ROANOKE TIMES 

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

DATE: WEDNESDAY, March 15, 1995                   TAG: 9503160016
SECTION: CURRENT                    PAGE: NRV-3   EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY 
SOURCE: RICK LINDQUIST
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Long

WANT TO BE MS. VA. SENIOR CITIZEN? START THINKING ABOUT IT|

The 1995 MS. VIRGINIA SENIOR CITIZEN PAGEANT - the third annual event - doesn't happen until August, but it's not premature for prospective contestants to think about entering, and, more important, to court sponsors to cover the $250 fee, which pays for lodging, meals and other expenses. Contestants have to be at least 55 by Aug. 24 (not coincidentally the first day of the three-day pageant in Roanoke). This is not a beauty contest. Entrants are judged on talent, poise, vitality, "inner beauty" and self-confidence. Get entry forms and complete details from Dotty Talbott, P.O. Box 239, Dublin, Va. 24084. 674-5534.

SENIOR GATHERINGS

The American Association of Retired Persons, Radford chapter, meets for a potluck dinner today, 5 p.m., Radford Senior Center, 27 First St. Seniors 50 and older are welcome to bring a favorite dish. Information or transportation: John Jeuck , 382-7969, or Mary Jane Harmon, 731-3634.

The Senior Discussion Group meets Thursday, 10 a.m., Blacksburg Community Center, 725 Patrick Henry Drive. Angela Abdi, R.N., talks about sleep disorders. 961-1134.

The American Association of Retired Persons, Pulaski chapter, meets Thursday, 2 p.m., Pulaski Senior Center, 106 N. Washington Ave.

Registration ends Friday for the Radford University Elderhostel program, starting Sunday at the Best Western Radford Inn, Tyler Avenue. Radford University faculty teach the various special-interest courses. The first session is March 19-24; the second session is March 26-31. Radford University Continuing Education Office, 831-5845.

The American Association of Retired Persons, Narrows chapter 502, meets Friday, noon, Giles County Senior Center, 1320 Wenonah Ave., Pearisburg. 921-3924.

The American Association of Retired Persons, Blacksburg chapter meets Tuesday, 11:30 a.m., at Custom Catering Center, Patrick Henry Drive.

Kathleen Sleven of the College of William and Mary presents "African-American Women in Retirement: Their Story," March 22, noon-1 p.m., 150 Squires Student Center, Virginia Tech. It's free and part of the Virginia Tech Center for Gerontology's lunchtime forum series. Brown-bag lunches welcome. 231-6817.

SENIOR ACTIVITIES

RADFORD SENIOR CENTER, 27 First St. Mary Jane Harmon, 731-3634:

Thursday, the beginning cross-stitch class meets at 10 a.m., and the broomstick afghan class meets at 1 p.m.

March 22, 11:45 a.m., a free video, "A Woman's Silent Legacy," a short program on osteoporosis prevention, is shown.

March 31, travel to Mercer Mall in West Virginia. Transportation is $2 and leaves the center at 9:30 a.m. Lunch is on your own at K&W Cafeteria.

GILES COUNTY SENIOR CENTER, 1320 Wenonah Ave., Pearisburg. Betty Letsinger, 921-3924:

The swim therapy program meets Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 9:45 a.m., Blacksburg Aquatic Center.

The nutrition program is Thursdays, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Monday, 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m, New River Community Action staff conducts a "needs assessment." The agency wants to know what programs people want and need. (Bridge and canasta are canceled this Monday.)

Tuesday is quilting day, and sewing is welcome.

PULASKI SENIOR CENTER, 106 N. Washington Ave. Tina Faiszt, 980-1000:

The Round Table Discussion-Luncheon is Tuesday, 11 a.m. Claytor Lake State Park ranger Paul Caruso discusses environmental ecology and volunteer opportunities. It's $2. Reservations end Monday.

March 22, the Dine 'Round Club visits Ryan's Steak House, Christiansburg. Transportation leaves the center at 12:30 p.m.

