Occupation: I’m the operator of a fitness studio here in Newtown, Joanne’s Fitness Studio, purchased by my husband and myself two years ago. We specialize in small group weight training circuit classes for men and women.

Family: My wonderful husband, Bill, of 30 years. We have two daughters, Jaclyn, 24, and Amanda, 22. Jaclyn graduated from Southern Connecticut State University this past spring and is continuing her education to become a licensed drug and alcohol counselor. Amanda is in her senior year at Paier College in Hamden, specializing in interior design. We’re very proud of both of them.

Pets: We have a yellow lab, Sadie, who is 10 years old, and two cats, Midnight and Patches. They are both about 13 years old. Jaclyn has a snake, Bliss, and a bird, Widget. Widget is quite a handful. He has quite a vocabulary so you have to be careful what you say around him.

How long have you lived in Newtown? We’ve been in Newtown for 28 years.

What do you like to do in your free time? There’s not too much free time, so I enjoy spending it with my family, even just going for a walk. I try to get in some quality time. I think I treasure time with my family more now than ever, since everyone is starting to go in their own direction.

Do you have a favorite book? I don’t really read novels too much. Over the last few years most of my reading has been educational: nutrition, fitness, exercise programs, and health-related articles.

Do you have a favorite travel destination? The last big family vacation we went on was to Hawaii when Amanda graduated from high school. It was the best. We visited three different islands and were there for 10 or 12 days. I think Hawaii is everything you dream that it is.

What is the best thing about Newtown? I would say the warmth of the community and the people who are involved in the community, and all of the special groups and individuals in town who give of their time to make the town the caring place it is.

If you could visit the past or the future, which would you pick? I would want to travel to the past. My dad died at an early age and I wish I could have had more time with him. I would like to let him know about my present life and how much I wish he could have been a part of my kids’ lives.

Do you have a personal philosophy? I have at least two. Be patient with everyone, especially with yourself; and it’s never too late to decide what you want to be when you grow up.

Do you have a guilty pleasure? I have been known to put away a bag of Twizzlers. That’s my biggest guilty pleasure.