Occupation: My husband, John, and I have owned Galerie Van Os for 15 years. I worked full time for several years as a licensed practical nurse. I received my nursing degree at Waterbury Hospital School of Nursing. I have also taken retailing courses at Teikyo Post in Waterbury, which led me to several retailing jobs.

How Long in Newtown: We have had our business here for 15 years. I have lived in Oxford for 18 years. Prior to that, I lived in Wolcott.

Biggest Change Seen in Town: Definitely the growth. Building has been sporadic, some years have been good, some not so good. Also, so many stores have closed since we opened. I have also seen changes in my family and friends because of deaths, marriages, and children.

Family: John and I have been married for 18 years. We have a daughter, Alarie, 16. I also have a stepdaughter, Michelle, 25, and a granddaughter, Shelby, 4.

Hobbies: I like counted cross stitch and do crossword puzzles every day. It gets my brain going in the morning.

Favorite Books and Authors: I like to read, but I don’t have time because I’m at work six days a week. There’s just not enough time, though I recently read Fatal Cure by Robin Cook.

Favorite TV Show: Providence, ER, and Everybody Loves Raymond.

Organizations: None at the present time. I was formerly a member of Newcomers and the Chamber of Commerce.  

Most Vivid Memory of Newtown: I like the small town feeling. My daughter went to St Rose and Trinity Day School. I met a lot of people here who later became customers. We also did several shows for David Merrill, who is such a wonderful artist. Also, each December 31, my husband and I toast each other with champagne before closing the shop at 3 pm.

Favorite Vacation Spot: Cape Cod. We hope to retire there someday. We took a cruise in 1993, and I’d go again at a drop of a hat. I just love them.

Personal Philosophy: John and I are trying to simplify our lives. I believe you should take each day and enjoy it as you can, to the fullest. Enjoy your children. My daughter is a Godsend, and I couldn’t have asked for better step-children.