Social Wellness
November 2026
Social wellness grows through the connections we make and the time we share with others. A conversation over coffee, an evening of music or a chance to learn alongside neighbors can all help build a sense of belonging. November brings those opportunities to VMRC through a Veterans Day celebration, an arts and crafts sale, live performances and discussions. The month also introduces Cubigo, a new resident hub for staying connected to campus life.
View the November Junction
Featured Community Events
Come together for campus traditions, shared celebrations and conversations that connect neighbors.
Veterans Day Celebration: Honor VMRC residents who have served in our nation’s military on November 11 at 2:00 PM in Detwiler Auditorium.
VMRC Arts & Crafts Sale: Browse woodworking, jewelry, paintings, fabric creations and more along Main Street on November 13 from 2:00 to 5:00 PM and November 14 from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
Trivia with Dr. Kyle: Bring a team of friends for a friendly general-knowledge competition on November 16 at 3:30 PM in the Main Street Café.
Shenandoah Valley Lyceum: Join conservation photographer Steven Johnson for “Conservation Photography as a Way of Knowing the World” on November 20 at 7:00 PM in Detwiler Auditorium. Individual tickets are $8 in advance or $10 at the door, available at the Wellness Center.
Main Street Buzz: Catch up on campus programs and events with the Arts & Enrichment team on November 30 from 11:00 AM to noon on Main Street near the Park Gables Game Room.
Arts & Creativity
Explore familiar favorites and new perspectives through music, film, art and hands-on creativity.
The Sound of Music Matinee with Crisp Apple Strudels: Enjoy the classic Julie Andrews musical with an apple strudel on November 2 at 1:00 PM in Strite Auditorium.
Masa Ishikawa & Brian Incheck Jazz Recital: Hear selections from the Great American Songbook on November 2 at 7:00 PM in Detwiler Auditorium.
The Black Ties Concert: Listen to JMU’s a cappella group perform choral jazz standards on November 5 at 7:00 PM in Detwiler Auditorium.
“Revolution on the Frontier”: Explore what independence meant for Virginia’s Backcountry communities and Indigenous nations in a Frontier Culture Museum presentation on November 6 at 2:00 PM in Strite Auditorium.
First Friday Art Reception: Discover the work of Macson McGuigan at Park Gables Gallery on November 6 from 5:00 to 7:00 PM, presented in partnership with the Arts Council of the Valley.
Intergenerational Choir Rehearsals: Sing together on Thursdays at 9:30 AM in Strite Auditorium, with no rehearsals on November 19 or 26.
Art Makers Tuesday: Make time to create alongside neighbors on November 17 at 3:00 PM in Heritage Haven Activity Room 3A.
Valley Village Movie: Watch West Side Story (1961) on November 19 at 2:00 PM in the Park Place Multipurpose Room.
Wellness, Worship & Reflection
Care for body, mind and spirit through practical health resources, supportive conversations and opportunities to worship.
All Saints Memorial Service: Remember residents who have died through candle lighting and special music on November 4 at 10:00 AM in Strite Auditorium.
Pilates Schedule Update: Beginning November 6, Friday Pilates moves to 1:00 PM. Monday classes remain at 4:30 PM.
Episcopal Eucharist, Presentation & Discussion: Join Father David Rose of Emmanuel Episcopal Church on November 12 at 1:00 PM in Strite Auditorium. All are welcome.
Elder Exchange: Hear Jenna Dull of Blue Ridge Area Food Bank present “Solving Hunger Together in the Blue Ridge,” with responses from Jennifer Ulrich and Amy Loveday, on November 12 from 6:30 to 8:00 PM in Detwiler Auditorium.
Free Hearing Aid Maintenance: Schedule an appointment with Blue Ridge Hearing on November 13 from 1:00 to 3:00 PM by calling the Wellness Center at 540-574-3850.
Vespers Service: Hear the Rockingham Male Chorus share gospel music on November 15 at 3:30 PM in Detwiler Auditorium.
Parkinson’s Support Group: Connect with others affected by Parkinson’s, including caregivers, on November 16 at 2:00 PM in the Park Gables Game Room.
Sentara RMH Mobile Mammography: Access mammography services along Heritage Drive on November 17. Registration is required; call 540-689-6800 or 1-800-277-1021 to schedule.
Contemporary Issues Meeting: Join Eastern Mennonite Seminary professor Jacob Cook for a presentation on the separation of church and state on November 17 at 6:30 PM in the Park Place Multipurpose Room.
