About 20 people turned out for the Alleghany Wellness Center Inc.'s planning/programming meeting last week. Discussion was brisk, as the group offered various suggestions for programs the wellness center could offer to serve different sectors of the county's populace.
The AWCI effort was organized in 1996. The group bought the land for the center, 16.27 acres on Collins Road, in May 2000. They have thus far raised about $1.4 million toward the $3.75 million necessary to construct and furnish the center. Several other potential fund allocations are pending, including a $1 million appropriation from the federal government. National guard crews plan to contribute $400,000 worth of grading and site preparation work.
The luncheon meeting Aug. 16, to which the public was invited to come and contribute input, was part of a periodic re-evaluation process by AWCI.
"It's helpful to re-assess every year what we're doing," said AWCI board member Dr. Beth Lyon-Smith, who led the meeting during the feedback from the group discussions. "This information is what we'll use to determine programs. We want to do what people are interested in."
Attendees received surveys asking the following questions:
The last two questions were used for "brainstorming" sessions, with attendees divided into small groups to consider each of the demographic segments specified in the fourth question.
Reporting for those who discussed youth and teens, Felicia Joyce said that age group could benefit from a place to socialize and exercise together, as well as support groups. Suggestions also included a teen night, movie night and a dance night.
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