Stay Safe, Stay Cool: Summer Wellness Resources in the Northern Shenandoah Valley

by | Jun 30, 2025 | Community Initiatives, Health and Wellness

Stay Safe, Stay Cool: Summer Wellness Resources in the Northern Shenandoah Valley

Summer in the Northern Shenandoah Valley brings sunshine, outdoor fun, and a chance to connect with neighbors. But it also brings challenges—extreme heat, food insecurity, and isolation can impact our health and safety. That’s why Our Health and its partner agencies are here to help you stay well with access to summer wellness resources all season long.

Our next Healthy Living and Farmers Market is Tuesday, July 15th, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the Our Health Campus in Winchester. It’s your chance to shop for fresh produce, pick up helpful information, and meet the local organizations working every day to support individuals and families in our region.

Whether you’re looking to beat the heat, stretch your grocery budget, or find a helping hand, this blog highlights some lesser-known—but deeply valuable—summer wellness resources available in our community.

Why Summer Wellness Resources Matter

Hot temperatures Summer
Staying cool during hot temperatures
Rising temperature

High temperatures can strain anyone—but they hit harder for vulnerable groups. Seniors, low-income households, and those without stable housing are especially at risk. Add in rising utility bills, limited transportation, or a lack of access to nutritious food, and summer wellness becomes more than just staying hydrated—it’s about staying connected and supported.

That’s where Our Health and its partners come in—with services and summer wellness resources that meet people where they are.

Meet Some Unsung Community Heroes

Access Independence Inc
Hand regional Library System
Winchester Rescue Mission

Access Independence
Summer heat can pose real risks for individuals with disabilities. Access Independence helps people live safely and independently in their homes and communities. From home modifications to advocacy services, they make sure no one is left behind—no matter the season.

Handley Regional Library’s Adult Programs
Education doesn’t take a summer break! The Handley Regional Library offers a robust calendar of adult events—from job skill workshops to book clubs, tech help, and community classes. These programs provide connection, learning, and fun, especially for those looking to stay engaged and informed over the summer. All programs are free and open to the public—stop by the library or visit their adult events webpage to find your next opportunity.

Winchester Rescue Mission
Housing instability becomes more dangerous when temperatures rise. The Winchester Rescue Mission provides shelter, meals, clothing, and community for individuals experiencing homelessness. Their new facility has expanded services, and they’re always looking for volunteers and supporters who care.

Together, these partners and others offer essential summer wellness resources that make a tangible difference in people’s lives.

What to Expect at the July 15th Market

Healthy Living farmers market
Healthy Living Farmers market
Health living farmers market

From 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM on Tuesday, July 15th, the Our Health campus will be bustling with activity. Alongside local farmers, you’ll find booths from social service agencies offering:

  • Free resource guides

  • Health screenings and wellness tips

  • Information on housing, utilities, transportation help, and more

From fresh produce to helpful summer wellness resources, the July 15th market is your one-stop shop for staying cool, connected, and cared for. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a familiar face, the event is designed to be accessible, welcoming, and informative. Bring your questions—and maybe a tote bag or two!

Stay Cool—and Hit the Links for a Cause

Our health golf event
Our Health golf event
Our Health Golf Event

Looking for another way to support wellness in our region? Join us that same week—Thursday, July 17th—for the Our Health Golf Tournament at Winchester Country Club, located at 1300 Senseny Rd.

This annual event is more than a great day of golf. It’s a fun and meaningful way to invest in the health of our entire community. Funds raised go directly to support the 95 partner agencies that make up the Our Health network—agencies providing food, shelter, education, mental health support, and more.

Here’s what you can expect:

  • 9:00 AM – Registration and Boxed Breakfast provided by Chick-fil-A

     

  • 10:00 AM – Shotgun Start

     

  • 2:00 PM – Awards Luncheon

     

Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or just in it for the good company and cause, your participation helps sustain vital services across the Northern Shenandoah Valley.

The Our Health Kendall Community Campus houses several nonprofits and public agencies under one roof—offering shared facilities, grant research, volunteer recruitment, and more. When you support Our Health through events like this, you help maintain that ecosystem of care.

