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Archive for February, 2012

A VALENTINE TIP FROM SOCIAL SECURITY

February 01, 2012 By: admin Category: Consumer Education

By Patricia Thibault
Social Security District Manager in Pittsburgh, PA

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, making this a popular time of year for proclamations of love. Such displays of affection can be as simple and sweet as a heart with a “be mine” message, or as life altering as a vow before the altar.
If you happen to be a newlywed who is head over heels in love, you may not be focused on things such as taxes or Social Security, but you should be. If you plan to exchange your maiden name for a married name — including hyphenated names such as Smith-Jones — be sure you let us know.
Telling us about your name change shortly after your marriage will help us accurately keep track of your earnings and will ensure that you and your family get the Social Security retirement, disability, and survivors coverage you’re entitled to. Also, if the Internal Revenue Service and Social Security records do not show the same name and Social Security number, your Federal income tax refund could be delayed.
If you continue to use your maiden name consistently throughout your working years, you do not need to contact us. However, if you decide to change your name at a later time, you should let us know so that we can update your Social Security record and send you a Social Security card with your new name.
There’s no need to pay someone else to mail in the information for you. Changing your name with Social Security is a quick, easy, and free service. Just go online to www.socialsecurity.gov/ssnumber, learn what documents you need, and click on “Fill Out and Print an application (Form SS-5).” You also can call us at 1-800-772-1213 to obtain the form. We will need the completed application along with a marriage certificate or divorce decree verifying your old and new names. If you were born outside the United States, you also need proof of your U.S. citizenship or proof that you are lawfully living in the U.S. You can bring or mail these documents to us.
You may be focused on the one you love, and we don’t blame you. But if you like us (we hope you do) please click on the Facebook icon at our homepage and “like” us on Facebook. Also, you can follow us on Twitter too. Look for our Facebook and Twitter icons at www.socialsecurity.gov. We share information daily that can help you and all your Valentines.
Happy Valentine’s Day from Social Security.

Business Calendar

February 01, 2012 By: admin Category: Consumer Education

February 2012
All programs are held on Thursdays at Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh – Downtown & Business, 612 Smithfield St., Downtown. They begin at 12:15 pm and are free and open to the public.

February 2 How To File Your Taxes Online Using an IRS e-File Provider
Diana Smith, Tax Specialist
Internal Revenue Service, Pittsburgh Office

There are many advantages to e-filing. The forms you need appear on the screen, the possibility of calculation errors is minimized, and refunds can be deposited directly into your bank account in as little as two weeks. Ms. Smith will be here to answer questions and walk us through the entire process.

February 9 Federal Tax Credits – Which Ones Can You Claim?
Patrick N. Price, Tax Specialist
Internal Revenue Service, Pittsburgh Office

Federal tax credits can be confusing because there are many rules and requirements for each one. Eligibility depends on several factors, such as if the taxpayer has children, is a parent of a college student or owns a home. The basics of each credit will be explained so you can determine which credits apply to you.

February 16 Downsizing Your Home – Not Your Lifestyle
Jill Yesko, Certified Professional Organizer
Discover Organizing Inc.

Ms. Yesko will review the entire moving process, including how to say goodbye to items no longer needed. She’ll provide take-home checklists, space planning ideas for your new home, and how to engage family members in the process.

February 23 How to File a Property Assessment Tax Appeal
Kenneth R. Behrend, Esquire, Senior Partner
Behrend & Ernsberger, P.C.

Mr. Behrend, an attorney and former member of the Board of Assessment of Allegheny County, will discuss and review the steps required for a successful appeal of your real estate assessment.

February 2012 Events

February 01, 2012 By: admin Category: Consumer Education

February 1 - Large Group Healing Circle - Take a break from your busy schedule and join me for a group healing circle. You might be amazed at how much more intense your response to the healing energies of Reiki can be when you combine your energy with the energies of all who participate in this larger group circle. There is a synergy that happens when a larger group gathers that often intensifies the experience of everyone present. Experience the Native American channeling combined with the vibrations of the drum for a powerful whole body experience, and be open to hands on healing and messages from your angels and guides as the circle progresses. Each circle is different, so don’t stay away just because you’ve experienced one before. And the response to Reiki is cumulative, so the more you receive, the more change you experience! Call or email early to reserve your space. And please bring a notebook or journal! - 6:30 – 8 PM – Cost: An Offering from Your Heart - Please note: The healing attunements scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 4 are completely filled at this point. If you would like, I can add your name to the waiting list in case of cancellations. I do already have 4 names on the list, just to let you know - visit http://www.the-place-for-reiki.com/ for additional class information

Women and War: Women and Peace and Pittsburgh Playback Theatre
-February 4th 6:00 pm
Personal accounts from four women who have lived or spent time in war zones, and
their search for peace. Followed by Pittsburgh Playback Theatre and a chance for the
audience to reflect on the exhibit and the stories through the creativity of the Playback actors.
Light refreshments will be served at 6pm.

