July 12 - WSBA - Free Webinar - The Six Figure Mindset - Do you have what it takes? -12 PM - Shauna Harper, property investor, director of a mastermind networking group and an online marketing expert - Part of WSBA’s Women’s Small Business Week - For more information: http://www.meetup.com/Womens-Small-Business-Association/calendar/12837439/ - To Register: https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/427621385

July 13 - WSBA - Free Webinar - How Companies Can Capture Today’s Hotest Markets – 7 PM - Leslie Grossman, Co-Founder, Women’s Leadership Exchange & Author, SELLsation! - Part of WSBA’s Women’s Small Business Week - For More Information: http://www.meetup.com/Womens-Small-Business-Association/calendar/12837441/ To Register: https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/377017064
July 13 - Business on the Links - The Center for Women’s Entrepreneurship at Chatham University, in conjunction with BizChicks - Presenter: Sandy Thomas, LPGA, Personal Business Golf Coach - 12 noon to 1:30 PM - Chatham University, Mellon Board Room - Cost: $20.00 (Includes lunch & seminar) - Register Online: http://www.chatham.edu/cwe

July 14 - The Seven Steps to a Highly Successful You! - Chatham University - University Club, 123 University Place, Pittsburgh, RSVP/Info: http://www.meetup.com/Womens-Small-Business-Association/calendar/10718251/, http://www.wsba.ws/ to register, Fee: Mem $43, NM $48 Premier Members: $38 (Prepay Req-d, @ the door $48)

July 14 - The African American Chamber of Commerce of Western Pennsylvania Presents: How To Do Business With Allegheny County Economic Development - 8:30 AM - 11:30 AM - Regional Enterprise Tower - 425 Sixth Avenue, 7th Floor- Theater Pittsburgh, PA 15219 - $5.00 members/ $8.00 non-members (continental breakfast included) - RSVP to: (412) 392-0610 or information@aaccwp.com by July 12, 2010

July 15 - Free Webinar: Gettin Geeky - Nationally known Speaker/Author, Gina Schreck – 12 PM - Part of WSBA’s Women’s Small Business Week - For more information: http://www.meetup.com/Womens-Small-Business-Association/calendar/12837444/ - To register: https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/41023148

July 16 - WSBA Member Open house
Details on www.wsba.ws
July 22 - Free Teleclass:”Stress Less – Back to Basics” - Powerful, Daily Stress Reducing Strategies that Work - There are basic Stress Reducing Strategies that you can use daily to reduce your stress and calm down. Diana Fletcher will share some surprising strategies that are simple, yet powerful, to insure healthier, happier days.To register for Stress Less – Back to Basics, please go to www.dianafletcher.com/events/teleclasses - Call-in instructions will be emailed to you immediately - The call will take place from 7:00-7:45 pm EST. Please note that long distance charges may apply.
Save the Date

July 15-18 - Ewomen Network National Conference –Hyatt Hotel in Dallas, Texas
Over 2500 hundred Business women from all over the country with top notch speakers and fabulous evening activities daily - Get Re-energized and Sharpen your Saw! - Ideal for anyone looking for national connections or simply wanting to learn and grow from excellent break-out sessions. Membership not required. Www.ewomennetwork.com or call Debra Dion Krischke at 724-935-6100 for more information

Women’s Power Lunch

July 16
Lydia’s in the Strip District
1300 Smallman Street
Cost: $25.00
Parking in lot across the street

Visit www.womenspowerlunch.com for additional details, email suzannef@zoominternet.net or call 724-452-5152 for more information

August 14- “Small Business Basics” Workshop - 8:30 AM- 12:30 PM - Mellon Board Room, Chatham University - $30 per person - Workshop will cover the topics of business planning, financing, marketing, and legal issues pertaining to small business - http://www.chatham.edu/cwe/events/sbb_workshop.cfm to register

October 14 - The 7th Annual Pennsylvania Governor’s Conference for Women - David L. Lawrence Convention Center in Pittsburgh - For ticket information and to learn more about the conference please http://www.pagovernorsconferenceforwomen.org/
FYI

July 10 - Healing Attunements – 10 AM-1PM - The Place for Reiki – 139 Steuben St, Ste. 100 - Cost: An Offering from Your Heart - Find out more about The Place for Reiki, including a complete list of upcoming classes and workshops, at http://www.the-place-for-reiki.com
July 14

Volunteers of America of Pennsylvania
Working Order Brown Bag Lunch
12:00 – 1:00pm

Speaker Janet Pisani, Monarch Image Consulting - Looking Great on a Limited Budget

July 15

Volunteers of America of Pennsylvania
Working Order Disability Resource Breakfast
8:30 – 9:30 AM

Speaker Elaine Wilson, Watson Institute

Living, Learning and Working with Autism

1650 Main Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15215
FREE
RSVP: 412.782.5344 or volunteersofamerica@voapa.org

July 24 - Reiki I Class - 9 AM-6:30 - The Place for Reiki – 139 Steuben St, Ste. 100 - Cost $125, Registration & $50 non-refundable deposit are due by July 9 - Find out more about The Place for Reiki, including a complete list of upcoming classes and workshops, at http://www.the-place-for-reiki.com

May 5 - Social Networking for Small Business - 2:00 - 4:00 PM - Sigmas Conference and Event Center - 1717 Babcock Blvd. Pittsburgh - Broaden your marketing outreach - Speaker Robert Stein, University of Pittsburgh’s Small Business Development Center - Seminar at no cost for DBRC clients ($25 for non-clients) but registration is required. www.sigmasconference.com - Register by logging on to http://dbrc.ecenterdirect.com

May 5 – Leadership Instinct Simulcast – take the leadership quiz at MyLeadershipInstinct.com, then register for the Leadership Instinct Simulcast to hear experts discuss characteristics that make great leaders - Speakers Jim Stovall, Ann Phillips, Russ Moen, and Bob Funk – for additional information visit the website

May 5 - The Chamber of Commerce Inc. - Women in Business & the Community - 11:30 - La Roche College - The Ryan Room - 9000 Babcock Boulevard Pittsburgh - This program features many successful local business women & community leaders whose work has not gone unnoticed - The Panel: Cathy Cortazzo, Kim McClure, Rochelle Stachel, Moderator: Lois Bradley - Cost is $30 - to register visit www.thechamberinc.com 

May 6 - Crisis Center North, a North Hills nonprofit organization will hold it’s third Annual Cocktails & Cuisine for Women in Crisis - sponsored by the Allegheny County District Attorney’s Office - 6-10 PM - The Woodlands Bradford Woods - tickets are $75 for VIP and $60 for general admission - for tickets call Crisis Center North at 412-364-6728 x 15 or visit www.crisiscenternorth.org 

May 7 - Progressive Pittsburgh Conference - 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Edgewood Club, 1 Pennwood Avenue, Edgewood Borough - This free conference brings together both the profit sector as well as the not-for-profit sector in a casual business environment where we guarantee that everyone will walk away with something they can use both professionally and personally.

May 8 - Shadow Lounge, Vipers Soul Club rides again, saddling up
hours of cathartic 1960s R&B, Northern Soul, Jump Blues, Motown, Mod Jazz
and More for your dancing pleasure! $5-20 (pay what you can) at the door gets you a night of partying for a great purpose: a cause that is often overlooked and misunderstood but which has immense impact on a vulnerable and historically marginalized population.
Can dancing change the world? On this night we will! Proceeds benefit Prevention Point Pittsburgh

May 9 - Please join Codepink, American Friends Service Committee, and The Women’s International League of Peace and Freedom for our Annual Mother’s Day Peace Vigil on - Corner of Braddock and Forbes Avenues in Regent Square from 8:00 to 9:00 PM - A dramatic presentation of quotes from US military wives and Iraqi Mothers on the impact of war on their children - If you would like to be a reader in this exciting event, contact Scilla Wahrhaftig at 412-371-3607 or www.afsc.org/pittsburgh - We will be serving pie to represent the huge 51% cut for US military spending in the 2011 Federal Budget. Copies of Codepink’s new Peace Pie Cookbook will be available. http://codepink4peace.org/article.php?id=5363 

May 12 - Volunteer’s of America - Brown Bag Lunch - 12:00 – 1:00pm - Speaker: William Weil, Socius Partners - Learn how to get your site listed on Page 1 in Google and Yahoo. The results are five times as valuable as paid search results and use techniques that are available at a fraction of the cost - No cost - 1650 Main Street Pittsburgh - RSVP: 412.782.5344 or volunteersofamerica@voapa.org

May 13 - Fit Fun & Fabulous event, May 13 5-8:30 pm @ PAA Register today! 4215 Fifth Ave Pittsburgh - Registration is now being accepted for FIT, FUN & FABULOUS AT ANY AGE! This event is being offered courtesy of Dr. Kathleen Hartford, a $10 donation towards Girls Hope is being accepted at the door, reservations in advance are required - Visit www.winpitt.org - Thank you to our sponsors, Dr. Kathleen Hartford & Pittsburgh Business Times

May 13 - 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. - Creating a Successful Internship Program - Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Eberly College of Business and Information Technology
664 Pratt Drive Indiana - For more information on the workshop or to register contact: Katherine Young kyoung@coropittsburgh.org - 412-208-0250
www.theregionalinternshipcenter.org

May 14 - Brentwood Baldwin Whitehall Chamber of Commerce Women’s Networking Luncheon - Noon - South Hills Country Club - Please make a reservation by contacting secretary, Mary Dilla at 412-884-1233 or email: secretary@bbwchamber.com - Chamber Members Lunch - $15. Display Tables - $10 - Non Members $18

May 14 - Women Business Leaders Breakfast Series - “Gender and Negotiations Workshop”- 7:30 - 9:00 a.m. - James Laughlin Music Hall, Chatham University - $25.00 (includes continental breakfast & presentation) - Speaker: MJ Tocci, President, Fulcrum Advisors - Register online @ www.chatham.edu/cwe

May 16 - 1:00pm - 2:30 - Workshop “How to Embrace Your Power as a Woman; Be Successful in Life” - Join Life Coach Diana Fletcher as she takes you through exercises and activities to show you just how powerful you are and gives you tools to use to access that power on a daily basis! Call Janet Furtney at Improvement Thru Movement at 412
595-7828 for Information and Registration

May 20 - Volunteer’s of America - Disability Resource Breakfast - 8:30 – 9:30 AM - Speaker: Dr. Brian D. Seebacher, Seebacher Family Chiropractic Center, LLC - Chiropractic care, using a holistic approach, can be used not only to alleviate pain but, more importantly, inspire and educate patients to become active participants in their own well-being - 1650 Main Street Pittsburgh - RSVP: 412.782.5344 or volunteersofamerica@voapa.org

May 20 - Third Thursday Divorce Workshop - 6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. - This workshop is for MEN or WOMEN who may be contemplating divorce or in the early-mid stages of the divorce process so that they can find out what they could expect legally and financially should they decide to proceed. - RTI Insurance Building, 125 Hillvue Lane, Pittsburgh, PA 15237 (McCandless Township North Hills Area) - Cost: $15 per person -Registration recommended at least one week prior to the workshop - Contact Donna at 724-493-9695 for more information.

Thursday, May 20, 2010 Ladies Night Out!!! 6pm, Cost: Complimentary, Location: Radisson Green Tree ,Marriott DrivePittsburgh, PA 15205
Ladies, come join The Musuneggi Financial Group for wine & cheese, dessert and coffee. Spend the evening with Mary Grace Musuneggi and Barbara Schwarck as you learn….
Who’s in Charge Anyway?
To register or for more information:
Email: info@singlestepsstrategies.com or On the web: www.singlestepsstrategies.com

May 21 - Power Lunch - Somoma Grill - 947 Penn Avenue - (1 block to the Convention Center parking lot) - 1:30 to 3:00 pm - RSVP to Suzanne Froehlich at suzannef@zoominternet.net or 724-452-5152 by Wednesday, April 14′th to reserve your space for this months luncheon.

May 22 - Hometown Pharmacy is hosting a FREE Health and Wellness fair - 9 AM -1 PM - Ramada in Greentree (formerly the Holiday Inn) - Attendees can receive a FREE H1N1 Vaccine, as well as other Free Screenings, including blood pressure, bone density, body mass, and more! - All attendees are entered to win a $100 Shop n Save Gift Card, so stop in to visit. They are offering free refreshments and door prizes every ½ hour.

May 27 - Free Teleclass “What’s in YOUR Bedroom?” - 7:00-7:45 pm EST - Did you know you can use Feng Shui in your bedroom to Reduce Stress? - Join Stress Reduction Expert Diana Fletcher and Feng Shui Expert Carole Hyder as they offer simple, fun and effective tips for your bedroom to change your dreams forever! - - Teleclass will be recorded, All registrants will receive recording - Free but Long Distance Charges may apply - Visit www.dianafletcher.com or www.carolehyder.com for more information

June 5 - TrailBlazing for Autism! Join us for an awesome trailride, dinner and chinese auction -Victory Stables - Benefits Emmaus Horsemanship and ABOARD. Please visit www.aboard.org - click on the TrailBlazing graphic for more info and to register! If you can’t ride with us, please consider making a donation (monetary or chinese auction items). We also have sponsorships available - if you are interested in sponsorship please contact me for levels.

June 12 - Second Saturday Divorce Workshop for Women - 9:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. - Lauri Ann West Library – O’Hara Township, 1220 Powers Run Road, Pittsburgh - Cost: $25 per person - This workshop is for WOMEN ONLY who may be contemplating divorce or in the early stages of the divorce process so that they can find out what they could expect legally, financially and psychologically should they decide to proceed. - Registration recommended at least one week prior to the workshop - Contact Donna at 724-493-9695 for more information.

June 16 - Breaking the Profit Barrier - A workshop presented by Pittsburgh Professional Women - Special Guest Jill Lublin - author of best selling book Networking Magic- $35 for PPW members, $49 for non members - 6:00 - 8:00 PM - Highland Country Club - Register Online - www.PittsburghProfessionalWomen.com 

June 17 - Guerrilla Publicity: Connect With the Media for $50K in Free Publicity! - Presented by Jill Lubin, author of best selling book Get Noticed and founder of GoodNews Media, Inc.- Sponsored by Pittsburgh Coaches Association and National Speaker’s Association - River’s Club, One Oxford Centre Suite 411, Pittsburgh - 5:15 p.m. Registration/Refreshments - 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. - To register, pay online using PayPal or send a check for the appropriate fee (payable to “PCA”) to: PCA, c/o Roberta Rollings, 241 Patterson Road, Bethel Park -Register at http://www.pittsburghcoaches.org/calendar_events/2010_lubin_monthly_meeting.htm - More information, call Diana Fletcher, 412 612-5977

June 17 - Third Thursday Divorce Workshop - 6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. - This workshop is for MEN or WOMEN who may be contemplating divorce or in the early-mid stages of the divorce process so that they can find out what they could expect legally and financially should they decide to proceed -Westmoreland Chamber of Commerce, 241 Tollgate Road, Greensburg - $15 per person - Registration recommended at least one week prior to the workshop - Contact Donna at 724-493-9695 for more information.

June 21 – 22nd Annual Golf Classic “Fore” Kids, held at the Greensburg Country Club in Greensburg – Proceeds from this event will benefit Junior Achievement programs for kids in Westmoreland County Schools – Registration is $150 per golfer and $550 per foursome – Sponsorship opportunities available – Contact Dick at 724-772-5900 x 119 or by email at (dorzechowski@jawesternpa.org).

Save the Date

June 2010

Law and Business Seminars
When: First 4 Wednesdays in June (2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd)
Time: 8:00 - 9:30 a.m.
Where: Chatham University, Shadyside Campus
Cost: $20.00 per seminar, or $65 for all 4 seminars
Hosted by the Center for Women’s Entrepreneurship at Chatham University in conjunction with Meyer, Unkovic & Scott.