Grab your clubs and join us on the course—because wellness isn’t just about what happens in a clinic or a market. It’s about showing up for your community. Register here.

Five Tips for Staying Well This Summer

  1. Hydrate frequently. Even if you don’t feel thirsty, drink water throughout the day—especially if you’re outdoors.

     

  2. Keep cool. Use fans, visit cooling centers, or spend time in air-conditioned spaces like libraries or community centers.

     

  3. Eat fresh. Incorporate local produce into your meals. Farmers markets are a great way to access healthy, seasonal food.

     

  4. Check on others. Look in on elderly neighbors or those who may be isolated. A quick visit can go a long way.

     

  5. Ask for help. Local agencies want to support you. If you’re not sure where to start, the Our Health website can connect you to trusted summer wellness resources.

Stay Connected with Our Health

Every season brings new challenges—and new opportunities to care for one another. Our Health is proud to be a hub where people, services, and solutions come together.

If you haven’t yet experienced a Healthy Living and Farmers Market, July is the perfect time to start. You’ll discover practical tools, inspiring people, and maybe even a new favorite produce stand.

Want to learn more about the agencies featured here? Visit ourhealthva.org for a full list of partners, volunteer opportunities, and upcoming events.

Let’s keep our community strong, cool, and cared for—all summer long—with access to summer wellness resources that help everyone thrive.

Resource Links:

The Handley Regional Library

Access Independence

The Winchester Rescue Mission

Our Health Golf Tournament

 

 

 

Daniel Rose

Volunteer Action Center Coordinator

Daniel Rose joined Our Health as the Volunteer Action Center Coordinator in 2012. Mr. Rose came to Our Health with a wealth of experience in volunteer leadership, public speaking, and marketing and public relations. In 2015 he was promoted to Director of Operations, managing all aspects of campus buildings and grounds work and supervising all maintenance and custodial staff members.

 His past experience includes 16 years in the construction industry including owning and operating Rose Construction, Inc., specializing in stucco, tile and stone work. He has his Bachelor’s Degree in Biblical Theology with a minor in Counseling from the Nazarene Bible College, and served as an Associate and Lead Pastor while in Colorado. He has led many teams of volunteers during mission trips to several countries in Africa. On one mission trip in 2001, while employed with Global Samaritans, Dan led a crew of volunteers to build two orphanages, a school and a visitor’s center in Zambia. 

Rose and his family moved to Winchester in 2009 from Glenwood Springs, Colorado. Dan joined the non-profit organization RPJ Housing in 2009. In this position he worked with community leaders and City staff to help low income local residents obtain needed home repair assistance. He assessed safety and repair requirements primarily in homes of low income elderly who wished to remain in their homes. He was responsible for reviewing applications for program eligibility and networking in the community for volunteers and local businesses and corporations to provide construction materials and labor needed for each project.

Our Health is pleased to have Dan on our team and grateful for the extensive background he brings to our campus. 

Beth Loque

Finance Manager

Beth Louque graduated Magna Cum Laude with her BBA in Accounting from Georgia State University. After college, Beth worked for the Prudential Insurance Company of America. She specifically focused on their managed healthcare division as an accountant, financial analyst and business analyst. Before coming to Our Health Beth was busy raising her two children and actively volunteering at their school. Beth joined Our Health in August of 2010 as the Finance Manager.

Beth and her husband moved from Atlanta to Winchester after their oldest child was born in 1999 to be closer to family.  They love the area and enjoy being active in the community.  Beth enjoys spending time outdoors especially skiing at Bryce Resort during the winter season.

Mary Falu

Administrative Assistant and Office Manager

Mary joined Our Health in December 2008 as the Administrative Assistant and Office Manager. In December 2017 she took the position of Volunteer Action Center Coordinator while continuing as Office Manager.  Prior to her role with Our Health, she worked at DK Industrial Services as a Payroll Administrator and spent thirteen years with VDO in Human Resources. She served from 1979-1986 in the United States Army in the Military Intelligence Division and made Sergeant before leaving the military. Mary has many career achievements but holds proudly the Army Commendation Medal and the Army Achievement Medal.

