Special Interest Programs

NOVICE DOG OBEDIENCE   

Eligibility: Dogs 5 1/2 months and older
Location: 415 Cambria St. (building to the left of VA Varsity Storage)
Additional Information: Delete unwanted behaviors – basic dog obedience and instruction on how to train your dog. All Dogs must be de-wormed. Class on the first night will meet for lecture. No dogs the first week, just the owner.                    Minimum: 6          Maximum: 8                                  This is a six week class. 

PUPPY KINDERGARTEN     

Eligibility: Puppies 10 - 17 weeks
Location: 415 Cambria St. (building to the left of VA Varsity Storage)
Additional Information: This class is for puppies 10-17 weeks of age. The class is designed to get the puppy off to the right start. The puppy will learn how to interact with people by sitting to greet, how to bite nicely, etc. The puppy will play with other puppies providing socialization with other puppies. The class lessons cover how to teach sit, down, stand, walk on leash and come. Owners will learn how to teach their puppy in a positive and proactive manner. They will learn how to deal with the typical puppy problems: chewing, barking, mouthing, jumping up, etc. Each week are discussion topics related to raising your puppy. The topics include housebreaking, nutrition grooming, and health care. This is a six week course. The puppy comes to all classes. Classes may meet outside, weather permitting.           Minimum: 6          Maximum: 8             This is a six week class.

INTERMEDIATE DOG OBEDIENCE        

Eligibility: Dogs 6 months and older  Location: 415 Cambria St. (building to the left of VA Varsity Storage)                        Pre-requisite: Dogs must have completed a novice dog obedience class. Improve the manners of your dog. Class will concentrate on walking with a leash; greeting people and other dogs nicely; coming when called; and sit down and stay.   Minimum: 6          Maximum: 9

NOSE WORK       

Eligibility: Dogs any age that have had an introduction to odor for Nose Work or Scent Work class.  Location: 415 Cambria St. (building to the left of VA Varsity Storage) Additional Information: This class builds the skills of the dog and handler to understand how their dog searches and we also build the skills for the dog.   Requirements:  Dogs will work individually. Dogs must be quiet while a dog works.  Minimum: 6          Maximum: 8

STRESS AND MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS    

This year has brought added stress due to the COVID-19 pandemic.   If you or someone you know would like to get additional information or helpful tips on how to handle mental health issues, check out www.psychhub.com/videos PsychHub has a library of short, 5-minute, educational videos to help with various topics that include COVID-19, depression, anxiety, eating disorders and many more

EATING DISORDER PRESENTATION     

 If you or someone you know would like to get additional information or helpful tips on how to handle eating disorders, please view https://www.facebook.com/watch/live/?v=86979499714983&ref=watchpermalink This is a presentation supplied by New River Valley Community Services.

DISSECT & CONNECT      

The “Dissect & Connect” podcast focuses on population health issues impacting your community.  To listen to various topics please click on the link at New River Valley Community Services – podcast-episodes (nrvcs.org) The podcast is a service of Montgomery County Prevention Partners and New River Valley Community Services.

LUNCH BUNCH                   

Additional Information: Join us for our monthly lunch outings to various restaurants in the area. Participants are responsible for paying for their own lunch and providing their own transportation. Must Pre-Register to be included in the lunch count. Minimum: 3 Maximum: 6

MYSTERY SERIES                   

Additional Information: Join us for this new mystery series, each month will be a different program. Pre-register      Minimum: 3 Maximum: 6

HIKES                        

 Eligibility:   Ages 18 and over Additional Information: Join us for some exercise in the beautiful outdoors! We will go to lunch after the hike. Participants are responsible for paying for their lunch.  Minimum: 4    Maximum: 8

WELLNESS BOOK CLUB                         

Eligibility: Ages 18 and over     Location: Christiansburg Recreation Center - Classroom 2                                         Additional Information:  Make healthy steps in your own life by joining the Wellness Book Club! The club is for adults and will meet at the recreation center each month. Book discussions will be led by a library employee on topics of health, fitness, nutrition and wellness.  For more information on the monthly book selection, etc. contact the recreation department at 382-2349.   If available, we might have some copies of the book available for check-out at the recreation center. Also, if you are a member of the Montgomery-Floyd Regional Library you can access audiobooks as well.  Participants must pre-register.                      Minimum: 3            Maximum: 8

