ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Wednesday, April 10, 1996 TAG: 9604100023
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-8 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
COLUMN: For Seniors
SOURCE: Tracy Gallimore
Ever wonder what your town looked like 50 years ago? A group of seniors, led by Keith Furr, will answer that question for Blacksburg residents. The project, "Blacksburg Nostalgia," will document the history of the town and its environs.
The project started with four pages of Blacksburg history that Furr wrote just for fun and e-mailed to a number of other seniors.
"People got excited about the idea of putting together a history of Blacksburg. They began chiming in with information and ideas of their own for the project," Furr said.
Over the next few months, the group will collect photos, historical documents and information about the town and begin organizing the materials.
"We're still working out the scope and direction that the project will take," Furr said. "Some folks think we should do a book, others suggest a home page on the Net. Either way, we'll have fun and the end result will be a document that shows how the face of the town has changed."
Part of the project will focus on the evolution of downtown, perhaps showing the chronology of a particular site.
"For example the building that housed Grand Piano used to be the site of a Roses store, and before that it was the Colonial Hotel," Furr said. "Guynn's department store used to be where Main Street Bazaar is located. When I came here in 1960, Guynn's still had high-button shoes on their shelves."
Starting May 1, the group will begin collecting ideas, photos and bits of history. If you would like to add to the project, call Furr at 552-2250 or e-mail to furry1.vt.edu.
This column highlights activities and events for seniors. Forms for 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:
* Today, 10 a.m., both Christiansburg groups meet for Kids and Crafts.
* Thursday, 10 a.m., van departs for celebration lunch at K&W Cafeteria, Tanglewood Mall.
* Friday, 10:30 a.m., Pandapas Pond cleanup and picnic.
* Monday, 9 a.m., quilters; 10 a.m., Shawsville group works on SHARE.
* Tuesday, 10 a.m., Warm Hearth and McCoy groups work on SHARE.
* April 17, 10 a.m., both Christiansburg groups work on SHARE.
* April 18, 10 a.m., Blacksburg group works on SHARE.
BLACKSBURG SENIOR PROGRAMS, Blacksburg Community Center, 725 Patrick Henry Drive. Joy Herbert, 961-1134:
* Thursday, 9:30 a.m., coffee; 10-11 a.m., discussion. Topic is "The Cow: Foster Mother of the Human Race" by Ray Murley. Next: April 18, Meet Roy Thorpe Jr., county attorney.
* Monday is registration deadline for April 20 historic garden club tour of Roanoke. Van departs at 8:30 a.m. and returns at 6 p.m. Transportation fee is $3.
CHRISTIANSBURG SENIOR CENTER, 655 Montgomery St. Sherry Kostric, 382-8173:
* Today, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., NRV Local Senior Olympic Training Day, Blacksburg Community Center.
* Friday, 11:30 a.m., Senior Athletes of Montgomery County Social, Vicker Switch Restaurant. Catherine McKenzie, 382-3744.
* April 18, 1-3 p.m., "Lollipop" class. $4, seniors; $8, ages 18 and older.
* April 19, 9 a.m., van departs for Poplar Forest. $4, seniors; $8, ages 18 and older. $4.
RADFORD SENIOR CENTER, 27 First St. Mary Jane Harmon, 731-3634:
* Today, 2:30 p.m., Radford Senior Center Advisory Board meeting.
* Thursday, 10 a.m.-noon, blood pressure screening; 12:30-4:30 p.m., plastic angel class.
* Friday, 9:30 a.m., van departs for trip to Mercer Mall, Princeton, W.Va.
* April 17, 5 p.m., American Association of Retired Persons potluck dinner.
* April 18, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., "Spring T-shirt and Tote Bag" class, $5; 12:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m. , plastic angel class.
* April 19, 9:30 a.m., van departs for Mount Airy, N.C.
GILES COUNTY SENIOR CENTER,1320 Wenonah Ave., Pearisburg. Betty Letsinger, 921-3924:
* April 19, noon, AARP dinner.
PULASKI SENIOR CENTER, 106 N. Washington Ave. Tina Faiszt, 980-1000:
* Friday, 9:30 a.m., Coffee hour and tie SHARE bags.
Senior Shorts
* RSVP Yard Sale: Donations for May 10 yard sale needed. Call 382-5775 for pick up of items. Proceeds go for celebrations at local nursing and adult homes and van maintenance and repair.
* 1996 New River Valley Senior Olympics: Monday, Tuesday and April 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 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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