THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, April 23, 1995 TAG: 9504210266
SECTION: CHESAPEAKE CLIPPER PAGE: 04 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Close-Up
SOURCE: Janelle La Bouve
LENGTH: Medium: 79 lines
David Stockmeier did his first volunteer work with United Cerebral Palsy of Southeastern Virginia while he was a student at Old Dominion University and philanthropy chairman for Sigma Nu fraternity there.
His commitment to the charity grew. In 1991 he was appointed to the board of directors. This year, he is president.
``The best estimate is that last year, in this area, we helped 6,000 children, young adults and adults who have cerebral palsy,'' he said. ``We feel we have increased community awareness. And our information and referral services have been improved considerably.''
Stockmeier feels especially good about a rehabilitation program at Cherry Point Stables in Suffolk, where children with cerebral palsy and other developmental disorders can ride and groom horses.
Stockmeier, 27, chairs the budget committee for the Chesapeake Fine Arts Commission.
``We are a driving force working toward having a fine arts center in Chesapeake,'' he said. ``I would like to spend my money in Chesapeake on the arts.''
Full name: David W. Stockmeier
Grew up: ``My father is retired military. I've been in Chesapeake for 16 years.''
Childhood memories: ``The five years that I delivered The Ledger-Star are memorable due to the people I met and the bits of life knowledge I got from them. Some of my customers are still good friends. My father helped me deliver the newspapers every Sunday morning. My parents have been the biggest influence in my life. I have no doubt that if it were not for the love and lessons I received from my family, I would not be where I am today.''
Marital status: Single
Occupation: ``I work with investments, retirement planning and insurance with the Mass Mutual companies.''
Hobbies: ``Collecting antiques. I mainly focus on Coca-Cola memorabilia. I play a lot of tennis, racquetball and softball. I'm on the Fine Arts Commission and spend at lot time going to choral performances, plays, operas and symphonies. I enjoy all kinds of music. There is even a country twang in me.''
Last book read: ``Illusions: The Adventures of a Reluctant Messiah'' by Richard Bach
Favorite musician: Chuck Mangione
Favorite movie: ``Schindler's List''
Can't resist: ``It has been said that I'm addicted to Coca-Cola Classic.''
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? ``I'd like to work smarter. Between my business, being president of the board of directors for United Cerebral Palsy, acting as a commissioner on the Fine Arts Commission and working with the church youth group at my church (Providence Presbyterian) and recently I took the responsibility as youth choir director, I have been very blessed. I have a lot to be thankful for. I have a responsibility to give back to others who may not have been as fortunate.''
Greatest accomplishment: ``I'm not done yet. But so far, the thing I'm most proud about is my business, because I have been successful. It has also given me the opportunity to do these other things. If I were working for someone else, I probably wouldn't have the opportunity to do these things.''
Favorite TV program: ``My favorite is `ER.' But what I watch most is `CNN Headline News.' ''
Favorite Chesapeake restaurant: ``If we exclude my mother's house, then I would say Winston's Cafe across from Greenbrier Mall.''
Biggest problem facing Chesapeake: ``Apathy. People don't want to get involved. This ranges from politics to working with those who are less fortunate to a lack of concern for our children. I see too many people who just want to let someone else deal with it.''
Favorite way to spend a day off: ``A perfect day for me is one in which I can wake up early in the morning, go to bed late in the evening completely exhausted and know that I have accomplished something.'' ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by STEVE EARLEY
by CNB