Photo by Kim Collogan

BY KIM COLLOGAN, LOA BOTETOURT CASE MANAGER

One of the keys to aging well is staying active, and staying active involves the physical, cognitive and social aspects of our lives. That’s why the LOA Area Agency on Aging has several “Life Enhancing Activities” they sponsor in our communities, with Diner’s Clubs being one of these activities.

Diners Clubs have been meeting throughout the 5th planning district almost since LOA’s inception 40 years ago. Botetourt County has two vibrant Diners clubs supervised by Melissa Lucas, a Botetourt County resident. Melissa has been working with the Fincastle and Buchanan Diner’s clubs for just over a year now. She’s brought lots of enthusiasm, creative ideas, programs and genuine love and concern for all her participants. Melissa coordinates the two Diner’s Clubs in Botetourt County as well as the Meals-on Wheels that are delivered in the Buchanan and Fincastle areas.

Photo by Kim Collogan

Michele Daley, LOA’s Director of Nutrition Programs, and other area Diner’s Clubs recently visited the Buchanan club as they were honoring Melissa’s one year anniversary and said, “It’s obvious the ladies really love Melissa and Melissa really cares about every one of them!”

The Buchanan Diner’s Club meets on Tuesday and Thursday at the Buchanan Baptist Church in Buchanan from 9 to noon. The Fincastle club meets Wednesday and Friday, and meets at the Community Center in Fincastle above the old fire station from 9- noon.

Mornings are filled with lots of chatting, sharing, an educational or fun program, and a nutritious noon meal. About once a month the clubs have an “eat out” or “eat-in” day when they enjoy eating at local restaurants or having food brought to the diner’s club site from various restaurants. The fellowship, activities and food help to enhance” the lives of every participant and helps them feel a part of something very special.

Most of the participants are women ages 60 or older, but men are more than welcomed to join either club also. Most club members attend twice a week, but a few choose to come only one time weekly. Melissa says, “We love having new participants join us and our ladies are great at making each newcomer feel right at home!”

If you or someone you know would be interested in joining an LOA Diners Club please call one of the following numbers: Melissa Lucas at 540-354-2702, Kim Collogan at 540-966-1094, or the Roanoke LOA office at 540-345-0451. Or visit our website at www.loaa.org.

– Submitted by Aimee Lawson