THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, October 4, 1995 TAG: 9510030120
SECTION: ISLE OF WIGHT CITIZEN PAGE: 03 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Close-Up
SOURCE: Jody R. Snider
DATELINE: WINDSOR LENGTH: Medium: 77 lines
THE FFA/FHA CAMP at Morgart's Beach in Isle of Wight is still paying the bill for a $20,000 roof.
The Hampton Roads Power Squadron needs money to buy books for boating safety courses taught by the group three times a year.
Gary Kirts, executive officer of the squadron and adviser to the Future Farmers of America at Windsor High School, thinks he might have the solution to both problems.
Kirts, a vocational agriculture teacher at Windsor High, has helped organize a flea market and craft fair to benefit both organizations.
The fair is scheduled from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, Oct. 20, at the FFA/FHA camp grounds.
``We're hoping to raise about $5,000 between the two groups,'' Kirts said recently. He hopes to see between 50 and 100 vendors at the fair. Their space-rental revenue will go to the two organizations, he said.
Fair spaces can be rented for $15 in advance, or $25 at the door, and vendors will keep all their sales money, Kirts said.
In addition, members from each organization will sell concessions at the fair.
``We have no idea how much food we'll need at this point,'' Kirts said. ``There will be hot dogs, hamburgers - and food that suits the fall weather.''
He hopes the event becomes a yearly fund-raiser for both organizations.
To rent fair spaces, call 357-2317.
Name: Gary K. Kirts
What brought you to Isle of Wight County? A job as teacher of vocational agriculture.
Birthdate/hometown: July 30, 1951/born in Christiansburg, Va., and raised in Newport News.
What's your fondest childhood memory? Camping on Kerr Lake with my family.
Marital status: Married to a wonderful wife, Evelyn.
Pets: A poodle named Buddy and a cat named Puff.
Your first job/worst job: McDonalds/working in construction at the water treatment plant in Newport News.
Occupation: Teacher of vocational agriculture.
If you had a choice, what other type of work would you be doing today? A woodworking job.
What's your favorite hangout? On a boat with the Hampton Roads Power Squadron.
Favorite night out on the town: Going out to dinner with my wife, family and friends.
Favorite food/drink: Seafood/Diet Dr Pepper.
A book you wish everyone would read: ``All Creatures Great and Small.''
What's your idea of a perfect vacation? Going to Alaska with my wife, who has a sister who's the dean of students for the University of Alaska in Fairbanks.
I can't resist: Striving for perfection.
Few people know that . . . I take friendship very seriously and am very faithful to that friendship.
If you won the lottery, what would you do? I don't know. I'm not that lucky.
What is the best advice you've ever been given? Don't ever say you never will do something because it may be the very thing you will have to do. My grandmother told me this. It's true.
What is the best thing about yourself? I love my wife, family and friends.
If you could trade places with anyone in the world, who would it be? I wouldn't trade places with anyone because I want to be me.
Of what achievements are you most proud? Who's Who in American Junior Colleges, graduating from Virginia Tech even after my guidance counselors said that I would never make it through college, my state FFA degree. I'm proud to be the adviser for the Walter S. Newman FFA Camp at Windsor High School. ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by MICHAEL KESTNER
by CNB