HAPPY NEW YEAR!
January at Warm Hearth Village is all about learning, connection, and starting the year strong. From music and lifelong learning to fitness, food, and community celebrations, there’s something for everyone this month. All of the events and opportunities featured in this newsletter are open to the wider community — not just residents — and we invite you to come on campus, join us, and get involved. We’re glad you’re here.
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JANUARY CONNECTIONS SERIES
Through our Connections Series, residents and community members are invited to enjoy engaging programs that spark curiosity, creativity, and great conversation. Both January events will be held at The Village Center (2387 Warm Hearth Drive, Blacksburg, VA).
Pharmaceuticals & Supplements: What You Need to Know
Friday, January 16 | 2:30 PM
Join Margaret Landis, Pharmacist at Solutions Pharmacy in Blacksburg, for an informative discussion on medications and supplements. Learn how prescriptions, over-the-counter products, and supplements can interact — and gain helpful tips for using them safely and effectively.
Maestro Wiley at the Grand Piano
Tuesday, January 20 | 10:30 AM
Internationally acclaimed conductor and pianist David Stewart Wiley returns to Warm Hearth for a one-hour musical experience featuring works by Bach, Chopin, Rachmaninoff, Ginastera, and original film music inspired by Virginia’s Blue Ridge.
Author Talk & Book Signing with Laura Beth Dean
Friday, January 30 | 1:00 PM
Celebrate Warm Hearth Village team member Laura Beth Dean as she shares her award-winning book, Georgia Jipp: Blizzard Pilot. Enjoy a short author talk, Q&A, and book signing. Books will be available for purchase.
We hope you’ll join us for these inspiring Connections events!
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MAKE 2026 YOUR YEAR OF SMART GOALS
The New Year often sparks a desire for change. Each year, I like to take time to revisit the idea of goal-setting. Many people hope for quick fixes, but those rarely lead to lasting change. This year, as you think about your resolutions, consider setting SMART goals and creating a realistic plan for the changes you’d like to see.
SMART goals are:
Specific – Make your goal clear so you can create a concise plan to achieve it.
Measurable – Choose goals that are easy to track. Instead of saying, “I will eat more vegetables this year,” try, “I will have two servings of vegetables per day.” This allows you to measure your progress.
Achievable – Set goals that are realistic for you. Small, achievable goals are often easier to maintain and can help build momentum toward larger goals.
Relevant – Your goals should be meaningful to you. Try not to be influenced by others, and focus on what truly matters for your own future.
Timely – Give your goals a clear timeframe for completion.
SMART Goal Examples
- I will add one serving of whole grains to my breakfast daily for the next seven days.
- I will go for a 10-minute walk each day for the next month.
- For the next three days, I will replace fruit juice with a piece of fruit.
- For the next seven days, I will practice a mindfulness meditation before I start my day.
Here’s to a happy, healthy New Year — and successful SMART goal setting in 2026!
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HUCKLEBERRY CAFE HAPPENINGS
There’s always something cooking at the Huckleberry Café, and January is full of delicious reasons to stop by!
Fabulous Friday Breakfast
8:00–11:00 AM | Huckleberry Café | $7.95
Open to residents and the public — no reservation needed!
Start your Friday with our full breakfast buffet featuring eggs, a chef’s-choice protein, fresh fruit, and hot coffee or tea.
Add orange juice for $1.00 or a specialty coffee drink for $1.50.
Mimosas, Bloody Marys, and Irish Coffee also available.
January Menu Highlights:
Jan 9: Build-Your-Own Pancakes
Jan 16: Corned Beef Hash
Jan 23: French Toast
Jan 30: Eggs Benedict
Magic Monday Returns!
Monday, January 19 | 4:00–6:00 PM
Magic Monday is back with a special Martin Luther King Jr. Day concert featuring the Ash Devine Folk Troubadours Trio. Enjoy an uplifting mix of folk revival, era jazz, country, and Americana inspired by themes of hope, friendship, civil rights, and world peace.
$7.95 Dinner Special:
Baked Ziti with Meatballs & Fresh Salad
Gluten-free and vegetarian options available
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CALLING ALL MAKERS
We are now accepting applications for the Warm Hearth Village 2026 Spring Arts & Crafts Fair on Saturday, March 28 from 10am to 4pm. All forms of handmade arts, crafts and goods are welcome and there are no fees for vendors. Applications will be accepted through March 4th. Email Mardy Baker at Mbaker@warmhearth.org to apply.
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THANK YOU FOR HELPING US SHINE
Thanks to our incredible community, Warm Hearth Village wrapped up the year with two exciting honors — and we couldn’t be more proud.
