THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, December 31, 1995 TAG: 9512290323
SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN PAGE: 03 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: 20 QUESTIONS
SOURCE: Phyllis Speidell
LENGTH: Medium: 84 lines
HOME AND FAMILY have always had top priority with Michelle Tomlin but her appreciation of both has grown even stronger in the last year.
January will mark Tomlin's first year anniversary as the director of the Suffolk Shelter for the Homeless. It has been a year in which she has seen numerous families struggle to stay together with a roof over their heads.
``We all, me included, take so much for granted in this life and this position wakes you right up,'' she said. ``It breaks my heart to see people not having anybody or any place, especially this time of year.
``During the holidays people really reach out to the shelter but we have families that need help all year,'' she said.
The winter months are the most difficult when the need is greatest and the outpouring of support slows down considerably after Christmas.
Tomlin, and her husband, Chad, both just 23 and admittedly goal driven, are working to help him establish his own taxidermy business, Woods and Water Taxidermy, in Courtland as well as putting the finishing touches on a house they are building in Carrsville.
The new, clay-colored, single story house that the Tomlins are eager to call home has two bedrooms and a large front porch - ``just right for a swing and a couple of rockers,'' she said.
After subcontracting the major construction jobs, the Tomlins are tackling the smaller tasks themselves and hope to be moved in by January. ``I have painted every room and I can tell you what a pain every little thing has been,'' she said. ``But we have done it together and that is all that matters.''
What brought you to Suffolk? I was born in Rocky Mount, N. C., and soon after that I was brought to Suffolk when my parents bought a home here.
Birthdate/hometown: April 12, 1972. Now I live in Carrsville.
Fondest childhood memory: When I turned 16 before I could drive a car my dad made sure I knew how to change a tire. I know I changed a tire 10 times until he was satisfied that I knew what I was doing and now I am always having flat tires.
Marital status/children: Married to Chad Tomlin since February 11, 1995. No children.
Pet: Dachshund named Stuff.
First job/worst job: Wrapping gifts at a department store during Christmas.
Occupation: Director, Suffolk Shelter for the Homeless.
Favorite Hangout: None. I am either at work at the shelter or at home.
Favorite night out on the town: Going to dinner and a movie with my husband.
Favorite food and drink: Anything Italian.
Favorite movies/TV show: ``Sleepless in Seattle'' and ``Steel Magnolias.''
Ideal vacation: I would love to go to Hawaii. I hear it's a very beautiful place to visit.
I can't resist: Chocolate!
Few people know that: I am not a morning person. Also, people who have only talked to me on the telephone are also surprised when they meet me in person to find out that I am only 23.
If you won the lottery, what would you do/buy? I would give some to charity, of course the shelter, give some to my family and take a nice, long vacation.
What is the best advice you have been given and by whom? My mother told me the day before I got married, ``Never go to bed angry.''
What is the best thing about yourself? The concern and care that I have for the tenants I work with at the shelter.
If you could trade places with anyone in the world, who would you be and why? I don't want to trade with anyone. I am happy being myself and I love my life as it is.
What achievements are you most proud of? I am so proud of the fact that I have a good relationship with my family. My parents and my husband are my best friends.
Something you wish to say but haven't: I am a very straightforward person so I pretty much say what I am thinking, but I don't tell my parents often enough how much I appreciate them. ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by JOHN H. SHEALLY II
Michelle Tomlin and her husband are building a house in Carrsville.
``I have painted every room and I can tell you what a pain every
little thing has been,'' Tomlin said.
by CNB