DAILY NEWS PEOPLE : MARY JANE JONES.When it comes to volunteering, Jones doesn't skimp skimp v. skimped, skimp·ing, skimps v.tr. 1. To deal with hastily, carelessly, or with poor material: concentrated on reelection, skimping other matters. 2. . Two to three days a week, she works for Senior Concerns Thrift Shop thrift shop n. A shop that sells used articles, especially clothing, as to benefit a charitable organization. in Thousand Oaks Thousand Oaks, residential city (1990 pop. 104,352), Ventura co., S Calif., in a farm area; inc. 1964. Avocados, citrus, vegetables, strawberries, and nursery products are grown. , where she arranges and packs off-season clothes in the shop warehouse. If it's needed, she even takes some of the clothes home to launder Launder To move illegally acquired cash through financial systems so that it appears to be legally acquired. and mend them. She also volunteers at the Conejo Valley The Conejo Valley is a region spanning both Southeastern Ventura County and Northwest Los Angeles County in Southern California, United States. It was discovered in 1542 by Spanish explorer Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo, and eventually became part of the Rancho El Conejo land grant by Homeless Shelter Homeless shelters are temporary residences for homeless people. Usually located in urban neighborhoods, they are similar to emergency shelters. The primary difference is that homeless shelters are usually open to anyone, without regard to the reason for need. , coordinating meals, bringing in clothing donations and helping set up bedrolls for people staying overnight. And when she's not busy with those commitments, she is a volunteer usher at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza The Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza is a performing arts and administrative center located in Thousand Oaks, California. It was built in 1994 on the former site of "Jungleland" at a cost of $63.8 million. ; and helps raise funds for Habitat for Humanity Habitat for Humanity, nonprofit ecumenical Christian organization that enables low-income people to own affordable, livable housing. Headquartered in Americus, Ga., it was founded in 1976 by businessman Millard Fuller and his wife. , a food bank and the Committee for Community Conscience. AGE: 59. RESIDENCE: Westlake Village. BORN AND RAISED IN: Born in Salem, Ind.; moved to Westlake Village six years ago. OCCUPATION: A full-time volunteer. MARITAL STATUS marital status, n the legal standing of a person in regard to his or her marriage state. : Married to Gary for 22 years. CHILDREN: Seven children: Sarah, Linda, Sandy, Jack, Brad, Pam and Kim. PETS: A Maltese dog named Callie and 25 koi fish. BIGGEST DILEMMA: ``Not having enough time to do all that I want to do.'' FAVORITE DAILY TASK: ``Helping take care of my grandchildren. I am very involved in their lives.'' BIGGEST DISAPPOINTMENT: ``Living so far away from my children, I don't get to see them that often. We have kids spread throughout the country.'' GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT: ``My children; they are all so special, unique, talented, bright and great kids.'' GOALS FOR THE FUTURE: ``To become computer literate computer literacy n. The ability to operate a computer and to understand the language used in working with a specific system or systems. computer literate adj. and to take a writing course.'' WHO RELIES ON YOU THE MOST AND WHO YOU RELY ON: (Gary) ``probably thinks he relies on me the most, but I think I rely on him the most. We are really 50-50.'' ROLE MODELS: ``My mother. (She spent) her whole life doing things for other people.'' HOW DO YOU DEFINE SUCCESS?: ``Being happy with me. It's who I am and where I am. I feel I am a success.'' DO YOU HAVE ANY GUILTY PLEASURES?: ``Chocolate. I can never get enough. Dr. Fudge is a hot fudge topping; they have the best hot fudge. You can go bonkers eating it. I just love chocolate; it is my biggest weakness.'' FAVORITE VALLEY HANGOUTS: ``We like to go to the Lake View Cafe in Westlake Village. (It is) a restaurant that overlooks a lake and a waterfall. It's a beautiful place to go; it is like Utopia for us.'' FAVORITE FOODS: ``Grilled salmon.'' FAVORITE ACTIVITIES: ``Playing piano, hiking, camping, anything to do with my grandchildren, gardening, cooking and throwing parties.'' HOBBIES: ``Writing stories and poems.'' WHAT MAGAZINES DO YOU READ?: ``Christian publications, Family Circle and Los Angeles Magazine.'' LAST MOVIE YOU SAW: ``Micheal Collins.'' FAVORITE TV SHOWS: ``Mad About You.'' WHAT MUSIC DO YOU LISTEN TO?: ``Classical.'' WHAT WOULD BE A PERFECT DAY FOR YOU?: To ``invite my best friends to my house for a luncheon. It would be catered. It would be outside on a beautiful day in Westlake, because Westlake is such a beautiful place.'' WHERE DO YOU GO TO GET AWAY FROM IT ALL?: ``Church is where I get my strength; I can clear my head there.'' YOUR IDEA OF A PERFECT VACATION: ``Three weeks in Europe.'' CAPTION(S): Photo Photo: Mary Jane Jones Phil McCarten/Daily News |
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