Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, October 26, 1994 TAG: 9410290011
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-3 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: RICK LINDQUIST
DATELINE: LENGTH: Long
A week ago, 41 traveling companions turned out at The Homestead to celebrate a decade of touring not just Virginia but much of the eastern U.S. "I do all the arrangements," said Edwards, who explained it's all a labor of love. Over the years, 100 or so seniors have tagged along on the various jaunts. "We've been to New York several times," she said. Barter Theatre in Abingdon is another popular destination. They try to hit Washington at least a couple of times a year, too.
"I don't advertise," she said. "It's just friends telling friends." One of those friends, Esther Martin, a retired Virginia Tech professor, says she's had a ball traveling "to scenic and interesting places in Virginia and elsewhere."
The group - mostly women, Edwards says - has gone as far away as Boston, Florida, Louisiana and the Smoky Mountains on other trips. "We want to get some couples," she said.
Edwards, who's originally from Smithfield, organized the first kindergarten in Isle of Wight county in 1954. She has two children and four grandchildren.
At the recent reunion luncheon at The Homestead, Edwards put little flashlight batteries at each place setting - a subtle reminder that the group plans to "keep on traveling and traveling and traveling."
For more information, call Catherine Edwards at 552-2510.
Today at noon, the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program of Montgomery County celebrates 21 years of volunteering at its annual RSVP RECOGNITION LUNCHEON at the Holiday Inn, Blacksburg. All RSVP members are invited. Transportation is available. Call 382-5775.
GATHERINGS
Triangle Lanes, N. Franklin St., Christiansburg, offers a $1.25-per-game seniors special Wednesdays, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. 382-2385.
The Walk-a-Roos Senior Walking Club meets Thursdays, 8 a.m., at Hardees, U.S. 460, Christiansburg. Members walk regularly and individually to reach a common goal.
Non-denominational Bible study group meets Thursdays, 10:15 a.m., at the Christiansburg Senior Center, 655 Montgomery St.
Thursday, 10:30 a.m., Pulaski County Friends of the Library offer their semi-monthly coffee for seniors at the Free Memorial Library, Giles Avenue, Dublin. 674-2855. The coffee sessions are held the last two Thursdays of each month.
It's card night on the second and fourth Monday of each month, 6:30-0 p.m., at the Christiansburg Senior Center, 655 Montgomery St.
PULASKI SENIOR CENTER, 106 N. Washington Ave. Tina Faiszt, 980-1000:
Thursday, 9:30 a.m., coffee hour and prepare SHARE bags.
Thursday, 12:30 p.m., the Dine 'Round Club meets at the Three Legged Cow in Floyd.
Nov. 2, 10 a.m.-noon, the New River Valley Agency on Aging processes identification cards for seniors 60 and older. Proof of age and Social Security number are required and a $1.50 donation is requested.
RSVP needs knitters for the Caps for Kids program. Yarn and patterns are available.
BLACKSBURG SENIOR PROGRAMS, Community Center, 725 Patrick Henry Drive. Joy Herbert, 961-1134:
Thursday, 10 a.m.-noon, the staff of the Cardiac Therapy and Intervention Center at Virginia Tech provides a health screening for seniors in the activity room. It's free, except for the optional cholesterol check, which is $5. Free coffee and juice, too.
Golden aerobics are Tuesdays and Thursdays, 8:30-9:30 a.m.
Senior golfers can tee off every Monday morning at 9 at the Municipal or Virginia Tech golf courses. Vernon Baldwin, 552-5845.
The walking group meets Mondays, Wednesdays and Friday, 9 a.m., at the Community Center for coffee and juice. Walk in the gym or at the high school track. Those who prefer earlier walks might want to check out the group that meets Mondays and Fridays at 7:30 a.m. to walk on the Huckleberry Trail. Bob Blanton has details at 552-1919. Before engaging in any exercise program, it's recommended that seniors check with their personal physicians.
