THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, November 2, 1994 TAG: 9411010073
SECTION: ISLE OF WIGHT CITIZEN PAGE: 03 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: Jody R. Snider
DATELINE: SMITHFIELD LENGTH: Medium: 75 lines
From 9 a.m. to noon each day, Judy Saunders has her arms full with eight preschoolers at Smithfield Baptist Church.
It's a job Saunders says she wouldn't trade for the world, however.
In fact, Saunders worked six years at Newport News Shipbuilding before she decided to stay home with her son, Lee.
Then, she said, she began keeping other children. And finally two years ago, she took the teaching job at Smithfield Baptist.
Besides teaching preschool, Saunders also has taken on a new role as president of the Smithfield Junior Woman's Club.
She said she got involved with the club in 1988 - seven years after she and her husband moved to Smithfield.
``I moved to Smithfield in 1981, but I never met anyone because I worked at the shipyard. I knew I wanted to do something more with my life, and I thought this would be a good way to meet people,'' she said.
Saunders, 34, said when she joined the club there were only about eight members. Today, there are about 25.
``It's a big responsibility to provide that leadership,'' she said. ``But when you look at the state, we're only a small portion of the overall picture.''
Saunders said the one reason the club works so well is because the women work well together.
``It's a nice, close-knit group to work with.''
Name: Judith Marie Saunders.
What brought you to Isle of Wight? My husband Phil.
Hometown: Virginia Beach.
Birthdate: Feb. 11, 1960.
Nickname: Judy.
Occupation: Preschool teacher for 3-year-olds at Smithfield Baptist Church.
Marital Status: Married for 13 years.
Children: One son, Lee, and two daughters, Elizabeth and Katherine.
Favorite movies: ``Forrest Gump'' and ``It's a Wonderful Life.''
Favorite magazines: Redbook and Better Homes and Gardens.
A book you wish everyone would read. Why? ``Bringing Up Kids Without Tearing Them Down'' by Kevin Leman. It's an excellent guide for raising children.
Favorite night out on the town: Dinner and a good movie with my husband.
Favorite bar or restaurant: Owens Restaurant in Nags Head, N.C.
Favorite food and drink: Anything spicy and a Dr Pepper.
Few people know . . . that I am president of the Smithfield Junior Woman's Club and that I am a Brownie Scout leader.
What's the best thing about yourself? I am upfront and straightforward with people.
Worst habit: I can't say no when I am asked to volunteer.
First thing in the morning: Get my three children ready for school.
Pets: Two dogs, Brandy and Sue and a cat named Sunshine.
Hobbies: Cross-stitching.
Ideal vacation: Quality time with my family for two weeks at the beach at Nags Head.
Pet peeve: When people say they will do something, and then they don't do it.
First job: McDonald's when I was 16.
Worst job: None. They have all been a learning experience.
Of what achievements are you most proud? My husband and three kids.
What would you like on your epitaph? She loved life and especially her family. ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by JOHN H. SHEALLY II
KEYWORDS: PROFILE INTERVIEW
by CNB