Kris Williams – August 2019 Volunteer

When did you become a volunteer for FIA, and what volunteer positions have you chosen to do?
I started volunteering for FIA in 2013 (I think), and I have always given transportation to doctor’s appointments.

What brought you to FIA?
I heard about FIA being offered in Champaign, and I thought it sounded like a great organization.  I love the idea that people volunteer their time and vehicle to take others to the doctor (and shopping, etc.).  I always thought that would have been a great service for my folks, if they had needed it.

Who referred you?  What got you to contact us?
I researched volunteer opportunities in B-N.  I retired from the City of Bloomington in 2009 and was looking for fun things to volunteer for.  My parents both were long-term volunteers in Decatur (Meals on Wheels, PTA, Shriners, Masons, Golden K, church, etc.), so that spirit must have been instilled in me naturally!

Had you been looking for an opportunity to volunteer?
Currently, I volunteer for FIA, Center for Hope Food Pantry, McLean County Museum of History, and I’m on the Church and Society Committee (social justice) at First United Methodist Church of Normal (where I’m a member). 

Any “Words of Wisdom” for us?
I think we are put on this earth to help others.   

Have you lived in the area long? Other places you have lived?  Where did you go to school? Jobs/ Careers?
I’m from Decatur, but I’ve lived in B-N ever since I graduated from Lakeview High School in Decatur in1973.  I graduated from ISU with a BS in Communication in 1976, and started working for the City of Bloomington in 1978.  I retired from the COB in 2009 (where did the time go?).  

Hobbies/ Past times/ Passions?
Hobbies?  I played softball for decades, mostly because it was such a fun way to hang out with my friends.  I like to create metal art with my plasma cutter, and I recently made the coolest planter out of a wooden pallet.  It’s out on my patio now, loaded with flowers. [See photo below.]  I love to read and am in a book club here in B-N.  And, I love to travel.  Flying is the best.  And laughing/hanging out with friends is so very fun. 

Family/ Pets?
I am single, and I have two little, furry children (Sydney and Roxy — they’re both Pomeranian-poodles).  They say they would love to help me take people to the doctor, but I always impress upon them the importance of staying home and guarding the house. 

Anything unique or unusual about yourself you would like to share?
Weird fact:  I am a certified scuba diver, but I don’t know how to swim!  For real.

Some of Kris’s Handiwork: