Mountain Toppers Healthy Aging extends sincere thanks to Alcova Mortgage for their generous contribution. Pictured here, from left to right, are Lisa Sponaugle, Director of the Alleghany Highlands Regional Library; Dr. Sandra McHenry, AHYMCA Healthy Highlands Program Leader; Jason Helmintoller, Branch Partner, Alcova Mortgage; and Cassie Scott, Care Navigator with ConnectionsPlus Healthcare + Hospice.

Mountain Toppers Healthy Aging Celebrates Successful 2025, Announces Upcoming Programs   Low Moor, VA (Jan. 22, 2026) - Mountain Toppers Healthy Aging, a collaborative community program focused on supporting active, engaged aging, concluded a highly successful 2025 season marked by strong participation, diverse educational programming, and broad community support. Average attendance throughout the year was 39 participants per session. “Mountain Toppers has become something truly special for our community,” said Cassie Scott, Care Navigator with ConnectionsPlus Healthcare & Hospice. “The joy and energy our seniors bring into the room every month is inspiring, and partnering through our organizations to offer this program has been a genuine highlight.” During 2025, the program offered a wide range of educational presentations paired with creative and social activities. Topics included nutrition and healthy eating as we age, with Catherine Dougherty, Registered Dietitian at LewisGale Alleghany Hospital, presenting on added sugars and sodium. Representatives from ConnectionsPlus Healthcare & Hospice shared information on their Advanced Illness Care Program, while April Miller and Harper Knick from the Alleghany Highlands Community Services Board spoke about alcohol use. That session also featured a spring wreath-making activity led by the late Paula Pickwick. Additional programming addressed digital literacy and safety through a presentation by Highland Computers, oral health education with Dr. Kevin Slaughter of Slaughter and Slaughter Family Dentistry, and mental well-being with Eric Gutierrez, M.A., L.P.C., of Bath Community Physicians, who spoke on avoiding common mental health pitfalls. In September, Angie Kimberlin from LewisGale Alleghany Hospital Mammography led a breast cancer awareness presentation. The year also included hands-on mask painting with Bonnie Keyser, paired with a presentation by Matthew Clayton of the Alleghany Highlands YMCA on simple ways to improve strength and stability. “Staying physically, socially, and cognitively active throughout life is strongly associated with a reduced risk of chronic diseases, including cognitive decline,” said Dr. Sandra McHenry, Alleghany Highlands YMCA Healthy Highlands Program Leader. “Mountain Toppers Healthy Aging creates meaningful opportunities for seniors to stay engaged while learning practical strategies to support long-term health.” The success of the program in 2025 was made possible in part through generous lunch sponsorships from LewisGale Alleghany Hospital, Alcova Mortgage, ACE Hardware, Garten Trucking, The Woodlands Health and Rehab, ConnectionsPlus Healthcare & Hospice, Slaughter and Slaughter Family Dentistry, Bath Community Hospital, and First Citizens Bank. Lisa Sponaugle, Director of the Alleghany Highlands Regional Library, emphasized the value of collaboration in sustaining the program. “I am so proud of this program. Working with Sandra and Cassie and helping bring joy and knowledge to this group of seniors in our community has been one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve had as Library Director. Mountain Toppers has truly become a testament to what can be achieved through strong community partnerships.” Mountain Toppers Healthy Aging will resume in February with a presentation by Jeanne Hepler, J.D., who will speak on elder law. Lunch for the February session will be sponsored by Jackson River Credit Union. Additional topics planned for 2026 include an educational program on hearing impairment; guidance on financial well-being as we age; hands-on painting and craftmaking; and other topics focused on lifelong learning, wellness, and community engagement. Alcova Mortgage has generously contributed $2,000 to help support the Mountain Toppers Healthy Aging program in 2026. Mountain Toppers Healthy Aging meets on the third Thursday of each month from February through October at the Alleghany Highlands Regional Library, from 10:00 a.m. to noon. Each session includes a fun activity followed by an educational presentation, with lunch provided. Space is limited, and advance registration is required each month. To reserve a spot, call 540-962-3321. Mountain Toppers Healthy Aging is a collaborative effort of the Alleghany Highlands YMCA, ConnectionsPlus Healthcare & Hospice, and the Alleghany Highlands Regional Library. Since 1993 the Alleghany Highlands YMCA has served as a non-profit organization committed to providing youth and family programming, unique membership services, and early learning childcare. The YMCA is a charitable organization dedicated to making our community a healthier place to live. Since opening our doors, our focus has remained the same: to connect people of all ages and backgrounds to bridge the gap in community needs. The Y empowers everyone, no matter who they are or where they’re from, by ensuring access to resources, relationships and opportunities for all to learn, grow and thrive. Learn more at www.alleghanyhighlandsymca.org

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