Engage and Flourish
May 2026
Welcome to the May edition of The Junction! This month at Virginia Mennonite Retirement Community (VMRC), we focus on Social Wellness, building meaningful relationships, and strengthening our community connections. From our festive Cinco de Mayo celebration on the farm to meaningful intergenerational trips to JMU, there are countless ways to stay active and engaged this season.
View the May Junction
Cinco de Mayo Dinner on the Farm
Tuesday, May 5 | 5:00 PM | The Farm at Willow Run Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with live music and a festive menu featuring chicken fajitas, rice, beans, churros, and tropical fruit. Transportation is available from Heritage Haven (4:40 PM), Park Gables (4:45 PM), and Park Place (4:55 PM). Cost is $14; please sign up at the Wellness Center.
Arts & Performance Highlights
Enjoy a diverse lineup of music and culture throughout the month:
First Friday Art Reception: Celebrate the inspirational works of JoEtta Deaton on May 1 from 5:00 to 7:00 PM in the Park Gables Gallery.
Piano Music with Kathleen Haddad: Join resident Kathleen Haddad for an informal afternoon of piano requests and sing-alongs on May 7 at 3:00 PM in Detwiler Auditorium.
"Cotton Patch Gospel": Experience a southern musical reinterpretation of the gospels performed by Phil Kaufmann on May 12 at 6:30 PM in Detwiler Auditorium.
Vocal Chords Concert: This male vocal octet will perform sacred songs and hymn arrangements on May 22 at 2:00 PM in Strite Auditorium.
Community & Educational Events
"Being Mennonite in America": Watch a 90-minute documentary presented by producer Burton Buller tracing Mennonite history on May 18 at 6:30 PM in Detwiler Auditorium.
Elder Exchange: Join a discussion on "Christological Conflict and the Development of Doctrine" with guest Peter Fraser-Morris from JMU on May 14 at 6:30 PM.
Contemporary Issues Group: Dr. Carl Stauffer will lead a discussion titled "Sitting in the Fire: Peacebuilding in Turbulent Times" on May 26 at 6:30 PM in the Park Place Multipurpose Room.
Spiritual Life
Join us for weekly worship and unique spiritual opportunities:
Sunday Worship: Held every Sunday at 10:00 AM in Strite Auditorium, featuring guest speakers like Ken Horst (May 3) and Colleen Earp (May 24).
Hilltop Reflections: Visit the farm on May 20 at 10:30 AM for a time of stillness and reflective handbell music by Kath Wissinger.
Vespers Service: The Blue Ridge Threshold Choir will perform peaceful a cappella songs on May 17 at 3:30 PM in Detwiler Auditorium.
Wellness & Outings
Stay active and explore the Shenandoah Valley:
National Senior Health and Fitness Day: Join our BIGGEST Group Fitness class and member appreciation event on May 27 at 11:00 AM on the Café Patio lawn.
Beginner Pilates: A new 6-week series led by Dana Neff begins May 20, focusing on core strength and flexibility.
JMU Care Package Trip: On May 8, travel to the JMU campus to distribute care packages and encouragement to students during finals week.
Chiles Family Orchard: Travel to Crozet on May 21 for a blueberry picking experience and wagon ride. Cost is $14; departing at 9:00 AM.