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

DATE: SATURDAY, March 11, 1995                   TAG: 9503130039
SECTION: CURRENT                    PAGE: NRV-9   EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

AROUND NEW RIVER

BLACKSBURG - The Downtown Merchants of Blacksburg are accepting applications for Art Along the Fence, the annual sidewalk art show set for April 29.

Space is limited, so interested artists should apply as soon as possible. Applications are available beginning Monday at Mish Mish, Fringe Benefit, Annie Kay's Whole Foods and Matrix Gallery.

Early help for children

BLACKSBURG - The New River Valley Early Intervention Council continues to accept referrals for children with developmental difficulties.

Intervention may be suitable for children up to 2 years of age who lag behind other children their age in physical movement, intellectual development, emotional or personal development, language skills and self-help skills.

Parents or professionals can refer children to the program. Free screenings to gauge a child's abilities can be arranged, and teams can work with families to develop goals and services for the child.

For more information, call 231-6609.

Be Your Best Day

Virginia Skyline Girl Scouts are asking members of the general public to wear aqua-colored ribbons on the organization's first annual Be Your Best Day on Tuesday, March 14.

The ribbons focus attention on the scouts and remind wearers that they too can do good deeds. The girl scouts will mark the day with a breakfast in Roanoke honoring local women who are successful in their fields.

The Skyline Girl Scout Council has 12,700 girls and 3,000 adult members.

Easter baskets sought

CHRISTIANSBURG - New River Valley residents have an opportunity to make Easter brighter for patients at Southwestern Virginia Mental Health Institute in Marion.

The Mental Health Association of the New River Valley is looking for volunteers or groups to prepare easter baskets for patients at the facility, some of whom are lonely or forgotten.

Baskets can be filled with such things as artificial grass, candy, decorations, toiletries, stamps and books. Glass, balloons and sharp objects aren't suitable for some patients.

The association is looking for 140 baskets. The deadline is April 7. If you're too busy to put together a basket, a $5 donation will allow association members to shop for you.

For more information, call 382-5629.