THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, May 12, 1996 TAG: 9605110124
SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN PAGE: 03 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: 20 QUESTIONS
SOURCE: Phyllis Speidell
LENGTH: Medium: 73 lines
Let others pump iron to stay in shape. Dr. David A. Lotz, a Suffolk optometrist, has his own favorite although unusual cardio-vascular exercise - playing the bagpipes.
A dozen years ago, Lotz, who already played the guitar and saxophone, saw bagpipes in a store window and was inspired. Although he had never been closer to a bagpiper than to watch a parade, his Scotch-Irish heritage urged him to try the instrument for himself.
``With four reeds, it is a very difficult instrument to play, and I am still trying to master it,'' Lotz said. What does it take to make a great bagpiper? Good rhythm, clean fingering, and, just as importantly, Lotz said, stamina and good muscle tone in the chest, diaphragm, and lips. ``It takes a whole lot of air to maintain the constant pressure bagpipes require,'' he said. ``Just playing the bagpipes will keep you in shape.'' .
Lotz, who came to Suffolk seven years ago to begin his optometry practice, only recently has found time to pull the bagpipes out and begin playing in earnest again. So far, he has made two guest appearances, both at his church, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Bennett's Creek, and hopes to do more in the future.
What brought you here? Found a practice in a good place to live. Wife, Brenda, is originally from southeastern Virginia.
Birthdate/hometown? March 18, 1958, in Toledo, Ore., population 3,000.
Fondest childhood memory? Summers spent with my grandparents in Washington state.
Marital status/children? Married to Brenda, one son, John, age 6.
Pets? Shadow, 150-pound Great Dane, and Melissa, 12-pound tabby
First job/worst job? Mowing lawns. Cleaning up a ton of spilled fresh sliced and sugared strawberries that tumbled off tall pallets in the cold storage plant where Lotz worked during the summers while in college. A safety net caught the strawberry containers, but the berries fell through the net and landed on Lotz.
If you had a choice, what other job would you choose? I am an optometrist, and I just can't think of anything I would rather do.
What's your favorite hangout? Kappo Nara Japanese restaurant in Newport News
Favorite night out on the town? Dinner, followed by dessert and movie at the Commodore Theater in Portsmouth
Favorite food and drink? Japanese/ice water and lemon
Favorite movies/TV show? Marx Brothers in ``A Day at the Races,'' and ``Braveheart.''
Book you wish everyone would read? The Bible and The Book of Mormon
Ideal vacation? Cruising on a sailboat in the Bahamas or Virgin Islands
Can't resist? Hershey's chocolate
Few people know that I - look pretty darned good in a kilt!
If you won the lottery, what would you do/buy? Pay off any debts, buy a new sailboat and cruise the Bahamas, invest the rest.
What is the best advice you've been given and by whom? While I was considering a few different career options, my mother suggested I ``give optometry some thought.''
What is the best thing about yourself? My exceptional humility.
If you could trade places with anyone in the world who would you be? Maj. David M. Robertson, USAF, close friend and F-15 fighter pilot.
What achievements are you most proud of? 1. My son John! 2. Being in a position to help improve the quality of people's lives by helping them to see better. ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by JOHN H. SHEALLY II
David A. Lotz has made two appearances with his bagpipes at the
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Bennett's Creek.
by CNB