We were named Best Retirement Community in Blacksburg in the BusinessRate Best of 2025 Awards, based on Google reviews from residents and families.
Our Fitness Center also received the ICAA Beacon Award for Best in Wellness, recognizing communities that are redefining what it means to age well.
These awards belong to all of you — our residents, team members, families, and supporters. Thank you for being part of what makes Warm Hearth Village so special!
Help Us Do It Again — Vote Best of Virginia!
We won last year thanks to your votes, and we’re hoping to do it again. If Warm Hearth Village has made a difference for you, please consider voting for us (and don’t forget to share with family and friends!).
You can vote for us in these categories (some may require a write-in):
Assisted Living Community: Warm Hearth Village
Independent Living Retirement Community - Warm Hearth Village
Charity Event: Cheeseburger in Parrot-dise
Caterer: The Village Gourmet
Home Health Provider: Warm Hearth at Home
Consignment Shop: The Treasure Trove
Click the button below to vote. Thanks for your continued support — it truly means the world to us!
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KEEP YOUR BRAIN CURIOUS THIS NEW YEAR
The New Year is a great time to focus on brain health — and one of the best ways to do that is by learning something new. Staying mentally active and socially connected can help support memory, focus, and overall wellbeing.
Here are two upcoming opportunities in the New River Valley that encourage lifelong learning and brain engagement:
Memory Masterclass
Designed for adults 55+, Memory Masterclass is a six-week course focused on practical strategies that support brain health as we age. The class explores lifestyle habits, current research, and simple tools you can use in daily life to strengthen your brain’s reserve.
Spring Session Details:
Feb. 23 – April 9
Mondays & Thursdays | 4:00–5:30 PM
Registration Fee: $75
Registration opens mid-January
This class may also be helpful for individuals diagnosed with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). Click here for more information.
Lifelong Learning Institute (LLI)
The Lifelong Learning Institute of Virginia Tech offers a wide range of courses and experiences for adults 50+, with many classes held at Warm Hearth Village.
Registration opens January 14 at 9:30 AM
Register online at www.cpe.vt.edu/lifelonglearning or call 540-231-5182.
Support When You Need It
If you or a loved one needs Alzheimer’s or dementia support, the Kroontje Health Care Center provides Memory Care in an intimate, resident-centered environment. Contact Linda Kirkner at (540) 443-3415.
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GET THRIFTY WITH US AT THE TREASURE TROVE
This year, make a meaningful impact in your community by supporting the Treasure Trove Thrift Store.
- Shop for unique finds, from home décor to furniture, at great prices.
- Donate your pre-loved items to support our mission.
- Volunteer and be part of making a difference.
We’re open Wednesday through Saturday from 10am to 4pm. Explore our Facebook page HERE to see featured weekly treasures currently for sale! Every purchase supports seniors in our community.
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STRONGER, SMARTER, MORE CONFIDENT — ONE STEP AT A TIME
A new year is the perfect time to invest in yourself — to move with more strength, confidence, and energy in everyday life. At the Warm Hearth Fitness Center, personal training is designed to help you reach your best potential in ways that feel achievable and supportive.
Working with a personal trainer means more than following a workout. You’ll gain practical knowledge and tools that help you move smarter, feel stronger, and stay independent.
“Working with clients here is more than a job; it’s like taking care of family,” says Jessica Robinson, personal trainer. “We get to know them personally and create training programs just for their needs.”
Personal training begins with an individual assessment and a one-on-one conversation about your goals, so your program is tailored specifically to you.
To learn more about personal training at the Village Center, contact the Fitness Center at (540) 443-3474.
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CUSTOMER SERVICE SUPER STARS
Congratulations to our Customer Service Super Stars! Kathryn Rubas, Todd Mullins, and Karen Strickler
were nominated by their peers, residents, and family members for going above and beyond to provide outstanding customer service! Warm Hearth is focused on providing an excellent experience with every interaction by training around the STAR principles and rewarding employees for practicing them daily.
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THANK YOU FOR YOUR BUSINESS IN 2025
Thank you to all of our wonderful clients who made 2025 such a memorable year! We’re truly grateful to everyone who chose The Village Gourmet to be part of their celebrations.
As we look ahead to 2026, we’d love to continue serving you for all your catering and event needs.
We’re also excited to share that The Village Gourmet was named to the Virginia Living Weddings 2026 Top Wedding Vendors list — an honor we’re proud to share with our incredible clients and team.
Thank you for your trust, your support, and a fantastic year!
Learn more by clicking here.
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