Occupation: I am a vice principal at Harding High School in Bridgeport.

Family: My wife Rebecca and I have two amazing children, Simon and Faye.

Pets: We have two dogs, both rescues. Penny is a herder mix, and Chleo is a feist mix.

How long have you lived in Newtown? Rebecca, who grew up in Newtown, finally convinced me to move here five years ago.

What do you like to do in your free time? I love to be active outdoors. In the winter I ski and snowshoe. Otherwise, hiking, biking, and camping.

What is your favorite book? As a former English teacher, I have too many to list, but The Idiot, Candide, and The Republic are up there.

What is your favorite travel destination? Every summer we hike the White Mountains in New Hampshire. It’s a tradition that goes back to my grandfather. I was probably 6 years old the first time I hiked Mt Washington. I also love visiting cities with great bike lanes and museums: Amsterdam and Montreal are great places to pedal.

What is the best part about Newtown? Newtown is a great place for families, because of the people who make up the community. Though they may disagree on some minor points, I believe there is a common sense of goodwill. Most people return their shopping carts when they are done with them.

What organizations are you part of in Newtown? I am an Assistant Scout Master with BSA Troop 70.

Who has been the greatest influence in your life? My wife has been the greatest and most steady influence. I’ve learned a lot from her, and we have had some great adventures.

If you could spend the day with one person, who would you choose and why? Againw, that’s probably my wife Rebecca. She makes me laugh every day and is always ready for adventure.

Who is your favorite musical artist? That depends on the mood and circumstances. Lately I’ve been listening to Philip Glass while on the lifts and The Pixies while skiing down the mountain. My son has introduced me to new artists: Girl in Red and Beach Bunny put on great live shows last summer.

What is the greatest piece of advice you have ever been given? The pre-Socratic Thales might have said, “What is most difficult? — To know one’s self. What is most easy? — To give advice.” The first part is a tenet of ancient Greek thought that’s just as true today as it ever was.

What is something you cannot live without? It’s the people, the relationships, that create meaning in my life. I can’t think of any object that I couldn’t lose without indifference.

What is your proudest accomplishment? Most recently, it was bike-packing the C&O Canal with my son, Simon. We biked nearly 200 miles over four days, and arrived in Washington, D.C. Teaching my daughter to ski this year has been rewarding, as well.