Episode 44, Pittsburgh Technology

This show was taped in January but it seems to be still timely to release the blog now considering gasoline is approaching $4.00 per gallon and one of the guests is developing a technology to make high grade bio diesel from oil bearing plants.
Listed below are the other guests involved in cutting edge technology, assistance or funding of that technology.

Joe Polk is a Senior Technical Specialist with Penn State’s Pennsylvania Technical Assistance Program (PennTAP). He provides technology and technical assistance to organizations and businesses in southwestern Pennsylvania.
PENNTAP Services

• Information Technology Assistance

 e-Business Roadmap, Business Planning, Readiness, Content Generation
 Security Assessment
 Disaster Planning / Recovery
 Requests For Proposal (RFP)
 Network Roadmap / Assessment
 Connectivity / Telecommunications
 Website Assessment
 Software / Hardware Selection
 Knowledge Management
 Email / Collaboration Assessment
 e-Learning Training
 IT and e-Business Policies / Procedures (Liability, Privacy, Security)

• Environmental Assistance
• Food Processing and Handling Assistance
• Forest Products Assistance
• Product Development Assistance
• Occupational Safety and Health Assistance
• Statistical Data and Analysis
• Technical Information Searches
• NASA Technology Transfer Assistance

For information or assistance contact:

Joseph M. Polk, Senior Technical Specialist
400 North Lexington Street, 3rd Floor
Pittsburgh, PA 15208
Phone: 412-352-6836 / Fax: 412-473-2768
E-mail: jpolk@psu.edu
Web: www.penntap.psu.edu

John Burke of Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh

John Burke, is a Sr. Business Specialist for the Business Development Center at the Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh from 1992 to Present. As a loan officer, he has underwritten over 150 businesses loans utilizing a variety of public funding sources resulting in business investments of over $100 million. He has also been involved in over 40 Real Estate Development financing projects including key Pittsburgh landmarks and mixed use developments. John also helps to market the URA and articulate the organizational mission through personal contacts, electronic and written outlets. He is the BDC's liaison with the Pittsburgh Technology Council, Pittsburgh Life Sciences Greenhouse and other technology related groups. John can be reached at 412.255.6556.

The Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh (URA) is the City of Pittsburgh's primary economic development agency. As a developer of last resort, the URA develops properties which the private sector will not undertake. The goals are to create jobs, increase the city's tax base, and improve the vitality of businesses, neighborhoods, and the City's culture as a whole. The URA's Business Development Center (BDC) helps Pittsburgh businesses leverage the capital necessary for their growth and success. Whether your business is building a new facility to accommodate expansion, seeking working capital to underwrite growth, purchasing or leasing new equipment, or all three, the URA is ready to assist. The BDC offers a variety of ‘gap’ loan financing products and has a network of technical assistance providers to achieve this mission. We will work with most any business and lender to make good deals work.

Funded by the URA and built on the site of the former Jones & Laughlin Hot Strip Mill, the Pittsburgh Technology Center reflects the old and the new in its design. High-tech buildings and generous open spaces represent Pittsburgh's evolution from a town founded on heavy industry to a city on the cutting edge of innovative research and technology. The project's master plan calls for the creation of a campus-like setting combining a riverwalk, tree-covered walkways, and a greensward consisting of a variety of grasses and wildflowers.


Lalit Chordia
Thar Technologies, Inc.

730 William Pitt Way
Pittsburgh, PA 15238
Telephone: (412) 435-0200
Fax: (412) 826-3215
Email: chordia@thartech.com
EDUCATION

Ph.D. Chemical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, 1985
B.S. Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Madra, 1980

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

1994-Present Founder
Thar Technologies Pvt. Ltd., Chennai, India

Super Critical Fluid Technology

Future market of this technology is in the energy areas of Biodiesel, Ethanol Recovery, Solar and Nuclear power and Geothermal Refrigeration. The process creates clean burning biodiesel fuel from oil bearing plants at a cost of about $2.85 a gallon to consumer.
Thar has just received a 2 million dollar grant from the federal government to develop a new biodiesel technology.
a. This technology follows the 3 E’s: Energy, Efficiency and the Environment
b. This technology is very versatile and the feed is multipurpose.
c. This is the beginning of our foray in the Energy area
d. This will produce jobs in our area and increase prosperity
e. a biodiesel factory in 2010.

Jo Ann Forrester is the one of the owner’s of SI Business Associates, business consulting form with over 30 years of consulting and acquisition of over 10 million dollars in funding for their clients with the use of Price It Perfect Cost Control Solution which was dev eloped by Jo Ann Forrester and her partner Jim Martin

Jo Ann R. Forrester: SI Business Associates; www.sibaworld.com, 412-440-6969

Small Business Solutions, LLC
Presents
Price it Perfect!
o Price it Perfect is a cost analysis and cost management program for small business.
o Price it Perfect QUICKLY and ACCURATLEY analyzes business cost structure.
o Price it Perfect eliminates costly mistakes on estimating and bidding projects.
o Price it Perfect is customized for each client It has been installed in 30 locations.
o Price it Perfect currently used as a cost analyzing and estimating tool by :

