I am a music teacher in Eden Prairie, teaching piano and theory here for almost 24 years. We moved here from Monroe, New York near NYC. I was widowed in 1998 and again in 2013. I am very active in the MN Music Teachers Association, Minneapolis Music Teachers Forum, and Mu Phi Epsilon, a music fraternity. I have also worked as a church music director and organist in the area including St. John the Evangelist in Hopkins, Catholic Church of the Good Shepherd in Golden Valley, and St. Nicholas Episcopal in Richfield. I am supportive of the arts and attend performances of the Guthrie, Jungle Theater, MN Opera, St. Paul Chamber Orchestra, and MN Orchestra. When we first arrived in Eden Prairie I was on the arts counsel for a couple of years. I grew up with parents from Texas, but we lived in Cleveland, Philadelphia , and New York with my father’s career in broadcasting with NBC. My Texas relatives were visited almost every year.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family. Do you have any pets?
I have been widowed twice with no children. I have in law families from my 1st husband in Canada and in laws from my 2nd husband in Mankato. We raised beagles, one at a time, until the last one died in 10 years ago.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in Eden Prairie?
Eden Prairie has been my home since 1979.
Q: What inspired you, or led you to your current career/endeavor? What do you love the most about what you do?
Music lessons began in 3rd grade, and I continued with good teachers throughout high school. In high school I was music director at Valley Forge Methodist church. I majored in piano at Baylor U, and then switched to music education. My aunt was an inspiration growing up, since she was a piano teacher and organist. In NY I was inspired by a couple who taught music and performed with them in many lieder recitals.
Q: What are some of you favorite restaurants in Eden Prairie?
Tavern 4 & 5, Campiello, Redstone American Grill, and Lions Tap have been a favorite over my years here.
Q: Who is someone interesting in our our community that you have met or inspires you?
Ardie Johnson, who taught Body Pump at EP Community Center has been a motivator. Also Arlene Jullie, a linguist, has been a dear friend whom I share a love of the arts.
Q: What is you favorite season? Favorite holiday?
I love the winter, but am happy to see spring and summer. I always enjoy being out in the winter when there is snow, and wind chill is not a detriment. I broke my leg skiing over 30 years ago, so that is out. I got a pair of snow shoes last year and have been on them a very few times last year and this in my yard. For many years I took my children’s choir on sleigh rides in January.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go, and why?
I would love to go to India. I have many students from India, and now have a roommate from India that I met on a plane coming from Paris in 2019. She will be leaving now, but I would wish that I could make a trip there, especially if she has a wedding there.
Q: What is a current or former business that makes you the most nostalgic about Eden Prairie?
I love my students and their families who cherish education as a way to better themselves. I love my good friends like Arlene Jullie and Maria Youngs, whom I met through Ardie Johnson. Most of the people I know and many at the EP Community Center have shared values with me and are loving and kind.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
I would love to go to Canada to see family. The pandemic has put a stop to my traveling. Also I had many visits with my pianist friend in Budapest, Marouan Benabdallah, Which the pandemic has ceased travel.
Q: Who or what inspires you to be a better person?
The last four years with my young friend from India, Mamta Gupta, has been an inspiration. I have worked to give her good advise, and I have been inspired by sharing her culture and life style. My teaching families and the music teachers who I work with.
Q: What is something unique or interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I am not an athlete, but I try to keep active. My first husband and I climbed Tuckerman’s Ravine in New Hampshire on Mt. Washington and camped and skied on a couple of trips. Carrying our equipment up 3 miles was a chore. I couldn’t do it today!
Q: What is your favorite movie or TV show?
I am not into TV except for an occasional CNN. Before the pandemic I loved Talk Cinema in Edina. We saw many premiers of movies shown at film festivals and then had discussions. I learned from the films and the people attending.
Q: What advice do you like to share with other people?
Just being to open to new experiences and learn and grow from them.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 or 10 years?
I hope I can still be in my home and be in good health both physically and mentally.
Q: If you could have lunch with someone alive or not, who would you choose, and why?
I would choose Rex Alwin, my friend of many years that passed away over 10 years ago. He was a gentleman who was gifted in many areas, engineering, music, and people skills. He was very generous and we shared many good times together in the arts and hosting concert pianist, Marouan Benabdallah.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
The Grand Canyon, Glacier National Park, and Yellowstone.
Q: What are your favorite hobbies or activities that you enjoy?
I have liked English Country Dancing. Good exercise and movement. Contra dancing really gets me into the music with being focused and totally involved.
Q: Are there any books that you are currently reading, or would recommend to a friend?
Every Good Boy Does Fine by Jeremy Denk. Also The Henna Artist by Alka Joshi ‘
Q: If you could have a super power, what would it be?
Being a opera singer. You are your own instrument!
Q: What accomplishment are you the most proud of in your life?
Giving the gift of music to students where it will always be a part of their lives. It provides them with joy, discipline and healing.
Q: Finally, what are 3 words or phrases that come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Acceptance, Love, and Understanding.
