THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, September 25, 1994 TAG: 9409230251
SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN PAGE: 03 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: Jody R. Snider
DATELINE: SUFFOLK LENGTH: Medium: 69 lines
It's time to grow at the Suffolk YMCA, says Senior Program Director Jeff Ward. And he ought to know.
He knows all about the 22 different classes being taught at the YMCA. And it's his job to make sure that the classes are being taught in the best way possible.
Ward, 24, said there are about 925 unit memberships, or about 3,000 people who use the current facility in Suffolk. But a recent study showed that if certain expansions were made to the facility, membership could increase by about 700 units, he said.
The type of expansion needed is estimated at $1.5 million, he said.
``The expansion is very much a working possibility, but we need to raise the funding in the community first. We don't want to make any promises until we've raised the money.''
Ward, who holds degrees from Christopher Newport University in governmental administration and police science, says he began working as a lifeguard at the YMCA while he was in high school.
After he graduated from Christopher Newport University, he took a job with the YMCA as acting aquatic director.
He has been at the Suffolk YMCA for three years.
Name: Robert Jeffrey Ward
What brought you to Suffolk? Born and raised here
Hometown: Suffolk
Birthdate: Dec. 20, 1970
Nickname: Jeff
Occupation: Senior program director for the Suffolk YMCA.
Marital status: Married for two years.
Children: None
Favorite movies: ``Clear and Present Danger'' and ``Forrest Gump.''
Favorite magazine: Log Home Living
A book you wish everyone would read, and why: The Bible. The further our society slips away from Christian concepts, the worse it becomes.
Favorite night out on the town: Dinner with my wife, friends and family and then on to the Ole Dominion Opry.
Favorite bar or restaurant: Outback Steakhouse.
Favorite food and drink: A thick, tender steak and Mountain Dew.
Few people know . . . that I love country music.
What's the best thing about yourself? I stick to what I believe in.
Worst habit: I drink too many soft drinks.
First thing in the morning: I walk the dog.
Pets: A Yorkshire terrier.
Hobbies: Gardening, water sports and camping.
Ideal vacation: Any place that's sunny, near the water and quiet.
Pet peeve: Liberal hypocrites and lazy people.
First job: Paper boy for The Ledger-Star.
Worst job: I have not had a ``worst job.'' I have learned something valuable everywhere I have worked.
Of what achievements are you most proud? My marriage, earning an Eagle Scout and graduating college.
What would you like on your epitaph? That's not really something I put a whole lot of thought into. ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by JOHN H. SHEALLY II
KEYWORDS: PROFILE INTERVIEW
by CNB