Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Positively Pittsburgh Live! 5th Anniversary Party Preview 4-23-12

You have heard of Oscar previews and Super Bowl Previews, well tonight is going to be the 5th Anniversary of PositivelyPittsburghLive Party previews.


Find out what will be going on, who are the Pittsburghers entertaining, what Positive Pittsburgh restaurants are bringing the food and what you will learn.


Tonite you will hear from Joyce Kane of Cybertary who runs our PPL Mag Calendar; Jo Ann Forrester, Strategic Operating Officer of Dreamweaver Marketing Associates--the umbrella for the PositivelyPittsburgh Network; Mary Pam Kilgore, event planner for the 5thAnniversary PPL Party and also the first annual Hug-A-Thon Pittsburgh; Dean Quinn, Development Director for PositivelyPittsburghLiveMagazine.com; Al Levine, Community Relations and Development Director for Hug-A-Thon Pittsburgh and the staff of the Sickle Cell Society which is one of the Hug-A-Thon Pittsburgh Charities.


The TechnoGranny is having a party and if you have not decided yet to come, we are hoping our preview will tip you over the edge because the box office is open until 9 PM tomorrow, Tuesday, April 24 and yes, walk ins are welcome, you just won't have an ID badge and if we can't read your writing we won't know who you are.


Register for the party here


Positively Pittsburgh Live News 4-23-12



Positively Pittsburgh Live News 4-23-12

Five Powerhouse Organizations Partner to Provide Second Annual Small Business Works Seminar
The second annual Small Business Works seminars – aimed at empowering and educating small business owners – will kick off at 9 a.m. on May 21, 2012 at the Kingsley Association in East Pittsburgh. The event will be hosted by Building Bridges for Business, the County of Allegheny, the City of Pittsburgh, the Center for Women’s Entrepreneurship at Chatham University and Duquesne University’s Small Business Development Center. Read the entire release here

***
Gridiron Glory

Pro Football Hall of Fame Debuts in PittsburghThe largest traveling exhibition ever created about the history of professional football is coming to Pittsburgh! Gridiron Glory: The Best of the Pro Football Hall of Fame will make its world premiere at the Senator John Heinz History Center on Oct. 6, 2012 through Jan. 6, 2013 before embarking on a national traveling tour.   Read the entire release here. 

***
Pittsburgh Shakespeare in the Parks
Interested in auditioning for our Fall show? Pittsburgh Shakespeare in the Parks will hold auditions for the September 2012 run of The Tempest, directed by Alan Irvine, on Saturday April 28th from 1-4 pm at the Blue Slide Playground in Frick Park, Squirrel Hill (intersection of Beechwood Boulevard and Nicholson Street). Call backs will be held at the same location on Sunday. Please email info@pittsburghshakespeare.com for an audition time.
All those auditioning bring photo and resume and be ready to do a Shakespearean monologue of your choice. Singers and musicians may sing or play a short musical selection. Rehearsals will take place in August with the show running the first four weekends in September during the day in Pittsburgh city parks. Stipends available. Non-equity performers only.

***
Art. Music. Dance. Architecture. Film. Networking. Fun. FREE!
The Gallery Crawl is a free quarterly showcase of art and entertainment in the heart of the Cultural District. All events take place at a variety of galleries and spaces are FREE and open to the public. The event is ongoing between 5:30 and 9:00 pm, and patrons may start at any location. For a full listing of events, visit TrustArts.org

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Calling All Foodies – Cocktails & Cuisine
The Woodlands Foundation Crisis Center North will be holding its fifth Annual Cocktails & Cuisine for Women in Crisis, with sponsorship from the Allegheny County District Attorney’s Office and UPMC Health Plan and media sponsorship from North Hills Monthly Magazine and Comcast. The event will again feature top notch grazing from over 20 local restaurants, wine and ale purveyors, the sounds of top Pittsburgh’s jazz duet, It Takes Two, and silent and live auctions. Jon Burnett, KDKA-TV Accuweather Forecaster will serve as emcee. Celebrity foodie judges, Doug Oster and Rhonda Schuldt, will be selecting the Best Overall Taste Treat and all event guests will have the opportunity to vote for The People's Choice Award for overall favorite.
 For more information click here.

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Local Teen Balloon Artist Makes Her National Television Debut
Local 15-year-old teen entrepreneur Amber J. Liggett, CEO of Amber’s Amazing Animal Balloons will raise national awareness about youth entrepreneurs in the Pittsburgh, PA region. Amber, a high honor student at Lincoln Park Performing Arts Charter School, will be featured on PBS’s nationally syndicated BizKid$ Sunday, April 1st at 7:30 pm (WQED 13 - Pittsburgh).