Lessons Learned from Iraq with Peter Lems –
February 11th 3:00 pm
Presentation by Peter Lems, American Friends Service Committee Program Director
for Iraq and Afghanistan. He will look at the impact of the troop withdrawal from Iraq,
our responsibilities, and lessons learned for the peace movement. How can we use
these lessons to speed up the removal of US troops and bases from Afghanistan?

For more details on these events go to our website at www.windowsandmirrors.org

_______________________

February 7 - The Rivers of Resources : www.BuildingBridgesforBusiness.org
– Our monthly Tweetchat, #smallbizpgh, on www.twitter.com provides a subject matter expert who will answer your questions

Another Pittsburgh FIRST.

It is the perfect forum to:

• Consult with subject matter experts
• Ask and get your questions answered for free
• Ask and get your answers from your home
• Build relationships

Linda Handley
Join us on TWITTER for a FREE EVENT 02.7.2012 Rivers of Resource
www.buildingbridgesforbusiness.org
Twitter: @bridges4biz and @lindahandleyinc
https://www.facebook.com/BuildingBridgesForBusiness
412 475 9010

Other dates:
March 13, 2012
April 17, 2012
May 15, 2012
July 10, 2012
September 11, 2012
November 13, 2012

South Hills Chamber Events

2/8 Monthly Luncheon at Andora’s Restaurant-Doors open at 11:30 A.M., lunch at noon,
speakers at 12:30 p.m.-K & J Travel-“Traveling in 2012 on a Shoestring” Cost #20
2/27 Monday Madness After Hours at Andora’s Restaurant from 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Cost $5.00 Cash bar-$2.00 off on selected drinks.
Bring a friend.
Reservations must be made 2 days before the event and cancellations
1 day before the event by calling 412-306-8090 or e-mail connie@shchamber.org

Brown Bag Lunch
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
12:00 – 1:00pm
Speaker: Jennifer Reissaus, MAS, Advertising Specialties Alliance
Topic:Free Technology Tools for Better Engagement, Efficiency & and Cost Control
Think you can’t afford the coolest technology tools for your business?
Join us to learn how you can get and use free and affordable programs
that increase your productivity for less money.

Volunteers of America of Pennsylvania
1650 Main Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15215
FREE
RSVP: 412.782.5344 x 209 or volunteersofamerica@voapa.org

February 8 - The Power of Forgiveness - Moving forward can be difficult enough, but when we find ourselves stuck in unforgiveness , it can be almost impossible. This workshop will give you additional insights into the power of forgiveness, including research findings that document the benefits of forgiveness for your overall health and well-being. It may also help you open the door to forgiveness in your own life, not only forgiveness of others, but of yourself also. A group healing circle will follow, to assist you in moving out of the past, and into the power of forgiveness 7 – 9:30 PM - Cost: $35 – visit http://www.the-place-for-reiki.com/ for additional class information

February 8 - Helping Women Helps the World: Leslie Braksick, PhD, MPH
11:30 AM – Fairmont Pittsburgh – please join us for a lecture series that
brings women together to meet and be inspired by the personal stories
of some of the community. Our second speaker is Leslie W. Braksick, PhD,
MPH, is a nationally known consultant. Please join us for a lecture series that brings
women together to hear the personal stories of some of the most dynamic leaders in our community,
executive coach, and author who co-founded the Pittsburgh-based company. Leslie is also
deeply involved in civic and community activities where she serves on the board of several
organizations, including the Children’s Hospital Foundation, Princeton Theological Seminary,
and Imani Christian Academy. https://bethlehemhaven.ejoinme.org/?tabid=319876

February 9 - Pittsburgh Magazine and Fifth Third Bank invite you to
Fashion with Compassion
Benefiting the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women - 6 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Fairmont Pittsburgh, downtown
 - Tickets are $45 each or two for $80 - 100 % of proceeds benefit Go Red for Women - The event features a strolling fashion show with models from The Docherty Agency, live music by The Kevin Howard Duo, hors d’oeuvres, cocktails, fashion retailers and more - For tickets, contact Wendy McCabe at the American Heart Association, 412-208-3559 or wendy.mccabe@heart.org

February 9 - 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm: WRITING GRANT PROPOSALS FOR WRAP
Free Webinar sponsored by the Copeland Center for Wellness & Recovery – to register visit http://copelandcenter.com/blog/2012/01/03/webinar-writing-grant-proposals-for-wrap/?utm_source=HeartSource&utm_campaign=HeartSource-Jan2012-Intro+Blog+%26+WRAP+Webinar&utm_medium=email  

