There was something unmistakably special in the air the evening our community gathered for the 2025 Celebration of Lights. Presented by the VMRC Foundation, the program celebrates the light of those who have gone before us, the light of family and friends, and the light of Christ, which guides us.  Words, both spoken and offered through song, created a palpable feeling of energy, inspiration and joy for audience members.

When Abe and Ruth Rittenhouse moved to VMRC, they discovered something they hadn’t expected: their world grew larger, not smaller. “When I came to VMRC, I gained more than I gave up,” Abe reflects.

With the nation facing an unprecedented demand for caregiving professionals, Virginia Mennonite Retirement Community is proud to announce that applications are now open for the second annual round of its Mary Reitz Nursing Scholarship.

The story of the Wenger and Showalter families is one of enduring care and dedication that spans generations. It began with George B. Showalter, a visionary businessman of faith, who set aside a portion of his estate to establish the Virginia Mennonite Home, laying the foundation for what is now VMRC.

This fall, residents enjoyed a trip to our local Myers Pumpkins pumpkin patch.

Last month, we kicked off Active Aging Week with another successful Wellness Fair. The annual event serves as a celebration for our community to come together and celebrate our residents living vibrant, active lives on campus.

At VMRC, Opening Minds Through Art (OMA) is more than just a creative program. For us, it’s a bridge between older and younger adults.

Nurses are at the heart of everything at VMRC. Their compassion and dedication make it possible for residents to live comfortably. Without our nursing team, the community simply wouldn’t function. It’s their commitment and care that create the strong foundation VMRC is built upon.

Across Virginia, the population is aging rapidly. By 2030, one in five Virginians will be 65 or older, and in rural areas, about 30% of residents will be 60 and older. As the number of older adults grows, challenges such as housing affordability, access to nutritious food and social isolation become more pressing.

The third installment of a three-part financial education series, this event focused on how the new federal tax bill affects retirees and charitable givers.

Residents are at the center of everything at VMRC. To ensure excellent care for today and tomorrow, we invest in the growth of our caregivers. The Mary Reitz Nursing Scholarship is one of many ways we bring that commitment to life, providing financial assistance and encouragement to those pursuing nursing careers.

At VMRC, we are dedicated to creating opportunities that bring joy and offer connection and purpose to residents every day.

Volunteers are at the heart of community life. Their time, energy and compassion touch every corner of our campus, bringing joy to residents and strengthening the spirit of connection that helps define who we are. With more than 300 active volunteers contributing tens of thousands of hours each year, their impact is both wide-reaching and deeply personal.

Virginia Mennonite Retirement Community Foundation hosted “Beyond the Basics: Smarter Strategies for Medicare and Healthcare Costs” in partnership with Everence Financial. This event was the second presentation created for residents, community members and donors.

Nestled in the beauty of the Shenandoah Valley, Hilltop Reflections offers something rare in today’s world: a space of quiet peace, open skies and spiritual connection. One resident described it simply: “It’s just so beautiful, and God’s presence is here. It’s a sacred place.”

Every year, when the Rockingham County Fair opens its gates, something special unfolds for VMRC residents and the volunteers who join them. What might appear to be a simple outing quickly becomes a day filled with connection. It is a reminder that the gift of time and presence can create joy that lingers well beyond the afternoon.

When George Branner Showalter included a $1,000 gift in his will “for the building of a home for the elderly,” he likely couldn’t have imagined the lasting impact it would have. His son, M.C. Showalter, brought that vision to life in 1954 with the help of friends and neighbors, opening what is now known as VMRC. M.C. served as president of the Board of Directors until 1965, helping to establish a strong foundation for a community built on compassion and service.

VMRC supports initiatives that enhance children’s abilities and ensure they have the resources they need to thrive.

We began the month with two energizing events that showcased the many ways connection takes root at VMRC.