Occupation: I am senior vice president of the Regional YMCA of Western Connecticut with my office located at the Greenknoll Branch in Brookfield. I have worked for the YMCA for 14 years. I am also the branch director of the Greenknoll YMCA. I attended Boston University and graduated from Temple University with a bachelor of science in education. I taught for three years in an elementary school in Philadelphia before moving to Danbury in 1971.

How Long in Newtown: I moved to Newtown in 1978 from Danbury. I was born and raised in Trenton, N.J., and moved to Connecticut with my former husband, Wayne, when he went into veterinary practice with his dad in Danbury.

Biggest Change Seen in Town: The tremendous population growth, leading to new neighborhoods being built all over town and condomimium construction.

Family: I have two children who were educated in the Newtown School System, attending Head O’ Meadow, Hawley, Middle School, and Newtown High School. Deborah Ford is now a kindergarten teacher at Sandy Hook School. She and her husband, Ned, are expecting their first child in the spring. Josh and his wife, Rachael, live in Philadelphia, where Josh is an attorney practicing labor and employment law with the law firm of Morgan, Lewis and Bockius. My fiancé, Stan Hochman, owns the Newtown restaurant, Delancey Street.

Pets: Clever, a beautiful “black” golden retriever, who is 6 years old. She looks like a golden with the long hair but is black like a lab.

Hobbies: Exercising and working out at the YMCA is what I do most often for relaxation. I am fortunate to have a great exercise program at my workplace, and I take advantage of it whenever I can. Another “hobby” is helping Stan out at Delancey Street. I have learned a lot about the restaurant business since he opened a year ago. Because I like being with people, I find it enjoyable to help out at the deli. I have loved cooking and baking since I was about 12 years old. I especially enjoy making a large variety of cakes – usually all at one time. I look forward to a new hobby – being a grandmother in the spring. That will be the best hobby in the world.

Favorite Books and Authors: I read all of Grisham’s and Danielle Steel’s books. Mary Higgins Clark and some of the other adventure writers also provide light, easy reading in an otherwise hectic world.

Favorite TV Show: I love the NFL. Ever since my son Josh played football for Newtown High School and the University of Delaware, I became an avid fan. Until then I really didn’t understand or appreciate the game. Now I watch games any chance I get. Like most of the country, I enjoy West Wing, Frasier, and now, The District.

Organizations: While my children were in school, I enjoyed volunteering in the classroom and library. I was active in PTA and other town groups. Working for the YMCA, I am fortunate to have the opportunity to do mission and community service work all the time through the many services to the community that the YMCA offers. This is where most of my service and volunteer time takes place.

Most Vivid Memory of Newtown: It was when the 1990 Newtown High School football team won the state championship against Ledyard. It was in the middle of the recession and hard economic times, which befell many townspeople, and the excitement created by the football team was a great distraction. The ability for the town to pull together on Saturday afternoons and cheer for their team was heartwarming. The community responded to the young men with open arms and showed appreciation of their efforts.

 Favorite Vacation Spot: Disney World. I have so many great memories of trips there when the children were growing up. There is so much to offer. Stan and I went again a few years ago, and although it was exhausting with so much more to see with the new attractions, it was still a thrill to be there. I marvel at the creativity that the creators have and the wealth of information you can learn from many of the exhibits.

Personal Philosophy: When all is said and done, family and friends are what count in life. I grew up in a very supportive family and am blessed with a fiancé, parents, siblings, children, extended family, and friends who make life’s experiences all that much better by sharing them with me.