THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, January 25, 1995 TAG: 9501240065
SECTION: ISLE OF WIGHT CITIZEN PAGE: 03 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Close-Up
SOURCE: Jody R. Snider
DATELINE: SMITHFIELD LENGTH: Medium: 81 lines
DEMERE BATES, A DOCENT for the Isle of Wight Tourism Bureau, still laughs when she recalls the man who had bicycled 3,000 miles before stopping at the visitors center to ask where he could buy a bicycle tire.
``He knew that tire was ready to go, and I had to think - where could I send this man to get a new tire? I told him to go to True Value or Ben Franklin.''
Not exactly the typical Isle of Wight tourist.
But when you're a docent at a tourism bureau, Bates says, you never know who will walk in or what they'll want.
Most tourists coming into the bureau's visitor center are looking for a taste of Virginia - in Isle of Wight County. They want to know all about its historical aspects, Bates says.
She began volunteering as a docent - one of about 18 at the bureau - shortly after she moved to Smithfield about a year ago. A friend, who also volunteered at the tourism bureau, convinced her that volunteering as a docent would be a good way to meet people.
``She knew I wanted to meet people and learn more about the town,'' Bates says.
Today, Bates offers a slide show to first-time county visitors, and she hands out brochures on local attractions like Historic St. Luke's Church and on other area points of interest.
``Sometimes, people who are visiting Williamsburg come over on the ferry to spend the day. When they get here, they want to know how this area relates historically to Williamsburg or Jamestown,'' Bates says. ``They also want to know where they can eat and shop.''
The bureau staff asks visitors for their home ZIP codes and records where they've come from, Bates says - and they come from everywhere.
Name: Demere Bates
What brought you to Isle of Wight? A relocation with my husband's job.
Hometown: Jacksonville, Fla.
Birthdate: Aug. 25, 1946
Occupation: Housewife and volunteer.
Marital status: Married to John.
Children: Juli, 26; John 25; and Katherine, 20; also, two grandchildren.
Favorite movies: ``Forrest Gump'' and ``River Wild.''
Favorite magazine: Southern Living
A book you wish everyone would read: The Bible. We'd have an easier time with life's trials.
Favorite night out on the town: Movie and dinner.
Favorite bar or restaurant: The Mexican ``Hole in the Wall' we left in San Diego.
Favorite food and drink: Sunday brunch at Fort Monroe and hamburgers, salads, prime rib and desserts.
Few people know . . . that I love to run.
What's the best thing about yourself? I like to take part in many activities, and I'm dependable.
Worst habit: Too many sweets.
First thing in the morning: Coffee.
Pets: Our dog died last spring, but we're looking for another one.
Hobbies: Gardening, biking, running, sewing and reading.
Ideal vacation: A deserted beach with snorkel fins, mask, raft and my husband.
Pet peeve: People who volunteer and then don't follow through.
First job: Shelling butter beans in my neighborhood at age 10. My father bought most of them.
Worst job: None. Most have been volunteer type, and the rewards have been tremendous.
Of what achievements are you most proud? I have a wonderful family - and after 27 years of marriage, my husband, John, is my best friend. In California, I was fortunate to work with severely physically handicapped teenagers, and that made a tremendous impact on the way I want to face life on a daily basis.
What would you like on your epitaph? ``She loved the Lord, and wanted to be a friend to many.'' ILLUSTRATION: Photo by JODY R. SNIDER
by CNB