Cost Analysis of a business is also available. The analysis includes the following:
 Breakeven point
 Hourly, daily and weekly costs by project
 Hourly daily, and weekly costs of employees
 Administrative costs
 Variable costs
 Return on investment
 Equipment costs per hour
 Income and cash flow projections.
 Cash flow analysis

Cocktails and Cuisine for Women in Crisis

"Cocktails and Cuisine for Women in Crisis" will be held Thursday
May 8th, from 5:30-8:30 at the Woodlands in Bradford Woods! This premier event will showcase unique samplings from over 25 chefs, wine and ale purveyors, in
addition to the first Annual Caesar Salad Taste Off! Hear the fabulous voice of Antoinette, enjoy the Art Gallery contributions from the Shaler High School, check out our FLAIR bartender! Come Hungry, come to celebrate Spring and community, but mostly come to support
the necessary work of this great agency toward assisting women and
children who are victims of domestic violence. All this for just $50 - it's a no-brainer.

Attached is a flyer or simply call 412-364-6728 Ex. 16 or use Pay Pal at www.CrisisCenterNorth.org

Epsidoe 56--Pittsburgh Helping Hands--Make the Connection Awards

The Greater Pittsburgh Chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners, NAWBO, invites you to join us in honoring the many deserving volunteers who have made local organizations an asset to the community at our
8th Annual Make the Connection Gala Awards Dinner.

Chair Maureen Ciarolla, Ameri Source Trust and Envy White Teeth
Event Planner, Mary Pam Kilgore, Kilgore Business Services


The Make the Connection Gala Awards Dinner celebrates the following volunteers and recognizes them individually for their contributions:

And the Honorees are...

Barbara J. Dull Girl Scott Troop 1725
Rebecca Eddinger Care Break at Watson Institute
Laura Elm Women's Small Business Association
Helen Feledik Saint Januarius Church
Mark Gray Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank
Dr. Kristen Hannibal The Glen Montessori School
Ruby K. Jain Silk Screen Festival
Jane Joy Zonta -- Three Rivers Pittsburgh North
Mary Pam Kilgore South Hills Chamber of Commerce
Yolonda Kirby Tomorrow's Future, Inc.
Andrea Kotjarapoglus Dress for Success
Allyson Lowe PUMP
Weston Lyon BNI of Western Pennsylvania/ International Networking Day
Andrea Marquis Addison Behavioral Care, Inc.
Rozanne McCall North Hills Community Outreach
Hanna McCarthy Langley High School
Cynthia O'Neill American Red Cross
Sallie Pagano Community Options
D. Raja TiE Pittsburgh
Harish Saluja WDUQ
Mary Savage Western Pennsylvania Conservancy
Judy Schafer Angela's Angels
Margaret Soboslay Heinz History Center
Mitchell Sperling Carlow University Community Education
Peggy Stack Volunteers of America of Pennsylvania
Matthew J. Szanca Carnegie Library of Homestead
Madhavi Vuppalapati AID - Pittsburgh
Kristina Wagstrom Gwen's Girls
Latasha Wilson Best of the Batch Foundation
Beverly Woodside Women's Business Network




We invite you to honor these volunteers
whose commitment to various groups has exemplified the vision of that organization and whose service recognizes the connection between volunteerism and the economic stability of our region.

Greater Pittsburgh NAWBO’s Annual
Make the Connection Gala Awards Dinner 2008
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Sheraton Station Square
300 West Station Square Drive
6:00 P.M. until 9:00 P.M.
Cash Bar and Auctions begins at 5:30 P.M.

Click here to Purchase Your Gala Tickets

Tickets to the dinner for staff, friends, and family and community leaders will be available for $75.00 individually or a table for 10 may be purchased for $650.00.


We look forward to applauding these honorees and your organization on April 23, 2008 and will enjoy meeting you, your staff and the members of your board.

Maureen Ciarolla
AmeriSource Trust HRO Group
MTC Awards Chair


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


NAWBO is a national organization of women business owners with local chapters in every state. Our goal is to unite the Pittsburgh area members into a single, unified and formidable organization for the mutual benefit of all. Our monthly dinner programs, educational workshops, and networking opportunities are just a few of the benefits of NAWBO PGH. We invite you to join this community of dynamic women!


Visit us at www.nawbopittsburgh.org
"Sign up for the NAWBO Pittsburgh Biz-Blast
& Stay in the Know!"

Episode 56, Pittsburgh Arts Education

InternGuests

International Academy of Design & Technology Benefits
Renee Forbes, Fashion Show Advisor

A native of Charleston, South Carolina Renee Forbes relocated to Pittsburgh, PA in August 2004. She is an Instructor of Fashion Merchandising at the International Academy of Design and Technology, Pittsburgh located in the Omni William Penn Hotel at 555 Grant Street. She is the Student Fashion Association Advisor and just directed the Fashion Event of the SEASON! The 3rd Annual Fashion Show entitled, "Feature Presentation." A trailer of the show can be seen on "youtube" videos, search IADT Pittsburgh.

