Occupation: I am retired as a maitre d’ and cook. I am still active (part-time) as a magician under the name of Ramigo. I worked as a maitre d’ at various hotels, including the Regency Hotel in New York City, where I met a lot of celebrities. I also worked in Alaska as a maitre d’ and magician for three years and in Hawaii for three months. I worked at the Newtown Inn for 11 years. When I worked in restaurants, I always did the magic. I was a cook at Fairfield Hills Hospital. When it closed, I retired. I have been a magician for 45 years. I do sleight of hand, such as with ropes, silk scarves, and cards. I don’t do illusion. I love to be with the people.

How Long in Newtown: I have lived in Newtown since 1970. I lived in New York City prior to this, and came to the United States from Prague, Czechoslovakia, in 1963.

Biggest Change Seen in Town: The tremendous growth of the town. There are a lot of sports and activities. I have enjoyed the town from the beginning. I miss the Fairfield Hills Hospital. When they closed Fairfield Hills, a lot of businesses were hurt and people lost their jobs.

Family: I have a daughter, Monica, 31, who is attending the University of Arizona, studying to be an environmental engineer.

Hobbies: Magic. I entertain at parties, such as the VFW on December 17 and the firehouse on December 10, and birthday parties. I recently attended the International Magicians Convention in Slovenia, where I was awarded third prize in a competition.

Favorite Books and Authors: I like adventure-type books.

Favorite TV Show: When I watch TV, I watch the Discovery Channel. I also like old movies, such as westerns.

Organizations: I am a member of the International Brotherhood of Magicians. I also belong to a local magicians’ club that meets once a month. I am a member of the Newtown Senior Center, and will be going on a Senior Center trip to Beijing in the spring. When I’m in China, I will check out the Great Wall to see if David Copperfield left a hole when he walked through it. I knew him when I first came to the United States. He was in the same club as I was when he was just a young teenager.

Most Vivid Memory of Newtown: There are so many things. The flagpole in the middle of Main Street. The Soldiers monument. Always, when I go by it, I must look at it. The Christmas luminaria in front of the houses on Main Street. It brings the community together. I miss the Yankee Drover Inn. I also enjoy the Governor’s Horse Guard at Fairfield Hills.

Favorite Vacation Spot: I spend two months a year in the Czech Republic. I still have a brother and sister there. But Newtown means a lot to me. When I visit the Czech Republic, after a week, I want to come back. 

Personal Philosophy: I try to make the most out of life. Making people happy is what I like to do, for the community and individuals.