PORT ARTHUR — A vase of flowers sits on a table next to books, an apple and a teapot in Ellen Solco's painting that she is touching up in her living room at her home in Port Arthur. She has her back to her front door so the natural light hits her painting just perfectly to see details of colors as they blend together.

Painting is just one of many of Solco's hobbies. "I am learning guitar. I do flower arranging, gift baskets, teach arts and crafts, play the piano, work in my garden and watch my veggies grow," she said laughing. "And I eat real well from it," her husband Norman Solco said. She also enjoys working with the handicapped.

Solco is retired from Port Arthur Independent School District. "I just retired and I'm trying to adjust to my new life," she said. She taught Special Education in the school district.

Hobbies on Wheels is a program Ellen Solco started. "I go to homes, facilities, nursing homes but most come to the church to learn arts and crafts," she said. Solco teaches different arts and crafts, mostly painting to the handicapped or just whoever wants to learn. "Now that I have retired, I can do this on a larger scale. I haven't been as active as I would have liked," she said.

"Special people is her real fortitude. It takes a lot of patience to work with special ed. She has a lot of that." Norman said.

This program takes a lot of burden off of the families.

Hobbies on Wheels is the number one priority for her future. "So many people, despite handicap, can become an artist," Ellen explained.

Ellen received The Women's Commission of Southeast Texas for her Hobbies on Wheels program.

"I'm excited, I just have to stay focused," she said.

"She really gives to the world. She is not a taker," Norman said.

Ellen and Norman have been married for 52 years. "I think we've got this thing worked out," he said with a smile on his face.

Norman is the pastor of Victory Christian Church in Port Arthur. Ellen also helps with anything she can at the church. She works with the children teaching them how to paint oranges and bananas during Vacation Bible School. "Those are easy to teach," she said.

Solco is a Certified Pastoral Counselor through the International Institute of Faith Based Counseling. She helps not just the people in the church but also coworkers and others from the community.

She also helps with the women's program at the church every other Friday night. "Women who want to be speakers come from all over the Golden Triangle to express themselves. We have three speakers each night," she said.

"She does so many things," Norman added.

While getting her teaching degree, Solco was in Kappa Delta Pi, an International Honor Society in Education. "This one award, I am very proud of," she said.

She has three children and seven grandchildren. "She has been a great mother," Norman said.

"It amazes me that she still cooks a good meal and comes home with peace. I am astounded by her abilities. I love her very much," Norman said.

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