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ThirteenMagazine

July 2011

The Pitt

CousinsLike you’ve never seen them before

Plus!Which Pitkowsky are you? Take the quiz

to find out!

Are youAddicted

to junk food?help is inside!

26 Crucial Fashion Tips

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Thirteen Contents

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Note from the EditorIt all started as a vision in a foreign counrty, now, with the help of her family, it’s a dream come true. Hear the story of a masterpiece first-hand from the editor.

Pitture PerfectWhether they are partying hard at a formal event or hanging at a BBQ, the Pitkowsky family knows how to have a good time. But to them, there is only thing more important than having fun, family.

TidpittsWhat is it that makes these kids so unique? Follow along as we put each one in the spotlight to find out more about the Pitkowsky Thirteen.

Pitt StopOnly in this family will you find such a large group of well-rounded young people. Indentify these individuals by exploring what they do for fun.

July 2011 Vol. 19 Issue 54

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From the Editor It was Tuesday, March 16, 2010. I was on a bus traveling to Barcelona from Valencia. My head resting on the cool glass, I watched as we drove past beautiful landscapes and small towns. As I took in the sights, I reflected on my situation: it was the end of my senior year of high school, I had gotten into my dream college, I was looking forward to a relaxing summer, and I was in Spain; life was good. I had recently purchased some photography equipment to nurture my growing passion for photography. My grandmother must have gotten a whiff of that growing passion, because she had been relentlessly asking me to take ‘headshots’ of all her grandchildren. Well, sitting on that bus I decided I wanted to set up a photo studio and shoot fashion photography. I was so enthralled by the idea! I started thinking: which friends could I recruit to be my models? Unfortunately, I could only think of a few. Then, suddenly, it was like a lightening bolt struck. Youbetchya, I was going to photograph all thirteen cousins (yes thirteen, myself included). But, there was a twist, I was going to take great pictures of them and put them into a magazine and I would surprise Grandma and Grandpa for their anniversary in June! I was going to create a Pitkowsky Family fashion magazine! I was so excited! I whipped out my notebook and started writing down ideas for outfits, poses, hobbies, and more! When we arrived at the hotel I couldn’t help but sport a smile; it has got to mean something when you are more excited about a photography project then arriving at your hotel in Barcelona! I have to admit, I was worried about participation. Getting all thirteen grandchildren to cooperate was not going to be easy. Plus, everyone would have to keep it a secret! Not to mention, who was going to photograph me? But, my excitement outweighed my fears, and when I got home, I began the project. Needless to say, the magazine was not finished by the anniversary in June. In fact, I used the months of July, and August to photo-graph each cousin. But, I soon figured out that all my fears were irrational, everyone was so cooperative! It’s not easy to devote 5 hours of your time to modeling! But, each one of the thirteen grandchildren did it with smiles on their faces, and I have pictures to prove it! I could not be more thankful for that. So, I hope you have enjoyed this maga-zine, the product of a pipe dream from Bar-celona. I know I speak for all thirteen of us when I say we enjoyed making it.

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PitturePerfect

N ine Bar and Bat Mitzvah celebrations, 22 Thanksgiving

dinners, 176 Nights of Hanukkah, 218 Birthdays, 429 Boat rides to the candy store. These events have defined the relationship of the Pitkowsky cousins. On June 19, 1954, PeggyWilsker and Murray Pitkowsky tied the knot. Now, four children and their spouses, 13 grandchil-dren, and 57 years later, their family is a full ropes course. Four families make up the Pitkowsky, or “Pitt,” tribe. There are five Birches, led by Bill and Lisa; six Freys, led by Roger and Fayne; six Pitkowskys, led by Dan and Susan; and three Levines, led by Erica. Including Grandpa and Grandma, this family totals 22 people, 13 of them the Pitt cousins. For this bunch, growing up with family as a priority has not

only molded them into the tight group that they are today, but it also created a family bond that is extremely rare. Major holidays and occasions give most families a reason to get together, the Pitkowskys don’t need an ex-cuse. Getting together throughout the years, whether they were roasting marshmallows by the lake, catching apples with a baseball glove, or toasting with a cup of orange juice, the grandkids grew closer and formed traditions they could count on having every year. Although the parents deserve credit for bringing these kids together from a young age, it is the cousins themselves who formed the relationships. There is a saying that applies to this family, “cousins by chance, friends by choice.” Perhaps it was the times spent together that ended in sore

faces from too much laughter and the group pleading for sleepovers that forged the bonds that the cousins have today, the bonds that have transformed these family relatives into life long friends. College, work, and future plans may cause the hours the cousins spend together to dwindle, but the memories and friendships they have are eternal. Because they had such a huge effect on each other’s life, their relationships are forever embedded in their minds and in their hearts. One can only imag-ine how insane the family events will be as the 13 of them begin to make families of their own; they may need to rent a grand ballroom for Thanksgiving dinner and a football stadium a Bar and Bat Mitzvah. But, no matter how large the family grows, their friendship will always remain as strong as it is now.

