ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1997, Roanoke Times
DATE: Wednesday, March 5, 1997 TAG: 9703050057
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-3 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
COLUMN: for seniors
Retirees are hard at work at the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program of Montgomery County and Radford. In 1996, senior volunteers performed 60,000 hours of service to the Montgomery County community through a special program that matches a senior's talents with the community's needs.
From cleaning up Pandapas Pond to teaching crafts to preschoolers, there are many services being performed by members of RSVP.
"This program, I think, is nice because it involves people who are 55 or over," says Victoria Scott, director of RSVP. "They're getting out into the community and helping others. The community itself actually receives a lot of benefit from these folks."
Even though the seniors enjoy themselves, Scott says the program should not be mistaken as a social club. The seniors recently stuffed 40,000 envelopes for the Montgomery County Commissioner of Revenue.
"They do work hard," she says, "They save the county a tremendous amount of money."
The program began in 1973 and has since won a number of awards, including the 1995 Governor's Award for Volunteerism Excellence and a letter of commendation from Vice President Al Gore.
RSVP has just moved to new offices in the Health and Human Services Building at 210 Pepper St. in Christiansburg.
Anyone over the age of 55 can participate in the program. There are no experience requirements or minimum commitments. To volunteer call RSVP at 382-5775.
RETIRED AND SENIOR VOLUNTEER PROGRAM, Health and Human Services Building, 210 Pepper St., Christiansburg. Victoria Scott, 382-5775:
* Today, 10 a.m., the Christiansburg morning group will meet at the RSVP offices. At 2 p.m., the Christiansburg afternoon group will hold its meeting.
* Thursday, 1:30 p.m., the Blacksburg Group will go to Community Action to work on the SHARE mailing.
* Monday, 2 p.m., the Shawsville Group will host the Meadowbrook Birthday Reception. At 9 a.m., the Quilters will meet at the Health and Human Services Building.
* Tuesday, noon, the RSVP luncheon will be held at noon at St. Paul's Church. Bring a side dish.
* RSVP is collecting items for its Spring Yard Sale. Call to arrange a van to pick up donations.
BLACKSBURG SENIOR PROGRAMS, Blacksburg Community Center, 725 Patrick Henry Drive. Joy Herbert, 961-113:
* Thursday, 10 a.m., the "News and Views" discussion group will host Sue Bentley from Depaul Family Services, who will talk about "Helping Families in Distress."
* Monday, 9 a.m., lifewriting.
CHRISTIANSBURG SENIOR CENTER, 655 Montgomery St., Sherry Kostric, 382-8173:
* Today, 7 to 9 p.m., organizing and documenting photos.
* Thursday, 11 a.m. to noon, blood pressure screening; 1 to 4 p.m., free tax assistance.
* Friday, 8:30 a.m., trip to Point of Honor/Lynchburg.
* Tuesday, 10:30 a.m. to noon, blood sugar screening; 10:30 a.m. movie: "Powder."
RADFORD SENIOR CENTER, 27 First St. Mary Jane Harmon, 731-3634.
* Friday, 10 a.m., free movie: "Forrest Gump."
* Monday, 1 to 3 p.m., free tax service.
* The Radford Senior Center offers a variety of classes, events and social activities each week. Call for details.
GILES COUNTY SENIOR CENTER,1320 Wenonah Ave., Pearisburg. Betty Letsinger, 921-3924:
* The Giles Senior Center's new hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The center offers a variety of crafts classes, events and social activities each week. Call for details.
PULASKI SENIOR CENTER, 106 N. Washington Ave. Dawn Hensley, 980-1000:
* Today, 9 a.m.-noon, tax aide workshop. Also, today from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. is a trip to the New River Valley Mall.
* The Pulaski Senior Center offers a variety of events and activities for senior citizens. Call for details.
Senior Shorts
* Senior Group Dances: Tuesdays, 6-9 p.m., New River Valley Mall food court. Bring a snack or nonalcoholic drink. Matilda Shumate, 382-6346.
* 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: Medium: 89 lines ILLUSTRATION: PHOTO: (From left) Margie Pugh, Ocie Peters and Ruby Goddin areby CNBRSVP volunteers.