Renee speaks about the “engaged learning” at the academy and also on line offerings at 11 locations. Renee also talks about all of the offerings of International Academy of Design and Technology.
Fashion Design, Interior Design, Game Design
Multimedia, Web Design, Computer Graphics,
Advertising, Video Production
Renee Forbes
International Academy of Design and Technology
555 Grant Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
412-391-8716
RForbes@iadt-pitt.com


Tom Sevini, Douglas Education, Sevini School of Special Effects
Tom Savini is a world-renowned special make-up effects artist, director, and actor.
Some of his credits include:

"From Dusk till Dawn"
"Night of the Living Dead ‘90"
"Friday the Thirteenth"
"Dawn of the Dead" / "Day of the Dead"
"Texas Chainsaw Massacre II”
“Grindhouse”

Tom can soon be seen in the upcoming sequel “Lost Boys 2" where he will play a vampire/surfer.

He began his Special Make-Up Effects Program at Douglas Education Center in 2000 and most recently (this February) added his Digital Film Production Program. The unique thing about DEC and Tom’s programs are that students get to interact and collaborate with other talented students studying various aspects of the entertainment/art world.

Tom speaks about
• The facilities at DEC and how they replicate real-world environments.

• The disciplines studied in the 16- month special make-up effects program: Mold making, casting, hair and beards, animatronics, prosthetics, sculpting, painting, creature design, fashion and performance make-up. Plus, you get an associate in specialized business degree!

• the digital film students planned projects: music videos, trailers to present to the American Film Market, feature films, and even pilots for reality television
• Shows.

Tara Dorazio
Douglas Education Center
130 Seventh Street
Monessen, PA 15062
724-684-3684
tdarazio@douglas-school.com

Pittsburgh Center for the Arts and Pittsburgh Filmmakers
Laura Domencic, Director

Laura Domencic is the Director of Pittsburgh Center for the Arts. She received her BFA in Art from Carnegie Mellon University and studied abroad at the University of Tasmania in Australia. She exhibits her paintings, sculptures and installations locally and nationally. As an art educator and administrator for the past ten years, she’s organized artist residencies, developed art education programs, and curated solo and group exhibitions at several non-profit arts organizations in the Pittsburgh community.

Pittsburgh Center for the Arts is deeply involved in the regional art 'world,'
through gallery exhibitions of regional artists and artist guilds, art classes open to the public for kids and adults, and placing artists in short-term residencies in schools and other local institutions.

Laura Domencic also speaks about the education programs of both the Pittsburgh Center for the Arts and the programs and facilities offered by the Pittsburgh Filmmakers.

Laura Domencic
Pittsburgh Filmmakers & Pittsburgh Center for the
412) 681-5449
LDomencic@pittsburgharts.org

Living Legends Jazz Series: Janis Burley Wilson, Vice President of Education and Community Engagement for the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust

Janis Burley Wilson, Vice President of Education and Community Engagement says, “It was a thrill to book these great nights of jazz. Joe Harris played with Charlie Parker, Miles Davis, toured with Quincy Jones big band in the early 1960’s. According to many, Jimmy Ponder is one of the best jazz guitarists of that era in the world. We’re so fortunate to have these artists living and working in Pittsburgh, and it’s time to honor them.”


In conjunction with “Living Legends,” there will be a photography exhibit at 709 Penn Gallery from April 4-May 2, featuring the work of Nathan Tritter and jazz photos by Teenie Harris, courtesy of the Carnegie Museum. The opening reception on Saturday, April 5, 5-7pm will include a performance and talk about the 100th anniversary of the Black Musician’s Union.


Janis Burley Wilson also talks about cultural education that goes on because of the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust.


Janis Burley Wilson
Pittsburgh Cultural Trust
burleywilson@pgharts.org
412-848-1987, office is 412-471-6078

Oscar Wilde's "Ideal Husband" presented by Pittsburgh Irish and Classical Theatre

For Immediate Release
Contact: Melissa Hill Grande, Marketin Director Pittsburgh Irish & Classical Theatre
(412) 561-6000 x203
mgrande@picttheatre.org
http://www.picttheatre.org

Calendar Listing

An Ideal Husband
by Oscar Wilde

May 8 - 31, 2008

Henry Heymann Theatre, Stephen Foster Memorial, Oakland

Sir Robert Chiltern – brilliant politician, perfect gentleman, and ideal husband – is in the verge of obtaining cabinet rank. Then the scheming and seductive Mrs. Cheveley threatens to reveal a dark secret from his past, and the foundations of his prized career and marriage look set to crumble. In order to be a successful blackmailer, however, one’s own reputation must be beyond reproach! A dazzling blend of farce and morality, An Ideal Husband stars Beth Hylton, Paul Todaro, and 2007 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Performer of the Year David Whalen.

Featuring: Anwen Darcy, Nike Doukas, James FitzGerald, E. Bruce Hill, Kathleen Huber, Beth Hylton, Dek Ingraham, Jay Keenan, Catherine Moore, Mary Rawson, Paul Todaro and David Whalen

Directed by: Andrew S. Paul Scenic Design: Gianni Downs

Costume Design: Joan Market Lighting Design: Erick Leininger

Properties: Johnmichael Bohich Sound Design: Zachary Brown

Production Stage Manager: Ashley J Martin

Performance Dates and Times:

First Week: Thursday – Friday, May 8 - 9, Previews, 8 p.m.

Saturday, May 10, Opening Night, 8 p.m. (followed by reception)

Sunday, May 11, 2 p.m.

Second Week: Tuesday, May 13, 7 p.m.

