ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1997, Roanoke Times
DATE: Wednesday, April 16, 1997 TAG: 9704160030
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-4 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
COLUMN: for seniors
SOURCE: TOM ANGLEBERGER THE ROANOKE TIMES
Residents of area nursing homes are never forgotten on their birthdays. Seniors like Jerushia Compton make sure of that.
Compton is one of 250 Retired and Senior Volunteer Program volunteers. These seniors do many things in the community, including playing host to 52 parties at nursing homes.
Monthly birthday parties, as well as holiday receptions, are held at each home.
In addition, many of the volunteers have adopted a resident whom they visit and socialize with.
"It gives them something to look forward to [and] enriches their lives," says RSVP director Victoria Scott. She says the program is also rewarding for the volunteers. "Most volunteers who go to nursing homes leave with smiles on their faces and tears in their eyes. [Visiting] provides a journal of meaningful memories."
The RSVP program holds a yearly yard sale to raise money for the parties and receptions. To make the yard sale a financial success, RSVP relies on donations of items to be sold.
To arrange to drop off items or have them picked up call 382-5775.
Special events
Radford AARP will hold a potluck dinner at 5 tonight for all senior citizens at the Radford Senior Center.
Several trips are offered this month by the Montgomery County Department of Parks and Recreation. These include a trip to Lexington's Historic Garden Week Tour on Thursday and the Waccamaw Pottery on April 24. To register call 382-6976.
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., volunteer members go to K&W Cafeteria in Roanoke for a celebration luncheon.
Thursday, 2 p.m., the Blacksburg Group volunteers at the VPI Adult Day Care Center.
Monday, 10 a.m., the Shawsville Group will go to the SHARE warehouse in Pulaski and will have lunch out. At 9 a.m., the Quilters will work on the quilt.
Tuesday, 10 a.m., The Warm Hearth and McCoy groups will go to the SHARE warehouse in Pulaski and will have lunch out.
BLACKSBURG SENIOR PROGRAMS, Blacksburg Community Center, 725 Patrick Henry Drive. Joy Herbert, 961-113:
Thursday, 5 p.m., Jerrie Pike will discuss and demonstrate "The Art of Bonsai."
Monday, noon, free movie, "Tin Cup." 2:15 p.m., doll collectors meet.
CHRISTIANSBURG SENIOR CENTER, 655 Montgomery St., Sherry Kostric, 382-8173:
Today, 10 a.m., Silk Rose Pin Class. Fee.
Friday, 10 a.m., needlework exhibit setup.
Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., needlework exhibit. Admission: $1.
Monday, 2 p.m., Senior Choir.
Tuesday, 2 p.m., Senior Advisory Board meeting.
RADFORD SENIOR CENTER, 27 First St. Mary Jane Harmon, 731-3634.
Thursday, 10 a.m., free blood pressure clinic.
Friday, 9:30 a.m., trip to Mercer Mall.
The Radford Senior Center offers a variety of classes, events and social activities each week. Call for details.
Rummage sale items are needed for a fund-raiser. Call for details.
GILES COUNTY SENIOR CENTER,1320 Wenonah Ave., Pearisburg. Betty Letsinger, 921-3924.
Friday, noon, AARP meeting with program by Ann Chambers.
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:
Today, 10 a.m., Volunteer Week reception.
Thursday, noon, potluck picnic at gazebo.
Tuesday, 9 a.m., trip to Farmer's Market Downtown Roanoke.
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.
New River Valley Agency on Aging: 639-9677 or 980-7720.
Short- and long-term care. Interim Health-Care: 381-2757.
Extended and 24-hour medical and rehabilitation care. Columbia Montgomery Regional Hospital: 953-5320 or 953-5352. Carilion Radford Community Hospital: 731-2557.
Meals-on-Wheels. Carilion Radford Community Hospital, United Way and Radford Department of Welfare and Social Services: 731-2562.
Adult day care. At Virginia Tech, certified by the Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services: 231-3161.
Nursing care, physical therapy, and speech therapy. Montgomery Regional Health Services. 953-5237 or (800) 678-0648.
Pulaski YMCA fitness. 980-3671.
Golden aerobics. Blacksburg Parks and Recreation: 961-1135.
Golden and silver aerobics. Columbia Montgomery Regional Hospital Fitness Express: 381-4625 or 953-1044.
Walking Group. Blacksburg Parks and Recreation: 961-1134.
Viva Club. Offers health screenings, insurance assistance and physician referral. Carilion Radford Community Hospital: 731-2558.
Forever Fit. Carilion Radford Community Hospital: 639-3241.
Walking. "Easy Motions" exercise programs and aerobics. Christiansburg Senior Center: 382-8173.
LENGTH: Long : 108 linesby CNB