Occupation: I am retired. I was a human resources professional for Pitney Bowes Corp.

Family: I'm married Dick and we have two children, Diane and Daniel. Dan is a director of the Professional Golf Association of America. Diane and her daughter, Rebekah, live with us. Rebekah is a freshman at Newtown High School.

Pets: Not anymore. We had a cat, Tabby, who lived to be 19 years old, an a dog, Hildegard, who only lived to be 8 years old. She died of cancer. We were all so heartbroken, we never got another pet.

How long have you lived in Newtown? We moved here in 1968. So we have been here for 48 years.

What do you like to do in your free time? I'm an antiques dealer. I go once or twice a month to shows. I've been trustee for the Newtown Historical Society for 25 years, and I'm on the Newtown Congregational Church council. I am part of the search committee for NCC for an assistant pastor. When I have free time, I like to read, listen to music, garden, and cook. Cooking is not a chore for me. I enjoy it. In my next life, I will probably be a chef!

Do you have a favorite book? I read mostly nonfiction. I like historical novels best. I have read Truman and John Adams, by David McCullough. He is my favorite author. Right now, I am reading the two volumes about Frank Sinatra's life. My father went on tour with him in the 1930s, with the Major Bowes Talent Unit, so I always followed his career.

What music do you listen to? We like bluegrass and country best. I like Cajun, because I am part French. But I was brought up listening to big bands - Benny Goodman - so I listen to that, too, plus jazz and pop. I guess you could say, I like it all. My favorite band is the British band Coldplay. And I think Adele has an excellent voice.

Do you have a favorite travel destination? We like Maine and Cape Cod. I have an aunt on the Cape. But we have been everywhere. We have relatives in Montana, Arizona, and Texas.

What is the best thing about Newtown? The people here are wonderful and it is a slower pace. We came from Westport and Norwalk. My husband is a Westport native. I grew up in Milford, across the street from Long Island Sound, and I do miss the water. Newtown, so far, doesn't have any big box stores.

Who has been the greatest influence in your life? Definitely my mother. She was the world's best mother. She never criticized me or tried to influence my decisions. When I made the Honor Society in my junior year of high school, I think she finally stopped worrying. Then, when I won a half-tuition scholarship on graduation night, she really stopped worrying.

If you could have one wish, what would it be? Since I only had a half scholarship, I had to go out and earn the other half, so on weekends I would sing with bands. After college, I was going to shop a demo around to see if I could get a record label to sign me, but I was talked out of it by someone. So I didn't pursue my dream. I have always regretted it. My advice to young people: don't give up your dream.

Do you have a guilty pleasure? I like country dancing. We go to Buffalo Bill's in Monroe to dance, most of the year. And I like ice cream. Coffee is my favorite flavor.