June 2 – Legal Contract Review: Do I Really Need to Read that Fine Print? (Yes)

June 9 – Would you want to be employed by you? 10 Commandments Every Employer Should Know

June 16 – Business Protection: I’m Not Worried About That! (well, you should be)

June 23 – Protecting Your Intellectual Property: Why Can’t I Use That Name? I Came Up With it First! Each seminar will consist of a 1 hour information session followed by a ½ hour “ask the attorney” session. For more information contact Anne Flynn Schlicht @ 412-365-1153 or email aschlicht@chatham.edu

FYI

May 8 - Dr. S.A. Nallathambi MD and his wife Dr. Helga Nallathambi, started the Indo-American Home for Children (an orphanage) in India in 2000. There was a terrible drought and parents were abandoning their children, and some even committing suicide. Right now 40 children call this facility home. A flower farm in Florida has donated 1600 plants to help raise money to support the children’s education. They are available for pick up the day before Mother’s day, Saturday, May 8th at the general sale or you can pre order and pick them up. Give mom a fabulous tropical plant and give an orphaned child an education.

Mother’s Day Flower Sales and Pick-up on Saturday, May 8, 2010 from 12 Noon - 5:00 PM - Friedman’s Fresh Market (Parking Lot) 180 Point Plaza, Butler -
Covenant – Community Presbyterian Church 1630 Greentree Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15220
Exotic Tropical Plants Pre-Sale Priced at $10.00 - These plants normally sell for about $20.00 each in retail stores, and we are happy to offer you this great value!

A volunteer will contact you by phone when your order will be ready for pick-up. If mailing your order, please include your order information, name, phone number and your check made payable to: Indo-American Home for Children P.O. Box 909, Butler, PA 16003 - For more information, Call 724-283-2543

May 18 & May 25 - Greater Harmony Chorus proudly presents Talented Teens Student Awards Contest - Auditions held at Richland Elementary School, Bakerstown Rd Gibsonia - Auditions must be LIVE and presented to the Greater Harmony Chorus for consideration - The first 25 applications will be accepted - top five finalists will be selected by the Greater Harmony Chorus and appear as contestants on the October 2nd shows - Two alternates will be chosen as well - Cash prizes - Apply by calling 412. 486.1805

WSBA The Network Lunches

May 5 - 1:00 - Hardwood Café, 646 Pittsburgh Rd Butler
May 10 - 1:00 - Café Kolache 402 Third St Beaver
May 12 - 11:30 - Spadafora’s 3932 Route 8 Allison Park (Shaler/Gibsonia)
May 14 - 1:00 - Andrea’s Crafton Ingram Shopping Center Pittsburgh
May 18 - 5:00 - Max’s Allegheny Tavern 537 Suismon St Pittsburgh
May 19 - 1:00 - South Park Clubhouse 2200 Brownsville Road South Park
May 21 - 1:00 - Wooden Nickel 4006 Berger Ln Monroville
May 25 - 1:00 - Blue Water tavern 12087 Perry Highway (Pine Tree Shops) Wexford
May 26 - 12:00 - The Rivers Club 301 Grant St One Oxford Centre Pittsburgh
May 27 - 11:30 - Walnut Grille 5500 Walnut St Pittsburgh
May 28 - 12:00 - The Boulevard Restaurant 107 Nature Park Rd Greensburg

Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts.

– Rachel Carson

April Highlights in US Women’s History

·    Apr 2, 1931 - 17-year-old Jackie Mitchell, the second woman to play baseball in the all-male minor leagues, pitches an exhibition game against NY Yankees and strikes out both Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig. The next day, the Baseball Commissioner voided her contract, claiming baseball was too strenuous for women. The ban was not overturned until 1992

·    Apr 7, 1805 - Sacagawea begins helping the Lewis and Clark Expedition as an interpreter

·    Apr 7, 1987 - Opening of the National Museum of Women in the Arts in Washington, DC, the first museum devoted to women artists

·    Apr 9, 1939 - Marian Anderson sings an Easter Sunday concert for more than 75,000 at Lincoln Memorial

·    Apr 13, 1933 - Ruth Bryan Owens is the first woman to represent the U.S. as a foreign minister when she is appointed as envoy to Denmark

·    Apr 19, 1977 - 15 women in the House of Representatives form the Congressional Caucus for Women’s Issues

·    April 22, - Earth Day – honor Rachel Carson today, a woman who changed America and greatly influenced the environmental movement; buy her revolutionary book, Silent Spring at www.nwhp.org

·    April 26, 1777 - American Revolution heroine Sybil Ludington, 16 years old, rides 40 miles by horseback in the middle of the night to warn the American militia that the British were invading

·    Apr 28, 1993 - First “Take Our Daughters to Work” day, sponsored by the Ms. Foundation; in 2003 it became “Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work” day

April 5 - The Pittsburgh Public School Minority/Women Business Department –“ Annual Business Opportunity Extravaganza” - 1:30pm – 4:30pm at the PFT Building.
We hope you will join us as we network and build relationships with vendors of interest to the Pittsburgh Public Schools – invited Departmental Representatives include Facilities, Talent Management & Food services - Call 412-488-4661 for more details

April 7 - FREE WEBINAR - VIRTUALLY YOU - The 5 W’s, Who, What, When, Where, and Why of Virtual Assistants - Presented by Lee Drozak, Owner, Danielle Cuomo, President, and Linda Handley, WSBA, Executive Assistant Director, MHA, TO REGISTER http://widgets.clearspring.com/cscallback/urlexchange/499d781e7a2ff8ce/facebook.html?x=BSYkCClVJwkhVCdQIld2CXNUPQVyCHYHJwV2VCYFKVcgByYcJAhxBSBVKFMpUigHIgV2BA

April 8 - Pittsburgh Professional Women Presents: Am I Googleable? Business Workshop - Would you like to be found easily and effortlessly online? Learn SEVEN Publicity Secrets that will help you get found online - The Greentree Radisson - 9 AM - 11 AM - Presented by Publicity Expert Beth Caldwell, author of I Wish I’d Known THAT! Secrets to Success in Business - $29 for PPW Members, $39 for non members. Register Online www.PittsburghProfessionalWomen.com.

April 9 - Women Business Leaders Breakfast Series
Center for Women’s Entrepreneurship at Chatham University - Speaker: Magdeline Jensen, CEO, YWCA Greater Pittsburgh - “Innovative Entrepreneurship for a Nonprofit”
7:30 - 9:00am - James Laughlin Music Hall, Chatham University - $25.00 per breakfast - Networking and a continental breakfast will precede the presentation.
REGISTER ONLINE: http://www.chatham.edu/cwe/events/wblb_series.cfm - Questions please call 412-365-1253 or e-mail womens-entrepreneurship@chatham.edu

April 10 - Enjoy the latest in spring fashions from Christopher & Banks as Greater harmony Chorus hosts its annual fashion show at The Chadwick in Wexford from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Cost for fashion show, lunch and entertainment is $25. Tickets must be purchased in advance and reservations can be made by calling 724-444-7682 or 724-924-2258.

April 12 - Executive Women’s Council of Greater Pittsburgh - The Greening of the Region & How to be Part of It! - Registration begins at 5:00 PM
Panel Discussion begins at 5:30 PM - Fairmont Pittsburgh, 510 Market Street; Downtown Pittsburgh - Subject areas: urban green space, conservation, trails – Caren Glotfelty - Ann Gerace - Susan Golomb - Hannah E. Hardy - Jeaneen Zappa call Roberta Rollings
412-848-9011 for additional information

April 13 - Diversity Business Resource Center- Learn how to use the Pittsburgh Business Times to grow your business- SmartReader Seminar – 8:30am-9:30 am - visit http://dbrc.ecenterdirect.com to register

April 14 - April 14 ^-   Allegheny County Department of MWDBE provides certification counseling- One-on-one counseling for Unified Certification Program application (call 412-322-3272 or e-mail info@dbrconline.org for your ½ hour time slot from 9am-12 pm) visit the calendar for additional details http://www.dbrconline.org/DBRCEvents/tabid/59/Default.aspx`

April 14 - Volunteers of America of Pennsylvania - 1650 Main Street
Pittsburgh 15215- Brown Bag Lunch - 12:00 – 1:00 pm - Speaker JoAnn Forrester, SI Business Associates - Find out how to use cost analysis and projections to support a small business loan proposal submission that will succeed in securing dollars in capital for your small business - RSVP: 412.782.5344 or volunteersofamerica@voapa.org

April 15 - Volunteers of America of Pennsylvania - 1650 Main Street
Pittsburgh 15215 - Disability Resource Breakfast - 8:30 – 9:30 AM - Understanding Issues of AD/HD in Adults - Speaker Dr. Elaine Gray Gorr, PhD Clinical Psychologist - RSVP: 412.782.5344 or volunteersofamerica@voapa.org

April 16 - April Power Lunch - 1:30-3:00 pm - Cioppino Restaurant
2350 Railroad St. Strip Dist. between 23′rd & 24′th Sts (across from the Cork Factory)
Parking lot attached above-Parking tickets validated - $27.00 cash at the door.
RSVP to: suzannef@zoominternet.net or call 724-452-5152

April 17 - 2010 Organ Donor Awareness Night - National Kidney Foundation Serving the Alleghenies will host a special night at PNC Park to spotlight the miracle of organ donation and transplantation - A portion of each ticket will go to support organ donor and transplant awareness - 7:05 - Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Cincinnati Reds -Zambelli Fireworks - Outfield Box $20 ($5 donated) L/R Grandstand $12 ($3 donated)

April 18 - Bags, Bellinis & Brunch - 11 AM - 1 PM - A Fundraiser for Satchels of Caring Foundation, Formerly the CREW Pittsburgh Foundation - Chatham Village Clubhouse, Mt Washington - Brunch, Bellinis, Silent Auction & Door Prizes

April 20 – WIN Pittsburgh - Accessorize & Socialize Networking Event…Guest Speaker, Kimberly Coppola, Owner, Serendipity “Accessories to Express Yourself” - visit www.winpitt.org for additional information

April 20 - Boost Your Legal IQ! - Join Attorneys Beth Slagle & Quinn Johnson
and Boost Your Legal IQ! - Noon - Meyer, Unkovic & Scott LLP (12th floor)
535 Smithfield Street, Pittsburgh 15222 - Cost: $10 (includes lunch) RSVP by April 15: rsvp@bizchicks.orgor 412.456.2587 We’ll teach you how to be your own best advocate!
See the BizChicks website (attached link) for details of this LunchMix which you don’t want to miss! http://www.bizchicks.org/events.php

April 22- The Washongton Women’s Shelter Inc – Time to Shine! Makeover Project – Jennifer Antkowiak - 11:30 am to 1:30 pm - Bella Sera 414 Morganza Road Canonsburg - Please join us for a lovely luncheon and help our Time to Shine! Makeover Project as we strive to raise $50,000 to provide desperately needed repairs and renovations for the Washington Women’s Shelter - www.facebook.com/wwstimetoshine - 724.884.7148 -contact@timetoshine project.org or visit www.timetoshineproject.org - $45 donation and must be purchased by April 15th

April 23 - FastTrac® Listening to Your Business Workshop - Chatham University, Howe-Childs Gate House - A half-day entrepreneurship workshop to maximize the growth and profitability of your business - 8:30 a.m. to 12 noon - $40:00
REGISTER ONLINE: http://www.chatham.edu/cwe/events/listen_workshop.cfm - Questions please call 412-365-1253 or e-mail womens-entrepreneurship@chatham.edu

April 23 – Free CCAC Health & Wellness Fair – North Campus, Perry Highway, Pittsburgh - Learn how to manage your own health & activites with the CCAC North Library Day of activities, discussion, vendors & expert speakers like Doug Oster, Jennifer Antkowiak – for more details contact bthompson@ccac.edu or by phone 412-369-3671

April 23 - Singer/songwriter Cheryl Wheeler will perform at Words and Music in Vaughn Washington - Opening for Cheryl will be poet, Scott Heffernan. Limited to 60 guests for this fantastic event - If you would like to attend, please go to www.watermarkwriters.com for further information - Poets, authors and singer/songwriters are featured in an intimate waterfront setting each month

In order for the Hoops For Hope Gala to be a success, we need assistance from local businesses. We are requesting your help with our efforts, in the form of a 501(c)(3) tax deductible donation from your business, for a silent auction item. In return for your donation, you/your company will be listed in the event program, which will be handed out to all attendees to the event.
Presently, one out of every three people will be diagnosed with cancer. The American Cancer Society’s main objective is to reduce the cancer mortality rate by 50% by the year 2015. One way this will happen is through research. The American Cancer Society dedicates more money to cancer research than any other private, not-for-profit, non-governmental funded cancer research organization in the United States .

April 24 - Spring for a Cure - 11AM - 3 PM - Highland Country Club, 450 Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh - An Event to Raise Funds & Awareness for Families Living with Parkinson’s Disease - Jennifer Antkowiak from KDKA TV 2 & Robert Moore, MD, PhD, Love and Family Professor of Neurology at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine - Tickets are $35 & must be purchased in advanced - Make checks payable to Spring for a Cure & send to Gerry’s Angel, 111 Abington Pittsburgh 15216 by April 14 - Visit www.GerryAngel.com or if you are interested in tickets, advertising, donation, or a vendor table call 412-563-1416 for additional information
Gerry has just one or two vendor tables available, and she is also looking for donations for her auction and raffle - Program ads available for her program for $50 for a half page and $100 for a full page.

May 10 - River Beat - 2-5 PM, BOARDING 1:30PM - Made possible by the Heinz Endowments, The Pittsburgh Foundation and The Pennsylvania Council on the Arts - Gateway Clipper Majestic Fleet - 350 W. Station Square Pittsburgh - Featuring Jim Donovan, Elie Kihonia, & Marcus Santos - Seniors (Over 65) Students - At the Door: $40 Adults / $35 Seniors & Students (With Valid ID) - Group +10 discount available at 412.281.3100 - Contact us by Email: INFO@AFRIKAYETU.ORG or by phone: 412.281.3100

May 13 – WIN Pittsburgh is proud to present Dr. Kathleen Hartford – Fit & Fabulous at Any Age! - 5:00 Registration & Open Networking; 5:30-8 PM – Pittsburgh Athletic Association 4215 Fifth Avenue Pittsburgh - $10 donation at the door to benefit Girls Hope – Door Prizes, Cash Bar, and light hors d’eouvre provided – RVSP required – Register online at www.winpitt.org – Space is limited, so register early!

Save the Date

April 22- MWDBE GOVERNMENTAL COMMITTEE
9th Annual Conference for Minority, Women and Disadvantaged Business Enterprises
IBEW Conference Center

5 Hot Metal Street
Agenda

8:00 AM – 9:00 AM Registration and Continental Breakfast
9:00 AM – 9:15 AM Welcome and Recognition of Sponsors
9:15 AM – 10:00 AM Seminar I : Developing a Business Plan - Christine Hughes, Duquesne University SBDC
10:15 AM – 11:00 AM Seminar II: Marketing Your Business - Raymond Vargo, University of Pittsburgh SBDC
11:00 AM – 11:15 AM Recognition of Mistick Corporation and Keith B. Keys Enterprises
11:15 AM – 11:45 AM Hall of Fame Inductees - John Adams and Don Carter
11:45 AM – 12:30 PM Lunch
12:30 PM – 2:00 PM Networking

http://events.constantcontact.com/register/event?oeidk=a07e2rkdvd5db3bb5cd to register. There is no fee for registration.

August 28 - Genres Kids with Cancer Fund – Footsteps in Faith, 5K & 1 Mile Fun Walk - Irwin Park, Pennsylvania Avenue & Chestnut Street Irwin 15642 -
Race Day Registration - 7:00 8:00AM
Race Starts at 9:00AM

This is our 1st Footsteps in Faith Race to benefit Genres Kids with Cancer Fund. Genre and his family chose this name because that’s what this cancer journey has been, and now, Footsteps in Faith also sets the tone for the path Genres Kids with Cancer Fund will follow.

Following the race, there will be an award ceremony, Chinese auction, live bands, music, concessions, and children’s activities. Local businesses will offer shopping discounts and specials on race day. Please plan to spend the day and explore all that Downtown Irwin has to offer.

Participant Options
Both adults and children will have the option to register for either: 5K Run (Chip Timed) - 5K Walk - 1 Mile Fun Walk

Entry Fees
Children 3 & under are free and not required to register.

