Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, March 7, 1995 TAG: 9503070083
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-9 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE:
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
BLACKSBURG - Technicon 12, the oldest continuous-running science fiction convention in the New River Valley, will be returning this spring. The convention will be held March 31-April 2 at a new site in the Best Western Red Lion Inn.
Confirmed guests include authors Melissa Scott ("Five-Twelfths of Heaven," "Dreamships" and "Burning Bright"), Christie Golden ("Vampire of the Mists") and local author Mike Allen.
Others attending include artists, producers and creators of science fiction and fantasy publications, films and books.
Technicon is a general-purpose convention with a wide variety of events and activities, such as a complete dealer's room, dance, masquerade, art show and auction, discussion panels, videos and gaming. Game tournaments for "Magic: the Gathering" and "Illuminati" are both officially sanctioned.
Registration for the convention will be held through March 15.
For hotel reservations, call 552-7700 or write to the Best Western Red Lion Inn, 900 Plantation Road, Blacksburg, Va. 24060.
The e-mail address for information on the convention is Techniconvtcc1.cc.vt.edu
epawtowsvt.edu.
Gender study subject sought
RADFORD - Researchers at Radford University are looking for volunteer couples to participate in a study of how changing gender roles affect satisfaction within heterosexual relationships.
Volunteers must be at least 18 years old and have been involved in the relationship for at least six months. For more information, call 831-5214.
Government lecture
ROANOKE - Michael A. Monteith, assistant city manager for Hampton, will give a lecture March 23 on "Changing Government: We've Just Begun" at the Jefferson Center in Roanoke.
Monteith served as a lead member of Vice President Al Gore's National Performance Review team, which recommended sweeping changes in the federal government.
The 7 p.m. speech is open to the public and is sponsored by the Southwest Virginia Chapter of the American Society for Public Administration. For more information, call Larkin Dudley at 231-5197 or Michael Hadbavny at 951-0363.
Free clinic art auction
BLACKSBURG - The Free Clinic of the New River Valley will hold its annual art auction March 25 at the Blacksburg Holiday Inn.
The auction is a showcase of work by more than 100 artists from Southwest Virginia. Proceeds will help provide medical and dental care for people who cannot afford private treatment. In 1994 the free clinic recorded more than 2,800 patient visits, a figure that has doubled in five years.
An artist's reception begins at 6 p.m with the silent auction at 7:30. Admission is $6 per person or $10 per couple. Refreshments will be served.
For more information, call 382-6186.
HIV/AIDS services needs assessment
BLACKSBURG - The AIDS Council of Western Virginia is conducting a community-based needs assessment to find out about knowledge of HIV/AIDS services and to highlight gaps in services.
An assessment meeting is scheduled for March 23, 7-9 p.m., in the Wesley Foundation conference room.
The council will prepare a portrait of services in Western Virginia, with specific reports for each planning district.
For more information, call (800) 982-2437.
Red Cross board members
CHRISTIANSBURG - The Montgomery County chapter of the American Red Cross has five new board members.
Elected were Kathy Baker and Pat Ballard of Christiansburg, and Mike Hadravany, Beverly Phelps, and Paula Van Curen of Blacksburg.
The chapter plans to have HIV/AIDS education, youth services and blood pressure clinics soon. It already operates blood collections, a disaster team, and health and safety programs.
People who want to volunteer may call 382-2361. Donations can be made payable to the Montgomery County Chapter of the American Red Cross and mailed to P.O. Box 52, Christiansburg, Va. 24073.
Kids' computer now at library
RADFORD - Radford Public Library has a new computer and software for its children's wing.
The new games and educational programming includes "Math Rabbit," "Reader Rabbit," "Treasure Cove," "U.S. Atlas" and "The Way Things Work."
The items are available for anyone over 4 years of age during regular library hours.
by CNB