Financial
The Junction
Where VMRC Comes Together!
March 2026
“Main Street Buzz”
THIS MONTH S ON CAMPUS EVENTS
Monday, March 2, 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Main Street (near Hartman Stairwell)
Come stop by and hear about happenings for the upcoming month from Kyle.
Trivia with Dr. Kyle
Monday, March 2, 3:30 PM
Main Street Café
Team up with your friends and neighbors for this wildly popular friendly competition. There is no theme this month so come on out and test your general trivia knowledge.
Building Belonging Series “Rebuilding Trust in Our Community” with Amy Snider
Detwiler Auditorium
Wednesday, March 4, 2:00 PM
The Culture & Belonging Committee is sponsoring this meaningful conversation with Deputy City Manager, Amy Snider. She will share the city’s joint efforts to acknowledge the harms of Urban Renewal and rebuild trust with the residents of the Northeast Neighborhood in Harrisonburg.
Watch Battery Replacement Service Cancelled This Month
Please note: There will be no Watch Battery Replacement Service this month. Ken Layman will return as regularly scheduled Thursday, April 2. Location TBD.
Piano Music with Kathleen Haddad
Thursday, March 5, 3:00 PM
Detwiler Auditorium
Join Kathleen Haddad, Heritage Haven resident, for an informal event as she plays the piano and take requests. You may sing along or just listen. Kathleen can play favorite oldies or hymns. Don’t miss the music and fun!
Lenten Bible Study: Journey with Jesus
Thursdays, Through April 2 10:00 AM Park Gables Game Room
Let’s walk together with Jesus in the Gospel of Mark. Through interactive Bible study and guided conversation, we will focus on this earliest and shortest account of Jesus’s life. All are welcome to attend this study led by Park Gables resident Bruce Johnson.
The Junction
Guest Lecture with JMU Professor Kang and Wellbeing”
Friday, March 6, 2:00 PM
Detwiler Auditorium
Professor Kang, Assistant Professor with the Department of Social Work at James Madison University, will present a guest lecture. Research demonstrates that how we perceive aging directly impacts our physical and mental health. This session examines the science behind age related stereotypes and offers evidence build resilience, combat stigma, and foster a healthier, more positive approach to growing older. Additionally, drawing on the speaker’s background, the presentation will explore unique cross
Memoir Writers’ Workshop with Sandra Reisinger
Saturday, March 7 & 21, 9:30 to 11:30 AM
Heritage Haven Conference Room
Dr. David Berry Piano Recital
Monday, March 9
Detwiler Auditorium
Join Dr. David Berry, Artistic Director of the Shenandoah Valley Bach Festival and EMU Music Program Director, as he discusses and performs some of his own hymn arrangements as well as some pieces on his upcoming album. Event is free and open to the public.
Melodie Davis
Tuesday, March 10, 2:00 PM
Strite Auditorium
Local author Melodie Davis will discuss her life as a writer and present on her first novel story follows a pastor’s wife as she wrestles with her sense of self beyond starring in sermon illustrations. Davis sheds light on the fact that preachers’ families are just like other families in the relational difficulties they face.
VMRC Veterans Club Meeting
Friday, March 13
Park Gables Game Room
Opening Minds Through Art (OMA) Art Show & Reception
Friday, March 13, 11:00 AM
The Corner (in Crestwood)
Special Documentary Showing - Exodus
Saturday, March 14, 7:00 PM
Park Place Multipurpose Room
Presented by Jack and Linda Knox, who work in the Borderlands of Douglas, Arizona/Agua Prieta, Sonora, uncovers the unexpected global forces behind the extreme violence and humanitarian crisis. The documentary highlights the courage and resilience of shelter workers who refuse to be silenced and gives voice to
Parkinson’s Support Group
Monday, March 16, 2:00 PM
Park Gables Game Room
Art Makers Tuesdays
Tuesday, March 17, 3:00 PM
Heritage Haven Activity Room 2A
Valley Village Movie - ToKillaMockingbird(1962)
Thursday, March 19, 2:00 PM
Park Place Multipurpose Room
Adapted from Harper Lee’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel about racial prejudice, this is a story about a lawyer, played by Gregory Peck, who defends a black man who is falsely accused of raping a white woman in Depression era Alabama. The movie won three Academy Awards, including “Best Actor.” (2 hours, 9 minutes)
Spring Festival & Egg Hunt
Friday, March 20, 2:30 to 4:00 PM
Woodland Park
All residents, staff, family and friends are welcome! Scan the QR code to sign up (to ensure we hide enough eggs) or contact Joni James by calling 540-564-3676 or email jjames@vmrc.org.