Prior to July 28, 2010 (Discounted rate)
Adults: $20
Child (12 & Under): 5K Chip timed - $15
Child (12 & Under) 5K walk and 1 mile walk - $10

Beginning July 28, 2010
Adults: $25
Children (12 & Under): 5K Chip timed - $20
Child (12 & Under) 5K walk and 1 mile walk - $10

Registration
1. Register online at active.com
2. Print and mail the hard copy registration form found at the bottom of the page.

Please make check payable to Genres Kids with Cancer Fund.
Send payments and registrations to PO Box 127 Irwin, PA 15642

Each entrant will receive a t-shirt, race bag with goodies and coupons, access to a family fun day, and winners in age specific categories will receive medals.
Please note: A waiver must be signed for each participant.

Refund Policy

All entry fees are nonrefundable and nontransferable to another person.

Pets and the following wheeled devices are not permitted on the course: skateboards, roller blades, roller skates, wagons, heelies, or unauthorized bicycles.

Age-Group Awards

Medals will be presented for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners for Male and Female divisions of the 5K run in the following categories:

10& under
11-14
15-19
20-29
30-39
40-49
50-59
60+

Make a Donation

If you are unable to attend, you can make a difference in the life of a child and family living through childhood cancer by donating to Genres Kids with Cancer Fund. You may donate online at www.active.com/ donate/GKWCF or by mailing your contribution to PO Box 127, Irwin, PA 15642. Active.com is a secure donation service which is also used by The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, and Team in Training.

Become a Sponsor

Please help us achieve our fundraising goals. Sponsorship levels vary in dollar amounts with corresponding recognition premiums and promotional opportunities. We appreciate cash donations, as well as gift certificates, merchandise and in-kind donations to help with our auctions and race expenses. You can download the sponsorship information found at the bottom of this page, or email us at genreskidswithcance rfund@comcast. net.

Start a Fundraising Team

You can make a difference! Show off your team spirit by forming a fundraising team. If you are interested in this option, email the list of team members to genreskidswithcance rfund@comcast. net or use the contact form on this site. You can download a pledge form from the bottom of this page, or invite others to donate through our online giving site at http://www.active. com/donate/ GKWCF .

Become a Volunteer

We need your help to make this event a success! Please consider sharing your time and talent. Please email genreskidswithcance rfund@comcast. net if you would like to volunteer on race day. All volunteers must be 13 years old or accompanied by an adult. Race Bag Distribution will be posted at a later date.

Great Place to Visit

This is a wonderful community event, and we are excited to hold the race through Downtown Irwin! Downtown Irwin is a quaint, traditional small town with a variety of attractions for everyone. Come to Irwin to shop, dine, do business, or just pamper yourself. Irwin is home to many unique specialty shops, salons and boutiques for self indulgence and quality dining to complete your downtown experience. Come be a part of One Great American Small Town .

For more information, visit this website:
http://www.genreski dswithcancerfund .com/

September 15 – Women’s Interactive Network- Pittsburgh will be holding its 2nd Annual Professional Development Day – “Be the Change” – If you are a keynote speaker or would like to participate in a breakout session, send your ideas to info@winpitt.org…don’t forget to include your bio, your “how to…” and information about your speaking capabilities! All info due by 4/1 – visit www.winpitt.org for additional information

FYI

April 18 - May 23 (six consecutive Sundays) from 11:00 - 12:30 -
Give yourself or a loved one the gift of empowerment (great for Mother’s Day)! Our Spring - Special is just $120 for all six classes. Register now to reserve your place — class size is limited! Registrations must be received by April 11. For more information please contact us at 412.241.6519 or info@lionessmartialarts.com.
Wilkins School Community Center, 7604 Charleston Avenue, Regent Square

Because the Disability Business Resource Center was awarded a grant from the Heinz Endowments for its website upgrade, we will be featured on their website as a Spotlight Organization for two weeks. Part of that spotlight allows me to post stories, pictures and videos to highlight what the DBRC is all about. I would like to give the clients of the DBRC (which is what we are all about) the opportunity to use this venue as a way to promote their business. If you are willing to write a blog entry about how the DBRC has helped your company, please let me know. If you are willing to come to the office to have your “story” videotaped, I have the capability to do that too. You can end your posting with your company’s contact information, including a link to your website or a PDF of any marketing materials. These spotlights remain on the Heinz Endowments website even after the two week period so don’t miss this opportunity to get free advertising! To see what it will look like, go to http://www.heinz.org/grants_spotlight.aspx. Please let me know as soon as possible!

The Place for Reiki
139 Steuben Street, Ste. 100
Pittsburgh

April 2 - Healing your Inner Child - 7-9 PM
April 17, May 15, June 19 - Reiki Circles for Children with Special Needs - 10 AM – Noon
April 17 & 18 - Reiki II Class, 3 – 6 PM & 9AM – 6 PM
April 24 - Reiki I Class, 9AM – 6:30 PM

May 1 - Advanced Reiki Training (ART)- 9AM – 6 PM
May 5 - Chakra Healing with the Didgeridoo - 6:30 - 8:30 PM
May 19, June 2, 16, 30, July 14 - Increasing your Ability to Hear your Guides : Every other Wednesday, beginning May 19 - 6:30 - 9 PM
May 22 & 23 - Reiki III (Master Class) - 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM each day
May 28 - Through the Door Into Past Lives - 6:30 – 9:30 PM

Call Bonnie Hassan at for further details at 412-920-2911 and visit the-place-for-reiki@earthlink.net for more information on classes

Wagner Bill to Protect Senior, Disabled Renters Approved by Committee

I am pleased to inform you that legislation I introduced (H.B. 1587) was approved unanimously by the House Urban Affairs Committee today and will hopefully come to a vote by the full House soon.

Currently, landlords are permitted to claim up to 100 percent of a tenant’s state Rent Rebate if this is part of the lease agreement. Unfortunately, many landlords include and enforce this provision without the full understanding of the tenant or their family.
When I learned of this predatory practice, I was outraged to see that Pennsylvania law actually permitted our low-income seniors and disabled residents to be taken advantage of in this way, despite the purpose of the Rent Rebate, which is to help these vulnerable Pennsylvanians. My legislation would protect tenants by preventing landlords from claiming any portion of the Rent Rebate. As we face difficult economic times, it is imperative that we do all we can to provide security to our residents.

The Property Tax/Rent Rebate is available to property owners and renters 65 years of age and older, widows and widowers 50 years of age and older, and permanently disabled people 18 years of age and older. Income limits are $35,000 for homeowners and $15,000 for renters, excluding half of Social Security income. If you believe you or someone you know may qualify, please contact Rep. Chelsea Wagner’s office at 412-343-2094 for an application and assistance.

Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts.
– Rachel Carson

April Highlights in US Women’s History
• Apr 2, 1931 - 17-year-old Jackie Mitchell, the second woman to play baseball in the all-male minor leagues, pitches an exhibition game against NY Yankees and strikes out both Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig. The next day, the Baseball Commissioner voided her contract, claiming baseball was too strenuous for women. The ban was not overturned until 1992
• Apr 7, 1805 - Sacagawea begins helping the Lewis and Clark Expedition as an interpreter
• Apr 7, 1987 - Opening of the National Museum of Women in the Arts in Washington, DC, the first museum devoted to women artists
• Apr 9, 1939 - Marian Anderson sings an Easter Sunday concert for more than 75,000 at Lincoln Memorial
• Apr 13, 1933 - Ruth Bryan Owens is the first woman to represent the U.S. as a foreign minister when she is appointed as envoy to Denmark
• Apr 19, 1977 - 15 women in the House of Representatives form the Congressional Caucus for Women’s Issues
• April 22, - Earth Day – honor Rachel Carson today, a woman who changed America and greatly influenced the environmental movement; buy her revolutionary book, Silent Spring at www.nwhp.org
• April 26, 1777 - American Revolution heroine Sybil Ludington, 16 years old, rides 40 miles by horseback in the middle of the night to warn the American militia that the British were invading
• Apr 28, 1993 - First “Take Our Daughters to Work” day, sponsored by the Ms. Foundation; in 2003 it became “Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work” day

April 5 - The Pittsburgh Public School Minority/Women Business Department –“ Annual Business Opportunity Extravaganza” - 1:30pm – 4:30pm at the PFT Building.
We hope you will join us as we network and build relationships with vendors of interest to the Pittsburgh Public Schools – invited Departmental Representatives include Facilities, Talent Management & Food services - Call 412-488-4661 for more details

April 7 - FREE WEBINAR - VIRTUALLY YOU - The 5 W’s, Who, What, When, Where, and Why of Virtual Assistants - Presented by Lee Drozak, Owner, Danielle Cuomo, President, and Linda Handley, WSBA, Executive Assistant Director, MHA, TO REGISTER http://widgets.clearspring.com/cscallback/urlexchange/499d781e7a2ff8ce/facebook.html
x=BSYkCClVJwkhVCdQIld2CXNUPQVyCHYHJwV2VCYFKVcgByYcJAhxBSBVKFMpUigHIgV2BA

April 8 - Pittsburgh Professional Women Presents: Am I Googleable? Business Workshop - Would you like to be found easily and effortlessly online? Learn SEVEN Publicity Secrets that will help you get found online - The Greentree Radisson - 9 AM - 11 AM - Presented by Publicity Expert Beth Caldwell, author of I Wish I’d Known THAT! Secrets to Success in Business - $29 for PPW Members, $39 for non members. Register Online www.PittsburghProfessionalWomen.com

April 9 - Women Business Leaders Breakfast Series
Center for Women’s Entrepreneurship at Chatham University - Speaker: Magdeline Jensen, CEO, YWCA Greater Pittsburgh - “Innovative Entrepreneurship for a Nonprofit”
7:30 - 9:00am - James Laughlin Music Hall, Chatham University - $25.00 per breakfast - Networking and a continental breakfast will precede the presentation.
REGISTER ONLINE: http://www.chatham.edu/cwe/events/wblb_series.cfm - Questions please call 412-365-1253 or e-mail womens-entrepreneurship@chatham.edu

April 10 - Enjoy the latest in spring fashions from Christopher & Banks as Greater harmony Chorus hosts its annual fashion show at The Chadwick in Wexford from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Cost for fashion show, lunch and entertainment is $25. Tickets must be purchased in advance and reservations can be made by calling 724-444-7682 or 724-924-2258.

April 12 - Executive Women’s Council of Greater Pittsburgh - The Greening of the Region & How to be Part of It! - Registration begins at 5:00 PM
Panel Discussion begins at 5:30 PM - Fairmont Pittsburgh, 510 Market Street; Downtown Pittsburgh - Subject areas: urban green space, conservation, trails – Caren Glotfelty - Ann Gerace - Susan Golomb - Hannah E. Hardy - Jeaneen Zappa call Roberta Rollings
412-848-9011 for additional information

April 13 - Diversity Business Resource Center- Learn how to use the Pittsburgh Business Times to grow your business- SmartReader Seminar – 8:30am-9:30 am - visit http://dbrc.ecenterdirect.com to register

April 14 - MWDBE GOVERNMENTAL COMMITTEE - One-on-one counseling for Unified Certification Program application (call 412-322-3272 or e-mail info@dbrconline.org for your ½ hour time slot from 9am-12 pm) visit the calendar for additional details http://www.dbrconline.org/DBRCEvents/tabid/59/Default.aspx

April 14 - Volunteers of America of Pennsylvania - 1650 Main Street
Pittsburgh 15215- Brown Bag Lunch - 12:00 – 1:00 pm - Speaker JoAnn Forrester, SI Business Associates - Find out how to use cost analysis and projections to support a small business loan proposal submission that will succeed in securing dollars in capital for your small business - RSVP: 412.782.5344 or volunteersofamerica@voapa.org

April 15 - Volunteers of America of Pennsylvania - 1650 Main Street
Pittsburgh 15215 - Disability Resource Breakfast - 8:30 – 9:30 AM - Understanding Issues of AD/HD in Adults - Speaker Dr. Elaine Gray Gorr, PhD Clinical Psychologist - RSVP: 412.782.5344 or volunteersofamerica@voapa.org

April 16 - April Power Lunch - 1:30-3:00 pm - Cioppino Restaurant
2350 Railroad St. Strip Dist. between 23′rd & 24′th Sts (across from the Cork Factory)
Parking lot attached above-Parking tickets validated - $27.00 cash at the door.
RSVP to: suzannef@zoominternet.net or call 724-452-5152

April 17 - 2010 Organ Donor Awareness Night - National Kidney Foundation Serving the Alleghenies will host a special night at PNC Park to spotlight the miracle of organ donation and transplantation - A portion of each ticket will go to support organ donor and transplant awareness - 7:05 - Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Cincinnati Reds -Zambelli Fireworks - Outfield Box $20 ($5 donated) L/R Grandstand $12 ($3 donated)

April 18 - Bags, Bellinis & Brunch - 11 AM - 1 PM - A Fundraiser for Satchels of Caring Foundation, Formerly the CREW Pittsburgh Foundation - Chatham Village Clubhouse, Mt Washington - Brunch, Bellinis, Silent Auction & Door Prizes

April 20 - Boost Your Legal IQ! - Join Attorneys Beth Slagle & Quinn Johnson
and Boost Your Legal IQ! - Noon - Meyer, Unkovic & Scott LLP (12th floor)
535 Smithfield Street, Pittsburgh 15222 - Cost: $10 (includes lunch) RSVP by April 15: rsvp@bizchicks.org or 412.456.2587 We’ll teach you how to be your own best advocate!
See the BizChicks website (attached link) for details of this LunchMix which you don’t want to miss! http://www.bizchicks.org/events.php

April 22- The Washongton Women’s Shelter Inc – Time to Shine! Makeover Project – Jennifer Antkowiak - 11:30 am to 1:30 pm - Bella Sera 414 Morganza Road Canonsburg - Please join us for a lovely luncheon and help our Time to Shine! Makeover Project as we strive to raise $50,000 to provide desperately needed repairs and renovations for the Washington Women’s Shelter - www.facebook.com/wwstimetoshine - 724.884.7148 - contact@timetoshine project.org or visit www.timetoshineproject.org - $45 donation and must be purchased by April 15th

April 23 - FastTrac® Listening to Your Business Workshop - Chatham University, Howe-Childs Gate House - A half-day entrepreneurship workshop to maximize the growth and profitability of your business - 8:30 a.m. to 12 noon - $40:00
REGISTER ONLINE: http://www.chatham.edu/cwe/events/listen_workshop.cfm - Questions please call 412-365-1253 or e-mail womens-entrepreneurship@chatham.edu

April 23 – Free CCAC Health & Wellness Fair – North Campus, Perry Highway, Pittsburgh - Learn how to manage your own health & activites with the CCAC North Library Day of activities, discussion, vendors & expert speakers like Doug Oster, Jennifer Antkowiak – for more details contact bthompson@ccac.edu or by phone 412-369-3671

April 23 - Singer/songwriter Cheryl Wheeler will perform at Words and Music in Vaughn Washington - Opening for Cheryl will be poet, Scott Heffernan. Limited to 60 guests for this fantastic event - If you would like to attend, please go to www.watermarkwriters.com for further information - Poets, authors and singer/songwriters are featured in an intimate waterfront setting each month

April 24 - Spring for a Cure - 11AM - 3 PM - Highland Country Club, 450 Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh - An Event to Raise Funds & Awareness for Families Living with Parkinson’s Disease - Jennifer Antkowiak from KDKA TV 2 & Robert Moore, MD, PhD, Love and Family Professor of Neurology at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine - Tickets are $35 & must be purchased in advanced - Make checks payable to Spring for a Cure & send to Gerry’s Angel, 111 Abington Pittsburgh 15216 by April 14 - Visit www.GerryAngel.com or if you are interested in tickets, advertising, donation, or a vendor table call 412-563-1416 for additional information
Gerry has just one or two vendor tables available, and she is also looking for donations for her auction and raffle - Program ads available for her program for $50 for a half page and $100 for a full page.