February 9 - Clever Connections Networking Event: Waterfront - from 6-8pm at First Commonwealth Bank, Waterfront, 500 E. Waterfront Drive, Homestead - Special Guest Speaker: Jayne Huston, Director of 
Seton Hill University’s E-Magnify - Topic: Developing Young Leaders - Event Benefits: The STARR Program, a two day leadership development course for teenage girls - Pittsburgh Professional Women partners with First Commonwealth Bank for an evening of networking, leadership and fundraising for a good cause.
www.pittsburghprofessionalwomen.net

Brentwood Baldwin Whitehall Chamber of Commerce
Women’s Networking Luncheon
Friday, February 10, 2012
Salvatore’s
5001 Curry Road, Pittsburgh, 15236
Guest Speaker
Lindsey Smith, Health Coach and Motivational Speaker, Author: Junk Foods & Junk Moods: Stop Craving and Start Living:
Visit her website: www.TheRealYouNutrition.com

Lunch for Chamber Members - $15 - Bring a friend!
Lunch for Non-Members - $18
Display Table—$10
Please make a reservation by contacting our secretary:
Mary Dilla at secretary@bbwchamber.com 412-884-1233

February 13 - Please join Executive Women’s Council for an evening of networking, tours AND receive a professional headshot (selection will be made from an online gallery) for your professional use - 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. - This event will provide a great way for you to spend time with your colleagues from EWC and receive or update your professional business headshots. Whether it is a non-profit, a corporation, or a small business, professional photographs of the key people within the organization helps others get to know who they are going to do business with. So, please join us and you are invited to bring prospective members as your guests but the event will not be open to the public. We ask you to register yourself and your guests by Feb. 10th. Cost is $50 per member and $60 per guest.

Photographer: Anita Buzzy-Prentis, Buzzy Photography
Make Up: Donna Meshenko, Senior Sales Director, Mary Kay Cosmetics

Refreshments and light hors d’oeuvres will be served. Tours of the Urban Pathways School will be offered. FREE PARKING behind the school. To register: https://ewcgp.memberclicks.net/index.php?option=com_mc&view=formlogin&form=113847&return=L2luZGV4LnBocD9vcHRpb249Y29tX21jJnZpZXc9bWMmbWNpZD1mb3JtXzExMzg0Nz9zZXJ2SWQ9Mzg4NSZvcHRpb249Y29tX21jJnZpZXc9bWMmbWNpZD1mb3JtXzExMzg0Nw== Email for additional information: ewcpittsburgh@gmail.com

 

Krannert Center Youth Series Presents
Rani Arbo & daisy mayhem
Tu-We, Feb 14-15, 2012, at 12:30pm

$4.50
This Valentine’s Day, fall in love with the funky, fiddle-based grooves of
Rani Arbo and her audaciously talented team of roots practitioners in two
public performances of the Center’s popular Youth Series, normally offered
only to school groups. The magical mayhem of Rani and her collaborators
earned a 2010 Parents’ Choice Award and is sure to warm your heart with
a rousing, joyous mix of dance-along songs.
Buy tickets now!
www.KrannertCenter.com
217/333-6280 or 800/KCPATIX
500 S. Goodwin Ave., Urbana (Ticket Office hours: 10am-6pm every day)
Learn more about the Krannert Center Youth Series at youth.KrannertCenter.com

February 15, 6 pm to 8pm

You are cordially invited to join us for a fabulous evening of Networking as
PSE hosts it’s 2nd Annual Red Velvet Social in one of the city’s finest hotels,
The Renaissance!
Meander freely in the regal lobby and enjoy delicious hors d’oeuvres provided byBraddock’s American Brasserie as you mingle and network with hundreds of established business owners, entrepreneurs, and other Pittsburgh Professionals.
Come prepared for the Chinese Auction and plan to bring plenty of business cards as you mingle on the Red Carpet Staircase with your signature drink for the evening, our “Red Velvetini.”
Don’t forget to add a splash of RED to your attire!
This event will close at the first 300 registrants.
Don’t miss it! Early Bird Pricing will soon be over
www.pittsburghsocialexchange.com

Jewish Family &Children’s Service is participating in an
“International Happy Hour” hosted by Global Solutions Pittsburgh
and Amizade Global Service Learning on Feb 16, from 6-8PM
at the Walnut Grill in Shadyside. If you’re interested in learning
more about international issues affecting the Pittsburgh area and
the organizations (like JF&CS) that deal with them,
Please join us.
www.globalsolutionspgh.org

