THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, June 18, 1995 TAG: 9506160190
SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN PAGE: 10 EDITION: FINAL
DATELINE: FRANKLIN LENGTH: Medium: 79 lines
FRAN CADOTTE CALLS working with senior citizens ``my main thing.''
She spends Tuesdays and Wednesdays with the Oak Street Senior Citizens and Thursdays with the High Street Senior Citizens. She is activities director for both.
United Way pays her salary, and ``if it wasn't for that, we wouldn't have what we have here.''
Each group has its own meeting place, and members plan trips and other activities. Cadotte oversees the gatherings and special events, even keeping up with birthdays and anniversaries.
She put together a directory of the senior citizens, their addresses, phone numbers and birthdates. It also includes information about area hospitals and the boards of directors of each senior citizen group.
``I've always had a tender heart for them,'' Cadotte said. ``In the old days, people were more respectful to the elderly.''
Her love of seniors began with her grandmothers. ``They became a part of my life.'' She also makes sure her kids stay in touch with their grandparents.
Cadotte just returned from a two-week visit in Germany, where her oldest child, Christopher, lives.
Alex is on the Dean's List at Virginia Tech, Cadotte said, and Peter works at Allied Colloids in Suffolk.
What brought you here? My husband's job at Union Camp.
Birthdate/Hometown? Dec. 14, 1942. Fort Ann, N.Y.
Fondest childhood memory? Going to my grandmother's house for a visit.
Marital status/children? Married to husband, Al Cadotte, 36 years. Peter, 35; Christopher, 31; Alex, 18.
Pets? A chow dog, Nikki.
First job/worst job? My first job was as a sales clerk. I haven't had a bad job.
Occupation? Director of High Street Senior Citizens Center and Oak Street Senior Citizens.
If you had a choice, what other job would you choose? I wouldn't change my job. I love working with the senior citizens.
What's your favorite hangout? Home.
Favorite night out on the town? Going out to dinner and dancing with my husband.
Favorite food/drink? Summer vegetable salads with vinaigrette dressing and iced tea.
Favorite movies/TV show? ``Dances With Wolves'' and ``Braveheart''/CBS Sunday Morning at 9 a.m. on WTKR.
Magazine you wish everyone would read? National Geographic.
Ideal vacation? Emerald Isle Beach in North Carolina, Germany and traveling the countryside.
I can't resist? Shopping with my friends, Mary and Lessie.
Few people know? I grew up on a large dairy farm in upstate New York, and I was very active in a 4-H Club, raising registered Holstein dairy cattle.
Most embarrassing moment? Not remembering someone's name.
If you won the lottery, what would you buy? I'd buy my parents a new home and help my children accomplish some of their dreams.
What is the best advice you've been given and by whom? ``Don't give up when you encounter failure - and be good to yourself.'' Connie Shenstone.
What's the best thing about yourself? I enjoy helping other people.
If you could trade places with anyone in the world, who would you be and why? I would be Jackie S. Howell, an instructor of computers at Paul D. Camp College, because of her knowledge of the computer. Jackie has a wonderful personality and a way of teaching that makes it fun to learn.
What achievements are you most proud of? I graduated last year from Paul D. Camp College.
Something you wish to say, but haven't? I am offended by the trash that is thrown out of people's car windows. I wish that people would stop doing this. We have a beautiful countryside in this area, but the trash sure takes away any of the beauty. ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by MICHAEL KESTNER
Helen Lawrence, left, jokes with Fran Cadotte at the Martin Luther
King Senior Citizens Center in Franklin.
by CNB