ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Wednesday, July 3, 1996 TAG: 9607030024
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-10 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
COLUMN: For Seniors
SOURCE: TRACY WHITAKER
"Harry Truman used to cause me to be late for work," said Bob Gribben, 65.
Maybe that's how the whole thing started.
Gribben's path began crossing President Truman's in 1951 when, at age 20, Gribben was working as the security clerk at the FBI's field office in Washington, D.C.
The office had to be opened early for visitors and guests and Gribben would leave home at 7 a.m. to catch the streetcar so he'd be at the office on time.
"Sometimes I would meet President Truman coming down 23rd Street on his morning walk. The Secret Service would be about a half a block ahead of him and about a half block behind. That was as close as he would permit them. Courtesy dictated that one step off the sidewalk and wait until the president passed before proceeding," Gribben said. "Whenever that happened, it would cause me to miss the streetcar and be late for work!"
That was just the beginning. Truman would influence Gribben's life again and again.
In 1951, Gribben was drafted into the Army. He decided to make the military his career and attended Officer Candidate School at Fort Benning, Ga. He was discharged with a medical disability caused by a mortar injury while in commando training in 1955.
After his discharge, Gribben began studying history at Franciscan University of Steubenville (Ohio). Until then, Gribben didn't think much of Truman, his salty tongue and liberal views. After he began studying Truman's leadership, Gribben came to believe that without Truman's presence during those critical years of 1945 to 1952, the United States "almost assuredly would have been involved in World War III."
When the Company Players, a division of Playmakers and Company, present's Samuel Gallu's "Give 'em Hell Harry," Bob Gribben's and Truman's paths will converge again. For a few hours, Gribben will be Harry Truman.
"When the opportunity presented itself to do this one-man show, I jumped at the chance. I try to present Truman at his humorous, rough, tough and salty best," Gribben said. "It is my way of saying I appreciate you, friend."
Gribben and his wife, Dolores, have three sons and four grandchildren. Originally from Wheeling, W.Va., Gribben retired from Hoechst-Celanese Corp. in Giles County in January after a career of chemical and nuclear engineering.
The play will be performed at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and July 13 and 14 at University Mall in Blacksburg.
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 & Crafts.
Monday, 9 a.m., quilters will work at the Courthouse Annex; 10 a.m., Shawsville group visits Meadowbrook for birthday party.
Tuesday, noon, RSVP picnic at Nellie's Cave Park, Blacksburg. Fried chicken provided. Bring a side dish and a friend who would like to join RSVP.
July 10, 2 p.m., both Christiansburg groups meet at Heritage Hall.
BLACKSBURG SENIOR PROGRAMS, Blacksburg Community Center, 725 Patrick Henry Drive. Joy Herbert, 961-1134:
Today, 12-2 p.m., Nellie's Cave Park, annual Senior Programs Picnic. Free hot dogs. Live music. Bring a side dish.
Monday, 10-12 a.m., breakfast get-together.
July 10, 9 a.m. van departs for the Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine, Beckley, W.Va. Transportation is $4. Museum is $5.50.
July 23, Weaving classes begin. $30 for 6 weeks. Call Joy to register.
CHRISTIANSBURG SENIOR CENTER, 655 Montgomery St. Sherry Kostric, 382-8173:
Friday, 8:30 a.m., van departs for breakfast trip to The Roanoker and Towers Mall. Transportation fee is $3 for seniors; $6 for ages 21-54.
Tuesday, 9 a.m., van departs for Blue Ridge Dinner Theatre, "A General and His Lady," in Ferrum. Cost for ticket, buffet and transportation is $16.50 for seniors; $19 for ages 21-54; 10 a.m., Mystery Movie; 10:30 a.m.-noon, Blood Sugar Screening.
July 10, 8:30 a.m., van departs for Blueberry Picking in Rich Creek. Transportation is $4 for seniors, $8 for ages 21-54.
RADFORD SENIOR CENTER, 27 First St. Mary Jane Harmon, 731-3634:
Tuesday, 7 p.m., free concert at Bisset Park.
GILES COUNTY SENIOR CENTER,1320 Wenonah Ave., Pearisburg. Betty Letsinger, 921-3924:
Friday, 12:30 p.m., American Association of Retired Persons picnic.
PULASKI SENIOR CENTER, 106 N. Washington Ave. Carolyn Duncan, 980-1000:
July 10, 1-4 p.m., Beginning Bridge, Rook and Canasta.
Senior shorts
New River Community College 18th Annual Poetry Contest: Deadline for entry is July 31. Poems must be original, never before published, and less than 60 lines in length. Writer's name and address should be included on each entry. Open to men and women 60 years of age and older. Send poems to Poetry, Arts and Sciences Division, New River Community College, P. O. Box 1127, Dublin, Va. 24084.
Senior Dances: Wednesdays, 5:30-8 p.m., Blacksburg Community Center. Joy Herbert, 961-1134.
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.
LENGTH: Long : 118 lines ILLUSTRATION: PHOTO: (headshot) Gribbenby CNB