Lisa Periale Martin
Marital Status:
Married, for the first time, 11 years ago.
Children?
Yes, one six year old boy named Gabriel.
Grandchildren?
I hope I live that long. No grandchildren yet.
Education:
BA in Counseling, Elem. Educ. Cert., MA in Library Science
Occupation:
Teacher/Teacher Librarian
Volunteer and Professional Activities:
Occasional projects, like a short-term fundraiser for rebuilding libraries in Afghanistan
Current hobbies and interests:
Hiking and camping, used bookstores and thrift store shopping
What percentage of your hair is visibly gray (is this a trick question?)
10 - 20??
If you had one year free of all responsibility and unlimited funds, what would you do?
Get my house clean, travel far and wide and work on a book about my grandfather.
What are the most rewarding things that you have done in your life?
Staying home with my son for several years and reading him thousands of books. Hiking down into the Grand Canyon. Finally finishing my library science degree!
What rewarding things do you plan to do in your life?
Work with kids and teachers and enjoy all the miraculous beauty and complexity of this planet.
What are your favorite non-family related things to do in your free time?
Hiking, prowling used bookstores, doing salsa aerobics, but right now I am a first year teacher so I have no free time.
How would you best describe your idea of "being successful?"
Having: a great marriage, a kid who loves to learn, relatively good health, and enjoying the start of a new career in education.
What are your most vivid memories of your days in Ridgewood?
So many memories… long walks all over town to enjoy all the beautiful gardens and homes. The fun of celebrating 4th of Julys, when I lived a block from Vets field, being so close to all the cultural riches of NYC, and the wide range of relationships I encountered as a curious young hippie child there. Snow days, skipping stones on the Hohokus brook, fall leaves, crocuses and robins in the spring (these are things that don't exist in my southwest desert surroundings).
What achievement or activity are you most proud of in your life?
Being a mom, being a loving partner.
What single piece of wisdom would you like to leave for the next generation?
Keep your shoelaces tight and your underwear loose.
How have you changed since high school?
I have lived a few lifetimes. I have had a few careers. I have been honing myself. Just continuing to learn, be, and grow. The usual stuff.
What else should we know about you?!
I am incredibly fortunate.