Olivia Kessler, left, and Aysha Gibson man the Healthy Highlands table at the Alleghany Highlands YMCA’s recent Winter Bash. (Photo Courtesy Alleghany Highlands YMCA)

'Winter Bash' Successful, YMCA Notes Low Moor, VA (Feb. 13, 2025) - A break in the winter weather and a break from the winter doldrums — that was the objective of the Winter Bash, hosted recently by the Alleghany Highlands YMCA and the Alleghany Highlands Healthy Youth Coalition. Mission accomplished! The YMCA’s Winter Bash, held on Saturday, January 25, provided a brief respite from the bitter cold of early January, welcoming approximately 200 attendees. Activities ranged from games, face painting, free books, a bounce house and ball pit to a petting zoo, swimming, hot dogs and hot chocolate. The Alleghany Highlands Community Services Board provided hot dogs, buns and condiments, while Bath Community Hospital also provided hot dogs and buns. LewisGale Hospital – Alleghany supplied water. About 190 hot dogs were served during the four-hour event that was free to the public. “The Winter Bash couldn’t have come at a better time,” said Dr. Sandra McHenry, Alleghany Highlands YMCA Healthy Highlands Program leader. “Everyone was ready to get out and enjoy themselves. The Alleghany Highlands YMCA was thrilled to host this event, celebrating health and wellness, while bringing our community together.” Over 10 community partners assisted in the event. They included LewisGale Hospital – Alleghany, Safehome Systems, Inc., Roanoke City and Alleghany Health District (Health Department), ConnectionsPlus Healthcare + Hospice, Alleghany/Covington Department of Social Services, Bath Community Hospital, the Alleghany County Sheriff’s Office K9 officer, Cora Dance Alleghany, Healthy Highlands Tobacco-Free, Vape-Free Youth Initiative, Alleghany Highlands Healthy Youth Coalition and Girl Scouts of Virginia – Skyline. For additional information on the Alleghany Highlands YMCA Healthy Highlands Program, email Dr. McHenry at smchenry@ahymca.org or call (540) 962-9622. For more information on the YMCA and its various programs, call (540) 962-9622.

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