Meet the Newest Addition to Durham's Town Hall

Janet Muraca, a regular around town hall for the past three decades, retired as Durham's Human Services Coordinator earlier this year, making way for her succesor, Amanda Astarita.

"When this job opened up, I thought, 'Oh, this is just perfect for me,'" said Astarita, who left her job as Head Teacher at the Community Services Day Care in North Haven. Prior to that she worked as a teacher at Edna C. Stevens in Cromwell for nine years.

For Astarita, she says the job is all about "being a resource to help people meet the means that they have. I just love helping people."

Only two weeks into the job, Astarita already has some plans in mind for the future. "I'd like to add some programs," she says. "I'd like to add something for back-to-school and maybe a newsletter."

The Central Connecticut State University graduate has a Bachelors in Teaching and a Masters in Reading. Having moved to Durham in 1998, Astarita said she already knows most of the people around town, so the job was a good fit.

The new director admits that she feels like she has some big shoes to fill, but she is looking forward to making the long term commitment.

"I actually haven't had the chance to meet her yet," Astarita said of her predecessor, Muraca. "But I definitely want to touch all of the people who she touched and anyone is welcome to come on in and meet me and introduce themselves."

Aside from running the senior luncheons and coordinatng the Durham Town Fair entertainment with her soon-to-be sister-in-law, Wendy Manemeit, Astarita says she still has plenty to learn.

"I'm trying to learn all of the programs that we offer still, but everyone is so nice here and so helpful. I'm excited about the new job. I'm excited to be here."

Astarita's hours are posted on the Human Services website for the town of Durham.