Occupation: I have been retired for six years. My first degree was a bachelor of science in food and nutrition at New York University, after which I worked as a hospital dietician. Then I did recipe testing and food photography for Philadelphia Electric Company’s TV Kitchen show. For seven years, I cooked on the show. Then I went back to the University of Maryland to get a degree in elementary education and worked in the Montgomery County Public School System for 29 years. During that time I taught in grades 3 through 8.

 

How Long In Newtown: I moved into my Walnut Tree Hill Village condo five years ago, having moved north from Maryland to help take care of my grandchildren. Patrick, 14, goes to Fairfield Prep, and Francesca, 10, goes to St Margaret’s McTernan.

 

Biggest Change You Have Seen In Town: I would say it is the increased traffic. This town is so unusual. Where else would you celebrate Halloween on Main Street with 1,000 other children?

Family: My daughter, Claudia Braden, and her husband, George, live in Bethel. I pick up their children after school, and they are with me until their mother and father come home. I drive them to soccer, to the gym, and wherever else they need to go. Also, I have a sister living in the Milford area. My son, Jack Stephan, and his wife, DJ, live in Charlotte, N.C.

 

Pets: I have a gorgeous calico cat named “Cisco” who is 15 and stays indoors. I once had four cats, but she’s the last one!

 

Favorite Book: I love history and biography. A favorite is A Distant Mirror by Barbara Tuchman. Generally, I’ve got two or three books going at one time.

 

Favorite Vacation Spot: I am lucky to have been able to travel. I love learning about ancient cultures and going to museums. I also love to sit on the sand on my favorite beach in Ocean City, Md., listening to the waves go in and out.

Organizations: I belong to the Garden Club of Newtown, and to the Woman’s Club of Newtown (GFWC), and I help write the newsletter for both clubs. I am the art chairperson on the Booth Library Board of Trustees, and I am a lector at St Rose of Lima Church.

 

Most Vivid Memory About Newtown: Main Street during the Labor Day parades and on Halloween. Both occasions are wonderful –– such fun!

 

Personal Philosophy: I am a vegetarian because I feel strongly that animals should not be slaughtered so people can eat. Live and let live. Be grateful for all you have. Every day is a gift from God, so use it wisely. And finally, I would have to add: “Youth is wasted upon the young.”

SNAPSHOT: Paula Stephan