ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Wednesday, August 28, 1996 TAG: 9608280016
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-4 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
COLUMN: for seniors
The YMCA Open University will offer a new strength training class this fall geared toward older adults (ages 45 and up). Recent research emphasizes the importance of strength training in reducing lower back pain, arthritic pain, resting blood pressure and increasing bone mineral density as well as helping adults look and feel better.
The program is developed by class instructors Sharon Kearns and Dan Galper. They have developed the 4-S program (strength, stamina and stretching for seniors) through the Bowman Gray School of Medicine. The beginners course is for those who are not active but are interested in having fun and participating in a program that they can continue at home.
The class will be held from 5:45 to 6:45 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays beginning Sept. 10 at Northside Presbyterian Church. Cost is $25 and includes an exercise booklet. For more information, call 231-4208.
Senior citizens who are interested in learning about computers can enroll in the New River Community College's newest class. Computers for Codgers is an introductory computer class for senior citizens who want to learn in an anxiety-free environment.
The class will cover basic computer concepts, without the usual computer-nerd jargon and acronyms. Topics will include Windows 95, word processing and Microsoft Word. The class will also discuss the Internet.
The class (DATA 126-01) will meet in the computer lab of Rooker Hall at NRCC. The class will meet Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon on Sept. 14, 21 and 28. Course fee is $45; students may bring their spouses to share a computer and participate in the learning experience.
The class will be taught by a self-admitted codger, Ervin White, who returned to college in his middle age and graduated from Radford University just before his 60th birthday.
For registration and information, call extension 613 at any of the following numbers: 674-3500, 382-4595, 745-4595 or 921-4595.
RETIRED AND SENIOR VOLUNTEER PROGRAM, 1 Franklin St., Courthouse Annex, Christiansburg. Victoria Scott, 382-5775:
* Today, 10 a.m., the Christiansburg PM group visits Meadowbrook Nursing Home. At 1:30 p.m., the Christiansburg AM group will host the monthly birthday party at English Meadows.
* Thursday, 9 a.m., van leaves for trip to Roanoke. Breakfast at K&W cafeteria and shopping at Happy's Flea Market and Cross Roads Mall.
* Monday, office will be closed for Labor Day.
* Tuesday, 10 a.m., Warm Hearth and McCoy groups visit Heritage Hall.
BLACKSBURG SENIOR PROGRAMS, Blacksburg Community Center, 725 Patrick Henry Drive. Joy Herbert, 961-1134.
* Monday, center closed for Labor Day.
* Tuesday, 9 a.m., bridge.
* Sept. 5, 9:30 a.m., conversation and coffee; 10 to 11:30 a.m., discussion. American Health & Life Services of Virginia will conduct an informative seminar concerning the changes in Medicare and Medicare supplements. The presentation includes a 20-minute slide show.
* Sept. 18, 12 to 2 p.m., the first fall meeting about the use of computers and the Blacksburg Electronic Village. Group meets monthly at the center. For information, call Dennis Gentry at 552-0570.
CHRISTIANSBURG SENIOR CENTER, 655 Montgomery St. Sherry Kostric, 382-8173:
* Friday, 11 a.m., annual end of the summer picnic at Claytor Lake. Bring a covered dish. Center will provide chicken, drinks and prizes.
* Monday, center closed for Labor Day.
* Tuesday, 10:30 a.m., coffee hour. 11 a.m., gospel sing-along.
GILES COUNTY SENIOR CENTER,1320 Wenonah Ave., Pearisburg. Betty Letsinger, 921-3924:
* Today, 1 to 4 p.m., bridge.
* Thursday, 10 a.m., walking at Old Orchard.
* Monday, center closed for Labor Day.
* Tuesday, 12:30 to 4:30 p.m., ceramics.
PULASKI SENIOR CENTER, 106 N. Washington Ave. Carolyn Duncan, 980-1000:
* Today, 1 to 4 p.m., day two of 55 Alive class.
* Saturday, 1 to 4 p.m., cards.
RADFORD SENIOR CENTER, 27 First St. Mary Jane Harmon, 731-3634:
* Today, 10 a.m., creative writing.
* Thursday, road trip to see "Phantom of the Opera" at Blumenthal Performing Arts Center in Charlotte, N.C. (full waiting list).
SENIOR SHORTS
* Senior Dances: Wednesdays, 5:30 to 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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