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Community Corner

USC Newcomers' Club Ventures to the Caribbean

Group celebrated the end of another fun year with its annual Progressive Dinner.

The Upper St. Clair Newcomers' Club got to experience a taste of the Caribbean while celebrating the end of another successful year at its annual Progressive Dinner, which took place over the weekend.

Members and their significant others got to sample appetizers and cocktails at the home of Rachel and Jeff Lowden before breaking up into smaller groups to travel to one of several members' homes for the main entree, which consisted of tilapia and stuffed jerk chicken, rice and beans, asparagus and tossed salad. After dinner, the entire group met up again at the home of Darlene and Mark Bleier for a delicious dessert buffet.

"Good food, great friends and a fantastic evening...what a perfect way to end another fun year," said Ann Marie Dingmann, co-chair of the event.

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The USC Newcomers' Club is open to women who have lived in the community for less than two years or who have had a life-changing event, such as the birth of a baby. Annual dues are $25.

The club begins its year in September with its annual kick-off event which usually takes place at a local restaurant. This event attracts many new members and welcomes back its current members, while building excitement for the new year.

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In addition, the club hosts several activities each month, from September to June, including Ladies Day Out activities to local museums, restaurants and other area attractions; Ladies Night Out events at area restaurants; family pumpkin picking; couples bowling; family ice skating; monthly book club; and  in-home movie nights at members' homes;  morning coffees and evening wine and chats. The club also participates in the Salvation Army's Treasures for Children annual holiday campaign and sponsors a booth at USC's Community Day. 

Children also are an important part of the group. The club coordinates playgroups that meet regularly in members' homes during the winter and at local parks during the summer. They also schedule occasional field trips to places such as the Children's Museum, the Pittsburgh Zoo and and PPG Aquarium and the Carnegie Science Center. 

"The USC Newcomers' Club provides a great social opportunity for women to get to know their neighbors and become involved  in their community," said Kelli Glunt, 2010-11 club president. "Many long-lasting friendships have been formed as a result of the club."

For more information about the USC Newcomers' Club or to register to become a member, contact Heather Holtschlag, 2011-12 president, at 724-941-8318 or holtschlag@verizon.net.

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