Positively Pittsburgh Live

Saturday, June 16, 2012

Positively Pittsburgh Live Hug-A-ThonPittsburgh Night at the Races Preview

Positively Pittsburgh Live!

Hug-A-Thon Pittsburgh Night at the Races Preview

It's not Monday but there is still good news in Pittsburgh. Tonight we will be doing the news and also previewing the first fundraising roll out event for Hug-A-Thon Pittsburgh. Both organizers and sponsors will be available to talk about the Night at the Races at the Meadows on June 13th and how you can either come hang out and have fun with us OOORRRRR… you can get your picture with the winning horse in a special Hug-A-Thon Pittsburgh Race.

Sponsors on the show tonight:

Win Place and Show Fan Sponsors: Virginia M. Herdman, RN President of SPA 54

and John Pournaras, Owner of the John Pournaras Agency

Superfecta Fan Sponsor: Left Handed Clothing
Jo Ann Forrester and Mary Pay Pam Kilgore, Event Organizers

Virginia Herdman

In the1970’s, Virginia Herdman began selling Mary Kay Cosmetics and doing facials in clients.’ homes. When she began working as a nurse in 1985 her OR experiences led her to specialize in the field of cosmetic and plastic surgery.

Growing up with grandparents, who taught her how to heal her childhood ailments with plants and herbs, her curiosity brought her into the world of holistic and alternative healing modalities. Educational needs prompted her to gain her Reiki Master Certification and maintain memberships to the American Society of Plastic Surgery Nurses and the American Holistic Nurses Association.

Currently she owns SPA 54 where she employs a staff of five that works to maintain health and wellness in the private sector. She is a wife and mother of two daughters and two grandsons with hobbies of reading, swimming and traveling.

SERVICES at SPA 54 include MASSAGES, FACIALS, WAXING, MICRODERMS, PEELS, REIKI, CHIROPRACTICS, and SPIRITUAL COUNSELING.

On August 26^th from noon-4 pm there were will be a parking lot party at the space.

From now through June 30^th they are offering a Father’s Day Special of 25%, and in honor of America 25% off through July 5^th. If it’s your birthday month, receive 50% off!

ALTERNATIVE HEALING practices include Reiki sessions, spiritual counseling, aromatherapy, reflexology and chiropractic treatments.

A new website will be coming soon with online scheduling options, gift cards and membership opportunities right at your fingertips. Visit them online at www.spa54.com

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The John Pournaras Agency was founded in 1950 by John Pournaras, who was active in the business until his death in 2006. His widow Susanne and son John, as well as their conscientious, loyal and experienced registered preparers are still with them and continue to offer the highest quality in income tax preparations.

We stand behind our reputation and will work with our clients, the Internal Revenue Service and the PA Department of Revenue. As our way of saying thanks to our loyal clients in the Ambridge, Pittsburgh, and other areas in Pennsylvania we’d like to announce that we will not charge for E-Filing! For those that do not want their info E-Filed you should indicate that you “want to opt out!”

John Pournaras

John Pournaras was weaned into the tax business by his parents. His first job was licking envelopes for his father. Back then he probably wanted call the child labor laws. Now he wishes he still could lick envelopes, of course there was no real money to be made, but the job was easy. He’s an outrageous entrepreneur who gets his thrills by saving people money. He loves the tax business and his clients love to see his smile get bigger when he lets them know how much more he saves them. John has been a proponent of the flat tax since 1960.

If you are in the Ambridge, Pittsburgh or other nearby area, where else can you go where you have personnel with the total combined experience of a 175 year-old practice? How about 651 Merchant Street, Ambridge, PA 15003 at the John Pournaras Agency!

At Tax Time It’s Important To Remember: The Top Ten Things of “Why You DO Business With US”

· If you are not happy with our Tax preparation services, we will be happy to return your W-2’s,etc., back to you and you can take them elsewhere. (Most people who get their taxes done here have become lifelong clients). And yes we are less expensive than a lot of competitors who are around the BLOCK.

· We empower you by keeping you updated on where to spend your money for a dollar to dollar tax break, discuss with you your retirement plans, latest changes this and next year.

· We are open all year round (no 800 # to call).

· When we complete and file your tax information to the IRS and you get audited, we go with you at absolutely NO extra charge!

· If your school-aged children have a part-time summer job, we file them at NO EXTRA cost to you!