Wednesday – Saturday, May 14 - 16, 8 p.m.

*Artistically Speaking – Wednesday, May 14 (Sponsored by UPMC) at 7p.m.

*Behind the Scenes – Thursday, May 15 at 7p.m.

Sunday, May 18, 2 p.m.

Third Week: Wednesday – Friday, May 21, 8 p.m.

Saturday, May 24, 2 p.m. & 8 p.m.

Sunday, May 25, 2 p.m.

Fourth Week: Tuesday – Friday, May 27 – 30, 8 p.m.

Saturday, May 31, 2 p.m. & 8 p.m.

A special student matinee is scheduled for Thursday, May 8 at 10 a.m. Teachers, call 412-561-6000 x208 for more information!

Ticket Prices: Wednesday and Thursday Nights, and Matinees: $41 Adults, $37 Seniors

Friday and Saturday Nights: $45 Adults, $40 Seniors

Opening Night: $47 Adults, $42 Seniors

Previews: $33 all seats (No senior discounts)

Youth, 25 and Under: $17 all Performances
For Tickets, call ProArts at (412) 394-3353 or visit www.picttheatre.org

Episode 56--Pittsburgh Authors--Third Edition

Despite the echo in audio which my sound engineer, Greg Matthis, is trying hard to alleviate with editing, this is a great talk cast. ( By the way, this is the first time that I have ever had this kind of audio challenge on Talk Shoe. Someone called in on the call using VOIP microphone and did not have their volume turned down. It was not a guest but a listener.)


The line up of Pittsburgh Authors was diverse and nothing short of brilliant. It’s amazing when you get a group of creative people together who have not previously talked how recurring themes emerge. And that is the most I am going to say about that because I don’t want to spoil the show for you.

Check out this line-up:

• Nancy Stampahar; "Peace, Love, Lemonade, a recipe to make your life sweeter;"
• Gina Mazza Hillier; “Everything Matters, Nothing Matters;” “Romancing the Future;” co-author, “Cosmic Kids”
• John Brewer: “African Americans in Pittsburgh;” also “Pittsburgh Jazz”
• Diane Fletcher and Weston Lyon: “Creating Space 39 Strategies To Help You Make Time for What's Important;”
• Weston Lyon: “Fit in Fifteen;” “Use it to Lose It”
• Joyce Faulkner, For Shrieking Out Loud;” In the Shadow of Suribachi;" "Sunchon Tunnel Massacre Survivors"
• Lisa L. Spahr: “WWII Radio Heroes: Letters of Compassion;”


Guest bios:

John M. Brewer, Jr., is a historian and consultant for the Pittsburgh Courier archive project, a consultant for the Carnegie Museum of Art's Charles Teenie Harris photograph project and the curator and founder of the Trolley Station Oral History Center and author of the Black American Series African Americans in Pittsburgh. John also owns one of the largest banquet ballroom facilities in Pittsburgh, the Coliseum. John is one of the foremost authorities in the country on African American History and a much sought after researcher and speaker. John’s unique brand of historical story telling has added much to the history of African American Culture in Pennsylvania and around the country.
Joyce Faulkner I writes history, historical fiction and humor. Her blogs are: http://www.forshriekingoutloud.blogspot.com and http://www.rrpstorytellers.blogspot.com. She is a speaker and consultant for folks who want to write and publish books. In particular, she works with the veteran community – although she has helped all sorts of people write their stories and publish them. She evaluates books that people have written and gives them advice on how to prepare their writing for publication. She ghostwrites for those who have a story but do not wish to write it themselves.

Diana Fletcher Author, Speaker, & TotalHealth Coach
Diana is the author of Creating Space. She’s also the publisher of a monthly newsletter called TotalHealth. Diana is an energized, yet down-to-earth speaker for businesses, organizations, and associations on how to reach TotalHealth. Diana is a recognized authority on fitness & nutrition. Using her experience and knowledge, she helps clients find time to exercise and eat right. Diana works with individuals, as well as entire families (at once).
Gina Mazza Hillier is a journalist, editor, co-author of two nonfiction books and a founding partner of Epiphany Works, LLC. To learn more about Gina and her upcoming book events and media appearances, visit: EverythingmattersNothingmatters.com, Ginawriter.com and epiphanyworks.org.. Everything Matters, Nothing Matters is for the woman who finds herself overworked, under-inspired and lost amid the demands of spouse, house, kids and kin, and/or long hours at an unfulfilling job – with zero time for herself. Its 7-step plan encourages readers to step back, get real and joyfully reclaim who they are.
Weston Lyon Author, Speaker, & KING of the Functional Fitness Jungle Weston is the author of the internationally recognized book USE IT TO LOSE IT. Weston is a passionate, dynamic speaker who is a master at bringing the audience to life and getting them involved. He speaks to companies, organizations, and associations across the country on…Weston personally coaches a select group of clients in the picturesque town of Sewickley, PA. As one of the leading authorities on functional fitness, Weston helps his clients become stronger, more flexible, and full of energy.

