on to www.act.alz.org/nsv 

On this episode, Barry looks back on how the Chain of Checks charitable campaign got started in 1986, and some of the various milestones that occurred over 39 years in helping local nonprofit agencies.  In addition, Barry shares two powerful letters from children that he received during the 2006 campaign that speak to basic human needs and pure kindness.

Betty Kilby Baldwin and Phoebe Kilby, the authors of the 2021 book, "Cousins: Connected Through Slavery, A Black Woman and a White Woman Discover Their Past and Each Other" will be at Laurel Ridge Community College in Middletown on October 11th for a special presentation.  Barry's guest this week is the Reverend Laura Douglass who was part of the collaboration to bring the authors to Laurel Ridge for the free presentation entitled:  Reaching Across The Racial Divide.  To learn more. log on to www.laurelridge.edu/kilby

A double-header this week on the podcast: 1) Patricia Brewer and Mandy Foxley share information about the October 11th 'Out of the Darkness Walk for Suicide Prevention' at Sherando High School.  "When people come together, hope can win!"  Details at www.afsp.org/stephenscity 2) Rick Miller invites golfers to help the Salvation Army put turkeys on Thanksgiving and Christmas plates for those in need.  To register or donate:  www.bit.ly/turkeysforsharing25   

On this episode, Barry shares the story of a recent encounter in the Strasburg, VA Food Lion parking lot.  

Community Connect & Serve takes place on Thursday, 9/25 from 3 to 7 p.m. at 399 Apple Pie Ridge Road in Winchester.  This event helps nonprofits and faith-based groups to network and share, plus helps potential volunteers find the organization that meets their interest and heart.  Barry's three guests are:  Jennifer Volkmann (CCAP Volunteer Coordinator), Jennifer Ritenour (MSV Volunteer Coordinator) and Andrea Cosans (Executive Director, CCAP). Nonprofits can register at www.regionalchamber.biz   

Mitch Emswiler joins Barry on the show this week to share his memories of growing up in Winchester in the 1950s and 60s.  His earliest memory was meeting Patsy Cline at a 5 & Dime store downtown, with more stories about the Leggett store escalator and a James Wood - Handley football game.     

Everybody into the pool!  Especially the dogs!  Before Sherando Park closes its pool for the summer, the Frederick County Parks and Rec Department is hosting a Charity Dog Walk and Pool Pawty on September 6th!  Onna Keller, Program Supervisor, is Barry's guest with fun details on the fundraiser for the Frederick County - Esther Boyd Animal Shelter.  Details at www.fcprd.net 

Concern Hotline, Inc. has been providing 24-hour suicide prevention and compassionate listening since 1970.  Executive Director Rusty Holland joins Barry on the show to talk about the thousands of calls the hotline's trained volunteers engage in.  Plus, the conversation turns to the much anticipated 'Fryday Fish Fry' fundraiser at the Frederick County Fairgrounds on Friday, September 5th. 

On this episode, Barry is joined by Freda Roberson (Executive Director) and Candace Davenport (Board Member) of the Fremont Street Nursery in Winchester.  The Nursery has been providing quality daycare since 1943, and is launching a capital campaign to build a new classroom and renovate another. 

Childhood Cancer Activist Ammy Doeden joins Barry this week to discuss the '15th Annual Get Your Shave On', August 24th in Middletown to benefit the Saint Baldrick's Foundation.  This volunteer fundraiser raises precious dollars for childhood cancer research. 

Award-winning journalist with The Winchester Star, and Barry's longtime friend, Brian Brehm joins him on this week's broadcast to chat about his new children's book, "So Long, Charlie ... A Tree Bears Witness To History".  The story is based on an actual 300 year old white oak near Shawneeland that collapsed during a storm in 2022.

On this week's show, Barry confesses how 5, silly, everyday, modern life situations stress him out ... like trying to count that one to two seconds between pops to know when the microwave popcorn is really done ... and not burned.

Community encourager, digital creator and podcaster Rich Weller joins Barry this week to talk about his new children's book:  "The Story of Egan and the Encouragement Tree".  Rich wrote the book with the hope of inspiring young readers to believe in themselves, and to encourage others. 

On this episode, Barry pays a special tribute to his brother Richard who passed away unexpectedly on June 23rd.  Barry shares stories of growing up with his big brother and the life lessons he learned as well as the silly things they did, like inventing 'the stomach game' challenge after a huge meal or coming up with the 'Butsy' nickname.

Blue Ridge Hospice is now ... Blue Ridge Care.  Joining Barry on the show is Jason Parsons, President and CEO of Blue Ridge Care.  He shares the story behind the name change and how they have united all services and programs that goes beyond hospice services to serve more people and families with the same compassion and care.

Middletown Mayor Charles Harbaugh IV joins Barry on the show this week to invite everyone to the town for a Vintage Baseball Game (1864 rules) on 6/29, and the huge 4th of July Celebration on 7/4.  Food and craft vendors, live music, skydivers, parade and BIG fireworks are part of the party! Also on this episode, Barry's friend Terry Cornwell shares a true 'what are the odds' story that sort of makes you shake your head.    

This week, Barry's daughter Brooke joins him to reminisce about a spring day in 2024 when a 'lost' party balloon found it's way to their woods.  The message on the balloon left them both with the question:  "What are the odds?" 

This week, all the talk is about an anonymous angel, who upon diagnosis of stage 4 cancer, was given months to live.  After nearly 10 years of treatments and a miraculous recovery, she created The Angel Trust to assist cancer patients undergoing treatment with emergency help with things like their mortgage, car repairs or utility bills.  Barry's guest to tell the 'angel's' story is Jenny Grooms, Executive Director of Valley Health Foundations. www.valleyhealthlink.com/giving (look for Angel Trust)  

On this episode Barry reflects on his move back to Virginia in 1977 and boarding with his Aunt Louise.  Some of the 'life-lessons' he observed living under her roof for a year and a half are shared with love and humor.

After nearly 39 years of marriage, Barry and his wife find their 'Real ID' on a lunch date at the DMV.  The fun begins when the clerk, and some of the patrons give advice on fixing Barry's wayward hair for the picture!