ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Wednesday, January 3, 1996 TAG: 9601030052
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-4 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
COLUMN: FOR SENIORS
SOURCE: TRACY GALLIMORE
Columbia Montgomery Regional Hospital will sponsor a local chapter of the National Association of Senior Friends. The program, which replaces the hospital's Seniority program, will be up and running by early February.
Senior Friends provides a number of services for people 50 and older: Services include social events, monthly meetings, a local newsletter, a subscription to the national magazine Friends, a toll-free member service line, low-cost health care screenings, and discounts on services including hospital rooms and meals. As the program develops, local merchants will be included in the discount package.
Chapter dues are $15 per year, but if seniors join before Jan. 31, the $15 will cover dues for two years.
Suzanne Nagle, adviser for the local chapter said, "We want to re-establish a program for seniors. When our hospital became affiliated with Columbia/HCA Healthcare Corp. last spring, the Seniority program was no longer available to us. The change offered a great opportunity to start an even better program. Senior Friends more than meets our needs. We are excited to be able to offer the new program."
Nagle said activities will be held at the hospital, but the program is comprehensive and not just related to health issues.
"We plan to provide seniors an opportunity to interact and to learn. Workshops and seminar topics will include health, travel and financial planning. Movie day, games, craft groups and day trips will be part of our activities program. We want this chapter to offer information and activities that truly interest seniors."
Nagle is pleased with the link to other Senior Friends groups.
If a member moves or is traveling, he or she "can still find a Senior Friends chapter at most Columbia hospitals. The program gives seniors a way to broaden horizons, to explore and to network."
Call Suzanne Nagle at 953-5366 for more information about the program.
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.
Tuesday, 9:30-10:45 a.m., Hair Fair; 10:15 a.m., Mystery Movie; 10:45 a.m.-12 p.m., blood sugar screening.
Jan. 11, 11 a.m.-12 p.m., Heritage Home Health Care blood pressure screening. Free.
Jan. 12, van leaves National Guard Armory at 8:30 a.m. for Sunnybrook Inn, Roanoke. Group will travel to Cloverdale after breakfast. Transportation is $4, seniors; $8, 21-54.
Jan. 16, 10:30 a.m., Medicare Update seminar. Speaker is Stephen Kaufmann, a lawyer.
RETIRED AND SENIOR VOLUNTEER PROGRAM, 1 Franklin St., Courthouse Annex, Christiansburg. Victoria Scott, 382-5775:
Today, 10 a.m. Christiansburg group visits Meadow Brook; 2 p.m. Brook Meade visit.
Thursday, 1:30 p.m., Blacksburg group does Share mailing.
Monday, 12 p.m., Shawsville luncheon, White Memorial United Methodist Church
Tuesday, 12 p.m., Christiansburg luncheon, St. Paul United Methodist Church. Bring a covered dish.
Jan. 10, 10 a.m., Christiansburg morning group visits English Meadow; 2 p.m., Christiansburg afternoon group visits Heritage Hall.
Jan. 11, 2 p.m., Blacksburg group visits English Meadow.
Jan. 15, 2 p.m., Shawsville group hosts Meadowbrook birthday party.
RADFORD SENIOR CENTER, 27 First St. Mary Jane Harmon, 731-3634:
Ongoing activities are walking, cards, ceramics, quilting, exercise and creative writing.
Today, 10 a.m.-12 p.m., free blood pressure screening.
Jan. 11, 1 p.m., free movie is "Please Don't Eat the Daisies."
Jan. 12, 10 a.m., van trip to Valley View Mall, Roanoke.
Jan. 17, 5 p.m., American Association of Retired Persons 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, 1-2 p.m., Sharing Grief group meets.
Friday, 12:30 p.m., AARP No. 445 meets.
Tuesday, 4-6:30 p.m., Sunshine Club singing.
Jan. 11, 1-2 p.m., Sharing Grief group meets.
Jan. 16, 7:30 p.m., Daughters of the American Revolution meets.
PULASKI SENIOR CENTER, 106 N. Washington Ave. Tina Faiszt, 980-1000:
Ongoing activities are ceramics and cards.
Thursday, 10 a.m.-12 p.m., blood pressure and glucose screening.
Jan. 10, 8:30 a.m., trip to New River Valley Mall movies.
Jan. 11, 9:30 a.m., coffee hour.
Jan. 16, 11 a.m., round table discussion and lunch.
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, 9 a.m., first meeting of new walking club, meets Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays in Blacksburg gym or track (weather permitting).
Thursday, 9:30 a.m., Discussion Days. Topic is "Health and Disease" by Bob Kreamalmeyer.
Thursday, 1-2 p.m., New Year's glamour make-over. Cost is $5. Instructor is Sue Kurtz.
RSVP by Friday for Monday, 10 a.m.-noon, Coffee Brunch Get Together.
Starting Monday, new aerobics schedule: Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 8:45-9:45 a.m. $12 for 13 sessions.
Jan. 11, 9:30 a.m., News and Views group meets.
Senior Shorts
Free Tax Assistance: The Christiansburg Senior Center and The American Association for Retired Persons will offer free tax assistance to senior citizens. Make appointments by calling 382-8173. Assistance begins on Feb. 8, at the Christiansburg Senior Center, 655 Montgomery St.
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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