Edited by Fayne and Zach Frey

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Girls

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Boys

AAron

ZAch

Solomon

SAm

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T i d p i t t sW hen you walk into an ice cream

store, you may ask for a sample of some of the flavors before making a decision, since each flavor is so different

and unique. But in the Pitt Ice Cream Store, sampling would not help you choose the best flavor, because they are all irresistibly good. Having diverse interests is not a rarity for any of the cousins. Nash was able to explore Africa on a community service mission, and she is also an all-star soccer player. Zach is on student council, has been the lead in school productions, and likes to spit a freestyle rap. Sydney plays tennis and volleyball as well as the oboe. Jaryn performs beautiful pieces with her guitar in hand, and she loves photography. It’s easy to

see that these kids are incredibly interesting, unique, well rounded people. Sharing family experiences and occasions helped shape each cousin

into the person they are today. In the Pitkowsky family, Bar and Bat Mitzvahs are defining events, not only for the person becoming a Bar or Bat Mitzvah, but for

the entire Pitt clan. At these simchas, two-thousand dollar jackets get whipped around like lassos, lawn mowers and sprinklers are impersonated in killer dance

moves, and grown men sport goofy sunglasses as they boogie with young dancers. From Sam, the youngest grandchild, impressing the crowd with his

hip-hop moves to grandpa sporting an outrageous hat, the Pitts all have an excellent time. It is logical to assume that these parties allowed each cousin to

become outgoing, gregarious people. If they could let loose in front of the family, they could let loose in front of anyone!

Undoubtedly, the many family interactions have influenced the future dreams of these young adults. Shay’s love of video editing stemmed from

making cousin dance videos. She fell in love with fashion photography while taking portraits of her cousins and now plans on becoming a fashion

photographer/photo illustrator. Taylor explored her cooking abilities by bring her creations to family events. After getting the family’s

approval on her mint chocolate truffles and fondant cakes, she now hopes to be a chef.

It’s easy to see that this clan is comprised of very complex people. But even Ben & Jerry’s could not come

up with words to describe these flavors, so take a taste for yourself.

Edited by Tali, Zach and Fayne Frey

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Nolyn Fay Birch is a 20 year old who always knows how to have a good time. She is currently a junior at Quinnipiac College, and loving it! In addition to intramural basketball, she is also on the club soccer team. In high school, Nolyn won numerous awards for her athletic abilities. When she is not participating in athletics, she loves shop-ping, hanging out with friends, and going to the beach. She’s not quite sure what her future has in store, but everybody knows that wherever she goes, she will have fun getting there!

Nolyn Birch

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At 17 years, Taylor Nicole Pitkowsky is a compassionate, caring young lady who is always looking for ways to give back. She is currently a senior at Pascack Val-ley High School, and hopes to become a teacher by studying elementary educa-tion in college. Taylor is a pro in the kitchen. Baking delicious fondant covered cakes is one of her special-ties. This summer Taylor will be volunteering at a dance camp for children with special needs, a project she is very excited about.

Taylor Pitkowsky

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12 year old, Solomon Lev Frey is a ball of energy with a big heart. He just completed his first year at Saddle River Day School, and loved every minute of it. Solomon is an exceptionally talented musician. He plays the trumpet, the coronet, the piano, and he sings! In addition to his outstanding musical talents, Solomon is an amazing athlete. When he is not on the base-ball field he can be found rooting on his favorite team, the New York Yankees. Also, if it were up to him, he would live his whole life eating only chicken and chocolate (not together, of course)!

Solomon Frey

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Sydney Rae Levine is a sensitive and caring 14 year old who wears her heart on her sleeve. She is selfless and always thinking of others. In her spare time, Sydney loves playing volleyball and soccer. She also enjoys making music with her oboe. Most of all, Sydney loves cuddling with her dog, Smash. In Spetember, Sydney will be entering her first year of high school at Ramsey High. Sydney also enjoys baking, and hopes to be a successful chef someday.

Sydney Levine

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Lara Jaye Pitkowsky is a crazy 19 year old who is a self-proclaimed “asset” to the Pitkowsky family. She loves going to football games and spending time at the beach. She is wildly passionate about dance and is a proud member of Towson University’s thirteen-time national champion Dance Team. Her smile is contagious and when she dances, you can’t take your eyes off of her. Lara does not have any big plans for the future, but she likes going with the flow and living in the moment.

