Wellness center grand opening Aug. 4

ROMNEY — The Hampshire County Wellness Center is well on its way to completion with the $6.9 million facility scheduled to open to members on Aug. 6.
A grand opening of the wellness center for the community and members is planned for Aug. 4.
The medically-based center is designed to change life styles, according to Jeff Jeran, director of the Wellness Center.
“Holistic health views physical, mental and spiritual aspects of life as closely interconnected and balanced,” he explained.
Aside from bringing approximately 20 jobs to the area, the center also brings health services to the community

through therapy, exercise and dietary changes.
According to Les Shoemaker, director of the Hampshire County Development Authority, the wellness center will operate under a management agreement between the development authority and a subsidiary of the Winchester-based Valley Health.
“Hampshire County Development Authority borrowed $1.1 million and will pay back the loan by leasing the center to East Mountain Health,” Shoemaker added.
The loan is expected to be paid in 20 years.
The additional $5 million came from state grant money.
From the beginning a wellness center member goes through a health assessment and possibly a fitness test if they’re physically able.
All the fitness equipment is demonstrated and members are free to pursue their health regiment.
Upon entering the wellness center, a member will have his or her membership card scanned.
If the member chooses to have a massage or buy juice or water, the charges can automatically be put on his or her account.
Membership includes use of the facility, health lectures and a variety of fitness classes such as step aerobics, Pilates and yoga.
The wellness center’s fitness staff is all degreed or nationally certified.
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