BEGINNING KAYAKING                               

Eligibility : Ages 12 and up    Location: Claytor Lake Rock House Marina – 3776 Rock House Road, Pulaski   Minimum: 4 Maximum: 8    Additional Information: This class provides the basic skills and safety techniques needed to paddle a kayak on flat water. The class will cover launching techniques, paddling terminology, basic paddle strokes, kayaking safety and trip planning. This is a fun and informative kayaking class followed by a short kayaking tour along the shores of Claytor Lake. All equipment is provided: single person kayak, paddle and personal floatation device. The class is taught by Mountain 2 Island Paddle Boards, Kayaks and Boat Rentals. Participants provide their own transportation to the marina.

VIRGINIA FIREARMS SAFETY                  

Additional Information: This class offered by Southwest Virginia Firearms Instruction is a Classroom Based Firearms Safety Course designed to meet the requirements set forth in SP-248 Application for a Concealed Handgun Permit. Upon completing the course the attendee will receive a certificate of completion. This class has been approved by the Honorable Robert M.D. Turk, Presiding Judge, Chief Judge for the training requirement portion of the Application. The instructors are both Virginia Division of Criminal Justice Certified General Instructors as well as Certified Firearms Instructors. Combined the instructors have over 35 years Law Enforcement experience and are currently active Law Enforcement Officers in the New River Valley. Must Show valid EMS identification upon registration.  Pre-register  Minimum: 6    Maximum: 16

HARD ROCK BRISTOL CASINO                  

Additional Information: Join us as we travel to the new casino in Bristol, VA. Lunch will be on your own while at the casino. Pre-register  Minimum: 6    Maximum: 16

LOSING MENOPAUSE BLOAT                    

Location: Recreation Center- Classroom 2   Additional Information: Are you dealing with hormonal issues due to pre-menopause or menopause?Join me for a discussion on how to tame those hormones and balance them naturally, through nutrition principles that are easy to incorporate. Decrease the bloat, reduce the hot flashes, live your best life!    Minimum: 3 Maximum: 15

GINA'S RESTAURANT/OLD SALEM BREWERY                 

Additional Information: Join us as we travel to Gina’s Full of Flavor Restaurant and visit Salem’s downtown brewery. Participants are responsible for their lunch and purchases at the Brewery.   Minimum: 4 Maximum: 8

VIRGINIA SAFARI PARK                  

Location: Natural Bridge, VA   Additional Information: Enjoy a 60 – minute guided safari wagon tour through the 180-acre park and see hundreds of animals. Lunch will be on your own at a local restaurant. Pre-register.         Minimum: 6 Maximum: 8

AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE                    

Additional Information: During the American Sign Language Class, you will learn about deaf and hard of hearing community and learn how to communicate using ASL. Each week we will have a topic and will learn signs related to that topic. There will be handouts and pictures of the signs to take home & practice. In the class, you will learn ASL alphabet, numbers, common everyday words, phrases & much more.   Pre-register.   Minimum: 4    Maximum: 8

BREAST CANCER AWARENESS DAY                     

Additional Information: Stop by our Breast Cancer Awareness table and pick up information on the importance of early detection, self-exam. Register for our door prizes also.   

AYERS APPLE ORCHARD AND VA/NC PRODUCE                   

Additional Information: First we will stop at Ayers Apple Orchard for some apples followed by a trip to the VA/NC Produce in Cana, VA. Lunch will be on your own at a local restaurant.  Pre-register.   Minimum: 6 Maximum: 18

SHRED-A-THON                      

 Location: Christiansburg Recreation Center parking lot            Additional Information: Help prevent identity theft and shred unwanted documents.  Protect your important information and clean         out the clutter. For more information, contact Tammy Caldwell, 540-382-2349 ext. 2003 or email: tcaldwell@christiansburg.org.  This is a drive- through event; no walk-ups will be allowed. Papers to be shredded are preferred to be in plastic storage bin or box, no bigger than 22.5x18x11.5. Limit 3 per car.  Please make sure you only have documents to be shredded. Items that can’t be shredded include: Metal, including 3 ring binders, composition notebooks, hanging file folders, paint brushes, padlocks, hardback books, keys, eyeglasses, bungee cords, etc.