February 16 - Business Leads Exchange Networking Group TM Presents a Lunch & Learn - Eating Smart While Meeting - Whether you are at a family dinner, meeting with a client for breakfast or running errands with only time for fast food, we all face many food challenges every day. Should I have the pancakes? Is the salad my best option? Who am I kidding I don’t have time to eat! - Join Tina Nobers from CMN Nutrition Group for an interactive hour where you will learn how to overcome any food challenge you may face - You will walk away from this lunch and learn with the knowledge of how to make better, healthier choices for breakfast, lunch and dinner, the best foods to choose at a restaurant and what to eat on days you can’t seem to find the time to eat - Atria’s Restaurant and Tavern, 12980 Perry Highway Wexford - Please RSVP and pay by February 14 - 11:30am - 1:30pm - $18.00 - (If paid by Feb, 14th) $20.00 after space permitting. Prepaid with credit card www.blxnetworking.com

February 17 - 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm: PLANNING MEETING - Forming a Southwestern PA Chapter of the Grant Professionals Association (GPA) to request information, visit http://heartresources.net/contact/?utm_source=HeartSource&utm_campaign=HeartSource-Jan2012-Intro+Blog+%26+WRAP+Webinar&utm_medium=email

February 23 - 11:00 am to 2pm - RHONDA BRITTEN Teaches Fearless Business Strategies - Professional Women and Men - Who Want to Overcome Common Business Fears - 11:00am Discussion from 11:00-12:00 Lunch from 12-12:30, Workshop from 12:30-2 - LeMont Restaurant, 1114 Grandview Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15211 Valet Parking is just $6 - Registration: $49 for Pittsburgh Professional Women Members and $79 for non members, includes lunch and workshop – to register: http://www.pittsburghprofessionalwomen.net/index.html 

February 27 - 9:30 am - 3:30 pm: BASIC PROPOSAL WRITING - Grant training seminar presented by Katherine F.H. Heart, sponsored by the Foundation Center-Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh – visit http://heartresources.net/training/?utm_source=HeartSource&utm_campaign=HeartSource-Jan2012-Intro+Blog+%26+WRAP+Webinar&utm_medium=email for more details

 

Save the Date

March 1 - MWDBE Governmental Committee - 11th Annual Conference - The MWDBE Governmental Committee is preparing for its 11th Annual Conference for Minority, Women, and Disadvantaged Business Enterprises. The Conference is from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the IBEW Conference Center. The theme of each conference is Business Opportunities for MWDBE. Also, a Trade Fair with more than 25 government purchasing agents. This Conference gives each MWDBE the opportunity to market its business to government purchasing agents and other agencies at one time. Find out what bidding opportunities are available and coming up for you, and how to do business with government authorities and other agencies. The conference is free with breakfast and ample free parking around the IBEW Conference Center.

March 7 - Celebrate & Sharewould like to remind you to mark your calendars for the7th Annual Women of Achievement Awards Dinner “A Celebration of Women’s History Month” on from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the Omni William Penn Grand Ballroom in downtown Pittsburgh. This gathering of a veritable ‘who’s who’ in Pittsburgh will honor 23 prominent Women of Achievement from our region and will benefit a worthy cause, Cribs for Kids® National Infant Safe Sleep Initiative.

If you or your company is interested in joining event Sponsor and Chairman, DA Stephen A. Zappala, Jr., as a sponsor of the awards dinner; purchasing tickets or a table; or placing an acknowledgement ad in the event program book, please respond to this e-mail, call Heather Glaser at 412-322-5680 ext. 5, complete the attached sponsor form and fax to (412)322-5686, or view information on the Cribs for Kids National Infant Safe Sleep website: http://cribsforkids.org/event-calendar/.

If you have any questions, please contact Heather Glaser at 412-322 5680 ext. 5 or hglaser@cribsforkids.org. Thank you and we look forward to seeing you at this event to honor our Women of Achievement who have contributed so greatly to the city of Pittsburgh and surrounding communities.

April 4 - Pittsburgh Entrepreneur Conference & Honoring Extraordinary Women Awards Luncheon - Presented by the WSBA - 9:30 - 3:00 pm - Clarion Hotel and Conference Center, 401 Holiday Drive Pittsburgh - The event includes a full day of education, networking and our signature Honoring Extraordinary Women Awards Luncheon. The award luncheon will recognize business women that have been nominated for the following awards. Nomination forms are available at WSBAfounder@gmail.com - This year’s programs will offer “Hands On” interaction with the presenters. Attendees that bring their laptop or mobile devices will be able to try the techniques that are being presented. Event Pricing: This full service package includes lunch with open networking, 4 education sessions, awards ceramony, access to the exhibitors. Pre registered Cost: $38.00 At door registration Cost: $48.00 Premier Member Cost: $35.00 - Interested parties for speaker opportunities, sponsorship, or exhibit tables should contact Wadria Taylor, WSBA Event Director, at Style & Steel Event Planning - 412 208 0249, or by sending an email to events@styleandsteel.net.