Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, June 14, 1995 TAG: 9506140052
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-4 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: RICK LINDQUIST
DATELINE: LENGTH: Long
Gordon, 60, who's been shooting for just three years, picked up a gold medal in the 1995 U.S. National Senior Sports Classic V. Approximately 140 archers competed.
A member of the Triangle Bowmasters, Gordon said her secret is simple: practice, practice, practice.
"I practice all the time," she said. "You've got to in order to win." She puts in an hour or two each day to hone her skills.
An all-round athlete, she recently won three gold medals and a bronze in Virginia Golden Olympics competition at The College of William and Mary.
In Texas, Gordon managed 1,564 points out of a possible 1,800, a record she vows to break in two years when the national competition moves to Tucson, Ariz. Archers shoot a total of 90 arrows.
By the way, Gordon also picked up a gold the last time out, during the 1993 U.S. National Senior Sports Classic IV in Baton Rouge, La.
Her husband and coach, Dean, travels with her to the competitions. "He's my good luck piece," Gordon said.
Some details for archery buffs: Gordon shoots "fingers" (as opposed to using a mechanical string release) using a Jennings Gale Force bow. She competed in the 900 Round Feta event. In this case, feta is not cheese; it's a type of target, Gordon explained.
SENIOR GATHERINGS
The spring Mall Walkers' meeting is Thursday, 7:30-9 a.m., New River Valley Mall food court.
The Senior Discussion Group meets Thursday, 9:30-11 a.m., Blacksburg Community Center, 725 Patrick Henry Drive. Joy Herbert, 731-1134.
Pulaski chapter, American Association of Retired Persons, meets Thursday, 2 p.m., Pulaski Senior Center, 106. N. Washington Ave.
Narrows chapter 502, American Association of Retired Persons, meets Friday, noon, Giles County Senior Center, 1320 Wenonah Ave., Pearisburg.
A "Celebration of Summer" picnic is Wednesday (the first day of summer), Circle Park, Christiansburg. It's $1. Refreshments, games and fun, of course. Registration is required. Sherry Kostric, 382-8173.
Radford chapter, American Association of Retired Persons, has a potluck dinner Wednesday, June 21, 5 p.m., Radford Senior Center, 27 First St. Kathy Boehm will speak on Medicare. Seniors 50 and older are welcome. John Jeuck, 382-7969, or Mary Jane Harmon, 731-3634.
SENIOR ACTIVITIES
RETIRED AND SENIOR VOLUNTEER PROGRAM, 1 Franklin St., Courthouse Annex, Christiansburg. Victoria Scott, 382-5775:
Today, the Christiansburg morning group visits Heritage Hall at 10 a.m., while the afternoon group visits at 2 p.m.
Thursday, 10 a.m., the Blacksburg group assembles the SHARE newsletter mailing at New River Community Action.
Monday, 10 a.m., the Shawsville group works at the SHARE warehouse in Pulaski and has lunch out.
Tuesday, 10 a.m., the Warm Hearth and McCoy groups work at SHARE and have lunch out.
June 21, 10 a.m., both Christiansburg groups work at SHARE and have lunch out.
The RSVP Scholarship Committee meets June 22, 9:30 a.m., at the annex to decide on this year's scholarship recipient.
RADFORD SENIOR CENTER, 27 First St. Mary Jane Harmon, 731-3634:
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.
Flexible Fitness: The Arthritis Workout begins Thursday, 1 p.m.
Friday, travel to Valley View Mall, Roanoke. Transportation is $2 and leaves the center at 10 a.m. Lunch is on your own at The Olive Garden.
June 23, travel to Tanglewood Mall. Transportation is $2 and leaves the center at 10 a.m. Lunch is on your own at K&W Cafeteria.
GILES COUNTY SENIOR CENTER: 1320 Wenonah Ave., Pearisburg. Betty Letsinger, 921-3924:
Schedule change: During June and July, the swim therapy program will meet Mondays and Thursdays. Transportation leaves the center at 1:15 p.m. for the Blacksburg Aquatic Center.
Flexible Fitness: The Arthritis Workout meets every Thursday, 1-1:30 p.m.
PULASKI SENIOR CENTER, 106 N. Washington Ave. Tina Faiszt, 980-1000:
June 22, travel to Lexington's Lime Kiln Theatre. Transportation leaves the center at 2 p.m., and dinner is on your own. The play is "Stonewall Country." $15 include play tickets and transportation.
June 27, travel to Johnson City, Tenn. Transportation is $5 and leaves the center at 9 a.m. to shop at Johnson City Mall.
BLACKSBURG SENIOR PROGRAMS, Blacksburg Community Center, 725 Patrick Henry Drive. Joy Herbert, 961-1134:
The Golden Gamers meet today (and the second Wednesday of each month), 10 a.m. Participants bring their favorite board games. Betty Falta, 953-0390, is group leader. Monopoly, anyone?
June 21, The Dine Out Lunch Bunch visits Chateau Morrisette Winery on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The van leaves at 10:30 a.m., with lunch at noon. Optional wine tasting and tour follow. $10 includes lunch and gratuity.
A free, two-day workshop, "How to Buy a Computer, is June 22 and 27, 1-3 p.m. Registration is requested.
CHRISTIANSBURG SENIOR CENTER, 655 Montgomery St. Sherry Kostric, 382-8173:
Friday, travel to Levering Orchards to pick sweet cherries. Transportation for seniors is $4 and leaves the armory at 10 a.m.
A free seminar on living wills and advance directives is Tuesday, 10:30 a.m. Hilda Burnette, R.N., speaks.
June 23-26, travel to Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, Tenn. Transportation leaves the National Guard Armory, College and Depot streets June 23, 9 a.m.
SENIOR SHORTS
Social Security Administration: A representative visits the Christiansburg National Guard Armory, College and Depot streets, Thursday, 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
Veterans Administration: A representative visits the Christiansburg National Guard Armory, College and Depot streets, June 20, 1-3 p.m. (800) 827-2018.
Ms. Virginia Senior Citizen: Registration ends July 15 for the pageant in Roanoke Aug. 24-26. For more information, call Dotty Talbott, 674-5534.
Senior Poetry Contest: The entry dealine is July 31 for New River Community College's 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. Submittals go to: Poetry, Arts and Sciences Division, New River Community College, P.O. Box 1127, Dublin, Va. 24084.
by CNB