THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, May 21, 1995 TAG: 9505190208
SECTION: CHESAPEAKE CLIPPER PAGE: 04 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Close Up
LENGTH: Medium: 71 lines
``I'll tell you what drives me more than anything else,'' said Mary West. ``The Methodists have a social creed, which says, `I am my brother's keeper.' That's the guide I go by.
``This is also what gets me into so many difficult things in life. When you have a social creed, you make a commitment.''
Hart is committed to Habitat for Humanity, a volunteer organization that builds low-cost housing for people who need it.
``I think Habitat is one of the most beautiful concepts I've ever come across. You take a person who wants to be responsible, but he needs that extra help him get across,'' said West, 65.
``The most sacred thing in the world is a home. The Habitat recipient works on it. And in the end they have a home they can be proud of. From that point, they start bettering the community by working on somebody else's home. It just keeps on multiplying.''
West and other church women have found a way to assist Habitat builders.
Last year, she was the chairman of the food committee for the 13 churches that participate in Portsapeake Faith Builders.
Each church has its own food committee. They choose the menu, then provide and serve food during the six-week house-building period.
``For lunch we provide sandwiches, fruit, dessert and a drink. At supper time we serve a hot meal,'' she said. After meals, they haul away food-related trash.
West said the builders love the food, which is prepared at home by the women.
``One day, the minute the porch was completed, we put a tablecloth down and served from the porch.
``We had a ball. We'd yell, `Food!' and they'd stop working to come and eat. This enabled us to be a part of the work. Even though we couldn't paint or pound nails, we could donate our time and money and be a part of Habitat.''
Full name: Mary West
Grew up: ``I was born in Southern Illinois. We moved to Detroit when I was in the seventh grade.''
Childhood memories: ``I loved to go Belle Isle in the Detroit River, where there were animals and a fountain that changed colors. And going to the Memorial Day picnic on the grounds, where my grandfather preached.''
Spouse: William ``Bud'' West
Children: Brian Carroll and Rachel Reese.
Retired from: ``I worked for the Navy as a civilian for 27 years. I worked on the staff of Commander, Undersea Surveillance, United States Atlantic Fleet, as a manpower management analyst. I received the second- and third-highest awards given to a civilian for meritorious service and received a medal with each award.''
Hobbies: ``I love painting with oils. I belong to the Brush and Palette Art Club. I'm just as thrilled today when I sell a painting as I was the first time. Once a month, I teach the blind to do a craft.''
Last book read: `` `The Tiger's Child.' Boy, was that good!''
Favorite song: `` `Some Day We'll Be Together Again' by Frankie Laine.''
Favorite movie: ``Forrest Gump''
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? ``I would have pursued my dream to become a writer. My dream was always to be another Ernest Hemingway.''
Favorite TV program: `` `Northern Exposure.' I love that.'' ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by MARK MITCHELL
by CNB