· You can bring in your IPAD or mobile smart phone, because we have free WIFI!

· Our coffee pot is always on!

· We accept: Checks, Debit Cards, Visa, Master Card, Discover and American Express

· We’re your most trusted authority in the field.

· Your forms can be returned to our office by either postal mail or email as a PDF attachment from johnpournarasagency@gmail.com.

Visit them online at www.johnpournarasagency.com.

Another sponsor of Hug-A-Thon Pittsburgh is Left Handed Clothing.

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Listen to the show here.

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.

Friday, June 15, 2012

Positively Pittsburgh Live News 6-4-12

Positively Pittsburgh Live News

6-4-12

Listen to the show here

We thought you might like to know that, for the sixth year in a row, Pittsburgh Quarterly has led all regional magazines in the Golden Quill Awards, sponsored by the Press Club of Western Pennsylvania for the best journalism in the 29 counties of western Pa.

Below is a listing of all regional news organizations, according to their number of

2012 Golden Quill award winners and finalists.

We hope you'll agree that, considering we publish just four times a year, Pittsburgh Quarterly packs a great deal of quality journalism into each issue.

13 winners, 25 finalists: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

10 winners, 13 finalists: Pittsburgh Quarterly

8 winners, 9 finalists: Pittsburgh Tribune Review

7 winners, 8 finalists: WPXI TV

6 winners, 7 finalists: KDKA TV

6 winners, 6 finalists: Allegheny Front

6 winners, 5 finalists: Pittsburgh City Paper

4 winners, 10 finalists: WQED TV

4 winners, 3 finalists: Centre Daily Times

3 winners, 3 finalists: Pittsburgh Magazine

3 winners, 2 finalists: Altoona Mirror

3 winners, 1 finalist: KDKA radio

2 winners, 9 finalists: Valley News Dispatch

2 winners, 3 finalists: Whirl

2 winners, 2 finalists: Pittsburgh Business Times; Tribune Democrat

2 winners, 1 finalist: New Castle News

1 winner, 4 finalists: Observer Reporter

1 winner, 3 finalists : Sewickley Herald; Shady Ave

1 winner, 2 finalists: Patch

1 winner, 1 finalist: Pitt web; Penn Hills Progress

1 winner: Johnstown Magazine; Times Express

6 finalists: Mt. Lebanon Magazine

3 finalists: The Almanac

2 finalists: "H" Magazine; KQV radio; Western Pa. History Magazine;

Laurel Group; WPSU

1 finalist: Robert Morris University magazine; Murrsyville Star;

Pitt Chronicle; North Journal; Forever Broadcasting; Globe Leader

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WQED debuts Pittsburgh Next Avenue

In response to the age boom in

America

, the PBS system and WQED introduces Next Avenue, an extensive new website that launched May 15. Designed to meet the needs and the potential of this age boom, Next Avenue will engage, inspire and inform the more than 100 million people who are transitioning into what many see as a new life stage in human development – a stage between young adulthood and “old old.” Read the entire release here.

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Classical WQED-FM 89.3 Launches Unique Pittsburgh Concert Channel

Classical WQED-FM 89.3 just made Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra performances available 24-hours-a-day. Now available at wqed.org/fm and WQED-HD2 (89.3-2FM) on HD Radio, the Pittsburgh Concert Channel exclusively broadcasts archived local performances (WQED-FM has recorded and broadcast) from the nationally syndicated Pittsburgh Symphony Radio series along with select concerts from Chatham Baroque, CMU School of Music and many others. Read the entire release here.

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Johnny Mathis Returns to Heinz Hall For Two Special Concerts with PSO

Johnny Mathis

Music legend Johnny Mathis will return to Heinz Hall for a special two-night concert series with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra (PSO).

From jazz to ballads to Broadway, Johnny Mathis has more than 50 years in the music business. Originally from Gilmer, Texas, Mathis was known not only for his singing ability but his athleticism as well. At San Francisco State, he gained additional fame as a high jumper. But Mathis gave up his chance to become a member of the USA Olympic Team and went to New York to record his first album in March 1956. The first album, Johnny Mathis: A New Sound In Popular Song, was a collection of jazz oriented renditions of popular standards, and included such songs as Angel Eyes, and Easy to Love. Read the entire release here.

