Q and A with 2023 Casey Citizen of the Year Jo Ann Fitzgerald

Jo Ann Fitzgerald was recognised as the 2023 Casey Citizen of the Year for her work with Neighbourhood Watch Casey. Photo: Stewart Chambers 317424_01

Tell us a fun fact about yourself!

I was born at West Point Military Academy at West Point, New York.

What do you love about the work you do with Neighbourhood Watch Casey?

I like learning things. With Casey being so multicultural, as I’m out talking to people I get to learn new things all the time and I get to ask questions of people. I’ve found people’s joy in their faces as I ask questions or comment on what they say the most rewarding thing. It shows people you are listening to them.

What would your last meal be?

I’m a meat and potatoes girl, so it would probably be steak and masked potatoes.

What is your most memorable moment?

This would be the weeks and the day of my wedding. We had three fires and a wedding. Last year we celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary, and still going strong.

What event past or present would you like to witness?

I would have loved to see George Washington sworn in as the first President in New York.

Which three guests, dead or alive, would you invite to dinner?

This is a hard one as I have so many. I like history. I would have loved to have a chat with Alexander Hamilton, Tadeusz Kościuszko, and Franklin D. Roosevelt.

What are you currently listening to, watching or reading?

I have a few books started –

Corps Justice Series by C.G. Cooper

Reed Security Series by Giulia Lagomarsino

Europe: A History by Norman Davies

Ellis Island A People’s History by Malgorzata Szejnert

If you had to compete on MasterChef, what dish would you cook?

Homemade chicken fettuccine Alfredo for main dish and profiteroles for dessert.

Where is your dream holiday destination?

To get to Europe to meet my cousins in France, Germany, Belgium and Poland. We would have to stop in Ireland to meet my husband’s relatives.

What were you like as a kid?

I loved to run, ride my bike, and be in the library with my nieces.

What was your first job?

Babysitting my nieces and nephews.

What are the three most used apps on your phone?

Mail, Facebook Messenger, and camera.

What’s one question that you have always wanted answered?

Why don’t all people treat others with kindness and respect they deserve. Everyone deserves to be treated with kindness no matter who they are.