BEYOND THE JOB

* When Credit Union Times Circulation Manager Tina Spence isn’t busy bringing in new subscriptions, she’s hard at work at a tougher job as a mother of three. In this job that never ends, she does everything from cook creative meals to clean her daughter’s ballet slippers. She describes herself as the typical “commercial” mom – she brings home the bacon and cooks it up in a pan. And when she’s not out gallivanting around with the kids, she tries to recoup by finding a good party or a nice cozy spot to relax. Not your typical adventurer per se, as mother of three Spence says everyday in itself is an adventure. * Sports and music have always been a big part of the life of Credit Union Times Editor-in-Chief Elaine Barr. The native New Yorker has run several half-marathons in and nearby Central Park, and she finished the New York City Marathon about a half dozen times (3:45 personal best). The last few years, Barr took time off from racing to `smell the roses’, but 2002 was her year to start getting back in race shape. She also took up a new sport – squash (no, this is not the same as racquetball!). This year, Barr hopes to find space in her home for a piano. She studied the instrument for 11 years, but it’s been a while since she played. * Stop by the home of Credit Union Times Reporter Myriam DiGiovanni and chances are there will be some sweet aromas emanating from the kitchen. DiGiovanni is a baker extraordinaire. Her specialty, rum cake, has been enjoyed by all at Credit Union Times. Is your mouth watering? If so you’re in luck – DiGiovanni’s rum cakes are for sale by request. But don’t ask for the recipe for the rum sauce, it’s a family secret. Some of her other favorites include double chocolate brownies, chocolate chip cookies and baklava. DiGiovanni’s love of baking started at the age of nine when she began helping her grandmother bake up tasty treats. Baking is a joy says DiGiovanni, especially if she’s baking up something special for husband Tommaso. The two newlyweds tied the knot last July. * Credit Union Times Washington Reporter Sarah Snell Cooke was sidelined most of 2002 from one of her great loves in life, aside from her husband -Credit Union Times Contract Photographer John and 10-month old son, Jacob-volleyball. Toward the end of last year due to extreme pregnancy and a related hip injury, she was unable to play for nearly a year, but she’s raring to go for the 2002-2003 USA Volleyball season. While still working on her vertical jump, Cooke has added to her outside hitter responsibilities for her team by heaping on the stress of becoming a certified referee and scorekeeper this year. Between motherhood and refereeing, but certainly not Credit Union Times, she is sure to be surrounded by thankless jobs. * When Credit Union Times Production Manager Mike Reinhardt isn’t laying out one of our weekly issues, you might find him knee deep in a swamp at midnight just a few feet from an alligator. Sound crazy? Some may think so, but not Reinhardt who has developed an affinity for adventure racing over the last couple of years. He along with some friends and family members entered four adventure races this year which range from three to 16 hours. Races typically involve mountain biking, canoeing/kayaking and trail running. Another key aspect of the races is navigating, done with a compass and good old instinct. Reinhardt’s shining glory came recently when his team finished sixth in its division out of 62 teams. The best thing about adventure racing says Reinhardt is it’s fun, a great way to stay in shape, and anyone can do it. So far he’s kept his racing in Florida, but in 2003 Reinhardt and his team plan on traveling to other states to race. (Editor’s Note: More Credit Union Times staffers will be featured in an upcoming Beyond the Job.)