ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Wednesday, January 24, 1996 TAG: 9601240020
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-6 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
COLUMN: For Seniors
SOURCE: TRACY GALLIMORE
After this last bout of winter weather, are you longing for balmy days and growing green things? It is usually Groundhog Day before I begin whistling "When the Red Red Robin Comes Bob Bob Bobbin' Along," but this year cabin fever set in earlier. I was snowed in with two teen-agers who were out of school for a week. When they complained about my rendition, I simply began belting out "Mandy" by Barry Manilow. They turned pale and ran from the room.
Spring is eight weeks away, if you go by the official date of March 20. I don't. I automatically roll the date back three weeks because March is the month for crocuses, kites and St. Patrick's Day, all sure signs of spring. (More snow and sleet? No way. My winter weather logic says our recent allocation of snow will hold us until after Thanksgiving.) Then I back that off by two weeks, because Valentine's Day is a time for love and everyone knows that springtime and love go hand in hand. Next, I shave off a dozen more days if Punxsutawney Phil doesn't see his shadow.
The Easter bunny might disagree, but I think we'd better get hoppin'. Spring is just around the corner, and area senior centers are hatching a lot of plans.
Beginning Feb. 1, applications will be available at the Christiansburg Department of Parks and Recreation and at the Christiansburg Senior Center for the 1996 needlework exhibit on April 27 at the Christiansburg National Guard Armory. The event is open to ages 6-17 and adults. Categories include cross stitch, needlepoint, candlewicking, crocheting, knitting, handsewn and antique. Applications are also available a Call Sherry Kostric at 382-8173.
Applications will be available on Feb. 1, for the 1996 New River Valley Senior Olympics, scheduled for April 15-17. Olympic events will be held at Blacksburg Community Center; Triangle Lanes, Christiansburg; Cox's Putt-a-Round and Driving Range, Christiansburg; and the Blacksgg Municipal Golf Course. Applications are available at local recreation centers, senior centers, The First National Bank of Christiansburg, Radford Community Hospital's Wellness Center, Giles RSVP, Heritage Hall and at Heritage Home Health Care. Call Dean Gordon at 382-8328.
On Feb. 14, RSVP members are invited to a Valentine's Breakfast at K&W Cafeteria in Roanoke. Call Victoria Scott, 382-6943.
A St. Patrick's Day Breakfast for RSVP volunteers is March 14. Call Victoria Scott, 382-6943.
Radford's Senior Center sponsors Road Runner Trips with All American Tours: March 25-31, enjoy the "Garden Tour of the South"; April 25-27, visit Pennsylvania Dutch country's Lancaster County for "Noah," an outdoor drama featuring more than 300 animals; April 29-May 5, travel to Branson, Mo., for six music shows. Call Mary Jane Harmon, 731-3634.
The Senior Athletes of Montgomery County's annual rummage sale is March 29-30, at the Christiansburg National Guard Armory. Donations are needed. Call Dean Gordon, 382-8328.
National Volunteer Week is April 15-19. Retired Seniors Volunteer Programs will recognize volunteers at luncheons. Call Victoria Scott, 382-6943.
RSVP, Christiansburg, will have a yard sale in April. Donations are needed. Call Victoria Scott, 382-6943.
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.
Today, 6 p.m., van departs for NRV Symphony Winter Concert, Burruss Auditorium, Virginia Tech. Transportation is $2, seniors; $4, ages 21-54. Tickets are $3, seniors; $5, general admission.
Thursday, 1 p.m., Barnyard Bingo, $1.
Friday, 5 p.m., van departs for Roanoke Express hockey game. Transportation is $3, seniors; $6, ages 21-54. Tickets are $5, seniors; general admission, $6-8.50. Dinner at the Roanoker.
Monday, 12 p.m., Trip (most miles traveled in '95) Awards Luncheon, National Guard Armory. Bring a covered dish.
Tuesday, 10:30 a.m., Winter Home Lookover Seminar. Speaker is L. G. Whitlock.
Jan. 31, 10:30 a.m., Basic Skin Care class. Diane Galinaitis instructs.
RETIRED AND SENIOR VOLUNTEER PROGRAM, 1 Franklin St., Courthouse Annex, Christiansburg. Victoria Scott, 382-5775:
Wednesday, 10 a.m., Christiansburg SHARE, Lunch out; 1:30 p.m., English Meadow birthday party.
Thursday, 10 a.m., Blacksburg SHARE. Lunch out.
Monday, 2 p.m., Shawsville group visits Heritage Hall.
Tuesday, 2 p.m., Warm Hearth group hosts Brook Meade birthday party.
Jan. 31, 10 a.m., Christiansburg group visits Heritage Hall; 2 p.m., Christiansburg group visits Meadow Brook.
RADFORD SENIOR CENTER, 27 First St. Mary Jane Harmon, 731-3634:
Ongoing activities are walking, cards, ceramics, quilting, exercise and creative writing.
Thursday, 1 p.m., free movie is "Sleepless in Seattle."
Friday, 10 a.m., van departs for trip to Tanglewood Mall.
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, 1-2 p.m., Sharing Grief group meets.
PULASKI SENIOR CENTER, 106 N. Washington Ave. Tina Faiszt, 980-1000:
Ongoing activities are ceramics and cards.
Today, 12 p.m., van departs for Durham's in Winston Salem for Dine Round Club meeting.
Tuesday, 10:30 a.m., van departs for trip to Mount Airy to visit mall and dine at Starlite Restaurant.
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, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, 8:45-9:45 a.m., Golden Aerobics.
Thursday, 9:30-11 a.m., Discussion Days "What Great Books Can Teach Us."
Monday, 12-2 p.m., Blacksburg Community Center, Movie Day "Nobody's Fool" with Paul Newman.
Tuesday, 12-2 p.m., Art class, runs for eight weeks. $25 plus supplies; 2-4 p.m., Painting With Water Colors class. Runs for eight weeks. $25 plus supplies.
Wednesday, van departs at 11:30 a.m. for lunch at Morning Glory Cafe in Christiansburg.
Senior Shorts
Travelogue series for seniors: Presentation on Arizona and The Grand Canyon is Thursday, at 2 p.m., at Richfield Retirement Community, 3615 W. Main St., Salem, in the Shenandoah Room at Knollwood. Call (540) 380-3510.
Free tax assistance: Beginning Feb. 8, the Christiansburg Senior Center and The American Association for Retired Persons will offer free tax assistance to senior citizens at the Christiansburg Senior Center, 655 Montgomery St. Make appointments now by calling 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.
LENGTH: Long : 169 linesby CNB