Amber Liggett,
photo courtesy of her website
Amber is a talented balloon artist who performed at First Night Pittsburgh 2011, and is last year’s winner of the 2011 George W. Tippins Regional Business Plan Competition. Amber puts a “positive twist” on youth entrepreneurship in the Pittsburgh region through her amazing balloon art. The 2011 Ernst & Young Emerging Young Entrepreneur of the year (Pittsburgh region), semi-finalist in the NFTE National Entrepreneurship Challenge, and 2011 NFTE Global Young Entrepreneur of the year, Amber spreads the message of entrepreneurship on a global level, mindful of the support of her community. Pictures of her amazing balloons can be seen at her website. A sneak peak of the segment can be seen here

While filming Amber for the BizKid$ segment, Executive Producer Jim McKenna said, “Amber is simply amazing!” Catherine Blanchard, VP of Entrepreneuring Youth applauds Amber’s dedication to her business. “Amber is the consummate professional embodying entrepreneurial characteristics of vision, determination and creativity. Her passion and enthusiasm are clearly evident as she amazes people of all ages with her balloon art, empowering stories and charming smile.”

Amber continues empowering other young people not only by example, but by teaching balloon making and entrepreneurial workshops at the Community College of Beaver County (CCBC). She works with children with autism as well, and plans to hold a fundraiser (for autism awareness) this summer during CCBS’s summer autism camp, where she is also an instructor. Amber travels throughout the US and speaks about youth and entrepreneurship. To reach Amber with questions or for an interview, call: Marcia Liggett (Momager): Tel: 724-728-5134

***

Jersey Boys
Jersey Boys Returns to Pittsburgh
More than 87,000 theatergoers cheered when JERSEY BOYS made its sell-out premiere in Pittsburgh in January 2009. Worldwide, more than 13 million people have seen JERSEY BOYS and now, the show that made critics and audiences cheer, is “Working Its Way Back” to Pittsburgh! JERSEY BOYS, is the Tony®, Grammy® and Olivier Award-winning Best Musical about Rock and Roll Hall of Famers The Four Seasons: Frankie Valli, Bob Gaudio, Tommy DeVito and Nick Massi. This is the story of how four blue-collar kids became one of the greatest successes in pop music history. JERSEY BOYS features their hit songs “Sherry,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Rag Doll,” “Oh What a Night” and “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You.” Purchase tickets before they go on sale to the public Monday, May 7 with promo code BIGGIRLS at www.trustarts.org
***

"Jessica Lee's Entrepreneurial Thursdays"
Musical Networking Happy Hour, EVERY THURSDAY!!! Cover Charge: Only $5.00
Vocalist Jessica Lee & Friends, Little E's Jazz & Blues Club, 949 Liberty Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15222, 2nd Floor above Mahoney's Restaurant, 5:30 pm - 8:00 pm

Jessica Lee
Pre-show networking session at 5:30 pm. Informal matchmaking for job seekers, employers & new entrepreneurs! Live music starts at 6:00 pm.

April 26, 2012: "Community Development Collaboration"
Featuring interviews with:

Co-host Tom Donoghue, AIA, LEED APProject Manager, Architect, MBA,Donoghue Project Consulting

Rich Engel, Executive Director, The Bloomfield-Garfield Corporation (http://bloomfield-garfield.org

Maya Henry, Business District Manager, Lawrenceville Corp.  (www.lawrencevillecorp.com)

Pat Clark, Jackson Clark Partners (http://www.jacksonclark.net/
***


The Roving Pittsburgher Report

UNDAUNTED: The Forgotten Giants of the Allegheny Observatory on
Wednesday, April 18, at the Senator John Heinz History Center
On this evening, you will learn the surprising stories of how Pittsburgh has
been a world leader in the study of the Sun, stars, and skies for well over
a century and can lay  claim to being known as the true birthplace of
aviation. Be prepared to be surprised about this little known but important
part of Pittsburgh history. Admission is complimentary. You and any guests
you wish to bring are welcome. Looking forward to seeing you  (and your
guests) there!

Vince’s of Greentree
Starters: Polenta and sauce with sausage, fried Zucchini and a steak salad with a wonderful assortment of veggies.

Nonna’s Italian Bakery, Morgantown, WV
Italian baked goods at their best from mini cream puffs to soft dough baked biscotti and Italian fruit filled cookies at my nieces wedding shower.