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PSO Wins Prestigious International Award For Mahler 4 Recording

The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra (PSO) received a prestigious International Classical Music Award (ICMA) trophy during the annual Award Ceremony in Nantes, France. The award-winning Exton recording featured Gustav Mahler’s Symphony No. 4, conducted by Music Director Manfred Honeck and featuring soprano Sunhae Im.

The PSO’s award-winning recording was nominated alongside Exton’s release of another PSO recording – Mahler’s Symphony No. 3, featuring mezzo-soprano Michelle DeYoung, the Mendelssohn Choir of Pittsburgh, and Children’s Festival Chorus of Pittsburgh.

PSO’s recordings of Mahler’s Third, Fourth and Fifth symphonies are available at http://pittsburghsymphonyorchestra.bigcartel.com/category/cds and at Heinz Hall, 600 Penn Ave., downtown. PSO recordings are made possible by a generous grant from BNY Mellon.

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Local Scientist Named SBA Exporter of the Year

Dr. Richard Somiari

Dr. Richard Somiari, president and chief scientific officer of Integrated Technologies & Services International, works with his 11-member scientific team analyzing blood for biomarkers to help develop a blood test that can screen for breast cancer.

Recently named SBA Region III and Western Pennsylvania Exporter of the Year, Somiari decided after one year as an intern to study applied science, subsequently completed a PhD in Biochemistry and started working as a scientist, then formed a research facility to share his biotechnology and genetic profiling expertise with the worldwide medical community. Read the entire release here.

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PICT Premiere of The Pitmen Painters

The Pitmen Painters

PICT continues its season with the Pittsburgh premiere of The Pitmen Painters, by Billy Elliot author Lee Hall. The production features Brad Heberlee as Robert Lyon, Simon Bradbury as Oliver Kilbourn, Alan Stanford as Harry Wilson, Daryll Heysham as Jimmy Floyd, Larry John Meyers as George Brown, Bernard Balbot as Young Lad, Linda Kimbrough as Helen Sutherland, Rachel McKeon as Susan Parks, and Sean Sears as Ben Nicholson. PICT Producing Artistic Director Andrew S. Paul directs The Pitmen Painters, which runs May 31^st through June 23 in the intimate Henry Heymann Theatre. Read the entire release here.

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Local teen CEO Won Black Enterprise Magazine’s 2012 Teenpreneur of the Year Award

Amber J. Liggett

On Thursday, May 24^th, sixteen-year-old Amber J. Liggett, CEO of Amber’s Amazing Animal Balloons was awarded the 2012 Black Enterprise Magazine’s Teenpreneur of the Year Award, becoming the only youth to receive an award from the prestigious publication this year. “The annual Black Enterprise Small Business Awards recognize those entrepreneurs who have found their niche, possessing the right strategy and skill to eventually grow their small enterprises into sizable entities within their industries.” Natasha Gore, events coordinator of Black Enterprise Magazine explained that “This award recognizes entrepreneurs, like Amber, age 19 or under, committed to the tradition of black business achievement.” See samples of Amber’s amazing balloons at her website here.

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More Than A Mixxer
Whether you’re a bride- or groom-to-be, a professional in the bridal industry, or a member of the local community looking for an effective way to network with other community members, you won’t want to miss Enhanced Creativity’s More Than A Mixxer, taking place on Friday, June 22nd, from 5:30 to 10:00 pm. Read the entire release here.

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Heinz Hall Garden Cafe

The Garden Café at Heinz Hall Opens
Café service will be available from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. The menu offers wraps, cold sandwiches, salads and vegetarian options. Patrons can also enjoy grilled foods on Wednesdays in June, and Fridays in July and August. Read the entire release here.

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WQED Pittsburgh Congratulates Local Middle School Winners
WQED Pittsburgh is pleased to congratulate four Evans City Middle School student winners of The National Stem Video Game Challenge. Campbell Kriess and Drew McCarron of Cranberry Township and Justin Bicehouse and Connor Schexnaildre of Evans City won in the “Playable Game – Teams” middle school (grades 5-8) category for their game titled, Archers vs. Aliens. Read the entire release here.

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Buddy Valastro

Buddy Valastro Live: The Cake Boss, Homemade for the Holidays Tour
Candy canes, carols, and the Cake Boss! Celebrate the holidays this season with America’s favorite baker, Buddy Valastro, at the Benedum Center in Pittsburgh, PA on Wednesday, November 28, 2012, at 7:30 p.m. Read the entire release here.

