Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, November 8, 1995 TAG: 9511080041
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-4 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: TRACY GALLIMORE
DATELINE: LENGTH: Long
When I was 5, he was one of the few adults who understood the way ice cream has a magic that can make you feel better instantly. He ran the soda fountain at old Carson's Drugstore, creating banana splits and mixing cherry Cokes when he wasn't out making deliveries for the pharmacy.
If you spend much time in downtown Radford, you probably know him simply as "Butch." He's worked at the same service station on Norwood Street for 35 years.
He greets me with a big grin, squinting into the morning sun. He wears his trademark blue overalls over a spotless white T-shirt. A red cleaning cloth is tucked into a back pocket.
Owners changed - the station now operates under the Amoco sign - but Butch remained, steadily greeting customers, pumping gas, and wiping windshields. He's missed three days of work in 12 years, says Greg Brown, station's present owner. "He's the one of the hardest-working men I've ever seen. He will do whatever it takes to get the job done," Brown said.
What you probably don't know is his full name, Worley Harvey. Or that he was born in 1934 and raised just across the river in Pulaski County. You may not know that he loves to garden, and grows a passel of tomatoes and potatoes every summer on his small plot of land up Hazel Hollow Road. Or that he drives a '65 Ford Galaxy left him by the McConnells. They were the folk that they named the Radford University Library after and they always asked for him by name.
Has Radford changed? I ask. He thinks a moment and then allows: "Nah, Radford ain't changed. Yeah, there's a few stores closed and a few new ones opened, but it hasn't changed all that much."
About his customers, he says, "I know a whole lot of faces but not a whole lot of names." He rears back and lets go a big laugh at that. "Never could remember names, but faces, I don't forget."
I ask Butch what he plans to do if he retires in a few years. He says with a chuckle, "Get me a wife ... I believe I'm finally ready to settle down."
GATHERINGS
The Senior Discussion Group is Thursday, 10-11 a.m. The session is "Annual Report on Schools for July 1995-1996,'' discussion led by Jim Sellers, Blacksburg Community Center, 725 Patrick Henry Drive. Conversation and coffee begin at 9:30 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.
CHRISTIANSBURG SENIOR CENTER, 655 Montgomery St. Sherry Kostric, 382-8173:
Ongoing activities are exercise groups, aerobics, cards, hobbies, billiards and Bible study.
Today, blood pressure screening, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Thursday, 9-11 a.m., Fabric Crayons Class, $2 seniors, $3 ages 18-54.
Friday, 9 a.m., van departs from Christiansburg National Guard Armory for Southern Christmas Show, Charlotte, N.C. Transportation fee is $4 for seniors, $8 for ages 21-54. Admission is $6.
Monday, 9-11 a.m., Dip 'N Dye class. $2 seniors, $3 ages 21-54.
Tuesday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., 55 Alive, National Guard Armory, $8; 10:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m., Senior Center, "Mystery" movie, free; 10:45 a.m.-noon, blood sugar screening, Senior Center.
Nov. 15, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., 55 Alive, National Guard Armory.
Nov. 16, 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Social Security representative at Christiansburg National Guard Armory.
Nov. 21, 1-3 p.m., Veteran's Administration representative at Christiansburg National Guard Armory.
RETIRED AND SENIOR VOLUNTEER PROGRAM, 1 Franklin St., Courthouse Annex, Christiansburg. Victoria Scott, 382-5775:
Today, 10 a.m., both Christiansburg groups, Christmas store.
Thursday, 9 a.m., Blacksburg group meets for breakfast and Christmas shopping.
RADFORD SENIOR CENTER, 27 First St. Mary Jane Harmon, 731-3634:
Ongoing activities are walking, cards, ceramics, quilting, exercise and creative writing.
Thursday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., design your own T-shirt, $5 for materials.
Nov. 15, 5 p.m., Radford American Association of Retired Persons meet. Bring a dish for Thanksgiving potluck dinner.
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 p.m., "Sharing Grief" group meets.
Friday, center closed.
Tuesday, 4 p.m., "Sunshine Club" meets.
PULASKI SENIOR CENTER, 106 N. Washington Ave. Tina Faiszt, 980-1000:
Ongoing activities are ceramics and cards.
Tuesday, 11 a.m., Round Table discussion. Topic is fire safety. $2 for lunch.
Nov. 16, 8 a.m., van departs for Southern Christmas Show. $15 includes transportation and tickets to show. Dinner at Big Daddy's.
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. 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 p.m., Tuesday and Thursday, 9-10 a.m., Golden Aerobics.
Tuesday, 3:30 p.m., Geography Awareness Week video "Natural Resources" and discussion led by Dob Kreamalmeyer on "Thinking Globally and Acting Locally."
Nov. 15, trip to Farmhouse Restaurant, Christiansburg. Van leaves 11:30 a.m. Lunch is $2.50-9.50.
Registration continues for Nov. 29 trip to Valley View and Tanglewood malls, Roanoke. Van leaves 9 a.m. and returns 5 p.m. $2 transportation fee. Lunch is on your own at K&W Cafeteria in Tanglewood.
RSVP by Saturday for Coffee Brunch Get Together, Monday, 10 a.m.
SENIOR SHORTS
Senior Employment Program: Job placement assistance and skills training for job seekers 55 or older. New River Valley Agency on Aging, 980-7720 or 639-9677.
by CNB