Elements, Gateway Towers
Pittsburgh Women’s Power Lunch hosted by Suzanne Froehlich


Around the World in 80 Days
Sunita Pandit says, "Slapstick and minimal props at its best.  I felt like it was an old time silent movie just with dialogue, we laughed until we cried for a great escape from everyday trials and tribulations and a good belly laugh, see it:  Read the full review here


In the Next Room or the Vibrator Play
Opening night of Pittsburgh Irish & Classical Theatre’s production of Sarah Ruhl’s breakthrough play, “In the Next Room or the Vibrator Play” brought theatre goers of multiple generations to experience the birth of electricity at the turn of the century. The fascination with the new invention and its impact on domestic life is a subtext to the rigid protocols of behavior that characterized the time.

Edison ushers in the possibilities of modern life on the heels of the stifling rules of relationships where euphemisms and unspoken yearnings take precedence over honest and direct communication. The social mores of the Victorian era are in sharp contrast to the subject matter of the revolutionary treatment of female hysteria. Read the full review here.

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This was reported as a reproduction of PositvelyPittsburghLive news done by Joanne Quinn-Smith. (c) Joanne Quinn-Smith and PositivelyPittsburghLive(TM) 2012 All rights reserved.



Tara Darazio is a Positively Pittsburgh Live reporter, an independent copywriter, blogger, article writer, and social media strategist. If you are in need of writing assistance, or need help with your social media efforts connect with Tara on LinkedIn here.

PositivelyPittsburghLive 5th Anniversary, Yunz Comin?



PositivelyPittsburgh™Live 
5 Year Anniversary
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
6:00 - 8:30 PM
Comfort Inn and Suites

2898 Banksville Road
Pittsburgh, PA 15216


We are having a party to celebrate!
Yunz comin?

Be on time and JOIN our live broadcast!
Get your 2 minutes of fame!

           ·     Find Out How Hug-A-Thon Pittsburgh will make this city more lovable
  • Help Cancer Caring Center to Provide Good Nutrition to Cancer Patients
  • Get a $40.00 Esspa Kozmetika Gift Card for donating a four pack of Ensure to Cancer Caring Center, just bring it with you
  • Entertainment, Fun, Food 
Come hungry because these fine food purveyors are providing tastey morsels...
  • Shonda Lynn Treats
  • Cozy Café
  • Organo Gold Coffee
  • Casey's Cupcakes
  • Taj Mahal
  • Gaetano's Banquet Center
  • Sonny & Jo's Pub & Pizza
  • Michelle's Diner
  • Register for the event

And Pittsburgh Entertainers

to Entertain You

  •  Premier of PPL theme song
  • “In the Burgh” by Pittsburgh Troubadour 
  • Martin Thomas
  • The Peculiarity and Perils of Driving in Pittsburgh by Comedienne and Public Speaker, Sally Chopping
  • "How to Remember to be a Positive Pittsburgher and also not lose your car keys"  Demo by Alex Tomsho, the Memory Expert
 
Join us on Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Comfort Inn and Suites
2898 Banksville Road

Pittsburgh, PA 15216
6:00 -- 8:30 PM


As we roll out new
PositivelyPittsburghLiveMagazine.com
Meet Positive Pittsburghers
Box Office closes 9 PM tonight, Walk-Ins welcome, just write neat so we know who you are, coz you won't have a name tag.
Hosted by Joanne Quinn-Smith,
The Techno Granny
Meet the PPLMag and Positive Pittsburghers Staff Hear  Dedicated Channel Owners on PPL Mag Tell You How PPL Mag Has Driven Business Their Way 

Entertainment and Premier of PPL theme song
“In the Burgh” by Pittsburgh Troubadour 

Martin Thomas
Previous Guests on PositivelyPittsburghLive
Also get details on upcoming Hug-A-Thon Pittsburgh Events!
...
Learn ALL the Features, Benefits and Tech Stuff about us!
Pittsburgh's First Internet Radio and TV Channel 
Although this is a FREE event you must RSVP
There will be Tasting Stations from Positive Pittsburgh Restaurants and Catering and Food Vendors
Date:  April 25, 2012
Where:  Comfort Inn & Suites Ballroom
2898 Banksville Rd
Pittsburgh, PA 15216
412-343-3000
Time:  6 PM to 8:30 PM
Free Parking Available, Rear of Building

Register for the event
Bring plenty of business cards for networking with other Positive Pittsburghers and PPLMag channel owners.