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Join the Pittsburgh Dance Center every Wednesday for weekly dance parties all summer long! Beginning May 23rd from 8PM-11PM, Schenley Plaza will be moving and shaking with dance instruction in salsa, ballroom, swing and tango.

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JAZZ ON THE HILLSIDE CONTINUES PITTSBURGH’S RICH JAZZ LEGACY

Pittsburgh’s rich jazz legacy is known throughout the world. On Friday, June 22 from 5:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m., the legacy will continue for a very worthy cause at the 8^th Annual Jazz on the Hillside fundraising concert on the lawn of the Schenley Heights Community Development Program (SHCDP) Multi-Purpose Center, 3171 Ewart Drive. Read the entire release here.

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Roving Pittsburgher Report

Penn Hills Community Days at 3 Lakes Golf Course, “Champions Live” Sports Talk Show. Sunday, June 10, 2012

Bill Neal, host and Smokin’ Jim Frazier co-host, invited staff of Hug-A-Thon to an interview segment on “Champions Live” Sports Talk Show. This airs on PCTV and dedicated YouTube channel, and was filmed live from the Penn Hills Community Days.Also at the event, music and fire trucks, face painting and vendors, oh my! Great fun in the sun. Also got to meet new recruit for the Pittsburgh Steelers who will start this fall, 6’8” Wes Lyon.

Sonny and Jo’s
2957 Banksville Rd , Pittsburgh PA 15216

Family owned by Sonny and Johanna Messina. Sicilian pizza, Sweet Carolina wings, Buffalo Wings, Steak Hoagie, yum! Fresh wedding soup made by Aunt Lenny was wonderful with escarole and chicken and pastina. Wow! Say hello to our favorite bartender, Michelle Messina.
Oh by the way, the Sweet Carolina Wings are not on the menu so tell them that TechnoGranny and Al Levine recommended them.

Mendoza Express, Authentic Mexican Food

612 Mansfield Ave. Pittsburgh, PA 15206, http://mendozaexpress.com

“Tucked in on a neat little corner just below all of the Green Tree Hotels and in the neighborhood of Cannevin High School.” Family run by Yadi and Marco Mendoza. Tiny, but neat and clean and oh, the food. I am not an enchilada fan, but I try them always hoping to find the perfect one. I found the first perfect one at Fidel’s in Del Mar near San Diego in California, the Mariachi singers helped the digestion. The second “perfect enchilada” was right here in Pittsburgh at Mendoza Express. And Yadi made tamales, not on the menu, for my Spanish host, Virginia M. Herdman from Spa 54, who loved them. Also the guacamole is fresh and delicious and Yadi and Marco do not rely on a lot of salt to make it delicious but on other spices. A good note to make for those restricting their salt diet. Wonderful little place and immaculately clean and congenial, also.

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Listen to the show here.

Positively Pittsburgh Live! Pittsburgh Alternative & Holistic Practitioners 6-11-12

Positively Pittsburgh Live!

Pittsburgh Alternative & Holistic Practitioners

6-11-12

Listen to the show here

Guests:

Barbara Solomon RN, LAc: Owner Bamboo Road, Licensed Acupuncturist and Reconnective Healing Practitioner

Dr. Dan Turo, Chiropractor: Owner Turo Family Chiropractic

Debbie Hardin, Acupuncturist certified in Herbal Studies and writer

Dr. Dan Turo

As a North Allegheny 2003 alum, Dr. Dan Turo truly understands the Pittsburgh hometown pride. In high school, he had the opportunity to enroll in an anatomy and physiology course, which illuminated his pursuit towards a career in health care.

He completed his bachelor of science degree in Kinesiology (the study of movement) at The Pennsylvania State University and graduated Cum Laude in Fall 2006. He found his true calling while researching and touring the Life University campus and their College of Chiropractic located in Marietta, GA.

He excelled through the program and rounded out his clinical experience under a great mentor, Dr. Bob DeMaria, The World's Drugless Doctor. Dr. Dan graduated Magna Cum Laude in March of 2011 and reaffirms each day that chiropractic is the best avenue for which he can serve the Pittsburgh community and all of humanity.

During his educational journey, Dr. Dan married his high school sweet heart, Erin. In September 2011, they were blessed with the arrival of their first child Ethan, who will certainly be making continued appearances at the office! With Erin and Ethan playing an integral role in the growth and management of Turo Family Chiropractic, it truly is a family business.

