Morning Coffee

Come start the new year off with morning coffee. Meet new friends and enjoy some coffee, tea and a sweet or savory treat!!! This event is open to non-members, so please feel free to bring along a friend or neighbor. Children are also welcome.

2648 Monterey Drive

Member Feature: Ashley Collins

Why did you want to join the USC Newcomers’ Club?
Our family moved here from Squirrel Hill, and all of our friends still lived in the city. Although my husband grew up in Bethel Park, we didn’t know anyone in the area besides his family. Shortly after we moved in, I received an invitation in the mail to come to the Welcome Party. Admittedly, I didn’t think it was for me. I took a picture of the invitation and texted it to my husband along with some characteristically snarky remarks. Much to my surprise, he responded that he thought I should go so that our family could make some friends. I’m so glad he insisted! I’ve met so many fabulous women, my husband likes the other husbands, and my 5-year-old has made some great new friends. I encourage anyone with reservations about this sort of thing to jump right in. The USC Newcomer’s Club is hands-down my favorite thing about life in Upper St. Clair.

Where did you recently move from?
Squirrel Hill. So, not far.

Where did you grow up?
Klein, Texas. I used to have an accent but that’s long gone now. I do still say “y’all” though.

Where did you go to college and what did you study?
I attended Carnegie Mellon, where I received my Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing, and another in Professional Writing. Five years later I returned for my Masters in Professional Writing.

What do you do for your day job?
I write sales proposals for a Cranberry-based healthcare  technology company. I’ve been there for 14 years.

Do you have any kids? If so what are their names and ages?
Daphne is 5 and Penelope is one-and-a-half.

Do you have any pets?
We have a cat named Indi and a guinea pig named Muffin. There is a puppy in our future, though not the immediate future.

What do you like to do for fun?
Jake and I love to snowboard together, but with two small children we don’t get to do this as often as we’d like. Mostly I read (voraciously, ALL THE TIME), play with our kiddos, and watch the endless backlog of assorted TV dramas on my DVR. Yes, several of them are intended for teenage girls. What of it? I’m also a sometimes-runner. In January, I’ll start training for the Pittsburgh Half Marathon.

What books on your shelf are begging to be read?
I’m currently working my way through the most recent book in the Dublin Murder Squad series. When I’m done with that, I’ll be reading our next book club selection, This Is the Story of a Happy Marriage. Confession: I have literally about a thousand books on my bookshelf. I’m a compulsive book-buyer and I never get rid of them, so I always have something I could read. This might be approaching hoarding behavior, but since it is also intellectually enriching, I think it’s okay?

What’s the biggest goal you are working on now?
Huh. I don’t have an answer for this question. Perhaps this indicates that I need to come up with something. I’ll get on that?

What upcoming Newcomers’ event are you looking forward to attending?
Book club, of course, and also the Ladies Night Out Holiday Party that our President, Theresa Komoski, is hosting at her house next month. Oh, and the Favorite Things Brunch. There’s pretty much always something to look forward to.

What other things do you want your fellow newcomers to know about yourself?
I embrace geekiness and encourage others to do so as well. I think there’s nothing wrong with immersing yourself in something you love. To that end, all these years later I’m still completely enamored with Buffy the Vampire Slayer (and all other things Joss Whedon for that matter), and I really don’t mind that my husband’s action figure collection is eating my family room. Love what you love, and surround yourself with it. Oh, and superheros are cool.

December Craft Night

Come sit among friends as you address your Holiday Cards, or work on any other crafty or to-do project you have on your list. Grab a bite to eat, have a glass or wine, or get something sweet. Either way it will be a nice evening to chat while we keep our hands busy 🙂

We’ll be at the Market District Cafe (NOT Market District Express!).
RSVP here.

Family Holiday Meet-Up

Join us Sunday December 14th to celebrate the holiday season!

Dinner will be at 5 PM at the Galleria Panera in their private room (to purchase on your own) and then we’ll head down to Pottery Barn Kids to catch the Polar Express at 6PM!

