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SNAPSHOT: MARTY LaMARCHE

Occupation: I am a desktop publisher and graphic designer. My company is Tweak

Design and Communications, LLC, which I run from my home. I work by referral

and have a growing number of clients for newsletters, printed materials and

design services. One of my clients is seeking political office in November.

That's always exciting. I enjoy being creative, and I love to see my work in

magazines and newspapers. Being self employed gives me the flexibility to set

my own hours and put my family first. My husband and I are also starting a

family business, Footfit Technologies, Inc. It's a tremendous amount of work.

I designed the company logo and the home page.

How Long in Newtown: I have lived in Newtown for five years. Prior to that I

lived in Bethel for 10 years. I lived in Indianapolis until 1978 when we

married. In 1994, my husband, Bob, and I looked at homes in two towns in the

area. We chose Newtown for its music program, schools, and its character. I

can't imagine living anywhere else. I love it here.

Family: Bob and I have been married for 22 years. Bob is originally from

Connecticut. He and I met at the Indianapolis Star (newspaper). I worked in

the library, and he was on the police beat. Our first date was in Washington,

D.C., when in 1977 our softball team, the Headliners, played Jimmy Carter's

team. President Carter couldn't make it but Jody Powell and the staff did. We

also played the Washington Post . Bob and I have three sons; Brendan, 16;

David, 13; and Andrew, 7. All three attend Newtown public schools. Bob has

worked for The New York Times Magazine Group for 23 years.

Pets: We have a bichon friese named Frostie and a cat, Tino.

Hobbies: I love to play golf and tennis with my husband and children. They all

have mountain bikes so I'll probably give that a try at some point. I love to

garden. My husband and I spent one and a half years clearing, landscaping and

planting our front yard. When I'm stressed, I'll get up, make a cup of coffee,

and garden as early as 6 am. I love to watch the transformation in the garden

throughout the seasons. I've tried to share the garden with my children as my

mother did with me. If I had more time, I'd research my family's genealogy.

I'd also paint a little. I took a six-week watercolor course with Barbara

Goodspeed, which I enjoyed tremendously. I'd join SCAN and the garden club.

Favorite Books and Authors: I like to read, but I don't have much time. When

my friends loan me books, I line them up on the shelf and read what I'm in the

mood for. This year I read The Endurance , Map of the World , Plum Island and

The Geisha . I enjoyed them all but The Geisha was my favorite.

Favorite TV Show: I don't watch much TV. If I have a stressful day, in the

middle of the day I'll watch old black and white movies. It's like a little

vacation. It really helps.

Organizations: We are members of St Rose Church. Currently I am on the board

of the Newtown Business and Professional Women. I like its community service

goals. I volunteer in the schools where or when my talents are needed. We have

a family membership in the Newtown Tennis Association. Prior to moving to

Newtown, I was president of St Mary Guild in Bethel for two years. During that

time, I represented the Bridgeport Diocese at the Bishop's Conference on the

Wisdom of Women in Washington, D.C. I also set up a volunteer effort at

Dorothy Day Hospitality House in Danbury for one day each month.

Favorite Vacation Spot: The Windermere Island Club in the Bahamas. I would

like to go there again.

Personal Philosophy: I feel God in my life, and I am thankful for the health

of my loved ones. One of my children was the first baby to survive

complications of a diaphragmatic hernia. We are fortunate he recovered

completely. An experience like that aligns your priorities fast. I think our

children need role models, loving guidance and discipline, and our belief in

them. We must instill from a very young age, by example, honesty, personal

integrity, and kindness. As my children get older, I work very hard to keep

the lines of communication open. I also believe that no matter how busy you

are there is something you can do for the community. Things do add up.