Occupation: I retired on July 1 from the Housatonic Valley Economic Development Partnership (HVEDP) because I wanted to travel and spend more time with my husband. In July, I began serving as project director for HVEDP for a kayak trail on the Still
Occupation: I retired on July 1 from the Housatonic Valley Economic Development Partnership (HVEDP) because I wanted to travel and spend more time with my husband. In July, I began serving as project director for HVEDP for a kayak trail on the Still River, which will probably be named the Housatonic Valley Water [or River] Trail. I also have been teaching skiing for 18 years at the Ski Windham ski area in New York. I also have taught economics at Western Connecticut State University. I really love teaching. I earned a bachelorâs degree in economics at Mt Holyoke College and my masterâs degree in economics at SUNY at Albany.
How Long in Newtown: I have lived in Newtown since October 1986. Prior to that, I lived in South Salem, N.Y. I have moved 12 to 14 times, mostly in the New England and mid-Atlantic states, with the exception of the time I lived in California.
Biggest Change Seen in Town: The population density. It used to be that I couldnât go in the grocery store and get out in less than an hour and a half because Iâd meet so many people I knew. That doesnât happen any more.
Family: My husband, Bob, and I have been married for 25 years. I have four sons and a daughter. My son Bill, 40, and his wife Lana, have two children, William whose nickname is âKidder,â 4, and Haley, 2. Chip, 38, and his wife, Ronda, have four children, Shane, 9, Sara, 4½, Samuel, 2½, and Susanna, 2½ months. Scott, 31, a graduate of West Point, is attending the University of Florida Medical School. Todd, 29, a graduate of West Point, and his wife, Julie, are stationed in Korea. Megan is finishing up at Simmons College and works for Arthur Andersen in Boston. I have four step-children. Jeff, 46, is single. Tom, 41, and his wife, Zianet, have two sons, Thomas, 8, and Andrew, 4. Kristin, 34, and her husband, Scott Mooney, have one child, Scottie, 1. Lisa, 31, lives in California. When I was growing up, I always said I wanted to have nine children, and I do.  Â
Pets: I have a dog, Barkley, who is very spoiled.
Hobbies: I work out four to six days a week, doing weight training and spinning [a cycling regimen]. I also enjoy swimming, kayaking and canoeing, hiking, and biking. Of course, skiing. We live on Lake Zoar, so I waterski all summer, and this summer I volunteered with Joel Zeissler to help the blind learn to waterski. Iâm also starting to work in an adaptive ski program at Windham for seniors and others. I like to garden and sew. Photography is a big hobby. Iâm currently taking a digital photography course. Iâm also starting to play golf. I also like to travel. I just came back from Korea and China. We climbed the Great Wall of China and were in Beijing for a week. We went to the demilitarized zone in Korea and saw some of the tunnels the North Koreans dug. We also went to Thailand where I rode an elephant through the jungle and hiked through rice paddies. There are no roads, only trails. We spent two and a half days in Hawaii on the way back.
Favorite Books and Authors: I like to read, especially fiction, action, spy, political who-dun-its, and mystery books
Favorite TV Show: I donât watch TV.
Organizations: I am a member of Valley Presbyterian Church in Brookfield where I sing in the choir. I am a member of the Housatonic Valley Association, North American Water Trails Association, Connecticut Economic Development Association, and New England Economic Development Association. I was a member of Newtownâs Legislative Council for six years and did all the scouting and sports activities with the kids. I am also involved with the Danbury Garden Club and Danbury Womenâs Club.
Most Vivid Memory of Newtown: When my son was captain of the football team. We would have spaghetti dinners before the games, which still goes on today. The first time we had the dinner we arranged for make-your-own sundaes for dessert. I couldnât believe how much ice cream and toppings the football team put away!
Favorite Vacation Spot: Grand Cayman for scuba diving.
Personal Philosophy: Iâm a perennial optimist. I think you make commitments, and you keep them. If you treat someone right, theyâll treat you right. Look for good in everybody, and youâll always find it. Have enthusiasm. Like what you do, and do what you like.