Ohio native Clara Richcreek recently received an award from the Inter-Service Club Council for her work with the Salvation Army Women's Auxiliary of Fairfax. Aside from the Salvation Army, the 47-year Fairfax resident has also worked for Fairfax County Public Schools and is deeply involved with her church. She is this week's People Profile.
Number of years in the community: My husband, son and I moved from Newark, Ohio to Fairfax City in June 1959.
Family: I have a stepson, Jeffrey, 61, who lives in Findlay, Ohio; a son, Glenn, 51, who lives in Fairfax; and a daughter Jennifer, 37, who lives in Herndon. Jennifer is a young lady with Down Syndrome. She lives in an apartment with two other young ladies, has a full-time job and lives quite independently. I just recently adopted a 9-year-old dachshund named Zeus.
Education: High school graduate.
Your first job: I worked as a waitress while still in high school. First office job was in the office of a flour and feed mill. I did everything from typing letters, paying the other employees, bookkeeping — everything connected with the office.
Current job/primary occupation: I worked as a secretary in the administrative offices of the Fairfax County Public Schools. Retired in July 1981 to take care of my very ill husband. In 1982, I returned to FCPS doing part-time work for about 10 years.
Activities/interests/hobbies? I belong to the Salvation Army Women's Auxiliary, work in my church every Monday morning, am coordinator for my church circle group, as well as volunteering in various other activities when asked. Right now, I spend a lot of time walking and getting used to my newly acquired pet.
Favorite local restaurant or place in the community? I don't have a favorite restaurant or place, but I love living in Fairfax City where everything is readily available.
What are your community concerns? What are some ideas you have on ways to improve your community? In working with the hypothermia program last winter in my church, I saw a lot of homeless people, some who had jobs but did not make enough money to afford a place to live. I would like to see more low-cost housing to accommodate these people.
What is the last book you read, or, the last movie you watched? I just finished reading "Dreams from My Father" by Barack Obama and am now reading a novel, "Northern Lights" by Nora Roberts.
What brought you here? We came here due to my husband's employment.
When you were younger, what did you want to be when you "grew up?" When I was young, I wanted to be a nurse. Never seemed to find the time to pursue that.
If you were to take a road trip anywhere right now, where would you go? A road trip would be back to Ohio to visit relatives.
Personal goals? At age 80, I'm just thankful to be in good health, have lots of friends and enjoy doing the things I do.