THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, May 8, 1996 TAG: 9605070134
SECTION: VIRGINIA BEACH BEACON PAGE: 03 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Close-Up
LENGTH: Medium: 78 lines
She sews, she cooks, she stencils, she drives the pre-school run and she flies.
Oh yes, there's one more thing.
Yolanda Baker - full-time wife and mom and full-time flight attendant - is also the first African-American president of the Virginia Beach Junior Woman's Club.
How does she do it all? ``I keep two calendar books - one for club and one for home - and I bid on flights according to my home schedule,'' she explained.
Why does she do it all? ``So I could get to know the Virginia Beach community, so my children could have exposure to the whole community and because the club does so many wonderful good works,'' she said.
Full name: Yolanda Renita Baker.
Hometown: Chester.
What brought you to the Beach? A desire to be closer to my parents. As an employee of Piedmont Airlines, Norfolk was the closest base to Chester, which is a suburb of Richmond.
Birthdate: June 5, 1958.
Occupation: Flight attendant, USAir.
Nickname: My extended family says ``Londa'' and I answer. My husband says ``Mouse'' and I smile.
Marital status: Married to John E. Baker Jr. of Charlottesville for 10 years.
Children: Stephen E. Baker, 8, and Stacy R. Baker, 5.
What is your idea of a perfect day off? I enjoy relaxing with my husband at home under the patio umbrella and watching the children swim in our pool.
Last smart thing you did: I hired a Realtor who sold our house to the first couple who walked through.
Last dumb thing you did: Over the Christmas holidays, I left all of my Christmas cards and club reports in a hotel room while I was on an overnight in Nevada. (They were returned.)
Favorite meal: I love to cook and eat Thanksgiving dinner - turkey, sweet potatoes, corn on the cob, fresh baked bread, and John makes a ``killer'' sausage dressing. I enjoy crab cakes, shrimp and pasta dishes.
Favorite movies: I like drama and comedy. I enjoyed ``While You Were Sleeping.''
Favorite song: ``Nearer My God to Thee.''
Last book read: ``Mitigating Circumstances'' by Nancy Taylor Rosenberg.
Hobbies: Volunteer work, travel, sewing, stenciling.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? I would like to have beautiful fingernails that didn't cost so much!
If you could change one thing about your spouse, what would it be? I would give him a new set of knees so we could run together again.
Secret vice: I color my gray hair.
Favorite restaurant: Bienville Grill in Norfolk.
Your favorite night on the town: Dinner and dressing up for opening night at the Virginia Opera.
Favorite TV shows: ``Oprah,'' ``Larry King Live.''
Favorite sport: Volleyball.
Last vacation: Las Vegas. We had the best time with the kids, too, because Las Vegas is Disney World's No. 1 competitor.
Pets: No pets yet. The children would like to have a puppy and we are considering our options.
Worst job: A collection agency. I was hired because I was nice and I was ``let go'' because I was too nice.
Of what achievements are you most proud? I am proud of my children, my bachelor of arts degree from Virginia State University, my career, and I'm proud to be the first African-American president of the Virginia Beach Junior Woman's Club.
What would you like as your epitaph? She was blessed with a warm spirit and shared it with her smile. ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by STEVE EARLEY
by CNB