Financial Wellness

September 2026

Financial Wellness takes the focus this September. It's a dimension of well-being that shapes everything from daily choices to long-term peace of mind, and this month's calendar leans into it with practical guidance on estate planning, account access, and protecting what you've built. Alongside those conversations, the month fills out with a dog show, an outdoor movie, the return of the intergenerational choir, and a week set aside to honor the people who make assisted living feel like home.

View the September Junction

Featured Community Events

A handful of standout gatherings anchor the month, each one worth marking on the calendar early.

• Peachy Wellness: Forefront Regional Director Angela Filippini presents on nutritional wellness, with a grilled peach tasting to follow, on September 2 at 2:00 PM.

• Park View Federal Credit Union Seminar: Learn about POAs, beneficiaries, joint owners, and safe deposit box access in "Who Has Access?" on September 11 at 2:00 PM.

• National Assisted Living Week: Celebrate "Shining Through the Years" with a campus-wide Spirit Week September 14 through 18.

• Trivia with Dr. Kyle: Gather a team for a Decades of Hollywood Stars trivia competition on September 14 at 3:00 PM.

• The Greatest Showman, An Outdoor Movie: Enjoy popcorn, candy, and Shirley Temples under the stars on September 15, with doors opening at 7:15 PM.

• VMRC All-Campus Dog Show: Residents and staff walk the red carpet with their furry friends in Woodland Park on September 18 at 1:30 PM.

• Cool Beats & Frozen Treats: Live music from Just Jazzin' and free frozen treats from Smiley's Ice Cream on September 22 at 7:00 PM.

• Contemporary Issues Discussion Group: Retired law professor Timothy Jost presents "The Supreme Court and its Role in Our Government" on September 29 at 6:30 PM.

• Main Street Buzz: Hear the latest happenings across campus from an Arts & Enrichment team member on September 30 at 11:00 AM.

Arts & Creativity

Watercolor takes center stage this month, with a new gallery show, hands-on classes, and the first rehearsals of a choir tradition now in its twelfth year.

• Shenandoah Valley Watercolor Society Members Show: View the members exhibition in the Park Gables Gallery now through October 16.

• Intergenerational Choir Rehearsals Begin: Join the 12th year of partnership with JMU's Choral Methods class beginning September 3 at 9:30 AM.

• First Friday Art Reception: Meet Watercolor Society artists and enjoy live music from the Shenandoah Valley Ukulele Players on September 4 from 5:00 to 7:00 PM.

• Watercolor Class with Barbara Gautcher: Learn watercolor techniques in a two-session class on September 10 and 17 at 2:00 PM.

• Art Makers Tuesday: Create alongside neighbors in the Heritage Haven Activity Room on September 15 at 3:00 PM.

• Valley Village Movie: Watch the Oscar-winning A River Runs Through It on September 17 at 2:00 PM.

• Bach on the Farm: Savor hors d'oeuvres and live music with the Shenandoah Valley Bach Festival at the Farm at Willow Run on September 18 from 4:00 to 6:00 PM.

• Skyline Duo Concert: Flute and saxophone blend in a musical duo performance on September 30 at 2:00 PM.

Wellness, Worship & Reflection

Whether you're looking for a quiet morning at the farm, a health screening close to home, or a group to walk alongside you through loss, September makes room for it.

• Hilltop Reflections: Be still, listen, and pray at the Farm at Willow Run with featured musician Susan Estes on September 2 at 10:30 AM.

• Sunday Worship: Gather each Sunday at 10:00 AM in Strite Auditorium, with services broadcast on Channel 702.

• Grief Support Group: Join VMRC chaplains for an eight-week group beginning September 8, Tuesdays from 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM.

• Elder Exchange: K.C. Peterson shares from his career in the fire service in "Fight the Good Fight of Faith" on September 10 from 6:30 to 8:00 PM.

• Free Hearing Aid Maintenance: Blue Ridge Hearing offers appointments on September 11 from 1:00 to 3:00 PM.

• Sentara RMH Mobile Mammography Van: Schedule your screening along Heritage Drive on September 16.

• Vespers Services: Enjoy a cappella music from Cantore on September 20 and Voice of Praise on September 27 at 3:30 PM.

• Fruits & Veggies: More Matters! Registered dietitian Vanessa Heatwole shares simple ways to eat well on September 24 at 10:30 AM.

• Prayer Meeting & Bible Studies: Continue growing in faith through weekly opportunities for prayer, worship, and study.

Explore the Shenandoah Valley

The bus keeps a full schedule in September, heading out for theater, gallery exhibits, a film festival, and the everyday errands that are simply better in good company.

• IL Country Drive: Relax and take in the scenic countryside on September 9.

• The Other Mozart at the Forbes Center: See the award-winning solo performance about Nannerl Mozart on September 19.

• Smith House Galleries & Pulp Acai Smoothie Bar: Browse two local exhibits and stop for a healthy treat on September 21.

• Shenandoah Valley InThrive Film Festival: VMRC hosts two screenings of this community-wide festival on September 23 and September 26.

• Weekly Grocery Trips: Shop local favorites with transportation provided every Tuesday morning.

Life Together at VMRC

Between the standing card games, the last farmers market of the season, and a visit from a class of fourth graders, September offers plenty of low-key reasons to get out the door.

• VMRC Farmers Market: Shop produce from the Farm at Willow Run plus local vendors on September 10, the last market of the season with additional vendors.

• 8-Ball Tournament: Residents and staff are welcome in the Billiards Room on September 10 at 11:00 AM.

• VMRC Veterans Club: Connect with fellow veterans on September 11 at 10:00 AM.

• EMS Intergenerational Partnership: Share fun and interactive moments with Eastern Mennonite School's 4th grade Peacebuilding class on September 24.

• Village Coffee Hour: Connect with neighbors every Wednesday morning.

• 5 Crown, Mexican Train Dominoes, Spades, Duplicate Bridge & Knitting/Crochet Group: Join weekly games and hobby groups that foster friendship and fun.

• Trishaw Rides: Sign up at the Wellness Center for a 30-minute ride around campus.