THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, June 22, 1994 TAG: 9406210140
SECTION: VIRGINIA BEACH BEACON PAGE: 03 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: Medium
DATELINE: 940622 LENGTH:
In fact, it's classic April O'Brien.
{REST} O'Brien, also known as the ``Oceanfront Information Lady,'' can tell you all the who, what, when and wheres for the resort area all summer.
As promotion director for Ocean Occasions, life is one fun-filled (and often hectic) entertainment blitz for the Norfolk native, who says she does everything at work from planning events to watering the office plants.
And, unless you've got some time to kill, don't ever ask, ``Hey April, what's going on at the Beach?''
Full name: April Carter O'Brien.
Hometown: Norfolk. (Unusual as a non-military Norfolk native.)
What brought you to the Beach? Work, officially, but the Beach has been part of my entire life with family, friends and the ocean, not just the job.
Birthdate: The sixth day of the fourth month in '59 - April of course.
Occupation: Title: promotion director, Ocean Occasions. What do I do? Advertising department, graphic art department, copywriting, media consulting, public relations . . . all the fun stuff, including watering office plants.
Nickname: Isn't April enough - especially in June.
Marital status: Very happily to Paul.
Children: Paul and I . . . maybe when we grow up.
What is your idea of a perfect day off? Easy morning over coffee, outside for the day with garden, sailing, friends, cookout in the new backyard with good wine and good friends.
Last smart thing you did: Married Paul instead of moving away.
Last dumb thing you did: Never mind. By the time this is published, I will have done multitudes of other dumb things.
Favorite meal: Anyone who knows me will understand I can't just name one - steamed mussels, lobster, sushi, fresh and light pasta dishes, just about anything on the grill.
Favorite movies: ``Casablanca,'' because of Bogart, ``Fiddler on the Roof,'' because of the music, ``The Terminator,'' because it's a great B movie, and just about anything at the Commodore Theater, because of the atmosphere.
Favorite song: ``It Was a Very Good Year,'' sung by Frank Sinatra.
Last book read: ``How to Build a Deck'' and other home improvement stuff.
Hobbies: Sailing, cooking, new house and yard projects.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? Be less practical.
If you could change one thing about your spouse, what would it be? Get rid of his New York driving habits.
Secret vice: Old black and white movies and re-reading books.
Your favorite night on the town: Semi dress-up, meet friends for a drink, out to dinner - or stay casual and have cocktails on the boat with hors d'oeuvres.
Favorite sport: Anything other than a Buffalo Bills Super Bowl. Paul is from Buffalo and three losses are too much to deal with.
Favorite restaurant: Tokyo Inn, Lucky Star, Kelly's - it depends on the mood.
Favorite TV shows: ``Sunday Morning'' on CBS, original ``Star Trek'' (Yes, I know them by heart), ``Connections.''
Last vacation: Skiing in Winter Park, Colo.
Pets: Brandy the dog, Spot the cat.
Worst job: Laying down vinyl flooring for my dad in a ``I can do anything'' high school summer job.
Of what achievements are you most proud? Making a difference in fun in Hampton Roads after years of working on the Seawall Festival, Harborfest, Pirate's Jamboree and other events plus at Ocean Occasions in Virginia Beach. Hampton Roads is great.
What would you like on your epitaph? Smile! She had a great life!
by CNB