“Art Connects Us” Youth Art Exhibit
Saturday, March 21 - Saturday, April 18
Park Gables Gallery
Contemporary Issues Discussion Group
Tuesday, March 24 / 6:30 PM / Park Place Multipurpose Room
Dr. Chengqi (John) Guo, Professor of Computer Information Systems and Business Analytics at James Madison University
“Cryptocurrency: What is it and Should We Be Concerned About it?”
Dr. Guo is the 2025 Betty Coe (‘64) and Paul J. Cinquegrana Presidential Chair of Faculty Teaching Excellence and Research at JMU. His research interests relate to disruptive technology management, crypto adoption, and behavioral cybersecurity. Dr. Guo has published many high-impact articles in journals and conferences and his research projects have been featured in media outlets such as Forbes, Lifewire, Independent, and Congressional Briefing
The Contemporary Issues resident committee is Marty Savanick, Joe Lapp and Tim Jost. Please contact us if you have any questions.
EMS Intergenerational Partnership
Wednesday, March 25, 10:30 AM
Strite Auditorium
Join us and Eastern Mennonite 4th grade students in their Peacebuilding class for some fun and interactive moments! Sign-up is required. Contact the Wellness Center, 540-754-3850, to add your name to the list.
“Swing Into Spring” Baseball Dinner
Thursday, March 26 / 5:00 PM / Detwiler Auditorium
Step up to the plate and join us for this signature event and special dinner celebrating America’s favorite pastime. The evening features a menu inspired by baseball park foods, baseball-themed entertainment, and special guests from the EMU Royals baseball team. Cost is $16 and dining dollars can be used. Sign up at the Wellness Center.
Menu includes:
• Boog’s Pit Barbecue Sandwich (inspired by Boog’s Barbecue at Oriole Park Camden Yards)
• Apple Pie
• Lemonade & Water
• Orlando Cha Cha Bowl (named after Hall of Famer Orlando Cepeda)
Tuesday, March 31, 2:00 PM
Detwiler Auditorium
Building Belonging Series Life Story from Resident Ruth Jost
Join the Culture and Belonging Committee and their guest speaker, Park Gables resident Ruth Jost, for this Women’s History Month Celebration. Ruth, a fantastic storyteller, will share some of the stories from her life.
Simon Thomas Piano Recital
Tuesday, March 31, 7:00 PM
Strite Auditorium
Simon Thomas is a student at Taylor University and the grandson of Park Village residents Ray and Peg Leinbach. Come listen to him perform piano works from the Classical repertoire.
“Bibliotherapy” Book Discussion Class with Marti Eads
Mondays Though April 20, 9:15 to 10:05 AM
Park Place Multipurpose Room
Select readings and films highlight the wisdom, comfort, and delight literature affords readers experiencing illness and grief. Note: Class will not meet March 2 due to EMU’s Spring Break.
5 Crown
Tuesdays, 6:30 to 7:30 PM
Park Gables Game Room
T
Mexican Train Dominoes
Tuesdays, 6:30 to 7:30 PM
Park Gables Second Floor Lounge
Village Coffee Hour
Wednesdays, 9:00 AM
Village Hall
Knitting & Crochet Group - Project Linus
Wednesdays, 10:00 AM
Park Gables 3rd Floor Lounge
Spades
Wednesdays, 4:00 PM
Park Gables Game Room
Duplicate Bridge
Thursdays, 12:30 to 4:00 PM
Park Gables Game Room
FREE HEARING AID MAINTENANCE
Blue Ridge Hearing (Now Coming to VMRC the 2nd Friday Each Month) Friday, March 13 from 1 PM to 3 PM
Call the Wellness Center at 540-574-3850 to schedule an appointment.
