ROANOKE TIMES

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

DATE: WEDNESDAY, May 3, 1995                   TAG: 9505030026
SECTION: CURRENT                    PAGE: NRV-4   EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY 
SOURCE: RICK LINDQUIST
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Long


NRCC POETRY CONTEST SEEKS ENTRIES FROM SENIORS|

New River Community College has announced its 17th annual POETRY CONTEST FOR SENIORS age 60 and older. To be eligible, poems must be original, fewer than 60 lines, and never before published. Participants may submit up to three poems. The entry deadline is July 31, and awards will be presented at a reception Sept. 22.

The judges will pick 10 winners submitted by people within the college's service area: Pulaski, Giles, Floyd and Montgomery counties and the city of Radford. One winner will be picked from poems submitted from outside the area.

Winners get a plaque and a booklet of all poems submitted.

Send to: Poetry, Arts and Sciences Division, New River Community College, P.O. Box 1127, Dublin 24084.

OK, maybe poetry's not your thing, but if you're a pianist or into painting and are over 55, the people at ELDERHOSTEL want you to visit them in Maine this August to join a group of seniors with similar interests. They promise excellent instructors. To learn more, write: Elderhostel, 75 Federal St., Boston, Mass. 02110, and mention ENCORE/CODA.

``PEOPLE'S CHOICE" AWARDS have been announced from the 1995 Needlework Exhibit on Saturday at Christiansburg's National Guard Armory:

Crocheting: Louise Epperly, "Barbie Wedding Dress."

Cross Stitch: Dean Gordon, "Country Church."

Knitting: Kathy Martin, "Child's Sweater Set."

Antique: Elinor Bent, "White-on-White Tablecloth."

Needlepoint: Doris Abraham, "Needlepoint Picture."

SENIOR GATHERINGS

The Senior Discussion Group meets Thursday, 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 Thursday, 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.

American Association of Retired Persons Pearisburg chapter 445 meets Friday, 12:30 p.m., at the Giles County Senior Center, 1320 Wenonah Ave., Pearisburg.

The Senior Moderator discussion group meets May 11, 9:30-11 a.m., Blacksburg Community Center, 725 Patrick Henry Drive, with Bob Kreamalmeyer. The topic is tax abuse. Refreshments.

SENIOR ACTIVITIES

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

Today, the Christiansburg morning group visits Meadowbrook at 10 a.m., and the afternoon group goes to Brooke Meade at 2 p.m.

Thursday, 1:30 p.m., the Blacksburg group works on the SHARE mailing at New River Community Action.

Monday, 2 p.m., the Shawsville group visits Meadowbrook for the birthday party.

Tuesday, noon, the Christiansburg luncheon is at St. Paul United Methodist Church, 220 W. Main St., Christiansburg. All volunteers are welcome to celebrate Mother's Day.

May 10, 2 p.m., both Christiansburg groups visit Heritage Hall for a Mother's Day reception.

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

Free blood-pressure screening is today, 10 a.m.-noon.

The center now is collecting rummage items for the sale May 12-13, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Proceeds benefit center activities. Volunteers to help with the sale are needed.

Creative writing class meets Wednesdays, 10 a.m., and is open to all.

Friday, travel to Mount Airy, N.C. Transportation is $2 and leaves the center at 9:15 a.m. Lunch is on your own at Libby Hill Seafood Restaurant.

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:

The Bible study group meets 9:30-10:30 a.m. Coffee and muffins served.

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:

Thursday, 10 a.m.-noon, free blood-pressure screening.

The trip to the eighth annual American Women's Show, Roanoke Civic Center, is Friday. Transportation leaves the center at 9 a.m. $8 covers transportation and admission.

Tuesday, travel to Statesville (N.C.) Mall. Transportation is $5 and leaves the center at 9 a.m.

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

The coffee-brunch gettogether is Monday, 10 a.m.-noon, at the center. Reservations by Friday. The Senior Craft Show also is Monday, 10 a.m.-noon, so visitors can enjoy both events.

A picnic trip to the Cascades is May 17. Free transportation departs the center at 11:30 a.m. and returns at 3:30 p.m. Participants should pack a lunch. Beverages will be provided. Sign up by May 12. Postponed in case of rain.

Registration ends Monday to see "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof," June 14, Barter Theater, Abingdon. $27 includes transportation, lunch buffet and performance. 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:

A picnic trip is set for Friday, White Rocks Campground, Giles County. It's $7 for transportation and lunch.

Visit the Elizabethon, Tenn., Senior Center on Monday. Transportation for seniors is $5 and leaves the National Guard Armory, College and Depot streets, at 7:30 a.m.

Blood-sugar screening Tuesday, 10:30 a.m.-noon.

The mystery movie is Tuesday, 10:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m. Refreshments.

Heritage Home Health Care conducts a free blood-pressure screening May 10, 10:30-11:30 a.m.

SENIOR SHORTS

Social Security Administration: A representative visits the Christiansburg Senior Center, 655 Montgomery St., Thursday, 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m., and the Radford Senior Center, 27 First St., Tuesday, 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. For more information, call (800) 772-1213.

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