ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Wednesday, March 20, 1996 TAG: 9603200035
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-6 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
COLUMN: For Seniors
SOURCE: TRACY GALLIMORE
Although Green Thumb may sound like it has something to do with raising produce, it doesn't. Participants, however, do get the opportunity to see a little more green. This program matches low income people, 55 and older, who need additional income with employers who need dependable workers. On-the-job training is provided.
The program is an amendment to the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) under the Older Americans Act of 1981. The emphasis is is on training eligible older Americans in private business and industry. The added advantage for employers is that the federally funded program will reimburse the employer 50 percent of the employee's wages for the contract hours worked.
When a SCSEP participant is hired, a training agreement between SCSEP and the employer is written to ensure that the employee gets the necessary materials, equipment and supervision to do the job. If both the employer and the employee are satisfied with the work relationship, it will continue at the end of the training period.
The program is funded through the U.S. Department of Labor.
Call Shirley Markuson at 382-5285 for more information about the program.
This column highlights activities and events for seniors. Forms from providing feedback are available at Senior Centers. We welcome your comments, suggestions and ideas. Write to: Tracy Gallimore c/o The Roanoke Times, P. O. Box 540, Christiansburg, Va. 24073.
RETIRED AND SENIOR VOLUNTEER PROGRAM, 1 Franklin St., Courthouse Annex, Christiansburg. Victoria Scott, 382-5775:
* Wednesday, 10 a.m., both Christiansburg groups work on SHARE.
* Thursday, 10 a.m., Blacksburg group goes to SHARE.
* Monday, 9 a.m., quilters meet; 2 p.m., Shawsville group visits Heritage Hall.
* Tuesday, 10 a.m., McCoy group visits Heritage Hall; 2 p.m., Warm Hearth group hosts birthday party at Brookmeade.
BLACKSBURG SENIOR PROGRAMS, Blacksburg Community Center, 725 Patrick Henry Drive. Joy Herbert, 961-1134:
* Today, noon-2 p.m., Blacksburg Electronic Village (BEV) Seniors.
* Thursday, 9:30 a.m., Conversation and Coffee; 10-11 a.m., "Teenagers and Trouble with the Law," Russel Rice, Office on Youth; 2-3 p.m., chess lessons. Call Joy to sign up.
* Friday is registration deadline for March 27 trip to Bogen's in Blacksburg for lunch. Van departs at 11:45 a.m.
* Tuesday, 1:30-3:30 p.m., senior i.d.s will be made.
CHRISTIANSBURG SENIOR CENTER, 655 Montgomery St. Sherry Kostric, 382-8173:
* Today, senior i.d. cards, 1-3 p.m., ages 60 and over. $1.50 donation.
* Thursday, 1-3 p.m., free tax assistance..
* Friday, 8 a.m., van departs for Monticello/Charlottesville. Transportation is $4 for seniors; $8, ages 21-54. Admission is $7.
* Monday, 11:30 a.m., Potluck Lunch and Slide Show.
RADFORD SENIOR CENTER, 27 First St. Mary Jane Harmon, 731-3634:
* Today, 5 p.m., AARP potluck dinner.
* Thursday, 12:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m., angel craft class.
* Friday, 9:30 a.m., van trip to Mt. Airy for outlet shopping. $2 for transportation.
* Monday through March 31, Road Runners are hitting the pavement heading south to Vicksburg, Mississippi for Calloway Gardens, Bellingrath Gardens and a cruise.
GILES COUNTY SENIOR CENTER,1320 Wenonah Ave., Pearisburg. Betty Letsinger, 921-3924:
* Tuesday, 2 p.m., outreach to Sam Robinson's Retirement Home in Pembrook.
PULASKI SENIOR CENTER, 106 N. Washington Ave. Tina Faiszt, 980-1000:
* Thursday, 2 p.m., AARP.
* Saturday, 4:30 p.m., van departs for Old West Dinner Theatre
* March 27, 9:30-11:30 a.m., income tax assistance; 12 a.m., round table discussion.
Senior Shorts
* Exercise for the Elderly: Understanding Needs and Potentials: Today, noon to 1 p.m., Wallace Hall atrium, Virginia Tech. Charlene Freeman-Coker, 231-6817.
* RSVP Yard Sale: Donations for May 10 yard sale needed. Call 382-5775 for pick up of items. Proceeds go for celebrations at local nursing and adult homes.
* Rummage Sale by Senior Athletes of Montgomery County: Saturday, March 29, 5-9 p.m. and Sunday, March 30, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Christiansburg National Guard Armory. Donations accepted. Jack Akers, 382-3348.
* 1996 New River Valley Senior Olympics: April 15-17, Blacksburg Community Center, Triangle Lanes, Cox's Putt-A-Round and Driving Range and the Blacksburg Municipal Golf Course. Applications are available at senior centers and at area businesses and services. Dean Gordon, 382-8328.
* 1996 Needlework Exhibit: Registration ends April 19 for people participating in the exhibit on Saturday, April 27, at the Christiansburg National Guard Armory. Categories include needlepoint, cross stitch, candlewicking, crocheting and knitting. Applications available at the Christiansburg Senior Center and Christiansburg Parks and Recreation. 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.
* Senior Centers: offer a variety of ongoing activities, trips and classes. Call for a newsletter and a calendar of events.
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