More often than not, if you call First United Methodist Church, Sam Otte will be the one to answer the telephone.

Otte has worked at the church for a little more than a year, doing a little of everything from answering the phones and printing the bulletins and newsletters to handling the church’s finances and fixing the occasional plumbing issue, she said. Previously, she worked for the University of Kentucky for 19 years in research.

Otte has lived in Winchester for 12 years with her husband John, 12-year-old daughter Morgan and 10-year-old son Nathan.

Winchester Sun: What brought you to Winchester?

Sam Otte: “We have family from Mount Sterling and Paris and in between. We had been living in Lexington and wanted to get a little closer to family. I was pregnant with my first child and we didn’t want to be in Lexington.”

WS: What do you do at the church?

SO: “ I’m kind of the administrative assistant and also the financial person. Sometimes I’m fixing toilets and sinks. I put out the newsletter and anything else anyone needs done.”

WS: What’s the best part about living in Winchester?

SO: “It’s central to everything that we need. It has that small town feel. I go to the grocery store and meet four or five people I know.”

WS: What is different about working and living in Winchester compared to commuting to another city?

SO: “I feel a lot more connected to what’s going on here. Downtown is revitalizing. I feel I know a lot more of what’s going on. I feel much more connected to everyone here and I have more free time because I’m not on the road.”

WS: What do you and your family do when you’re not at work?

SO: “I’m usually running to all the different activities. (My kids) run cross country. Morgan’s big into theater. I was in a theatrical production myself. John is biking and cycling all the time. We like to go out and hike, or veg out at home and watch a movie.”