SILENCE ISN'T GOLDEN                      

Location: Christiansburg Recreation Center – Senior Activities Room    Additional Info: This program, developed by the Southwest Virginia Elder Justice Task Force, will focus on elder abuse public education and elder abuse prevention. This session will highlight various types of elder abuse, awareness of the indicators of elder abuse, and utilization of community resources and supports to identify, prevent, and intervene when situations of elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation occur.  Lunch provided.     Minimum: 5           Maximum: 12

VIN ETCHING                       

Co-Sponsored By:  Christiansburg Recreation Dept., Christiansburg Police Dept., Christiansburg Fire Dept. and Virginia State Police        Location:  Christiansburg Fire Dept.    Additional Information: All vehicles carry a federally-assigned number known as Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). Making sure those numbers are marked permanently on a vehicle’s windows steers thieves away. The windows of stolen VIN etched vehicles must be stripped and replaced before a thief can get rid of the car, a costly and time - consuming process.  VIN etching is simple, fast, safe and won’t mar the look of the vehicle. Numbers are etched into the glass with a chemical solution and those numbers will be there for good. 

REDS VARIETY BIN STORE                     

Additional Information: Travel with us to Tazewell in search for some bargains. Lunch will be on your own at a local restaurant.   Pre-register.   Minimum: 6 Maximum: 16

HOW TO NOT GAIN THE HOLIDAY 10                      

Location: Recreation Center – Classroom 2   Additional Info: You may have seen the statistics that the average American gains 8-10 pounds through the holidays between Halloween and New Years. Join Angel in a discussion about how to avoid the weight gain while enjoying your holiday season.   Minimum: 3         Maximum: 15

ROSIE'S GAMING EMPORIUM                      

Additional Information: Join us as we visit the non-stop gaming facility in Vinton. Lunch will be on your own while we are at Rosie's.   Pre-register.   Minimum: 6 Maximum: 16

MEAL PLANNING MADE EASY                       

Location: Christiansburg Recreation Center – Classroom 2        Additional Info: Meal prep and planning can be overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be! Join me in a discussion about how to make meal planning easy and quick.  Meals don’t have to be hard work or expensive.   Minimum: 3         Maximum: 15

SOUTHERN CHRISTMAS SHOW                      

Additional Information: Oh What Fun It Is! Join us for a day of Christmas shopping at the many booths to find just that right Christmas present or something special for yourself. Prices include transportation and admission to the show. Lunch will be on your own a the show.   Pre-register.   Minimum: 6    Maximum: 8

CHILD FINGERPRINTING                        

Co-Sponsored By: Christiansburg Recreation Department and Christiansburg Police Department   Location: Christiansburg Recreation Center Lobby   Additional Information:  Come by the Recreation Department and have your child fingerprinted for your files in case of an emergency.  

CAREGIVERS GUIDE TO WANDERING                       

Location: Christiansburg Recreation Center – Senior Lounge   Additional Info: This event will help caregivers identify aspects of behavioral considerations for persons living with dementia, considerations when wandering/exit-seeking is of concern. and measures that caregivers can implement prior to or when a wandering event occurs.  A light supper will be provided.  Pre - register.

