Interview #2: Kelly Tobias

Kelly Tobias stands in front of Union Project's work site where workers have begun cleaning and re-pointing the exterior stone.

Since the Plumb Media office is located at Union Project, I get to meet the many fantastic people who work in this historic building. Kelly Tobias joined the Union Project staff this fall as the volunteer and facilities coordinator via the Public Allies program. When we had a brief chat at a Union Project tenant potluck, I knew that I wanted to learn more about her.

Kelly kindly obliged my interview request. We met on a perfect autumn day and took a brisk walk from the Union Project to Tazza D'oro, my favorite spot for coffee in Highland Park. We sat outside to chat as the sun warmed our faces, and colorful leaves swirled around us. That's when I noticed Kelly's mile-long eyelashes. Wow – they are so beautiful!

Trust me, Kelly’s lashes are just one of her many impressive traits. Her positive personality is refreshing and her enthusiasm is contagious. She beamed as she talked about working at Union Project, planning Love of Friends (psst ... I think you need a "Volunteering is Sexy"t-shirt), and singing and playing keyboard in her band, Big Hurry.  (It took two Craigslist posts to get their band together, and the rest is history). She's passionate about everything she is involved with. I respect that.

Kelly, originally from New Jersey, is a Pittsburgh transplant, and she thoroughly enjoys the city. She studied fine art at Pitt and has participated in several area shows, exhibiting her fiber art and sculpture.

See more details about Kelly below. But first, you MUST observe Kelly's musical talents firsthand by watching Big Hurry's latest video, Silver Screens. Apparently, they've been described as sounding like "the Smiths having a street fight with Pat Benatar in the year 4000." You be the judge.

Name: Kelly Tobias

Job title: Volunteer and Facilities Coordinator at Union Project

Neighborhood you live in: on the East Liberty/ Friendship/ Shadyside Border.

Coffee Shop Drink of Choice: Just your regular old cup of Joe, (milk-no sugar)

Current Shampoo Preference: Usually I just pick my shampoo (and my wine) by the bottle design that I like best. Right now I'm using Neutrogena.

Why do you choose Pittsburgh as your home?
I came to Pittsburgh originally to attend school at Pitt., but stayed because of the friendliness of the city, the large number of nonprofits that exist here, and the relationships I have made.

Who do you spend your time with?
My bandmates in Big Hurry, my friends, Eric Wallo, The Love of Friends planning committee, and lately Dexter Morgan.

What are your favorite aspects of your job?
There are so many aspects I love! I love meeting neighbors and being able to give them actual ways to get involved. I love constantly working to beautify a historic building and the ground around it. I love seeing children and adults connect with each other and learn about themselves through UP's arts programming. And I love working with a staff who are constantly searching for innovative ways to serve the UP Community.

Do you have a soul food?
Probably the Mac and Cheese at Kelly's OR any of my Granny Annie's recipe's

What are some of your recent personal goals?
Spend more time with friends, make more trips back to see my family and start more creative projects that don't have a deadline.

What are your favorite Pittsburgh restaurants?
Nothing Fancy... Tram's Kitchen and The Bloomfield Sandwich Shop

Describe your ideal day.
Waking up with enough time to make coffee at home and walk to Union Project. Making progress on one of the many projects I work on there. Leaving work at a decent hour, playing with the band/ grabbing a beer with friends-- and getting home with enough time to collect my brain for tomorrow.

What is the most memorable live show you have seen in Pittsburgh?
Every time Built to Spill comes to town, I fall in love with them all over again

What do you think Pittsburgh will be like in ten years? What do you love most about the city?
I think the population of young adults in Pittsburgh will grow and we will continue to gain note as a place of innovation.

How nosy everyone is. It took me a while until I was no longer surprised by being asked, where I live, if I was a student, or where I was headed by a stranger on the bus.