Bijou Square asks: Where were you before you lived here?

Madeline: I grew up on Long Island, lived and worked in Manhattan for about 15 years.  I always felt I wanted to live somewhere in New England.  I next moved to New Jersey for about 12 years, then moved to Connecticut seven years ago.  I think I have arrived.

Bijou Square: What brought you here?

Madeline: Circumstances and a job.  I remember looking for a place to live in Fairfield County, and walking around in Bridgeport and saying to myself “This feels like home.”

Bijou Square: What do you do in Bridgeport?

Madeline: I have a website called Bridgeport In The Know (www.bridgeportintheknow.com). I started the site in 2007 when I moved to Bridgeport and I just could not find things and places in our big city. The website has about 500 Bridgeport web links, to stores, restaurants, businesses, entertainment, everything.  It also has hundreds of great photos of Bridgeport, and a discussion forum for Bridgeport neighbors. I also have a blog on the CT Post called “Natural Nutmeg” about nature and the environment in Connecticut.

Bijou Square: What’s one spot you could be in Bridgeport all day and why?

Madeline: My home– enjoying the neighborhood, my beautiful view of Burr Creek and Captain’s Cove (and listening to the rockin’ band music coming across the water in summer), and gardening in my yard. Got to love those home-grown Park City veggies!

Bijou Square: What do you think we’re missing here?

Madeline: A sense of community beyond our own neighborhoods.  The city and the people are divided by highways and cultures. A feeling that Bridgeport with a capital “B” is worth our effort.