Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, October 4, 1995 TAG: 9510040039
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-4 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: TRACY GALLIMORE
DATELINE: LENGTH: Long
Pennington's family research project spanned 20 years. He made three trips to Salt Lake City to the Mormon Library, as well as countless trips to courthouses in Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia in his efforts to gather information about his ancestors. For the past two years, Pennington worked daily on his project to complete the family tree.
Wheeler Pennington and his wife, Mary, were born during the Revolutionary War and settled in the early 1800s in Monroe Co., Va., (now Monroe County, W.Va.) on the banks of the New River where it flows across the border between Rich Creek, Va., and Peterstown, W.Va.
The first annual Wheeler Pennington reunion was held in June. Pennington said, "I feel an enormous sense of satisfaction just knowing that I have accomplished his dream of putting the family back together, a family long ago torn apart by the Civil War." This summer, the reunion brought more than 200 of the 1,000 descendants from as far away as Florida, Georgia and Michigan to Rich Creek.
For Arthur Pennington, there was one more hurdle before his dream of joining in the fellowship would come true: He came down with pneumonia three weeks before the reunion and was hospitalized in West Chester. Two days before the reunion, Pennington was released with strict orders from his doctors for bed rest. Arthur's son, Arthur Jr., transported his father in his recreation vehicle to the reunion. Had it not been for his son's extraordinary efforts, Pennington would not have been able to attend. Weakness from the illness prevented Pennington from to talking as much as he would have liked, but he was able to enjoy the parade of family members and a whole lot of hugs.
Gatherings
The Senior Discussion Group continues a series of sessions focused on hearing-health care. Upcoming session is Thursday. The session is "Assistive Listening Devices" and "Laws And Policies Concerning Hearing-Health Care," Blacksburg Community Center, 725 Patrick Henry Drive. Conversation and coffee begin at 9:30 a.m. The program is 10-11 a.m. Joy Herbert, 961-1134.
Senior Activities
CHRISTIANSBURG SENIOR CENTER, 655 Montgomery St. Sherry Kostric, 382-8173:
Ongoing activities are exercise groups, aerobics, cards, hobbies, billiards, and Bible study.
Today, 10-11 a.m., blood-pressure screening.
Thursday and Oct. 19, 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Christiansburg National Guard Armory, Social Security representative available.
Thursday, 11 a.m., covered dish lunch and slide show, Blizzard of '92.
Saturday, 7 a.m., trip to International Festival, Raleigh, NC. Transportation is $4 Seniors, $8 ages 21-54. Admission $5.
Tuesday, Mystery Movie, 10:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m., 10:45-noon, blood-sugar screening.
Oct. 17, 1-3 p.m., Christiansburg National Guard Armory, Veterans Administration representative available.
RETIRED AND SENIOR VOLUNTEER PROGRAM, 1 Franklin St., Courthouse Annex, Christiansburg. Victoria Scott, 382-5775:
Today, 10 a.m., cleanup at Pandapas Pond for both Christiansburg groups. Lunch provided.
Thursday, 1:30 p.m., SHARE mailing, Blacksburg group.
Tuesday, noon, St. Paul United Methodist Church, Joy Singers and Christiansburg luncheon.
Oct. 11, 10 a.m., Heritage Hall; 2 p.m., English Meadows.
Oct. 12, 8:30 a.m., Blue Ridge Parkway, breakfast, Parkway Coffee Shop.
RADFORD SENIOR CENTER, 27 First St. Mary Jane Harmon, 731-3634:
Ongoing activities are walking, cards, ceramics, quilting, exercise and creative writing.
Today, 10 a.m.-noon, free blood-pressure clinic.
Thursday, 8 p.m., American Legion meets.
Friday, 10 a.m., trip, Roanoke Home Show, lunch at K&W cafeteria. $3 show, $2 transportation.
Oct. 12, 1-3 p.m., identification cards made.
GILES COUNTY SENIOR CENTER: 1320 Wenonah Ave., Pearisburg. Betty Letsinger, 921-3924:
Ongoing activities are walking, line dancing, cards, ceramics and singing. The swim therapy program at the Blacksburg Aquatic Center meets Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, weather permitting. Transportation leaves at 9:30 a.m.
Thursday, 12:30-2 p.m, Sharing Grief group meets.
Friday, 12:30 p.m., AARP No.45 program.
Oct. 10, 4 p.m., Celco Retirees Sunshine Club meets; registration ends for Oct. 16 trip to Peaks of Otter.
PULASKI SENIOR CENTER, 106 N. Washington Ave. Tina Faiszt, 980-1000:
Ongoing activities are ceramics and cards.
Thursday, 10 a.m.-noon, blood-pressure screening.
Friday, trip to Southern Living Cooking School.
Saturday, Count Pulaski Day, Jackson Park; 10 a.m., Pulaski County Planned Approach to Community Health Walk, Pulaski County High School.
Oct. 11, 8:30 a.m., trip to Hawk's Nest State Park. $8 transportation fee.
BLACKSBURG SENIOR PROGRAMS, Blacksburg Community Center, 725 Patrick Henry Drive. Joy Herbert, 961-1134:
Ongoing activities are tennis, canasta, bridge and walking group. Classes available in aerobics, computers, ceramics, art, calligraphy and bridge.
Thursday, 9:30 a.m. coffee, 10-11 a.m. Discussion Days program, "Assistive Listening Devices" and "Laws and Policies Concerning Hearing-Health Care."
Registration ends Friday for Oct. 18 trip to the Woodberry Inn, Blue Ridge Parkway. Van leaves 10:30 a.m. and returns 3 p.m. $15 includes transportation and lunch.
Oct. 10 and 12, Oct. 17 and 19, 8:30-10 a.m., Basic Computer II. $9.
Registration continues through Oct. 11 for Oct. 12, 1-3 p.m., Making Money With Your Computer. $8.
Registration continues through Oct. 13 for Oct. 16 and 18, 9 a.m., 55 Alive Defensive Driving. $8.
Registration ends Oct. 18 for Oct. 21 trip to Bridge Day, New River Gorge, Fayetteville, W.Va. Food, crafts, music. Van leaves 9 a.m. and returns 5 p.m. Lunch is on your own; $4 transportation.
Registration ends Oct. 23 for Oct. 25 trip to historic Lexington. Includes tours of Stonewall Jackson House and George C. Marshall Museum. Van leaves 8:30 a.m. and returns 6 p.m. Lunch at 11:30 a.m. and is own your own. $4 transportation, $3.50 house tour, and $1.50 museum admission.
Registration ends Oct. 27 for Nov. 1 Wytheville shopping trip. Factory Merchants Outlet Mall, Snoopers Antique and Craft Mall, P.J.'s Christmas Store. Van leaves 9 a.m. and returns 6 p.m. Lunch is on your own. $4 transportation fee.
WARM HEARTH VILLAGE, Blacksburg, Warm Hearth Village Activity Center, Line Dance Made Easy, Tuesdays, 9:30 a.m. beginners, 10 a.m. all levels, 552-1498.
Senior Shorts
Senior Arts and Crafts Show: Applications for the 17th annual event are available at the Christiansburg Senior Center, 655 Montgomery St. Show is Oct. 27-28, Christiansburg National Guard Armory, College and Depot streets. Open to exhibitors 55 or older; Christiansburg residents have priority. $10 per table, limit two. Sherry Kostric, 382-8173.
Senior Employment Program: Job placement assistance and skills training for job seekers 55 years or older. New River Valley Agency on Aging, 980-7720 or 639-9677.
by CNB