Redding Resident of the Week: Sandi O'Reilly

Name: Sandi O’Reilly

Age: 44

Occupation: Mom, graphic designer and volunteer.

How long have you lived in Redding?

Ever since the 8th of July, 1995.
 
What brought you here?

The lease was expiring on our rental in Westport and we wanted to buy our ‘first home.’ We searched Norwalk, Wilton, Ridgefield and finally found Redding. Our realtor said this would just be our ‘starter home,’ but we are still here 17 years later.

When you say ‘we,’ you mean you and your husband, right? How did you guys meet?

Yes, my husband Brien. I met Brien at my first job out of college. We worked together in the design department of a marketing company in Norwalk, the Merritt Group, creating coupons for the back of grocery register receipts and rub-off game cards for fast food chain restaurants.

What keeps you here?

We now have two handsome boys: Owen, who is nine years old and in third grade; and Ian, who is seven years old and the first grade. They both attend (RES). Our lives are intertwined with the community and I can’t imagine living anywhere else (except the beach).

What is your favorite thing to do here?

Volunteer.

What kinds of volunteer work do you do?

Plans are underway for the ’s 16th annual Frog Frolic. Once again, I am shepherding an amazing committee of volunteers who are diligently working to pull together all the details for this event to take place on Saturday, May 7 at the from 10 to 4 p.m. 

In addition to my role as Frog Frolic shepherd, I currently serve as Secretary to the Board of Directors at the Mark Twain Library.

I volunteer at Redding Elementary School (RES) in Owen’s and Ian’s classrooms for reading and computer lab time. I volunteer my time to the RES PTA, most recently for the launch of a Gift Card fundraiser.

Last, but not least, I am Shepherd to the Board of Directors at the Apple Blossom School and Family Center in Wilton. Both Owen and Ian attended preschool there. I found a volunteer niche in creating outreach events and materials for the school. When the school was going to close its doors at the end of last year, I worked with a number of other parents to keep them open.

What is your fondest memory that takes place in Redding?

Aside from the Frolic, I will say our summer concerts on the green always make for a warm and memorable summer Sunday evening. In particular, the last Sunday of summer, the green is bursting with friends getting reacquainted after the summer break and you can feel the anticipation of a new school year beginning. It’s quite magical!