This month’s coupon winner, Patricia (Patty) Barrios and her husband Russ, moved to Orange in 1971 and bought their first house for $18,000.  Though they had to borrow $200 to make the $900 down payment, it was worth it to become members of Old Towne.

“I fell in love with the old houses and the old-fashioned feel of the neighborhood,” says Barrios.  “I call it 6 degrees of Old Towne —there’s always someone who knows somebody great.”

The couple raised two daughters, Arianna and Sara Paloma, and enjoyed the amenities the community has to offer.  Originally from Boston, Barrios fully embraced California life—gardening, collecting old pottery and tools and decorating her home with thoughtful vignettes.

Her warmth and creativity extended into her career at St. Joseph Health and community efforts through Pitcher Park and the Old Towne Preservation Association (OTPA).  For three years, she even ran two booths at Country Roads Antiques, where she selected her coupon.

“If my hands are in the dirt, I’m happy,” she says.  “I’ll be taking my time poking around Country Roads for something special to add to my collections.”

Now a grandmother, Barrios beams watching Arianna lead as an Orange Councilwoman and Sara Paloma thrive as a potter.