Date: Fri 12-Dec-1997

Publication: Bee

Author: DOTTIE

Quick Words:

snapshot-Elin-Hayes

Full Text:

SNAPSHOT 12/12/97: ELIN HAYES

Name: Actually, my name, Elin, is pronounced "Ee-lynn." It's Swedish after my

great-grandmother.

Occupation: I have been working part-time for nine years at Pronto Printer in

Trumbull in computer graphics. Also, I am president of the Board of Trustees

of the Newtown Historical Society. Most important, I am a new mother.

How long in Newtown: I've lived here nearly my whole life (I graduated from

Newtown High School with the Class of 1983). My husband and I lived elsewhere

for awhile, then we moved back to Newtown four and a half years ago.

We live on Bradley Lane in Sandy Hook in the house known as "Far Away Meadows"

that was once owned by internationally famed soprano, Grace Moore.

Family: My husband, Tim Hayes, and I have a little girl named Mairin who is

now 11 months old. The name Mairin is Irish for Mary after my husband's

mother.

Pets: We have a chow-chow named Higgins. Chow-chows are a Chinese breed that

looks something like a cross between a lion and a bear. They are notoriously

badly behaved but ours have always been exceptionally good. We had another

chow-chow for nine years named Chelsea and became terribly attached to her.

She died recently and we still miss her.

Hobbies: Tim and I both love collecting things. We've been especially

interested in anything pertaining to Grace Moore from the 1930s and 1940s --

movie stills, sheet music and personal items. We are very excited because we

have just obtained her own Bechstein grand piano.

Also, I guess you could say that another hobby, for me, is being very active

in the Newtown Historical Society. I believe it's an important organization, a

real asset to the town. What I'm trying to do is make residents more aware of

us and increasing the membership is my focus. It's only $15 per family. You

can pick up forms at any Historical Society function, or call the Curtiss

House (426-5937) and we'll send you one.

Changes in Newtown: Of course, it has to be the development of the land.

Houses used to be more spaced out and now there are new developments just

about everywhere you look. Good or bad, I guess that means more potential new

Historical Society members.

Personal philosophy: I do the best I can every day, in my work and for my

family. I like to be busy. It's important to feel a sense of accomplishment,

but always remember to take time and enjoy what I have today... especially my

family.