South County Profile: Shirley Pochop

SHIRLEY POCHOP

Shirley Pochop moved to Anderson in 1964 from Susanville. After taking classes at Shasta College, she went on to become a Media Specialist in the Cascade Union School District working at Verde Vale Elementary School in Anderson. After 19 years with the district, Pochop retired in 1994. Her favorite parts of the job were being able to spend time working with students, teaching them how to read, reading to them and seeing the delight in their eyes when they figured out something new. Pochop has been a volunteer at the Anderson Library for the past 15 years. She enjoys seeing her students as adults when they come in with their families.

Besides volunteering at the local library, Pochop is involved in the community at a large level, as a member of the Friends of the Anderson Library and the Veterans of Foreign Wars #9650. With the VFW, Pochop has been able to participate in some special projects such as the dictionaries for third-grade students program, flag retirement for students program, and placing wreaths each year out at the Northern California Veterans Cemetery in Igo. Pochop is also active in working with Saint Jude's Hospital for Children with cancer through the sorority Epsilon Sigma Alpha chapter of Delta Lambda for the past 35 years and taking part in different fundraising efforts for the hospital.

In her spare time, Pochop enjoys reading, quilting, spending time with her great-grandchildren and volunteering as much as she is able. Pochop said she enjoys the Anderson area because of the people and the small town atmosphere.

Name: Shirley Pochop

Born where and when: Boise, Idaho, 1932.

Occupation: Retired Media Specialist for the Cascade Union Elementary School District. Anderson Library Volunteer.

Marital Status: Widowed.

Family: Three children and their spouses, eight grandchildren and their spouses, six great great grandchildren with one on the way. Their love, sharing and caring makes my world.

Pets: None.

My worst job: I have not had a worst job, I have enjoyed all of them.

My first job: An usherette at the theater in Susanville.

In my spare time I: Travel, read and make quilts.

My favorite book: The Bible.

My favorite movie: Old time musicals.

My favorite recording artist: David Phelps-Gathers.

My dream car: The car I am driving.

My friends like me because: I guess because they can depend on me.

If stranded on a deserted island, I would want: My phone and lots of minutes.

The one thing in life I've learned is: Smile, share and be kind. It will come back to you in kind.

The best advice my parents gave me: Be truthful and people will respect you.

My most embarrassing moment was: A surprise baby shower. I don't do surprises well.

My most irrational act: Coloring my hair at age 13 on a dare. It turned out orange.

My most valuable material possession: My home and its contents. It brings many wonderful memories.

What I like best about the North State: The people. They are always willing to help.

My hero was: My husband Emil.

My pet peeve is: People who always have to have their way.

My fantasy is: A perfect world.

If I could change one thing about myself I would: Be more out going.

The one thing Shasta County need most is: To stay true to its old ways.

The most enjoyable thing about life is: Being able to be who you are.