Redding Resident of the Week: Megan Valentine

Name: Megan McArn Valentine

Age: 43

Occupation: Mom to Marin and Spenser, wife to Gary.

How long have you lived in Redding?

Since April 2002.

Why did you move here?

We lived in Roswell, Ga. before this. My husband, Gary Valentine, took up a job here, and we had already decided we wanted to raise our family in a small New England town.

What keeps you here?

Community, friends, schools.

What sports do you coach and do you like about coaching?

I coached girls’ lacrosse for three years and field hockey for seven years. I’ve been on the ’s executive committee, as secretary. I’m a PTA president for two years, and vice president for one year. I’ve been on the Danbury Speedskating Board for one year. For the boys and girls club, we are trying to work on getting our community programs going, bringing them to the forefront, such as the Key Stone Club and the Spelling Bee.

I’m also a Girl Scout leader of seven years with Melissa Coppock. Our troupe is the 7^th   Grade Cadettes. Right now we’re trying to raise money to go Montreal, Canada.

Why Canada? 

I’m not sure why! They all met and decided that’s where their goal was. They’re great, six great girls. We wanted to rent an RV, but I don’t think that’s going to happen now.

How do you feel about the Redding education system?

Impressed.

What do you like/dislike about it?

The teachers are passionate; the administrators are knowledgeable and current on educational techniques. Dislike? They do not promote themselves enough to the public.

What is your favorite thing about Redding?

People in Redding have a can-do view of life. Redding fosters an environment that allows people the opportunity to take an idea, create a program and get involved in making the community stronger. The people of the organizations I volunteer with are amazing.

What is your fondest memory that takes place in Redding?

That’s hard! There are so many good things that have happened. I like when we, the four of us—Gary, Spencer, Marin and I—when we go down to the green and play football. It’s fun.