Work that utilizes a person’s skills while providing personal satisfaction is valuable for society as well as the individual. Participating in the paid and unpaid workforce means maintaining or improving skills and helping others. Older adults contribute to society as experienced professionals, caregivers, mentors, teachers and volunteers. Leisure-time vocations in the arts and through hobbies maintain vocational skills.
First Friday Art Reception
Friday, August 1, 5 to 7 PM
Park Gables Gallery
In partnership with the Arts Council of the Valley, this event will highlight the work of Leslie Barham and her Munro Family Dolls Exhibit. Come meet the artist herself! Light refreshments will be served.
National Night Out Ice Cream Social
Tuesday, August 5, 6:30 to 7:30 PM
Park Gables Parking Lot
VMRC is delighted to partner with the Harrisonburg Police Department to host a parade of first responders in their “National Night Out.” Come enjoy some ice cream while supporting our hard-working law enforcement.
Culture & Belonging Committee Meeting
Wednesday, August 6, 2 PM
Detwiler Auditorium
Watch Battery Replacement Service
Thursday, August 7, 9:30 to 10:30 AM
Park Gables Game Room
Ken Layman will be available to replace watch batteries. Please bring $7 for the cost of the battery and installation.
Piano Music with Kathleen Haddad
Thursday, August 7, 3 PM
Detwiler Auditorium
Join Kathleen Haddad, Heritage Haven resident, for an informal event where she will play the piano and take requests. You may sing along or just come and listen. Kathleen can play favorite oldies or hymns. Don’t miss the music and fun!
Saturday, August 9 & 23
9:30 to 11:30 AM / Heritage Haven Conference Room / Cost: Free
Sandra Reisinger, VMRC’s own artist-in-residence, is holding a series of six writing workshops for residents to hone their writing and storytelling skills. Sandra calls this style of workshop a “prompting seminar,” meaning she will provide prompts for writers to dwell on for each class. This class is limited to twelve participants wanting to improve their writing skills over the course of these six sessions. Meetings are every other Saturday through September 20. Sign up on K4 or at the Wellness Center.
VMRC Veterans Club Meeting
Friday, August 8, 10 AM
Park Gables Game Room
Trivia with Dr. Kyle
Monday, August 11, 3:30 PM
Main Street Café
Find some teammates and put on your thinking caps to compete for the title of VMRC trivia champion. This month’s theme is “All About Stars.”
Parkinson’s Support Group
Monday, August 18, 2 PM
Park Gables Game Room
Art Makers Tuesdays
Tuesday, August 19, 3 PM
Heritage Haven Activity Room 2A
Arts with a Pulse: Metta Vibrations, Singing Bowls
Thursday, August 21, 10 AM
Strite Auditorium
Paint & Sip with Creative Art Studio
Monday, August 25, 2 to 4 PM
Detwiler Auditorium
Cost: $30
We are partnering with the Creative Art Studio to bring a Paint & Sip event to VMRC! Enjoy a step-by-step painting experience while sipping on some tasty peach tea (or water) from our wonderful dining team. Open to all skill levels. Sign up at the Wellness Center.
Creation Care Club Meeting
Wednesday, August 27, 1 PM
Heritage Haven Conference Room
Intergenerational Choir Rehearsal Begins
Thursday, August 28, 9:30 to 10:30 AM
Strite Auditorium
Mexican Train 5 Crown Dominos
Tuesdays, 6:30 to 7:30 PM
Park Gables Game Room
Village Coffee Hour
Wednesdays, 9 AM
Village Hall
Knitting & Crochet Group - Project Linus
Wednesdays, 10 AM
Park Gables 3rd Floor Lounge
Spades
Wednesdays, 4 to 5 PM
Park Gables Game Room
Duplicate Bridge
Thursdays, 12:30 to 4 PM
Park Gables Game Room
All are welcome to come play “relaxed retirement” Duplicate Bridge with friends and neighbors. Please contact Peggy Layman at 540-746-4999 with any questions.
Friday, August 29 / 5 to 7 PM / The Farm at Willow Run
Join us in celebrating Labor Day on the Farm at Willow Run! We will have live music by the Ridge Ramblers accompanied by a festive and delicious meal. Enjoy caprese skewers, veggie burgers or pulled pork BBQ, coleslaw, black bean and corn salad, mac & cheese and peach cobbler. Cost is $18 and dining dollars can be used. Sign up at the Wellness Center to reserve your spot. Bus will pick up from HH at 4:40, PG at 4:45 and PP at 4:55 PM. Buses will be leaving the farm at 7:00 to return to campus or by request.
