ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Wednesday, August 14, 1996 TAG: 9608140016
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV7 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
COLUMN: For Seniors
The Pulaski Senior Center and the American Association of Retired Persons are offering a "55 Alive/Mature Driving" class Aug. 27-28. The course is an innovative classroom driver retraining program that is designed to help older people improve their driving skills.
The course is developed by the AARP and is the first comprehensive driver retraining course geared to the specific needs of older motorists. The course covers the effects of aging and medications on driving, basic driving rules, license renewal, local traffic hazards, adverse road conditions, energy saving and accident prevention measures.
When the record is based on actual miles driven, older drivers are involved in more accidents compared with their middle-aged counterparts. The goal of 55 Alive/Mature Driving is to provide older drivers with additional training, attention and practice in order for them to maintain their driving licenses longer while driving safer.
Anyone who is 55 years or older can register for the class. Participants also can qualify to become instructors. The course fee is $8. Check or money order should be made out to the AARP and sent to the Pulaski Senior Center, 106 N. Washington Ave., Pulaski, VA 24301. For more information, call Carolyn Duncan at 980-1000, ext. 60.
The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program of Montgomery County and Radford had its most successful rock-a-thon ever on Friday. Seventy-five area businesses sponsored volunteers to "rock" (in their rocking chairs) from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. outside on the Montgomery County Courthouse lawn. Volunteers also baked goodies for a bake sale and manned a lunch wagon serving hot dogs, pizza and soda. Volunteer Louise Palmer played RSVP's clown for the day, greeting people and passing out balloons.
"Thanks to our sponsors, we can continue to make a big difference in the lives of our neighbors," said Victoria Scott, RSVP's director. "More businesses this year have realized the valuable contribution our program makes to the community."
The rock-a-thon committee worked months to recruit sponsors and organize the event, which is the group's largest fund-raising event of the year. The proceeds of the rock-a-thon go toward two $500 scholarships, which are awarded to two area students who plan to continue their education in the health care field. Proceeds also are used to improve the quality of life for residents of area nursing and adult homes.
RETIRED AND SENIOR VOLUNTEER PROGRAM, 1 Franklin St., Courthouse Annex, Christiansburg. Victoria Scott, 382-5775:
* Today, 10 a.m., Christiansburg AM group goes to Meadowbrook; 10 a.m., Christiansburg PM group meets at the courthouse annex to work on a United Way mailing.
* Thursday, 10 a.m., the Blacksburg group meets at the courthouse annex to work on a United Way mailing.
* Monday, 9 a.m., quilters meet at courthouse annex; 2 p.m., Shawsville group visits English Meadows.
* Monday, 10 a.m., Shawsville group goes to the SHARE warehouse to work and have lunch.
* Tuesday, 10 a.m., Warm Hearth and McCoy groups meet at the SHARE warehouse to work and have lunch.
BLACKSBURG SENIOR PROGRAMS, Blacksburg Community Center, 725 Patrick Henry Drive. Joy Herbert, 961-1134
* Thursday, 10 a.m., discussion group presents Mike York, Montgomery County probation officer, who will discuss how the probation system works.
* Monday, 12-2 p.m., movie day. "The River Wild."
* Tuesday, Basic Computer I begins. Call center for information. Cost, $10.
CHRISTIANSBURG SENIOR CENTER, 655 Montgomery St. Sherry Kostric, 382-8173:
* Today, 6:30-7:30 p.m., How to Enjoy your Photos seminar. Cost: $10 town residents; $15 non-residents.
* Friday, 8:30 a.m., van leaves National Guard Armory for Salem Antique Shops. Transportation fee: seniors, $3; ages 21-54, $6. Breakfast at K&W in Roanoke.
* Monday, 8 a.m.-7 p.m., Ship Shape Club's Extended Weigh-In.
RADFORD SENIOR CENTER, 27 First St. Mary Jane Harmon, 731-3634:
* Thursday, 11 a.m., class of 1955 committee meeting.
* Friday, 9:15 a.m., van leaves for Mercer Mall, W.Va.
* Tuesday, 7 p.m., free concert in Bisset Park.
GILES COUNTY SENIOR CENTER,1320 Wenonah Ave., Pearisburg. Betty Letsinger, 921-3924:
* Thursday, 10 a.m., walking at Old Orchard.
* Friday, noon, AARP-Narrows #502.
* Tuesday, 10 a.m., singing at Old Orchard.
PULASKI SENIOR CENTER, 106 N. Washington Ave. Carolyn Duncan, 980-1000.
SENIOR SHORTS
* Heritage Hall Rummage Sale: Aug. 23, 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m. at the recreation room of the nursing center. All proceeds go to the Resident Aid Fund to purchase Christmas gifts for the residents.
* RSVP Fall Yard Sale: RSVP is collecting items for their Sept. 27 fall yard sale. Bring donations to the Courthouse Annex or call for pick up. 382-5775.
* 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.
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