In 1972, I moved to Manhattan, leaving behind my retail decorating business, "Dick's Color Center", and an unhappy marriage which ended in divorce in 1971. I wanted to bring my two children to a University community and to be near my family. I bought my first home in 1973, at 330 Thurston, an address in my district. Finishing my college degree was a important priority for me, but one that I postponed while mothering my family and volunteering in the community