(Sign up at the Wellness Center or call 540-574-3850.)
THIS MONTH S OFF CAMPUS EVENTS
IL Country Drive
Wednesday, March 11
Departing: HH at 1:30 PM PG at 1:35 PM PP at 1:45 PM Returning around 3:30 PM
We are excited to introduce a new monthly outing opportunity for our Independent Living residents. These drives will take place on the second Wednesday of each month and will continue through October. Each month we will visit a different area, offering something new to see along the way. There will be no stop on this drive.
Trip to JMU Softball Game vs. UVA
Tuesday, March 17, 4:00 PM Game Free Admission
Departing: HH at 3:15 PM PG at 3:20 PM PP at 3:30 PM Returning around 6:30/7:00 PM
If you wish to indulge in any concessions, please bring spending money for that endeavor.
Trip to YouMadeIt! Pottery Studio
Thursday, March 19 Cost: On Your Own (Price $16-$25)
Departing: HH at 1:30 PM PG at 1:35 PM PP at 2:00 PM Returning around 4:15/4:45 PM
You will be able to choose the item you want to paint at the studio. The cost person will vary depending on the item you choose to make. Please contact Madison Custis with any questions, 540-574-3845.
Trip to JMU Planetarium and Lunch at Vito’s Italian Kitchen
Wednesday, March 25
Departing: HH at 10:00 AM PG at 10:05 AM PP at 10:15 AM Returning around 2:00 PM
We will enjoy a 40-minute film called “Stars of the Pharaoh” at the James Madison University Planetarium and then we will grab lunch at Vito’s Italian Kitchen. There is no cost to see the film. Lunch is on your own.
MARCH GROCERY TRIPS
Please sign up by calling or stopping by the Wellness Center, 540-574-3850.
Weekly Grocery Trips
Walmart Tuesday, March 3
Departing: HH at 9:30 AM PP at 9:35 AM Returning at 12:00 PM
Kroger Tuesday, March 10
Departing: HH at 9:30 AM PP at 9:35 AM Returning at 11:30 AM
Martin’s Tuesday, March 17
Departing: HH at 9:30 AM PP at 9:35 AM
Harmony Square Food Lion
Tuesday, March 24
Returning at 12:00 PM
Departing: HH at 9:30 AM PP at 9:35 AM Returning at 11:00 AM
Sharp Shopper
Tuesday, March 31
Departing: HH at 9:30 AM PP at 9:35 AM Returning at 12:00 PM
Sunday Broadcast Schedule
WORSHIP AND FAITH ACTIVITIES
9:30 AM Park View Mennonite Church Broadcast on Channel 704
10 AM Worship Service in Strite Auditorium Broadcast on Channel 702
12 PM Park View Mennonite Church Rebroadcast on Channel 704
1:30 PM VMRC Service Rebroadcast on Channel 702
Sunday Worship
All residents are invited to join us for morning worship at 10:00 am. in Strite Auditorium. Services are broadcasted on Channel 702 on Sundays and may also be viewed on K4 and on the internet at vimeo.com/vmrcbroadcast.
March 1
Sermon by Don Clymer – Former English Professor at EMU and Author Worship Leader – Carl Stauffer
March 8
Sermon by Carol Tobin – Former Missionary to Thailand and Staff at Virginia Mennonite Missions Worship Leader – Carmen Miller
Special Music by The Journeymen Quintet
March 15
Sermon by Krista Showalter Ehst – Pastor at Shalom Mennonite Congregation Worship Leader – Carl Stauffer
March 22
Sermon by Fred Miller – Retired Mennonite Pastor, Church Administrator and Bible Teacher Worship Leader – Ann Pettit
March 29 - Palm Sunday
Sermon by Rev. Bruce Johnson – Park Gables Resident and Retired American Baptist Pastor Worship Leader – Ann Pettit
Special Music by Miriam Clark
Note: Offerings (cash or checks) to support pastoral care ministries can be sent by campus mail to the VMRC Foundation Office. Checks should be made payable to VMRC with “Sunday Worship” on the memo line.
