Occupation: I teach second grade at Sandy Hook Elementary School. I am in my ninth year there. I also taught for three years at Head O’ Meadow. I also taught PROBE, a program for pre-school children with special needs. I received my undergraduate degree in elementary education from the University of Bridgeport and my master’s degree in pre-school special education from Southern Connecticut State University.

How Long in Newtown: I have lived in Newtown for 15 years. Previously I lived in Stratford for five years.

Biggest Change Seen in Town: There are no longer chickens crossing roads and not as many cows sticking their heads over fences. I think it’s what I miss the most. Newtown isn’t a rural town anymore. Also, there are now 750 children in Sandy Hook School, which once held 350 kids. Now it’s huge. About eight of us teachers remember what it used to be like and are trying to keep its character as a small school.

Family: My husband, Tom, and I will be married 24 years in July. We have three children. Matt, 18, is a senior at Newtown High School; Caitlin, 16, is a sophomore at the high school; and Tim, 12, is a seventh grader at Newtown Middle School.

Pets: I have two cats, Pinky Paws and Smokey Joe.

Hobbies: Teaching. It’s a 10-month job I’m absorbed in. I also enjoy gardening and writing. That’s my future dream job. I have a number of manuscripts I’ve completed. I belong to a critique group, the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI), that meets at the C.H. Booth Library. We all encourage each other. I’ve also taken classes in writing. This is where I want to go with my life someday. I also lift weights at Karen’s Fitness. That’s changed my life. I recently walked in a race, and ran over the finish line. I came in 451 out of 500, one of the walking brigade.

Favorite Books and Authors: I love to read. I’m a big fan of Barbara Kingsolver. The Poisonwood Bible was an incredible statement of the human condition. She’s an incredible author. I also enjoyed reading Hundred Secret Senses. I love books I’m handed by other people, such as Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving that was given to me by Steve Gordon.

Favorite TV Show: I don’t watch much TV, but I do like West Wing. It’s so well done.

Organizations: I am a member of St Rose Church and SCBWI. I’m also involved with PATH (Parents Available to Help). It has given me more than I can ever give. To listen is a lesson in life to me. My daughter and I hope to become nursery cuddlers in local hospitals.

Most Vivid Memory of Newtown: Certainly the parade for sure. Newtown is such a neat town. You see so much when you’re driving around. I enjoy the scenes of all the people as you drive by their homes as the seasons change. I remember seeing artists setting up their easels overlooking the fields at Fairfield Hills. Then there’s the Jolly Green Giant fair at Sandy Hook School.

Favorite Vacation Spot: Long Beach Island in New Jersey, and Martha’s Vineyard, where we spend time with my inlaws. In the winter we go to the Sugarbush area of Vermont. I read and write and sit by a fire while the kids are snowboarding. Someday I want to do cross-country skiing.

Personal Philosophy: I believe in the goodness of people. We should never be surprised at how good people can be. My sister’s death taught me to enjoy the good things in life. Joy is not optional. Every day is a new start. There is so much to be seen in a day, and you have a new start every day.

 SNAPSHOT

WITH PHOTOGRAPH

 

GAIL LYNCH