Pittsburgh native and Penn Hills resident Dina Clark lets us in on her action-packed week, from her family conflict with ordering pizza to board duties with the FBI.
Monday, November 9
My week begins with my daily blueberry muffin stop at Allegro Hearth Bakery in Squirrel Hill. Best blueberry muffins in Pittsburgh. Maybe one day I’ll try something else that they serve.
Then off to work at the Covestro headquarters where I am working on their diversity and inclusion strategy for North America. I have been there almost three months and loving every minute of it! After work it’s off to class at Point Park University, where I am working on my Doctorate in Education with a focus on leadership and administration. I am halfway through this inaugural program so keep your fingers crossed that all ends well for me!
After class (which ends at 9:30 p.m.) I’ll scoop up my son from my parents’ house and head home. After some middle school catch-up chat and laundry, I hope to start writing thank you notes for my son’s birthday party that I NEVER get out on time! His 13th birthday celebration began last week with a mom-son trip to Disney and Universal Studios and ended with a party in the Pittsburgh Pirates Clubhouse . . . fun times but I’m still recovering!
Tuesday, November 10
I will probably skip the muffin this a.m. . . . I have an early, daylong meeting at work, but then it’s date night after work. Heading to the August Wilson Center to see Alvin Ailey. This surprise from my partner in crime made me smile and it’s something that I have been looking forward to. They always have amazing performances.
Wednesday, November 11
Today I plan to take time to honor our vets and participate in recognitions at work. Showing respect and honoring their sacrifices is something that we ALL should remember and not just once a year. After work, I plan to pick up a pizza which always causes great debate between me and my son. He is a big Aiello’s fan, but I grew up on Mineo’s, so we can’t always decide where to go and many times we end up buying pizza from both places. The good news is that they are both fantastic so this is always a win-win situation no matter which way you slice it!
Thursday, November 12
Looking forward to our Thanksgiving celebration at work. It’s a potluck and another opportunity to connect with our coworkers, something that Covestro values. My big dilemma is what to bring. I’ve narrowed it down to baking lasagna or buying a cake . . . I’m thinking the latter will win! After work I’m off to hang out with my mom while my dad heads to James Street to hear some jazz, which allows us to watch Scandal with wine and snacks, uninterrupted.
Friday, November 13
Always love Fridays but it’s even better when it’s a payday . . . woohoo! Today I have a board meeting at the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Pittsburgh Division, where I serve on the FBI Citizens Academy Alumni Association Board of Directors. The FBI is making a lot of positive efforts to engage communities across the greater Pittsburgh region, especially when it comes to fighting heroin use with children, so if you have time check out what they are doing, there is a lot of great stuff that never gets mentioned.
After the board meeting, I am heading to the Science and Brews event hosted by the Citizen Science Lab. This is a program that focuses on the intersection of social justice and STEM literacy and it sounds like it will be fun. If there is still time, I will swing over to the Strip District to catch the live music at Cioppino. They have one of the best burgers in town, and bonus—free valet!
Saturday, November 14
Today I’ll be up and out early to attend our board retreat for Bricolage Production Company. It’s a great opportunity to work hard and play hard with people who are committed to figuring out ways to bring an amazing, interactive theater experience to a wider range of people. After the retreat, it’s on my calendar to to head to Planet Fitness for a workout, but chances are I’ll probably opt for a piece of Prantl’s Burnt Almond Torte, a glass of wine, my DVR and call it a night!
Sunday, November 15
Trader Joe’s is on my calendar for today. Then I’ll click into Mount Ararat Baptist Church for the online service and try to squeeze in some schoolwork and reading before heading back over to hang out with my mother while my dad is at the Steelers game. While I’m hanging with mom, I’ll brainstorm about a vacation spot for next year . . . I’m thinking: Puerto Rico here we come!