May 10 - River Beat - 2-5 PM, BOARDING 1:30PM - Made possible by the Heinz Endowments, The Pittsburgh Foundation and The Pennsylvania Council on the Arts - Gateway Clipper Majestic Fleet - 350 W. Station Square Pittsburgh - Featuring Jim Donovan, Elie Kihonia, & Marcus Santos - Seniors (Over 65) Students - At the Door: $40 Adults / $35 Seniors & Students (With Valid ID) - Group +10 discount available at 412.281.3100 - Contact us by Email: INFO@AFRIKAYETU.ORG or by phone: 412.281.3100

May 13 – WIN Pittsburgh is proud to present Dr. Kathleen Hartford – Fit & Fabulous at Any Age! - 5:00 Registration & Open Networking; 5:30-8 PM – Pittsburgh Athletic Association 4215 Fifth Avenue Pittsburgh - $10 donation at the door to benefit Girls Hope – Door Prizes, Cash Bar, and light hors d’eouvre provided – RVSP required – Register online at www.winpitt.org – Space is limited, so register early!

Save the Date

April 22- MWDBE GOVERNMENTAL COMMITTEE
9th Annual Conference for Minority, Women and Disadvantaged Business Enterprises
IBEW Conference Center

5 Hot Metal Street
Agenda

8:00 AM – 9:00 AM Registration and Continental Breakfast
9:00 AM – 9:15 AM Welcome and Recognition of Sponsors
9:15 AM – 10:00 AM Seminar I : Developing a Business Plan - Christine Hughes, Duquesne University SBDC
10:15 AM – 11:00 AM Seminar II: Marketing Your Business - Raymond Vargo, University of Pittsburgh SBDC
11:00 AM – 11:15 AM Recognition of Mistick Corporation and Keith B. Keys Enterprises
11:15 AM – 11:45 AM Hall of Fame Inductees - John Adams and Don Carter
11:45 AM – 12:30 PM Lunch
12:30 PM – 2:00 PM Networking

http://events.constantcontact.com/register/event?oeidk=a07e2rkdvd5db3bb5cd to register. There is no fee for registration.

August 28 - Genres Kids with Cancer Fund – Footsteps in Faith, 5K & 1 Mile Fun Walk - Irwin Park, Pennsylvania Avenue & Chestnut Street Irwin 15642 -
Race Day Registration - 7:00 8:00AM
Race Starts at 9:00AM

This is our 1st Footsteps in Faith Race to benefit Genres Kids with Cancer Fund. Genre and his family chose this name because that’s what this cancer journey has been, and now, Footsteps in Faith also sets the tone for the path Genres Kids with Cancer Fund will follow.

Following the race, there will be an award ceremony, Chinese auction, live bands, music, concessions, and children’s activities. Local businesses will offer shopping discounts and specials on race day. Please plan to spend the day and explore all that Downtown Irwin has to offer.

Participant Options
Both adults and children will have the option to register for either: 5K Run (Chip Timed) - 5K Walk - 1 Mile Fun Walk

Entry Fees
Children 3 & under are free and not required to register.

Prior to July 28, 2010 (Discounted rate)
Adults: $20
Child (12 & Under): 5K Chip timed - $15
Child (12 & Under) 5K walk and 1 mile walk - $10

Beginning July 28, 2010
Adults: $25
Children (12 & Under): 5K Chip timed - $20
Child (12 & Under) 5K walk and 1 mile walk - $10

Registration
1. Register online at active.com
2. Print and mail the hard copy registration form found at the bottom of the page.

Please make check payable to Genres Kids with Cancer Fund.
Send payments and registrations to PO Box 127 Irwin, PA 15642

Each entrant will receive a t-shirt, race bag with goodies and coupons, access to a family fun day, and winners in age specific categories will receive medals.
Please note: A waiver must be signed for each participant.

Refund Policy

All entry fees are nonrefundable and nontransferable to another person.

Pets and the following wheeled devices are not permitted on the course: skateboards, roller blades, roller skates, wagons, heelies, or unauthorized bicycles.

Age-Group Awards

Medals will be presented for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners for Male and Female divisions of the 5K run in the following categories:

10& under
11-14
15-19
20-29
30-39
40-49
50-59
60+

Make a Donation

If you are unable to attend, you can make a difference in the life of a child and family living through childhood cancer by donating to Genres Kids with Cancer Fund. You may donate online at www.active.com/ donate/GKWCF or by mailing your contribution to PO Box 127, Irwin, PA 15642. Active.com is a secure donation service which is also used by The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, and Team in Training.

Become a Sponsor

Please help us achieve our fundraising goals. Sponsorship levels vary in dollar amounts with corresponding recognition premiums and promotional opportunities. We appreciate cash donations, as well as gift certificates, merchandise and in-kind donations to help with our auctions and race expenses. You can download the sponsorship information found at the bottom of this page, or email us at genreskidswithcance rfund@comcast. net.

Start a Fundraising Team

You can make a difference! Show off your team spirit by forming a fundraising team. If you are interested in this option, email the list of team members to genreskidswithcance rfund@comcast. net or use the contact form on this site. You can download a pledge form from the bottom of this page, or invite others to donate through our online giving site at http://www.active. com/donate/ GKWCF .

Become a Volunteer

We need your help to make this event a success! Please consider sharing your time and talent. Please email genreskidswithcance rfund@comcast. net if you would like to volunteer on race day. All volunteers must be 13 years old or accompanied by an adult. Race Bag Distribution will be posted at a later date.

Great Place to Visit

This is a wonderful community event, and we are excited to hold the race through Downtown Irwin! Downtown Irwin is a quaint, traditional small town with a variety of attractions for everyone. Come to Irwin to shop, dine, do business, or just pamper yourself. Irwin is home to many unique specialty shops, salons and boutiques for self indulgence and quality dining to complete your downtown experience. Come be a part of One Great American Small Town .

For more information, visit this website:
http://www.genreski dswithcancerfund .com/

September 15 – Women’s Interactive Network- Pittsburgh will be holding its 2nd Annual Professional Development Day – “Be the Change” – If you are a keynote speaker or would like to participate in a breakout session, send your ideas to info@winpitt.org…don’t forget to include your bio, your “how to…” and information about your speaking capabilities! All info due by 4/1 – visit www.winpitt.org for additional information

FYI

April 18 - May 23 (six consecutive Sundays) from 11:00 - 12:30 -
Give yourself or a loved one the gift of empowerment (great for Mother’s Day)! Our Spring - Special is just $120 for all six classes. Register now to reserve your place — class size is limited! Registrations must be received by April 11. For more information please contact us at 412.241.6519 or info@lionessmartialarts.com.
Wilkins School Community Center, 7604 Charleston Avenue, Regent Square

Because the Disability Business Resource Center was awarded a grant from the Heinz Endowments for its website upgrade, we will be featured on their website as a Spotlight Organization for two weeks. Part of that spotlight allows me to post stories, pictures and videos to highlight what the DBRC is all about. I would like to give the clients of the DBRC (which is what we are all about) the opportunity to use this venue as a way to promote their business. If you are willing to write a blog entry about how the DBRC has helped your company, please let me know. If you are willing to come to the office to have your “story” videotaped, I have the capability to do that too. You can end your posting with your company’s contact information, including a link to your website or a PDF of any marketing materials. These spotlights remain on the Heinz Endowments website even after the two week period so don’t miss this opportunity to get free advertising! To see what it will look like, go to http://www.heinz.org/grants_spotlight.aspx. Please let me know as soon as possible!

The Place for Reiki
139 Steuben Street, Ste. 100
Pittsburgh

April 2 - Healing your Inner Child - 7-9 PM
April 17, May 15, June 19 - Reiki Circles for Children with Special Needs - 10 AM – Noon
April 17 & 18 - Reiki II Class, 3 – 6 PM & 9AM – 6 PM
April 24 - Reiki I Class, 9AM – 6:30 PM

May 1 - Advanced Reiki Training (ART)- 9AM – 6 PM
May 5 - Chakra Healing with the Didgeridoo - 6:30 - 8:30 PM
May 19, June 2, 16, 30, July 14 - Increasing your Ability to Hear your Guides : Every other Wednesday, beginning May 19 - 6:30 - 9 PM
May 22 & 23 - Reiki III (Master Class) - 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM each day
May 28 - Through the Door Into Past Lives - 6:30 – 9:30 PM

Call Bonnie Hassan at for further details at 412-920-2911 and visit the-place-for-reiki@earthlink.net for more information on classes

Wagner Bill to Protect Senior, Disabled Renters Approved by Committee

I am pleased to inform you that legislation I introduced (H.B. 1587) was approved unanimously by the House Urban Affairs Committee today and will hopefully come to a vote by the full House soon.

Currently, landlords are permitted to claim up to 100 percent of a tenant’s state Rent Rebate if this is part of the lease agreement. Unfortunately, many landlords include and enforce this provision without the full understanding of the tenant or their family.
When I learned of this predatory practice, I was outraged to see that Pennsylvania law actually permitted our low-income seniors and disabled residents to be taken advantage of in this way, despite the purpose of the Rent Rebate, which is to help these vulnerable Pennsylvanians. My legislation would protect tenants by preventing landlords from claiming any portion of the Rent Rebate. As we face difficult economic times, it is imperative that we do all we can to provide security to our residents.

The Property Tax/Rent Rebate is available to property owners and renters 65 years of age and older, widows and widowers 50 years of age and older, and permanently disabled people 18 years of age and older. Income limits are $35,000 for homeowners and $15,000 for renters, excluding half of Social Security income. If you believe you or someone you know may qualify, please contact Rep. Chelsea Wagner’s office at 412-343-2094 for an application and assistance.

April 20 – WIN Pittsburgh - Accessorize & Socialize Networking Event…Guest Speaker, Kimberly Coppola, Owner, Serendipity “Accessories to Express Yourself” - visit www.winpitt.org for additional information

April 23 - 3rd Annual American Cancer Society: Coaches vs. Cancer, Hoops For Hope Gala, looks to raise funds to fight this terrible disease - Sen. John Heinz History Center.
The Hoops For Hope Gala is an elegant event hosted by the basketball coaches from Pittsburgh ’s Division I universities, which offers an exciting evening of unique silent auction items, with celebrity appearances, dinner and dancing to a live band. Pittsburgh’s basketball coaches and their spouses who are supporting this event include: Coach Jamie Dixon and wife Jacqueline & Coach Agnus Berenato and husband Jack from the University of Pittsburgh ; Coach Ron Everhart and wife Mirchana & Coach Suzie McConnell-Serio and husband Pete from Duquesne University ; and Coach Mike Rice and wife Kerry & Coach Sal Buscaglia from Robert Morris University .

In order for the Hoops For Hope Gala to be a success, we need assistance from local businesses. We are requesting your help with our efforts, in the form of a 501(c)(3) tax deductible donation from your business, for a silent auction item. In return for your donation, you/your company will be listed in the event program, which will be handed out to all attendees to the event.
Presently, one out of every three people will be diagnosed with cancer. The American Cancer Society’s main objective is to reduce the cancer mortality rate by 50% by the year 2015. One way this will happen is through research. The American Cancer Society dedicates more money to cancer research than any other private, not-for-profit, non-governmental funded cancer research organization in the United States .

The funds raised through the Hoops For Hope Gala will benefit local cancer patient services, programs, advocacy and research. Your donation will help reach this objective

March 2 - Appreciation Event for Health Care Professionals - This event is complimentary for all Health Care Professionals (nurses, social workers, therapists, personal care homes, assisted living, hospice, etc.) - 10:30 - 12:30 PM - North Hills Rehabilitation Center, 194 Swinderman Rd Wexford - Register in advance by calling Tammy at 724-396-1675 - Please RSVP by February 26th - Special guest speaker is Jennifer Antkowiak

March 2 - “On the Verge: An Evening Program for Women in Transition” - 5:00 to 9:30 PM - Pittsburgh Athletic Association, 4215 Fifth Ave., Pittsburgh - Registration Fee: $40 per person - To order tickets visit www.ginamazza.com/events.htm or www.epiphanyworks.org/events.html - Questions? Contact Gina Mazza at 724-452-4007

March 4 - The Regional Internship Center is collaborating with Waynesburg University
Waynesburg University Internship Fair - 10 AM - 1 PM - Rudy Marisa Fieldhouse (Gymnasium) 51 W College Street Waynesburg - Email or mail the registration form to the RIC by February 28, 2010 and feel free to contact us with any questions at 412-258-2678! Click http://theregionalinternshipcenter.org/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=gpCBIsIZEeY%3d&tabid=60 for the Registration Form

March 6 - International Women’s Days at Ten Thousand Villages - Come celebrate our Women Artists while sampling chili from the Women’s Bean Project. We will have features around the store for you to learn more about the amazing women that hand craft our products - Artist Heather Yanyo will be available Noon-4p.m. for free henna, face paint and glitter tattoos - Receive a FREE gift with Purchase - Ten Thousand Villages Pittsburgh 5824 Forbes Avenue Pittsburgh - Call 412-421-2160 for additional information

March 6- SendOutCards.com training in Pittsburgh - 10:00 AM - Radisson Greentree.
Learn effective follow-up, client retention, prospecting, appreciation marketing and so much more as well as do some networking for your own business. Come and join us at www.PASuperSaturday.com. Questions? Call Monica Ramanathan 724-312-5818 GreetingsFromMonica@gmail.com.

March 6 - Samuel J Foundation Sixth Annual “Laughter Is The Best Medicine” Comedy Benefit for our Pediatric Brain Tumor Fund - Radisson Hotel in Greentree - Doors open at 7 PM, show at 8:30 PM - Nationally touring comics Chuck Mignanelli, Matt Wohlfarth (aka Buzz Nutley) and PJ Williams -Tickets are still available, and are only $20 in advance and $25 at the door. You can also reserve a table (10 seats/tickets) in advance for $200 (Payment must be received by March 1) - Order your tickets directly from our website at http://www.samuelj. org , or mail your payment, along with a stamped, self-addressed envelope to Samuel J Foundation, P.O. Box 75, Oakdale, PA 15071 - Special rate guest rooms available (call the Radisson for more info, SJF10 is the code group rate) as well as a collection for raffle donations (Call 724-693-9901) and ticket auction items the day of the event!

March 6 - Make your reservation for Zonta’s 7th annual “Glass
Slipper Ball featuring the Best of the Chefs and Libation Purveyors” - Four Points Sheraton in Cranberry - Signature Hors d’oeuvres and Desserts from over 30 top chefs! Dancing with Sputzy and a Live and Silent Auction that will knock your socks off! Www.ZontaThreeRiversNorth.com or call 724-935-6100

Special Request will be happening at Zonta’s Glass Slipper Ball on behalf of young women in a Ugandan Orphanage in need of money for their secondary education. Zonta Pittsburgh North has raised over $370,000 for educational initiatives for women locally and globally. Www.LoveandCareFamily.org
Check out this video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=axJyTS9cJzc

March 9 - Seton Hill University’s E-Magnify “Recession to Renaissance” -Entrepreneurial Symposium - 8 AM-12:30 PM - Seton Hill University’s Performing Arts Center, 100 Harrison Avenue in Greensburg - Registration fee: $65.
Questions visit www.e-magnify.com or call 724-830-4625 - CWE is a program partner for this Symposium, therefore CWE members will receive $10 off registration!
The link to registration for the Group Discount rate is http://events.constantcontact.com/register/event?oeidk=a07e2ovlzsb96341a31

March 10 - from 1-3pm - Clever Connections Networking Lunch NORTH - “How to Have The Happiest Year of Your Life” - Featuring Guest Speaker Dr. Nancy Mramor-Treesdale Country Club, Cranberry Twp. - Cost: $20 at the door. Must register in advance. Please register online www.PittsburghProfessionalWomen.com. 412-202-6983.

March 10 - Volunteers of America of Pennsylvania - Brown Bag Lunch - 12:00 – 1:00 PM - Speaker Lee Wagner, Waddell and Reed Financial Advisors - “Taking emotions out of your financial decisions” - Lee will speak about financial literacy and independence, improving your business future while you move toward your success - 1650 Main Street Pittsburgh - RSVP: 412-782-5344 or visit volunteersofamerica@voapa.org

March 10 - RIC Employer & Allegheny County DHS Supportive Housing Staff Networking Event - 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM - Brashear Association, South Side
2005 Sarah Street Pittsburgh - To register for this event, or for more information, please contact Trisha Ross - 412-258-2678 or tross@coropittsburgh.org. Please R.S.V.P by February 8, 2010. Walk-ins are welcome, but we prefer that you do R.S.V.P.!