Lisa L. Spahr, Author and Life Coach Lisa Spahr is a master’s level psychologist and sole proprietor of Spahr Consulting, a life coaching business based in Pittsburgh. She has an extensive background working in law and psychiatry and the military and policing domains with respect to human performance and optimization. Before finishing her book she could be found on a military base wearing a gas mask, firing an M-16 and leading a squad of soldiers through a simulated village; or flying over L.A. with the L.A.P.D. during a gang takeover; interviewing psychopaths in prison; or teaching our front-line officers how to stop a suicide bombers.

Nancy Stampahar is an organizational development consultant, trainer and keynote speaker who earned her degree in human resource management and created her own business, Silver Lining Solutions®, after she decided to make lemonade. Nancy delivers a new, clever twist to the "When Life Hands You Lemons, Make Lemonade" metaphor. From her real-life personal and professional stories and examples, Nancy Stampahar explores the power of choice with a practical, how-to approach to empower people to live happy and fulfilling lives.

Women in Arts Symposium by EWC and Women and Girls Foundation

Executive Womens Council
April 14, 2008


Dear EWC Member,

Here is some information about an excellent program that you might find interesting.

Art, Activism & Equity Symposium
Part of the Women in the Arts Festival


April 18, 2008-April 19, 2008


Co-Presented by the
New Hazlett Theater, Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council
& Women and Girls Foundation

The New Hazlett Theater, Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council and the Women and Girls Foundation present a dynamic symposium, Art, Activism & Equity, as part of the "Women in the Arts" Festival on April 18 and 19, 2008. The festival, which features the Guerrilla Girls (art activists who have come to be known as "the Conscience of the Art World.") and Faythe Levine (Director and Author of "Handmade Nation: Documenting the rise of DIY Art, Craft & Design"), celebrates the accomplishments of women in the arts in Pittsburgh and connects the local arts community with national resources, trends, and philosophies.

The symposium will explore solutions regarding Southwest Pennsylvania's embarrassing record of women's compensation rates, build networks among Pittsburgh's emerging and established arts leaders while celebrating our region's unique strengths as a center for individual accomplishment. The program will also explore politics and feminism and will encourage local action, connection to resources and coalition building.

SCHEDULE HIGHLIGHTS

FRIDAY, APRIL 18, 2008, 2:00 to 9:00 PM

Opening Presentation
Guerrilla Girls, featuring Frida Kahlo, on the history and work of the Guerrilla Girls in exposing sexism, racism and corruption in the art world, politics, film and pop culture.

Workshops

Crafting Your Life: Craftivism & Creating Community
This workshop will be spearheaded by Faythe Levine, Director and Author of "Handmade Nation: Documenting the rise of DIY Art, Craft & Design" (Book Release: November 2008, Princeton Architectural Press. Documentary Release: 2009), and Elizabeth Perry, BlogHER Innovator New Media Artist and creator of Woolgathering, conceived as an 18th-century Commonplace Book brought to the Web (http://www.elizabethperry.com/woolgathering).

Getting active and Initiating Change.
Guerrilla Girls


Panel Discussion
The quest for equality is still critical. Conversation will explore today's feminist movement in the arts, in politics, in business and across generations.
Moderator: Sara Radelet and Sylvia Rhor
Panelists:
Heather Arnet, Women and Girls Foundation
Vanessa German, Slam poet and visual artist
Chelsa Wagner, Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Nancy Washington, Vice Chairperson, August Wilson Center for African American Culture

Reception and Performance
Selected works by Vanessa German

SATURDAY, APRIL 19, 2008, 10:30 AM to 9:00 PM

Opening Presentation
Melissa Swauger, Assistant Professor of Sociology, Carlow University, will present the Implicit Association Test, demonstrating that we all have subconscious discriminations.

Panel Discussion
Women Making Change! Today women in PA make 70 cents for every buck a man earns. This panel will talk about how we can work together to CHANGE this!
Moderator: Heather Arnet, Women and Girls Foundation
Panelists:
Selena Schmidt, Chief of Staff for City Council President Doug Shields
M.J. Tocci, Fulcrum Advisors
Audrey Murrell, University of Pittsburgh, Katz School of Business

Mini Catapult Workshop
Presenter: Heather Arnet, Women and Girls Foundation
Catapult is a new project of the Women & Girls Foundation that matches trained, volunteer coaches with women who want to become more skilled and confident in their use of negotiation to improve their professional situations.

Reception and Performances
Autumn Ayers
Nicole Reynolds
Soma Mestizo

To register for the symposium or for more information, please call the New Hazlett Theater at 412-320-4610, ext. 17 or email dsciranka@aol.com.


Karen Myres

Executive Womens Council

Broadway Comes to PIttsburgh in Two Trains Running

April 14, 2008
For Immediate Release Contact: Melissa Hill Grande
(740) 350-6456
melissa.grande@gmail.com




Broadway star Anthony Chisholm to star in Pittsburgh Playwrights
production of August Wilson's Two Trains Running


PITTSBURGH, PA -- Pittsburgh Playwrights Theatre continues their
tradition of a yearly production of one of August Wilson's Pittsburgh
Cycle plays with Two Trains Running, from May 10th through the 25th at
the Pittsburgh Playwrights Theatre, 542 Penn Ave. The production is
sponsored by the Pittsburgh Multicultural Arts Initiative, with
support from the Hill House Association and the Pittsburgh Cultural
Trust.

