Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, May 21, 1995 TAG: 9505200001
SECTION: SENIOR STYLE PAGE: 8 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE:
DATELINE: LENGTH: Long
Fortunately, keeping busy and beautiful - and maybe even generating some extra income to add let to strained budget seams - can often be as easy as ABC:
ASTRONOMY might appeal to you if you're a night owl who prefers counting stars instead of sheep. The Roanoke Valley Astronomical Society, through the Hopkins Planetarium, offers ongoing free or minimal-cost events, including several skywatches and night hikes. For schedules and information, call 342-5710.
BEAUTY SCHOOLS offer services ranging from manicures, shaves or shampoos and sets to chemical relaxers, permanents and hair coloring. Costs, which average about one-fourth those in beauty or barber shops, are low because the work is performed by students who are, if necessary, assisted by the licensed cosmetologists who are their instructors. Check your telephone directory's ``Beauty Schools'' listing.
COOPERATIVE EXTENSION agents present many free and low-cost programs on topics such as gardening, health care and healthy eating, often including free tasty samples of the recipes covered. Contact the appropriate city or county extension offices for schedules. They're listed in the phone book's blue pages.
DINERS CLUBS, sponsored by the LOA Area Agency on Aging, offer hot meals plus activities, programs, music, games and camaraderie to seniors age 60 and older. Voluntary contributions help cover costs. For club locations, schedules, information and applications, call 345-0451.
ELDERHOSTEL classes offer ongoing eclectic educational opportunities for people age 55 and over. Some classes are almost as nearby as your backyard; others are spread across the United States or in foreign lands. There also are intergenerational and charitable-services collaborations, such as with Habitat for Humanity and Global Volunteers. To request a catalog, specify domestic, international or service, and write to Dept. JD, 75 Federal St., Boston, Mass. 02110, or call (617) 426-7788.
FISHING can be as simple as tying a line to a cane pole and hooking a worm to a bobber. A delightful, relaxing outing also might yield a meal. Don't forget to ask if you qualify for a senior's discount on your already minimally priced but mandatory fishing license.
GENEALOGICAL study can literally occupy hours, which is how some experts in the field charge for doing such research. Much of the necessary data and documentation is available for free or at minimal costs. A good group to get you started is The Southwestern Virginia Genealogical Society, which meets on the third Saturday of each month from 12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. at the main branch of the Roanoke City library. Call Norma Jean Peters 563-1382 or 362-6249.
HELP OTHERS in whatever way and area best suits you. Numerous studies have found that volunteering gives you a warm, fuzzy feeling and also helps boost your health and self-esteem.
INFORMATION HIGHWAY cruisers include among their ranks more seniors than you might expect. The Southwest Virginia Internet Society is one place to quench your curiosity about cyberspace's unlimited potential. Call Don or Carole Terp at 977-1058.
JOBS - preferably part-time to allow for leisure and have minimal impact on Social Security benefits - can help pad your budget, provide contact with other people and give you a reason to get up and out of the house.
KEEP ABREAST of new and constantly changing budget-friendly chances to stay busy and beautiful through TV, radio, newspapers, bulletin board fliers, church and organization announcements and word-of-mouth.
LIBRARIES have books and books on tape, audio cassettes, compact discs and videos to circulate. Avail yourself of these entertaining and/or informative resources for the cost of a library card. Or borrow from the art prints collection and try a new look in your living quarters.
MUSEUMS in this area can help expand your exposure to and knowledge of art, science, history, transportation and African-American heritage. They'd love to have you as a visitor or volunteer.
NATURE WALKS are offered annually around the end of April through the Science Museum of Western Virginia, the main event being the Wildflower Pilgrimage. However, there's no reason why you can't explore nature's ever-evolving trails on your own or with friends.
ORGANIZING OTHERS into travel groups might earn you a trip, as well. Martin Travel president Mel Ludovici says his company usually wants potential organizers to make a time commitment roughly equivalent to that of a part-time job. Contact him at 343-5400, or check other agencies and companies that interest you to see if they offer similar opportunities.
PARKS AND RECREATION departments are bound to have among their wealth of offerings an activity or event that catches your fancy. Schedules are available in libraries or check the phone book's Blue Pages for the departments' numbers.
QUILTING is a wonderful way to preserve and pass on your family's history, or maybe just to vent your creativity. The Star Quilters Guild is open to everyone and can help you discover if you're likely to get hooked. It meets at 7 p.m. the first Monday of each month except July and September at Colonial Presbyterian Church in Roanoke. Call Mary Stuart Link at 344-2525.
REDBOOK, a compendium of discounts and other perks for seniors, was last published around 1993 by the LOA Area Agency on Aging when it was still called the League of Older Americans. Publicity director Kevin McCullough says the information is still about 50 percent accurate and the books, available at LOA offices, could provide some budget-aiding leads. Or, he suggests, look through a current phone book for ads that offer seniors' specials, and always ask if a company offers any discounts.
SCHOLARSHIPS open the door to many programs and events that might otherwise be prohibited by their costs. Elderhostel, the YWCA and YMCA are among companies offering them. Always ask if financial aid is available if an opportunity appeals to you, even if you think you can't afford it. Asking is, after all, free.
THEATRES welcome volunteers, especially for sets and costumes, says Showtimers' president Carol Galvin. Mill Mountain Theatre's volunteer coordinator Mary Knapp says seniors are especially valued for daytime tasks, such as helping in the office, assisting actors from out-of-town and distributing posters and fliers. In return, helpers get good, stimulating companionship and to view for free some darn good productions. Other possibilities include as ushers, ticket takers, in publicity or a range of other positions. Or, if you've got what it takes, why not give acting a tryout. Contact Galvin at 774-6954 or Knapp at 342-5737.
UPDATE your wardrobe at one of the shops specializing in good-quality previously owned clothing. Also consider recycling your own better garments. A placement fee of usually less than $5 will generally allow you to place your wares on consignment.
VIDEOS - classics and Academy Award winners - are available through public libraries. That means that ``Forrest Gump'' and other 1994 Oscar winners will be among the tapes appearing after the library places its new fiscal year orders beginning in July.
WALKING is one of the best forms of exercise for older people. Plus, it can be done anywhere, including in the comfort and relative safety of indoor shopping malls. The VIVA Walking Club will gladly give you free information on the basics of walking, including the biggest expense: sturdy walking shoes. Call 981-7611.
XPLORE both nearby and far-away places vicariously through shared video tapes at Virginia Western Community College's Programs for Retired People. Lectures and other entertainment also are offered. The free programs meet at the college - usually in Craig 03, from 3 p.m.-4 p.m. on Tuesdays. Call Hugh Smith, 774-8392 or George McFarland, 776-2145.
YWCA offers monthly programs on topics to help improve your finances, health and life. In Roanoke, they're called Network 2000; Salem calls them Food for Thought. If you'd like, bring a lunch to eat during the roughly hour-long noontime sessions. Free drinks are provided. Call 345-9922, downtown Roanoke, or Salem, 389-8782.
ZOOS and their animals' antics are endless sources of entertainment. Animal-loving volunteers also are always needed and appreciated.
by CNB