Lara Pitkowsky

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The oldest Pitkowsky grandchild is 23 year old Aaron Drew Birch.

He enjoys “pumping iron” and is a master chef when it comes to protein

shakes. He is a raging sports fanatic and a loyal fan of U Miami and Nascar. Aaron recently graduated from Stevens Institute of Technology with a degree in Engineering. One of his fondest memo-ries is the legendary Pitkowsky Family Cruise in 2008. He is looking forward

to the next one...

Aaron Birch

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Reece Monet Levine is a gregarious 12 year old who always sports a smile along with a hysterical “nu-uh, girl” attitude. She loves hanging out with her friends and playing the guitar. She particularly likes to play songs written by Jack Johnson, The Beatles, and John Mayor. Reece likes the idea of being a teacher, but when asked about her future she responded, “how am I sup-posed to know? I’m only twelve!”

Reece Levine

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Shay Davi Frey is a vivacious 19 year old with a very positive outlook on life. She is a sophomore studying photo illustration in the S. I. Newhouse School at Syracuse University. She loves bright colors and kind people. Shay also has a passion for theatre and has studied opera since she was fourteen. In her spare time, she enjoys baking and spending time with her friends and family. In the future, Shay envisions herself a successful fashion photographer and photo illustrator, who performs on the side.

Shay Frey

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Samuel Elliot Pitkowsky is an energetic 11 year old who loves sushi. When he is not at school or nudging his three older sisters, Sam gets uncontrollable urges to “bust a move”. He can commonly be found perfecting his dance moves at the RHPAC dance studio. In addition to his break dancing skills, Sam has quite a knack with the ladies; he has already had two girlfriends!

Sam Pitkowsky

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At 21 years, Tali Jae Frey is a strong-willed, very intelligent woman who is sure to be successful at whatever she does. Tali loves traveling and learning new languages. She is currently studying Creative Writing at Brandeis University. She is the manager of the women’s volleyball team, a volunteer tutor for the English Language Learning Initiative, and sits on the Parking Appeals Committee. In the Fall of 2010, Tali established the third ever sorority at Brandeis, Kappa Beta Gamma. She was just elected president for her second consecutive term. When Tali is not “running” the school, she can be found playing with her loyal puppy, Buddha.

Tali Frey

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Nash Carlyn Birch is a unique 17 year old with a very promising future. She is an all-star soccer player and also enjoys basketball. She currently attends Park Ridge High School, “Go Owls!” In 2010, Nash traveled to Africa on a community service mission with an organization called World Challenge. She single-handedly raised enough money to fund her one-month journey exploring Malawi, it was an experience she will never forget!Nash

Birch

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ZachFrey

Zachary Mendel Frey is a charming 17 year old with a wide variety of interests. In addition to getting lead roles in school musicals, Zach enjoys playing baseball, basketball and tennis. He just finished his high school career at Saddle River day school. There, he was the president of Zeta chi, an active member of the community service club, and the senior class president. In the fall, Zach will begin his college career at Tufts University. On Sundays, Zach volunteers for Challenger Little League, a program where volunteers assist handicapped children in a game of T-ball; it is something he is very proud of.

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16 year old Jaryn Michelle Pitkowsky has a sweet smile that is always present. She is a sophomore at Pascack Valley High School. She loves sing-ing, dancing, and playing guitar. She was the lead in her school’s production of Pippin. Some of Jaryn’s fond-est memories are from Thanksgiv-ing dinners at Grandma and Grandpa’s house. In the future, she hopes to be a singer, a teacher, or a musician.

Jaryn Pitkowsky

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Part of what makes the cousins so well rounded are the activities they do for fun. Nolyn’s athletics leave voices hoarse from cheering, Reece’s guitar playing is music to everyone’s ears, and Tali’s sorority leadership skills would impress the CEO of the fortune 500 company. It is easy to believe that these extra curricular activi-ties stemmed from family experiences from their childhood. Examples are not hard to come by: competitively keeping track of betting pools while watching the Super Bowl and running from opposite sides of the room for a celebratory chest-bump may have inspired Aaron’s love of football; smacking the ball over the roof of Grandma’s neighbor’s house during a game of wiffle ball and sliding into a base to avoid being tagged in running-bases probably inspired Solomon’s love of baseball; and danc-ing to the “Ketchup Song” in Grandma’s living room after the Passover Seder and at Bar/Bat Mitzvahs almost certainly encouraged Lara’s love of dance. “A picture is worth a thousand words.” To avoid reading a novel, take a look at the photos on the following pages to get a better sense of the cousins’ hobbies.

STOPEdited by Zach and Fayne Frey

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