Occupation: I am a retired teacher of languages. I became a poet and short story writer in South Africa. I also wrote plays that were produced in South Africa. I received my teaching degree at Pretoria University in Pretoria, South Africa.

By JAN HOWARD

Published: May 29, 2001 12:00 am

Occupation: I am a retired teacher of languages. I became a poet and short story writer in South Africa. I also wrote plays that were produced in South Africa. I received my teaching degree at Pretoria University in Pretoria, South Africa.

How Long in Newtown: I have lived in Newtown for three years. My husband, Hein, was transferred from a subsidiary company in South Africa to one of the offices of Strategic Minerals in Hot Springs, Ark. After ten months, we moved to Newtown for him to fill his new position in the head office of the company in Danbury. I was born and raised in South Africa.

Family: My husband Hein and I have been married for 13 years. I have two married children, Olga and Gustav, in South Africa. Gustav, who is married to Lana, is an engineer. Olga and her husband, Johan, have three children, Marguerite, 11, Dreinie, 9, and Johan, 3.

Pets: I have two dogs, a Boston terrier, Boss, who is 3, and a cocker spaniel, Maggie, 3.

Hobbies: Two years ago, because I was removed from my family and no longer writing because you need to be where you are published, I thought I would try painting in watercolors. I have taken three sessions of lessons with Bruce and Joanne Hunter at the Art Spot in Brookfield. I have also attended demonstrations by artists Betty Christensen and John Swatsley. I am also a member of the Roaring Lambs, an art group of Walnut Hill Community Church. We meet once a month and share our work. There are some well established artists, which is good for me. I am now planning for a solo show they asked me to do in October. Iâm really feeling my way and trying to find out how these watercolors work. I love every moment of doing it. Iâve always been in a creative mode. Iâm now rewriting some of my poems in English, and am planning to combine my poetry with my paintings. Each will give me an opportunity for what I want to express. My initial inspiration was Marguerite Malwitz, founder of the Roaring Lambs. In addition to painting, I keep connected to my home base in South Africa by writing a newsletter home to about 50 people. I also email about 30 people, sharing our experiences here. I love to reach out to people, to be of service where I am needed. Since Iâve been in this country, Iâve learned how available Americans make themselves to help others. Iâm already preparing for some kind of ministry when I go back to South Africa.

Favorite Books and Authors: I like to read poetry and more serious literature, and whenever I can, I put my hands on new literature of Afrikaans. We visit South Africa every six months so I pick up new literature then.

Favorite TV Show: Animal Planet and the Travel Channel. I also got hooked on the first Survivor show. I enjoy Charlie Roseâs interviews on Channel 13, and also followed the presidential election very closely.

Organizations: I am a member of Walnut Hill Community Church.

Most Vivid Memory of Newtown: Being received on Butterfield Road as a newcomer with enthusiasm. We have wonderful neighbors. Also, every turn you take in Newtown is a picture. I walk my dogs in the woods every day. I love what nature offers around here. I love sharing the history about Newtown with friends from South Africa who visit. With the books about Newtown, itâs so easy to feel connected. Iâm interested in getting involved, and may be interested in coming back someday after weâve gone back to South Africa and learning more about this wonderful country.

Favorite Vacation Spot: Because we love and need to see our family, we go to South Africa twice a year for two weeks each time. In July, we will be visiting Kruger National Park, where we have a time-share. Fifteen family members will be spending the week there. Then weâll spend a week at our home. Because of my husbandâs job, we have been traveling all over the world. We have been fortunate to have seen most of the world.

Personal Philosophy: I live by the grace of God every day. Iâm happy just being alive. I think Iâm totally content, and want to be available to be of service to others.

Â SNAPSHOT

WITH PHOTOGRAPH

MARGUERITE ENSLIN

The Way We Were

Malcolm Andrew 'Andy' Bryant

Top Of The Mountain

Garden Club Spring Plant Sale Saturday

Full Slate Of May Programs Planned By Flagpole Photographers

The editorial took no position on the budget going up or down so you're reading things into the editorial that simply aren't there. The turnout is tied to the lack of passage, in that people who came out to vote last time did not this time, indicating a lack of support on their part. Perhaps it wasn't spelled out clearly enough, but that's what the editorial was driving at, people showing lack of support by not casting a vote. The editorial did address likely concerns among voters that may have led to lack of support and lack of turnout. This lower turnout also follows increasing turnout over the past four referendums in three years (meaning it is an aberration from that), and increased turnout is something that I do push for regularly in editorials. Any disappointment you might be seeing is at the break in that trend, not at whether the budget passed or not. I'd rather see more people come out and vote "no" then not vote at all.