Two Trains Running is set in the historic Hill District in 1969, and
is the fifth play that Wilson wrote in his ten-play Pittsburgh Cycle.
The play explores attitudes about race, justice and civil rights held
by black Pittsburgh residents who congregate in Memphis Lee's
Restaurant. Two Trains received a Tony Award nomination for best play
in 1992.

A Hill District native, Wilson was the co-founder of Pittsburgh's
Black Horizon Theater along with playwright Rob Penny. His many awards
and honors include two Pulitzer Prizes, a Tony Award, and an Olivier
Award, as well as the only high school diploma ever issued by the
Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh.

The production is directed by Onyx Award winner Mark Clayton Southers.
Founder and Artistic Director of PPTCO, Southers is a director and a
playwright. Locally he's directed for New Horizon Theatre, Bricolage
and Frick International Studies Academy. His plays have been produced
locally and on the national level.

Legendary actor Anthony Chisholm will play Memphis, owner of the diner
where the play is set. Chisholm is one of the nation's most prominent
interpreters of August Wilson's work, and was nominated for a 2007
Tony Award for his performance in the Broadway production of Wilson's
Radio Golf. His film and television credits include Beloved, Reign
Over Me, Vietnam War Stories (Cable Ace nomination), and the HBO
television series Oz.

Sala Udin returns to the role of Holloway, which he played in the
Pittsburgh Public Theater production in 1994. A member of the
Pittsburgh City Council for eleven years, he played the role of Becker
in the very first production of Jitney and in August in February at
the Byham Theatre.

The cast also features Wali Jamal as the numbers runner, Wolf. This is
Jamal's fifth full production of one of Wilson's works, having played
Toledo in Ma Rainey's Black Bottom, Seth Holly in Joe Turner's Come
and Gone, Canewell in Seven Guitars, and Avery in The Piano Lesson,
which earned Jamal a Best Supporting Actor award at the 2007 AACTA
Onyx Awards. Jamal has performed in all of the August in February
productions at the Byham Theatre.

Jomo makes his Pittsburgh debut as the mentally disabled Hambone.
Prior to coming to Pittsburgh, Jomo worked as an actor and teaching
artist in Chicago, Boston, and his hometown of Newark, New Jersey. He
has played Gabe in Wilson's Fences for the New Repertory Theatre
outside of Boston, and for Trinity Rep. in Providence, Rhode Island.

Donald Marshall, former Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Performer of the Year,
plays the undertaker West. Most recently, Marshall played the role of
Mugabe in Quantum Theatre's production of Breakfast with Mugabe.
Jonathan Berry plays the handsome young ex-con Sterling. Berry
recently received the 2007 Best Actor AACTA Onyx Award for his
performance in New Horizon Theatre's Pill Hill. This marks his third
PPTCO August Wilson play. CAPA senior Sharnece Thomas plays Risa.
Thomas is an aspiring playwright and a director.

Due to the interest in the production, patrons are urged to purchase
tickets in advance. Tickets are $22.50 to $27.50 and are available
through the website at www.pghplaywrights.com. Group rates are
available by contacting Mark Southers at austinsills@aol.com.


Pittsburgh Playwrights Theatre
Fact Sheet


Two Trains Running by August Wilson

May 10 – 25, 2008
Pittsburgh Playwrights Theatre
542 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15222

Directed by: Mark Clayton Southers

Featuring: Jonathan Berry, Anthony Chisholm, Wali Jamal, Jomo, Donald
Marshall, Sharnece Thomas, and Sala Udin.

Scenic Design: Mark Clayton Southers
Costume Design: Cheryl El-Walker
Lighting Design: E.A. Smith
Sound Design: Mark Whitehead

Performance Dates and Times:
Thursdays and Fridays – 8 p.m.
Saturdays – 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Sundays – 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Ticket Prices:
Thursdays: $22.50
Fridays and Saturday evenings: $27.50
Matinee performances: $24.50
Opening night, Saturday May 10: $35.00


Sold out performances (as of April 14):
All previews May 8 - 10
May 10 opening night
May 11 at 7 p.m.
May 16 at 8 p.m.
May 17 at 2 p.m.

For tickets visit www.pghplaywrights.com

Cry and Laugh with King Lear at Pittsburgh Irish Classical Theatre

The Grandfather of all Shakespearean tragedies was portrayed by the Pittsburgh Irish Classical Theatre cast more like a tragic old uncle’s family tale. Despite the fact that this is a classic Shakespearean tragedy, there are so many comedic forays in the play that the star, Dakin Matthews adroitly exhibits that at times you find yourself chuckling out loud. Take heart, though it is an expertly executed tragedy and you will cry also.

The sparse set is wonderful and the drum for sounds affects very effective in allowing the dialogue to shine. My favorite characters personally in addition to Lear are Edmund and Edgar and the Fool. Edmund is the perfect cad with a lascivious look that can best be enjoyed in the intimacy of The Charity Randall Theatre in the Stephen Foster Memorial in Oakland. Likewise Edgar bounces between his disguise as Tom the beggar and a gentleman heir to Gloucester with regal ease. And The Fool could not have been more aptly cast in Simon Bradbury whose antics truly mimic what you would expect of a court jester with just a hint of modernization.

The acoustics in the theatre are amazing and the story telling undiminished by editing of this lengthy play. From start to finish the rending of the play is wrought with genius from the directing of James Christy to the scenery by David Gordon.

