Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, August 16, 1995 TAG: 9508170004
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV4 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: RICK LINDQUIST
DATELINE: LENGTH: Long
Sponsored by the New River Valley Agency on Aging, the program offers light housekeeping and personal services to seniors throughout the region so they can stay in their own homes and maintain their daily routines, according to the agency's Jane Richmond.
Right now, the program especially needs applicants to help out in the Christiansburg, Blacksburg and Radford areas. "We have over 200 people on our waiting list that need this homemaker service," Richmond said. Clients range from 60 to 98 years old.
Qualified homemakers earn minimum wage, $4.25 per hour, plus a mileage reimbursement for up to 25 hours of work a week. Each homemaker handles approximately eight clients, and whenever possible, clients are nearby.
Typically, homemakers provide services to each client once a week. Additional training also is available. In fact, a homemakers' training session is set for Friday at Claytor Lake State Park, Richmond said.
The program's 20 homemakers now serve 159 clients.
Homemakers may be men or women and should have basic household skills, such as cleaning, meal preparation, shopping and laundry. Preference goes to those experienced in working with seniors or having nurse's aide training.
For more information, or an application, call 980-7720 or 639-9677.
\ SENIOR GATHERINGS
The American Association of Retired Persons Radford chapter holds its monthly potluck supper today, 5 p.m., at the Radford Senior Center, 27 First St. Seniors 50 and older are welcome. Podiatrist Dr. Marc A. Platt speaks. For information or transportation, call John Jeuck, 382-7969, or Mary Jane Harmon, 731-3634.
The News and Views discussion group convenes Thursday at Blacksburg Community Center, 725 Patrick Henry Drive. Montgomery County educators Susan Miller, B.J. Mullins, Mary Biggs and Regina Smith present "Some Current and Future Issues in Montgomery County Schools." Conversation and coffee begin at 9:30 a.m. The program starts at 10 a.m. Joy Herbert, 961-1134.
The American Association of Retired Persons Pulaski chapter has its summer picnic Thursday, 5 p.m. For more information, call David East, 980-0514.
The American Association of Retired Persons Narrows chapter 502 holds a picnic Friday, noon, Rich Creek Park.
Skeeter and the Skidmarks perform Tuesday, 7 p.m., at the gazebo, Bisset Park, Radford. It's free. Chairs or blankets recommended. In case of rain, the concert moves to Shelter 1.
\ SENIOR ACTIVITIES
PULASKI SENIOR CENTER, 106 N. Washington Ave. Tina Faiszt, 980-1000:
Travel to the Ms. Virginia Senior Citizen Pageant Aug. 25 and 26. Participants may attend one night or both. Transportation leaves the center both evenings at 4, with dinner on your own in Roanoke. $10 for one night or $18 for both includes tickets and transportation. This trip does not count against the one-trip-per-month limit.
Aug. 30, travel to Shatley Springs. Transportation leaves the center at 11 a.m.; lunch reservations are at 1 p.m. The tour follows lunch. It's $20 for lunch and transportation.
The Dine Round Club meets Aug. 23 at the new Subway n Pulaski.
BLACKSBURG SENIOR PROGRAMS, Blacksburg Community Center, 725 Patrick Henry Drive. Joy Herbert, 961-1134:
The Blacksburg Seniors Association singing group needs volunteers, a piano accompanist and a singing leader.
Registration ends Friday for the Dine Out Lunch Bunch trip Aug. 30 to Smith Mountain Lake and a buffet lunch and cruise aboard the Virginia Dare. It's $30 for transportation, the cruise and buffet. The van leaves at 9 a.m. and returns 4:30 p.m.
Movie day is Aug. 28 at noon. The movie is "Mrs. Doubtfire," starring Robin Williams. A small donation is requested to cover movie rental and popcorn.
Travel to Radford Aug. 31 to see "The Long Way Home" outdoor drama. The van leaves at 6:15 p.m. $9 includes transportation and tickets. Registration ends Aug. 25.
The Blacksburg Seniors Association's annual picnic is Sept. 1 (rain date is Sept. 15), noon-3 p.m., in shelter 1, Blacksburg Recreation Park, Turner Street. Registration ends Aug. 30.
CHRISTIANSBURG SENIOR CENTER, 655 Montgomery St. Sherry Kostric, 382-8173:
Travel to the West Virginia State Fair today. Transportation is $6 and leaves the National Guard Armory, College and Depot streets, at 9 a.m.
The annual end-of-the-summer picnic is Friday, 11 a.m., shelter 1, Claytor Lake State Park. Participants bring a covered dish. Transportation is $2.
Monday, travel to Big Walker Mountain Lookout, Wytheville. Transportation is $4 for seniors and leaves at 9 a.m.
Aug. 25, travel to see the Ms. Virginia Senior Citizen Pageant talent competition in Roanoke. Transportation is $4 for seniors and leaves the National Guard Armory at 5 p.m.
RETIRED AND SENIOR VOLUNTEER PROGRAM, 1 Franklin St., Courthouse Annex, Christiansburg. Victoria Scott, 382-5775:
Today, the rockathon committee meets at 9 a.m.; both Christiansburg groups meet 10 a.m. at the Courthouse to help with a mailing.
Thursday, the rockathon committee meets at 9 a.m.; the Blacksburg group meets 10 a.m. at the Courthouse to help with a mailing.
Friday, 9 a.m., all volunteers are invited to help with a mailing.
Monday, the Shawsville group works at SHARE at 8 a.m., then has lunch. All volunteers who can help with the mailing meet at the Courthouse at 9 a.m.
Tuesday, the rockathon committee meets at 9 a.m.; the Warm Hearth and McCoy groups visit SHARE at 10 a.m., then have lunch.
RADFORD SENIOR CENTER, 27 First St. Mary Jane Harmon, 731-3634:
Travel to Mount Airy, N.C. today. Lunch is on your own at Libby Hill Seafood Restaurant Transportation is $2 and leaves the center at 9:15 a.m.
Visit the Peaks of Otter on the Blue Ridge Parkway Aug. 25. Lunch is on your own at the Peaks of Otter Restaurant. Transportation is $2 and leaves the center at 9:15 a.m.
Flexible Fitness: The Arthritis Workout is Thursdays, 1 p.m.
The walking group meets in the Radford Recreation Department gym Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 9 a.m. Free. Sneakers only!
GILES COUNTY SENIOR CENTER: 1320 Wenonah Ave., Pearisburg. Betty Letsinger, 921-3924:
The advisory board meets Thursday, 1:30 p.m.
Seniors swim for free every day, 11-11:45 a.m., weather permitting, in the Pearisburg town pool.
During August, the swim therapy program meets Mondays and Thursdays, weather permitting. Transportation leaves the center 2:30 p.m. for the Blacksburg Aquatic Center.
Bible Study is Tuesdays, 1-2 p.m.
SENIOR SHORTS
Social Security Administration: A representative visits the Christiansburg National Guard Armory Thursday, 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. (800) 772-1213.
The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program of Montgomery County: RSVP needs canning jars, rings, lids and sugar for its upcoming apple butter jamboree. RSVP also needs yard sale items, including glassware, furniture, collectibles, clothing and other. For pick up, call 382-5775, or visit the office at the Courthouse Annex weekdays, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
RSVP Rockathon: The annual, scholarship fund-raising event, sponsored by the Montgomery County and Radford Retired and Senior Volunteer Program, is Friday, Aug. 25, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., on the lawn of the Montgomery County Courthouse. For more information, call RSVP at 382-5775.
by CNB