Fine Wines Fall Fun By Hansford Leake and Donna Repa
Fine Wines is a critical component of St. John’s Christian community that seeks to fill a void in the life of the parish for older adult parishioners. Don’t consider yourself a “Fine Wine”? Well, think again! The Fine Wines invites all 50 and above parishioners and “Empty-Nesters” to join our group! We strive to welcome, facilitate fellowship, have fun, and promote a sense of belonging to the Church community. As Fine Wines member Bill Cleveland put it, “The Fine Wines mission is to keep the senior members of St. John’s engaged in the life of the church through social worship and service activities.” Fine Wines has organized trips to Monticello, Greenbrier, James Madison’s residence, Barter Theater, Floyd, and other destinations. Our signature event has been a popular annual party in the fall featuring hand-prepared food, a live band, and even fine wines! Other activities have included a service objective through support of periodic blood drives, Habitat for Humanity, and the St. John’s youth group.
For members interested in shared active experiences and relaxed, casual social gatherings Fine Wines meets for hiking, biking, and bowling as well as casual monthly meet-ups at local breweries and eateries. For the many “younger” Fine Wines that are still in the workforce, these Friday night meet-ups are a great way to end the week and kick off the weekend.
Fine Wines is planning for an energetic, enthusiastic restart of all activities in 2022 – 2023. You are invited to join us and have some fun and fellowship!
October Events Fine Wines Brewery Chillax Friday, October 7, 5 p.m. until ? at Parkway Brewery in Salem. Music on the Corner, followed by dinner Friday, October 7 with music event at 6 p.m. in church sanctuary; gather in narthex following event with plan to dine at Athens Restaurant. Service Project, Blood Mobile Wednesday, October 12, in Parish Hall, 12 noon until 6 p.m. Volunteers needed for staffing and food donations. Fine Wines Hike Saturday, October 22, Catawba Greenway 10 a.m. RSVP by October 19
November Events Music on the Corner, followed by dinner Friday, November 4 with music event at 6 p.m. in church sanctuary; gather in Narthex following event to dine with group at local restaurant. Old Movie Night Friday, November 11, 5:30 p.m., Parish Hall – Best in Show, with drinks, popcorn, treats. Fee is $10. No reservations needed. Fine Wines Cycling Event November 12, 10:30 a.m., Roanoke Greenway at Wasena Fine Wines Brewery Chillax Friday, November 18, 5 p.m. until ? at Fork in the Alley in SW Roanoke.
December Events Illuminights Tour - Explore Park’s Winter Walk of Lights, followed by dinner at Montano’s Thursday, December 1. Meet in the St John’s lower parking lot (Jefferson Street) at 5 p.m. to carpool to event and dinner. Service Project, Blood Mobile Wednesday, December 7 in Parish Hall, 12 noon until 6 p.m. Volunteers needed for staffing and food donations. For more information and to RSVP, please contact Donna Repa at 540-798-4768 or e-mail at g_repa@yahoo.com. Altar Flower