She graduated Summa Cum Laude and was on the Presidents and Deans list while acquiring her Associates Degree in Administrative Support from Lord Fairfax Community College. She pursues ongoing education courses which interest her and has certificates in Graphic Design Office Assistant, Office Systems Assistant and Desktop Publishing Technician.

Mary was born in Silver City, NM but has lived most of her life in Capon Bridge, WV. She has two sons, a daughter-in-law and three grandsons who are the light of her life.  Family has always been very important to her and she feels blessed with a strong family that has supported her through life. She enjoys walking, going to the gym and traveling.
.
Our Health Moment:
“ I have been working with Our Health 12 years and feel a very strong connection with them. This is my first experience in the world of non-profits and I find it very rewarding to work for an agency that I believe in and feel is helping to improve the lives of others through the agencies that we support.”

Sharen Gromling

Executive Director

Sharen joined Our Health as the Executive Director in April 2010. As administrator, she is charged with the responsibility for implementing the policies and programs of Our Health.  Sharen worked for the City of Winchester for nearly 30 years, retiring as Director of Administration and Human Resources. She administered the human resources function for the City’s 500+ employees, grants, training and employee development, and marketing and public information.  

Sharen has a passion for training. Since 2009 she has been a trainer for Business and Industry at Lord Fairfax Community College Workforce Solutions.  She conducts trainings in Leadership, HR Management, Board Governance, Strategic Planning, Conflict Mediation, Ethics, Public Administration and Developing Effective Teams.

Sharen has both a bachelor and master’s degree of art, psychology from University of Richmond. In her career, she has acquired her Senior Professional Human Resources (SPHR) Certification, Conflict Mediation Certification through Shenandoah University and a HR Trainer certificate through Development Dimensions International.

Community involvement is also a passion for Sharen. She validates this through her various roles: Member and Past President of Winchester Rotary Club, Vice President of Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival, Past Board of Directors for Shenandoah University Center for Public Service and Scholarship and Virginia Youth Ballet, member and Past President of the Winchester Society of Human Resource Management and the International Personnel Management Association-Virginia Chapter.

Her commitment to the City of Winchester is clear with her many years of service. She had the opportunity to Co-Chair the City of Winchester’s All America City Team on its journey to achieve this national recognition.  This award is coveted by communities throughout the United States and the competition is fierce.  The application process requires the City to select three programs that have been implemented in the community that have made a positive difference in people’s lives.  One of those chosen was the Our Health story.  “As I learned of the success of this program I was amazed at its uniqueness and its important role in serving the needs of the region’s non-profits and public service agencies.  Through this I had the opportunity to meet and work with many people whose lives were changed for the better because of this collaborative model.  To serve on this team was one of the major highlights of my public service career.  Our team went on to win this coveted title thanks in large part to the Our Health story.  Little did I know at the time that five years later I would have the opportunity to serve as its Executive Director! Coincidence – I think not.”

Our Health Moment:
“I am excited to have the opportunity to serve as the Executive Director of Our Health, Inc.  This organization is dedicated to serving our many partners so that they can serve the needs of the community.  My passion in life is service and I am dedicated to living the Rotary Motto – Service above Self.  I have been fortunate in my life to have many opportunities to serve others through both my work and volunteerism.  This position in particular allows me to use my skill set to help others be able to better meet the needs of the clients they serve.  If Our Health can make it easier for our partners to do their work, then we have succeeded.  Our team of employees at Our Health is dedicated to make this happen and I am fortunate to be a part of this mission.  “

Lou Ling

Managing Director

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In publishing and graphic design, lorem ipsum is common placeholder text used to demonstrate the graphic elements of a document or visual presentation, such as web pages, typography, and graphical layout. It is a form of "greeking".

Even though using "lorem ipsum" often arouses curiosity due to its resemblance to classical Latin, it is not intended to have meaning. Where text is visible in a document, people tend to focus on the textual content rather than upon overall presentation, so publishers use lorem ipsum when displaying a typeface or design in order to direct the focus to presentation. "Lorem ipsum" also approximates a typical distribution of letters in English.

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