Cards: Fridays, play canasta at 9:30 a.m. in the game room. Felix Sorrentino, 552-0216. Tuesdays, 10-noon, play bridge. Bill Burgess, 552-4716.
Nov. 3, 10 a.m.-noon, the New River Valley Agency on Aging processes identification cards for seniors 60 and older. Proof of age and Social Security number are required and a $1.50 donation is requested.
CHRISTIANSBURG SENIOR CENTER, 655 Montgomery St. Sherry Kostric, 382-8173:
Today, 10 a.m.-noon, the New River Valley Agency on Aging processes identification cards for seniors 60 and older. Proof of age and Social Security number are required and a $1.50 donation is requested.
Friday, Discover Jonesborough, Tenn., Times and Tales. Transportation fee is $4, and the walking tour is $8.
Senior Aerobics meets Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 8-9 a.m., at the National Guard Armory. The less-strenuous Easy Motions exercise group meets Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9-10 a.m. Registration and a certificate from your physician are required.
RETIRED AND SENIOR VOLUNTEER PROGRAM, 1 Franklin St., Courthouse Annex, Christiansburg. Victoria Scott, 382-5775:
Monday, the Shawsville group visits English Meadow at 2 p.m.
Tuesday, the Warm Hearth group visits Heritage Hall.
Wednesday, both Christiansburg groups will solicit business donations to the RSVP scholarship fund for the children of slain Christiansburg police officer Terry Griffith.
RADFORD SENIOR CENTER, 27 First St. Mary Jane Harmon, 731-3634:
Sign up now for the trip Nov. 4 to Snoopers Antique Mall. Lunch is on your own at Bob Evans Restaurant, Wytheville. Also, free time at Factory Merchants Mall, Fort Chiswell. Transportation is $2 and leaves the center at 9:15 a.m.
Senior aerobics meet Tuesdays and Thursdays, 8 a.m. It's $8.
Thursday, play bridge at 10:30 a.m.
The walking group meets in the Radford Recreation Department gym Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 9 a.m. Free. Sneakers only!
The senior aerobics group meets Tuesdays and Thursdays, 8 a.m., in the Radford Recreation Department gym. $8 per month.
Nov. 2, 10 a.m.-noon, there will be a free blood pressure screening.
Nov. 2, 12:30-2:30 p.m., the New River Valley Agency on Aging processes identification cards for seniors 60 and older. Proof of age and Social Security number are required and a $1.50 donation is requested.
Register now for the Road Runner trip Nov. 9 to Barter Theater to see "Always, Patsy Cline," dine at the Martha Washington Inn and visit Dixie Pottery.
Register now for the free Mary Kay fall glamour makeover by Charlotte Blanchard Nov. 30, 1 p.m.
GILES COUNTY SENIOR CENTER, 1320 Wenonah Ave., Pearisburg. Betty Letsinger, 921-3924:
Today, play party bridge from 1 to 4, and rubber bridge or canasta Mondays, 1-4.
The swim therapy program meets Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, 9:30 a.m., at the Blacksburg Aquatic Center.
The walking group meets Tuesdays at 9:30 a.m.
Tuesday, 2-5 p.m., Legal Aid visits the center.
Ceramics are offered Tuesday all day and Thursday, 9 a.m.-1 and the second and fourth Fridays all day.
SHORTS
The 55 Alive classroom refresher course for drivers 50 and older is offered today and Thursday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., at the Radford branch of the First National Bank of Christiansburg on First Street. The fee is $8, and light refreshments will be served. The President's Club of First National Bank is the sponsor. Gloria Anderson, 382-6084.
Green Thumb, Inc., a non-profit, federally funded employment and training program for low-income job seekers 55 and older, now is recruiting seniors who need employment, full-time or part-time. Call (800) 419-JOBS (5627). Green Thumb is sponsored by the National Farmers Union.
Rick Lindquist writes For Seniors, a regular Wednesday feature of the New River Current. Please send news of interest to seniors in care of Rick Lindquist, New River Current, Roanoke Times & World-News, P.O. Box 540, Christiansburg 24073. Fax: 381-1656.
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