Spiritual Life Opportunities in March
Vespers Service - Shenandoah Valley Men’s Chorus
Sunday, March 8, 3:30 PM
Detwiler Auditorium
Come and listen to beautiful a cappella singing from this local men’s chorus representing many different churches in the area.
WORSHIP AND FAITH ACTIVITIES
Communion Service, Fellowship & Refreshments
Thursday, March 19, 2:00 PM
Strite Auditorium
Tuesday Evening Bible Study
First & Third Tuesdays, 7:00 PM
Park Place Multipurpose Room
All are welcome to attend. Led by pastors from local United Methodist churches.
All VMRC residents are invited! The speakers for this month are as follows.
March 3 - Roger Dove - Park Village Resident and Former Church of the Nazarene Pastor
March 17 - Roman Miller - Park Gables Resident and Former College Professor and Church Overseer.
Wednesday Evening Bible Study
Every Wednesday, 7:00 PM
Detwiler Auditorium
All VMRC residents are welcome to join together for this service of worship and Bible study. The speakers for this month are as follows:
March 4 - Lane Turner
March 11 - Floyd & Janet Blosser
Prayer Meeting
Every Wednesday, 7:00 PM
Park Place 2nd Floor “Hearth Room”
March 18 - Karen Brunk
March 25 - Jim Musser
All residents are welcome to join together for a time of sharing and prayer.
AFTERNOON MOVIES ON CHANNEL 701
March 4 - Riverdance
March 11 - Leap Year
March 18 - Waking Ned Devine
March 25 - The Secret of Roan Inish
Additional Movie Showings on Saturday at 3 PM:
March 7 - Riverdance
March 14 - Leap Year
March 21 - Waking Ned Devine
March 28 The Secret of Roan Inish
NOTE: Held Wednesday Afternoons at 3 PM Unless Otherwise Noted
TV CHANNEL 702 BROADCASTING
Sunday Worship from Strite Auditorium Every Sunday, 10 AM and 1:30 PM
Community Updates with Campus Leaders Wednesdays, March 11 and 25 at 1 PM and 4 PM
The Junction
WELLNESS CENTER NEWS
Wednesday Floor Yoga Class Update
Please note we will not have the 9:30 class Wednesday, March 4. Class will resume at regular time the next week, Wednesday, March 11.
Take Your Best Shot! 2026 NCAA March Madness Bracket Challenge
Monday, March 16 - Monday, April 6
Get ready for March Madness! This event will feature a fun bracket challenge for Men’s and Women’s NCAA Basketball Tournaments. There will also be daily trivia questions posted for your chance to win prizes. Official NCAA March Madness brackets will be handed out at our pop-up event on March 16. Completed brackets must be returned Wednesday, March 18 at our second pop-up event. Winners of both the bracket challenge and trivia will be awarded prizes. Get ready to get your head in the game, play along and join the fun!
Therapy and Nutrition Talk: Inflammation and Our Bodies
Tuesday, March 17, 11:00 AM
Wellness Center Activity Studio
Learn how inflammation affects our bodies and specific things you can do in your daily life to help manage the effects of inflammation. This discussion will also touch on the negative consequences of chronic inflammation and provide strategies from a therapy and nutrition standpoint to avoid or reduce the effects on the body.
Cardio Drumming
Friday, March 20, 10:00 to 10:30 AM
Wellness Center Activity Studio
Do you enjoy listening to music? What about making music? Cardio Drumming incorporates a little of both! Join us for this holiday-themed rhythmic class. Sign up is required as we have limited equipment. Contact the Wellness Center, 540-574
VOLUNTEER S
REMINDER TURN IN THOSE VOLUNTEER
HOURS
VMRC’s current fiscal year ends March 31, 2026. If you’ve served volunteer hours for VMRC related programs between April 1, 2025 and March 31, 2026 and didn’t record those in one of our VMRC volunteer sign in logs, please report those hours to Volunteer Services so we may include them in our annual report. Hours can be emailed to eshickel@vmrc.org or dropped off in printed form to the Volunteer Office located in the hallway heading to Crestwood. Please submit hours by Monday, April 6, 2026.
