Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, November 22, 1995 TAG: 9511220045
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-8 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: TRACY GALLIMORE
DATELINE: LENGTH: Long
The winners of this year's award were chosen from nearly 200 nominees whose volunteer community service activities emphasize this year's focus theme, which was community and individual self-sufficiency.
Gov. George Allen presented the award earlier this month at a banquet held at the Richmond Marriott, calling the program "an inspiring example for all of us."
A panel selected the winners. The Montgomery County and Radford RSVP program was selected as the winner in the Senior Group Category.
Citing the work of more than 300 local senior volunteers, Allen said, "The citizens of your community are better able to independently care for themselves and their families because of your contributions."
Wenona Gardner of Christiansburg nominated the RSVP program for the award. A local volunteer for the past six years, she said the organization provides about 50,000 hours of community service annually at more than 30 work stations.
Among the diverse activities performed by the RSVP program are visiting nursing home residents, packaging bulk food for the SHARE food program and caring for shut-ins.
Also the group sponsors scholarships for local high school students, helps nonprofit organizations with mailings, cleans up National Forest land recreation areas and works with the annual Christmas Store program to prepare clothing and toys for needy tots.
The RSVP program of Montgomery County and Radford, founded in 1973, is directed by Victoria Scott.
Senior Activities
AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF RETIRED PERSONS, Registration ends Friday for Christmas Dinner, Dec. 5, 6 p.m., $10. Wilda Siburt, 951-1358.
ALZHEIMERS EDUCATION, Nov. 30, 2 p.m., Heritage Hall Nursing Center. Monthly meetings: this month's topic is "Delirium vs. Depression." Christina Reed, 951-7000.
WARM HEARTH VILLAGE, Blacksburg, Warm Hearth Village Activity Center, Line Dance Made Easy, Thursdays, 2:15 p.m., beginners, 2:30 p.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.
Monday, leave National Guard Armory at 8 a.m., Piedmont Mall/Danville. Transportation fee is $4, seniors; $8, ages 21-54.
Tuesday, 10:30 a.m., Blacksburg Audiologist Associates.
RETIRED AND SENIOR VOLUNTEER PROGRAM, 1 Franklin St., Courthouse Annex, Christiansburg. Victoria Scott, 382-5775:
Monday, 9 a.m., Shawsville group will go Christmas shopping.
Tuesday, 2 p.m., Warm Hearth group will go to Brook Meade birthday party.
Nov. 29, 10 a.m., volunteers work at Christmas store; 1:30 p.m., Christiansburg group will host English Meadow birthday party.
RADFORD SENIOR CENTER, 27 First St. Mary Jane Harmon, 731-3634:
Ongoing activities are walking, cards, ceramics, quilting, exercise, and creative writing.
Nov. 30, 10 a.m.-noon, American Association of Retired Persons Community Council meeting.
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.
Registration continues for Dec. 7 trip to Crossroad Mall. Seating limited.
PULASKI SENIOR CENTER, 106 N. Washington Ave. Tina Faiszt, 980-1000:
Ongoing activities are ceramics and cards.
Monday, van leaves at 10:30, for shopping trip to Roanoke. Stops include K&W Cafeteria, Waccamaw, Leggett Outlet center. Transportation fee is $3.
Tuesday, 12:30 p.m., Dine Round Club meets at Manna House, Pulaski.
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; Mondays 10-11:30 a.m., walking group; Monday 12:30-1:30, Tuesday and Thursday, 9-10 a.m., Golden Aerobics.
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 near Tanglewood.
Registration continues for Dec. 1 and Dec. 13 trips to Hotel Roanoke. Van leaves at 10 a.m. for both trips. $15.
Registration continues for holiday luncheon, Dec. 7, noon-2 p.m. Bring a covered dish.
Dec. 5, 1-4 p.m., holiday centerpiece class. $10 includes supplies
Senior Shorts
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