Family: My husband Steve; daughter and her husband, Shannon and Chris, and their daughters, Bailey, 2, and Remy, 10 months; and daughter Stephanie and her husband Danny, and their daughters, Charlotte, 8, and Caroline, 6.

How did you meet your husband? We met through his father in 1981. His dad was friends with my parents, and we met through that. I actually asked him out on a first date. We went to Edmond Town Hall and saw Lily Tomlin in The Incredible Shrinking Woman, when tickets were $1. We still watch that movie a lot. The girls bought it for us, for one of our anniversaries.

Do you have any pets? (Laughs) Living on a farm, we have quite a few, yes. I have a yellow Lab named Kady, and a border collie named Kasia. I also have a really special rabbit named Pearl, and a cow named Leonard. We also have four additional cows, three pet goats, and four pet ducks.

How long have you lived in Newtown? My parents moved here when I was in college, in 1974.

Where do you work and what do you do? I’m not sure if “work” is fitting for me. Steve and I co-own Castle Hill Farm, but I never think that I work. Ours is a fifth generation farm. It’s been in Newtown since 1927. The farm is how I spend my time lately. I’m also a retired educator, after 38 years in elementary education. Presently I am part of our granddaughters’ lives, being a child caregiver while their parents work.

Are you a member of any clubs, organizations and/or communities of faith? I’m on the board of directors for Connecticut Farm Bureau, and the board of directors for Fairfield County Farm Bureau. I am also a member of St Rose Church, as well as St Mary’s Ukrainian Catholic Church in Bridgeport.

What do you enjoy reading? I love children’s literature. My favorite author is Patricia Polacco, and my favorite book is Rechenka’s Eggs, which is based on Ukrainian culture. I used to read that to my kids every year.

Favorite music genre? I listen to smooth jazz, and I love Chris Botti. He’s a light jazz trumpet player and I just love him. I’ll be going to see him for the third time in December. I also like country music.

Favorite color? Green.

What is the best piece of advice you have ever been given? My husband and I were talking about this recently and we both agreed the best advice that we both were given and we live by was from my dad. He said: “Each day is a gift so strive to make someone else’s day brighter and better, as we all have a story!”

Favorite thing to eat? Seafood.

Favorite travel destination? I love Pennsylvania, specifically the New Holland and Leola area. It’s Amish and Mennonite, and I love the farmland there. We’ve been to tropical places, and other places, but we go to Pennsylvania one or two times a month and that makes me the happiest. As soon as I see that sign, I’m happy.

What is something you cannot live without? My family.

What is your favorite thing about Newtown? It’s the connections. Everybody kind of knows us, and there are people in town, certain people you know would help you no matter what. The salt of the earth people, those are the kind of people that make this a great town.

Do you have a personal credo? Life’s blessings come from faith, family, nature, and the land we nurture. That, and, leave behind more love than you take.