FOUNDATION N
The Great Community Give is Coming Up! Wednesday, April 22
For this year’s Great Community Give VMRC is hoping to raise $68,000 to go directly to Compassion Care. $68,000 is enough money to provide care and housing for one person benefiting from Compassion fund for one year. Keep an eye out for fun opportunities to get involved, including some potential volunteer opportunities. If you don’t have the capacity to give financially this year but are still interested in helping us raise funds, contact Skylar Wampler to get involved. Be sure to mark April 22 on your calendar to celebrate community giving.
NDOOR EXPRESS CART
Monday - Friday from 9:00 - 11:30 a.m. and 1:00 4:30 p.m. (No Express Cart service available from 11:30 - 1:00)
Call the Park Gables front desk at 540-564 3400 for a ride. As a reminder, the indoor Express Cart is operated by VMRC volunteers and provides FREE indoor point to point transportation from Crestwood to Park Place along Main Street. Riders need to be physically capable of getting on and off the cart independently.
OUTDOOR SHUTTLE
Free shuttle service is available five days a week 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Call the Park Gables front desk at 540 3400 for a ride. Allow 10 to 15 minutes for the shuttle to arrive. Closed for lunch break 12:10
Edna Brunk, CW
Robin McNallie & Christine “Chris” Edwards, PG
Janet Nixon, HH
Nevin & Sandra Steiner, PV
A L
Main Street Buzz
Wednesday, April 1, 11:00 AM
Edie Bontrager, PP to CW
Robert “Bob” Dixon, PP to CW
Don Franks, PG to CW
Laurence Sauder, PV to WP
Kenneth Shank, PP to WP
Main Street (near Hartman Stairwell)
Welcome Mat On The Move In Loving Memory
Dallas Alkire
Miriam Baer
Harley Good
Dorothy Harpine
Mary Kowalski
Eldon Layman
Ellen Reichard
Mary “Sue” Ritchie
Ann Showalter
Neil Showalter
Juanita Taylor
Nelson Waybill
Come stop by and hear from Madison about happenings for the upcoming month.
Maundy Thursday Observance
Thursday, April 2, 10:30 AM or 1:30 or 3:30 PM
Strite Auditorium
Gather at tables to remember Jesus’ Last Supper with His disciples. Sign up at the Wellness Center for one of the three times to participate in this intimate communion service.
Good Friday Observance
Friday, April 3, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, 2:00 PM Reading of the Passion Strite Auditorium
Join us on Good Friday between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. for Stations of the Cross - a self-led journey reflection through Jesus’ last hours. At 2:00 p.m. we will pause to read from Luke, recounting the Lord’s passion.
A LOOK AHEAD
IL Country Drive with Stop at Moxie 33 Coffee Co.
Wednesday, April 8
Departing: HH at 1:15 PM PG at 1:20 PM PP at 1:30 PM Returning around 4:00 PM
Bring money if you wish to indulge in a treat when we stop along the way. Moxie 33 Coffee Co. offers more than coffee; they offer food and other beverage options such as smoothies, sweet treats, bakery items, and more. Menu items range in price from $3 to $10. Sign up at the Wellness Center.
Pump It For Parkinson’s
Thursday, April 9, 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Wellness Center
Mark your calendar and be watching for more information on how you can join in on this day of awareness.
“Art Connects Us” Youth Art Reception
Friday, April 10, 5:00 to 7:00 PM
Park Gables Gallery
Broadway High School Music Honors Society Concert
Saturday, April 11, 3:30 PM
Strite Auditorium
Shenandoah Valley Bach Festival Salon Concert
Saturday, April 11, 7:00 to 9:00 PM Cost: $50
Detwiler Auditorium
VMRC is the proud season sponsor for the Shenandoah Valley Bach Festival. Join us for a special salon concert featuring recording artist and JMU Professor Wanchi Huang, Roanoke Symphony cellist Kelley Mikkelsen, and tenor extraordinaire Jordan Davidson. Repertoire will feature a mix of beautiful art songs, gorgeous arias, and chamber music masterworks. This is sure to be a wonderful evening of excellent music and heavy hors d’oeuvres. Discounted tickets for residents are $50 and will be available starting Monday, March 16 at the Wellness Center.