March 12 - “Creating & Implementing Your Vision for a Healthy, Happy Life Virtual Retreat” - Hosted by Diana Fletcher, Certified Life Coach, Author & Speaker - Get focused on what you want to make your life healthy, happy, and prosperous!
For more information and registration: www.dianafletcher.com/programs/virtualretreat -
Call Diana for more information 724 733-7562 or 412 612-5977

March 12 - “Certification and How to Work with Public Entities” - Ruth Byrd-Smith, Director, Allegheny County Minority, Women and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise
Hosted by: The Center for Women’s Entrepreneurship at Chatham University
7:30 - 9:00 AM - James Laughlin Music Hall, Chatham University - $25.00 per breakfast - REGISTER ONLINE: http://www.chatham.edu/cwe/events/wblb_series.cfm
Networking and a continental breakfast will precede the presentation.
Questions please call 412-365-1253 or e-mail womens-entrepreneurship@chatham.edu

March 16 - Executive Women’s Council - How to Get All the Pieces to Work Together - Creating Alignment in Your Organization - Learn how to recognize a person’s natural “wiring” to help identify what types of roles best fit each person - Dan Courser - University Club in Oakland - 7:30 AM, Breakfast and registration, 8 AM Program Begins - EWC Member: $25 Guest: $30 - Register online by email to ewcpgh@aol.com and please mail your check payable to Executive Women’s Council to: Roberta Rollings, 241 Patterson Road Bethel Park, PA 15102

March 18 - Volunteers of America of Pennsylvania - Disability Resource Breakfast
8:30 – 9:30 AM - Marilyn Chapla, Associate Director, Good Grief Center for Bereavement Support - “Grief and Adjusting to Change” - 1650 Main Street
Pittsburgh - Healthy grieving lets us reach a place of enjoyment and to again be engaged in life. Come to learn about the fundamentals of grief and ways to cope with and adjust to change -RSVP: 412-782-5344 or volunteersofamerica@voapa.org

March 21 - Dreams of Hope will presents selections from:
“First Comes Love…” - followed by a short discussion on LGBT issues. This program will be at 11 a.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Church of the North Hills, 2359 West Ingomar Rd. Pittsburgh 15237 - Experience these young performers as they interpret their life through dance, music, drama and spoken word, and discuss the issues they face during the question and answer at the end of the show - For more information visit www.dreamsofhope.org or call 412- 361-2065

March 23 - Strong Women, Strong Girls Networking Event
5:30-7:30 PM Palomino Restaurant, 444 Liberty Avenue - This unique event will provide SWSG college women mentors with a workshop followed by a networking event for them to practice networking skills. Any professional woman may attend this event to help teach the college women how to network, learn more about SWSG and network with other professional women! Appetizers and cash bar will be available.
Please RSVP to Mila Yochum at myochum@swsg.org or call 412-736-4050.

March 23 - The Next Women Etcetera Meeting at the Rivers Casino - “Wise Women Just Want to Have Fun“ - 6-8:30 PM - Food & Music by the Magic Moments - Prizes and Surprises - Contact Suzanne@WomenEtcetera.com for more information

March 24 - Women’s Business Network - New Waterfront Area Chapter is forming
Due to demand Women’s Business Network is forming a “Waterfront” chapter - First event from 6:30 8:30 PM. at Fuddrucker’s 201 Waterfront Drive, Homestead - $10 per person and includes, appetizers, refreshments and prizes - For additional information contact Susy at 412-398-6074 or esusyc@yahoo. com

March 24 - Diversity Series: Dress for Success - 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM - Chatham University, PCW Room - Speaker: Leah Lizarondo Shannon, Chief Executive Officer
Come learn how to Dress for Success! What you wear is important and gives the first impression so learn to be a success. Please also bring clothes to be donated to a local women’s shelter.

March 24 - 7-8 PM - Pittsburgh Professional Women’s first ever WEBINAR “Creating a Digital Workout Plan for Your Business” - Presented by 2 Tech Divas Location: Your Computer. Cost: Free for PPW Members $25 for non members. Register online www.PittsburghProfessionalWomen.com and call 412-202-6983 for more information

March 26 - Girls on the Run Happy Hour Fundraiser at Buckhead Saloon - Rescheduled for - 6 – 8PM

April 8 - 9-11 AM - Am I Googleable? Strategies to Help You Get FOUND Online
Featuring Speaker Author & Publicist Beth Caldwell - The Greentree Radisson Cost: $29 for PPW Members, $39 for non members. Register online www.PittsburghProfessionalWomen.com Call 412-202-6983 for additional information

April 17 - Green Fair - Meet with local environmental organizations and learn more about what is going on in your own backyard - Ten Thousand Villages Pittsburgh
5824 Forbes Avenue Pittsburgh - Call 412-421-2160 for more information

April 21 - The Women’s Health & the Environment: New Science, New Solutions Conference - David L. Lawrence Convention Center - Registration free, seating is limited - We are still finalizing speakers and conference specifics and also working on a new conference web site - stay tuned for further details

May 8 - World Fair Trade Day - Always our biggest event of the year. Enjoy live music, dance and great food! For more information visit http://pittsburgh.tenthousandvillages.com/php/stores.festivals/store.events.phpof - Ten Thousand Villages Pittsburgh 5824 Forbes Avenue Pittsburgh - Call 412-421-2160 for additional information

WSBA Lunches

March 3, 1:00 pm
The Network Lunch Butler County
Hardwood
Hosted by Elan Celender of ECAC Travel

March 8, 1:00 pm
The Network Lunch Beaver County
Café Kolache
Hosted by Fran Treloar of LocalAdLink

March 10, 11:30 am
The Network Lunch Shaler/Gibsonia
Atria’s
Hosted by Beth Egan of Shaklee and Annette Locke of Premier Designs

March 11, 1:00 pm
The Network Lunch Canonsburg
Jackson’s
Hosted by Judi Thilges of JPromotions and Michelle McLaughlin of Mary Kay

March 12, 1:00 pm
The Network Lunch Robinson Township
Ya Fei restaurant
Hosted by Eileen Marzullo of Agel Enterprises and Camellia Puffer of Primerica Financial Services and Gold Gathering

March 16, 5:00 pm
The Network After Work
Piper’s Pub
Hosted by Sandy Horner of Horner Achieves More and Hillary Snyder of Allegheny Attorneys

March 17, 1:00 pm
The Network Lunch South Hills
Bistro 19
Hosted by Lisa Ferguson of Fabled Table and Tammy Funk of Sabika Austrian Crystal Jewelry

March 23, 1:00 pm
The Network Lunch Wexford/Cranberry
Bella Frutetto
Hosted by Monica Ramanathan of SendOutCards and Annette Locke of Premier Designs

March 24, 1:00
The Network Lunch Downtown
Rivers Club
Hosted by Amanda Wodzenski of Family Wealth Management and Linda Handley, WSBA Assistant Executive Director

March 25, 11:30 am
The Network Lunch Shadyside area
Walnut Grille
Hosted by Denise Schram of Snyergy Investments and Marnie Ayson of Arbonne

March 26, 12:30
The Network Lunch Greensburg
The Boulevard Restaurant
Hosted by Ceil Kessler of Polaris Marketing and Business Solutions and Jane Nespoli of Spa at Home

March 26, 1:00 pm
The Network Lunch Monroeville
Wooden Nickel
Hosted by Randi Rubin of Golden Years Management and Renee Diehl of Renee Diehl Photography

Save the Date!

March 22 and 27 - “Let the Church Say Amen,” a comedy stage play - Kelly Strayhorn Theater - 7 PM. Tickets on sale at www.asistasthang.biz

Also, Help us Save Our Building! Please visit our website at www.asistasthang.biz and consider making a $1.00 donation. Support our children…support the arts!

April 12 - The Greening of the ‘Burgh will bring together leaders from local businesses, nonprofits and government who are leading the charge toward a more sustainable way of living and doing business in Southwestern Pennsylvania. This after work event will be held at the new Fairmont Pittsburgh Hotel.

FYI

Women’s Business Network helps its members to grow their circle of influence, improve their “60-second” commercial, and create lasting business and personal relationships to further their business growth within a supportive environment. Meeting agendas include self-marketing, a business presentation by an individual member, a table topic discussion and networking. Membership is category exclusive on a first come first served basis. For additional information contact Susy at 412-398-6074 or esusyc@yahoo. com

Monday Moorings
“Anchor Your Business”
A Series of Workshops for Business Leaders Offering Tools for Success

Monday Evenings from 7 – 8:30 PM, March – May
The Law Offices of Barbara Mohajery, 17 Brilliant Ave, Suite 301, Aspinwall
$20 per Seminar
Call 412-781-6772 for Reservations

March 1 – Tech Savvy Tricks: Cheryl Lowitzer
March 8 – Goal Setting: Mary Grace Musuneggi
March 15 – Protecting your Business: Chad Gregorini
March 22 – Marketing Plans: Beth Caldwell
March 29 – Your Paper Trail: Kellie A. Kuhleman
April 12 – Team Building: Deborah Holland
April 19 – Ties that Bind: Barbara Mohajery
April 26 – Taxation Issues: Sarah Nickel, CPA
May 3 – Publicity Planning: Beth Caldwell
May 10 – The Organized Office: Susan Lieber
May 17 – Home Business Needs: Melissa Mc Gauick
May 24 – Succession Plans: Barbara Mohajery

The Place for Reiki
139 Steuben Street, Ste. 100
Pittsburgh, PA 15220
412-920-2911
the-place-for-reiki@earthlink.net

Find out more about The Place for Reiki, including a complete list of upcoming classes and workshops and their descriptions, at http://www.the-place-for-reiki.com.

Small Group Healing Circle
March 4
6:30 – 8 PM
Cost: An Offering from Your Heart

Reiki I Class
March 6
9AM – 6:30 PM
Cost: $125

Meditation and Healing Circle
March 10
7 – 9 PM
Cost: An Offering from Your Heart

Understanding the Human Energy / Chakra System
March 13
9 AM –6 PM
Cost: $125 (Registration and $50 deposit due by Monday, March 8.)

Additional Reiki Techniques
March 16
6:30 – 9:30 PM
Cost: $ 50

Discover your Animal Totem
March 24
7 – 9 PM
Cost: $30

* There is more construction here in the West End. The end of Steuben Street closest to the West End Bridge is closed and cars are being detoured along Main Street. The signs say “road closed” - but in smaller print - open to local traffic. So, you can drive past the road closed signs and park in the lot on Steuben across from the building, or come down Sanctus Street and park in the back lot behind my building.

*If you’re coming for a class or workshop between now and March 15, please consider bringing a contribution for the food pantry of non-perishable food items for the less fortunate.

*Also, please continue to bring in Box Tops for Education. We continue to give them to one of the children who comes to the Reiki Circle for kids - his school gets much needed equipment and supplies by collecting those and turning them in. Check out this website for more info on the program: http://www.boxtops4education.com

Employment:

Need a handyman? Fabulous painter as well as general handyman can be the answer to your prayers. He is always busy in the summer but has better rates and more availability in the winter. I’ve personally worked with Larry Iarrapino for over 10 years and happy to endorse him! Call him at 412-901-7112 (reference from Debra Dion Krischke)

Kimberly Poling will graduate from Seton Hill University in May with a B.A. in Marketing and B.S. in Human Resources. She is detail oriented and career focused, with impressive credentials. Kim has a passion for Marketing and Human Resources and is seeking full time employment.
Experience includes:
Marketing Assistant for a real estate company,
Research & Development Coordinator for a local publication
Retail sales position for a major department store.
For a resume, contact Kimberly by email: pol0784@setonhill.edu.

• Feb 1 Wives’ Feast, Ireland. Women homemakers celebrate their work by sharing lavish feasts with one another.
• February 2 Feast of the Triple Goddess Brigid, Ireland; Imbolc (time of the first ewes’ milk). Healer, fire tender, and poet, Brigid welcomes the first hint of spring.
• February 3, 1821 Birth of Elizabeth Blackwell, first certified woman doctor.
• February 4, 1913 Birth of Rosa Parks, whose protest at giving up her seat on the bus simply because she was black, sparked the 1960s Civil Rights movement.
• February 4, 1921 Birth of Betty Friedan, whose book The Feminine Mystique triggered the third wave of feminism in the US.
• February 9, 1944 Birth of Alice Walker, African American activist and Pulitzer Prize novelist, author of The Color Purple.
• February 11, 1858 The Virgin Mary is said to have appeared to the peasant girl Bernadette Soubirous in Lourdes, France.
• February 14 St. Valentine’s Day, festival of love, named after an obscure Christian saint. The festival’s roots are in the Roman Lupercalia, when young women would put their names on papers in a box for young men to draw as their partners.
• February 15, 1820 Birth of Susan B. Anthony, who in 1850 teamed with Elizabeth Cady Stanton to lead the movement for woman suffrage and women’s rights for the rest of their lives. Called the “Napoleon of the women’s rights movement,” Susan B. went to trial for voting as a US “citizen” in 1873. Her last public words were “Failure is impossible.”
• February 17, 1914 Birth of Julia De Burgos, Puerto Rican poet and journalist.
• February 18 Festival of women as cultivators (Persian).
• February 18, 1934 Birth of poet and essayist Audre Lorde.
• February 19, 1942 120,000 Japanese-Americans were taken from their homes and sent to internment camps.
• February 20, 1805 Birth of abolitionist and writer Angelina Grimke Weld.
• February 21, 1936 Birth of Barbara Jordan, African American legislator, teacher, lover of the law.
• February 25, 1896 Birth of Ida Cox, jazz pioneer who wrote and sang “Wild Women Don’t Have the Blues.”
• February 27, 1897 Birth of Marian Anderson, African American singer and humanitarian.
• February 28, 1797 Birth of Mary Lyon, founder in 1837 of Mt. Holyoke Female Seminary, the first women’s college

EVENTS FOR FEBRUARY 2010

February 1 – Surviving Valentine’s Day: Single? And no Prince Charming to send you flowers on February 14^th? Join Mary Grace Musuneggi, Executive Director of Single Steps Strategies & author of “Single Steps: Strategies for Abundant Living”, and Lisa Corna, dating coach and hypnotherapist, for a fun evening of interesting discussion and ideas on how to survive Valentine’s Day - FREE - 6:30- 8:30 pm - Crowne Plaza, Fort Couch Rd - 412-341-0723 to register

February 2 - Greater Pittsburgh’s Fourth Annual International Networking Day - 3 PM -7:30 PM - Radisson - Greentree / Pittsburgh - Keynote Speaker Debby Peters - “Turning Networking Dating into Networking Dollars” - Breakout Sessions with Michele Donovan, Pam Peters, Anne Fleming, Tom Reda, & Peter Bruening - Emcee Cindy DeLuca from WTAE - http://www.indpittsburgh.com to register

February 2 - Africa Open for Business Film Screening, Q&A and Reception

Featuring Carol Pineau, Producer and Director of Africa Open for Business

- 6:30pm – 8:30pm - Eddy Theater, Chatham University  -Open to the Public

February 3 - The Garland Agency will sponsor Computer Security-10 Things That Can Keep You In Business  - 10 AM to 12 noon - The Oakmont Carnegie Library - 700 Allegheny River Boulevard, Oakmont - Enjoy brunch, an informational workshop, and networking - Speakers Melissa Pearce and Dennis Coglianese of Infinity Technology Services. Event is FREE, but you must register in advance, call 412.816.2228 or email getconnected@ padgett.biz

February 4 - Get Organized NOW for a Stress-Free Tax Season! Diana Smith, Tax Specialist Internal Revenue Service, Pittsburgh Office - Carnegie Library Downtown & Business, 612 Smithfield St. on Thursdays at 12:15 pm - Free and open to the public.

