Occupation: I have been a chef and caterer and involved in cooking for all my life, it seems. For the past year and a half, I have run my own business called Nancy Bamberg Fine Catering where I can be reached at 426-7801. My clients are from a broad region in the greater Danbury area. In school, I studied art and textile design, and for a while I worked in New York City doing rug designs for a custom carpet company called Edward Fields. During off hours, I worked for a number of different caterers. One interesting job was preparing food for the president of Revlon. Another was working with a catering service for corporate jets flying out of Hartford/Bradley, Westchester, Oxford, and Tweed airports. For those clients, the food had to be very fresh, of the highest quality, and beautifully presented.

How Long In Newtown: I’ve lived here on Cedar Hill Road for 11 years, ever since 1994. I grew up in East Hampton, Long Island, and I put myself through college by cooking for families. I loved doing it. I especially like working with people to help them come up with solutions to their individual catering needs.

What Appeals To You About Living Here: I enjoy all the separate little areas around this town that are so unique –– like Sandy Hook, Hattertown, and Hawleyville. Each one is special in its own way. There is still a lot of charm in Newtown. The Ram Pasture is one of my favorite places. It’s such a beautiful expanse of land right in the center of town.

Pet Peeve: This seems like an insignificant complaint when you think about how much effort goes into the Holiday Tree Lighting at the Ram Pasture, but I wish they would do something about the way those tree lights are hung all up and down in rigid, straight rows. We call it the Christmas dill pickle. And that flat star on top really needs a little help. I guess it’s the decorator in me coming out.

Family: My husband, Steve, is a photographer and teaches art in Bridgeport. Our daughter Maggie is at Guilford College in Greensboro, N.C. Our other daughter, Kate, is in middle school.

Hobbies: I love reading about food in The New York Times, in the new cookbooks, and in the magazines. Indian and Thai foods are some of my favorites.

Pets: We have two Siamese cats that are brother and sister, named Ricky and Lucy.

Movie Destination: I am an avid fan of Bethel Cinema for their foreign and art films. It’s such a little jewel. And the little restaurant they had next door was so great for so long. Now, it’s been bought and is in transition.

Organizations: I am very involved in my synagogue Congregation Adath Israel, and I am on the interior decorating committee for the new building project. I’m also taking Hebrew lessons in adult education. In my catering business, I work with many local organizations such as the Family Counseling Center and Newtown Youth Services, so I feel somewhat a part of those groups and I totally support what they do.

Favorite Vacation Spot: We tend to go up and down the East Coast. I have relatives living in Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, and also on the Outer Banks in North Carolina. We’d like to take the family to Italy someday. I was there a long time ago for three weeks, but it wasn’t long enough. I think I’d like to retire there.

Personal Philosophy: I try to live every day one day at a time. Anything that is in my control, I try to do my best and to think positive. As far as my work, anything that I can do ahead of time, if possible I’ll do it.