Occupation: I am an information design consultant and technical writer. I design software for software engineers, which means writing programs so the computers can talk to each other. I’ve been doing this for 13 years.

Technology is changing so fast that as soon as the books or documentation come out, they are obsolete. And half the companies I’ve worked for don’t exist any longer.

Before that, I was a software engineer in geophysical exploration geology and mathematics, working for the oil industry.

How Long In Newtown: I’ve lived for 20 years in an 1840s house on The Boulevard.

I didn’t really feel a part of this town until our children were born, and we had to depend upon the wonderful professionals here, for their advice and assistance when they got sick.

 

Biggest Change You Have Seen In Town: I would rather look ahead with ideas for positive changes for the future.

I’d like to see more sidewalks throughout the center of town, especially all the way to the intermediate school. A system of sidewalks is one of the best ways to bring a town together.

I would also like to see the town be like a real village for all ages, with apartments for the elderly as well as houses for young families.

Family: My wife, Linda McClary, is a teacher in Westport.

We have two children, Patrick, 11, who is in the sixth grade at Reed Intermediate School, and Katie, 9, who is in the fourth grade at Hawley School.

 

Hobbies: My house is my hobby, and doing things with the family.

Every winter I flood the backyard and we make an ice skating rink for the neighborhood kids, complete with bonfires and parties. We have to wait until mid-December to start it, because otherwise the falling leaves get into the ice. We’re hoping for a New Year’s Day party this year. That’s my goal. Last winter was great for making ice –– it stayed cold.

Pets: We have two Russian dwarf hamsters named Peanut and Buddy.

 

Favorite TV Show, Movie, Book: I like to read things that are science-related.

One of my favorite books is Chaos by James Glick. It’s about mathematics and shows how math can be beautiful in a random sort of way. For example, if you look at leaves from one kind of tree, they may be symmetrical yet random at the same time. Each leaf is the same, but each one is also a little different.

Of course, I love the Harry Potter books, and anything by Michael Crichton or John Grisham. I enjoy the intricacies in their writing.

Otherwise, I watch TV for mindless relaxation. We rent old videotapes of Westerns. They are often such good stories.

Organizations: I don’t have much time for joining organizations right now. I travel once a week and if I’m home, I like to spend time taking the children to their lessons, piano and saxophone.

 

Most Vivid Memory About Newtown: I have a series of memories and they all have a common theme involving the times when the children were sick and we were depending upon the local health professionals. Once our pediatrician, Dr Moore, came to the house when we couldn’t get out. And Don Bates from the Drug Center brought over some toys when the kids were infectious and couldn’t get out.

Favorite Vacation Spot: Paradox Lake in the Adirondacks, Upstate New York.

It’s interesting because in the spring there is no outlet. So where does the water go? That’s the paradox.

 

Personal Philosophy: Try to remain optimistic because life is good. Be thankful for what you have.