(Sign up on K4, at the Wellness Center or call 540-574-3850.)
Trip to EMU Theatre - MaryPoppins
Friday, August 1
Departing: HH at 12:30 PM PG at 12:35 PM PP at 12:45 PM Returning at 3:30 PM
VMRC has been invited to support the EMU Summer Theatre Program as they perform the classical musical Mary Poppins. You may sign up for transportation or you are also welcome to drive yourself to this free event.
Trip to Sunny Slope Farm - Pick Your Own Sunflowers
Sunday, August 10
Departing: HH at 3:30 PM PG at 3:35 PM PP at 3:45 AM Returning at 5:30 PM
Come enjoy a beautiful and serene view of Sunny Slope Farm in Harrisonburg. This event is free to attend and you may snip as many stems of sunflowers as you would like to bring back with you! You are also welcome to simply enjoy the outdoors on their patio rather then cutting stems.
Trip to the Rockingham County Fair
Thursday, August 14 *Bring Extra Spending Money*
Departing: HH at 10:15 AM PG at 10:20 AM PP at 10:30 AM Returning at 2:30 PM
Join us for some fun at the Rockingham County Fairgrounds! There will be several exhibits open and vendors to explore. Bring some spending money for purchases you may indulge in and lunch on your own.
Trip to Michael’s and Hobby Lobby
Wednesday, August 20 *Bring Extra Spending Money*
Departing: HH at 9:45 AM PG at 9:50 AM PP at 10 AM Returning at 12:30 PM
Are you running low or in need of art supplies for projects you are embarking on? Join us on a trip to two large art and décor supply stores in Harrisonburg where you can purchase items you may need.
Trip to the Virginia Quilt Museum: 30th Birthday Bash
Saturday, August 23
Departing: HH at 10:30 AM PG at 10:35 AM PP at 10:45 AM Returning at 3 PM
Join us in celebrating the Virginia Quilt Museum’s 30th Anniversary! We will enjoy a day of browsing and admiring the exhibits, music performed by the Shenandoah Ukulele Players and homemade ice cream. There will be an opportunity to meet artists behind the exhibition. A boxed lunch will be provided for this free event.
Weekly Grocery Trips
Walmart
Tuesday, August 5
Departing: HH at 9:30 AM PP at 9:35 AM Returning at 12 PM
Kroger
Tuesday, August 12
Departing: HH at 9:30 AM PP at 9:35 AM Returning at 11:30 AM
Martin’s Tuesday, August 19
Departing: HH at 9:30 AM PP at 9:35 AM Returning at 12 PM
Harmony Square Food Lion
Tuesday, August 26
Departing: HH at 9:30 AM PP at 9:35 AM Returning at 11 AM
Blue Ridge Hearing at the Wellness Center
Friday, August 1 from 1 PM to 3 PM
Call the Wellness Center at 540-574-3850 to schedule an appointment.
Cardio Drumming
Friday, August 29, 10 AM
Detwiler Auditorium
Do you enjoy listening to music? What about making music? Cardio Drumming incorporates a little of both! Join us for this rhythmic class that targets core stability and muscular endurance while having fun and creating meaningful social interactions. Sign up is required as we have limited equipment. Call or stop by the Wellness Center, 540-574-3850, to reserve your spot!
Wellness Center Closed for Labor Day
The Wellness Center will be closed on Monday, September 1 for the Labor Day holiday.
Ticket reservations are now available at the Wellness Center. NO REFUNDS. Limited seating available. Questions? Call Kyle Remnant at 540-564-3625.
A Solo Evening with Chris Thile
Sunday, October 12 7 PM Performance Cost: $54
Acclaimed GRAMMY Award-winning mandolinist, singer, songwriter, composer and MacArther Fellow recipient of the “Genius Grant,” you won’t want to miss this extraordinary performance.
Emi Ferguson and Ruckus FlytheCoop!
Saturday, November 15 7:30 PM Performance Cost: $44
The ensemble aims to fuse J.S. Bach works and early-music movement’s creative spirit with the grit and groove of American roots music.