Have your kids put on their PJ’s and follow the conductor on an adventure! There will be a reading of the story, hot chocolate, a visit from a special guest and other fun activities!

Please RSVP ASAP at Pottery Barn Kids. Space is very limited. You can reach the store at 412-344-1615. The cost is $10 per child, which is a donation to St Jude’s.

Let either Julie or Sydna know when you have your spot reserved so we know to look for you!!

“My Favorite Things” Holiday Brunch

Bring one of your favorite things ($15-$20 value) gift-wrapped, for a fun, laughter-filled member-to-member exchange activity!

Anything goes: any item that represents a favorite: hobby; person; sport; collectible; food; movie; craft; place; vacation; indulgence; beverage; book; music; activity; quote; style; philosophy; accessory and more. Be traditional or be creative… it’s all good!

The  Alibi Room, 2nd floor
St. Clair Country Club
2300 Old Washington Road

Our all-inclusive $23.50 buffet includes free valet parking and unlimited:
Apple Cinnamon Crepes
Scrambled Eggs
French Toast
Smokehouse Bacon and Sausage Links
Hash Browns
Breakfast Breads and Danish
Fresh Cranberry, Grapefruit and Orange Juice
Fresh Fruit
Brewed Coffee or Decaf

COCKTAILS AVAILABLE for CASH PURCHASE.

Please note: This is a MEMBERS ONLY event, so if you want to come, but haven’t joined, now is the perfect time! RSVP by Monday, December 1st with a check made payable to the Upper St. Clair Newcomers Club and mailed to Mia Moran, 2009 Murdstone Road Pittsburgh, PA 15241.

Your reservation must be paid COMPLETE (on-line sign up PLUS check received) by 12/1/14.

EVENT CANCELLATION POLICY: No refunds after 12/2/14 when our final head count is due.

November Book Club: Attachments

Please join us on Tuesday, November 18th, 7:30 at Lucy Robert’s home (1320 Rose Circle) for November’s book club meeting to discuss Rainbow Rowell’s novel, Attachments. Even if (or perhaps especially if) the last thing you read was Good Night Moon, please come for the laughter, food and drinks. I know this has been written often, but if you don’t have time to read the book please come anyway. Reading the book may be an easy way to create a common connection, but forming friendships certainly doesn’t involve required reading.

Ladies Night Out with Drs. Micucci

Make it a Ladies Night Out with Drs. Marc and Deana of D&M Chiropractic! Enjoy wine, cheese, and other finger foods as we learn more about chiropractic care from one of our business neighbors right here in USC. Come see the office, socialize with fellow newcomers, and find out how chiro care can positively impact our lives.

Practice website (http://dmchiro.com/)

Event Location: D&M Chiropractic at 2555 Washington Road Suite 620 – Upper St. Clair, PA 15241 (Brown buildings at corner of Washington and Boyce Roads)

Cost is free. RSVP here.

Ladies Day Out: ‘Burgh Bits and Bites Tour — Lawrenceville

Lawrenceville: Artsy, funky and friendly!

Our private two-hour walking tasting tour of Lawrenceville will be rich in American history and showcases unique businesses owners that are pursuing their artisan dreams. Both the historic content and the food on this tour represent Lawrenceville’s past history as a blue-collar working community and its recent renaissance into the hip neighborhood it has become. Foods we’ll eat on the tour include Greek specialties, cupcakes, Italian pastries, coffee, and one of the ‘Burgh’s best dogs. We’ll see eclectic boutiques and galleries while savoring specialties from local businesses.

Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring an umbrella. Tour takes place rain or shine!

Event Location: Doughboy Square Memorial, 34th Street & Penn Ave.

We can carpool from Westminster Parking Lot, Orr Road side, departing at 9:30am. Those who wish to stay on in Lawrenceville and shop can…those who need to return to USC by2:00pm may ride back together.

Cost of event/person: $33.65 (group discount from regular tour price)

Limited to 12! Sign up early to reserve your spot in our private two-hour group tour (discounted to $33.65 which will be invoiced to your email in advance of tour)

Where New Neighbors Become Old Friends