Dr. Dan is very active in the community. As a member of The Chamber of Commerce, he loves to partner with local small business to increase awareness on many popular health topics. Also, as an active member of his church, Dr. Dan has a heart for charity work and has helped in recent events with North Hills Community Outreach and Light of Life Mission. As his office continues to expand, he would love to know how he could help serve you and your organization.

Turo Family Chiropractic is a family owned and operated business located ½ mile off the Camp Horne Exit of I-279 in the North Hills of Pittsburgh. Their mission is to restore spine and nerve system function to their community members through precise analysis and adjustments to optimize health and healing.

Chiropractic care recognizes and respects the organizing, regulating, and healing properties of life. It also improves nervous system function. The alignment and motion of your spine is directly related to the function of your nervous system. Your nerve system is made up of your brain, spinal cord, and delicate nerves that coordinate every function in the body. It is your body’s conductor and keeps you in tune. The nervous system is so important that it’s messages are protected by bone, which are 24 segments that make up your spine. If you spine loses its alignment or motion, known as a spinal subluxation, then this places increased stress on the delicate nerve system, which can lead to poor health and function. Chiropractors seek to restore spinal alignment and motion, reduce stress on the nerve system, and increase overall body performance and function.

Contact Turo Family Chiropractic at 412-360-0400 or www.turofamilychiropractic.com.

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Barbara Solomon

Barbara Solomon started as a medical assistant (MA) in 1975, became an RN in 1985, and completed a four year Master in Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine degree in 2003.

She has worked in a variety of areas as an MA & RN, including doctor’s offices, nursing homes, medical & surgical units, ICU and finally in research, drug & device studies, specializing in trauma, infectious disease and ortho/neuro studies, among others.

She also worked in research for CAM (complementary & alternative medicine) for eight years during and after taking the acupuncture course at the Oregon College of Oriental Medicine. She returned to Pittsburgh in 2010 to care for her mom and opened a practice in Squirrel Hill a year ago this month (Bamboo Road).

While listening to my patients, I began to understand the mind/body connection and I wanted to offer more than the typical western approach. I became interested in energy medicine, since I belonged to a holistic nursing group and learned acupressure while working in ICU in the late 80s and early 90s.

I now offer a variety of modalities to help people tap into their body’s own healing abilities. Acupuncture is good for more than just pain…it helps with a variety of “internal medicine” issues. The more someone “owns” their problem, the harder it will be to heal it. Instead, own your health!

Attitude is a huge factor in healing & staying healthy. Anger kills, forgiveness and love contribute to healing. You can contact Barb at 412-608-6015 or www.mybambooroad.com.

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Debbie Hardin

Debbie Hardin is an acupuncturist, writer and outdoor lover in Pittsburgh who helps people transform pain, stuckness and disappointment into opportunities for greater health and happiness. Her own treatment in college shifted her struggles with anxiety and depression in a profound way and catalyzed her desire to help others live the fullest life possible.

She holds a Master’s in Acupuncture and a graduate certificate in Herbal Studies from the Tai Sophia Institute in Laurel, Maryland, and is licensed to practice in Pennsylvania.

Clients say they appreciate her gentle, healing presence, practical advice, and her knack for explaining the treatments in ways that are readily understandable.

She writes frequently on her site about the intersection between Chinese medicine and personal development and is a regular contributor to the holistic fertility blog, Without Child.

Her goal, through acupuncture treatment, meditation classes, and lifestyle coaching, is to reconnect people with their own healing capabilities.

Many people associate acupuncture with pain relief, but are surprised to know that it can help with many, many other issues as well, such as anxiety, depression, insomnia, digestive disorders, stress and fertility and just feeling not quite right.

Acupuncture treatments work on the root causes rather than just focusing on each symptom individually, which leads to a greater sense of vitality and well-being.

Self-care is the most important component of health and is often the most overlooked.

Acupuncture needles are about the size of cat's whisker! The experience is nothing like having blood drawn.

You can contact Debbie at 412-927-4768 or www.hardinacupuncture.com.

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Listen to the show here.

Saturday, June 16, 2012

Positively Pittsburgh Live Hug-A-ThonPittsburgh Night at the Races Preview

Friday, June 15, 2012

Positively Pittsburgh Live News 6-4-12

Positively Pittsburgh Live! Pittsburgh Alternative & Holistic Practitioners 6-11-12

Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Night At The Races