Seán Heely’s Celtic Christmas
Friday, December 12 7:30 PM Performance Cost: $44
Join Seán Heely and a cast of Celtic performers on a magical journey. The fiddle and bagpipes will sweep you away to Christmastime celebrations along with dancers sure to warm your heart.
Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir
Sunday, February 8, 2026 7 PM Performance Cost: $47
This esteemed choir makes its JMU debut in a program celebrating composer Arvo Pärt.
Women of Americana
Saturday, April 18, 2026 7:30 PM Performance Cost: $46
A celebration of American music from Bob Dylan to Bonnie Raitt, enjoy early folk, gospel and Western swing music. Performed by Cristina Vane and Brennen Leigh.
Sunday Broadcast Schedule
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
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.
August 3
Sermon by Ann Pettit – Chaplain at Sunnyside Retirement Community Worship Leader – Steve Landis
August 10
Sermon by Merle Christner – Park Village Resident Worship Leader – Carmen Miller
August 17
Sermon by Lizzette Hernandez – Latino Ministries Coach with Virginia Mennonite Missions Worship Leader – Ken Seitz
August 24
Sermon by Craig Maven – Senior Pastor of Harrisonburg Mennonite Church Worship Leader – Carmen Miller
Special Music by the Inner Harmony Quartet
August 31
Sermon by Steve Pardini – Bible Teacher and Writer Worship Leader – Steve Landis
Special Music by The Journeymen Quintet
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.
Vespers Service - Good Time Gospel Quartet
Sunday, August 3, 3:30 PM
Detwiler Auditorium
The Good Time Gospel Quartet returns to our campus! Enjoy their inspirational songs, vocal harmonies and instrumental music.
Grief Support Group
Friday, August 8, 2 PM
Heritage Haven Conference Room
For residents who are grieving the loss of a loved one. Come for a time to share, support one another and know you’re not alone in your journey. Please contact Chaplain Steve Landis if you have questions, 540 4365.
Communion Service, Fellowship & Refreshments
Thursday, August 21, 2 PM
Strite Auditorium
All are welcome to attend. Led by pastors from local United Methodist churches.
Wednesday Evening Bible Study
Every Wednesday, 7 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:
August 6 - Dan Hoopert August 20 - Ed Bontrager
August 13 - Claire Osinkosky August 27 - Dennis Kuhns
Prayer Meeting
Every Wednesday, 7 PM
Park Place 2nd Floor “Hearth Room”
All residents are welcome to join together for a time of sharing and prayer.
Can You Help Us Fill Up Our United Way Tools for School Basket?
Our annual supply drive for United Way’s Tools for School program will run until Wednesday, August 6. We’d love to have you join us in supporting area students and helping to provide much needed school supplies. See below or pick up a printed shopping list at the Wellness Center front desk. Our collection basket is located in the front lobby of the VMRC Wellness Center and all donations will be distributed to local students at a resource fair happening on August 9 at EMU.
Items List:
Scissors Glue Sticks Ticonderoga Pencils
Highlighters Notebooks Crayola Crayons (24 ct)
Solid Colored Backpacks Pens College Ruled Paper Crayola Colored Pencils
Become a VMRC Friendly Visitor Volunteer Do you enjoy one on one interaction and checking in on your neighbors and friends? Volunteer Services is receiving an increasing number of requests for visitation and companionship for residents living in Crestwood and Woodland Park and we’d love to add some additional volunteers to our roster to assist with this growing need. We are especially in need of male volunteers willing to visit with other gentlemen residents. Friendly Visitor volunteers provide routine visits to residents a few times a month as a way to bring some additional joy, hope and fun into the life of another resident. Visit, read, share stories, enjoy a front porch or patio together. There are so many ways we can connect and care for others. Orientation and support is provided by Volunteer Services.
Ready to get involved as a volunteer? Please contact Volunteer Services by calling 540 564 3524 or emailing eshickel@vmrc.org.
39th Annual Golf Benefit In Honor of Diane Weaver
Thank you to everyone who made this year’s Golf Benefit in Honor of Diane Weaver such a success! With 200 golfers, 60 volunteers and $75,000 raised in sponsorships, the support will help VMRC purchase more Tovertafel technology to enhance memory care programming.
