Member Feature: Jennifer Cox

Why did you want to join the USC Newcomers’ Club? 
I wanted to join the USC Newcomers because my husband and I had just had our second child, I wanted to get involved with the Progressive Dinner, and I like going to a book club.

Where did you recently move from? 
Andrew, our son George and I moved back to the area from Cambridgeshire, England.

Where did you grow up? 
I grew up just outside of Milwaukee, Wisconsin in a small town with a lake called Pewaukee.

Where did you go to college and what did you study? 
I attended the University of Wisconsin at Madison and earned my Bachelor of Fine Arts degree and made the National Dean’s List. Then, I was off immediately to Savannah, Georgia to study Historic Preservation and Museum studies at Savannah College of Art and Design. I graduated with honors earning a Master of Fine Arts two years later.

What do you do for your day job? 
I teach four and five year olds at St. David’s Christian Early Learning Center in Venetia (only about a mile from my house).

Do you have any kids? If so what are their names and ages? 
Andrew and I have two little boys. George is 10 years old and Joss is five years old.

Do you have any pets? 
This year, in October we got a lovely German Wirehair Pointer and named her Marlena.

What do you like to do for fun? 
I love being creative and working with my hands. I paint, draw, collage, stitch (a little), and garden. I also really enjoy being outside! Our family loves camping, swimming, biking and hiking.

What books on your shelf are begging to be read? 
The Goldfinch, by Donna Tartt.

What’s the biggest goal you are working on now? 
I have taken on a leadership position at church in the Children’s Ministry. We have begun to shift our curriculum to include Godly Play. This ministry teaches classical Christian language in a way that enhances the child’s authentic experience of God so it can contribute to the creative life of the child and the world. We are just at the beginning so, we are collecting the materials, setting up the classroom and learning the stories to share with the children.

What upcoming Newcomers’ event are you looking forward to attending? 
Book Club and the Progressive Dinner.

What other things do you want your fellow newcomers to know about yourself?
It’s sometimes hard to live in the suburbs, we are all so busy taking care of everyone and everything that it can feel a little bit isolating. Newcomers is a great way to break the ice, find some common ground and reach out to friends. This is an open invitation to anybody needing a friend, call me or drive by and see if we are home. Bring your kids, stay, play, have a cup of tea and a biscuit with me.

Member Feature: Emily Mamakos

Why did you want to join the USC Newcomers’ Club? 
I was looking for a playgroup for my then one year old daughter.

Where did you recently move from? 
I lived in Ardmore, PA, which is a suburb of Philadelphia. I lived there for two years while my husband earned his MBA from Wharton.

Where did you grow up? 
I was born and raised in Pittsburgh. I lived in a small part of the city called Swisshelm Park, which is close to Squirrel Hill.

Where did you go to college and what did you study? 
I went to Duquesne University for both undergrad (elementary education) and masters degrees (reading specialist). I worked as a Reading Specialist in the Penn Hills School District and a math and reading specialist in the Non-Public School Services department of the Montgomery County Intermediate Unit.

What do you do for your day job?
I stay at home with my two younger children.

Do you have any kids? If so what are their names and ages? 
I have three- Evan 16, Olivia 5, and William 2

Do you have any pets? 
No, but my daughter is saving up to buy a dog 🙂

What do you like to do for fun? 
Unfortunately, I don’t get to go out much, but I do like to try new restaurants. Most recently I ate at 9 on 9 which is a restaurant downtown- very good! My husband and I like to take our children to the zoo (when it is warm), the aviary, and the Carnegie museums. I love the beach, and we go every summer to Stone Harbor, NJ.

What books on your shelf are begging to be read? 
I like the idea of reading and miss it, but since having my youngest child I have a hard time finding time to read.

What’s the biggest goal you are working on now? 
Trying to exercise more and to teach my daughter to read. Both are pretty challenging!

What upcoming Newcomers’ event are you looking forward to attending? 
I like the progressive dinner and Morning coffees. I am also going to try a book club (although I might not get to read the book beforehand!)

What other things do you want your fellow newcomers to know about yourself? 
I am happy that we moved to USC and, through participating in different playgroups, I have met many great people and learned so much about this community.

