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SNAPSHOT: DR DELLA SCHMID

Occupation: I have been a chiropractor for eight years and have had my

practice, Colonial Chiropractic Centre, for six years on Queen Street. I also

work a half day a week as a chiropractic consultant at Leeway Hospital in New

Haven. I received my doctor of chiropractic degree from the National College

of Chiropractic near Chicago. I have two bachelor's degrees, one from Ithaca

College in physical education and another from the National College of

Chiropractic in human biology. I have a master's degree in biomechanics, a

branch of sports medicine, from the University of Delaware. I thought I wanted

to teach and coach or teach and do research. Then I worked for a chiropractor,

decided I wanted to be a chiropractor, and went back to school. Through post

graduate training, I am board eligible as a chiropractic orthopedist and

certified in chiropractic sports medicine.

How Long in Newtown: My practice has been in Newtown for six years. I grew up

south of here in Easton.

Biggest Change Seen in Town: As a business owner, I have seen a positive

change with better traffic flow through the business district. There are more

diverse businesses in the center of town, and the business area is in better

physical condition.

Family: I am expecting my first baby in November. I will set up a nursery in

my office so I can get back to work as soon as possible. I love working. We

also have three children we're raising, Cameron, 10; Theo, 11; and Blake, 12.

I am very close to my two sisters and brother. Family is very important to me.

I was influenced by my grandparents as a child.

Pets: We have a German Shepherd named Molly, eight puppies that are eight

weeks old, and a cat named Calvin (from Calvin & Hobbs ).

Hobbies: Anything outdoors. Running, gardening. I love sailing. It's very

peaceful for me. I love cooking, going to the theater, and skiing. I'm trying

to learn how to play classical guitar and piano but I guess that will have to

wait until after the baby comes.

Favorite Books and Authors: I read a lot of chiropractic and medical journals.

I just read an interesting book, The Greatest Generation by Tom Brokaw that

has biographies on different people. I really enjoyed it.

Favorite TV Show: I don't sit in front of the TV. I catch the news on the

radio while driving.

Organizations: I have co-chaired the Newtown Health and Safety Fair for six

years. It will be held Saturday at Newtown Middle School from 10 am to 2 pm.

There are new events, free health information people can take, and health

screenings. I am a member and past president of the Newtown Business and

Professional Women and a member and past board member of the Chamber of

Commerce. I am a member of the American Chiropractic Association.

Most Vivid Memory About Newtown: As I drive up Queen Street every day, I look

at the Fairfield Hills property. It's a great way to start the day. It's

peaceful, serene, and every day it's different. Sometimes there's fog, and

sometimes you can see for miles. I hope the town keeps it that way. I hope

they can maintain it the way it is.

Favorite Vacation Spot: I enjoy going to the Cape to visit my sister or to

Rehoboth Beach in Delaware to visit my brother. I like to go to the mountains

of Colorado to ski. I took a balloon ride in Colorado. It was breathtaking.

Personal Philosophy: Live life each day to its fullest. Don't try to impress

others -- be yourself. I always tell the kids if you put out good, good will

come back to you. You should keep an open mind and learn something new each

day. There is a prayer to St Francis of Assisi that gives good guidance on how

to live your life.