Congratulations to the WBTX team, winners of the morning flight, featuring VMRC residents Dave Eshleman and Wayne Longenecker with a score of 22!
Paul & Evelyn Kratz, PP
Brent & Judie McNett, PV
Nancy Yoder, PP
Jim Mullenex, PP to CW
Betty Bowers
Harry “Sonny” Brown
Emma Lou Edwards
Gerald “Jerry” Griffin
James “Jim” Fielding
Mary Nissley
Norma Wise
Carroll Yoder
Sunday Worship from Strite Auditorium Every Sunday, 10 AM and 1:30 PM
Community Updates with Campus Leaders Wednesdays, August 13 and 27 at 1 PM and 4 PM
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.
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 540-564 3400 for a ride. Allow 10 to 15 minutes for the shuttle to arrive. Closed for lunch break 12:10 - 12:40 p.m.
Intergenerational Choir Rehearsal
Each Thursday Until December 4, 9:30 to 10:30 AM Strite Auditorium
Trip to Shenandoah Caverns & American Celebration on Parade
Wednesday, September 3 Cost: $40
Departing: 9:35 AM Returning: 12:30 PM
Culture & Belonging Committee Meeting
Wednesday, September 3, 2 PM
Detwiler Auditorium
Watch Battery Replacement Service
Thursday, September 4, 9:30 to 10:30 AM
Park Gables Game Room
Ken Layman will be available to replace watch batteries. Please bring $7 for the cost of the battery and installation.
Trivia with Dr. Kyle
Monday, September 8, 3:30 PM
Main Street Café
Trip to Harmony Harvest Farm
Wednesday, September 10 Cost: $5
Departing: 9:30 AM Returning: 12:30 PM
Park Place Resident Organization Meeting
Thursday, September 11, 2 PM
Park Place Multipurpose Room
Elder Exchange “Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder”
Thursday, September 11, 6:30 to 8 PM
Detwiler Auditorium
Friday, September 12, 7 PM
Detwiler Auditorium
Shenandoah Valley Lyceum “The Black Fiddlers of Monticello” with David McCormick
Light refreshments will be served at 6:30 p.m.
VMRC All-Campus Dog Show
Friday, September 12, 1:30 PM
Strite Auditorium
The theme is “Adventure with Your Best Bud.” More information to come.
Hot Air Balloon Walk Through and Presentation
Saturday, September 13, Time TBD
Park Gables Parking Lot
Vespers Service - Tide Spring
Sunday, September 14, 3:30 PM
Detwiler Auditorium
Parkinson’s Support Group
Monday, September 15, 2 PM
Park Gables Game Room
Campfire & Friends Event
Monday, September 15, 6 to 7:15 PM Main Street Café Patio
Trip to Hamrick’s in Roanoke
Wednesday, September 17, Time TBD
Valley Village Movie - Casablanca (1942)
Thursday, September 18, 2 PM Park Place Multipurpose Room
Trip to The Galley Diner
Friday, September 19
Departing: 11 AM Returning: 1:30 PM
EMU Wind Ensemble Open Rehearsal
Monday, September 22, 5:15 to 6:30 PM
Detwiler Auditorium
Contemporary Issues Discussion Group
Thursday, September 23, 6:30 PM
Park Place Multipurpose Room
Breakfast with the CEO
Tuesday, September 30 9 to 10 AM
Would you like to have breakfast with the CEO?
Contact Heather Lankford by emailing hlankford@vmrc.org or calling 540-437-4306 by Friday, August 15 to add your name to a drawing. Attendees will be notified by email and/or phone. If your name is not selected this time, you will remain on the list for the next opportunity.
EMU Professor Tim Seidel will give a presentation on Mennonite Action.
IL Trip to Monticello
Wednesday, September 24 Cost: $32
Departing: 9 AM Returning: 3 PM
Vocal Chords Concert
Friday, September 26, 2 PM
Strite Auditorium
Active Aging Week
October 6 - 10
Details coming soon! Stay tuned!
Trip to the Frontier Culture Museum
Wednesday, October 15 Cost: $9
Departing: 9 AM Returning: 2:30 PM
Publication Information
Compiler: Heather Snow, Administrative Assistant (Life Enrichment/Wellness Center)
Editor: Kyle Remnant, Director of Arts and Enrichment
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 on content.
