THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, December 11, 1994 TAG: 9412090272
SECTION: CHESAPEAKE CLIPPER PAGE: 10 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Close-Up
SOURCE: Janelle La Bouve
LENGTH: Medium: 71 lines
One of the first things Nancy Petersen and her husband did when they moved to Chesapeake seven years ago was to seek out the nearest chapter of the Jaycees and apply for membership.
``It's a good way to meet people and to get involved in the community,'' she explained.
Now she's an officer in the Great Bridge Jaycees. She is the ongoing chairman of the club's annual ``September Fall Fest'' and participates in projects that provide a Christmas party and gifts for needy children.
She also serves on the Jaycees committee that sponsors Chesapeake's annual Christmas parade. Her most recent project came during her second year as chairperson of that committee.
``It has definitely proven to be a growth experience,'' she said. ``I think I have learned that it is hard to make everyone happy. That includes participants, volunteers and spectators. You have to find a balance.
``Some complain that the parade is too long,'' she said. ``So we shortened the parade this year, and there were folks who were upset that their group didn't get in. Everyone who met the deadline got in.
``I really enjoy the lineup. At the beginning, everything about the lineup is complete chaos, but then about 10 minutes before 7 p.m., everything suddenly goes into place and we're ready. It happens every year. I'll feel like everything is chaos for the first hour-and-a-half, then it comes together.
``I feel good about it because I organized it,'' she said. ``I have fond memories of Christmas. I have always loved the season. So I'm always happy to see everybody come out and smiling.''
Now that this year's parade is over, she can't wait for Christmas and the chance to get back to Salem to visit with family.
Full name: Nancy Petersen
Birthdate: Oct. 31, 1959
Grew up: Salem, Va.
Childhood memories: ``Being in the Salem Christmas parade. When I was a Girl Scout, I dressed up as angel. School was something I really enjoyed. I remember the really good fourth-grade teacher that I had.''
Spouse: Roger A.
Children: Amy, 6, and Mark, 3
Occupation: Former teacher, now homemaker
Hobbies: ``Singing. I sing in the Oak Grove United Methodist Church Choir. I've been singing in choirs since I was in about seventh grade.''
Favorite read: ``The Stand'' by Stephen King.
Favorite song: ``I really like New Age music. George Winston has an album called `December' that I really like.''
Favorite movie: ``The Thornbirds''
Can't resist: Chocolate
Pets: A siamese cat named Yibou. It means second son in Korean. He was given to us when he was about a year old. Now he's 12.''
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? ``I'd like to be more organized.''
Greatest accomplishment: Raising two happy kids.
Favorite TV program: ``Home Improvement''
Favorite Chesapeake restaurant: Courthouse Cafe
Biggest problem facing Chesapeake: Overcrowding of the schools
Favorite way to spend a day: Shopping or reading ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by STEVE EARLEY
Nancy Petersen put months of hard work into the Great Bridge
Jaycees' annual Christmas parade.
by CNB