ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1997, Roanoke Times
DATE: Wednesday, March 26, 1997 TAG: 9703260031
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-4 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
COLUMN: FOR SENIORS
The New River Valley Senior Olympics are coming up on May 5, 6 and 7, so it's time to sign up and start training.
If you're thinking of signing up for horseshoes, you could have some pretty tough competition. Catherine McKenzie, 86, of Christiansburg is a past national champion and she's warming up for this year's event again.
"I've never had any training, and I've never had a coach. I just have determination," she says. Still, she was surprised to bring home a gold medal. "When I went to the national, I had no idea I'd be in the last phase in it, let alone the winner." She has a huge rack full of medals from other levels of competition to accompany her gold medal.
Her horseshoe-pitching talents have taken her all over the country. Currently, she's preparing for a trip to the nationals in Tucson.
"I think people get the idea that you've got to be a jock," she says, adding that she encourages everyone to get involved with the Senior Olympics and other senior fitness programs. "It just does so much for you. You do it at your own pace [and] you don't have to do things where you bend up like a pretzel. It's just trying and doing your best."
McKenzie, who competes in speed-walking events as well as horseshoes, also does aerobics three times a week and walks once a week with the Christiansburg Senior Center.
The New River Valley Senior Olympics are open to those 55 and over. Events include golf, swimming, basketball, softball hit and throw, horseshoes, billiards, bridge, canasta, walks and runs. For more information, contact your local senior center.
This week's events
RETIRED AND SENIOR VOLUNTEER PROGRAM, Health and Human Services Building, 210 Pepper St., Christiansburg. Victoria Scott, 382-5775:
Today, 10 a.m. the Christiansburg afternoon group will go to Heritage Hall; 1:30 p.m., the Christiansburg morning group hosts the English Meadows Birthday Party.
Monday, 10 a.m., the Shawsville Group will go to Shawsville Elementary to work with the preschool program. At 9 a.m., the Quilters will work on the quilt.
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:
Today, 3 p.m., bingo.
Thursday, 9:30 a.m., the "News and Views" discussion group will present "Family Wealth Planning," with Gerald Fain; 11:30 a.m., the Dine-Out Lunch Bunch travels to The Alleghany Inn in Radford.
CHRISTIANSBURG SENIOR CENTER, 655 Montgomery St., Sherry Kostric, 382-8173:
Thursday, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., free tax assistance.
Friday, 8:30 a.m., trip to The Homestead in Hot Springs.
Tuesday, 10:30 a.m., free coffee hour. 11 a.m. gospel sing.
RADFORD SENIOR CENTER, 27 First St. Mary Jane Harmon, 731-3634.
Friday, van leaves at 9:30 for Mount Airy, N.C.
Monday, 1 p.m. 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, 994-8627:
Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Barter Theatre trip.
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: 84 lines ILLUSTRATION: PHOTO: TOM ANGLEBERGER THE ROANOKE TIMES. Catherine McKenzie,by CNB86, of Christiansburg is a past national champion horseshoe
pitcher.