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Newtown, CT, USA
Newtown, CT, USA
Newtown, CT, USA
Newtown, CT, USA
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Snapshot: Donna Van Waalwijk

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Occupation: I’ve had my own health insurance business for about 30 years. It’s been great for my lifestyle, because it gave me flexibility raising my kids and for volunteering. Also, for the past three years, I’ve been teaching magic as an after-school program though Hobby Quest. It’s really fun.

Family: My husband, Rich, and I will be married for 40 years next year. We have two girls, Jenna and Jaclyn. Jenna has been married to her husband, Mark, for four years. Jaclyn got married this year to Andy.

Pets: I have a dog, Sadie. She is 13 years old. We also have a cat, Princess, who is 13 years old — and she is a princess. I’m more of a dog person.

How long have you lived in Newtown? Since 1986. I grew up in Monroe and moved to town because I have always loved Newtown for its farmland and community.

What do you like to do in your free time? I do a lot of things. I like to golf, ski, work out at NYA, travel, walk with Sadie, hike, bike, sometimes run — I do 5Ks once in a while.

What organizations are you part of in Newtown? I’ve been on the Sandy Hook Permanent Memorial Commission since it began in 2013. I’m very honored to be on the commission. It’s something I am proud to be a part of and enjoy being on. It’s been a process, but what I love about the commission is that everyone is so respectful, and we all listen to each other. I love showing people the [memorial] property, too.

Do you have a favorite book or author? I read everything. I like a variety.

What is your favorite travel destination? I’ve been to all 50 states, including Alaska and Hawaii. For the last family trip with my brother, mother, and father, we drove from Connecticut to Alaska, and we took two months. That’s when the Alaskan highway was a dirt road, and we took an Airstream trailer and a pickup truck. It’s great memories.

What is the best part about Newtown? To me it’s the people. You go out anywhere and everyone is so friendly. Also, the schools are great. My kids had a wonderful opportunity growing up in Newtown.

Who has been the greatest influence in your life? My parents, Frank and Marion, and my husband. I grew up on a farm, and my father especially taught me to respect the land and animals and instilled in me a great work ethic. For my husband, he is the ultimate optimist. We have been married since we were 22, so we’ve grown together and have a wonderful life.

If you could spend the day with one person, who would you choose and why? My father died 19 years ago, and I would want to spend the day with him. I’d want to tell him about my kids and all the things in life I’ve done in the last 20 years.

Who is your favorite musical artist? Keith Urban.

Do you have a favorite TV show? I love The Marvelous Mrs Maisel.

What is the greatest piece of advice you have ever been given? “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” My parents instilled that in me.

What is something you cannot live without? My family — and ice cream.

What is your proudest accomplishment? Definitely my children and seeing them grow up and becoming independent on their own, buying houses, and reaching those milestones. They’re doing so great.

Donna Van Waalwijk is this week's Snapshot profile.
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