February 10 – 6:00 p.m. Zonta Pittsburgh North – Fresco’s in Wexford – Bethlehem Haven-Homeless Shelter for Women Speaker-Jennifer Thoma, Manager of Development & PR. Monthly Dinner meetings are held the second Wednesday of each month and reservations are required. Zonta is a service organization devoted to advancing the status of women and holds an annual fundraising event, “The Glass Slipper Ball,” which features the “Best of the Chefs” scheduled for March 6, 2010. Visit www.ZontaThreeRiversNorth.com

or call 724-935-6100.

February 10 - Volunteers of America of Pennsylvania

Brown Bag Lunch - “Preparing Your Business for Tax Season” - 12:00 – 1:00pm - 1650 Main Street Pittsburgh - Speaker: Jim Merante, Padgett Business Systems and member of the national network of accountants  - RSVP: 412.782.5344 or workingorder@voapa.org

February 11 - How to File Your Taxes Online - Diana Smith, Tax Specialist Internal Revenue Service, Pittsburgh Office - Carnegie Library Downtown & Business, 612 Smithfield St. on Thursdays at 12:15 pm - Free and open to the public.

February 11 - Free Teleclass with Diana Fletcher, Stress Reducing Expert Coach

“It doesn’t have to be a BIG Deal!” - 7:00 EST -  Get your life, your time, and your health in good shape, without it being a big deal. Find out how to finally feel in control of your life during this valuable teleclass!

http://dianafletcher.com/events/teleclasses/

February 12 - Ladies Night Out - SSW Cinema - Happy Hour from 6- 7:15 PM in the lobby followed by Chick Flick “Valentine’s Day” - Tickets are $25 and include 3 drinks, light appetizers, spa treatments, giveaways, movie admission and more! Call 412-481-8110

February 17 - Join Career experts Karen Litzinger and Chris Posti when they share their experiences of recreating their own careers! “Do What you Love” - 10:15 a.m. - Squirrel Hill Carnegie Library, Namm Business Center, 5801 Forbes Avenue, Squirrel Hill - the Cost is FREE

February 17 - Biz Chicks presents Chicks & Chat: Speed Networking! - 6 pm - 8 pm - Bossa Nova - 123 Seventh St. Pittsburgh - $5 for members & $10 for non-members - Appetizers included, drinks are extra - RSVP by Feb. 12 at rsvp@bizchicks.org or 412-456-2587

February 17 - “Too Stressed to Think? Effective Parenting Even When Your Kids Make You CRAZY” - Free Teleclass with Diana Fletcher - 1:00 - 1:45 p.m. ET

Join Stress Reducing Expert Diana Fletcher and her guest, award-winning author, Annie Fox, as they discuss stress, parents and teens (www.anniefox.com)
Register http://dianafletcher.com/events/teleclasses/

February 18 - Finding a Job Fast in a Tough Economy - Chris Posti, Executive Coach and Outplacement Counselor Posti & Associates, Inc. - Carnegie Library Downtown & Business, 612 Smithfield St. on Thursdays at 12:15 pm - Free and open to the public.

February 18 - Volunteers of America of Pennsylvania - Disability Resource Breakfast - 8:30 – 9:30 AM - Speaker Julie Gigliotti, Allegheny Center Alliance Church Christian Counselors Collaborative - Codependency: How it affects relationships in the workplace - 1650 Main Street Pittsburgh - RSVP: 412.782.5344 or workingorder@voapa.org

February 19 - Power Lunch  - 1:30-3:30 pm  - The Grand Concourse, Station Square

Cost $25.00 cash, at the door - RSVP to: suzannef@zoominternet.net

or call 724-452-5152

February 23 - city LIVE! - Beyond Leed: The Future of Green Buidings - 6:30 PM - New Hazlett Theater -  Anne Swager, Executive Director of AIA Pittsburgh will moderate -Speakers include former Ambassador Charles Ries and Maureen Guttman, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Governor’s Green Government Council - Cocktails & Conversation to follow http://www.citylivepgh.org/fullpage.html to register

 S-L-O-W Eating seminar comes to Pittsburgh!  An ultimate eating experience includes hypno-dining and mindful eating practice.

A profound life changer, you’ll rediscover the joys of food and eating.

Call Sanna Carapellotti, 412.344.2272.  

Reserve your seat at THE GOLDEN FORK for early bird pricing until Jan. 10  Bring a friend and come hungry.

http://www.mentalperformances.com

February 25 - The New Age of Financial Planning - Nadav Baum, Executive Vice Pesident, The Nadav Baum Group BPU Investment Management, Inc. - Carnegie Library Downtown & Business, 612 Smithfield St. on Thursdays at 12:15 pm - Free and open to the public.

February 25 - The “ENTREPRENEURIAL THURSDAYS” Happy Hour Show

Live Music by City’s Great Jazz/R&B Artists! - Interviews @ Musical Break with City’s Leading Entrepreneurs/Innovators! Featured interviews with Jill Kummer, Blacktie-Pittsburgh (blacktie-pittsburgh.com), Christina Damiano, Diversity Business Resource Center, (http://dbrconline.org)

 , Richard G. Portis, Regional III Coordinator - Veterans Business Outreach Center, Robert Morris University (www.rmu.edu/vboc) - Great for Business & Professional Networking!

February 26 - Pittsburgh Professional Women Coaches Panel - If you have always wanted to see what coaching is like, you now have the chance! Meet Laura Crooks, Rosemarie Perla, Suzanne Ferguson, Diana Fletcher, Lisa Spahr -The Radisson Hotel Greentree, 101 Radisson Drive, Pittsburgh - Member Registration $35, Non Members $39, Groups of 10 or more $350 - Register: http://www.pittsburghprofessionalwomen.com/

February 27– Women Think Pink: This year The Musuneggi Financial Group will sponsor the “Tea at Two” session during the Women Think Pink event. During the session, Mary Grace Musuneggi will be presenting, “A Man is Not a Plan.” Afterwards, she will be on hand for book signing from 3 PM-4PM - Proceeds from each book purchased will be donated to Women Think Pink.- $10.00 for the Think Pink Event - Tea at Two Tickets are $12.00 - 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM, Tea at Two from 2 PM– 3 PM

 -Crowne Plaza Hotel South - 164 Fort Couch Road - Bethel Park - Visit www.womenthinkpink.com to register

March 2 – On the Verge: Join us for an elegant yet casual evening program that blends the power of feminine camaraderie with a clearinghouse of information and resources that will support you in taking the next best steps in your life! - Mary Grace Musuneggi, Executive Director of Single Steps Strategies will be presenting “A Man is Not a Plan: Strategies to Financial Independence.” -  Cost is $40.00 - 5:00 – 9:30 PM -Pittsburgh Athletic Association, 4215 Fifth Avenue Pittsburgh - For questions, contact Gina Mazza at 724-452-4007 or ginamazza@me.com

March 6 - Samuel J Foundation Sixth Annual “Laughter Is The Best Medicine” Comedy Benefit for our Pediatric Brain Tumor Fund - Radisson Hotel in Greentree - 8 PM - Nationally touring comics Chuck Mignanelli, and Matt Wohlfarth (aka Buzz Nutley) -Tickets are now available, and are only $20 in advance and $25 at the door. You can also reserve a table (10 seats/tickets) in advance for $200 (Payment must be received by March 1) - Order your tickets directly from our website at http://www.samuelj. org , or mail your payment, along with a stamped, self-addressed envelope to Samuel J Foundation, P.O. Box 75, Oakdale, PA 15071 - Special rate guest rooms available (call the Radisson for more info, SJF10 is the code group rate) as well as a collection for raffle donations (Call 724-693-9901) and ticket auction items the day of the event! Business card ads are available for the program, also!

March 9 - Girls Going Places Entrepreneurship Conference - Chatham University - Athletic Fitness Center - 7:30am to 2:00pm - call 412-365-1253 for additional information

March 9 - Hurley Associates and Guardian Life are pleased to present - The 4th Annual Girls Going Places ® Entrepreneurship Conference - Chatham University

The conference is open to girls ages 12 – 18 - The objective is to raise awareness about business ownership and career choices and to stress the importance of girls becoming financially self reliant - Visit www.hurley2.com or call 412-682-6100 - Sponsorship opportunities are also available.

March 10 – 6:00 p.m. Zonta Pittsburgh North – Fresco’s in Wexford – Dinner Meeting – Children of the Underground - Speaker-MacKenzie Carpenter, Pittsburgh Post Gazette Writer. Monthly Dinner meetings are held the second Wednesday of each month and reservations are required. Zonta is a service organization devoted to advancing the status of women and holds an annual fundraising event, “The Glass Slipper Ball,” which features the “Best of the Chefs” scheduled for March 6, 2010. Visit www.ZontaThreeRiversNorth.com or call 724-935-6100.

March 12 - 7:30am-9:00am - Women Business Leaders Breakfast Series - “Certification and How to Work with Public Entities” - Speaker: Ruth Byrd-Smith, Director, Allegheny County Minority, Women and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise - Visit WWW.CHATHAM.EDU/CWE

March 16 - cityLIVE! Soap Box Rant - 6:30 PM - New Hazlett Theater - Pick a topic, big or small, spicy or tame. 90 seconds is what we’ll give you -http://www.citylivepgh.org/fullpage.html to register

Every Thursday of each month - Vocalist Jessica Lee & Friends - LIVE RHYTHM, JAZZ & BLUES - Musical Networking Happy Hour - 5:30 PM - 8 PM - $5 Cover Charge - Little E’s Jazz & Blues, 949 Liberty Ave, Pittsburgh, 2nd Floor above Mahoney’s Restaurant - Call 412.392.2217 for more information

2nd Friday of each month - Women Business Leaders Breakfast Series
7:30 - 9:00 a.m. - James Laughlin Music Hall, Chatham University
Cost: $25.00 (includes continental breakfast & presentation) - Register online @ www.chatham.edu/cwe

Save the Date

March 3 - The 5th Annual Women of Achievement Awards: A Celebration of Women’s History Money - 6 to 9:00 pm - OminiWilliam Penn Hotel - Sponsored by Celebrate and Share- benefits Cribs for Cribs and honoring twenty-of Pittsburgh’s most notable women - Call JoAnn Forrester 412-440-6969 or Bonnie DiCarlo 412-480-5247 to register or for further information.

March 21 - Angels’ Place Inc. “Generations of Love” Luncheon & Fashion Show -We will raise funds for the operation of our three centers serving low-income, single, full-time student parents - Reservations are $45 per person or a table of 10 guests for $400 - Le Monte, Mt. Washington -doors open at 11:30 AM - Mistress of Ceremonies, Jennifer Abney, WPXI-TV - If you are interested in donating a silent auction item or purchasing a corporate sponsorship package, please call us at (412) 321.4447. You may also visit our web site at www.angelsplacepgh.org for more information regarding the event.

WSBA - The Networking Lunch TM for Women Business Owners & Professionals

“Get Heard, Get Noticed, Get Leads”

Bring 20-30 business cards/brochures, cash for your lunch check, and be prepared to give a 60-second commercial about yourself.

Feb 3 (Butler)

Feb 8 (Beaver)

Feb 10 (Shaler/Gibsonia Area, 11:30 a.m.)

Feb 11 (Canonsburg)

Feb 12 (Robinson)

Feb 16 (After Work Network - 5pm)

Feb 17 (South Hills)

Feb 23 (Wexford/Cranberry)

Feb 24 (Downtown Pittsburgh)

Feb 25 (Shadyside, 11:30 a.m.)

Feb 26 (Greensburg)

Feb 26 (Monroeville)

Time: 1:00 p.m.
Host: Women’s Small Business Association
Cost: $2 meeting fee (plus the cost of lunch)

For more info and to register online, go to: www.wsba.ws

.

Reiki Classes

Reiki II Class

Are you a Reiki I practitioner who is ready for the next step?

Date: Feb. 5 (Fri.) Time: 6 – 9 PM

Date: Feb. 6 (Sat.) Time: 9AM – 6 PM

You must attend both days to receive your certificate

Cost: $175 (Registration and non-refundable $50 deposit due by Jan. 30.)

Large Group Healing Circle

Take a break from your busy schedule and join me for a group healing circle. Call or email early to reserve your space. And please bring a notebook or journal!

Cost: An Offering from Your Heart

Reiki Re- Attunements

Are you a Reiki practitioner who is feeling like your Reiki energy needs a shot in the arm? If so, maybe you need a re-attunement to help you move to the next level. Please bring a notebook or journal, and a copy of the certificate for your current level of Reiki .

Dates: Feb. 12 (Fri.) Time: 6:30 - 9:00 PM

or Feb. 13 (Sat.) Time: 10:30 AM - 1 PM

Cost: An Offering from Your Heart

Meet Your Reiki Guides

Through this guided meditation you may be able to meet the spiritual being that acts as your guide each time you do a Reiki session. Please bring a notebook or journal. Open to all levels of Reiki practitioners.

Date: Feb. 24 (Wed.)

Time: 7:00– 9:00 PM

Cost: $30

Advanced Reiki Training (ART)

During this class students will learn Psychic Surgery, a powerful technique to release negative energy blocks. . This class is the prerequisite for the Reiki Master Class.

Prerequisite for ART: Reiki II

Date: Feb. 27 (Sat.)

Time: 9AM – 6 PM

Cost: $225 (Registration and $75 deposit are due by Feb 12.)

FYI

-New Pediatric Dental Practice Gives Kids and Parents Something to Smile About

“Give Kids a Smile” Program Provides Free Teeth Cleanings to Kids in Need

Pittsburgh, PA (January 2010) – Dr. Jennifer Pacella of Mars Dental Specialists, LLC is providing underserved kids the opportunity to have an oral check-up as a part of the Give Kids a Smile program being held on February 5^th from 9am-5pm for National Children’s Dental Health month. The program will be held at the new dental practice at 160 Brickyard Road, Suite 500 in Mars.

Dr. Pacella continues to be involved in programs benefiting the community because she says, “There are children in our local area in need. As one practitioner, I hope that the small part I play will bring attention to this need, and others will soon become involved as well.” On February 5^th, she will give consultations and teeth cleanings to any child – no insurance is needed.

The Give Kids a Smile program is sponsored by Henry Schein, Inc., the largest provider of healthcare products and services to office-based practitioners. Give Kids a Smile addresses the issue of oral disease affecting children of low-income families across the nation, an issue the U.S. Surgeon General has called a “silent epidemic.” The program’s goal is to give support through both public and private dentistry for kids to have regular oral health care. The success of the program compelled the American Dental Association to make the event year-round instead of just one day a year. For more information, visit http://www.henrysch ein.com/us- en/Corporate/ GiveKidsASmile. aspx.

For more information on Mars Dental Specialists, LLC, please contact Ashley Moss at 412-298-7333 or ashleymoss.events@ gmail.com.

-March 2 - Trip to Capital Hill Washington D.C. to talk about PCB’s and biochemical exposure at Fort McClellan. We want a Regestery for Veterans who served there because of there exposure to pcb’s sarin gas, vox and other bio-chemicals. For more info Contact Helene Van Clief wvets@westnet.com or Dolores Valetine

doloresvalentine_1@msn.com

-Karen Litzinger recently published the CD, Heal Your Heart: Coping with the Loss of a Pet, and Chris Posti recently published the book, Marriage on and off the Rocks: Intimate Stories of Marriages that Made It and Others that Didn’t

Heal from Pet Loss, 412-242-7045, www.HealFromPetLoss.com
Just Released - Heal Your Heart: Coping with the Loss of a Pet,
a CD of affirmations and inspiration with accompanying guidebook

-Litzinger Career Consulting, 412-242-5342, www.KarensCareerCoaching.com

-The YWCA Greater Pittsburgh is pleased to announce that the Dr. Helen S. Faison Racial Justice Student Essay Contest is currently under way. The essay contest supports anti-racism efforts by raising awareness among young people and acknowledging their own search for racial harmony and equality. This year, we are asking middle school students in grades 6,7, and 8 to respond to the following question:

How would you design a media campaign (for example: newspaper/print, tv/film, radio/music, internet or social media site such as Facebook or Twitter) to challenge and eliminate racism? Please describe your concept. (300 words or less.)

