THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, September 15, 1996 TAG: 9609130224
SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN PAGE: 03 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: 20 Questions
SOURCE: Frank Roberts
DATELINE: SUFFOLK LENGTH: 73 lines
Going somewhere?
For many people, Evelyne Graham is the one who gets them there.
For five years, she has been organizing out-of-town bus trips, mostly for senior citizens.
A teacher for 34 years, she worked in school systems in North Carolina, Portsmouth, Norfolk County, Smithfield and Chesapeake. She is a member of the Chesapeake Retired Teachers Association, and that is how the trips began.
Some of her peers wanted to take a trip, so she arranged a boat trip on the Intracoastal Waterway. ``Then,'' Graham said, ``they told me, `We need a social chairman; you're it. Plan trips, tours for us'.''
She did, expanding that job to include other folks - often the grandchildren of senior citizens.
``I had three or four trips the first year,'' Graham said. This year? 25!
``The longest bus trip was Washington, D.C., to see `Beauty and the Beast,' '' Graham said, describing the play as ``fabulous, awesome.''
The longest trip was a Bahamas cruise.
``Now,'' Graham said, ``I'm thinking about going to Alaska.''
The trips are ``not only non-profit,'' she said, ``but I often go into the red, especially when someone cancels.''
When she is not traveling, she is writing, sending Christmas cards to men and women in the military. She's been doing that for four or five years, sending 600 last year, and 610 are ready to go this year.
Last year, she received a letter of commendation from Gov. George Allen for sending the most cards to the military from Virginia.
What brought you here? My mother and father.
Birthdate/hometown: 8/2/29; Bertie County, N.C.
Fondest childhood memory: Weekly Sunday visits to my grandparents' (mother's parents) farm in Isle of Wight County.
Marital status/children: Definitely married to Walter D. Graham. Three children: Lynne G. Johnston, 44; Julie G. Jones, would be 40 (died at 30); Walter Daniel (Danny) Graham Jr., 38.
Pets: Two cats: Boots and Silly-Sally.
First job/worst job: Christmas sales clerk at Leggett's Department Store, age 14. Have never had a ``worst job,'' except washing dishes.
What's your favorite hangout? Big Lots, Dollar Tree and home.
Favorite night out on the town? A night at home with husband with a good movie (after a good supper).
Favorite food/drink: Ruby red grapefruit juice, macaroni and cheese (always Cheddar).
Favorite movies/TV show: ``Sound of Music'' and ``All In the Family.''
Book you wish everyone would read: ``Brave New World,'' ``Animal Farm'' and, of course, the Bible.
Ideal vacation: A week in our time share at the beach.
I can't resist: A real good sale/bargain.
Few people know that: My feelings are easily hurt - do a good job at covering it up.
If you won the lottery, what would you do/buy? Would give at least 10 percent to my church; would also pay the costs of starting and operating a pre-school and after-school program at my church.
What is the best advice you've been given and by whom? By Mrs. Brittle (our pastor's wife): ``Don't give up when facing criticism; only people who do nothing aren't criticized.''
What's the best thing about yourself? My ``missionary'' goals/projects and my perseverance; my strong desire to care for the least of those . . .
If you could trade places with anyone in the world, who would you be and why? A skinny me. I'm tired of being overweight.
What achievements are you most proud of? My marriage (47 years), my children, my grandchildren (8) and 80 some lap afghans I've crocheted for Autumn Care residents (30 or more to go).
Something you wish to say but haven't: I've said so many things, and there are many things I wish I hadn't. ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by JOHN H. SHEALLY II by CNB