ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1995, Roanoke Times
DATE: Wednesday, December 13, 1995 TAG: 9512130022
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-4 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
COLUMN: For Seniors
SOURCE: TRACY GALLIMORE
Pulaski County Retired Senior Volunteer Program volunteers knitted and crocheted 122 caps, headbands and mittens for distribution to nine elementary schools in Pulaski County. Volunteers Louise Adams, Beatrice Green, Margaret Hale, Alma Crockett, Mildred Jackson, Macie Knea, Helen Fitzhugh, Lola Wolfe, and Winnie Padgett helped head off the winter chill for a number of Pulaski's children. This is the program's fifth year.
Because the work is done at home, homebound volunteers can easily participate in the program. Yarn is provided by the artisans or by other RSVP members. Volunteers take completed items to the RSVP office which then distributes them to the schools.
Mike Amstein, principal at Critzer Elementary, is always glad to get a call from Carolyn Duncan at RSVP. Chances are that it means something good for Critzer kids is on the way.
"About four years ago, RSVP volunteers were in the school assisting with lunch period and one of them asked if I thought that we could use some warm caps and mittens for our students." said Amstein. "Well, I know a good thing when I see it and I jumped at the chance. Every winter, we see students come to school without warm clothing. This program really helps. Teachers and guidance counselors know when a child is in need of a cap or mittens and they make sure the need is met. The colors and quality of the work is phenomenal. Our students love the caps. We just wish we had more!"
Carolyn Duncan, Pulaski County RSVP director, said, "Our volunteers have recognized a need in the community and found a way to begin to fill it. With nine elementary schools in the area, the 122 items are spread very thin. Helping hands are always welcome."
Call Duncan at 980-3969.
Senior Activities
WARM HEARTH VILLAGE, Blacksburg, Warm Hearth Village Activity Center, Line Dance Made Easy, Thursdays, 2:15 p.m., beginners, 2:30 p.m., all levels, 552-1498.
CHRISTIANSBURG SENIOR CENTER, 655 Montgomery St. Sherry Kostric, 382-8173:
Ongoing activities are exercise groups, aerobics, cards, hobbies, billiards and Bible study.
Thursday, noon, Christmas luncheon, National Guard Armory. Bring a covered dish and 50-cent donation.
Friday, leave National Guard Armory at 3:30 p.m. for Elks National Home, Bedford to see a beautiful display of Christmas lights. Transportation is $4, seniors; $8, ages 21-54.
Monday, 1 p.m. Holiday Cookie Compare. Bring homemade cookies and recipes. Prizes.
Dec. 20, 9:30 a.m. Van departs for Barter Theatre, Abingdon for performance, "An O. Henry Christmas." Transportation and ticket is $16, seniors; $20, ages 21-54.
RETIRED AND SENIOR VOLUNTEER PROGRAM, 1 Franklin St., Courthouse Annex, Christiansburg. Victoria Scott, 382-5775:
Today, 10 a.m., Christiansburg Group works on SHARE.
Thursday, 2 p.m., Blacksburg group hosts Heritage Hall Christmas party.
Monday, 2 p.m., Shawsville group hosts Meadowbrook Christmas and birthday parties.
Tuesday, 10 a.m., Warm Hearth group makes cookies with children at Virginia Pre-School Initiative.
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., van departs for New River Valley mall.
Dec. 20, 5 p.m., Radford AARP Potluck Dinner.
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, 12:30-2 p.m., "Sharing Grief" group meets..
Friday, 12:30 p.m., American Association of Retired Persons No. 502 meets.
Tuesday, 2-4 p.m., Legal Aid representative is on site.
PULASKI SENIOR CENTER, 106 N. Washington Ave. Tina Faiszt, 980-1000:
Ongoing activities are ceramics and cards.
Today, van departs at 8:30 a.m. for NRV Mall movies.
Thursday, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Christmas Open House.
Tuesday, van departs at 2 p.m. for viewing of Christmas lights at Heritage USA, Fort Mill, S.C. Transportation is $5.
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; Mondays 10-11:30 a.m., walking group; Monday 12:30-1:30, Tuesday and Thursday, 9-10 a.m., Golden Aerobics.
Today, van leaves at 10 a.m. Trip to Hotel Roanoke. $17 includes transportation and lunch.
Thursday, 9:30 a.m. Senior News & Views meeting. Topic is "Why is Government a Mess?" by Julie Lapham of Common Cause.
Monday, noon-2 p.m, refreshments and movie "A House Without A Christmas Tree."
Senior Shorts
Alzheimer's and Dementia Educational/Support Group: Thursday, Dec. 21, 2 p.m., Heritage Hall Nursing Center. Christina Reed, 951-7000.
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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