ROANOKE TIMES

                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: MONDAY, July 3, 1995                   TAG: 9507030133
SECTION: EXTRA                    PAGE: 3   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium


WHO, WHEN & WHERE

Blood donations

The American Red Cross is seeking ``Holiday Heroes'' to help meet blood needs during the July 4th holiday period.

The Appalachian Region Blood Services headquarted in Roanoke has scheduled blood drives in several communities in an attempt to boost decreasing blood donations.

``Holiday periods are always difficult and summer vacations add to the problem of lower donor turnout,'' said Bob Lutjen, spokesman for the Red Cross Blood Services.

A ``Day at the Beach'' drive will be held today at the Red Cross Donor Center featuring beach music, beach decor and refreshments.

Donors are encouraged to call (800) GIVE LIFE for appointments or information.

Showtimers auditions

Showtimers, Roanoke's community theater, will hold auditions for its musical production of ``Annie'' on Saturday from noon-2 p.m. at its studio theater.

Director Jeff Walker is seeking a dog to portray Sandy, Annie's companion. Canine hopefuls should be no more than 2 feet tall on all fours and have blond- to sandy-colored fur. The dog should be comfortable around people, especially children, and should be trainable.

Annie will be presented by Showtimers from Nov. 2-19.

Call 342-5857 by Wednesday to schedule an appointment.

Wheelchair sports

The Easter Seal Society of Virginia Inc. will host Invacare Action Day, an all-day sports event featuring wheelchair-adapted sports, on Saturday at Camp Easter Seal-West.

Tennis, basketball, road racing, scuba diving, rappelling, archery and riflery will be included, with instruction from Invacare teachers (themselves in wheelchairs).

The purpose of the event is to introduce a variety of sports to children and teen-agers in wheelchairs.

Campers in wheelchairs from as far away as Tennessee and Florida will participate with youths from local areas and from Eastern Virginia.

The Action Day will run from 10-11:30 a.m. and from 2-5:15 p.m. Only the afternoon session will be open to the general public.

Camp Easter Seal-West is near New Castle, 50 minutes north of Roanoke.

For more information, call 362-1656.

Car exhibit

The Virginia Museum of Transportation is seeking customized cars for a new exhibit, ``Wheels of Dreams,'' to be displayed in August.

The exhibit will explore the connection between people and their vehicles, and will consist of customized, one-of-a-kind vehicles and personality profiles and photos of their owners. The exhibits will rotate weekly during the month.

Visitors to the museum during the course of the exhibit will have the opportunity to vote for the People's Choice Award, to be presented at the end of the exhibit.

To schedule an appointment for an interview about your car, or for more information, call 342-5670.

The museum is at 303 Norfolk Ave., Roanoke, in Roanoke's Historic Freight Station.

Book signing

Mary Campagna-Hamlin will sign her book, ``Gainsboro: The Destruction of A Historic Community,'' at the Books-A-Million Bookstore, Crossroads Mall, Roanoke, on Saturday from 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

The book details the effects of urban renewal on the Gainsboro neighborhood and the community's response to recent urban planning developments there.

The book was published by the Historic Gainsboro Preservation District Inc. Evelyn Davis Bethel, president of H.G.P.D., will be available to answer questions.

Campagna-Hamlin is a free-lance writer living in Elliston.

For more information, call 342-0728.

Museum volunteers

The Roanoke Valley History Museum is seeking volunteers. All ages are welcome and previous volunteer experience is not necessary.

Prospective volunteers are invited to attend a training session on either July 10 or 17 at 10 a.m. Background on the museum, its exhibits and the volunteer position available will be included. There will also be a presentation on Roanoke Valley attractions.

For more information or to sign up for a training session, call 342-5724.



 by CNB