SENIORITY By Anne W. Semmes: PHYLLIS HERMAN, 75

Do you live in Greenwich?

Yes, for 39 years.

Are you married?

I'm a widow. I was married to Ivan Herman for 34 years.

Do you have any children? Grandchildren?

A son Jonathan, who is a screenwriter, and a daughter Jennifer, who teaches cooking. And I have two grandchildren, Esther and Henry.

Are you retired?

Except for my weekly yoga class, I suppose I am. But I'm actively involved in several volunteer activities. I plan the programming and write the newsletter for At Home in Greenwich. I serve as a Healing Touch volunteer at the Bendheim Cancer Center, and I'm a docent at the Bruce Museum.

What did you do when you worked full time?

I was a nutritionist but if anyone calls me I certainly won't turn them away. After college I became an editor at the Book Find Club in New York City -- it was a more educated book club. I got my masters in education at Banks Street as I wanted to teach. I taught four years in Harlem before I married and moved to Greenwich. When the kids were in grade school, I got a masters in nutrition at the University of Bridgeport and became a nutritionist consultant for the Greenwich Department of Health. I talked on nutrition in different libraries, had a one minute spot on nutrition on WGCH Radio, and wrote about nutrition in Greenwich Magazine. I also started a private practice in nutrition consulting. I then edited books on health and nutrition for Keats Publishing in New Canaan before deciding to be a yoga teacher. I studied yoga in Kripalu, in Massachusetts and became certified.

What did you want to be when you grew up?

I don't even know what. It was the era when you got married after college. But I didn't' marry until I was 36, which was uncommon then.

What are your main hobbies and interests?

My whole life is a hobby! I do gardening, biking, walking, hiking, reading. I'm in a book club that's just beginning at At Home in Greenwich that meets in members' houses -- one of the member benefits.

Are you computer savvy? Do you blog/twitter?

Computer savvy? Yes, but I have no interest in being connected all the time. That doesn't appeal to me.

Do you have a favorite book?

I don't have a favorite. I'm reading now "Evidence of Things Unseen," by Marianne Wiggins -- she was, by the way, married to Salman Rushdie.

What music do you listen to and what is a favorite piece of music?

The baroque music of Mozart, Bach, Vivaldi. I love folk music, Woodstock music -- the Beatles and Bob Dylan.

Do you have a favorite movie?

My son the screenwriter in L.A. is my advisor. No violence and no cruelty. I enjoyed "Eat, Pray Love." Beautiful scenery of India, Italy and Bali. Slow paced, transformative, character driven.

Do you have a favorite actor or actress?

Meryl Streep, Laura Linney, Patricia Clarkson.

What is a TV show that you watch regularly?

Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert on Comedy Central.

Who do you think was the best President of the United States -- and why?

FDR -- not everything he did was wonderful but when we were in a crisis he took control and fixed it. I'm a proud liberal.

If you could tell the president of the United States one thing, now, what would it be?

Do the right thing -- not the politically safe thing.

What is your greatest guilty pleasure?

I don't believe in guilt.

What is your biggest pet peeve?

Litter. I go out with my plastic bag and pick it up. I think its kids not having any responsibility.

Do you have any regrets in life?

No regrets.

What achievements are you most proud of?

My children.

If you had a magic wand what would you wish for?

To have my beloved husband by my side in full health.

What if anything are you deeply concerned about?

Extreme political groups, the hatred, and the right wing media -- they're not above lying -- and how, unfortunately it's taking root.

Best piece of advice for the younger generation?

Be grateful for all that they are and all that they have.

What brings you your greatest joy?

My family, my children and grandchildren -- they're five and two -- a joyous age.

What are you looking forward to?

Continued good health for myself and my family and spending time with them -- and doing some traveling. I'm planning a trip with Road Scholars to walk the Italian lakes.