Village People: A Look At Why I Live Here

While it is a little strange, and probably not very objective, to write about yourself, I figured this column is devoted to learning more about people in our town. The reasons I live here, the things that make me happy -- even why I write this column -- are things I thought I would share.

Q. What is your full name?

A. Dawn Cosnotti Morris

Q. How long have you lived in Sewickley?

A. We moved back to the Pittsburgh area almost four years ago when my son was a few months old.

Q. What made you come back?

A. It was important to us to raise our son in what we thought was the best possible environment. For us that meant Pittsburgh in general. My husband likes to say Sewickley chose us rather than the other way around. We rented a house here while our Florida home was still for sale. I made wonderful friends and became involved in the community. The school district was awesome; there was no reason to ever leave.

Q. What is the best part of living here?

A. We were fortunate enough to build a home right in the Village so we can walk to all the wonderful shops, go grab a bite, have plenty of parks to pick from, play-dates and picnics The list goes on and on.

Q. What are some great local organizations?

A. For a small town we have an amazing number of resources. I have worked with, joined or been on the board of some really great groups here. The Moms Club is amazing for new mothers. I made friends and had a support network to keep me from being overwhelmed. Child Health has been doing fantastic work here for decades. They truly make a difference in the lives of local children. Newcomers [Club] is a great option for meeting people if you are new to town. Village Green Partners is an enthusiastic growth catalyst to support the business district. Again, the list goes on and on.

Q. Why freelance for Patch?

A. I see writing about the community as a great way to give back. Right now my life is a little too hectic to do extensive volunteer work, but I still want to make a contribution to my town. I feel like helping to create a local online outlet to help others know what is happening is a very cool way to promote Sewickley. It is a great opportunity to get around and meet new folks. I love to do the Village People so I can highlight all the interesting people that make up our community.

Q. What is the first thing you would tell anyone considering a move to Sewickley?

A. I would tell them that the very coolest, most wonderful thing about being a part of this community is truly the people who live and work here. Last year I was very ill and for weeks there were meals, flowers, cards, cookies -- you name it -- on my doorstep every day. People I barely knew reached out to lend a helping hand.

To say we were touched would be putting it mildly. We were humbled and awed by the kindness of human spirit and the giving nature of those around us. I would not trade the knowledge that I am surrounded by kindness for anything in this world.