The Vossschulte Family: Life's Journey Led Them to Newtown Square

Resident Feature by Christina Manning

Photos by Sierra Clark Photography www.SierraClarkPhoto.com

Thanks to Alpha Century Security of Newtown Square for sponsoring our Resident Feature.

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This month, we are pleased to introduce you to the Vossschulte Family, a family of six, that is, if you count their two Siberian Huskies!

Norman Vossschulte was born in Germany, but had an unusual childhood. His step-father was a doctor and was hired by a German construction company to travel with them as they built airports, highways, or other large projects in other countries. He lived for five years in Nigeria, three years in Iraq and one year in Spain. Due to all the traveling, Norman had a very different experience with school, mostly taking place with one teacher and a small group of students of various ages.

While living in Spain, Norman was sent to a school that spoke only Spanish, but he was a hard worker and a quick learner! By the time he was 12, they were back in Germany where he embraced traditional schooling. He graduated with a degree in Biology and Physical Science from the Elly Heuss School. He continued his education in New York City where he attended acting school at Herbert Berghof Institute and received his International Graduation Certificate in 1998.

Jeni is from Kenosha, Wisconsin, and attended Tremper High School, where she was heavily involved in choir, and all things musical. Coming from a sports family, her father was a teacher and track coach, she also played basketball and ran track. During high school, she began working as a model for the David and Lee Agency in Chicago. A month after Jeni graduated from high school, she left for Osaka, Japan for a two-month modeling contract. She then studied at Columbia College in Chicago for six months, after which, she landed a recurring modeling contract in Tokyo. When she returned, she used the money she made to move to New York City to enroll in a full-time musical theater program. After performing in several shows, it became clear that she wanted to create her own music. A mutual friend introduced her to a guitarist with whom she began collaborating, and that was the beginning of a winding journey on the singer/ songwriter circuit.

Norman and Jeni met in New York City in 1995. Jeni was part of the performing arts ministry of her church, and a friend of hers invited Norman and his fiancée to visit a service. “We were all introduced, but I was also interested in someone else at the time, so there wasn’t anything romantic about our meeting,” said Jeni. “We were simply friends.” As time went on, Norman’s engagement ended and Jeni’s relationship had also ended, so they would commiserate over long walks in Central Park. “Eventually, I noticed my heart changing towards him,” said Jeni, “honestly it surprised me!” “We went on a few dates and I think we both just knew that we were meant to end up together,“ added Norman.

The couple dated for about 10 months, then had a quick three-month engagement and got married in March 1998 in New York City. Since Norman is from Germany, there were quite a few family members and friends who couldn’t make the trip for their wedding, so for their honeymoon, they headed to Europe. The newlywed couple spent the first two weeks in Roses, Spain where Norman’s family owned a house. They then continued to Germany, to visit his family and friends.

Norman and Jeni have two sons, Neo and Anik. Neo is an athletic and kind-hearted 17-year-old. He just started his first year at Episcopal Academy after previously attending Marple Newtown High School. Neo loves football, basketball, track and even strumming a bit on the guitar. He builds camaraderie among his teammates and hopes to play football in college.

Anik, 14, is starting his freshman year at Marple Newtown High School. He’s kind and creative, and is very into playing basketball and biking around with his friends. He specializes in airbrushing and customizing shoes: He even has his own Instagram to showcase his artwork. He also enjoys training their two Siberian Huskies, Nanuk and Jedi.

Norman is currently the Director of Fan Experience for the Philadelphia Eagles. Although Norman oversees Eagles gameday staff, hiring, training, Season Ticket Member Services and Guest Services, it takes a great team to pull off creating one of the best fan experiences in the world. “Brian, Catherine, Jon, Nicki and Megan are the ones that make the magic happen,” said Norman, “I couldn’t do it without them. Teamwork makes the dream work!”

During this time, he’s also working as the Zoom Master, hosting training camp calls with the players, alumni and the fans. “I get to interact and make fans happy,” said Norman. “It’s those magical moments, when a fan gets to walk through our Eagles tunnel onto the field or high-5 a player on game day!”

Norman acts as the official spokesperson for the GO GREEN initiative. “We are one of the most sustainable stadiums and teams in the world,” he explained. “We have the largest solar power plant in the NFL and have eliminated hundreds of thousands of plastic water bottles by installing water filtration systems.” The Eagles have also planted thousands of trees to offset carbon emissions from player travel. Thanks to the Eagles Super Bowl win in 2018, he is also a very proud owner of a Super Bowl ring!

Jeni wears many hats, one of which is as a teaching artist for the Lincoln Park Performing Arts Center based in Pittsburgh. They have a program called Artreach, which provides a wide variety of arts classes for PA cyber-students. She’s also launching a vocal instruction site called Kitemaster Studios, where she’ll be teaching vocal technique and beginning piano to private students or small groups virtually or in person. “I want to build a site where people can get coaching based on their specific musical genre.”

In New York, Jeni had the privilege of studying with some highly regarded vocal coaches, some for musical theater, others for pop and rock. “There is basic technique that everyone can benefit from, as well as stylistic coaching that goes beyond the basics,” explained Jeni, “I love teaching all of it!” If that isn’t enough, she also teaches in-studio lessons at Silver Studios in Havertown, and she performs solo singer/songwriter gigs. “My future plans are open,” laughed Jeni, “it would be nice to settle into one job at some point in my life!”

Norman regularly attends the Philadelphia Church of Christ and is part of a Bible discussion group. He’s also a member of a men’s spiritual hiking group where they all go out and pray on Saturday mornings. “I love hiking and nature, being in it helps put things into perspective,” said Norman, “I also do projects to help me stay grounded. I recently built an electric fat tire bicycle with my son.” Norman is an avid Star Wars and Batman fan, and he used to be a Jedi Master at Disney!

Norman and Jeni have both coached with the Marple Newtown Basketball Association and have volunteered at the high school for the football program. Jeni is also very involved in the church, and they both spent four years in the full-time ministry when they lived in New York City. When not working on music, she also loves to take long walks and paint. “I also do a lot of vacuuming,” said Jeni, “I mean, we have two huskies!”

In 2012, the Vossschulte family moved to PA from Florida, where they were living for Norman’s previous job at Disney World. They rented a place near St. Alban’s, then had to move when the owner decided to sell. “At first we thought our new place seemed small and we only would stay a year,” said Norman, “but we have been here almost seven years. “Our neighborhood is very relaxed and quiet,” said Jeni, “and we love hearing our neighbors’ stories about when they grew up here.”

As often as possible, the family takes an adventurous vacation with Jeni’s brother, sister-in-law and two nephews. “We have spent a week in an RV out west, hiking in some of the beautiful national parks!”

The Vossschulte family would like to share this special message to the community:

Do you know a Newtown Square family, couple, individual or nonprofit group that readers of our magazine might like to meet in an upcoming issue? Nominate them by email to Christina Manning at CManning@BestVersionMedia.com.

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