The Shadow
COVINGTON, Va. (VR) — “No one can avoid aging, but aging productively is something else.” That quote from the late Katharine Graham, long-time publisher of the Washington Post, may best describe the mission behind the Mountain Toppers Healthy Aging Program.
The Mountain Toppers group is taking a winter break, but organizers and members alike are excited to resume
regular monthly meetings in February.
Organizers of this community-focused initiative, supported by the Alleghany Highlands Regional Library, the Alleghany Highlands YMCA Healthy Highlands Program and ConnectionsPlus Healthcare + Hospice in Clifton Forge, extend their gratitude to all sponsors and partners who have contributed to its success thus far.
“What an honor it has been to watch the Mountain Toppers group grow,” said Cassie Scott, care navigator for ConnectionsPlus. “The success of this program has bypassed what we never could have imagined, thanks to our community understanding the importance of healthy aging in the Highlands.”
The Mountain Toppers Planning Committee is hard at work developing a schedule for 2025, but the presentation for February has been finalized. Registered Dietician Catherine Dougherty from LewisGale Hospital–Alleghany will address the topic, “The Truth about Added Sugars and Sodium: Eating Well as We Age.” The first meeting of 2025 is scheduled for Thursday, February 20, at the Alleghany Highlands Regional Library in downtown Covington.
Additional Mountain Toppers planned presentations and activities for 2025 include Advanced Illness Care, wreath-making, mental health discussions, internet safety and scam prevention, dental health, an arthritis- focused exercise class, dementia awareness, painting workshops and much more.
“Exercise, hobbies, social engagement and lifelong learning not only enhance overall well-being but also help to preserve independence and quality of life,” said Dr. Sandra McHenry, Healthy Highlands Program leader.
In 2024, the Mountain Toppers group enjoyed a variety of enriching activities and informative presentations. Participants painted sunflowers with Bonnie Keyser and took part in Chair Yoga sessions led by Susan Hutchison from the Alleghany Highlands YMCA.
Educational presentations covered key topics such as Medicare and Medicaid, presented by Edna Gibson from the Department of Social Services; Elder Law, presented by Jeanne M. Hepler, J.D., from Collins, Hepler, PLC, of Covington; breast cancer screening, presented by the Lewis Gale Hospital – Alleghany Mammography Department; and heart disease and cardiac testing, presented by the LGH-A Cardiac Rehabilitation Department.
“This program has embodied the spirit of a community partnership by engaging services and businesses from throughout the Alleghany Highlands with the purpose of enriching the lives of our aging population,” said Lisa Sponaugle, Alleghany Highlands Regional Library director. “It is amazing what can be accomplished when you work together, as none of us could have achieved alone the success this program has seen.”
Mountain Toppers also thanks its generous lunch sponsors, including Ace Hardware in Clifton Forge, Bath Community Hospital, Cliff View, First Citizens Bank, Lewis Gale Hospital-Alleghany and the Jackson River Community Credit Union for their support in 2024.
The Mountain Toppers Healthy Aging Program meets from 10 a.m. until noon every third Thursday of the month from February through October at the Alleghany Highlands Regional Library. Space is limited, so participants must call the library at (540) 962-3321 each month to reserve their spot.
Mountain Toppers Healthy Aging is a collaborative program dedicated to fostering community engagement, education and wellness among older adults in the Alleghany Highlands. By offering a mix of educational presentations, hands-on activities and social opportunities, the group promotes healthy aging and an active lifestyle.
For more information about the Mountain Toppers Healthy Aging group or the 2025 schedule, please contact the Alleghany Highlands Regional Library at (540) 962-3321 or the Alleghany Highlands YMCA Healthy Highlands Program at (540) 962-9622.