Stronger Body, Sharper Mind: Explore nutrition, movement and brain health with registered dietitian Vanessa Heatwole and JMU students on November 19 from 1:30 to 3:00 PM in the Wellness Center Activity Studio.
Communion Service, Fellowship & Refreshments: Gather with pastors from local United Methodist churches on November 19 at 2:00 PM in Strite Auditorium.
Thanksgiving Worship Service: Join residents and staff for worship and gratitude on November 23 at 10:00 AM in Strite Auditorium.
Holiday Mindful Eating: Learn to recognize hunger cues and approach holiday meals mindfully with registered dietitian Sherri Hotchkiss on November 23 at 1:00 PM in the Wellness Center Activity Studio.
Onsite Counseling: Independent Living residents can arrange confidential counseling through Family Life Resource Center on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays in Oak Lea’s Blue Ridge Conference Room. Call FLRC directly at 540-434-8450 to request services at VMRC.
Sunday Worship, Prayer & Bible Studies: Gather for Sunday worship at 10:00 AM in Strite Auditorium, with additional opportunities for prayer and Bible study throughout the week. The first Sunday of Advent is November 29.
Explore the Shenandoah Valley
Discover the region’s performances, cultural destinations and everyday stops with opportunities to venture out together.
Election Day Transportation: Ride to Waterman Elementary School to vote on November 3, with trips beginning at 10:15 AM and 2:00 PM. See the Junction for pickup times.
Dancescapes at the Forbes Center: Experience JMU’s Virginia Repertory Dance Company and choreography by guest artists, faculty and students on November 8 at 2:00 PM. Tickets are $16.
Women of the World at the Forbes Center: Hear an international vocal ensemble perform original and traditional folk music with a contemporary twist on November 19 at 7:30 PM.
Virginia Quilt Museum: Visit the Stitching Together History exhibit in Dayton on November 20, with campus pickups beginning at 9:30 AM. Admission is $8 or free for museum members. Sign up at the Wellness Center.
Weekly Grocery Trips: Shop Walmart on November 3, Kroger on November 10, Martin’s on November 17 and Harmony Square Food Lion on November 24. Call or visit the Wellness Center to register.
Life Together at VMRC
Build friendships, share your interests and find ways to contribute through everyday gatherings and community service.
Watch Battery Replacement: Ken Layman offers battery replacement for $7 on November 5 from 9:30 to 10:30 AM in the Park Gables Game Room.
Cubigo Access & Orientation: Independent Living residents can begin using Cubigo on November 9 for directory information, dining and program details, and maintenance requests. Orientation sessions take place November 10, 11, 13, 16, 18 and 20. Register by November 6 at cubigo-help@vmrc.org or 540-564-3527.
Salvation Army Angel Tree: Choose a child’s tag in the Wellness Center lobby beginning November 9 and help provide holiday clothing and toys. Return new, unwrapped gifts by December 9.
8-Ball Tournaments: Join the open single-elimination tournament on November 12 or the resident/staff tournament on November 19, both at 11:00 AM. Advance registration is required.
VMRC Veterans Club: Connect with fellow veterans on November 13 at 10:00 AM in the Park Gables Game Room.
Neighborhood Meetings: Attend the Park Place Resident Organization meeting on November 12 at 2:00 PM or the Village Council meeting on November 18 at 2:00 PM.
Celebration of Lights: Honor or remember a loved one with a Foundation gift from November 1 through December 31, supporting the Compassion Fund. Submit names to Anna Carson by November 20 for inclusion in this year’s public program.
Village Coffee Hour: Catch up with neighbors on Wednesdays at 9:00 AM in Village Hall.
Cards, Dominoes & Bingo: Join regular games of 5 Crown, Mexican Train Dominoes, Spades and Duplicate Bridge, plus bingo on the first and third Saturdays.
Knitting & Crochet Group — Project Linus: Bring your handiwork and join neighbors on Wednesdays at 10:00 AM in the Park Gables Third Floor Lounge.
Main Street Store Volunteers: Help as a regular Friday morning cashier or an occasional substitute. Training is provided; contact Volunteer Services at 540-564-3524 or eshickel@vmrc.org.
Trishaw Rides: Reserve a 30-minute campus ride through the Wellness Center at least 24 hours in advance. Availability depends on driver schedules.
Thanksgiving schedule reminder: The Wellness Center is closed November 26 and open November 27 from 7:00 AM to 12:30 PM, with the pool closing at noon and no classes. The Indoor Express Cart will not operate November 26 or 27, and the Bargain Center is closed November 27.