Jay Groves – September 2018 Volunteer
JAY GROVES … September Volunteer in the Spotlight
This month’s Volunteer in the Spotlight is Jay Groves… He is a regular shopper for a number of care receivers.
When did you become a volunteer for FIA and what volunteer positions have you chosen to do?
I became a FIA volunteer after I retired in April 2017. I began by driving folks to their appointments, etc., and now I mostly take people grocery shopping. I have always been the grocery shopper for my family, and I enjoy it. So now, I am the permanent grocery shopper for several FIA partners. I take them shopping every other week, and I enjoy spending time with them.
What brought you to FIA?
During my professional career, I served on several boards for community organizations. In retirement, I wanted to continue to volunteer some of my time, but more on the “worker” level as opposed to the “administrative” level.
Who referred you? What got you to contact us?
I heard about FIA through my church (Calvary United Methodist).
Were you looking?
I wanted to volunteer some of my time, but I also wanted to be able to set my own hours. In my opinion, FIA is a perfect option. FIA is very organized, and volunteers are able to access a site to choose their activities and times when they want to volunteer.
Words of Wisdom on life:
I think to have “words of wisdom,” you should be wise, and I cannot make any claims in that regard. I do have the experience that comes with years, and my experience tells me we should spend some of our time doing things to make life easier for others.
Even as a young person, I gravitated to more “seasoned” individuals, and now that I am “seasoned” myself, I still practice that aspect of life.
Have you lived in the area long? … Places you have lived?
I have lived full-time in Bloomington-Normal since 1984.
Where did you go to school?
I received my undergraduate and graduate degrees from Illinois State University. GO REDBIRDS!
Jobs/ Careers? I worked at Channel 31 from 1981 to 1984 as Executive News Producer.
I worked at Illinois State University from 1984 until 2017, first as an instructor and then in administration. I also worked part-time at WJBC radio from 1985 to 1995.
Hobbies/ past times/ passions
My wife, Doris, recently retired from Illinois State University. We purchased a second home in Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri, and we spend a lot of time there, boating, swimming, fishing, hiking, etc.
Family/ Pets
Doris and I have two sons, Andy, who is a tech specialist in Memphis, and Dan (getting married soon!), who is a geologist in Rapid City, South Dakota. I also have a lovely daughter, Erin, who is an accountant in Chicago. Doris and I also spoil our rescue shelter canine acquisition, Lexi.
What else would you like to tell us?
I would encourage anyone who is considering volunteering some of their time to check out Faith-In-Action. It is an excellent and wonderfully organized initiative and provides a flexible way for people to serve the community. You also get to meet a diverse group of terrific local people.
Anything unique and unusual about yourself you would like to share?
Nope…I’m pretty common!