By Rhonda Chambers
September, 2017
Tom began his teaching career in 1972 at Riverdale High in Jefferson Parish. While there he taught Driver’s Ed, Free Enterprise, Civics, Financial Math, and both elementary and high school PE. He was also an Athletic Trainer and Coach. In 1994 he was hired at Northshore High as a Psychology teacher, Health Education teacher, athletic trainer and coach. Three years later he accepted a position as Counselor and also remained the school’s Athletic Trainer. Tom retired in 2010 after 38 years in education.
Donna has chosen to lead a fulfilling second half of her life by volunteering in the Slidell area and becoming more involved with her church. She is a life member of the Junior Auxiliary of Slidell, which is a women’s organization that provides service projects to meet the needs of children, families and the elderly in the community. As a member of St. Luke’s Catholic Church, she has assisted with the school supply and Thanksgiving food drives, Project Christmas, and providing meals for families in need. She is also participating in a weekly Bible Study group. The Krewe of Selene Carnival organization will be a new adventure for Donna this year, and she’s excited about riding on a float during their Mardi Gras parade in Slidell.
Working part-time for the New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau is something that Donna looks forward to. She works 6-8 conventions yearly, usually as a computer operator/cashier at attendee registration. It’s a great opportunity to meet and talk with people from all over the world.
Tom has chosen to lead a fulfilling second half of his life by volunteering for charitable events in the New Orleans area with one of his daughters. He and Donna also enjoy traveling together. They spend time at their beach condo on Okaloosa Island in Fort Walton Beach and their family fishing camp in Chauvin. They also love to visit Gatlinburg. Both love cruises and usually plan at least one a year.
A typical day for Donna begins slowly, if possible, since she is not a morning person. She enjoys a cup of coffee with a light breakfast while she checks her emails and Facebook. She motivates herself to exercise or attend yoga classes at her local gym a few mornings a week. Afternoons are busy with household chores, errands, and/or lunch with friends. Donna loves to cook so she and Tom enjoy dinner together at home on most weeknights. Evenings are spent planning their next trip, watching HGTV, and reading before bedtime.
Tom’s typical day begins with walking his dog, then eating a bagel with his coffee. He catches up with the news by reading the local paper or an online news source. After checking his emails, he gets ready to go to the health club for a two hour workout then maybe run a few errands. He returns home for lunch then reads for a while. He loves to read and can usually read one or two novels a week. He enjoys books by Clive Cussler, David Baldacci, James Patterson, Lee Child, Stuart Woods or Robert Parker. If needed, he does a few chores around the house and yard. After dinner, he reads a little more or watches TV. Occasionally, he will surf the internet.
When asked their favorite place for breakfast Tom said that he enjoyed several restaurants, but their favorite place for breakfast is at home for Saturday morning bacon, eggs, and toast. Tom and Donna started this tradition when they married 44 years ago, and it continues today.
If they could live in any other location besides St. Tammany, they could see themselves living together on a tropical island. Perhaps Maui or St. John in the Virgin Islands would be nice places to spend their retirement years!
I asked if there was something that they couldn’t live without and Tom said, “Being able to exercise.” He has been involved with athletics his whole life. Donna’s answer was, “Something I could not live without is my family and friends. They keep me active and involved. There's no time to feel bored!”
