Occupation: I’m a stay-at-home mom. I have a bachelor’s of business administration in marketing from Pace University. I worked in direct marketing for eight years before having children.

How Long in Newtown: I have lived in Newtown for 11 years. I was born and raised in Pleasantville, N.Y., and when I was first married I lived in Danbury.

Biggest Change Seen in Town: My favorite change is the new library. I love how they have updated it for the needs of the community but kept the old library.

Family: My husband, Gary, and I have been married for 15 years. We have three children, Nicole, 8, and Courtney, 5, who attend Middlegate School, and Ryan, 1.

Pets: We have one dog, Magic, a black lab-golden retriever mix.

Hobbies: I play tennis and love water sports.

Favorite Books and Authors: I love to read, particularly mystery novels by female authors, such as Mary Higgins Clark and Susan Grafton.

Favorite TV Show: Ally McBeal, Law and Order, and Any Day Now.

Organizations: I have been a member of the Newtown Junior Women’s Club for four years, am on its board, and have chaired its science workshops for the last three years. I am a member of the PTA of Middlegate School. I drive for Meals on Wheels and teach Sunday school at Newtown Congregational Church.

Most Vivid Memory of Newtown: This past Labor Day I marched in the parade with the Junior Women’s Club. I love how the parade brings the community together. We marched with about 15 to 20 of our children who wore t-shirts that said “My Mom is a Newtown Junior.” We had a great time.

Favorite Vacation Spot: We have a summer home on Candlewood Lake in Sherman that was built by my grandfather about 50 years ago. It was always special to me, and now I can share that with my children.

Personal Philosophy: My parents taught me about the importance of  family and taking an active role in church and the community through their actions. I hope I am instilling the same values in my children.

 DAWN ESCODA