Member Feature: Anjula Singh

Why did you want to join the USC Newcomers’ Club? 
I joined Newcomers to meet new people since I didn’t know a soul when we moved here. Luckily, Newcomers has fixed that.

Where did you recently move from? 
We moved here 4 years ago from Atlanta when my husband joined Bayer’s corporate headquarters in Robinson. While I love my new hometown, this winter has me missing the warmth.

Where did you grow up? 
I grew up in Warner Robins, Georgia (which is just as small town-y as it sounds). But, our claim to fame is that the Pop Warner of Pop Warner Football is Warner Robins.

Where did you go to college and what did you study? 
I went to Emory University in Atlanta for my undergrad (Political Science and English major), and the University of Georgia for my Masters in Journalism and my law degree. Yes, I spent waaaaay too many years in school.

What do you do for your day job? 
I’m the Executive Director of the South Asian Bar Association of North America (SABA North America). It’s a minority bar association representing lawyers of South Asian descent in the U.S. and Canada.

Do you have any kids? If so what are their names and ages? 
One goofy kid, Ayan, age 5. He’s my primary job, the other one is part time.

Do you have any pets? 
Between Ayan and myself, we’re allergic to everything cuddly. And I’m not getting scales in this house.

What do you like to do for fun? 
I love to read as long as there’s a happy ending (which mostly restricts me to romance and mystery), do puzzles, watch movies and bother my husband and son. So, basically, I’ve embraced my innate uncoolness.

What books on your shelf are begging to be read? 
I’ve become a total addict to digitally checking books out of the library, so I have an insane number of books on hold, just waiting for me.

What’s the biggest goal you are working on now? 
My biggest goal is made up of a thousand little goals. I desperately need to get both my house and my work organized. I keep hoping the efficiency fairy will stop by…she hasn’t.

What upcoming Newcomers’ event are you looking forward to attending? 
Two of my favorite events of the year are still on the slate for this year: the Progressive Dinner and the Family Picnic/Egg Roll/Spring Event. Also, Community Day since I’m charge of it.

Member Feature: Julie Welter (DeBisschop)

Why did you want to join the USC Newcomers’ Club? 
When I moved to USC most of my friends lived in various Pittsburgh neighborhoods. I purchased my home because of the excellent schools, walking distance to the rec center and the (relatively) flat back yard. All that was missing was feeling like part of this community. Making friends as an adult, particularly after divorce, can be challenging. After running into Elizabeth Schwall at a a mutual friend’s going away dinner, she convinced me to join newcomers and co-chair the book club. I’m so grateful I took the leap and agreed to both before I had even attended my first meeting.

Where did you recently move from? 
Charlotte, North Carolina.

Where did you grow up? 
I was extremely fortunate to be raised as an expat brat/third culture kid. I was born in Brazil to an American Dad and a Brazilian Mom. My Dad’s job enabled us to live in São Paulo, various parts of the US, Germany and Singapore. I have traveled extensively throughout Europe and Asia. Morocco, the Maldives and the Iguazu Falls are at the top of my extensive travel bucket list.

Where did you go to college and what did you study? 
I initially studied early childhood education at Clemson University. I transferred to the University of Pittsburgh where I majored in psychology.

What do you do for your day job? 
My primary job is being a Mom to my two beautiful children. I do a little copywriting and also sell Stella & Dot jewelry as side businesses.

Do you have any kids? If so what are their names and ages? 
Andrew is 5 and will be starting kindergarten at Baker elementary in the fall.  Olivia turns 4 in 2 weeks. She attends Mushroom Family Learning Center in Mt Lebanon.

Do you have any pets? 
I have a dog, Penny, who fell in love with my parents’ dog while they watched her this summer. At this point we share custody. 😉

What do you like to do for fun?
I love discovering small, independently owned restaurants. Luckily Pittsburgh’s food scene is thriving. Since I love food and red wine I exercise a lot. You can find me at the rec center almost every evening. Kettlebell is my absolute favorite class, but love anything that will let me sweat away stress.

