THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, March 15, 1995 TAG: 9503140101
SECTION: ISLE OF WIGHT CITIZEN PAGE: 03 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Close-Up
SOURCE: Jody R. Snider
DATELINE: ISLE OF WIGHT LENGTH: Medium: 69 lines
HARRIET WOODARD didn't know a thing about clerical work until she began training last May at the Isle of Wight Extension Service office.
But after almost a year, Woodard says she's learned how to perform office tasks as a participant of the Green Thumb Senior Community Service Employment Program, a federally funded effort that provides training for people 55 and older.
The program was founded in 1965 as a part of President Lyndon Johnson's ``War on Poverty'' initiatives by the National Farmers Union, a national organization dedicated to preserving the family farm and improving rural America.
Today, participants in 44 states tutor students, teach skilled trades and crafts, provide home health and day care, prepare and deliver meals for homebound people, care for disabled people, operate computers and work as clerks, mechanics and laborers.
An Ivor resident, Woodard says she works about 20 hours a week in the Isle of Wight Extension Service office, using her newly acquired office skills and answering the phones.
``I like all of it,'' she says. ``It's a new experience for me because the jobs I held before involved restaurant work and working for the packing plants in Smithfield.
``I really like the atmosphere here and the people.''
And when Woodard isn't working, she likes to spend her time visiting and helping shut-ins in the Ivor community.
Name: Harriet Woodard
What brought you to Isle of Wight? The Green Thumb Senior Community Service Employment Program.
Hometown: Ivor
Birthdate: Jan. 19, 1933
Occupation: Clerical assistant
Marital status: Widow
Children: Five
Favorite movies: ``What's Love Got To Do With It?'' and ``Passenger 57.''
Favorite magazine: Ebony
A book you wish everyone would read, and why: The Bible. It gives God's direction for life.
Favorite night out on the town: Dinner and a movie with the girls.
Favorite bar or restaurant: Morrison's
Favorite food and drink: Fried chicken, chocolate cake and a Mountain Dew.
Few people know . . . that I am shy.
What's the best thing about yourself? My sense of humor.
Worst habit: Overeating
First thing in the morning: Whisper a little prayer and run to my coffee pot.
Pets: Goldfish
Hobbies: Shopping, decorating and reading
Ideal vacation: Cruising in the Bahamas
Pet peeve: People who are late
First job: Cook at a restaurant
Worst job: None
Of what achievements are you most proud? Working for the Virginia Cooperative Extension, and my five children.
What would you like on your epitaph? ``Rest in Peace.'' ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by JOHN H. SHEALLY II
by CNB