Occupation: I'm the director of marketing for Julie Allen Bridals. I also co-manage, do some buying, and bridal consultations. I'm the third generation in the family business, so I do a little bit of everything.
Occupation: Iâm the director of marketing for Julie Allen Bridals. I also co-manage, do some buying, and bridal consultations. Iâm the third generation in the family business, so I do a little bit of everything.
Family: My husband, Dan, and I just got married this past December. My family, on my dadâs side, the Mattegats, have been here for five generations. Danâs whole family lives in Newtown, too, so weâre all here now.
Pets: I technically still call my parentâs pets mine, even though Iâve moved out. We have three vizslas. Theyâre like red Weimaraner dogs and match the color of my hair perfectly. Ginger, Hayley, and Chloe will always be my dogs.
How long have you lived in Newtown? I grew up in Newtown, and Dan has been here since he was in middle school. We bought a house near the Monroe line.
What do you like to do in your free time? I have a 1967 Mustang, so I like to go to car shows. I do photography. I love taking pictures. Dan and I go ballroom dancing every week. Itâs become our Friday night date. We spend a lot of time on our house. It was a fixer-upper. I like to do crafts and scrapbooking, and we watch a ton of movies.
Do you have a favorite movie? I really like the Indiana Jones movies. Those are great. And we just bought all the Star Wars movies on Blu-ray.
Do you have a favorite travel destination? I did study abroad in Madrid and thatâs my favorite place Iâve ever been. I go to Florida with my family a lot, near Orlando. Dan and I go to the Poconos every year, too, to go kayaking.
What is the best thing about Newtown? The neighborhood we moved into is the best one in town, and Iâm not kidding. There was a block party this summer, and everyone came. Everyone contributed and was so friendly. One person took a group shot and sent a copy to everyone, thanking them for coming. Our neighbors are so awesome.
Do you have a favorite memory of Newtown? I have a ton of good memories! Being involved in chorus in high school and singing at the Christmas tree lighting was so much fun. We would walk there from Danâs house, and then afterwards, go back to his house for hot chocolate. And I have to say that our wedding last year at Newtown Congregational Church is another favorite memory, of course.
Who has been the greatest influence in your life? My parents. My mom brought me up to have good business skills, and my dad brought me up to be courteous. My dad is extremely social and he passed that on to me. Theyâve been a huge influence on me.
Do you have a personal philosophy? Keep looking forward and try not to get hung up on the past.
Do you have a guilty pleasure? Chocolate ice cream, or to be specific, M.J. Rell ice cream with hot fudge sauce from the Creamery. That makes my day. Itâs like a warm peppermint patty.