Other activities I enjoy include; scouring thrift and secondhand stores for mid-century furniture, cooking, hiking, attending art and literature lectures, painting, blasting really bad pop music while running, Bloody Mary brunches and cheering for the Steelers

What books on your shelf are begging to be read?
I am a voracious reader. My goal is to read a different book every day, but life doesn’t always allow that to happen. 3-4 books per week is about my average. Recent books I have read and highly recommend include; The Rosie Project, You Before Me, The Goldfinch, Burial Rites, What Alice Forgot, Beautiful Ruins and Where’d You Go, Bernadette?

What’s the biggest goal you are working on now?
I’m training to run the half-marathon in May. I’ve had three surgeries since July so may not be the fastest, but as long as I manage to beat the sweep vehicles and raise money for Komen I’ll consider it a win.

I purchased my home from the estate of the original owners. To say it needs updating is an understatement. There is a lot of painting, wall paper peeling and landscaping I need to finish. Luckily, I plan to live here forever since tackling the projects while my children are sleeping makes for very slow progress.

What upcoming Newcomers’ event are you looking forward to attending?
Wine club. I mean, book club are my favorite events. Amazing women, food, wine and books. What else is there, really?

What other things do you want your fellow newcomers to know about yourself?
After years of navigating through early intervention services I have become extremely knowledgable about the various service providers, integrating multi-sensory therapies that result in dramatic language, behavioral and motor improvements, writing IEP goals and advocating for services for your child. My son is the poster child for early intervention success. I have happily shared what I have learned with other parents I have encountered. I am starting a new blog and consulting service for fellow parents. If anyone in the newcomers sees their child struggle, but isn’t sure what options are in the area feel free to contact me. I’m always available for coffee www.MomVocate.com will be live shortly.

Member Feature: Patty Moore

Why did you want to join the USC Newcomers’ Club?
Having moved a few times before, we knew how difficult it could be to meet and make new friends. Also, this was our first move without our children so meeting people through their activities would no longer be possible. We thought a Newcomers club would be a great way to make new friends & sure enough — IT IS!

Where did you recently move from?
Rochester, Michigan. A northern suburb of Detroit.

Where did you grow up?
Just south of Cleveland, Ohio in a city called North Royalton.

Where did you go to college and what did you study?
The Ohio State University. Received a B.S.B.A with a Marketing major.

What do you do for your day job?
For over the past 26 years I have been at home raising our three children — The Best job I ever had! Prior to that I was a Product Engineer for BF Goodrich Chemical and a Department manager/Corporate Trainer for The Higbee Company. Along the way I also got certified as a Jazzercise Instructor. Currently, I am managing our household, keeping the long distance relationships between our children strong, making new friends & exploring Pittsburgh.

Do you have any kids? If so what are their names and ages?
Shannon – 27
Ryan – 25
Daniel – 21

Do you have any pets?
No pets. When my daughter was living with us we always had a guinea pig in the house. Love those piggies.

What do you like to do for fun?
Exercise ( run, bike, racquetball, hike…), Garden, Stampin Up, Read & go to the Theater.

What books on your shelf are begging to be read?
Plan to read Killing Lincoln. Currently, I am reading a fictional series called the Wheel Of Time. My sons got me hooked on it. Each book is about 800-1,000 pages and there are 14 in the series.

What’s the biggest goal you are working on now?
Finishing the renovations and interior decorating we started on our home 14 months ago.

What upcoming Newcomers’ event are you looking forward to attending?
The Sweetheart Soirée on 2/8/14 and the Progressive Dinner in May are high on my list. My husband, Ken, has particularly enjoyed the Couples Events. It gives him an opportunity to meet other people as well.

DEADLINE EXTENDED until February 4th!

For those new members who just joined, and for the rest of us who procrastinate, we are able to extend the deadline for any last minute RSVPS for the February 8th “Sweetheart Soiree” Couples Event at St. Clair Country Club until to Tuesday, February 4th. This evening runs 7:00pm until 10:00pm and offers upscale food buffet with door prizes galore! It’s a great chance to dress up a little and network a lot! Please contact Patty Moore at patty.moore82@gmail.com to arrange payment.

