Occupation: I am the owner of Petal Pushers, located at 97 South Main Street, Newtown. I’ve been open almost a year; I opened last September. I graduated from Syracuse University with a degree in design. I also have taken floral classes and seminars.

How Long in Newtown: I have been a resident of Newtown for eight years. Prior to this, I lived in Trumbull. Trumbull was getting a little too crowded. When I was born, my family lived in the Black Rock section of Bridgeport.

Biggest Change Seen in Town: It has to be the influx of people in town and the growth in the population.

Family: My husband, Chris, and I have been married for 13 years. We have three sons. Ryan, 20, works for a computer company in Stratford. Timothy, 18, will be attending Sacred Heart as a freshman in the fall. Sean, 17, is a senior at Newtown High School.

Pets: We have two Labrador retrievers, Tar, 7, and his mother, Decoy, 11.

Hobbies: I enjoy gardening, going to Red Sox games with my family, and fishing.

Favorite Books and Authors: I like to read, especially books by Ken Follett, my favorite author, such as East of Eden and The Third Twin. I like the twists in his plots.

Favorite TV Show: I hardly ever watch TV, but I make a point of watching one show every week, CSI.

Most Vivid Memory of Newtown: Before we moved to Newtown, we came up to check the town out because we liked the area. When I saw the flag in mid-street, I was taken back by the prominence of it in the street. From the first time I saw it, I think it really is incredible.

Favorite Vacation Spot: Martha’s Vineyard. We go every year for a fishing trip and stay in a bed and breakfast.

Personal Philosophy: I try to live each day to the fullest. Twenty-three years ago I had a daughter who passed away after only six hours. I realized then that life’s too short and every child is a special gift, and I try to use that in my daily life.

WITH PHOTOGRAPH

STD HEAD: SNAPSHOT

 

KAREN MURPHY