Alabama native now with Amityville schools

Julia Shepherd of North Amityville is a human resources secretary with the Amityville school district and a community mentor with COMPASS, which tries to steer young people away from falling prey to alcohol and drug problems.

How long have you lived here?

I've lived in this area for 30 years. I'm from Alabama. We have a tradition where the older ones come and each generation follows. So first my older sister came here and then my older brother and so on. When I came here originally I was 18. I lived here for a couple years and I moved around and came back.

What made you settle down here?

I like the family connection. It's a small community and very family oriented.

Has it changed?

Absolutely. It's grown. When I first came here they didn't have a CVS, a Walgreens, all these apartment buildings.

What challenges does the community face?

I still think there is somewhat of a separation between South and North Amityville. We're still not one community.

How would you define Amityville?

Community. Even if it's two communities everyone feels like they live in a community.