Sep 10, 2026
A local 5K is doing double duty this year — raising money for scholarships and keeping a beloved friend's memory alive. Host Janet Michael is joined by Guy Curtis, Director of Marketing at Laurel Ridge Community College, along with Julie Judy and Meredith Speir-Cavalier, co-founders of The Recovery Connection, to talk about the Laurel Ridge Community College 5K and the scholarship it supports in honor of Alex Burton.
In this episode, Julie and Meredith share how The Recovery Connection came to be, what their residential and community-based programs for women in recovery look like day to day, and why the Alex Burton Scholarship means so much to them personally. Guy Curtis rounds it out with everything you need to register, donate, or just show up and cheer on race day. Whether you're lacing up your running shoes or just want to support a great cause, this one's worth a listen.
EVENT DETAILS
- Event: Laurel Ridge Community College 5K (run/walk, multi-surface course)
- Date: Saturday, September 19, 2026
- Start time: 9:00 AM
- Location: Laurel Ridge Community College, Middletown Campus — starts and finishes at the Student Union building
- Cost: $35 per person
- Registration: Online at laurelridge.edu/5k; registration closes the night before the race (September 18)
- Extras: T-shirt while supplies last, plus a barbecue sandwich for every runner courtesy of Shaffer's BBQ
- Beneficiary: Proceeds support the Recovery Connection Scholarship in honor of Alex Burton
- Direct donations: laurelridge.edu/give
LINKS & RESOURCES
- Laurel Ridge 5K registration: laurelridge.edu/5k
- Donate to the Alex Burton Scholarship: laurelridge.edu/give
- The Recovery Connection: www.trc-va.com
- The Recovery Connection helpline: 540-594-HELP (540-594-4357)
- The Recovery Connection email: info@trc-va.com
THE VALLEY TODAY with Janet Michael — A decade of conversations.
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