A story of deception and valor at odds with each other, of good versus evil, of triumph and the twist of tragedy, King Lear has always been for centuries a favorite of the masses and now the Pittsburgh Irish and Classical Theatre cast, director and artists have truly earned the banner of a production that is Positively Pittsburgh Live.

If you haven’t yet seen King Lear it is worth the ticket price at twice the price.
Performances are Tuesday, April 15 at 7 PM
Wednesday to Saturday, April 16 to 19 at 8 PM.
Wednesday to Friday, April 23-25 at 8 PM
Saturday, April 26 at 2 PM and Saturday, April 26 at 8 PM
For Tickets call Pro Arts at 412-394-3353 or visit www.picttheatre.org.

Girls Going Places Conference, April 23, 2008

The second annual Girls Going Places Entrepreneurship Conference will be held on April 24, 2008 from 8:30 – 2:30 p.m. at Chatham University. Girls Going Places is an exciting and interactive day of learning for young women ages 12 – 18. The conference will partner 120 female students with local women executives and entrepreneurs for activities and discussions that introduce students to the concepts of financial independence, entrepreneurship, and business ownership. This event offers girls an experience that will stimulate their interest in pursuing enterprising careers and developing financial acumen. There is no charge for girls to attend, but the school must approve and submit registrations, which can be done on-line at www.girlsgoingplaces.com/Pittsburgh. The conference is sponsored by Hurley Associates, Guardian, the Pittsburgh Chapter of National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO), the Chatham University Center for Women’s Entrepreneurship, and Communities In Schools. Any questions can be directed to Kristine or Nicole at Communities In Schools at 412.471.7911 or via e-mail at kweaver@cispac.org.







April 2008



To whom it may concern:



Hurley Associates, a local agency of The Guardian Life Insurance Company (Guardian) is proud to extend this invitation to six of your students to participate in our second annual Girls Going Places Entrepreneurship Conference for girls ages 12-18. The conference is sponsored by Hurley Associates, Guardian, the Pittsburgh Chapter of National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO), the Chatham University Center for Women’s Entrepreneurship, and Communities In Schools.



This program will be held Thursday, April 24, 2008 from 8:30 am to 2:30 pm at Chatham University. We would be delighted if your students could join us for this unique and inspiring day. Attached please find a conference program and agenda.



The conference will partner 120 female students with local women executives and entrepreneurs for activities and discussions that introduce students to the concepts of financial independence, entrepreneurship, and business ownership. This event offers girls an experience that will stimulate their interest in pursuing enterprising careers and developing financial acumen. In our changing economy, financial independence and security are on the minds of young people who have watched as their parents are “down-sized” and friends worry about finding a job.



Teens need to understand the opportunities to “make a job” as well as those to “take a job”. The overriding objective of the conference, therefore, is to promote and communicate the advantages of business ownership, entrepreneurship, and financial independence.



In the past, we have found that the best conferences involve a diverse audience of girls; hence the program is not limited to high academic achievers. If your school participated last year, we hope that you will send different girls than those who attended in 2007.



Please note the following conference details in selecting students to attend:



§ There is no charge for the conference.

§ Breakfast and lunch will be provided, but the schools/attendees must arrange transportation to and from Chatham University.

§ You may register on-line at www.girlsgoingplaces.com/Pittsburgh (click “Registration” along the top of the page) or you can go on-line and print off the Registration Form, Permission Slip and Photo Release Form that should be sent home to parents for approval and signature. Please be sure to get the required signatures and submit to our attention. Also, please keep copies on file!

§ Please be sure to select only students that can attend the conference in its entirety, from 8:30 am to 2:30 pm. STUDENTS MUST ARRIVE ON TIME and NO EARLY DISMISSAL IS PERMITTED.

§ Space is limited! We can only accommodate 120 female students, so let us know as soon as possible if you are interested in having your students participate by completing and returning the attached Registration Form and Permission Slip & Photo Release via fax to 412-471-7882 as soon as possible to reserve seats.

In addition to this conference, Guardian sponsors the Girls Going Places® Entrepreneurship Award Program for girls 12 to 18. How does Girls Going Places® work? It’s simple. A girl is nominated by an adult who must submit an essay of 750 to 1000 words, endorsing the candidate and touting her accomplishments as a young female entrepreneur. Prizes are awarded as follows: first place $10,000, second place $5,000, third place $3,000 and 12 finalist prizes of $1,000 each. There is no cost to participate. Recipients are awarded prizes to pursue further education and to support their entrepreneurial projects. Additional information is available at: www.girlsgoingplaces.com

Hurley Associates supports this award program because of their commitment to promoting to girls and women in our community the values of entrepreneurship and financial independence. We encourage you to share this information with colleagues and students.



We are looking forward to the participation of your students in a great Girls Going Places® Entrepreneurship Conference and working with you in making a difference for the next generation.



If you have any questions about the conference or award program, please contact me by phone at 412-471-7911 or nmolinaro@cispac.org. Thank you!