Food vendors and restaurants who would like to provide appetizers. Limited number of tables available.  Or if you have gifts for ticket auction please contact Mary Pam Kilgore at:
mpkilgore@comcast.net


Vendors Attending:


  • Turo Family Chiropractic
  • John Pounaras Agency
  • Brian Fallet, Handy Man
  • Body Beautiful Laser Medi Spa
  • Zaccone Photography
  • Scentsy
  • Beauty Society
  • Smart Phone Solutions
  • Smart Phone Solutions
  • Wild West Online Video Productions
  • NAWBO/MWDBE
  • Cancer Caring Center/Sickel Cell Society
 

Sponsored By:
http://www.blacktie-pittsburgh.com/fwlink/?fw=E7623EBD-163E-0103-05E6B20D459D6F32
PositivelyPittsburghLiveMagazine.com,

http://www.blacktie-pittsburgh.com/fwlink/?fw=E7623EC9-163E-0103-05A990B2A65265B9

http://www.blacktie-pittsburgh.com/fwlink/?fw=E7623ED5-163E-0103-05B6AFCB66D9A5AF

http://www.blacktie-pittsburgh.com/fwlink/?fw=E7623EE1-163E-0103-05F5A149106617DB



http://www.blacktie-pittsburgh.com/fwlink/?fw=E7623EED-163E-0103-058D68806A538224

This is a free event. Ticket Auction will be held to benefit Pittsburgh Hug-A-Thon Charities

Joanne Quinn-Smith
412-444-5197
2009 National SBA Journalist of the Year
AKA TechnoGranny, Talkcast Host
Publisher, PositivelyPittsburghLiveMagazine.com
2010 Stevie Award Finalist for Best Media Website or Blog
Creative Energy Officer, Dreamweaver Marketing Associates, Full Service Marketing Company Specializing in Web 2.0 Branding.

Take advantage of the PositivelyPittsburgh Alliance:
Post your Positive Events and Use Discussion Forum
Get Your Own Syndicated Pittsburgh Internet Radio or TV Channel at: http://positivelypittsburghlivemagazine.com http://pplmag.com

LinkedIn:  http://joannequinnsmith.com
twitter:  https://twitter.com/technogrannysho
TechnoGrannyTalks:  http://technogrannyshow.com

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Positively Pittsburgh Live News 4-16-12


Straight No Chaser, a cappella vocalist group, returns to the Benedum Center

Straight No Chaser
The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust presents the return of the popular male a cappella group Straight No Chaser to the Benedum Center, on Wednesday, May 2, 2012, at 8:00 p.m. This performance is part of the Cohen & Grigsby Trust Presents series. Read the entire release here.
 
 
 
 
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The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust Announces Music Headliners For 10-Day Festival

The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust proudly announces headline music concerts for the 2012 Dollar Bank Three Rivers Arts Festival, June 1 – 10. All concerts are free to the public and take place on the Dollar Bank Stage in Point State Park in downtown Pittsburgh. The line-up of musicians represents just one facet of the multi-disciplinary Dollar Bank Three Rivers Arts Festival, which celebrates its 53rd year in downtown Pittsburgh this summer. Additional daily music acts will be announced in the coming weeks, along with other Festival attractions. Read the entire release here.

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The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust celebrates second annual Pittsburgh JazzLive International Festival

The second annual Pittsburgh JazzLive International Festival (PJLIF) returns to downtown Pittsburgh’s Cultural District on Friday, June 1, through Sunday, June 3, 2012, for an expanded weekend of music, art and celebration. The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust produces this annual event to celebrate Pittsburgh’s jazz legacy in cooperation with the Dollar Bank Three Rivers Arts Festival. The event features a JazzLive Crawl in 30 downtown venues on Friday; three outdoor stages on Saturday and Sunday; a lineup of regional, national and internationally acclaimed musicians; and on Sunday a visual art show dedicated to the African and African American diaspora. Read the entire release here.

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Pittsburgh Opera season concludes with Mozart’s comedy The Abduction from the Seraglio
The Abduction From The Seraglio
Pittsburgh Opera concludes the 2011-12 season with an effervescent comedy from Wolfgang Mozart, The Abduction from the Seraglio. On stage April 28, May 1, May 4 and May 6 at the Benedum Center, Abduction will be sung in English, with English texts projected above the stage. Set in a pasha’s harem aboard the luxurious Orient Express train and featuring
showpiece arias such as “Martern aller arten” (featured in the film Amadeus, 1984), the opera also provides plenty of physical comedy. The fine and funny ensemble cast features David Portillo and Paolo Pecchioli (both appeared in The Barber of Seville, 2010), Pittsburgher Joseph Gaines (Turandot, 2011), and debuts by Lisette Oropesa and Ashley Emerson. Music Director Antony Walker conducts; Michael Shell directs. Read the entire release here.

