THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, July 7, 1996 TAG: 9607040216
SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN PAGE: 03 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: 2 QUESTIONS
SOURCE: Shirley Brinkley
DATELINE: COURTLAND LENGTH: 80 lines
Occasionally, Wanda Marks would like to take an art class or two at the Rawls Arts Museum but she doesn't have time.
As the museum's new administrator, Marks is busy scheduling art exhibits and coordinating classes for both adults and children.
``My job is very interesting,'' she said. ``I'm learning to work with a board of directors, parents, and instructors. Most of the time, instructors will let me know they would like to teach a class, or parents request a particular class.''
Marks' job description is in sharp contrast to her responsibilities as a youngster.
``I lived on a tobacco farm and I was required to help with planting and harvesting the crop,'' she said. ``When you live on a farm, everybody pitches in. When I started driving, I threatened to get a job and then my dad agreed to pay me.''
Marks met her husband, Benjamin E. ``Eddie'' Marks Jr., at a Franklin Jaycees function. After they married, she moved to Franklin and later, decided to go back to school.
``I enrolled at Paul D. Camp Community College and took a computer class,'' she said. ``I'm still going to school and I love it.''
After working at Wheat First Securities in Franklin for nine years, Marks left her job to spend more time at home. Today, the couple lives in Courtland with their 11-year-old son, Joshua.
Marks went back to work to fill a temporary position at the museum last November. Four months ago, her position became permanent.
Birthdate/Hometown: Dec. 1, 1958; Java, a small community in Pittsylvania County.
Fondest childhood memory: Training and riding my horse, ``Flicka.''
Pets: A part-Persian cat, ``Prince;'' squirrel dog, ``Bingo;'' and Chesapeake Bay retriever, ``Major.''
First job/worst job: Helping Dad on the farm, especially in the tobacco fields. The worst job was working in a blue jean factory in Danville.
If you had a choice, what other job would you choose? Sole proprietor of a small business.
What's your favorite hang-out? Dockside Restaurant and Peking Chinese Restaurant, Franklin, and movie theaters.
Favorite night out on the town: Going to see an opera or a Broadway play!
Favorite food/drink: Salmon, swordfish and tuna trio/various teas and gourmet coffees.
Favorite movies/TV show: ``Little Women''/``Touched by an Angel.''
Book you wish everyone would read: Any of John Grisham's novels.
Ideal vacation: Two months in Europe or Hawaii.
I can't resist: Chocolate souffle with vanilla sauce or cheesecake.
Few people know that I: Have a cosmetology degree.
Most embarrassing moment: On Communion Sunday, I left the ceremonial bread at home and had to scramble to make other arrangements (with the help of others).
If you won the lottery, what would you do/buy? Set up a trust fund for my son/family; make donations to church/charity; invest in stocks and bonds and buy real estate.
What is the best advice you have been given and by whom? ``Be yourself'' (my dad) and ``Hard times make you stronger'' (my grandmother).
What is the best thing about yourself? I care for others and try to help them when they need it.
If you could trade places with anyone in the world, who would you be and why? It would be exciting to walk in the shoes of Katharine Hepburn, Shirley Temple, Sophia Loren, Raquel Welch and Elizabeth Taylor. I love their movies; however, I am happy with myself living a normal, non-celebrity life.
What achievement are you most proud of? I try to keep the communication path open to Joshua and he comes to me often to ask me questions. Also, I have been taking classes at Paul D. Camp Community College part-time since 1992.
Something you wish to say but haven't: Parents need to spend more quality time with their children. Also, children need to learn discipline at home before they enter school. It's also important to keep children involved in activities outside of school, such as art, music, church, Scouting, sports, fishing and hunting. Parents should take note of the various programs offered locally. Some choices are the James L. Camp Jr. YMCA, Southampton County Extension Services, Franklin/Southampton County Fair, Rawls Museum Arts, and local hunt clubs. ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by JOHN H. SHEALLY II by CNB