ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Wednesday, March 27, 1996 TAG: 9603270021
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-10 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
COLUMN: For Seniors
SOURCE: TRACY GALLIMORE
The Senior Athletes of Montgomery County are gearing up for the New River Valley Senior Olympics in Blacksburg April 15-17. Seniors also will participate in the state games held in Williamsburg at the end of May. Last year, the group brought home 63 metals from the state competition.
The organization, begun in 1987 by Fran Hart of Bedford, who was Christiansburg Senior Center director during that time, has 28 members ranging from age 55 to 85. Members are interested in achieving a high level of fitness through competition.
The state level Golden Olympics is the qualifying event for the U.S. National Sports Classic, held every other year in various locations throughout the country. The 1997 competition is in Tucson, Ariz. Local athletes have brought home gold medals from the national games. Recently, Louise Akers won a medal in track, Betty Gordon in archery, and Catherine McKenzie in horseshoes. Six to eight athletes from the SAM group have participated at the national games each year since 1987.
Fund-raising events pay for members to attend the state and national games. Sherrie Kostric, director of the Christiansburg Senior Center has helped to facilitate the group's activities.
New members are welcome. Membership is limited to residents of Montgomery County or Radford. The group's motto is "You don't stop playing because you grow old, you grow old because you stop playing."
Call Catherine McKenzie at 382-3744.
This column highlights activities and events for seniors. Forms for 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:
* Today, 10 a.m., Christiansburg morning group visits Meadowbrook; 1:30 p.m., Christiansburg afternoon group visits English Meadow for birthday party.
* Thursday, 2 p.m., Blacksburg group visits Heritage Hall.
* Monday, 9 a.m., quilters meet in annex; noon, Shawsville group luncheon at White Memorial Church.
* Tuesday, 10 a.m., Warm Hearth group meets at the annex, 2 p.m., McCoy group visits Meadowbrook.
BLACKSBURG SENIOR PROGRAMS, Blacksburg Community Center, 725 Patrick Henry Drive. Joy Herbert, 961-1134:
* Today, 11:45 a.m., van departs for lunch at Bogens in Blacksburg.
* Thursday, 9:30 a.m., Conversation and Coffee. Topic is "Local Mainstream Issues"; 2:30-3:30 p.m., Chess Workshop.
* Monday, 8:30-10 a.m., Basic Computer I class begins. Runs Mondays and Wednesdays through April 10. Seats still open. $10.
* Tuesday, 1-5 p.m., 55 Alive Mature Driving class, Blacksburg Senior Center. $8.
* April 3, 10 a.m., Pruning Workshop by Paul Smeal.
CHRISTIANSBURG SENIOR CENTER, 655 Montgomery St. Sherry Kostric, 382-8173:
* Thursday, 1-3 p.m., free tax assistance.
* Friday, 5-9 p.m., rummage sale for Senior Athletes, National Guard Armory.
* Tuesday, 10:30 a.m., coffee hour; 11 a.m., gospel sing-a-long.
* April 3, 10-11 a.m., blood pressure screening
RADFORD SENIOR CENTER, 27 First St. Mary Jane Harmon, 731-3634:
* Thursday, 10 a.m.-noon, senior identification cards.
* Friday, 10 a.m., van departs for trip to Tanglewood Mall.
GILES COUNTY SENIOR CENTER,1320 Wenonah Ave., Pearisburg. Betty Letsinger, 921-3924:
* Thursday, 3:30 p.m., exercise.
PULASKI SENIOR CENTER, 106 N. Washington Ave. Tina Faiszt, 980-1000:
* Thursday, van departs at 9 a.m., for shopping and museums in Lexington. Transportation is $5.
* Tuesday, 9 a.m., trip registration begins.
Senior Shorts
* Strength-Based Adult Caregiver Group: April 3, 10 a.m., for six sessions, at the Center for Family Services, 1601 S. Main St., Blacksburg. The group is for people who provide care for older adults. Call Saliha Bava or Alan Willard at 231-3161 or 231-7261.
* 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 and van maintenance and repair.
* Rummage Sale by Senior Athletes of Montgomery County: Friday, 5-9 p.m. and Saturday, 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 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.
Rummage sale
The Senior Athletes of Montgomery County's rummage sale is Friday from 5 to 9 p.m. and Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Christiansburg National Guard Armory. Donations will be accepted. Call Jack Akers at 382-3348.
LENGTH: Long : 112 lines ILLUSTRATION: PHOTO: Doris Oliver, No. 5, and Louise Akers, No. 27, competeby CNBin the 1995 Virginia Golden Olympics at the College of William and
Mary's track in Williamsburg.