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Pulitzer finalist launches PICT 2012 season

In The Next Room
PICT launches its 2012 season with the Pittsburgh premiere of America’s most popular contemporary play, Sarah Ruhl’s Pulitzer finalist In the Next Room or the vibrator play. The production features Brad Heberlee as Dr. Givings, Megan McDermott as Catherine Givings, Jessica Frances Dukes as Elizabeth, and Melinda Helfrich as Sabrina Daldry. Alan Stanford directs. Read the entire release here.  

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Save the date of May 23, 2012 for Innovation Works’ Investor Day and Annual Meeting
You’ll see a great line up of seed- and early-stage companies during Investor Day’s three unique sessions, then join us for our annual meeting and reception. Look for your invitation soon for the logistics of the event. All activities take place at The Circuit Center on Pittsburgh’s Southside (5 Hot Metal Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15203).

We are excited to present some of the region’s highest-potential investment opportunities. Please feel free to contact Craig Gomulka, Chief Investment Officer, to discuss investment opportunities in our companies (cgomulka@innovationworks.org or 412-894-9503). Also, if there are others in your office who should receive an invitation to Innovation Work’s Investor Day & Annual Meeting, please pass along their name(s) and email so we can invite them personally.

***
An Evening with Yanni
Yanni
The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust presents An Evening with Yanni on Wednesday, May 9, 2012, at 8:00 p.m., at the Benedum Center. This concert is part of the Cohen & Grigsby Trust Presents series. In 2012, Yanni brings his tour to North America, followed by a South American tour in the fall, and a multi-city tour of China in 2013. The concert will feature Yanni and his world-class musicians and vocalists performing many selections from his extensive music career. Read the entire release here.


 
 
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Pittsburgh Dance Council presents Lar Lubovitch Dance Company

Photo by Todd Rosenberg
Lar Lubovitch Dance Company 


Pittsburgh Dance Council, a division of The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, presents Lar Lubovitch Dance Company, at the Byham Theater, on Saturday, April 28, 2012, at 8:00 p.m. “All of the company’s dancers are true artists in their own right, and the ‘music’ they make is as wondrous as that of any Coltrane quartet” (The Washington Post). One of America’s most versatile, popular and highly-acclaimed choreographers Lar Lubovitch founded the Lar Lubovitch Dance Company in 1968, New York City. Throughout the years, the company has been referred to as one of the world’s most leading modern dance companies. In addition to performing in every state across the United States, they have also performed in more than 30 foreign countries worldwide. Read the entire release here



***
PSO Concerto Competition Semi-Finalists Named

The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra on Wednesday picked eight musicians living in the United States to vie for an opportunity to perform next season with the orchestra in a concert led by Music Director Manfred Honeck. The eight semi-finalists for the PSO’s national Concerto Competition are: Francesco Camuglia, 21, of Las Vegas, flute; William Hagen, 19, of Salt Lake City, violin; Benjamin Hopkins, 21, of Los Angeles (hometown, Rochester, NY), piano; Manon Hutton-DeWys, 26, of Bronx, NY (hometown, Red Hook, NY), piano; Tae Kim, 29, of Boston, piano; Xiomara Mass, 23, of Chicago (hometown, Puerto Rico), oboe; Angela Park, 24, of Philadelphia (hometown, Los Angeles), cello; Kristan Toczko, 23, of New Haven, Conn. (hometown, Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada), harp. Read the entire release here.
***
Stand Up Now Network VIP Screening

Saturday April 21, 2012, The Hide Out Banquet Hall & Lounge, Oakland 
6:00 pm, ADULT EVENT

The Stand Up Now Network and the Royal Tribe arts organization is presenting a VIP Premiere Screening of the S.U.N. TV Show’s first episode part of a seasonal youth focused series designed to be educational and informational in the areas of Social Responsibility, Healthy Lifestyles, Youth Development, and Media Literacy.This event will be hosted by the Stand Up Now Show Team and Youth cast from the South Side, Hill District and many other areas in Southwestern Pennsylvania. (A Youth Only version of this event will be held April 28th in the Hill District).

The SUN TV Show Trailer can be viewed on Youtube.com/StandUpNowNetwork. All adult professionals are welcome to participate. We are actively creating a broad network of mentors including independent media and other industry professionals. (This is not a youth event and adults are discouraged from bringing any unsupervised youth). We hope that all guests will make a $10 “minimum” free will offering. All support will be greatly appreciated.

