I have lived in the Santa Clarita Valley for 53 years. I’m currently retired and live with my husband George in the quaint community of Agua Dulce. We’ve been married for 55 years and raised two children. I was raised in the country so it had always been my desire to return to the country. So when I found this area and this house, I talked my husband into moving here. I love the peace and quiet of being away from the city. I’ve been very active in my church and headed the Women’s Ministry Program for about 12 years. I started our annual Christmas Boutique that we put on in November each year. It’s a charity event that helps raise money for the fund we use for those in need. I love people and I love to play games. Especially cards. Our family has always loved the outdoors and we have been camping since our kids were babies. I guess you would say that I’m always involved in something that has to do with family, church, and friends.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
We have 2 grown children and 4 grandchildren. Our family is so important to me. I honestly think it’s the most important thing in my life.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I worked as a phonics reading specialist in an elementary school for 15 years and then worked for 16 years in an optometry office where I was an optometric assistant. I retired in 2006 so I could pursue my side business of toffee making. It grew quite rapidly into what is now called Marty’s Homemade Toffee.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
My very favorite restaurant is Le Chene in Agua Dulce. Great place to go for a special occasion. The food is excellent. I love Mexican food so one of my favorite restaurants is Maria Bonita’s. We frequent the one in Agua Dulce. Another favorite restaurant is the Fish Grill at the Valencia Town Center.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
Moved to Santa Clarita in 1968 when it was mostly garlic fields and open land.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
Probably Syria, the country of my origin. I’ve never been but have always wanted to see it. Not only because it is where my grandparents were all from but also because of the connection it has to Biblical times.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
My favorite show is “When Calls The Heart”. Hallmark production. I love NCIS and Jeopardy.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
At my age, this is the advice I would give. Don’t sweat the small stuff. We exert so much time and energy stressing about things we have no control over and nothing usually changes by doing that. Try to be the best person you can be and accept people the way they are. That’s the best way to bring people together and to change bad situations into good.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
It’s simple. I can’t wait to be a Great Grandma. That’s something I really look forward to.
Q: What is your go-to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?
Mostly I love Christian Music so any band that plays soft music.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
Probably the Antique Mall across the railroad tracks in Canyon Country.
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
Priscilla Shirer. I love her ministry and would just love to tell her how much she has made an imprint on my life. Probably meet at Tea Garden Elle on Bouquet Canyon Road because she just strikes me as being the proper type that would love tea and scones.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
I love that it feels safe here in Santa Clarita. When I have to drive out of our valley, I can’t wait to come back. Something about coming from the 5 freeway and getting on the 14 and entering our valley that makes me feel so thankful to be home.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Well, I hope still here and able to still be active.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I’m not sure. Most everyone knows that I don’t hold back. I don’t hide anything and am just me. What you see is what you get.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been to?
Buchart Gardens in Victoria Canada.
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
November is my favorite month with Thanksgiving being my favorite holiday.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
My immediate family and that includes my relatives.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
Jesus
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
Chocolate and chocolate!! And I guess cinnamon.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Sweet, safe, and loving.
