Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, May 31, 1995 TAG: 9505310063
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-4 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: RICK LINDQUIST
DATELINE: LENGTH: Long
That people are looking to retire to quiet, safe hamlets, with reasonable costs of living and some outdoor and cultural stimulation has not escaped Blacksburg community leaders. A RETIRE BLACKSBURG EXPO debuts June 8-11.
Potential retirees from the north, south and west - such as Vermont, Florida and California - will attend social events, tour the town and campus, wine and dine, attend seminars and see what attracts seniors to Blacksburg.
Local residents are welcome, even encouraged, to wander through exhibits in Squires Commonwealth Ballroom on June 9, 2-6 p.m. and June 10, 9 a.m.-noon. The Blacksburg Community Band will provide some of the musical entertainment, and representatives from several local businesses and organizations will be on hand to provide information and answer questions.
So, if you see someone around town wearing a name tag with a lavender bar across the bottom, smile and extend a hearty welcome. Show 'em what Southern hospitality a la Blacksburg is all about.
SENIOR GATHERINGS
Amy Forsythe-Stevens discusses mental health at this week's seminar and discussion, Thursday, 9:30 a.m., at the Blacksburg Community Center, 725 Patrick Henry Drive.
The American Association of Retired Persons Pearisburg chapter 445 meets Friday, 12:30 p.m., Giles County Senior Center, 1320 Wenonah Ave.
The American Association of Retired Persons Blacksburg chapter 3613 annual picnic is Saturday, noon, Nellies Cave Park, Blacksburg. It's potluck. AARP furnishes drinks and utensils. Articles for the auction that follows are welcome.
The American Association of Retired Persons Blacksburg chapter 53 holds a potluck lunch Tuesday, noon, fellowship hall, Cambria Baptist Church, Christiansburg. Charles and Vergie Stone entertain.
SENIOR ACTIVITIES
GILES COUNTY SENIOR CENTER: 1320 Wenonah Ave., Pearisburg. Betty Letsinger, 921-3924:
The swim therapy program meets Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, 9:45 a.m., Blacksburg Aquatic Center.
Flexible Fitness: The Arthritis Workout starts Thursday, 1-1:30 p.m., and meets every Thursday.
Something new! Movie and popcorn: "Forrest Gump," Tuesday, 2 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 walk to All Country in downtown Pulaski for lunch.
A free blood pressure screening is Thursday, 10 a.m.-noon.
Coffee hour and tie SHARE bags June 8, 9:30 a.m.
BLACKSBURG SENIOR PROGRAMS, Blacksburg Community Center, 725 Patrick Henry Drive. Joy Herbert, 961-1134:
The Dine Out Lunch Bunch meets today, 10:45 a.m., to depart for the Hotel Roanoke. After lunch, participants may tour the newly renovated hotel on their own.
The coffee brunch get together is Monday, 10 a.m. Pastries, fruit, juice and coffee are complimentary. Those planning to attend should call the center by Friday.
Learn to play golf or just practice your swing: Sign up for the introductory workshop starting Monday, 1 p.m., and meeting for four consecutive Mondays. Participants pay their own green, cart and driving range fees, but instruction is free.
CHRISTIANSBURG SENIOR CENTER, 655 Montgomery St. Sherry Kostric, 382-8173:
Tuesday, coffee hour begins at 10:30 a.m. The gospel sing follows at 11 a.m.
A free blood pressure screening is Wednesday, June 7, 10-11 a.m.
The "How to Enjoy Your Photos" class is June 8, 6:30-9:30 p.m.
Some great tripping coming up: June 9 to The Homestead, Hot Springs. $25 for seniors includes lunch, tour and transportation; June 16 to Levering Orchards for cherry pickin'. Transportation is $4 and leaves the armory at 10 a.m.
Keep fit! Senior aerobics Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays 7:45-8:45 a.m. at the National Guard Armory, College and Depot streets. For a "lite" exercise, try Easy Motions, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9-10 a.m. same place.
RETIRED AND SENIOR VOLUNTEER PROGRAM, 1 Franklin St., Courthouse Annex, Christiansburg. Victoria Scott, 382-5775:
Today, the Christiansburg morning group visits Brook Meade, 10 a.m., and the afternoon group visits Meadowbrook, 2 p.m.
Thursday, 1:30 p.m., the Blacksburg group works on the SHARE mailing at New River Community Action.
Monday, noon, the Shawsville luncheon is at White Memorial Church, Shawsville.
Tuesday, 2 p.m., the Warm Hearth and McCoy groups visit Heritage Hall.
June 8, travel to Mabry Mill on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Vans will leave the courthouse parking lot, 7:30 a.m. The only cost is for breakfast. Space is limited.
Fried chicken and strawberry cake are on the menu for the picnic, June 13, Nellie's Cave Park, Blacksburg.
RADFORD SENIOR CENTER, 27 First St. Mary Jane Harmon, 731-3634:
A free blood pressure screening is Wednesday, June 7, 10 a.m.-noon.
The walking group meets in the Radford Recreation Department gym Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 9 a.m. Free. Sneakers only!
Ceramics and quilting groups meet at 10 a.m. Tuesdays.
Plan for the June 9 trip to the Blue Ridge Parkway and Mabry Mill restaurant. Transportation is $2 and leaves at 9:15 a.m.
Flexible Fitness: The Arthritis Workout begins June 15, 1 p.m.
SENIOR SHORTS
Senior Olympics: The Virginia Golden Olympics start today and continue through Sunday at William and Mary College, Williamsburg. Several New River Valley participants will compete.
Social Security Administration: A representative visits the Christiansburg National Guard Armory, College and Depot streets, Thursday and June 15, and at the Radford Senior Center June 13, 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
Veterans Administration: A representative visits the Radford Senior Center Tuesday, 9 a.m.-noon, and the Christiansburg National Guard Armory, College and Depot streets, Tuesday and June 20, 1-3 p.m. (800) 827-2018.
Senior Poetry Contest: 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. Submittals go to: Poetry, Arts and Sciences Division, New River Community College, P.O. Box 1127, Dublin, Va. 24084.
Staff Writer Joanne Anderson contributed to this column.
Memo: ***CORRECTION***