Occupation: I have been a merchandising assistant at J.C. Penney at the Danbury Fair Mall for 12 years. Prior to that I was a teacher at Newtown Middle School. I taught art for sixth, seventh and eighth grades. Years ago I worked as an interior decor
Occupation: I have been a merchandising assistant at J.C. Penney at the Danbury Fair Mall for 12 years. Prior to that I was a teacher at Newtown Middle School. I taught art for sixth, seventh and eighth grades. Years ago I worked as an interior decorator. I graduated from Daimen College School of Fine Arts in Buffalo, N.Y. with a degree in art education. I have a masterâs degree in art from Western Connecticut State University.
How Long in Newtown: I have lived in Newtown for 31 years. Prior to that I lived in Alden, N.Y. I grew up in the Buffalo area. Iâve known my husband since I was four years old. He lived next door.
Biggest Change Seen in Town: There are a lot of new buildings and stores, but it still has that hometown feeling. It has such a feeling of warmth.
Family: My husband, Eugene, and I have been married for 54 years. We have six children, James, Cathy, twins Joanne and Judy, Beth and Edward. We have 18 grandchildren.
Pets: We have two dachshunds, Laverne and Shirley, and a cat named Smoky.
Hobbies: I like oil painting. I also paint decorative mailboxes. I love to shop, especially at Christmas.
Favorite Books and Authors: I like light reading, such as fiction by Margaret Truman. I switch from one author to another.
Favorite TV Show: ER.
Organizations: I am a member of the Commission on Aging and of St Rose of Lima Church.
Most Vivid Memory of Newtown: The parade. The first year we moved here people asked, âAre you going to the parade?â I also remember the high school band practices with Mr Grasso. I love Newtown.
Favorite Vacation Spot: Florida. We have a time-share there. The kids bought into it, and at Thanksgiving, we all go there. We have a wonderful time.
Personal Philosophy: I love working and meeting people who come to my counter at Penneyâs. They are so friendly. I have made many new friends. Many of my students have come to my department just to say hello. I realized, after having been in Japan while my husband was in Korea, when my daughter Cathy was born, how important it was to have your family around you and how important your country is to you.