ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Wednesday, March 13, 1996 TAG: 9603130040
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-6 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
COLUMN: For Seniors
SOURCE: TRACY GALLIMORE
Since the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program began 20 years ago in the New River Valley, it has grown to over 300 volunteers. Volunteers from Montgomery County and Radford work at more than 34 stations, including nursing homes, adult homes, hospitals and service agencies. RSVP work ranges from cleaning up Pandapas Pond in Blacksburg to helping the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office operate a telephone assurance program for the elderly. Clients are called weekly to make sure they are safe and well.
The RSVP program raises money for two scholarships each year. The fund helps two local high school seniors planning careers in the health field continue their education.
Volunteers spend hundreds of hours each month on mailings for non-profit organizations. Their efforts save the agencies dollars that would otherwise have to be spent on paying employees to prepare the mailings.
Victoria Scott, director, said "Last week volunteers gave more than 370 hours of their time to prepare 9-11 map books. The books will be used by fire, rescue and police to make sure they reach their destinations as quickly as possible."
If you are at least 55 years old and interested in the RSVP program, call Victoria Scott at 382-5775.
This column highlights activities and events for seniors. Forms from providing feedback are available at Senior Centers. We welcome your comments, suggestions and ideas. Write to: Tracy Gallimore, c/o The Roanoke Times, P. O. Box 540, Christiansburg, Va. 24073
RETIRED AND SENIOR VOLUNTEER PROGRAM, 1 Franklin St., Courthouse Annex, Christiansburg. Victoria Scott, 382-5775:
RSVP groups visit local retirement homes for Valentines' and birthday parties: Today, 1:30 p.m., Christiansburg groups at English Meadow; Thursday, 2 p.m., Blacksburg group at Heritage Hall.
Today, 10 a.m., both Christianburg groups visit the preschool for kids and crafts.
Thursday, 9 a.m., van departs for breakfast at K&W Cafeteria in Roanoke. Transportation is free.
Monday, 9 a.m., quilters meet; 10 a.m., Shawsville group works on SHARE.
Tuesday, 10 a.m., Warm Hearth and McCoy groups work on SHARE.
BLACKSBURG SENIOR PROGRAMS, Blacksburg Community Center, 725 Patrick Henry Drive. Joy Herbert, 961-1134:
Wednesday, 10:30 a.m.-noon, "Living Trust" seminar.
Thursday, 9:30 a.m., Conversation and Coffee; 10-11 a.m., "Tax Reform Proposal," by Dan Fleming.
Friday, registration deadline for trip to River Ridge Mall, Lynchburg. Van departs at 10 a.m. Transportation is $4.
Monday, noon-2 p.m., Movie Day is "Apollo 13" with Tom Hanks.
CHRISTIANSBURG SENIOR CENTER, 655 Montgomery St. Sherry Kostric, 382-8173:
March 14, 11 a.m.-noon, blood pressure screening; 1-3 p.m., free tax assistance by appointment.
March 15, 8:30 a.m., van departs for trip to Folk Art Center, Asheville, N.C. $4, seniors; $8, ages 21-54.
March 18, 1 p.m., Senior Center Book Club meeting March theme is "A Place."
March 19 (and 20), 9-1 p.m., 55 Alive Program, National Guard Armory. Class is $8; 9:30-10:45 a.m., Hair Fair.
March 20, 1-3 p.m., senior i.d. cards made for age 60 and older. $1.50 donation.
RADFORD SENIOR CENTER, 27 First St. Mary Jane Harmon, 731-3634:
Thursday, 10 a.m.-noon, free blood pressure clinic; 12:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m., angel craft class.
March 20, 5 p.m., AARP potluck dinner.
March 25-31, Road Runners are hitting the pavement heading south to Vicksburg, Mississippi for Calloway Gardens, Bellingrath Gardens and a cruise.
GILES COUNTY SENIOR CENTER,1320 Wenonah Ave., Pearisburg. Betty Letsinger, 921-3924:
Friday, noon, AARP No. 502. Program is "The Women In Jesus's Family Tree" by Judy Long.
Tuesday, 10 a.m.-noon, senior i.d. cards made.
PULASKI SENIOR CENTER, 106 N. Washington Ave. Tina Faiszt, 980-1000:
March 18, 1-3 p.m. senior i.d. cards made at NRV Agency on Aging. Jane Richmond, 980-7720.
March 19, 11 a.m., round table discussion. Speaker is Monica Brunk.
Senior Shorts
RSVP Yard Sale: Donations for April yard sale needed. Call 382-5775 for pick up. Proceeds go for celebrations at local nursing and adult homes.
New River Community College Seniors Short Story Contest: Deadline to submit is Friday. Eight winners will be chosen from the stories submitted by people living in Floyd, Giles, Montgomery and Pulaski Counties and the City of Radford. One winner will be chosen from entries submitted by people living outside the region.
Send one or two stories to: Short Stories, Division of Arts and Sciences, New River Community College, P. O. Box 1127, Dublin, Va. 24084. Debbie Douthat, ext. 292 at 674-3600, 745-4595, 921-4595 or 382-4595.
"Exercise and the Elderly: Understanding needs and Potentials" Program: March 20, 12-1 p.m., Wallace Hall Atrium, Virginia Tech. Program is by the Virginia Tech Cardiac Therapy and Intervention Center. Charlene Freeman-Coker, 231-6817.
Rummage Sale by Senior Athletes of Montgomery County: March 29, 5-9 p.m. and March 30, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Christiansburg National Guard Armory Donations accepted. Jack Akers, 382-3348.
1996 New River Valley Senior Olympics: April 15-17, Blacksburg Community Center, Triangle Lanes, Cox's Putt-A-Round and Driving Range and the Blacksburg Municipal Golf Course. Applications are available at senior centers and at area businesses and services. Dean Gordon, 382-8328.
1996 Needlework Exhibit: Registration ends April 19 for people participating in the exhibit on Saturday, April 27, at the Christiansburg National Guard Armory. Categories include needlepoint, cross stitch, candlewicking, crocheting and knitting. Applications available at the Christiansburg Senior Center and Christiansburg Parks and Recreation. 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.
Senior Centers: offer a variety of ongoing activities, trips and classes. Call for a newsletter and a calendar of events.
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