Occupation: I retired this year after 29 years as a middle school science teacher for the Weston Board of Education. Prior to being a teacher, I was a metallurgical engineer. I earned my bachelor’s degree at the Missouri School of Mines and Metallurgy, a part of the University of Missouri. I received my master’s degree in education and sixth year in guidance from Fairfield University.

How Long in Newtown: I have lived in Newtown for 32 years. Prior to that, I lived in New York City.

Biggest Change Seen in Town: Traffic. There are more people in a hurry, rushing. I also wish there were more young people involved as civic volunteers. Another change, there are more deer around that there ever were.

Family: My wife, Julie, and I have been married for 35 years. We have two sons. Joseph, 31, and his wife, Rachel, have a daughter, Alexandra, 2. Bill, 26, is single.

Pets: We have a dog named Lobo, named after Rebecca Lobo, and two cats, Maggie and Mitzie.

Hobbies: I like to learn so I’m taking a history course at night school. I also like to play racquetball and to exercise, so I’m at the gym every day. I also enjoy watching sports, either at the games or on television. We also go to local theater shows a lot. There is excellent theater locally, with a lot of talent.

Favorite Books and Authors: I like to read history and fiction. I also listen to books on tape while I’m driving, and always did when I was driving to and from work. I sincerely believe in education, that unless we teach kids how to read, we don’t raise citizens.

Favorite TV Show: Law & Order.

Organizations: I am a library volunteer and work for the annual book sale. I also am a member of the Friends of the Library. I deliver Meals on Wheels and will be volunteering for dog walking at the local pound.

Most Vivid Memory of Newtown: There’s always the Labor Day parade. But a bigger memory is watching your kids in the parade. Both of our kids were in the high school marching band. 

Favorite Vacation Spot: I enjoy places where you can walk, and preferably with friends. It gives you more of a chance to do things. We’ve been to England, Nova Scotia, and Switzerland. One summer we went on a one-week walking tour in northern England. You had your pick of an easy, medium, or difficult walk. They would bus you to a place, and then you would walk. We were the only Americans on that particular trip.

Personal Philosophy: I believe that most people want to do the right thing but don’t know enough in order to do the right thing. Education has to be pushed more and more, and it has to be a lifelong thing.