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)

Additional Information: 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

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: 6             Maximum: 20

LEWIS GALE-MONTGOMERY COUNTY HEALTH SERIES                            

Location: Christiansburg Recreation Center – Senior Activities Room  Additional Info: FREE; Pre-register.   Minimum: 5 Maximum: 12

ROSIE'S GAMING EMPORIUM                          

Location: Vinton   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.  Minimum: 6            Maximum: 16

EASY GO TO MEAL IDEAS                              

Location: Recreation Center- Classroom 2  Additional Information: Join Angel Chadwell, Certified Nutrition Coach, in this informative seminar. While it’s easy to order take out or go out to eat to “save time”, it really isn’t a time saver in the long run. Learn to simplify and prepare meals that are quick, healthy and nutritious for your whole family.     Minimum: 3 Maximum: 12

SIGNS THAT IT'S TIME FOR SENIOR LIVING                               

Location: Christiansburg Recreation Center – Senior Activities Room  Additional Info: Come learn the signs that your loved one may need senior living support and the steps you should take now as a concerned family member or friend. Co-sponsored between Christiansburg Parks and Recreation and Commonwealth Senior Living – Christiansburg Campus. Pre-register with Christiansburg Recreation: 540-382-2349. Lunch provided.  Minimum: 5 Maximum: 10

GRILLING 101/BLACKSTONE GRILL                               

Location: Recreation Center Patio Additional Information: It seems like everyone has a Flat Top Grill these days. Join us for this informative class about Flat Top Grills, grilling safety tips, and enjoy food samples cooked on the grill. Pre-register. Minimum: 5 Maximum: 10

FAST CRAFT SERIES                                

Location: Christiansburg Recreation Center – Senior Activities Room   Additional Info: Don’t have a lot of time to do crafts? Then this is the program for you. We will make a craft in 60 minutes.  Co-sponsored between Christiansburg Parks and Recreation and Montgomery County Parks and Recreation. Pre-register Christiansburg Parks and Recreation: 540-382-2349.  Minimum: 5 Maximum: 8

LAYNE'S COUNTRY STORE                             

Location: Glasgow, VA     Additional Information: Shop for your favorite Amish Jams, Jellies, Butters & Preserves, Country Ham, Hoop Cheese  and more. Lunch will be on your own at a local restaurant. Pre-register.  Minimum: 6 Maximum: 8

SOCIAL MEDIA/TECHNOLOGY SAFETY                              

Location: Christiansburg Recreation Center – Multi-Purpose Room 2   Additional Information: This course is designed for parents/guardians who wish to know more about current trends and how they may stop the flow of certain information across their home networks. Topics will include: Social Media Safety (impact of Social Media on behavior from a Law Enforcement perspective). Current Social Media trends, Over view of Technology Safety, Network Security (tips on how to secure your network to limit online/content access for children), and a question and answer session.   Minimum: 10 Maximum: 25

BOW MAKING CLASS                               

Location: Christiansburg Recreation Center – Senior Activities Room   Additional Info: Learn how to make bows for packages, wreaths, or your front door.   Instructor: Erlene Barber, Gates Flowers and Gift Shop  Minimum: 5 Maximum: 8

INTRO TO STAND UP PADDLE BOARDING                               

Eligibility : Ages 12 and up   Location: Claytor Lake Rock House Marina – 3776 Rock House Road, Pulaski  Minimum: 4 Maximum: 12  Additional Information: Join us on Claytor Lake for our Intro to Stand Up Paddle Boarding (SUP) class. This one hour class will provide instruction on the basics of paddle stroke, balancing and positioning on the board, turning and board movement. This class will consist of both dry land and on water instruction. Once you have mastered the basic skills, your instructor will take the group on a short paddle board tour on Claytor Lake. This class is the perfect way to get started paddling the right way and experience the fastest growing watersport. The class will be fun and informative while you improve your balance skills and workout your core muscles. The class fee includes instruction and all rental equipment needed for the class. The class is taught by Mountain 2 Island Paddleboards, Kayaks and Boat rentals. Participants provide their own transportation to the marina.

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.

STARTING THE CONVERSATION: SENIOR LIVING                               

Location: Christiansburg Recreation Center – Senior Activities Room  Additional Info: The best time to start talking about senior living with your loved one is today. Come learn strategies for navigating this challenging conversation, whether you are years away or hours away from needing senior living support. Co-sponsored between Christiansburg Parks and Recreation and Commonwealth Senior Living – Christiansburg Campus. Pre-register with Christiansburg Recreation: 540-382-2349. Lunch provided. Minimum: 5 Maximum: 10

SOCIAL MEDIA SERIES                       

Additional Information: Social Media has become a huge part of interacting and sharing with others. It helps keep long distance friends and family members connected. This series will explore the many mediums that help us express our lives to the online world. Instructors: Amy Southall, Public Relations Specialist   Location: Christiansburg Recreation Center – Senior Activities Room

TWITTER & REDDIT                            

Location: Christiansburg Recreation Center – Senior Activities Room Additional Information: In this class, we’ll be discussing blog-style social media platforms like Twitter and Reddit. Want to share your thoughts with the world or live-tweet commentary of events? Then Twitter is the social media plat form for you! Or are you interested in sharing a common hobby with other people around the world? Reddit allows you to communicate on a thread about topics like movies, books, games and more! Participants must pre-register.  Minimum: 3 Maximum: 6