Enclosed are complete contest rules, a lesson plan and an entry form. Each student essay must have a completed form, including parent/guardian signature. We encourage you to participate by advertising the contest throughout your organization/school and distributing materials directly to your young people. All essays must be receieved by the YWCA on March 12, 2010.

Students selected as first, second, and third place finalists for each grade will be honored with U.S. Savings Bonds: $1,500 for first, $1,000 for second, and $750 for third. Finalists will be honored and receive the Savings Bonds at a recognition ceremony on April 21, 2010, at the YWCA Greater Pittsburgh. 

Help Wanted

Butler County - Bookkeeper, Permanent Part Time

Experience with A/R, A/P, Payroll and General Ledger.

Able to work unsupervised and as part of a team.

Send Resume and Salary Requirement to peghill@consoldiated.net 

PET OF THE MONTH

See the newsletter for a picture of Precious

Animal Friends is driving pet overpopulation out of southwestern Pennsylvania. Call 1.800.SPAY.PGH to learn more about low-cost spay and neuter options. Adopt a Pet from Animal Friends: Precious This little cat’s story is a great example of how a little love goes a long, long way. Precious was initially found as a stray and rescued off the streets by a kind gentleman who gave her a wonderful loving home. For years she lived happily with her new family and feline roommate Tigress, until her owner became ill. With no one else to care for them, he sadly brought these dear cats to Animal Friends.

Precious did not have an easy adjustment. She missed her owner miserably and no matter how much kindness the staff and volunteers showed her, this sad little cat would not let anyone near her. She was just not a happy kitty. But we knew that there was wonderful cat hiding in that sad little face. And we were right!! Precious went home with a foster family who just gave her a little love and within days we saw the sweet gentle personality we knew was hiding under the sadness.

Today, this sweet little cat will come up to you and show her affection by rubbing against you and giving you long deep purrs. She is great with using both the scratching post and litterbox and loves to spend her days watching everything going on outside the window. She even gets along with the family dog! All it took was a little bit of love.  If you can help Precious, please call Animal Friends at 412.847.7002 or visit www.ThinkingOutsideTheCage.org.  Animal Friends is located at 562 Camp Horne Road in the North Hills of Pittsburgh

January Highlights in US Women’s History
• Jan 7, 1896 - Fanny Farmer’s first cookbook is published
• Jan 5, 1925 - Nellie Tayloe Ross is inaugurated as the first woman governor in U.S. history (governor of Wyoming)
• Jan 29, 1926 - Violette Neatly Anderson is the first black woman to practice law before the U.S. Supreme Court
• Jan 12, 1932 - Hattie Wyatt Caraway (D-Arkansas) is the first woman elected to the U.S. Senate. She was the first woman to chair a Senate Committee and the first to serve as the Senate’s presiding officer as well
• Jan 11, 1935 - Amelia Earhart Putnam makes the first solo flight from Hawaii to North America
• Jan 3, 1949 - Margaret Chase Smith (R-Maine) is elected to the Senate, where she stays in office until June 1973. She previously served in the House of Representatives, the first woman to serve in both the House and Senate
• Jan 7, 1955 - Marian Anderson is the first African American woman to sing at the Metropolitan Opera
• Jan 8, 1977 - Pauli Murray, the first female African American Episcopal priest, is ordained
• Jan 19, 1985 - Runner Mary Decker sets a world record of 5:34:52 for the indoor 2,000-meter run
• Jan 20, 1986 - Coretta Scott King leads a march through Atlanta, GA, to honor her slain husband’s birthday, celebrated the first time that year as a national holiday
• Jan 28, 1986 - The space shuttle Challenger explodes shortly after takeoff, claiming the lives of Astronaut Judith Resnick, who would have been the second U.S. woman astronaut to travel in space, and teacher Christa McAuliffe, who would have been the first civilian in space.

Happy New Year!
Best to all of you for a peaceful and prosperous New Year!
We are adding a couple of new sections to this newsletter, Adopt a Pet and an informational article this month on my favorite subject, Taxes.
If you would like a printable copy of this newsletter, please write to wip@fastmail.fm  and a pdf copy will be sent to you.
Changes are underway for the New Year, so stay tuned.

Until next month…

Anna Marie Gire

Kim Poling

Adopt a Pet:

Fifi

My name is Fifi and I am a Miniature Poodle. I have a very sad story. I’m nine years old, but I’ve never actually been someone’s pet before. I was a commercial breeding dog. Someone kept me in a very small cage for my entire life, where I just gave birth to litter after litter. I never got to interact with humans or even go outside. Now that I’m at Animal Friends, I am really working hard to understand the compassion, kindness and above all, the tenderness of the new humans taking care of me.

At my foster home, I have room to run and play and I love it! I have foster dog siblings and a cat. He’s really fun and loves to play too. I am still very fearful of humans, especially when hands reach out for me. I have horrible memories at the hands of humans, so it is hard for me to forget. I’m not brave enough yet to approach you, but in such a short time at home with my foster Mom, I already am starting to see the light. I wag my tail when she comes home, and I wait (peeking around the wall) when she gives out treats cause I know she will toss one to me. Lately, I’ve even been going to adoption events, where I do very well mingling with new people!

I’d love to have a forever home, sleep on a bed, play with some friends, run and bark (I just learned how to do that and almost scared myself to death when I heard my voice), and just be a family pet. Do you have time and patience to work with me? I’ll do my best to love you, and you can look into my soft brown eyes and see gratitude every step of our journey together. If you can help me, please call Animal Friends at 412.847.7002 or visit www.ThinkingOutsideTheCage.org. I am currently living in foster care, but I’d definitely like to come in to meet you!

DID YOU KNOW . . . . ?
By Peg Hill
Adjusting Entries
724-898-2370

1. Year end taxes would be easier if you just send the IRS all of your money.

2. Veterans of Desert Storm and Desert Shield – take note

April 24, 2006, Governor Rendell signed House Bill 1820 into law as Act 29 of 2006. This bill establishes the Persian Gulf Conflict Veterans’ Benefit Act. The program allows compensation to be paid to eligible service members as well as certain surviving relatives of deceased veterans.

The Department of Military and Veterans Affairs is accepting applications for the Persian Gulf Conflict Veterans’ Benefit Program. Any individual who served in the US Armed Forces, Reserve component, or the Pa National Guard in the Persian Gulf Conflict during the period from August 2, 1990 through August 31, 1991 may be eligible.

Eligible veterans qualify for payment of $75.00 per month (maximum of $525.00) for each month of active service in theater. A benefit of $5,000 may be awarded to a prisoner of war or certain family members of a veteran who died in active service or as a result of service-connected injury or disease.

The deadline for applying for this benefit is August 31, 2015. Details of the program are available on the DMVA website (www.persiangulfbonus.state.pa.us) or by calling the program’s toll-free number 1-866-458-9182 (TTY 1-866-835-8983 for the hearing impaired.)

3. The state Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) has been greatly expanded to help pay heating bills. This is a GRANT. You do not need to repay the money. You don’t need to be on public assistance. You need not have an unpaid bill to received home heating energy assistance. You can own or rent your home. I family of four with an annual income of up to $33,075 can qualify for assistance. No lien is placed on your property if you receive this help.

The opening dates for the LIHEAP program are:
Cash: November 2, 2009 through March 15, 2010
Crisis: January 5, 2010 through March 15, 2010

Visit the Pa website at www.compass.state.pa.us.

4. School Property Taxes Rebate for Homeowners has been extended until Dec 31, 2009. The rebate program benefits eligible Pennsylvanians who are 65 years old and older; widows and widowers age 50 and older; and people with disabilities age 18 and older. The program expansion increased the income limit from $15,000 to $35,000 (which excludes half of Social Security income) for homeowners, and raises the maximum rebate for both homeowners and renters from $500 to $650.

The expanded household income limits and base rebate amounts are:

$0 and $8,000 $650 rebate
$8001-$15,000 $500 rebate
$15,001-$18,000 $300 rebate
$18,001-$35,000 $250 rebate

Renters with incomes between $0 and $8,000 receive a $650 rebate and those with incomes between $8,001-$15,000 receive a $500 rebate.

Property Tax/Rent Rebate claim forms (PA-1000) are available by calling, toll free, 1-888-222-9190 or on-line at www.papropertytaxrelief.com.

5. Expanded Recovery Act Tax Credits help homeowners winterize their homes, save energy. This act expanded two home energy tax credits: the nonbusiness energy property credit and the residential energy efficient property credit.

Nonbusiness Energy Property Credit: equals 30 percent of what a homeowner spends on eligible energy-saving improvements, up to a maximum tax credit $1,500 for the combined 2009 and 2010 tax years. The cost of certain high-efficiency heating and air conditioning systems, water heaters and stoves that burn biomass all qualify, along with labor costs for installing these items. In addition, the cost of energy-efficient windows and skylights, energy-efficient doors, qualifying insulation an certain roofs also qualify for the credit, through the cost of installing these items does not count. Be sure to keep your energy labels off of the products. By spending as little as $5,000 before the end of the year on eligible energy-saving improvements, a homeowner can save as much as $1,500 on his or her 2009 federal income tax return. Actual tax savings will vary.

Residential Energy Efficient Property Credit: homeowners going green should also check out a second tax credit designed to spur investment in alternative energy equipment. This credit equals 30 percent of what a homeowner spend on qualifying property such as solar electric systems, solar hot water heaters, geothermal heat pumps, wind turbines and fuel cell property. Generally labor costs are included when calculating this credit. Also, no cap exists on the amount of credit available except in the case of fuel cell property. Checks the manufacturer’s tax credit certification statement before purchasing or installing any of these improvements to be sure they qualify. The manufacturer’s certification is different from the Dept of Energy’s Energy Star label and not all Energy Star labeled products qualify for the tax credits.

Eligible homeowners can claim both of these credits when they file their 2009 federal income tax return. Because these are credits, not deductions, they increase a taxpayer’s refund or reduce the tax he or she owes. An eligible taxpayer can claim these credits, regardless of whether he or she itemized deductions on Schedule A.

Save the Date

 S-L-O-W Eating seminar comes to Pittsburgh!  An ultimate eating experience includes hypno-dining and mindful eating practice.

A profound life changer, you’ll rediscover the joys of food and eating.

Call Sanna Carapellotti, 412.344.2272.  

Reserve your seat at THE GOLDEN FORK for early bird pricing until Jan. 10  Bring a friend and come hungry.

http://www.mentalperformances.com

January 15 - Join us for the 3rd Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Leadership and Diversity Awards event - Presented by Coro Center for Civic Leadership - Heinz Field - East Club Lounge, 100 Art Rooney Avenue Pittsburgh - 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm - Buy Tickets online at www.CoroMLKAwards.org or by phone 412-208-0251 - Sponsorship & Advertising Opportunities Available - For additional information contact khalling@coropittsburgh.org

January 29 - The Rivers Club - The Pennsylvania Treasury Department’s Women & Money Project is proud to partner with Women Impacting Public Policy (WIPP) to help women progress toward stronger economic security. This seminar will provide concrete resources for Pennsylvania women to start, grow, and innovate their businesses. “Women, Money and Opportunity”: A Seminar for Women Business Owners and Entrepreneurs - 8:00am-4:30pm -$50/person (Includes a 1 year free WIPP membership) For more information and to Register visit: http://www.wipp.org/events/event_details

February 26 – Join us & a panel of coaches to help Pittsburgh Business Women find success in the new year! – 9 AM to 11 AM at the Greentree Radisson - In case of bad weather, we will begin at 10 AM. For complete details and registration, visit www.PittsburghProfessionalWomen.com

March 6 - Glass Slipper Ball - Produced by Zonta Three Rivers Pittsburgh North - Featuring the Best of Chefs & Libation Purveyors at Four Points Sheraton, Cranberry
Reserve a table of 10 by Jan 15 & save $100! Visit : www. ZontaThreeRiversNorth.com

March 9 - Seton Hill University’s E-Magnify’s Women’s Entrepreneurial Symposium
Visit www.e-magnifiy.com for additional information

March 20 - Kidney Gift of Life Gala - 6 p.m. - Circuit Center Ballroom
South Side - Casino Raffle, Food Stations - Visit www.kidneyall.org for more information or contact Erin Tuladzieck at 412.261.4115

Monthly Events

January 5 - SoleMates Kickoff Meeting - 7:00 PM - REI South Side – Visit http://www.gotrmagee.org/events.html for more information

January 6 – Find out what Women Etcetera is All About! We believe it will change your life - 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. EST – Visit http://www.womenetcetera.com/ to register

January 6 - Career Development Center of Jewish Family & Children’s Service, along with Rodef Shalom Congregation and the United Jewish Federation of Pittsburgh, present: Without a Job, Who Am I? Rebuilding Your Self When You’ve Lost Your Job, Home, or Life Savings - Dr. Abraham J. Twerski -Rodef Shalom Congregation
4905 Fifth Avenue, Oakland – 7 PM – No Fee & Free Parking, but RSVP by Jan 4 – Visit www.careerdevelopmentcenter.org

January 7 - Your Legal Rights in the Workplace - Nicole Scialabba, Esq., Employment Project Coordinator - Carnegie Library Downtown & Business, 612 Smithfield St., Downtown – 12:15 on Thursdays – Free Event

January 7 -The Black Political Empowerment Project (B-PEP), B-PEP’s Racial Equity Monitoring Project (REMP), and our many community partners announce Trade Union Equity Mini Summit - 8:30 AM- 1 PM - Doors open at 8 AM - Co-sponsored by Pittsburgh Mayor Luke Ravenstahl and Allegheny County Chief Executive, Dan Onorato

January 8 - Brentwood Baldwin Whitehall Chamber of Commerce Women’s Network Luncheon - Noon - South Hills Country Club, 4305 Brownsville Road, Whitehall - Lunch - $15 - Lunch for Non-Members - $18 - RSVP to Mary Dilla at: 412-884-1233  secretary@bbwchamber.com

January 8 - Women Business Leaders Breakfast Series - 7:30 - 9:00am - James Laughlin Music Hall, Chatham University - $25.00 per breakfast - Speaker Mary Ann Dunham - Seriess runs the second Friday of each month at Chatham University - Networking and a continental breakfast will precede a presentation on such topics as marketing, financing, social media, and innovation - Contact 412-365-1253 for more information

January 9 - Small Business Basics Workshop - Chatham University, Mellon Board Room - 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. - $30.00 ($25.00 for female veterans) - Industry experts will discuss business planning, financing, marketing, and legal issues pertaining to small business - Continental breakfast available at 8:30 AM - Free Parking - Contact 412-365-1253 for more information

January 9 & 10 - Reiki III (Master Class) - This class teaches you additional symbols and the attunement process so that you can teach others how to do Reiki. You will also learn an additional tool to help remove deep-seated blockages from the energy system. Prerequisite: Advanced Reiki Training - 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM each day
Cost: $650 (Registration and $100 deposit are due by Jan. 1
January 10 - Frigid 5 Mile - 9:00 AM - North Park Lodge –Contact Kevin Smith at 412-490-0881 for more information
January 12 - Free Girls Golf Program - 3:30-5:00 - RMU Island Golf Dome - Neville Island – Questions? Go to http://www.pygf.org
January 12 - E-Magnify presents QuickBooks Workshop - January 12 - February 2, 2010 (Tuesdays) - 2:00pm - 5:00pm - Seton Hill University, Greensburg - Administration Building, Third Floor, Room 309 - $150.00 cash, check or credit card - Contact E-Magnify at 724-830-4625 to Register (Participants must register separately and pay registration fees for multiple sessions.)

January 12 - E-Magnify presents QuickBooks Consulting Clinics - January 12, January 19th, January 26th and/or February 2nd, 2009 - 8:30am - 12:30pm - Seton Hill University, Greensburg - $65.00 per clinic, cash, check or credit card - Contact E-Magnify at 724-830-4625 to Register (Participants must register separately and pay registration fees for multiple sessions.)

