Occupation: Essentially, I am a nurse with a lot of degrees. I have two baccalaureate degrees in education: health education and community education. I have been a nurse for over 50 years. I just retired in 2015. It was very hard to walk away. I knew at age 3 that I wanted to be a nurse, because my aunt gave me a nurse's outfit. I was sold. That was what I was going to be. I would recommend that career for anyone.

Family: I have two sons, Brodrick and Scott. I have a grandson. My husband, James, is deceased. He was a teacher, which is probably why I went into teaching.

What is your favorite travel destination? My favorite place to travel is London, because of the museums and the culture. I've done a lot of travel. I've visited the Southwest, visiting my son Brodrick. I've been all over Europe and the United States, which is a lot of fun, and I have pictures from everything. I've even arranged trips with 12 friends and colleagues. I created all the travel plans; short junctions, because we were all working at the time. We had up to five vehicles, and we traveled in tandem.

What is your favorite musical genre? I like chamber music. I've been a member of the Newtown Friends of Music for 20 years. I also sang in the Danbury Music Center Chorus for eight years. I have [the radio station] WMNR on constantly. They only play classical music.

How long have you lived in Newtown? I lived in New Fairfield for 47 years, and I've been in Newtown since September of 2011. I bought a condo at the Village. When people hear I live in Newtown, they think I'm in the boondocks, but that's what they said about New Fairfield, too. I sold my house in New Fairfield in just 13 days, which was a surprise. I usually host Thanksgiving, but couldn't that year.

What's the best thing about Newtown? I find Newtown is very similar to New Fairfield, in that it is a very friendly town. The church is a welcoming church.

What do you like to do in your free time? I am currently on the Commission on Aging. I am also on the Visiting Nurse Association Board, and I am in the Social Concerns Ministry at St Rose Church. I joined, because I had started the Parish Nurse Program with Sister Margaret in New Fairfield. It's still going strong, which is very nice. I like to give back to the community. I read a lot. I spend time with my family. I love to go to museums and concerts. I like the Aldrich Museum in Ridgefield and the New Britain Museum of American Art.

Do you have a favorite book? I love, love [Isabel] Allende. I have read her books for a number of years, she is one of my favorite authors. I just read, The Japanese Lover.

I am in two book clubs, one at the library and one at the Village. I have read books that I would have never picked up. That's what makes me most happy, that I get to read such different books. I always love learning something new.

I also like reading The Bee.

Who has been the greatest influence in your life? Eleanor Roosevelt, because of her involvement in community and in furthering women's issues. If I could spend the day with anyone, I would choose her, to ask her how she did it all.

What is the greatest piece of advice you have ever received? Pay attention to self. That I am one person - I can only make myself happy. If I'm not happy, then I cannot help anybody else.