Member Feature: Mia Moran-Cooper

Why did you want to join the USC Newcomers’ Club?
Who says you can’t buy friends? Being totally new to Pittsburgh and living in a hotel for 12 weeks, I was overwhelmed with starting over. I saw the wide variety of activities the Newcomers club offered and thought “Why not? There’s nothing to lose!” I wrote one $25 check, attended a few free events and developed several very valuable friendships!

Where did you recently move from?
Bob and I moved here from Charleston, West Virginia or “West, by God, Virginia” as natives teasingly call it!

Where did you grow up?
I was born and raised in Charleston, West Virginia aka “Almost Heaven!”

Where did you go to college and what did you study?
I graduated from Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia, where I had a double major in Social Work and Spanish.  I started, but have yet to complete, an MBA. Can you say “bucket list!?!”

What do you do for your day job?
For years, I managed West Virginia’s statewide gambling addiction help-line and outpatient treatment program.  Here I manage my executive-level husband and my fourth-grade daughter. Also, I manage our beach house in South Carolina.

Do you have any kids? If so what are their names and ages?
Bob and I have a precious daughter Cana, who is 9 years old, and the blessed miracle of our marriage!

Do you have any pets?
I don’t….but my daughter has a guinea pig named Rosie.   Does that make me a grandmother?

What do you like to do for fun?
I never went to Disney as a child so I am busy making up for lost time, going annually since my first visit in 2007!  I love to try new foods at new restaurants.  I really like traveling to new places. I love taking photographs. I enjoy Broadway musicals and most “performing “arts!” l love to read anything: books, magazines, cookbooks, even the backs of cereal boxes!  I love to grow flowers..but I hate to weed!  What gives me  a thrill is the hunt for bargains at estate sales, yard sales and thrift stores!  I love to turn  flea market finds into beloved  treasures. Who’s in for the next rummage sale?

What books on your shelf are begging to be read?
I bought a whole bunch of books by Jodi Picoult at last year’s  MoreFest rummage sale and I am working my way through them. Last summer during a family genealogy trip, I found “Reflections of Growing Up Poor in West Virginia” written by Dorothy Brown, a cousin I never knew I had!  For Christmas, I was given “Crowns: Portraits of Black Women in Church Hats” and I’ve adored all the photos. Now it’s time to read the text. And a friend just just gave me a “A Pennsylvania Gardeners Guide” so I guess it’s time to read that next as surely, sometime sooner or later, we’ll have Spring here!

What’s the biggest goal you are working on now?
There is a long list of home improvements on my list, from renovating the office den to building a fish pond… it’s always something around here. And with swimsuit season right around the corner, maybe more time in the gym and less time at the table should be my biggest personal goals!

What upcoming Newcomers’ event are you looking forward to attending?
I collect vintage hats so I am really looking forward to sharing some of them at the “Chat in a Hat” at Bella’s House of Teas on March 11th!

What other things do you want your fellow newcomers to know about yourself?
Starting with a few pieces of my grandmother’s, I am now an avid collector of Fiestaware.  Anyone up for a road trip to tour the Homer Laughlin factory? It’s just an hour from here.  I am an active member at St. Thomas More Parish across from South Hills Village Mall, volunteering at both the church and school.  Spanish is my second language, having been an exchange student in high school to Mexico.  I attended summer school in Spain during college.  Bitten by the travel bug, I have since been to Venezuela,  Ireland, Italy, New Zealand and Canada.  A brand new fan of Riedel glassware and Swarovski crystal, I am thinking about a trip to Austria in Summer 2015. Right now, though, I am looking out the window at all the snow and dreaming of a trip to someplace tropical for Christmas vacation this year!

Sweetheart Soirée

The Sweetheart Soirée is coming up soon…..February 8th. Mark your calendars and your sweetheart’s ! As you read on the invitation, we are asking that you send in a Wedding picture along with your payment for the Soirée. We would like to know the date and location of your wedding as well. It would be a great conversation starter and another way to get to know each other a little better. Please consider including that information along with the photo. The photo & wedding information will be on a display board at the Soirée.

RSVP for the Sweetheart Soiree

Where New Neighbors Become Old Friends