Vespers Service
Sunday, April 12, 3:30 PM
Detwiler Auditorium
The Touring Choir from Eastern Mennonite High School presents a concert of sacred music.
Resident Association Council (RAC) Meeting
Monday, April 13, 1:00 PM
Strite Auditorium and Livestream on Channel 702
EMU Wind Ensemble Open Rehearsal
Monday, April 13, 5:15 to 6:30 PM
Detwiler Auditorium
In preparation for their Thursday, April 16 concert in Lehman Auditorium, the EMU Wind Ensemble will hold an open rehearsal at VMRC. All are welcome to pop in and out or stay the entire time!
Trip to Lunch at Southern Kitchen & Route 11 Chip Factory
Thursday, April 16 Bring Spending Money for Lunch On Your Own
Departing: HH at 10:45 AM PG at 10:50 AM PP at 11:00 AM Returning around 2:30 PM
A LOOK AHEAD
Shenandoah Valley Lyceum “The Global Landmine Crisis: A Deadly Legacy” with Dr. Ken Rutherford
Friday, April 17, 7:00 PM Doors Open & Refreshments at 6:30 PM
Detwiler Auditorium
Dr. Rutherford is a professor in the Department of Political Science at James Madison University. He has served in numerous educational and humanitarian roles around the world and uniquely positioned to present on the topic of landmines and the humanitarian crisis they present. Join us for the powerful and poignant season finale.
Trip to JMU’s Forbes Center - Women of Americana
Saturday, April 18 Previous Sign-Up Required
Departing: HH at 6:25 PM PG at 6:30 PM PP at 6:40 PM Returning around 10:00 PM
A celebration of American music from Joan Baez and Bonnie Raitt to Alison Krauss and Brandie Carlisle, enjoy early folk, gospel and Western swing music. Performed by Cristina Vane and Brennen Leigh.
Historic Garden Week Tour
Wednesday, April 22, 10:00 AM to TBD Cost: $35
VMRC’s Annual Volunteer Reception
Wednesday, April 22, 6:00 PM
Detwiler Auditorium
All VMRC volunteers are invited to attend this signature event, recognizing your generosity and service to the community. Enjoy music by The Skyline Duo and hear meaningful remarks from VMRC’s Chief Operating Officer, Kristin Jackson, plus see the reveal of our 2025 Claude Hess Distinguished Service Award recipient.
Arts with a Pulse: Drum Circle Facilitated by Mike Deaton
Friday, April 23, 10:00 AM
Strite Auditorium
Concert by “Tapestry”
Thursday, April 30, 2:00 PM
Detwiler Auditorium
Calling All Dukes!
Publication Information
Compiler: Heather Snow, Administrative Assistant (Life Enrichment/Wellness Center)
Editor: Kyle Remnant, Director of Arts and Enrichment
Additional Support: Madison Custis, Wellness and Enrichment Events Coordinator
Editor’s Note: The purpose of this publication is to inform residents, staff, and community members of an array of events at the VMRC campus, as well as opportunities off campus for your enjoyment. The Editor retains editorial rights.
Celebrate Partnership & Engagement at a Special VMRC Event
Tuesday, April 28 / 3:00 to 5:00 PM / Detwiler Auditorium & Main Street
Join us as we celebrate JMU’s national recognition for community engagement with a special event. This “live-action press release” will spotlight the long-standing partnership between JMU and VMRC and showcase the transformative impact of our collaborative work. Whether you’re a retired JMU faculty or staff member, a JMU alum or just a fan of the Purple & Gold, we hope you’ll attend this dynamic program to learn more about all the ways our two campuses connect and create positive change. More info coming soon!
