Have you been enjoying the chance to spend some time getting to know people in our community? As you know, the best way to learn about someone is to ask questions. In this series we ask ten questions to different individuals so that we can know the folks who live with us here on Cape Cod.
Hello, My Name Is: Amanda Braga- Tipton
Occupation: Chaplain Candidate United States Army
What was your first paying job?
I was a paper girl delivering the Falmouth Enterprise twice a week. I Started at age eleven until thirteen and began babysitting simultaneously. Is the IRS looking at this? Haha
When was the last time you laughed really hard?
I laugh daily! Today was with soldiers in my unit. Let’s just say I was with Military Personnel and the content is probably not appropriate for public viewing.
Did you grow up on the Cape?
I did! Was born and raised in Falmouth, and then moved to Rhode Island for College (Does that even count as leaving)? But!!!! I than moved to South America (Brazil), did some work in Argentina, Chile, and Peru. I than moved to Sunny California, did the married thing, and then did the divorced thing and came back home. I’ve been back 7 years and counting.
Where is your ‘go to’ spot for a scoop of Ice Cream?
Duh? Polar Cave in Mashpee. My friend Mark is an absolute riot and I’m pretty sure I formed an addiction to the Black Raspberry Chip Frozen Yogurt.
What is the one thing you love to do that surprises people the most?
I actually enjoy cooking, but anyone who has known me for more than ten minutes knows I tend to cook food in a manner that produces hockey puck like products. One would never know I actually on a non-rushed day find cooking very therapeutic. The other fun fact about me that people never guess is that get me on the dance floor and the Latin flavor of which not one drop runs through my veins comes out and suddenly I become A-LO 😊
In a parallel universe, what would you be doing?
I would totally be Wonder Woman, hmm or maybe The Secretary of State? Actually! I would be a Kick butt wife and Rockin’ mommy.
Do you have a favorite non- profit group here on the Cape?
No, I do not have one non- profit group that is a favorite, I have three of them. The Matthew Pucino Foundation named in honor of SSG Matthew Pucino who was KIA in Afghanistan in November, 2009. The Nicholas G. Xiarhos Memorial Foundation named in honor of Marine Cpl. Nicholas Xiarhos who was KIA in Afghanistan in July, 2009. Heroes In Transition in honor of Marine Cpt. Eric Jones who was KIA in Afghanistan in October, 2009.
The thread through all of these organizations is that they each reach out to those who have been affected by war. Be it physically, emotionally, mentally, spiritually, financially, etc. These Gold Star Families have made it their ambition to ensure that the memory of their Hero would never fade like the setting sun, but rather that through death life would come forth for others. And I love that.
What person had the greatest influence on you and why?
This question is not so clear cut. Many people have invested into my life and helped forge my character during different seasons of life. I would be remiss to not mention my mother who was my first example of love in action and my father who was the embodiment of what hard work and dedication looked like. But then there’s also my kid brother who is 5 inches taller than me whose existence forced me to share my toys. Ha!!
If I looked in your refrigerator what would I see?
Eggs, Chicken Breast, Broccoli, Almond Milk, Celery, Lettuce and 2 cans of Guinness.
If you could go out on a boat fishing for a day who would you bring?
This is so easy! Jesus! Because then I could go walk on the water instead of staying in the boat and the fish would come to me. Fish wiser not harder 😊
We are always looking for new people to feature in “Hello, My Name Is…”. If you know an interesting member of the Cape community, please send us their name:[email protected]. When possible, please include their contact information and a little about them.
Thank you!
Want to meet a few other folks? Click here:
Betsy Siggins, Founder of New England Folk Alliance
Tracy Post, Town of Yarmouth Selectman
Joseph Ellia, Chef
Michelle Law, Cotuit Center For The Arts
Timothy Whelan, State Representative, First Barnstable District and Ret. Massachusetts State Police
Emma Dubner, Registered Nurse, Musician (The Ticks), Music Teacher, Junior Roller Derby Coach and Mom
Brian Beneduce, Author and Motivational Speaker
Casey Sherman, Author “The Finest Hours”
Cheryl Park, On-Air Personality (999 The Q and Ocean 104.7)
Amanda Kaiser, Program Manager for EforAll Cape Cod
Ronald Eaton, Funeral Director/Family Service Counselor