Giving, NASCAR and Special Olympics

Photo: Sharon Bouchard

Joe Bonney

NORWAY – For Joe Bonney it’s all about giving. From fundraising for fire victims to taking care of his ill girlfriend, Bonney is happiest when he is helping others. When he is not doing for others he is watching NASCAR races on television and rooting for Dale Earnhardt, Jr., his favorite driver.

Q: Where were you born and where were you brought up?

A: I was born in Lewiston and brought up in Mechanic Falls, Norway and South Paris.

Q: Do you have many siblings?

A: I have a brother, some step-brothers and step-sisters.

Q: What did your parents do?

A: My father worked at Market Square Restaurant and my mother was a homemaker. She stayed home to take care of me.

Q: What was it like growing up?

A: We had a lot of fun. I hill skied with Special Olympics. Kathy was my teacher and we skied at Sugarloaf USA and Shawnee Peak. I won a few medals.

Q: Was there anything you wanted to be when you grew up?

A: I just wanted to be me no matter what else I did.

Q: Where did you go to school?

A: I went to Oxford Hills and did some special stuff like helping the custodians with cleaning and painting. I was also a hall monitor.

Q: Did you get into mischief or play pranks?

A: Oh no! I was usually a good boy.

Q: What have you had for jobs?

A: I worked for Hannaford Brothers and I volunteer to help out with some local businesses.

Q: When and how did you meet your girlfriend?

A: I met her a long time ago. We have been together for eight years and her name is Delicia Swann.

Q: Anyone ever said you look like some famous?

A: Not to me. I don’t think I do.

Q: Did you do much traveling?

A: I’ve traveled from Virginia to all over Maine. I’ve been all over the place.

Q: What place was the most fascinating and why?

A: Right here where I am now.

Q: Did anyone influence you to the point of changing your direction in life?

A: Some people tried, but it didn’t work out.

Q: Do you collect anything or have a hobby?

A: NASCAR! I’m a big Dale Jr. fan and have a model of his car. I used to have one of Richard Petty’s, but I gave it to my step-dad.

Q: What subject do you wish you knew more about?

A: I wish I knew more about the school budget. I wish I knew how to get the school board to not spend so much money and do more for the kids. It seems like there was a lot more stuff for kids when I was younger and it doesn’t seem that way now.

Q: What is the one thing you would not give up?

A: NASCAR! I could give up just about anything, but not NASCAR.

Q: What is the one thing you would happily do over again?

A: Go to more race tracks. I like camping at the race tracks and watching the races in person.

Q: Do you have any children?

A: No

Q: What was the best memory this interview brought back?

A: Working with the custodians and my Special Olympic time. They did dances right there at Sugarloaf USA for us kids. It was great!

Q: Any heroes?

A: My dad, my step-father and my brother, Alton Chesley.

Q: What would you like people to know about you?

A: I’m a good caregiver to my girlfriend and a neighbor. I’m a pretty generous and caring person.

Q: Last day on earth, what would you do and with whom?

A: I’d spend it with my friends. I’d just hang out with them and have a good time.

Q: If anyone could walk in right now, who would you most want to see?

A: My grandmother on my mother’s side. I used to hang out with her a lot and we’d go to the ice cream shops. I miss her and I miss having ice cream with her.

Q: Any regrets

A: None. I’m a pretty happy guy.

Q: What scares you the most?

A: A moose coming through my windshield. I had that happen once and it’s pretty scary.

Q: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

A: Right where I am now.

Photo:

Joe Bonney at 10.