Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, April 26, 1995 TAG: 9504260060
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: CURRENT EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: RICK LINDQUIST
DATELINE: LENGTH: Long
Locally, the Montgomery County RSVP program racked up 56,000 volunteer hours this past year and saved county taxpayers more than $20,000 by processing several large mailings. Volunteers also participate in school mentoring and storytelling programs, help with the SHARE food program and newsletter and work in local nursing and adult homes, museums, nutrition sites and hospitals.
This month, RSVP offers a $500 scholarship to graduating high school students entering the health care field.
Call Vickie Scott, 382-5775.
Speaking of volunteers: JAMES M. MOORE has received a 1995 National Service Award from the American Association of Retired Persons. Moore, a member of Blacksburg chapter 2613, was picked by the chapter's board for his outstanding volunteer contributions. Moore was active in efforts to set up the Blacksburg Senior Association and to secure a town senior center. He accepted the award April 18.
By all accounts, the NEW RIVER VALLEY SENIOR OLYMPICS was a huge success, with more than 80 seniors taking part April 17-20.
Walking away with the most medals was Jack Harvey of Floyd, who picked up 13 in all. Harvey competed in the age 70-74 category in bowling, softball hit-and-throw and the one-mile walk, among other events.
Other notables: Lil Ratcliff of Giles County, who shot a perfect score in riflery, and Leonard Howery of Blacksburg, who tossed nine ringers out of 40 tosses in horseshoes.
SENIOR GATHERINGS
The topic is "grandsharing" when the Blacksburg Seniors' News and Views group meets Thursday, 9:30 a.m., Blacksburg Community Center, 725 Patrick Henry Drive, for coffee and doughnuts. Barbara Holcomb, director of the Virginia Tech YMCA's student programs, explains how YMCA students and seniors can share time together. John Cain, 552-5621.
The recreation program social is Friday, 1-2:30 p.m., Blacksburg Parks and Recreation Community Shelter I, Turner Street. In case of rain, the social meets at Blacksburg Community Center, 725 Patrick Henry Drive. Refreshments. Joy Herbert, 961-1134.
The 1995 Needlework Exhibit is Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Christiansburg National Guard Armory, College and Depot streets. It's $1 for adults; ages 12 and under get in free. Visitors have a chance to vote on a "People's Choice" award in each category, and a lucky visitor wins a door prize. Free blood pressure checks, and the Burger King "Whopper Hopper" will be on hand for youngsters. Sherry Kostric, 382-8173, or Catherine McKenzie, 382-3744.
American Association of Retired Persons Highland Chapter 53 meets May 2, noon, fellowship hall, Cambria Baptist Church, Christiansburg. Paul Lancaster speaks on visual communication. Police Chief Ron Lemon holds a short TRIAD meeting. Brown-bag lunch, drinks, chips and dessert furnished. Nancy Walker, 382-7139.
The Senior Discussion Group meets May 4, 10 a.m., Blacksburg Community Center, 725 Patrick Henry Drive. Jean Garrett of American Health and Life presents a seminar on changes in Medicare and Medicare supplements.
The Christiansburg Senior Center Mother's Day luncheon is May 4, noon, Christiansburg National Guard Armory, College and Depot streets. Main dish and drinks provided; participants are asked to provide a covered-dish item. Magician Jeremy Greystoke entertains. For more information, call 382-8173.
SENIOR ACTIVITIES
RADFORD SENIOR CENTER, 27 First St. Mary Jane Harmon, 731-3634:
Creative writing class meets Wednesdays, 10 a.m., and is open to all.
Thursday, travel to Mercer Mall, West Virginia. Transportation is $2 and leaves the center at 9:30 a.m.
Monday, 9 a.m.-noon, free blood pressure screening.
May 5, travel to Mount Airy, N.C. Transportation is $2 and leaves the center at 9:15 a.m. Lunch is on you own at Libby Hill Seafood Restaurant.
The center starts collecting rummage sale items May 8 for the sale May 12-13, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Proceeds benefit center activities.
The center is selling $1 chances on a bow tie quilt by the Radford Senior Center quilting group. Proceeds help the center's improvement fund. The drawing is May 17.
GILES COUNTY SENIOR CENTER, 1320 Wenonah Ave., Pearisburg. Betty Letsinger, 921-3924:
Monday, 9:30-10:30 a.m., all interested in forming a Bible study group meet with the Rev. Jim Belcher. Refreshments follow.
The swim therapy program meets Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, 9:45 a.m., Blacksburg Aquatic Center.
Quilting is Tuesday, 1 p.m.
The nutrition program is Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
PULASKI SENIOR CENTER, 106 N. Washington Ave. Tina Faiszt, 980-1000:
The Dine 'Round Club meets today, 12:30 p.m., at the center to visit the new Main Street Station in Pulaski.
May 4, 10 a.m.-noon, free blood-pressure screening.
BLACKSBURG SENIOR PROGRAMS, Community Center, 725 Patrick Henry Drive. Joy Herbert, 961-1134.
Sign-up ends Friday for the May 3 trip to Roanoke for shopping, museum tours and dining. Transportation is free and leaves the center at 9 a.m.; admission to the Virginia Museum of Transportation is $3.15 (payable at the museum).
Register now for the Barter Theater trip to Abingdon to see "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof," June 14. $27 includes transportation, lunch buffet and performance. Registration ends May 8. Transportation leaves the center at 10 a.m., lunch is at noon, the performance at 2 p.m., return by 6 p.m.
CHRISTIANSBURG SENIOR CENTER, 655 Montgomery St. Sherry Kostric, 382-8173:
Beginning Sign Language class starts May 9, 6:30-7:30 p.m., at the center. It's $26. Register by May 5. Kathleen Gilbert instructs.
A picnic trip is set for May 5, White Rocks Campground, Giles County. It's $7 for transportation and lunch.
RETIRED AND SENIOR VOLUNTEER PROGRAM, 1 Franklin St., Courthouse Annex, Christiansburg. Victoria Scott, 382-5775:
Today, the Christiansburg morning group visits English Meadow, 1:30 p.m., for the birthday party. The Christiansburg afternoon group visits Brooke Meade at 2 p.m.
Thursday, 6:30 p.m., it's the Heritage Hall volunteer banquet.
Saturday and Sunday, volunteers are needed for Tour du Tech. Also, Tour DuPont race day volunteers are needed.
Monday, noon, Shawsville luncheon, White Memorial Church.
Tuesday, 2 p.m., the Warm Hearth and McCoy groups visit Heritage Hall.
Wednesday, May 3, the Christiansburg morning group visits Meadowbrook at 10 a.m., while the afternoon group goes to Brooke Meade at 2 p.m.
SENIOR SHORTS
Veterans Administration: A representative visits the Radford Senior Center, 27 First St., Tuesday, 9 a.m.-noon.
Free Athletic Pass: Montgomery County Public Schools offer free passes to seniors to any school system athletic activity at a Montgomery County school. For more information, visit the School Board Office, 200 Junkin St., Christiansburg, or call 382-5100.
Senior Employment Program: Information on training and employment opportunities is available to qualified people 55 and older. New River Valley Agency on Aging, 141 E. Main St., Pulaski. 980-7720 or 639-9677.
by CNB