Cheryl Faison has managed to put down roots in two eastern Wake County communities through her involvement in recreation. She sat down recently to talk about her affinity for the region.

Q: For six years, you have served as the program supervisor for Knightdale's recreation center. How did you stumble upon the job?

Before coming here, I had worked at Knightdale Elementary as a teacher assistant. I was also working part-time with the town (recreation department) helping with their camps. When the recreation center opened, the opportunity presented itself. Sometimes when that door opens, you have to take advantage of it and I have not regretted it. I love my job.

Q: What do you love about your job?

It gives me a chance to meet a lot of people. We are always doing something. We have all kinds of classes: aerobics, cheerleading, pottery, self-defense, dance classes, Weight Watchers, you name it. We have a basketball program. And when there are events like wedding receptions or rentals, I help with that as well.

I get to meet people every day and talk with them. I just love getting to know people in the community.

Q: It sounds like you stay busy.

There is always something going on. We are now getting ready for Christmas and the tree lighting. We have events like the Easter egg hunt. But I do want to emphasize that it is not just me. When we do certain events, it takes more than just me. We depend on public works and the police department. And the Knightdale Parks and Rec staff is just great. It takes all of us working together.

Q: Parks and recreation work seems to run in your family. My niece Brooke, who is 19, helps out with Zebulon Parks and Rec and my brother, Doug, worked with Wendell Parks and Recreation.

Q: After your brother's death in 2000, your family came together and started the Doug Proctor Memorial. What was your goal? We were brought up in Wendell. He loved Wendell. He loved working for the town. We wanted to keep his memory going and somehow be able to touch the lives of the young people in town. A bunch of friends and family came together to start the memorial. We had golf tournaments and we raised enough funds to provide a playground at the Doug Proctor Field (at Wendell Park).

We were also able to purchase equipment to meet the needs of some of the program participants who may not have been able to afford the equipment. He would have wanted to do this.

Q: What do you like to do in your spare time? My family is my main focus. I love spending time with my nieces: Brooke, 19, McKenzie, 11, and Cameron, 8. When I am not spending time with my family, I love to do anything that involves being outdoors: water skiing, riding bikes, softball, going to the beach. I am just an outdoor kinda' girl so it seems like this job suits me great.