
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: THURSDAY, October 27, 1994                   TAG: 9410270093
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: C-3   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: JOEL TURNER STAFF WRITER
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

SCHOOLS SERVE UP WEEK OF GRATITUDE

The grandparents seemed to be having almost as much fun as the children at Monterey Elementary School. But that was the reason for Wednesday's get-together in the first place.

Gerrie Mills beamed with pride about her granddaughter, Heather, a performer in a program for grandparents and older neighbors.

Heather was shy as she eased up closer to her grandmother and smiled warmly. Asked if she had enjoyed the singing and other activities, Heather nodded.

Larry Michaels, another grandparent, came to the Roanoke school on Wednesday, too, to see the children sing, cheer, bounce balls and perform rhythmic exercises.

Michaels had gotten off from work so he could see his grandson, Alex, perform.

"Yes, I enjoyed it. This is a nice thing for them to do," the grandfather said.

The program had a patriotic and sports theme, with songs such as "This Land is Your Land," "Mr. Touchdown" and "Take Me Out to the Ball Game."

Nearly 1,200 grandparents will participate in special events in Roanoke's elementary schools this week to honor them and older neighbors who live near the schools.

The schools are providing tours, refreshments and other activities this week.

The observance is a way of saying "thank you" to seniors for their past and present contributions to public education, said Lissy Runyon, public information officer for city schools.

It also is a way of increasing their involvement in educational programs, Runyon said. About 100 grandparents are regular volunteers.

During this week, older residents are encouraged to visit their neighborhood schools and see how education has changed since their school days.

Monterey students were trying to recruit more volunteers Wednesday by distributing brochures for the "Senior Stars Club."

Club members receive several benefits from their volunteer work and other services. They get a free lunch when they serve as a full-day volunteer, half-price admission to some school activities, free tuition for adult education classes and library privileges at any school.

by CNB