BLACKSBURG SENIOR PROGRAMS, Community Center, 725 Patrick Henry Drive. Joy Herbert, 961-1134:

The Dine Out Lunch Bunch gathers March 22, 11:45 a.m., at the Community Center for free transportation to Virginia Tech's Donaldson Brown Hotel and Conference Center. The van returns about 1:30 p.m. Diners also can join the group at the restaurant. Reservations end Monday.

Line dancing for seniors is March 24 at Warm Hearth Village. Transportation leaves at 1 p.m. and returns by 3 p.m.

CHRISTIANSBURG SENIOR CENTER, 655 Montgomery St. Sherry Kostric, 382-8173:

The "55 Alive" refresher class for mature drivers is today and Thursday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. both days, at the National Guard Armory, College and Depot streets.

Registration is required.

Saturday, travel to the Highland Maple Festival in Monterey, Va. Transportation for seniors is $5. The van leaves the armory at 7 a.m.

Register now to play Bingo Monday, 1 p.m. Participants are asked to bring a prize to share. Refreshments.

A quilted table cover class begins March 23, 1-3 p.m., and continues for four weeks. It's $8 for seniors.

RETIRED AND SENIOR VOLUNTEER PROGRAM, 1 Franklin St., Courthouse Annex, Christiansburg. Victoria Scott, 382-5775:

Today, group meetings: Christiansburg morning group, 10 a.m.; afternoon group, 2 p.m., Courthouse Annex.

Thursday, 2 p.m., the RSVP Advisory Council meets at the Annex.

Monday, the Shawsville group works at SHARE at 10 a.m.; lunch follows.

Tuesday, the Warm Hearth and McCoy groups work at SHARE at 10 a.m.; lunch follows.

March 22, the Christiansburg morning group works at SHARE at 10 a.m., then has lunch. The afternoon group visits English Meadow at 1:30 p.m. for the birthday party.

SENIOR SHORTS

Seniors' Weight Training Class: For ages 55 and older. Class starts Tuesday and meets Tuesdays and Thursdays for six weeks, 11 a.m.-noon, at The Fitness Connection, 1101 N. Main St., Blacksburg. $20. 953-1044.

Olympic Training Camp: Training days for participants in the New River Valley Senior Olympics are March 28, April 4 and April 11, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. (or so), Blacksburg Community Center and Blacksburg Municipal Park, Patrick Henry Drive. Free, but registration required. Sherry Kostric, 382-8173, or Joy Herbert, 961-1134.

Short Story Contest: Sponsored by New River Community College for seniors 60 and older. Participants may enter up to two original, never-before-published short stories by March 30. For complete rules, call 674-3600, ext. 292. Entries go to Short Stories, Division of Arts and Sciences, New River Community College, P.O. Box 1127, Dublin, Va. 24084.

Free Income Tax Help: In Montgomery County, for county residents 60 or older, through April 13 by appointment Thursdays, 1-4 p.m., Christiansburg Senior Center, 655 Montgomery St. 382-8173. In Pulaski County, by appointment, Pulaski Senior Center, 106 N. Washington Ave., Wednesdays, 1-2 p.m. Call 980-3969 or 980-1000, ext. 60. Bring copies of 1993 federal and state tax returns and forms for the 1994 tax year, including Form W-2 and other information relevant to 1994 income.

Rummage Sale: Senior Athletes of Montgomery County seek donations to their annual rummage sale March 31 and April 1 at the Christiansburg National Guard Armory. To donate, call Catherine McKenzie, 382-3744.

Yard Sale: The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program of Montgomery County seeks donations, including furniture, kitchen items and appliances, for its sale April 21. For pickup, call 382-5775, or drop off items at the RSVP office, first floor, Courthouse Annex, Christiansburg, weekdays, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.

1995 Needlework Exhibit: Registration ends April 21, at Christiansburg Parks and Recreation Department, 95 College St., and at the Christiansburg Senior Center, 655 Montgomery St.; both have applications. The show is April 29. Adults only. Vendor space available. Sherry Kostric, 382-8173. 


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