This activity is powered by the people and not funded by any state or federal funds. All guests should arrive at 6 pm sharp for a “Meet and Greet Reception.” At 7 pm the “Film Episode” will be viewed. At 8 pm there will be a “Q & A”. At 9 pm “Post-Entertainment” by local unsigned area artists. Free food amd desserts will be provided. A CHINESE AUCTION will be held throughout the evening. A private cash bar will be available for the adults ($3 specials all evening). Dress code is Business or “Sophisticated Funky Hipster.” To RSVP or for more information contact Kent Bey standupnownetwork@gmail.com or by calling 412-596-3785.
***

"Jessica Lee's Entrepreneurial Thursdays"
Musical Networking Happy Hour, EVERY THURSDAY!!! Cover Charge: Only $5.00
Vocalist Jessica Lee & Friends, Little E's Jazz & Blues Club, 949 Liberty Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
2nd Floor above Mahoney's Restaurant, 5:30 pm - 8:00 pm

Jessica Lee
Pre-show networking session at 5:30 pm. Informal matchmaking for job seekers, employers & new entrepreneurs! Live music starts at 6:00 pm.

April 19, 2012: Spring in the City

Please join us as we highlight "Spring in the City" with our expert panelists giving a preview of Art All Night in Lawrenceville, free jazz poetry concerts in the Northside, Silk Screen Asian American Film Festival, and City of Asylum/Pittsburgh which is internationally recognized for providing opportunities for exiled writers from around the world. We will also have a unique preview of two exciting plays - "Shakespeare in the Raw" as well as "Martin R. Delaney" who lived an remarkable life as a journalist, physician, and activist in Pittsburgh in the mid-1800s and is listed among the 100 Greatest African Americans in history.
Our panelists include:Mark Freeman (Co-Host), Henry Reese, Founder, City of Asylum/Pittsburgh , http://www.cityofasylumpittsburgh.org/; Mimi Jong, Molly Ebert & Katie Jones, Silk Screen Asian American Film Festival , http://silkscreenfestival.org/; Jennifer Bechak & Kair L. Purvis, Art All Night Lawrenceville, http://artallnight.org/; Wali Jamal, Actor & Playwright, "Martin R. Delaney", http://www.brothaashproductions.com/MartinRDelaneyWaliJamal.html; Andy Kirtland and Elizabeth Ruelas, Directors, "Shakespeare in the Raw" for Unseam'd Shakespeare, http://www.unseamd.com/; and a Community Interview with Tony Macklin, Board of Trustees, Awesome Pittsburgh, http://awesomepgh.com .
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PositivelyPittsburgh™Live 5 Year Anniversary Bash
April 25, 2012, Comfort Inn & Suites, Banksville Road, Pittsburgh
FREE EVENT, RSVP Required, 6:00 pm-8:30 pm



PPL shout’s out its numbers. Join us in the five big years bash. Make at least 10 amazing contacts with other Positive Pittsburgher’s, Learn what you can do on PPLMag and Positive Pittsburghers to promote your business, Have fun with great positive people from the Burgh, Just for attending we will help you register on Positive Pittsburghers and PPLMag, Get your free account on both. For details and to register, click here.

***
Roving Pittsburgher Report


Cozy Café, West End
Owner Adrienne is a first class chef hidden away in the West End with a culinary repertoire from homemade to gourmet. This past week I had the most amazing homemade tasting wedding soup and gourmet crab cakes with his standard fair of caramelized sweet potatoes. It was light tasty and good for you and his wife Lindsey makes you feel like you are having dinner in her dining room. Come to PPL 5th Anniversary to taste test their famous Reuben sandwich.

Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra
Sent out Al Levine, the Talking Machine, Pittsburgh Good News Reporter and Development Director for Hug-A-Thon Pittsburgh to “Do You Hear the People Sing?” Read the entire review here.

Anoushka Shankar
I must admit that I am an old yuppie head. I think I made a new term. But I have every Ravi Shankar album (on vinyl) that was ever produced but I had not really paid much attention to Anoushka. Just by mere name recognition I decided to attend the concert with some Indian clients and friends. Great move on my part. Cohen Grisby Trust Presents and the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust as usual did not disappoint in their grand selection of artists.
What an evening. I had no idea that flamenco had its roots in Indian classical music or that there were so many unusual instruments used in both Spanish and Indian music. What a stroke of genius to combine Flamenco guitar, a Spanish Singer and classical Indian music. Read the entire review here.

Coppelia
According to Jo Ann Forrester of the Empress of Biz, the ballet competed with the Penguins game and the lovable story about a romance between a real man and a puppet came to life at the Benedum this past week. You can read Joanne’s entire review here.

