Occupation: A professional volunteer is a perfect description of me. Volunteerism is a huge part of my life. It is my firm belief to be passionate about what you do. When you are passionate about something, there are not enough hours in the day to do it. I wish more people were passionate about something. There’s a space for everybody. I am a former director of development for the West Virginia Symphony. Up to seven years ago, I worked for T.R. Paul. I was educated at Stevens College in Columbia, Mo.

How Long in Newtown: I have lived in Newtown for 15 years. I was born  and raised in Illinois, then transplanted to Charleston, W. Va., where I thought I would live my entire life. After 15 years there, we came here as a result of a Union Carbide transfer.

Biggest Change Seen in Town: No doubt about it, the unbelievable increase in traffic at Exit 11. There is so much building going on in our area, it is unbelievable.

Family: My husband, Joe, and I have been married for 37 years. We have two children, Patrick, 36, a pharmacist in West Virginia, and Kristin, 30, who works in the marketing department of John Hancock in Boston.

Pets: My license plate reads The Lab Lady. I have three yellow labradors, Brie, 13, Teal, 10, and Cooper, 6. I call them my girls.

Hobbies: I really like cross country skiing. We do back country skiing. We might have a lodge for a week or go from lodge to lodge in British Columbia. I carry no more than 25 pounds on my back. We’ve also gone skiing in Colorado, Idaho, or Utah. It’s a fabulous experience. You can ski in or helicopter in and ski out or helicopter out. You meet exciting, interesting people. I saw my first caribou in the wild in February in British Columbia. I also do fly fishing. I have waders and boots. I am ready! It’s so beautiful to watch, and it’s becoming more and more a woman’s sport. I also exercise. I am passionate about staying fit. I do weight bearing exercises at Karen’s Fitness. I also love mountain biking. My husband and I go quite often. 

Favorite Books and Authors: I enjoy reading non-fiction. I recently completed A Short Guide to a Happy Life by Anna Quindlen. It makes you think about what you are doing in your life.

Favorite TV Show: I watch national and business news. I like to listen to the radio in the car, either CBS 880 or WOR 710. I like talk news and talk radio better than music.

Organizations: Meals on Wheels, Hospice, Women’s Investment Club, and Newtown Woman’s Club.

Most Vivid Memory of Newtown: When my husband came here, he bought our house without me. When he called to tell, he said the town where we would be living had a flagpole in the middle of the street. When I saw the flagpole, I couldn’t believe it.

Favorite Vacation Spot: We have a little chalet in the mountains of West Virginia. We built it 20 years ago when we thought we’d never leave West Virginia. It’s so special. Now that my husband is retired, we’ll be able to go there more often. There’s a ski area nearby. It’s a little piece of heaven. I also love the Canadian rockies and back country. It has some of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen. The solitude of it is intriguing. 

Personal Philosophy: Friendship is one of the most important parts of my life. Friendship is a commodity one cannot purchase, it’s priceless. I don’t take anything for granted anymore like when I was young. Every day is a gift. I try to make the most of each day, and encourage others to do the same.

SNAPSHOT

WITH PHOTOGRAPH

JANET HOVIOUS