TRADER JOE'S                       

Additional Information: We will travel to Trader Joe's where they have great produce,  a lot of healthy optoins and exceptional everyday prices. At Trader Joe's you won't find a lot of brand name items; instead you will discover unconventional and interstin products. Lunch will be on your own at a local restaurant.   Pre-register.   Minimum: 6    Maximum: 8

HANES MALL SHOPPING TRIP                        

Additional Information: Join us as we travel to Winston Salem to shop at Hanes Mall. Lunch will be on your own at the mall.   Pre-register.   Minimum: 4    Maximum: 8

HOLIDAY APPETIZERS                         

Additional Information: With the holidays just around the corner, and not enough time in the day, join us for some easy last minute appetizers you can whip together for all those holiday gatherings. Participants will sample appetizers made during the program as well as recipes to take home. Fee includes ingredients for eppetizers.    Pre-register.   Minimum: 4    Maximum: 6

HOLIDAY HIGH TEA                         

Additional Information: Get in the festive spirit at the Palisades Restaurant annual "Holiday High Tea." Enjoy tasty pastries, scones, cookies and finger sandwiches while sipping on deliciious tea. Price includes transportation, food, tea, taes and gratuity.    Pre-register.   Minimum: 8    Maximum: 16

A LIVE WELL LIVED: PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE                          

Additional Information: This session will highlight critical factors/issues for seniors to consider when planning for their future needs. This session will include an overview of the available long-term services and support critical to advance planning for the financial, legal and personal care needs as we age. A light supper provided.     Pre-register.   

WOHLFAHRT HAUS CHRISTMAS                          

Additional Information: The holidays are here again at Wohlfahrtt Haus! Filled with song and dance, our Christmas Spectacular is a showstopping celebration of Christmas that is sure to have the whole family in awe! Sing along with both mainstream and traditional Christmas music that is certain to get you into the spirit! Each performance ends with the reason for the season, a Nativity that honors our Lord. Ring in the holiday and celebrate with us!   Pre-register.   Minimum: 6    Maximum: 16

MYSTERY TRIP                         

Additional Information: Lunch on your own at a local restaurant.   Pre-register.   Minimum: 8    Maximum: 16

ADULT CPR/AED CERTIFICATION COURSE                          

Eligibility: Ages 18 and up Location: Christiansburg Recreation Center – Classroom 1 Additional Information: The American Red Cross CPR/AED programs help participants recognize and respond appropriately to cardiac and breathing emergencies. The courses in this program teach the knowledge and skills needed to give immediate care to an injured or ill ADULT while advanced medical care is on the way. This class will teach Adult CPR/AED skills and offer proficiency on manikins to earn an ARC certification valid for 2 years. Each participant will have his/her own manikin and disposable face shield while following safe distancing and disinfecting procedures. Minimum: 4 Maximum: 6

PEDIATRIC CPR/AED CERTIFICATION COURSE                          

Eligibility: Ages 18 and up  Location: Christiansburg Recreation Center – Classroom 1    Additional Information: The American Red Cross CPR/AED programs help participants recognize and respond appropriately to cardiac and breathing emergencies. The courses in this program teach the knowledge and skills needed to give immediate care to an injured or ill CHILDREN and INFANTS while advanced medical care is on the way. This class will teach Pediatric CPR/AED skills and offer proficiency on manikins to earn an ARC certification valid for 2 years. Each participant will have his/her own manikin and disposable face shield while following safe distancing and disinfecting procedures.   Minimum: 4 Maximum: 6

BOOK SWAP                            

Location: Recreation Center – Classroom 1     Additional Information: Drop off a maximum of 10 books between the hours of 8 – 5 p.m. at least two days before the scheduled Book Swap. From 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. on the day the swap is held, you will be allowed to select different books to take home to enjoy.

FIRST AID CERTIFICATION COURSE                          

Eligibility: Ages 18 and up Location: Christiansburg Recreation Center – Classroom 1    Additional Information: First Aid training can help save lives before advanced medical care can arrive by employing simple techniques to comfort and reduce conditions that could become life threatening. No CPR will be taught in this course, but demonstration of skills will result in an American Red Cross certification valid for 2 years. Each participant will have his/her own supplies to practice on an inanimate object such as a pool noodle or manikin. Safe distancing and disinfecting procedures will be followed.   Minimum: 4 Maximum: 6

MAXIMIZE YOUR WORKOUT EFFORT                          

Additional Information: We've all heard it, add more cardio or workout longer to reach your goals. Is that the best option? Join Angel in a discussion to learn more about ways to maximize your efforts, use your workout time wisely and see better results.   Pre-register.   Minimum: 3    Maximum: 15