Alexander’s, Market Square
Great Saganaki, flaming cheese and I am not even going to try to pronounce the name of the cheese under the flame or spell it. But it was outstanding! Just watch out that you don’t get a DUI from the sauce because the fire is started with the most excellent liquor. Bill and Kay treated us like royalty as we went in at 9 pm and they closed at 10 pm. You would have thought we walked in at 4 pm, what hospitality. We sat in the bar and watched the penguins lose but the filo Spanakopita, I can pronounce and spell that, was a winner, best ever.

Dell’s, Bloomfield
I have been going here since I first came to the city in 1976 and the quality of food has not changed. After visiting the Sickle Cell Society we went around the corner to one of the favorite restaurants in Little Italy. It did not disappoint, we had ravioli in walnut cream sauce, a turkey Devonshire and peasant style Eggplant Parmigiano. Our lunches with entrée and either soup and salad or side dish was $7.98, not bad for a Thursday afternoon or any afternoon Monday through Friday.
***
This was reported as a reproduction of PositvelyPittsburghLive news done by Joanne Quinn-Smith. (c) Joanne Quinn-Smith and PositivelyPittsburghLive(TM) 2012 All rights reserved.
Tara Darazio is a Positively Pittsburgh Live reporter, an independent copywriter, blogger, article writer, and social media strategist. If you are in need of writing assistance, or need help with your social media efforts connect with Tara on LinkedIn here.


Pittsburgh Mother's Organizations 4-16-12


Positively Pittsburgh Live!
Pittsburgh Mother's Organizations


Guests:
Cynthia Boswell, Board Director, Heaven's Rainbow, Inc.
Barb Smith, President of Board of Directors for HEARTH
Lori Szala, Executive Director of the Pregnancy Resource Center of the South Hills


Barb Smith is the President of the Board of Directors and has been a volunteer for HEARTH for more than 20 years. She also volunteers for the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition (NOCC), Pittsburgh Chapter and was a past president of the organization. She has been a stay at home mom for many years and a community volunteer. Barb is a past member of the Junior League of Pittsburgh, and has volunteered on many school committees including Parent Faculty Association.

HEARTH's Transitional Housing Program, Benedictine Place, serves homeless women with children from Allegheny County, including the City. It has been open since 1995 and has served over 200 families including over 560 individuals, providing over 4 million hours of supportive services. The program's focus is on developing economic self-sufficiency through education programs.

The average age of women that HEARTH serves is 24-45. Families have 1-4 children, ranging from birth to age 18. 50% of women are victims of domestic violence, 30-60% have mental health issues, 14 out of 15 families do not receive child support and are living in poverty, and 10-30% of women are recovering from substance abuse.

The Transitional Housing program has had unprecedented success. Of those women who have completed the program in the last 5 years: 75% secured full-time employment, 84% obtained permanent housing, 88% increased their education level, and 89% increased their income.

HEARTH lost its leased home of 17 years last June and had to move to temporary quarters and now needs a new Home to be able to continue the program. They are in the middle of a $1.5 million capital campaign for a new Home in Shaler Township, with more than 2/3 of the goal committed. The total project budget is $7.4 million. They need volunteers and donors to complete the project, with plans to close on the property in June and begin renovations thereafter.

HEARTH is unique because of the educational requirement, fully furnished apartments in one building, comprehensive program support, life skills training, community and volunteer involvement and accepting families with up to four children and boys over age 12. The new Home will be located in a safe, quiet setting close to transportation, good schools, and support services.

HEARTH currently serve 15 families at one time and the new home will allow them to serve 20.

They hold four special events each year. More information on upcoming events can be found on the website at http://www.hearth-bp.org/.  HEARTH is located at 8035 Mcknight Rd., Suite 303

Pittsburgh, PA 15237. Right now, they need committee and board volunteers. To get involved, contact Volunteer Manager, Vicky Gill, at VLGill@hearth-bp.org  or 412-366-9801 ext 13.

***
Lori Szala
Lori Szala has worked for the Pregnancy Resource Center of the South Hills (PRCSH), an organization that provides young women and men with confidential medical care and compassionate peer counseling free of charge, in various capacities for 12 years.

She became the Executive Director in 2010. In her prior positions at the PRCSH, Lori helped develop the IN THE KNOW Educational Programs, sharing her personal story and inspiring local middle and high school students to consider abstinence in order to prevent teen pregnancy and STDs. In addition to her work with pregnant teens, Lori has made six mission trips to Africa and has helped drill a water well and build, supply and organize schools for children in small remote villages while teaching the IN THE KNOW program to thousands of students in HIV/AIDS infested regions. Lori and her husband, Scott, have been married for 20 years and have three children: Justin, Ashley, and Jeffrey.

