Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, October 25, 1995 TAG: 9510250036
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-4 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: TRACY GALLIMORE
DATELINE: LENGTH: Long
The "children" sit quietly, painted smiles beaming from ceramic and porcelain faces. Some sleep, tucked beneath receiving blankets, others sit in wagons or tiny chairs, sucking thumbs. Aaron, William, Sugar Britches...all have names. As Akers shows me her dolls, she doesn't miss the photographs of three other small figures, her great grandchildren, Kendrick, 5, Zachary, 2, and Kendra, 2. "See, I have a few living dolls, too," she chuckles.
After working with ceramics for 20 years, Akers began her family of ceramic and porcelain dolls in 1993. She purchases or molds the greenware, cleans off the seams left from the molds, then fires the item in a kiln. Only then can she set about the loving task of painting creamy pink cheeks and gently curving eyelashes on little faces. She sews pantaloons and knickers and shops for tiny sleepers and shoes, creating each outfit to match the doll's personality.
In addition to painting her ceramic creations, Akers works hours each week casting, firing and selling greenware. She also crochets, embroiders and bakes.
In preparation for the upcoming Seniors crafts fair, ceramic items fill her kitchen table and counters. Vibrant paints adorn baskets filled with beaded flowers or strawberries, potpourri apple pies, Christmas angels and holiday bears.
"Now I'll show you the nitty gritty," Akers laughs. In her workshop, she points out shelves laden with molds, paints and tools. Two huge kilns fill a corner. One yawns wide and she reaches deep inside for two brilliant white angels still warm from last night's firing. The angels have gone from the pale grey of greenware to gleaming white bisque. The faces smile sweetly beneath her careful hands. She smiles, hair as white as the bisque, smile as radiant as that of the angels.
Freda Akers' ceramics and the work of other Seniors can be enjoyed at the 17th Annual Senior Arts and Crafts Fair on Friday, Oct. 27, from 5 until 9 p.m. and Saturday, Oct. 28, from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., at the Christiansburg National Guard Armory. The fair offers a variety of handmade items for sale by area seniors. The Senior Athletes of Montgomery County will be providing a snack bar on Saturday, Oct. 28. Door prizes donated by the crafters will be given away every half hour on Saturday. Sherry Kostric, Christiansburg Parks and Recreation, 382-8173.
GATHERINGS
The Senior Discussion Group is Thursday, 10-11 a.m. The session is "We Vote Every Year - Consider Your Vote," presented by Pat Cupp, candidate for the Virginia Senate, Blacksburg Community Center, 725 Patrick Henry Drive. Conversation and coffee begin at 9:30 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, 8 a.m., Natural Bridge Breakfast trip. Transportation is $4, seniors; $8, ages 21-54. Breakfast buffet is $6.50. Admission is $8.
Friday, 5-9 p.m., and Saturday, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., 17th Annual Senior Arts and Crafts Fair, National Guard Armory.
Monday, 1 p.m., Halloween party. Refreshments, games and prizes.
RETIRED AND SENIOR VOLUNTEER PROGRAM, 1 Franklin St., Courthouse Annex, Christiansburg. Victoria Scott, 382-5775:
Today, 1:30 p.m., Christiansburg group visits English Meadow; 2 p.m, Christiansburg group visits Brook Meade.
Monday, 10 a.m., Shawsville Group cleans up Pandapas Pond.
Tuesday, 2 p.m., Warm Hearth Group goes to Brook Meade for birthday party.
RADFORD SENIOR CENTER, 27 First St. Mary Jane Harmon, 731-3634:
Ongoing activities are walking, cards, ceramics, quilting, exercise, and creative writing.
Thursday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., "Design Your Own Shirt" class.
Friday, 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.
Thursday and Friday, 1-5 p.m., 55 Alive.
Monday, 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.
12:30 p.m., group leaves center for Dine Round Club meeting. Lunch location is a surprise.
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. 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 Friday for Nov. 1, Wytheville shopping trip. Van leaves 9 a.m. and returns 6 p.m. Lunch is on your own. $4 transportation fee.
Registration begins Nov. 1, for Nov. 15 trip to Farmhouse Restaurant, Christiansburg. Van leaves 11:30 a.m. Lunch is $2.50-9.50.
Registration begins Nov. 1, for Nov. 29 trip to Valley View and Tanglewood malls, Roanoke. Van leaves 9 a.m. and returns 5 p.m. $4, transportation fee. Lunch is on your own at K&W Cafeteria near Tanglewood.
RSVP by Nov. 4, for Nov. 6, Coffee Brunch Get Together, 10 a.m.
SENIOR SHORTS
17th Annual Senior Arts and Crafts Fair: Friday, 5-9 p.m. and Saturday, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. Handmade items from local Seniors. Snack bar on Saturday by Senior Athletes of Montgomery County. Door prizes. Christiansburg National Guard Armory, College and Depot streets. Sherry Kostric, 382-8173.
Senior Volunteers Needed for Eagle Scout's Project:
Senior citizens are needed as volunteers to hike trails to help assess difficultly level for seniors. The trails are in or near Blacksburg and vary in length from half a mile to over 3 miles. Trail identification for senior citizens is part of an Eagle Scout project. Petie Martin, 961-0307.
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.
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