Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, October 11, 1995 TAG: 9510110044
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV4 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: TRACY GALLIMORE
DATELINE: LENGTH: Long
Ten months ago, McCourt's family stood by his hospital bed, swallowing tears and trying to find within themselves the same courageous and positive outlook that he had displayed throughout his life. McCourt was connected to so many tubes that he couldn't even speak to his children gathered at his physician's request to possibly say goodbye. McCourt survived the heart surgery, but doctors explained that his chances were iffy: He might live one or two years, or, perhaps with the benefits from his positive attitude, he might see the year 2000 come and go.
McCourt chose to live the rest of his life exactly as he'd always lived: with courage and with gusto.
Two weeks ago, Salmon's brother passed through the New River Valley area after a visit with his son in Boston. He rumbled into her driveway decked out in a red-and-black flannel shirt, Levis and cowboy boots, sitting tall and jaunty on the broad seat of his Suzuki. Since recovering from his December surgery, McCourt has logged thousands of miles on his motorcycle and has visited his 10 children and four siblings in Ohio, Michigan, Illinois, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine and now Virginia. Although his family was concerned for his health and safety when he bought his motorcycle at a yard sale, reconditioned it and announced his plans to roam, his trips have been smooth and uneventful.
Jack Salmon, brother-in-law, said, ``I admire Mac's spirit. I believe his positive attitude has been the secret to his recovery, really. Most folks would have given up in the hospital ... but not Mac.''
McCourt was back home in Gulf Breeze, Fla., within 48 hours of his visit. His next adventure will be deep-sea fishing and maybe throwing down some bets at blackjack tables on a Caribbean cruise.
GATHERINGS
The Senior Discussion Group is Thursday. The session is ``How DNA Can Affect Your Lifestyle,'' Blacksburg Community Center, 725 Patrick Henry Drive. The Oct. 19 session will be on ``Toxic Wastes.'' Conversation and coffee begin at 9:30 a.m. The program is 10-11 a.m. Joy Herbert, 961-1134.
\ SENIOR ACTIVITIES
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.
WHEATLAND HILLS RETIREMENT CENTER, INC.Nov. 2, 7 p.m., Lee Parson's workshop on long-term care. Lillie Roop Fortner, director of Social Services, 639-2411.
CHRISTIANSBURG SENIOR CENTER, 655 Montgomery St. Sherry Kostric, 382-8173:
Ongoing activities are exercise groups, aerobics, cards, hobbies, billiards and Bible study.
Thursday, 1 p.m., annual pool tournament.
Friday, trip to Floyd for the Cochram's Store Friday night jamboree. $3, seniors; $6 ages 21-54. Leave National Guard Armory at 5 p.m.
Monday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m., Montgomery County Health Department provides flu shots, pneumonia shots and tetanus shots, Christiansburg National Guard Armory. Bring Medicare and Medicaid cards.
Tuesday, 1-3 p.m., Christiansburg National Guard Armory, Veterans Administration representative available.
Oct. 18, 9-11 a.m., Halloween Punch Quilting class, $2, seniors; $3, age 18-54.
Oct. 19, 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Christiansburg National Guard Armory, Social Security representative available.
Oct. 20, Mabry Mill and Doe Run Lodge, Blue Ridge Parkway. $4, seniors; $8, ages 21-54. Leave National Guard Armory at 9 a.m.
RETIRED AND SENIOR VOLUNTEER PROGRAM, 1 Franklin St., Courthouse Annex, Christiansburg. Victoria Scott, 382-5775:
Today, 10 a.m., Heritage Hall; 2 p.m., English Meadows.
Thursday, 8:30 a.m., Blue Ridge Parkway, breakfast, Parkway Coffee Shop.
Monday, 9 a.m., quilters meet; 10 a.m, SHARE, Shawsville group.
Tuesday, 10 a.m, SHARE, McCoy and Warm Hearth groups.
Oct. 18,10 a.m., SHARE, both Christiansburg groups.
Oct. 19, 9 a.m., groups make Christmas stockings in annex; 10 a.m., SHARE, Blacksburg group.
RADFORD SENIOR CENTER, 27 First St. Mary Jane Harmon, 731-3634:
Ongoing activities are walking, cards, ceramics, quilting, exercise and creative writing.
Wednesday-Friday, trip to Helen, Ga., for Octoberfest.
Thursday, 1-3 p.m., identification cards made.
Oct. 18, 5 p.m., AARP potluck dinner, music by The Jacksons.
Oct. 20, 9:15 a.m., trip to Peaks of Otter.
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.
Monday, trip to Peaks of Otter; 10 a.m.-1 p.m., senior identification cards made.
PULASKI SENIOR CENTER, 106 N. Washington Ave. Tina Faiszt, 980-1000:
Ongoing activities are ceramics and cards.
Today, 8:30 a.m., trip to Hawk's Nest State Park. $8 transportation fee.
Tuesday, 11 a.m., Round Table Discussion topic is safe food preparation and storage. $2 for lunch.
Oct 18, 8:30-11:30 a.m., Pulaski County Health department administers flu shots, ages 55 and older. Free with Medicare or Medicaid card.
Oct 20, 1-3 p.m., senior identification cards made at New River Valley Agency on Aging.
BLACKSBURG SENIOR PROGRAMS, Blacksburg Community Center, 725 Patrick Henry Drive. Joy Herbert, 961-1134:
Ongoing activities are canasta and bridge. Classes available in computers, ceramics, art, calligraphy and bridge.
Ongoing exercise programs include: Tuesdays, 10-11 a.m., indoor tennis; Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 9-10 a.m., walking group; Monday 12:30-1:30, Tuesday and Thursday, 9-10 a.m., Golden Aerobics,
Tuesday and Oct. 19, 8:30-10 a.m., Basic Computer II. $9.
Registration continues through today for Thursday, 1-3 p.m., ``Making Money With Your Computer.'' $8.
Friday, 1-3 p.m., annual health and fitness appraisal, includes cholesterol, blood pressure, body mass index, physical activity history and nutritional assessment. Conducted by Cardiac Therapy and Intervention Program, Department of Human Nutrition and Foods, Virginia Tech.
Monday and Oct. 18, 9-10 a.m, 55 Alive Defensive Driving. $8.
Monday, noon, Movie Day: ``Fried Green Tomatoes.''
Registration ends Oct. 18 for Oct. 21 trip to Bridge Day, New River Gorge, Fayetteville, W.Va. Van leaves 9 a.m. and returns 5 p.m. Lunch is own your own. $4 transportation.
Registration ends Oct. 23 for Oct. 25 trip to historic Lexington for 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 on your own. $4 transportation, $3.50 house tour, and $1.50 museum admission.
Registration ends Oct. 27 for Nov. 1 Wytheville shopping trip. Van leaves 9 a.m. and returns 6 p.m. Lunch is on your own. $4 transportation fee.
\ SENIOR SHORTS
New River Valley Agency On Aging, Make Senior ID Cards: ID cards made during October: Thursday, 1-3 p.m., Senior Center, Radford; Friday, 10 a.m.-noon, Senior Center, Blacksburg; Monday, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Senior Center, Giles; Tuesday, 1:30-3:30 p.m., Senior Center, Christiansburg; Oct. 18, 10 a.m.-noon, Pine Ridge Apartments, Floyd; Oct. 20, 1-3 p.m., NRV Agency on Aging, Pulaski.
Bring photograph, address, date of birth and Social Security number. Card entitles seniors to discounts and other special services with some merchants.
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