PINTEREST WITH FOOD & CRAFTS                             

Location: Christiansburg Recreation Center – Senior Activities Room  Additional Information: Always wanted to get into cooking or crafting, but you weren’t sure where to start? Well, Pinterest is the place for you! This platform allows you to search picture content that takes you to recipes or how-to tutorials. You pin posts that are of interest to you or your board so you can remake that delicious recipe and recommend that fun craft to others. Participants must pre-register. Minimum: 3 Maximum: 6

STREAMING SERVICES                              

Location: Christiansburg Recreation Center – Senior Activities Room   Additional Information: This class is less about social media but still relevant because social media users are always discussing the original content produced by the many streaming services that are available to consumers today. Learn about the differences between Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, HBO, Amazon prime, Sling and more! Participants must pre-register.  Minimum: 4 Maximum: 12

CELL PHONES 101                               

Location: Christiansburg Recreation Center – Senior Activities Room   Additional Information: In this final class of the series, we’ll discuss how social media can be used on your smart phone and take a look at the other features of your phone that you may not be utilizing. For example, ever wondered what the iCloud is and how to use it? Look no further, we will discuss the basics and answer any lingering questions you may have about your devices. Participants must pre-register. Minimum: 4 Maximum: 12

PREPARING YOUR HOUSE TO SELL                    

Location: Recreation Center – Classroom 1   Additional Information: Learn things to do before putting your house on the market and how to increase your home selling value. Must Pre-register.   Minimum: 2 Maximum: 6

MEAL PREP & PLANNING                     

Location: Recreation Center- Classroom 2/Kitchen  Additional Information: Join Angel Chadwell, Certified Nutrition Coach, in this informative seminar. Meal Prep and Meal Planning can be overwhelming. Learn strategies to help simplify your life so that you can enjoy more free time and still meet all your nutritional goals. Also, enjoy sampling some food that is cheap and easy to fix. Minimum: 3 Maximum: 12

BLUEBERRY PICKING                              

Location: Newport, VA Additional Information: We travel to Bee Berry Farm to pick blueberries. Bring a container to put your blueberries in to take home. Lunch will be on your own at a local restaurant. Pre-register. Minimum: 6 Maximum: 8

SANTA'S WORKSHOP                   

Location: Christiansburg Recreation Center – Senior Activities Room  Additional Info: Christmas is months away but will be here before you know it. Join us for Santa’s Workshop where we will make Christmas crafts, holiday appetizers, creative ways to wrap packages and decorate your home with easy holiday decorations. Pre-register. Minimum: 6 Maximum: 8

VISION BOARDS                   

Location: Christiansburg Recreation Center – Senior Activities Room  Additional Info: Learn how to make a vison board to keep track of your goals, post positive quotes, etc. Minimum: 5 Maximum: 8

INTERMITTENT FASTING                    

Location: Recreation Center- Classroom 2   Additional Information: Join Angel Chadwell, Certified Nutrition Coach, in this informative seminar. Learn what “ Intermittent Fasting” is and how it is used as a tool and not a diet.   Minimum: 3 Maximum: 12

HUNTER SAFETY COURSE                     

Register online at: www.dgif.virginia.gov/hunting/education/hunter-education-course/ Location: Recreation Center – Multi-Purpose Room 1 Maximum: 50 Additional Information: Virginia has implemented a new, shorter hunter education course. Instead of 10 hours or more, the new course will be 6-8 hours. Students will be required to complete several hours of self-study prior to the class. Some material on the final test will be covered in the self-study material, but not during actual class time. Students must complete the self-study to prepare themselves for the final test. Study manuals will be available for pick-up at the Recreation Dept. Participants must be pre-registered, NO walk-in registrations at the class.

PLOUGHCROFT TEA ROOM                

Location: Lynchburg, VA   Additional Information: Enjoy an Afternoon Tea that consists of freshly baked scone with Devon cream, preserves & fruit garnish. A delightful array of English Sweet Treats, Dainty open-faced sandwiches and served with an endless pot of tea. Pre-register.   Minimum: 6 Maximum: 8

PET INSURANCE "HELPING YOUR BEST FRIEND WITH THE UNEXPECTED"               

Location: Recreation Center Classroom 2   Additional Information: Join Joe Cromer from State Farm, as he provides information on Trupanion Pet Insurance for your furry loved ones. Medical insurance for your pet works as easy or even easier than your personal health insurance. Get the information on how to deal with unexpected illnesses, injuries, as well as breed specific conditions of your pet. Learn what options you may have for your pet when it comes to deciding on pet insurance. Get information on what would be covered in this policy and what would not. During this class you will be able to ask questions to help determine the best options for your pet.   Minimum: 5 Maximum: 12

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

VIRGINIA FIREARMS SAFETY TRAINING                            

Eligibility: Ages 18 and over   Location: Christiansburg Recreation Center - Multi-Purpose Room 2                            Minimum: 8 Maximum: 25   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 the SP-248 application for a Concealed Carry Permit. Upon completing the course, the attendee will receive a certificate of completion and can then go apply for a permit at the courthouse. 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 instructor is both Virginia Division of Criminal Justice Certified General Instructor, as well as a Certified Firearms Instructor. The instructor is a current law enforcement officer. Must show valid EMS Identification upon registration to receive EMS discount.

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