THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, September 24, 1995 TAG: 9509230105
SECTION: CHESAPEAKE CLIPPER PAGE: 10 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Close-Up
SOURCE: Janelle La Bouve
LENGTH: Medium: 72 lines
The first time LaVonne Ellis went to Russia, she couldn't speak the language.
Upon her return, she enrolled in language classes, which included information about Russian culture and history.
She also began to read books by Russian authors.
Now Ellis, who recently returned from a fourth trip to Russia, says she loves the language and hopes to take more classes.
``Studying the language did something to me,'' she said. ``It stimulated my thinking.''
Ellis has invited Russians to her home several times and has twice been a guest in a Russian home. She described the Russian people as friendly, yet distant.
``They still don't know whom they can trust. After they get to know you, they're very hospitable,'' she said, adding that Russian citizens still are not free to study abroad or move from one town to another without permission.
Ellis is a professor of office systems technology at the Chesapeake Campus of Tidewater Community Coillege. In a proposal to the International Professional Development Fund, she expressed the desire to visit offices in Russia to compare and contrast business environments in the two countries.
She received the funds, then prepared herself for the study by working one week in the office of the Chesapeake city treasurer.
During her seven days in St. Petersburg, Russia, Ellis visited the director of a commercial complex who also serves as the supply manager for the mayor of St. Petersburg.
In the office of a supermarket president, who oversees 150 employees, she learned that the store had been owned formerly by the government and known only as No. 19. Later, the store was purchased, privatized and named Petropol Limited.
She said the grocer ``watches his computer spreadsheet for signs of galloping inflation.''
Ellis is enjoying a computer keyboard she purchased during the trip. It contains both English and Cyrillic characters and will be a help during her ongoing studies of the Russian language.
Full name: LaVonne P. Ellis
Hometown: ``Rich Square, N.C. It's a town of about 905 people where you know everyone.''
Children: Hollis
Occupation: Professor of office systems technology at the Chesapeake Campus of Tidewater Community College
Fond childhood memories: ``Being invited to a neighbor's house as a dinner guest. It was like being a queen for a day.''
Hobbies: ``Collecting Depression glass. I never could decide on a pattern and have about 450 pieces. My favorite piece of all is a bowl called Holly and Stag. An elderly neighbor from Rich Square wanted me to have it.''
Last book read: ``Anna Karenina'' by Leo Tolstoy.
Favorite song: ``I have so many favorites. I listen to the BBN (Bible Broadcasting Network) all day. One of my favorites is `It is Well With My Soul.' ''
Favorite TV program: Cultural and educational programs and Public Broadcasting programs.
If you could change one thing about yourself: ``I wouldn't have these narrow feet.''
Favorite Chesapeake restaurant: ``I don't have a favorite since China Coast closed. I enjoy the subs at Zero's.'' ILLUSTRATION: Photo by Janelle La Bouve
by CNB