Jennifer Resto and daughter Mia are all smiles after winning PJ Library's® Refer a Friend grand prize of an iPad2.  Born in Lakewood and raised at The West Temple, Jennifer and Mia recently moved back to Cleveland for quality of life, to be closer to family and to live by the lake. 

Since 2009, The PJ Library has sent more than 60,000 free Jewish books to 2,700 children ages 6 months - 7 years.  Visit http://www.letmypeopleknowcleveland.com/Nest/PJLibrary.html or call 216-593-2900, ext. 213 to learn more and register. 

A program of The Jewish Federation of Cleveland, The PJ Library program in Cleveland is generously funded by the Leonard Krieger Fund of the Cleveland Foundation and the Harold Grinspoon Foundation. 

Raised in Newbury, Ohio, Trish worked as a teacher at Troy Elementary School in Burton and had no exposure to Cleveland’s Jewish community until she met Rob in 1996.  Every Chanukah while they were dating, Rob would visit Trish’s 3^rd grade class to read Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins as a way to expose her students to Jewish culture.  It was also a great way to woo his ladyJ!  Trish and Rob were married at Temple Israel Ner Tamid in 2005 and have chosen to raise their two sons, Nathan and Noah, in a Jewish home.  “Meeting Rob was beshert --  meant to be” enthuses Trish, who loves baking for the Jewish holidays and leading her family’s weekly Shabbat rituals.  The Rismans were warmly welcomed at Fairmount Temple Preschool, which led to involvement in a wonderful playgroup and a genuine sense of belonging.  Participating in Camp Wise’s Mom’s Camp  has enabled Trish to experience Jewish camping and further connect to the community.  Born in California, Trish believes that Cleveland is the best place to raise a family and enjoy all four seasons.  Favorite fall outings include visiting Patterson Fruit Farm and walking in the Chagrin River in Bentleyville.  Connect with Trish!   

After the birth of their son Ethan, Lauren and Eric Scherr knew that it was time to leave Florida and move back home to Cleveland.  Eric (from Bath) and Lauren (from Chagrin Falls) wanted Ethan to grow up surrounded by family, friends, and a caring Cleveland community.  The Scherrs believe that Clevelanders are genuine people who care about each other and eagerly welcome “newcomers”. 

Since moving home in March 2011, they have Scherr-ly been busy.  Favorite activities include outings to the Cleveland Metroparks  and zoo, local libraries, Preston’s H.O.P.E. Playground, Chagrin Falls Park, the Akron Zoo, events at the Mandel JCC  , and classes at Music Together and The Little Gym.  When asked for advice on how to help newcomers, the Scherrs shared the following: (1) Reach out to people in your neighborhood / community (2) Try to make friends as people really do want to connect with others, and (3) Be outside as much as you can during the spring, summer and fall, and (4) enjoy winter!

Connect with the Scherr family. 

Share your family story and newcomer advice!