AARP Volunteers in action in Southwest Virginia

Always seeking ways to “Serve Not to be Served,” members of Brian Jacks’ AARP VA Roanoke and Lynchburg leadership teams met at Gross and Sons Apple Orchard in Bedford County to glean fallen apples for those in need.  This was their first time participating in such an endeavor to support AARP VA’s September focus on hunger.  Brian's family joined us in the effort. 

The effort was set up for us by Sarah Ramey and conducted by Bill Leach of The Society of St. Andrew.  In just a little over an hour, they harvested well over a quarter ton of apples that will provide up to 1,600 servings.  The fruit was distributed to local churches who sponsor food banks in the Montvale, Virginia area.

 

On Saturday, August 4, 2018, in Roanoke, Virginia the Virginia Museum of Transportation held its annual Grandparents’ Day.  Hundreds of visitors including grandparents, grandchildren, and others of all ages were welcomed to this event that was designed to educate and entertain, as well as encourage the creation of memories that will last a lifetime.

Sponsored in part by AARP Virginia, the day at the museum included free ice cream and face painting for kids of all ages, a petting zoo, live music, full size diesel train and toy train rides, a craft station, a photo booth, and AARP back packs for the kids.  Every year we look forward to this event and once again we were not disappointed.  The Virginia Museum of Transportation is a real gem not only for Roanokers but many others who traveled from far and near to take advantage of special events like this one.

 

On Thursday, June 28, 2018, the Movies for Grownups feature was Lean of Pete. It’s a story of love, loneliness, family, and friendship. Scores of people attended the movie showing at Roanoke. Some had attended earlier movies in the series, while dozens were first-timers. Joyce Williams, Brian Jacks and Jackie Robinson worked the event. Not pictured was Susan Wilson.

 

On Thursday, June 18, 2018, The United Way of the Roanoke Valley sponsored its annual Day of Action, which offered scores of volunteer opportunities to people throughout the Roanoke Valley at dozens of venues in need of help.  Several Community Ambassadors on the Roanoke AARP VA Leadership Team participated.  Joyce Williams volunteered at the Presbyterian Community Center in the Southeast section of the City serving low income people in the area with a food pantry, educational support services and recreational opportunities.   Joyce's community of Orchard Villas donated jelly, beef stew and fruit to the food pantry.  After helping to "price" items for the food pantry, Joyce helped with preparation of pillows that will be distributed to homeless people.

Priscilla Casey volunteered with her friend Iris, and Rob,  Feeding America of SWVA volunteer, assisted in the Roanoke City's "Feed and Read" at the Melrose Branch of the Public Library with 25 youngsters in attendance.  Brian Jacks, Associate Director of AARP for SW Virginia worked in a cleanup detail at the Virginia Museum of Transportation helping to prepare the Museum for upcoming events at the venue including Grandparents' Day scheduled for Saturday, August 4, 2018.  Grandparents' Day will be sponsored by AARP VA and the Roanoke AARP Leadership Team. For more about Grandparents day Click here