Occupation: I am owner and managing member of Newtown Florist at 22 Church Hill Road (426-1776), and will be coming up on my first year anniversary business on April 1. It seems like I’ve always been a florist. I started out in the 1970s in Greenwich, where I had a florist studio operating out of my house and I did weddings. My other store is Brookfield Florist at 616 Federal Road, and I spend some days working there as well.

Home Town: I have lived in Brookfield for 26 years and I am a Connecticut native. I grew up in Wilton.

Why Newtown: When the opportunity came up to buy a well-established florist business in Newtown, I jumped at it. This town is a lot like Brookfield only bigger. The people are very nice and friendly. And I love this location in the hub of your downtown where there is excellent parking and where I also get a lot of walk-in trade.

Family: My husband John is my business partner and he helps in both stores with deliveries. Our daughter Kimberly is a UConn grad, and she is now finishing her master’s as a registered dietician for sports nutrition. Our son Andrew graduated from WestConn. He also helps with the deliveries.

Hobbies: I love cooking and reading. I have a weekly movie buddy who is a very good friend who has similar tastes and we’ve been going to movies together once a week now for 20 years. We usually end up at Bethel Cinema.

Pets: We have a scrappy little pound puppy named Elsa. She’s a 20-pound terrier mix, and she’s got lots of personality. She’s a little out of control but we love her.

Organizations: I am a member of the Newtown Chamber of Commerce, and I attend weekly meetings of Business Networking International in Brookfield. That’s a terrific organization with an active Newtown group as well.

Most Vivid Memory About Newtown: I’ve got wonderful memories of youth soccer tournaments in this town –– at Fairfield Hills and at Taylor Field –– because my son Andrew played for Brookfield from kindergarten through his freshman year at Brookfield High School.

Favorite Vacation Spot: Actually, my favorite spot isn’t that far away, but it feels like it when I get there. It’s lying on a float in our swimming pool in the summer reading a book. There’s no phone and it’s kind of far away from the house, so it really feels “away.” Otherwise, we like to go camping to Cape Cod or to Vermont.

Personal Philosophy: I have always been a hard worker, so I get up and do what has to be done. Sort of like Garrison Keillor says when he sings the “Powder Milk Biscuit” song.

Snapshot: Judy Grabarz