Established as a charitable entity in 1989, PRCSH has been working to provide young adults with high-quality, professional, positive alternatives to an unplanned pregnancy. In addition to free pregnancy testing, the PRCSH offers ultrasound services, ongoing, confidential, peer-counseling and support for women and men; referrals for legal, medical, financial, and adoption services; clothing and furnishings; parenting and childbirth classes; after-hours helpline; post-abortion counseling and education; free STD testing and treatment services; young moms’ and dads’ support groups; IN THE KNOW Educational Programs presented in local high schools and middle schools; and sexual assault examinations and rape counseling.


Pregnancy Resource Center
 of the South Hills

A new service being offered is Sexual Assault examinations and counseling: S.A.N.E. nurses provide forensic sexual assault examinations and advocates walk alongside of sexual assault survivors; on-going individual and group counseling available.

Upcoming fundraisers: Walk-For-Life, Golf-For-Life, Celebration Banquet at Heinz Field.

PRCSH is located at 101 Drake Road, Pittsburgh, PA 1524, 412-833-6048, email Lori at execdirectorprcsh@comcast.net. For more information, please visit http://www.prcsh.org/.

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Cynthia Boswell
Cynthia Boswell retired from YRC Worldwide, Inc. after thirty-three years, working in all departments. She also served in the capacity of office steward and was instrumental in the negotiation of three teamster contracts. She is a past president and board member of the Women's Traffic Club of Pittsburgh. She currently serves as a volunteer with the Wilkinsburg Ministerial Association, Amachi Pittsburgh, and Kairo's Outside. She also serves in many capacities and ministries at Deliverance Baptist Church, Pittsburgh, PA and continues to pursue her education and ministry. Cynthia is a wife, mother of three children, and grandmother of four. "As a teen mother myself, I immediately saw the opportunities presented by Heaven's Rainbow, Inc. to initiate life-changing curriculum for young teen and single mothers providing and offering future choices that promote God's words "you are fearfully and wonderfully made."

The mission of Heaven’s Rainbow, Inc. (HRI) is to empower young teen and single mothers ages 13-25 to build strong and stable lives. This mission is carried out through providing personal and professional development through means of resources, education, training, and life skills.

We offer three programs: Resource Referral Services, Transitioning Program, and Seasons of Change (SOC) Curriculum/Training Manual.
HRI is all volunteer based, and there are even success stories of young moms who have returned to volunteer with HRI. Clients are referred to HRI through word of mouth and agency referrals. When a client comes to HRI, we will meet with them one-on-one and prepare a complete assessment of their needs and develop a resource plan to refer them to various organizations for resource services.

Upcoming events include: our upcoming pilot program on April 20 & 27 with the University of Pittsburgh called *SIFE. We will have 5-10 young moms participate and between 5-10 SIFE student mentors match up with the young moms. We will conduct two pilot program days and if all goes well, we will start full program with them in August.

On September 8th we are looking to partner with Rodman Street Missionary Baptist Church to conduct a "Day of Pampering" for 10-12 young moms through their "Project In As Much" annual community service program.

*SIFE: Students in Free Enterprise: SIFE brings together a diverse network of university students, academic professionals, and industry leaders around the shared mission of creating a better, more sustainable world through the positive power of business. By contributing their talents to projects that improve the lives of people worldwide, SIFE participants are demonstrating that individuals with a knowledge and passion for business can be a powerful force for change.

HRI will be expanding their office (funding from POISE Foundation and donation of office furniture and equipment from “You Call, We'll Haul, Inc.” (owner James Wallace-Beaver Falls) and working on strategic planning for existing and new services and expanding database (funded by PACE grant). They will also have various sites trained to conduct SOC groups all over the City, as well as use vacant buildings they own to create an umbrella of services for young moms all under one roof.

HRI is looking for churches and organizations who are interested in being trained on their SOC Curriculum/Mentor Program OR Interested in HRI conducting a workshop for their groups of young single moms. People can donate or sign up to volunteer through the website or by contacting HRI: 812 Swissvale Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15221 (new address in May will be 800 Swissvale Avenue) 412-731-0777, Contact: Kimberly Burke,CEO, info@heavensrainbow.org or kburke@heavensrainbow.org. Online at http://www.heavensrainbow.org/.

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This was reported as a reproduction of PositvelyPittsburghLive news done by Joanne Quinn-Smith. (c) Joanne Quinn-Smith and PositivelyPittsburghLive(TM) 2012 All rights reserved.


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