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

DATE: WEDNESDAY, September 13, 1995                   TAG: 9509130018
SECTION: CURRENT                    PAGE: NRV-4   EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY 
SOURCE: TRACY GALLIMORE
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Long

FEEDBACK WOULD BE WELCOME WAY TO GREET COLUMNIST|

Let me say hello to you by asking, first of all, for your feedback on how we're doing with the For Seniors column. I welcome your input, your suggestions, your concerns and any ideas for stories. Many of you may have wondered who in the world this Tracy Gallimore is and what on earth happened to the smiling face of Rick Lindquist at the top of this column. Rick has moved north and his writing now graces the pages of a Connecticut-based ham radio magazine, allowing him to combine his work with one of his favorite hobbies. I am his successor, and have made sure that he packed all his shoes and took them with him. I didn't even want to think about trying to fill them. My efforts will be directed toward understanding your needs and setting goals to make the column as useful, informative and interesting for you as I can.

I hail from the New River Valley, but most of my career (before I found a home at The Roanoke Times) was spent moving around the country with AT&T. After several relocations in four years, my husband and I decided that our family needed to put down roots. I decided that it was time for me to make a career out of my favorite pursuit, writing. I am delighted to be back in the New River Valley and happy to be at your service.

GATHERINGS

The Narrows High School Golden Years Plus Reunion Weekend for classes of '39, '40, '41, '42, '43 is Friday and Saturday. Friday, Narrows/Giles fall game at Giles High School, 5:45 p.m. car pool meets behind First National Bank. Saturday, 4:30 p.m., fellowship in old Narrows High School Gymnasium. Banquet at 6 p.m. $20 for dinner, gratuities, door prizes and souvenirs. Contact Edward Lamb, 726-3109

The Senior Discussion Group continues a series of sessions focused on hearing health care. Upcoming sessions are Sept. 21 and Oct. 5. The session Sept. 21 addresses "Identification of Hearing Loss" and "Amplification." The Oct. 5 session is "Assistive Listening Devices" and "Laws And Policies Concerning Hearing Health Care." Both groups meet at the Blacksburg Community Center, 725 Patrick Henry Drive. Conversation and coffee begin at 9:30 a.m. The program is 10 -11 a.m. Joy Herbert, 961-1134.

SENIOR ACTIVITIES

CHRISTIANSBURG SENIOR CENTER, 655 Montgomery St. Sherry Kostric, 382-8173:

nMonday, 6:30-7:30 p.m., Beginning Sign Language. Six weeks. $26; 7:30-8:30 p.m. The Hands (hearing impaired and signers). Free.

Sept. 19, 10:30-11:30 a.m., cholesterol screening (lipid profile). $18.

Sept. 21, 12:15-1:15 p.m., You Look Fabulous! Facial Make-Over. Free.

Sept. 22, leave NGA 8:30 a.m., Organ Cave, Ronceverte, W.Va., $6.50. 20 percent. Seniors discount.

RETIRED AND SENIOR VOLUNTEER PROGRAM, 1 Franklin St., Courthouse Annex, Christiansburg. Victoria Scott, 382-5775:

Today, 5 a.m., apple butter making at Park United Methodist Church.

Thursday, 10 a.m., Park Church cleanup; 10 a.m., Blacksburg group will decorate jars.

Saturday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., apple butter sale, Wilderness Trail Festival, Main Street, Christiansburg.

Monday, 9 a.m., quilters, 10 a.m. Shawsville SHARE group. SHARE warehouse. Lunch out.

Tuesday, 10 a.m., Warm Hearth and McCoy combine SHARE groups. Lunch out.

Sept. 20, 10 a.m., Christiansburg Morning SHARE group; Christiansburg afternoon group hosts 1:30 p.m. English Meadows birthday party.

Sept. 21, 10 a.m., Pandapas Pond cleanup. Lunch provided.

RADFORD SENIOR CENTER, 27 First St. Mary Jane Harmon, 731-3634:

Friday, 9:15 a.m., van trip to Mabry Mill.

Thursday, 12:30 p.m., new group "Sharing Grief" begins. Meets Thursdays.

Sept. 25-Oct. 1, trip with All America Tours to Branson, Mo.

Mondays, 1 p.m., canasta.

Tuesdays, 10 a.m., ceramics and quilting.

Wednesdays, 10 a.m., creative writing, 5 p.m. AARP potluck dinner

Thursdays, 1-4 p.m., bridge.

GILES COUNTY SENIOR CENTER: 1320 Wenonah Ave., Pearisburg. Betty Letsinger, 921-3924:

The swim therapy program at the Blacksburg Aquatic Center meets Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, weather permitting. Transportation leaves at 9:30 a.m.

Monday, ceramics.

Tuesdays, 2 p.m., free movies.

Wednesdays, bridge

Friday, noon AARP No. 502 meeting

Giles seniors interested in computer classes may call or visit the center.

PULASKI SENIOR CENTER, 106 N. Washington Ave. Tina Faiszt, 980-1000:

Today, 10 a.m., talent show and covered dish luncheon, Montgomery County Park, Christiansburg. Admission is a covered dish.

Tuesday, 11 a.m, round table discussion, NRV Legal Aid Society. $2 for lunch. Reserve seat by Monday.

Sept. 21, leave center 10 a.m. for Valley View and Tanglewood malls in Roanoke. $3 for transportation.

Sept. 26, 8:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m., Pulaski County Health Department will give flu shots to people 55 and older. No cost with Medicare or Medicaid card.

BLACKSBURG SENIOR PROGRAMS, Blacksburg Community Center, 725 Patrick Henry Drive. Joy Herbert, 961-1134:

This week, registration for all fall classes including computers, art, calligraphy, ceramics and bridge.

Today, 11 a.m., talent show and luncheon, , outdoor amphitheater, 410 County Road, Blacksburg. Covered dish is the price of admission.

Thursday, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., pottery workshop, Gene Franck's studio, 407 Piedmont St., Blacksburg. Cost is $8.

Registration ends Friday for Peaks of Otter trip, Sept. 20, leave center 10:30 a.m., return 3:30 p.m. Transportation $2, lunch $5-8.

Registration continues through Sept. 15 for Sept. 18 and Sept. 21, 1-3 p.m. "Where's The On Switch." Learn how to make a wise computer purchase. Community Center. Free

Monday, noon-2 p.m., free movie "Maverick."

SENIOR SHORTS

Senior Athletes of Montgomery County needs lids, pint jars, and sugar for apple butter-making fund-raiser. Catherine McKenzie, 382-3744 or 382-8173.

1995 Legacy Quilt Show: Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. - during the Wilderness Trail Festival - Christiansburg National Guard Armory. Sherry Kostric, 382-8173.

Senior Arts and Crafts Show: Applications for the 17th annual event available at the Christiansburg Senior Center, 655 Montgomery St. Show is Oct. 27-28, Christiansburg National Guard Armory, College and Depot streets. Open to exhibitors 55 or older; Christiansburg residents have priority. $10 per table, limit two. Sherry Kostric, 382-8173.

Senior Employment Program: Job placement assistance and skills training for job seekers 55 or older. New River Valley Agency on Aging, 980-7720 or 639-9677.

by CNB