Lower Turnout Results In Two Budget Defeats

Clearly, property owners no longer want to bear the burden of expenses while the state does not meet it’s responsibilities. Rising costs must be addressed by actions that do not include yearly increases of property owners’ taxes. The state of CT must meet its share of the educational costs, and other costs.

Town And School Budgets Fail At Referendum

This feels like an oddly misleading headline and narrative, particularly coming from the Editorial Board. The headline "Lower Turnout Results in Two Budget Defeats" pushes a misleading narrative regarding voter turnout, and then seeks to tie the outcome of the referendum to that misleading narrative. Sure, voter turn out for this year's referendum, 18%, was lower than last year's. However, last year's turnout, 25.4%, represented the highest turnout in the most recent 10 budget referendums. If you take the time to examine turnout percentages between 2017 and 2026 (2017: 19.9, 2018: 15.7, 2019: 17, 2020: 0, 2021: 8.98, 2022: 7.7, 2023: 8.8, 2024: 15.1/17.49, 2025: 25.4, 2026: 18), this year's turnout was actually the third highest in the past 10 cycles. Perhaps the headline of this article should say "Lower Voter Turnout Than Last Year", which is more accurate, rather than creating an impression that this year's turnout is some type of aberration - a narrative that the turnout numbers, in all their binary glory, simply do not support. Further, the headline of this article appears to tie the "lower turnout" to the defeated budgets. Sure, that could be true. But, perhaps, its more likely that Newtown residents are feeling the squeeze of multiple economic influences. In Newtown, we've experienced property revaluations and increased municipal spending. Eversource continues to raise rates. The state legislature gives PURA the authority to impose Public Benefit charges that benefit a tiny percentage of the public (and subsequently burdening the rest of us). At the national level, inflation has run rampant for years and many of those costs remain high to this day. In short, the data tells a far less dramatic—and far more honest—story than the headline suggests. This wasn’t an electorate vanishing in apathy; it was a fairly typical turnout delivering an verdict that, perhaps, some at the Editorial Board didn't like. At some point, it’s worth considering that residents aren’t confused, disengaged, or misled by turnout; they’re simply doing math at their kitchen tables and concluding that “no” is the only responsible answer left.

Enjoyed the forum which only confirmed my support for Brandon Moore as the Democratic candidate to run for the state representative position. Brandon Moore did not waiver about his duty to all the people, if elected, when an issue presents itself that requires that he voice a difference of opinion for the wellbeing of Newtown residents. If Michelle Ku’s 16 years have led to her loyalty being to other elected officials, as she implied, then Newtown is going to continue to witness actions that do not protect its residents. She could not unseat republican, Mitch Bolinsky, during a Blue Wave, and once again, will not do it now. Winning that seat is critical for all. That explains why her previous campaign committee now campaigns for Brandon Moore. It explains all the endorsements he has received from local elected democratic officials. It’s why we need Brandon Moore to be the democratic candidate to run for state representative.

Second Newtown DTC, League Of Women Voters Candidates Event Planned

Appreciated the opportunity to hear from both candidates as we were present for the College Dems forum but only heard from Brandon Moore. It was an opportunity to see who can unseat the Republican incumbent and there is no doubt that Brandon Moore should be the Democratic candidate. One concerned parent posed a question about discrimination unaddressed by the school district and interestingly enough, Michelle Ku, who proudly speaks of her Board membership years, said little, while Brandon Moore passionately addressed the issue along with his experience as an Apache Helicopter Commander. This family is supporting Brandon Moore. We need change and someone who is not afraid to disagree, especially about the rising costs of living in Newtown.

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Occupation: I am a retired teacher of languages. I became a poet and short story writer in South Africa. I also wrote plays that were produced in South Africa. I received my teaching degree at Pretoria University in Pretoria, South Africa.

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