Grandparents and Grandchildren Have a Blast in Roanoke

By Joyce E. Williams , June 20, 2019 10:19 AM

Photos by Eugene Journiette — Grandchildren and grandparents at the transportation museum.

Grandkids played “pluck a duck” to win prizes of their choice and walked away with backpacks provided by AARP Virginia. Grandparents were provided free admission and everybody attending Grandparents Appreciation Day at the Virginia Museum of Transportation got free ice cream also provided by AARP.

This is the sixth year that AARP Virginia has partnered with the Museum to provide this intergenerational fun-time opportunity, creating memories that will last a lifetime. Exhibits they saw included great trains of the past, vintage vehicles of all kinds, a rocket, a model train display, face painting and other interactive opportunities.

Grandparents, remembering old times and kids, often for a first time were excited to take a train ride up and down the Roanoke Train Yard.

Pat S, a grandparent from Staunton, Virginia said, “This is our third time coming to this event. Just the mention of Grandparents Day here in Roanoke and Joey [the grandson] jumps for joy. We have to come!”

Another grandparent, Vernon J of Roanoke said, “It is so nice of AARP to do this every year.”

We are pleased and proud to sponsor this event. Volunteers from the Roanoke Area AARP Leadership Team and the Southwest Roanoke AARP Chapter #4652 worked the event providing information on various programs offered by AARP and information about local chapter membership opportunities.