Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, October 18, 1995 TAG: 9510180035
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-4 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: TRACY GALLIMORE
DATELINE: LENGTH: Long
The Blantons were novices but soon found the courses very effective. "Now that we understand the basics, our next class is a little more advanced. In just a few weeks, we've learned how icons and menus work. We've spent time working through tutorials that basically allow you to learn at your own pace outside of the classroom." The Blantons feel that one of the best parts of the experience has been supporting each other while they learn together.
The computer courses are offered by the Blacksburg Parks and Recreation Seniors Association. Joy Herbert, the senior programs supervisor said, "These courses are designed to alleviate any anxiety that seniors may have about computing. One of the things people that have attended these courses have learned is that you don't have to own a computer to learn about computers." Classes are taught on Power Macintosh computers in the Virginia Tech Media Center in Newman Library. The computers are available to seniors for practicing or doing homework assignments outside of class.
Courses offerings have included "Basic Computers I, II, III." Courses are designed specifically for seniors who have little or no computer experience. Other classes available are "Where's The On Switch," "Making Money With Your Computer," and "Surfing the New: From BEV and Beyond." For more information, call Joy Herbert, 961-1134. The next series will be offered in January.
The Blanton's may sound like model students but they admitted to playing hooky. They skipped two classes a couple of weeks ago. They just had to go to Richmond to meet their new granddaughter, Katie.
GATHERINGS
The Senior Discussion Group is Thursday. The session is " Toxic Wastes," Blacksburg Community Center, 725 Patrick Henry Drive. The session on Oct. 26, is "We Vote Every Year - Consider Your Vote." Conversation and coffee begin at 9:30 a.m. The program is 10 -11 a.m. Joy Herbert, 961-1134.
SENIOR ACTIVITIES
WARM HEARTH VILLAGE, Blacksburg, Warm Hearth Village Activity Center, Line Dance Made Easy, Tuesdays, 9:30 a.m., beginners, 10 a.m., all levels, 552-1498.
WHEATLAND HILLS RETIREMENT CENTER, INC.Nov. 2, 7 p.m., Lee Parson's workshop on long term care. Lillie Roop Fortner, Directory of Social Services, 639-2411.
CHRISTIANSBURG SENIOR CENTER, 655 Montgomery St. Sherry Kostric, 382-8173:
Ongoing activities are exercise groups, aerobics, cards, hobbies, billiards, and bible study.
Today, 9-11 a.m., Halloween Punch Quilting class, $2, seniors; $3, age 18-54.
Thursday, 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Christiansburg National Guard Armory, Social Security representative available.
Friday, Mabry Mill and Doe Run Lodge, Blue Ridge Parkway. $4, seniors; $8, ages 21-54. Leave National Guard Armory at 9 a.m.
Monday, 1-3 p.m., $8, seniors; $16, ages 18-54. Quilted Table Cover class with Sue Winesett.
Tuesday, 2 p.m., Senior Advisory Board meeting.
Oct. 25, 8 a.m., Natural Bridge Breakfast trip. Transportation is $4, seniors; $8, ages 21-54. Breakfast buffet is $6.50. Admission is $8.
RETIRED AND SENIOR VOLUNTEER PROGRAM, 1 Franklin St., Courthouse Annex, Christiansburg. Victoria Scott, 382-5775:
Today, 10 a.m., SHARE, both Christiansburg groups.
Thursday, 9 a.m., groups make Christmas stockings in annex; 10 a.m., SHARE, Blacksburg group.
Monday, 10 a.m., Shawsville group attends Meadowbrook birthday party.
Tuesday, 10 a.m., Warm Hearth group visits Meadowbrook; 2 p.m., McCoy group visits Heritage Hall.
Oct. 25, 1:30 p.m., Christiansburg group visits English Meadow; 2 p.m, Christiansburg group visits Brook Meade.
RADFORD SENIOR CENTER, 27 First St. Mary Jane Harmon, 731-3634:
Ongoing activities are walking, cards, ceramics, quilting, exercise, and creative writing.
Today, 5 p.m., American Association of Retired Persons potluck dinner, music by The Jacksons.
Friday, 9:15 a.m., trip to Peaks of Otter for "October Feast."
Oct. 26, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., "Design Your Own Shirt" class.
Oct. 27, 10 a.m., van trip to Mabry Mill.
GILES COUNTY SENIOR CENTER: 1320 Wenonah Ave., Pearisburg. Betty Letsinger, 921-3924:
Ongoing activities are walking, line dancing, cards, ceramics, and singing. The swim therapy program at the Blacksburg Aquatic Center meets Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, weather permitting. Transportation leaves at 9:30 a.m.
Tuesday, 1 p.m., Quilting and Sewing groups meet.
Friday, 10:30 a.m-12:30 p.m., Giles County Rescue Squad Building. AARP No. 445, Pearisburg, and AARP No. 502, Narrows, attend lecture by John Booth, Long Term Care Specialists, on long term care costs and considerations
Oct. 26 and 27, 1-5 p.m., 55 Alive.
Oct. 30, 2 p.m., "Remember When?" reading and reminiscing group.
PULASKI SENIOR CENTER, 106 N. Washington Ave. Tina Faiszt, 980-1000:
Ongoing activities are ceramics and cards.
Today, 8:30-11:30 a.m., Pulaski County Health department administers flu shots, ages 55 and older. Free with Medicare or Medicaid card.
Thursday, 2 p.m., American Association of Retired Persons meeting.
Friday, 1-3 p.m., senior identification cards made at New River Valley Agency on Aging.
Tuesday, 10 a.m., trip to Mercer Mall, Princeton, W.Va..
BLACKSBURG SENIOR PROGRAMS, Blacksburg Community Center, 725 Patrick Henry Drive. Joy Herbert, 961-1134:
Ongoing activities are canasta and bridge. Classes available in computers, ceramics, art, calligraphy and bridge.
Ongoing exercise programs include: Tuesdays, 10-11 a.m., indoor tennis; Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 9-10 a.m., walking group; Monday 12:30-1:30, Tuesday and Thursday, 9-10 a.m., Golden Aerobics.
Registration ends Oct. 27 for Nov. 1 Wytheville shopping trip. Van leaves 9 a.m. and returns 6 p.m. Lunch is on your own. $4 transportation fee.
SENIOR SHORTS
Senior Arts and Crafts Show: Applications for the 17th annual event are 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 years or older. New River Valley Agency on Aging, 980-7720 or 639-9677.
by CNB