Sincerely,



Nicole Molinaro

Nicole Molinaro

Executive Director, Communities In Schools

Girls Going Places ~ Girls Committee Chair



SCHEDULE FOR CONFERENCE


8:30 a.m. Registration

9:00 a.m. Opening and Welcome


9:15 a.m. Hot Company® Board Game
—Participation in a board game that introduces the girls to the vocabulary, history, and creative problem solving of business ownership.


10:15 a.m. What is Economic Power for Teen Women?
—Short opening discussion on what economic power means and how to obtain it.


10:30 a.m. Women Who Dare® Video: Exploring the Entrepreneurial Adventure
—17-minute video highlighting three young women entrepreneurs and their successes and challenges in establishing and running businesses.


10:45 a.m. Interviews with Women in Business


12:30 p.m. Product in a Box®
—Interactive, group activity requiring the girls to create or invent a new product and business.


1:30 p.m. Budget Savvy®
—An activity that connects career and lifestyle choices. Girls connect their dreams with reality through a financial budgeting exercise.


2:10 p.m. Girls Going Places® Entrepreneurship Award Program
—Short video highlighting past conferences and winners of the Girls Going Places® Award Program.


2:30 p.m. End

Economic Empowerment



Economic empowerment is critical to addressing the needs of today’s young people, particularly girls. Research shows that women have made tremendous progress toward gaining economic equality during the last several decades. Nonetheless, according to published reports, US women earn less, are less likely to own a business, and are more likely to live in poverty than are men. Consider the facts:


§ In the US, women working full time earn 76 cent for every dollar men earned in 2000 (Institute of Women’s Policy Research)


§ In 2002, the median income of full-time, year round U.S. workers was $39,429 for men and $30,203 for women. Source: U.S. Census Bureau – Income in the United States: 2002 (www.census.gov)


§ Older women are more likely to face poverty than older men. Source: Institute for Women’s Policy Research (www.iwpr.org)


§ U.S. women represent 51% of the population, but comprise less than:

§ 1.2% of Fortune 500 CEOs. Source: Catalyst Census of Women Corporate Officers (www.catalystwomen.org)

§ 2.7% of the highest paid officers at Fortune 500 companies. Source: Catalyst

§ 15% of the members of Congress (Source Women’s Research and Education Institute. (http://www.wrei.org/pubs/WC_108.pdf)


§ Of the 15 million people age 15 or older who were full-time workers in 2001, 4.4% of women reported earnings less than $10,000 as compared with 2.8 percent of men. At the opposite end of the economic spectrum, 5.5 percent of women as compared with 15.8 percent of men reported earnings of $75,000 or more. Source: U.S. Census Bureau (www.census.gov)


§ Women have made progress in entering occupations predominantly held by men; however as of March 2001 the majority of women in the workplace were still in traditional “female” occupations, i.e., 79% of administrative support workers were female. Source: U.S. Census Bureau (www.census.gov)


§ During retirement, women’s median annual Social Security benefits reach only 70 percent of men’s benefits. Source: Institute for Women’s Policy Research (www.iwpr.org)


§ Women are much less likely than men to receive pension income in retirement, but for those who do, their annual benefits are only half the amount received by men. Source: Institute for Women’s Policy Research (www.iwpr.org)

Fiesta Mexican at Heritage Church Franklin Park--Today!

Reminder: It's Fiesta Mexicana Time!!!
Friday, April 11th
5:00 - 8:00pm
(come any time during these hours)
Heritage Church in Franklin Park
2262 Rochester Road
$12 for adults
All You Can Eat Taco Bar Donated by the
Fabulously Yummy Franklin Inn Mexican Restaurant!
Great food - Great Fun - Great Music - Great Silent Auction



Directions are available at Heritage's website: heritagepcusa@comcast.net.


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Entrepreneurial Thursday, Building Your Professional Advisory Board

LIVE RHYTHM, JAZZ & BLUES
Musical Networking Happy Hour
EVERY THURSDAY!!!
5:30 PM - 8 PM
Upstairs At Sassy Marie's,
(formerly the James Street Tavern)
422 Foreland Street on the North Side
Free Parking

Hosted by Jazz/R&B Vocalist - Jessica Lee

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Cover Charge: Only $5.00!

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!
Great Business & Professional Networking!
April 17, 2008
"Building the Entrepreneurial Advisory Board"
Featuring Interviews with:
Karl Schieneman, Esq./MBA, Partner,2004 E&Y Entrepreneur of the Year - Delta Law Group (www.MakingLawEasy.com)


Stephen Swanson, President - The Alternative Board (www.TABBoards.com)

Ken Doerbecker, President - Perfection Services, Inc. (www.psipc.com)

Free Spring Concert featuring Jessica Lee and Afro American Music Institute Boys Choir

"SPRINGSONG: CONCERT OF HOPE"

A Celebration of Americana Inspirational Music
Benefiting
Ingomar United Methodist Church Community Life Center
&
America’s Music Crossroads Center

SATURDAY, MAY 10th

7:30 PM
Ingomar United Methodist Church
1501 W. Ingomar Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15237

Featuring:
Jazz/R&B Vocalist Jessica Lee
Pianist Greg Macaluso
Drummer/Percussionist Jim Donovan
Dr. James Johnson & the Afro American Music Institute Boys Choir
Justin Muchoney & the Choirs of Ingomar Church

Free Admission – Good will offering optional.

Come and celebrate the hope of the spring season with us!