January 12 - FREE mini tour of Whole Foods Market and a discussion of the healing properties found in whole grains, such as brown rice, barley and millet - Hear about beans as well the soybean products, including tofu, miso and tempeh. Learn about the nutritional value of leafy green vegetables like kale, collard greens, bokchoy and Chinese cabbage - Call Kim at Whole Foods to register: 412-441-7960

January 14 - What You Need to Know to Protect Your Credit and Credit Scores - Jenn Carr, Certified Credit Consultant - Carnegie Library Downtown & Business, 612 Smithfield St., Downtown – 12:15 PM on Thursdays

January 14 - Seven month Program - Mentoring for Women Business Owners - Howe - Childs Gate House, Chatham University - 6:30-8:30 p.m. - $295 for 7 month program - (Workshops run from 6:30 -8:30 pm; dates: 1/14/10, 2/18/10, 3/18/10, 4/15/10, 5/20/10, 6/17/10, 7/15/10) - Each women business owner (mentee) is matched with a mentor Mentees attend monthly workshops on marketing, finance, sales

January 14 - Peer-to-Peer Mentoring Roundtables at Howe-Childs Gate House, Chatham University - 8:30-10:30 a.m. (includes continental breakfast) - $500 for 12 facilitated roundtables -Roundtables meet the second Thursday of each month at Chatham University - Members billed twice a year - Registration is ongoing

January 15 - Ladies Night Run - SecondSole - Cranberry
more info to come at: www.SecondSolepa.com

January 15 - Power Lunch - Nine on Nine Restaurant, 900 Penn Avenue Downtown, Pittsburgh -1:30-3:30 pm - $25.00 cash at the door - RSVP by Jan. 16th to:
Suzanne Froehlich at suzannef@zoominternet.net - Or call: 724-452-5152
Bring 40 business cards or brochures and be prepared to give a one minute presentation to the group

January 15 - Learn the Principles of Deep Diversity - Free Event - 425 Sixth Avenue, 31st Floor (downtown) - 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. - Practice in cross-cultural communication skills - To Register, contact Mr. Ben Butler/MBOC by Jan. 8 at 412-395-6067 or email: ben.butler@va.gov

January 16 - Reiki Circles for Children with Special Needs - Does your child have special needs – medical, physical, emotional or mental? If so, perhaps the gentle, loving energy of Reiki can make a difference. Reiki enhances traditional medical and therapeutic treatments and promotes a sense of peace and well -being. Call to pre-register - Dates: 3rd Saturday of each month - (1/16, 2/20, 3/20) - Time: 10 AM – Noon - The Place for Reiki -139 Steuben Street, Ste. 100 Pittsburgh - 412-920-2911

January 17 - Reiki I Class - Reiki is a Japanese technique for stress reduction, relaxation and healing. This class will enable you to do Reiki on yourself, family members and friends. Imagine being able to diminish or even totally eliminate your headaches or your stress just by placing your hands gently on your body and starting your energy!! By the end of class you will be certified as a Reiki I Practitioner and receive a certificate suitable for framing. Open to everyone - 9AM – 6:30 PM - $125 (Registration and $50 non-refundable deposit due Jan 4.) The Place for Reiki -139 Steuben Street, Ste. 100 Pittsburgh - 412-920-2911

January 19 to March 23, 2010, 10 Tuesdays - 6:30-9:30 p.m. - Chatham University presents FastTrac® NewVenture™ - An entrepreneurship training program to explore the potential of your business idea - $295 (includes all course material). Partial scholarships are available - Have you always wanted to start your own business? Before you quit your job or invest your life savings, FastTrac NewVenture will help you identify whether your business idea has merit. All programs offered by CWE are designed exclusively for women entrepreneurs and women in business - Questions please call 412-365-1253 or e-mail womens-entrepreneurship@chatham.edu

January 20 - Shamanic Shopping Journey for Your 2010 Spiritual Upgrade Begin 2010 in a most delightful way - Exchange what no longer serves you for advanced spiritual wellbeing. You’ve earned it! Please bring 2 blankets, a pillow and something to use to cover your eyes - Guest Presenter: Regina Rivers, Celtic Shamanic Practitioner - 6:30- 9:30 PM - $30 - The Place for Reiki -139 Steuben Street, Ste. 100 Pittsburgh - 412-920-2911

January 21 - Resolution: Get Organized in 2010. Need Help? Ask the Experts! Members of the National Association of Professional Organizers, Pgh. Chapter - Thursdays at 12:15 pm at Carnegie Library Downtown & Business, 612 Smithfield St., Downtown – Free Event

January 23 - Healing Attunements - This powerful healing technique releases such blockages so that you have more energy available to focus on your present needs and move forward. A group healing circle follows to help your body acclimate to the changes as the blocks are released. Class size is limited to 12 for each session. Please register for the session that best fits your schedule and register early to guarantee your space - 10 AM – 1:00 PM & 3 – 6PM- The Place for Reiki -139 Steuben Street, Ste. 100
Pittsburgh - 412-920-2911

January 23 - Black Political Empowerment Project (B-PEP) - The Black & White Reunion’s 12th Annual Summit Against Racism - 9AM -1 PM - East Liberty Presbyterian Church, 116 S. Highland Ave., Pgh - inspiring speakers & skill building techniques - Cost is $10 (22yrs +) $5, up to 21yrs and 0-$1 for low income and unemployed

January 27 - Power Mixer -ESSpa Kozmetika Organic Spa, 17 Brilliant Avenue
Aspinwall - Hosted by: Eva & Scott Kerschbaumer - 6:00-8:00 pm
RSVP: Suzannef@zoominternet.net or 724-452-5152
Enjoy spa services, skincare evaluations, makeovers, food, friends and relaxing fun!

January 27 - Pittsburgh Career Fair 11 AM-2 PM- Marriott City Center - 112 Washington Place, Pittsburgh - Bring at least 15 resumes to the event!
- For a list of attending companies and to register, visit
http://www.nationalcareerfairs.com/career_fairs/details/PA/Pittsburgh/January/27/2010/

January 28 - Basic Estate Tax Planning - Robert J. Henkels, CPA - R.D. Hoag & Associates - Thursdays at 12:15 pm at Carnegie Library Downtown & Business, 612 Smithfield St., Downtown – Free Event

January 30 - Chakra Healing with Crystal - Learn how to use crystals to assist the healing process. This class offers you a chance to learn more about the chakra system, while learning which crystals are important for each chakra. Each student receives a complete set of crystals for their own specific healing needs. Please bring a notebook or journal. Open to everyone - Time: 9 AM – 6 PM - $135 (Registration and $50 deposit are due by Jan. 15.) The Place for Reiki -139 Steuben Street, Ste. 100 Pittsburgh - 412-920-2911

January 30 - Pitt Women’s Basketball - Girl Scout Day and UPMC Girls and Women in Sports Day - http://www.pittsburghpanthers.com/

January 31 - Alley Up for Animal Friends - Legacy Lanes, 5024 Curry Road in the South Hills - Session One is scheduled from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m & Session Two is from 3 p.m. – 6 p.m. - $25 per person or $105 for a group of five bowlers, VIP Bowling Room is also available - Donation includes a free Alley Up t-shirt, 3 games of bowling, shoe and ball rental, pizza & soda, door prize ticket, raffles, great entertainment and a chance to meet & socialize with Animal Friends’ adoptable canines - Reregister by January 27- Call 412.847.7055 email, chucker@ThinkingOutsideTheCage.org or through www.ThinkingOutsideTheCage.org

February 2 - Greater Pittsburgh’s Fourth Annual International Networking Day - 3 PM -7:30 PM - Radisson - Greentree / Pittsburgh - Keynote Speaker Debby Peters & Breakout Sessions with Michele Donovan, Pam Peters, Anne Fleming, Tom Reda, & Peter Bruening - Emcee Cindy DeLuca from WTAE - http://www.indpittsburgh.com to register

February 6 - UPMC Children’s Ball - Carnegie Science Center - 6:00 PM- 9:00 PM - $100/Adult & $40 for Children - To order tickets or for sponsorship information, contact Gina O’Malley at 412-647-4285.
February 12 - GOTR Happy Hour Fundraiser - Buckhead Saloon -
5-9 PM

February 13 - Three Rivers Community Foundation 20th Anniversary Celebration and Champions of Change Awards - The Andy Warhol Museum in Pittsburgh - Events and activities include: Hors d’oeuvres, Drinks, Live music, Performances, skits, and poetry readings by local groups and individuals, Sneak preview of the new Montgomery Project exhibit of the Toonseum cartoon museum - Early-bird discount of 20% offered for reservations before January 1 - $50 admission or $100 VIP ticket

WSBA Lunches
Contact:
Linda Handley
Handleyl@verizon.net
www.wsba.ws
For information re times and places

January 6, 1:00 pm
The Network Lunch Butler County
Serventi’s

January 8, 1:00 pm
The Network Lunch Robinson Township
Ichiban

January 11, 1:00 pm
The Network Lunch Beaver County
Harold’s Inn

January 13, 11:30 am
The Network Lunch Shaler/Gibsonia
J D’s Pub

January 14, 1:00 pm
The Network Lunch Canonsburg
Jackson’s

January 19, 5:00 pm
The After Work Network
Pangea

January 20, 1:00 pm
The Network Lunch South Hills
Martina’s Woodfired

January 22, 12:30 pm
The Network Lunch Greensburg
The Boulevard Restaurant

January 22, 1:00 pm
The Network Lunch Monroeville
Indigo Blue

January 26, 1:00 pm
The Network Lunch Wexford/Cranberry
The Stone Mansion

January 27, 1:00 pm
The Network Lunch Downtown
Palomino

January 28, 11:30 am
The Network Lunch Shadyside Area
Walnut Grille

FYI

- The Center for Organ Recovery & Education (CORE) is one of 58 federally designated not-for-profit organ procurement organizations (OPO) in the United States. In addition to supporting families during the grieving process and talking with them about the opportunity to donate, the agency also notifies the organ transplant team and coordinates the surgical recovery of organs, tissue and eyes. CORE also is responsible for facilitating the computerized matching of donated organs and placement corneas.

Each of the 155 hospitals in CORE’s designated region serves as a referral site for potential donors. Five of those hospitals also perform life-saving organ transplants.

CORE offers a variety of educational programs tailored to meet the needs of the general public, corporations and healthcare professionals. For additional information or to schedule a program, call CORE at 800-DONORS-7.

If you are not already a donor and wish to do so, please visit www.donatelife-pa.org to sign up. It only takes a few moments and could mean so much to someone waiting.

- The Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank anticipates that the need to distribute more than 22 million pounds of nutritious food next year — a goal we will only be able to reach with your support!

Together we accomplished unprecedented achievements during the last year:
• Served nearly 30,000 new households throughout our 11-county service area;
• Fed more than 100,000 people every month. Our efficient use of your donations allows 96% of donations to go directly to food and services; and
• Enlisted the help of more than 9,000 people who volunteered to repackage food, help at events, glean excess farm produce and distribute food in the community.

-DEP’s Small Business Ombudsman’s Office is now accepting applications for Small
Business Advantage grants. Funds will be allocated on a first come,
first served basis. The application deadline is Jan. 15 or until the funds are exhausted.

To be eligible, an applicant must be a for profit corporation, LLC, partnership, sole
proprietorship or other legal entity with 100 or fewer fulltime employees. The entity must be a separate legal business at the time the application is submitted and located within the state.

Program guidelines and applications may be downloaded at
www.depweb.state.pa.us, keyword: SBAdvantage, or by mail from DEP by calling
7177838411.

-January 2010 will showcase National Mentoring Month. In another collaborative effort WSBA has partnered with PA Ementoring. PA eMentoring is a chance to give that guidance to a high school student who, below the surface, is just as nervous and scared as you were.

In fact, by giving just 30 minutes a week from your desk or home computer, an online career eMentor can provide the guidance and reinforcement necessary to positively impact a student for a lifetime.

The Program uses working and retired adults and mature college students serving as online career mentors and a structured online curriculum to help give young people the knowledge and skills they need to “get real” about their futures - “real” about the demands and opportunities within the job market, and “real” about a plan that leads to their eventual success.

The ultimate goal of PA eMentoring is to help kids achieve success after high school by providing them with a detailed, realistic post secondary plan that is created with and supported by a career mentor.

We will be in touch with more details in January 2010 to allow WSBA members to sign up. We encourage you to make this part of your New Year’s Resolutions. Contact Linda Handley at HandleyL@verizon.net if you have any questions.

-Many of you may not know about the Jewish Family & Children’s Service Guardianship program - another way JF&CS helps the most vulnerable in our community. Comprehensive guardianship services are available to individuals determined by Orphan’s Court to be incapacitated and unable to make their own decisions regarding their health, welfare or finances. JF&CS serves these clients with private guardianship needs as well as through a contract with the Allegheny County Department of Human Services (DHS). We may serve as guardian of person, estate or both. JF&CS also may act as power of attorney or provide services only in specific areas such as financial management.

Read more about our Guardianship staff in their bios on the JF&CS website. They’re a dedicated group of compassionate professionals working hard to protect the independence and rights of their clients — many of whom don’t have a voice that’s heard without our help.

Special congratulations to Guardianship caseworker Patty McKeown, who took and passed an exam at the Annual National Guardianship Association Conference. Patty is our third Guardianship staff member to be certified by the Center for Guardianship Certification. Although it’s not required in Pennsylvania, it’s a nationally-recognized certification that formally tells the courts and the community our Guardianship staff meets certain qualifications, abides by universal ethical principles and adheres to a standard of excellence.

For more information on JF&CS’s Guardianship program please contact Nicole Iole, Director of Guardianship Services, at 412-422-7200.

-December 21, 2009, WASHINGTON—President Obama has signed a bill that extends federal COBRA health insurance premium subsidies for the unemployed under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (”ARRA”). ARRA made several substantial, albeit temporary, changes to the rules governing the continuation of health coverage under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 (COBRA). Previously, ARRA provided for a 9-month 65% federal subsidy of the COBRA premiums paid by individuals who became eligible for COBRA due to an involuntary termination of employment between September 1, 2008 and December 31, 2009. As discussed below, the Department of Defense Appropriations Act (the “Act”) extends both the eligibility period and the subsidy period for the COBRA premium subsidy as well as provides new notice requirements. However, there was no expansion to include employees who lose coverage due to a reduction in hours.

Eligibility Period Continues to February 28, 2010. The Act extends the eligibility period for the COBRA premium subsidy to individuals who became eligible for COBRA due to an involuntary termination of employment between September 1, 2008 and February 28, 2010. Previously, the eligibility period ended on December 31, 2008.

15-Month Maximum COBRA Subsidy Period. The maximum period for which an eligible terminated former employee may receive a premium subsidy is extended from nine months to 15 months.

Extended Subsidy Available to Former Employees Whose Original Subsidy Period Expired. The Act also allows individuals whose COBRA premium subsidy expired to buy back into the subsidized COBRA coverage during a “transitional” period described in the Act.

New COBRA Notice Requirements. The changes in eligibility and coverage will require new COBRA subsidy notices (i) describing the 15 month maximum period for the COBRA premium subsidy and (ii) informing individuals who lost coverage due to nonpayment or who overpaid for coverage of the changes providing for continued subsidized coverage

General. The ARRA rules apply to sponsors of single-employer and multiemployer group health plans. The subsidy is available not only for COBRA coverage, but also for continuation coverage provided under any state program applicable to employers with fewer than 20 employees that provides continuation coverage comparable to COBRA coverage. The subsidy is not available, however, for coverage under a health care flexible spending arrangement.

-Nominations of Young Female Social Entrepreneurs Invited for Gladys Marinelli Coccia Awards - Grants of $2,000 will be awarded to two young female social entrepreneurs who have started their own social enterprise or organization, are supported by contributions of at least $1,000 (cash and/or in-kind), and have a business plan - Deadline: January 15, 2010

Past Events

-As the year comes to a close, we hope you are in a position to celebrate your holidays with joy and peace – and enough to eat. The Food Bank has had a very busy year, distributing more food than ever, and still serving some 2,000 new households every month all year.

The KD Turkey Fund of 2009 once again raised over half a million dollars, topping last year. Considering the economy, this was a magnificent achievement. We extend much gratitude to KDKA, especially our hero Yvonne Zanos. We are also grateful to PNC Bank for its generous sponsorship and to our member agencies, who do all the work distributing more than 35,000 certificates.