June Second Wind Calendar of Events

The Valley Program For Aging Services calendar for June has been released, and it includes plenty of opportunities for fun, learning, shopping and healthy activities.

There are a number of classes intended to help with navigating new technologies. A volunteer led class for computer and technology assistance will be held at the Highland County Public Library from 10:00 to 12:00 on May 31^st and June 14^th and 28^th. Similar classes sponsored by Highland Telephone Cooperative will be held at HTC’s office from 1:00 to 3:00 on June 6^th and 20^th. These classes cover computer, cell phones, Google, Facebook, social media and more. For a closer look at Facebook specifically, classes on it will be taught at the library on June 8^th and 22^nd. And for education about the other end of the spectrum, make plans to attend the Wilderness Survival class, taught by Senior Virginia State Police Trooper Todd Brendel from 3:00 – 5:00 at the library on June 23^rd, and learn how to prevent getting lost in the woods and how to survive if you do.

Shopping trips for the month feature a June 7^th trip to Franklin WV for lunch at the bowling alley and grocery shopping, and a June 21^st trip to Staunton with lunch and shopping destinations to be determined. Both trips have a transportation cost of $5.00, and leave the library at 10:00 am- reservations are required.

Keep in shape to carry all your purchases with exercise classes held every Wednesday at the library, at 3:00.

Two filed trips are planned for education and entertainment. Back by popular demand, on June 16^th, is a trip to the American Mountain Theatre in Elkins, WV, for a two hour show featuring gospel, classic country, pop and comic impersonations. There is a fee for transportation and tickets to the show. Then on June 23^rd, take a tour of Highland starting at the Highland County Historical Museum in McDowell. Volunteers will answer questions about the history of the county, followed by a walking tour of historic McDowell and lunch at the Presbyterian Church. A trip down the Bull Pasture River to the Gorge and swinging bridge will finish the day. There is a fee for transportation.

With the arrival of summer comes the opening of the Highland Farmers’ Market, where a new program is available, Farm Fresh For Seniors. Older adults with limited income will be eligible to receive $40 in coupons to purchase fresh, locally grown fruits, vegetables, and cut herbs at the Highland Market. To qualify for the program, individuals must be 60 years of age or older, live in Highland County, have a monthly income of no more than $1,485 (single) or $2,003 (couple) and be present to pick up the coupons. Only one coupon book per eligible senior or two coupon books per eligible couple per Market Season will be permitted. Coupons are available on a limited, first come, first served basis. The program starts July 1 and ends November 1, 2016 and is jointly sponsored by VPAS, VA Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services, and the VA Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS).

To apply , or for more information on the program, or any of these events, contact Highland Senior Services Coordinator Harmony Leonard at 540-468-2178 or email harmony@vpas.info.