She requested a new question because, she claimed, she doesn’t have an “all-time favorite fictional villain.”
Now, seriously, who doesn’t dig a good villain to send a healthy chill up the spine? Like Hannibal Lecter and his Chianti slurp? Darth Vader and his menacing march? Ya know, like Jason, Michael, Freddy, Voldemort, The Joker, and Agent Smith?
No thanks, said Ann Marie McConaghy. Nope. And another question, please.
OK, sure. Hmm. Perhaps the villain inquiry was too dark and somehow negative, especially for a young lady known in some circles as “Smiley Ann.” So, instead, let’s take a “180” and go the other way. Superheroes. Yeah. Certainly, this St. Clairsville resident has a favorite caped crusader, right?
McConaghy, who works full time for WTOV9, sure does and her answer will not surprise. She is, after all, the same entrepreneur who made a big splash this past summer with her vintage Volkswagen, baby blue Photo Van. It was enjoyed at weddings and concerts and birthdays and graduation parties, and there’s the “Drive Miss Daisy,” “Give It Some Gas,” and “Pedal to the Metal” packages to consider.
That’s right, it’s cute because it’s supposed to be. Cute sells because it makes people smile and laugh and take fun photos over and over again.
And guess what? Villains don’t do that. Duh.
Why the Volkswagen Van?
Well, a couple of reasons.
First, I have always loved them. I think they are the coolest vehicles ever. I don’t know why they would have stopped producing them.
Second reason, it’s a classic! Everyone loves it. I don’t think I have met one person that wasn’t in awe of it. I just love hearing the stories that people have about them … “My parents used to pile us in the van and we would go to the beach,” or “My band and I drove one of these cross country in the late 70’s.”
I think the memories it brings back for people is something really special. You know, when I started Smiley Ann’s Photo Van, I thought it would only appeal to adults, but boy was I wrong! Kids LOVE it! I can’t tell you have many events I have been to where the parents had to bribe their kids to leave the Van.
People of all ages really just love it and that makes me really happy.
Do you believe the relationship between Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift is a real relationship or something cooked by publicists?
I do believe it is real. People are saying that the NFL is paying Taylor Swift a ridiculous amount of money to “fake” date Travis Kelce, but she is already the most successful entertainer in the world and doesn’t need the money.
They are both so happy. The way they look at each other, the way he holds her hand, the fact that he wants to help her get out or the car instead of her security … they are either in love or really good actors.
What is it about getting involved with local politics that you like the most?
I have helped my aunt, Mayor Kathryn Thalman of St. Clairsville, through both campaigns and I really came to see how much of a difference someone can make, especially at the local level.
St. Clairsville is thriving and has a very bright future thanks to my aunt and her team.
When someone asks you about your high school, what do you tell them?
I thank my parents all the time for sending me to Linsly. I loved it. It helped prepare me academically for college, and it made me a well-rounded student. Every teacher there was invested in my success. I also developed a very strong sense of confidence in my abilities.
I so appreciate everything that that school did to make me the person I am today.
Who is your all-time favorite superhero, and why?
I would have to say Wonder Woman! She gives not only girls, but boys and girls a great role model, and she’s all about justice and truth.
