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

Eileen: Before Moving to Bridgeport I spent 10 years in Boston and a few other places.

Bijou Square: What brought you here?

Eileen: Most of my family are from Bridgeport originally. My great grandfather was the Congress Street Bridge operator and owned the Drew Brothers Hotel and Saloon which was quite popular at the turn of the century. I always felt it was the place for me. I think it's in the blood.

Bijou Square: What do you do in Bridgeport?

Eileen: I run the Gallery at Black Rock, and live a nice little life.

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

Eileen: I love Seaside Park more than any place on earth. I have never encountered a sour disposition there. I love to see people of all walks of life enjoying the good part of life together.

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

Eileen: That's a 10,000 question, I think there are a few things we could use. Most importantly I think we are missing a sense of civic pride. I don't know how to bring this back, but I read a few Bridgeport blogs and I always encounter a defeatist attitude. When people suggest improvements, the overall response is often how it will never work here. I think If we could just turn that around we could all start moving in the right direction. I think having a active arts community can do a lot for giving a city some pride and help motivate transformation.