Occupation: I have been a self-employed painter and paperhanger for the past 25 years. I started with my dad, Charlie Fadus, who was also a professional painter. I love my work, and the business has built itself by word-of-mouth. The nice thing is, I never dread Monday mornings.

I got a law degree from Fordham University and passed the Connecticut bar. I practiced law for a while, but decided I would rather work with my hands and be on my own.

How Long In Newtown: I was born in Danbury, and my folks, Jean and Charlie Fadus, moved here when I was 20 years old. I lived away for a while but came back to Newtown 4½ years ago. We bought a house on Sunset Hill, on the estate of Marge Sanford. It's within walking distance of everything, so we love it.

Family: My wife, Chris, is from Danbury, but she came originally from Portugal when she was 12 years old. We go back to visit her family in Portugal twice a year, at Christmas and in June.

Our children are Nicholas, age 9, and Olivia Rose, age 5. They are both at Hawley School.

Hobbies: My house is my hobby. I'm always working on it. My son Nicky works with me. He's got his own set of woodworking tools.

Pets: We're finally thinking about getting a dog. Usually one of us talks the other one out of the idea, but this year it might happen. Maybe, a Portuguese water dog. They have webbed feet and don't shed. We want something about 40 pounds that can be in the house with us.

Favorite Book, TV Show: I just read George Orwell's Brave New World. It mentions cloning and sounds a lot like what's happening now. We're on the verge of it, I'm afraid.

Chris and I like to watch an English comedy called Man Child. And we like the movies on the Sundance Channel that start after 9 pm when the kids are in bed.

Organizations: I'm involved as a volunteer with Children In Placement, as a guardian or court-appointed special advocate. I argue on behalf of the child, according to what I think are his or her best interests. That's where my legal training helps, because I can speak on my feet in a courtroom.

Most Vivid Memory About Newtown: The night the Yankee Drover Inn burned down. It was heartbreaking, but obvious that they couldn't save anything. I still have a slightly charred wooden window valence from the old building that I acquired afterward. That was around 1978 or 1980, while I was still living at home. I would never have believed that lot would still be empty after all these years.

Personal Philosophy: It sounds corny, but count your blessings. I especially like living in Newtown. It's like Mayberry RFD here, with the General Store, the parade, the flag, and Main Street.