Occupation: I own and run a consulting business, SOAR Consulting. Primarily I teach FDA mandated regulations to food, drug, and cosmetics companies. In the spring, I have been certified to teach individuals The Creating Course designed by Robert Fritz, the author who wrote the book The Path of Least Resistance. The main thing I do is train people. I earned an undergraduate degree in theater and communication from Western Connecticut State University and a master’s in counseling from the University of Bridgeport.

How Long in Newtown: I moved here in 1975, left in 1983, and moved back from New Jersey in 1998. Now I’m here to stay. I was born and raised in Tennessee. 

 Biggest Change Seen in Town: The modernization of Pine Tree Hill Road. It was once a big pasture, now it’s a community. It’s gone from rural to urban. Also, the closing of Fairfield Hills. It seemed like part of the town. I hope they can do something with it.

Family: My husband, Bob, and I have been married for a year and a half. We met in 1976, fell in love, and then broke up. It’s kind of a fairy tale. I married my first love. It took us a while, but we finally got together.

Pets: We have five cats, Tinker, Mookie [a Maine Coon], Molly, Maggie, and Bugger. It’s a blended family. He had two cats, I had three. We both love cats.

Hobbies: Reading; renovating/restoring of our 250-year-old farmhouse, a loving restoration; scuba diving; flying sail planes. It’s a blast! Being a slave to cats; and politics. I’m a dyed-in-the-wool Democrat. I’d like to be on the Democratic Town Committee someday.  I also love to write. We also fish year round, even ice fishing. I love to fish. In the summer, we’re out on the boat all the time.

Favorite Books and Authors: I love books. I don’t go anywhere without a book. I even have one in the car. In the past, I enjoyed books by J.D. Salinger. Now I like books by Barbara Kingsolver, author of The Poisonwood Bible. I read all her books. They’re very, very good.

Favorite TV Show: Discovery, History, and A&E channels. When I get the controls away from Bob, I watch movies.

Organizations: I am co-president of the Business and Professional Women (BPW), which I absolutely love. I’m also a member of the Chamber of Commerce. I am speaking on February 5 to the BPW about Networking for Community. It’s about networking to become a community, with personal ties as well as professional ties.

 Most Vivid Memory of Newtown: Queen Street. My inlaws lived on Queen Street and had a garden. It was to die for. We got to pick veggies there. It was a great garden. My first Newtown Labor Day parade in 1976 was very special. It was my year. I graduated from high school and met my husband.  

Favorite Vacation Spot: We go to Cape Cod every year for swimming, fishing, and diving. We always stay in Eastham.

Personal Philosophy: Embrace life, specifically by learning and creating continually. Share everything you know. Love each other. Share compassion. Laugh a lot, especially at yourself.

SNAPSHOT

WITH PHOTOGRAPH

LAURA MAYER