Snapshot

Occupation: I am a teacher and the director at the Newtown Congregational Preschool, going on my 37th year. I believe that it is the oldest preschool still in existence in Newtown, going on 44 years.

Family: My husband, Rich, and I have been married for 43 years. We have a daughter, Jen Meyer, and her husband Doug, and our grandchildren Michael, Jake, and Ellie, who live in Newtown. Our son Richard his wife Amy, and our grandson, Gavin, live in Exeter, N.H. Our other son, Bob, and his wife Janine, live with their cocker spaniel, Biscuit, in Woodbury, Conn.

Pets: Annie is our cocker spaniel that we recently acquired. She loves to leap and lick.

How long have you lived in Newtown? We have lived here for 40 years. We raised our children here. When we saw the flag pole and Main Street, we fell in love with Newtown.

What do you like to do in your free time? In my spare time, I do decorative painting. My art work and paintings are commissioned in many areas. I am mostly known for painting scenes of Newtown, especially Main Street and our Newtown rooster. Some of my work is shown at the Wishing Well in Sandy Hook. I was inspired years ago by Ida Van Tassel’s Newtown scenes.

Do you have a favorite book? Magnificent, my daily devotional. I just finished reading The Help, which I liked very much. I love the authors James Patterson, Dan Brown, and Jodi Picoult.

Do you have a favorite travel destination? My favorite place is Italy, because of my art background and interests. We live in New Hampshire during the summer, on a lake. We hope to retire there some day.

What is the best thing about Newtown? The people and the small town feeling, even though we are growing all the time. I tell my parents that visit the preschool that they will meet parents that have lived in Newtown all their lives, or for just two hours.

What is the most positive change you have seen in Newtown? Main Street appears to be getting an individual restoration by the owners. I love Main Street. I paint many Newtown scenes, so I am very aware of any changes that are going on.

Do you have a hero? My husband, Rich. I met him when I was 14 years old. He has taught me many things, like how to drive a stick shift car. He has a strong sense of family and is very loyal to his friends. He has taught me that when life gives you lemons, you need to make lemonade. We have had a lot of good lemonade.

Do you have a personal philosophy? Try to reach out to others even though they may not appear to be receptive. Allow yourself to take a chance. Try to start the day with a smile and end it with thanksgiving.

What makes you happiest? When I am surrounded by my family, especially at the lake, after a beautiful day, watching the sun set on Newfound Lake.